Enlisted in 1915 in Northampton. Next of Kin: Wife – Chelveston Road, Raunds. Left three children. Worked for J Horrell & Son, Raunds.
Died: 1 July 1918 at Bouzincourt aged 27. Buried in Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery, near Albert. Grave Ref No: II.J.15.
Bouzincourt village remained partly in German hands after the battles of March 1918. At the end of June the eastern end of the village was attacked by 12 and 18 Divisions. As Private Andrews’ battalion was out of the line it is very likely he was attached to another battalion at the time of his death.
Edward William BARKER, 28258, Private, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 54 Brigade, 18 Division.
Enlisted in 1914, went overseas in 1915. First served in Gallipoli with the 1st/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment in 1915 and apparently helped to carry Private Cyril Cox off the road when he was hit by shrapnell. Next of Kin: Mother, Mrs Ruth Barker, Villa Lane, Stanwick. He worked at carting stone from local quarries to Higham Ferrers station. He was keen footballer an amateur chimney sweep.
Died: 17 February 1917 aged 22 at Boom Ravine. Named on Thiepval Memorial – Piers face 11A and 11D.
Although the Battles of the Somme officially ended in November 1916, throughout the ensuing bitterly cold winter, smaller scaled conflicts continued in the area of the River Ancre. The Battle of Boom Ravine was one such conflict. The 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, as part of 54 Brigade 18 Division, launched an attack in the Grandcourt/Miraumont region. The Germans had been alerted to the attack and the artillery and machine gun reception was heavy, causing many casualties. Strong reinforcements had been brought up by the Germans so gains had been limited at heavy cost. Private Barker was one of those killed.
William Sydney BIRD, 18081, Private, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 2 Brigade, 1 Division.
Enlisted in 1914 Next of Kin: Wife, East Street, Stanwick Employed as a fruit seller in Higham Ferrers. Died: 20 October 1915 at Rouen aged 32. Buried in St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Grave Ref: A.13.17
Wounded during or after the Battle of Loos and transferred to a hospital at Rouen.
It is very difficult to accurately ascertain what happened to Private Bird. That he was wounded at the Battle of Loos is a fairly reasonable assumption to make and his wounds must have been very severe as he was evacuated to Rouen. Here there were several General Hospitals with better facilities for treating the wounded. It was also an exit port for evacuation to the UK. His family have said that he was wounded soon after his arrival in France. This could mean he was in the new draft from England early in September 1915 which brought the battalion up to full strength. If this is so he could have been involved in the first assault at Loos on the 25th September, when the 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment sustained 362 other rank casualties. Alternatively he could have been wounded by shellfire between the 28th and 30th September when the battalion was garrisoning the village of Loos. Early in October the battalion received further reinforcements and Private Bird could have been in this draft in time for the 1st Division’s attack on Hulluch on the 13th October.
Enlisted in 1914 Next of Kin: Parents - John & Mary Anne Brawn, The Hollow, Stanwick ?
Died: 9 May 1915 at Aubers Ridge. Named on the Le Touret Memorial – Panels 28-30
One of four men from Stanwick who died on this day.
Aubers Ridge, as its name implies, was high ground south of Armentieres and 15 miles west of Lille. It was occupied in strength by the Germans, who had been there since they occupied it in the autumn of 1914 and thus had plenty of time to strengthen their positions. Because of this dominant position the Germans were well aware of the forthcoming attack due on Sunday 9th May 1915. The attack by the 1st Northamptonshires was in the southern sector near Richebourg and they were the lead battalion of the 2nd Brigade’s plan. The pre-attack bombardment was short and sharp but because of the shortage of guns and ammunition the guns failed to cut gaps in the German wire and to destroy German strongpoints. As they assaulted across 300 yards of open ground the 1st Battalion was cut to ribbons and suffered horrendous casualties. Privates Brawn and Craven, T were among the casualties and their bodies were never found.
