223878 Pte. Sidney Victor Belson British Army 7th Btn. Durham Light Infantry from:Cippenham, Bucks Pte Sidney Belson was originally posted to 2/7th DLI in September 1916, home service due to his occupation (listed as houseman on farm in 1911 census). He was posted to 20th DLI early in July 1917 just in time to take part in the actions of 3rd Ypres. On 31st of July he was one of the DLI soldiers who wound up fighting alongside men of 10th Royal West Kents, who advanced to the right of the 20th DLI. This is documented in the Kents war diary, although no names are given. It is thought that he found himself there owing to his job as a runner/bugler. He was reunited with the battalion after the action in and around Hollebeke and remained there until discharged in early 1919, again because of his occupation.
Like most men who served in this war he said very little about his experiences. He talked of training American troops. Also about not being able to give a reply to a message as MPs would not let him through, saying the men he wanted to reach had been wiped out. Another time he and 12 other runners were sent off with a message and he was the only one to deliver it because the other runners were all killed.
On returning from the western front he resumed his job and married in 1924. He lived in Cippenham until his death. Of the four Belson brothers who went to war he was the only one to come back uninjured physically with two brothers being killed, one at Mont Kemmel in 1918, and the last being a recipient of the silver war badge.
|