Enlisted in 1914 at Raunds Next of Kin: ? Died: 18 June 1917 at Klein Zillebeke. Named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial – Panels 43 & 45.
Evidence shows that he was originally in the 1st Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment but later transferred to the 7th Battalion. He was the writer of the letter to a grieving mother on page 4 (see Patiently Waiting).
The 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment was in the Messines area, south of Ypres, in mid-June just after the Battle of Messines Ridge where the British Army had scored a momentous victory on the 7th June 1917. Nineteen huge mines had been exploded under the German positions along the Ridge (the reverberations were felt in Southern England).The surviving Germans were so shocked and devastated that many of them surrendered. All objectives had been taken within a few hours. As always the Germans soon recovered and began shelling and counter-attacking the captured positions. During the period 15th to 23rd June 1917 the Battalion was situated in front of the notorious Hill 60 at Klein Zillebeke. There was constant shelling throughout this period and casualties were high. The 7th Battalion lost 7 officers and 115 other ranks killed or wounded and it is almost certain that Private Burton was among those killed.
Enos Owen COLES, 273897, Sapper, Military Light Railway Works Company, Royal Engineers.
Enlisted in 1916 Next of Kin: Wife – Mrs Flora Coles (nee Burton), East End, Stanwick. Son of Mr & Mrs William Coles. He was a native of Swineshead, Huntingdonshire. He worked as a shoe hand at J Horrell & Sons, Raunds. Died: 31st October 1918 at 3rd Canadian Military Hospital, Etaples. Aged 30. He died of pneumonia. Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Grave Ref No L.XXI.D.19.
Throughout the war on the Western Front much of the movement of heavy supplies (ammunition etc. and sometimes personnel) was by means of light railways similar to narrow gauge railways of today. These railways would run from base camps in the rear areas to as near to the front line as possible. Obviously these railways were subject to frequent damage and would require prompt repair, irrespective of the danger or weather. The Royal Engineers, who serviced these railways, would be very prone to illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia through working out in the cold damp conditions. There can be little doubt that Sapper Coles died as a result.
Arthur BURTON
Enos Owen COLES
Cyril COX, 2013, Private, 1st/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, (This was a Territorial Battalion) 162 Brigade, 54 Division.
Enlisted in 1914, Went Overseas in 1915 Next of Kin: Mrs Edith Nutt, The Avenue, Stanwick, Stepson of Sergeant Nutt who was serving in India. His father George was a horse-keeper. He was the brother of Sydney Cox, killed 10 October 1918 (see below). Before joining up he worked at Charles Parker, Shoemakers
Died: 30 August 1915 in Gallipoli. Buried in the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery which is between Chailak Dere and Aghyl Dere in Turkey; Grave Ref No Sp Mem B27. From the date of his death it would appear that he had been buried in a different place and then, after the Armistice, was exhumed and brought into this cemetery.
Private Cox was killed in Gallipoli by a shell whilst collecting rations. He was hit in the stomach and thigh and was carried off the road by Private Edward Barker of Stanwick (see above). The following is an extract of a letter received by his mother from a comrade:
“We are in a barren land, no man’s country. It is a God forsaken place……….. Our great problem is water……… I did feel sorry for Cyril Cox……….. from what I heard death was instantaneous. He was a bright fellow and all the company was shocked to hear of his death. Yet death is the soldier’s portion……….. it is likely to come to us all.”
Enlisted in 1916, Next of Kin: Mrs Edith Nutt, The Avenue, Stanwick, Stepson of Sergeant Nutt who was serving in India. His father George was a horse-keeper. He was the brother of Cecil Cox, killed in Gallipoli on 30 August 1915 (see above). He worked for Charles Parker of Higham Ferrers, Boot Manufacturers. He belonged to Stanwick Boy Scouts.
Died: 10 October 1918 aged 19. Buried in Beaulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy, Grave Ref No I.B.38.
Between the 26 September and 10 October 1918 the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment was involved in several costly encounters with the enemy. On the night of 26-27 September the 2nd Suffolks crossed the Canal de Nord. The bed of the canal was dry (it was still under construction) with steep brick sides and could only be negotiated with the help of ladders. During this crossing two companies came under artillery and machine gun fire. On the morning of the 27 September the battalion took part in the capture of the village of Flesquieres. The casualties in this action amounted to 150. On the 30 September the battalion moved up to trenches between Ribecourt and Marcoing in readiness for an attack on Rumilly on 1 October. This was a bloody day long battle in which the casualties amounted to 180. On the 6 October the battalion moved to Masnieres in readiness for an attack on the village of Seranvillers on the 8th. This was again successful but at a cost – 135 casualties.
Because of this succession of actions it is not possible to be specific about the encounter in which Private Cox was wounded. (Beaulencourt Cemetery was used by three Casualty Clearing Stations to bury those who had died of wounds). It could have been any of the three actions outlines above.
Enlisted in 1914, Next of Kin: Mother, Charlotte Craven, Stanwick, He was the brother of Thomas Craven, (see below).
Died: 22 February 1916 near Loos aged 28. Buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, Grave Ref No IV.D.25.
He died from wounds from a sniper on returning from a night on duty at a forward bombing post. His battalion was in the Loos area at the time he was shot. The following letter was received by his mother from ‘A’ Company Commander, Captain Grierson:
“Dear Mrs Craven, as you have no doubt heard your son has died of wounds. He was badly hit by a sniper whilst returning from an important bombing post, which he and three other picked men had been holding during the night. I had a chat with him as he was being brought down the trench and he was very cheerful and brave though obviously suffering some pain. Although it had become light stretcher bearers volunteered to take him to the dressing station – a very dangerous business – so you may be assured everything possible was done for him. He died peacefully and he is buried with his comrades in a section of the cemetery reserved for the 7th Northants. His loss is a great one as he was a very fine bomber and quite fearless……….”
Enlisted in 1914, Next of Kin: Wife – Mary Jane Craven, Villa Lane, Stanwick, Married: 8th April 1901 to May Jane Morris. Worked as a labourer. He was the brother of John Craven (see above). Died: 9 May 1915 at Aubers Ridge aged 44. Mentioned on the Le Touret Memorial – Panels 28-30. He was an Army Reservist (hence his advanced age compared to other soldiers) and had served in South Africa in 1900-1901. He was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with three bars for battles at Belmont, Modder River and Orange Free State. He was one of four men from Stanwick killed on 9 May 1915.
Aubers Ridge, as its name implies, was high ground south of Armentieres and 15 miles west of Lille. It was occupied in strength by the Germans, who had been there since they occupied it in the autumn of 1914 and thus had plenty of time to strengthen their positions. Because of this dominant position the Germans were well aware of the forthcoming attack due on Sunday 9th May 1915. The attack by the 1st Northamptonshires was in the southern sector near Richebourg and they were the lead battalion of the 2nd Brigade’s plan. The pre-attack bombardment was short and sharp but because of the shortage of guns and ammunition the guns failed to cut gaps in the German wire and to destroy German strongpoints. As they assaulted across 300 yards of open ground the 1st Battalion was cut to ribbons and suffered horrendous casualties. Privates Brawn and Craven, T were among the casualties and their bodies were never found.
Alfred Ezra George CURRALL, 22159, Private, 6th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment), 37 Brigade, 12 Division.
Enlisted in 1918, Went Overseas in 1918 Next of Kin: Parents – Mr & Mrs C Currall, East End, Stanwick, Worked for Messrs O Parker, Higham Ferrers.
Died: 20 May 1918 at Acheux near Albert, aged 18. Buried at Mailly Wood Cemetery, Grave Reference No II.M.8.
Private Currall was one of four soldiers who were killed during a raid from the trenches in front of Acheux.
The family received a letter from his officer who wrote:
“It may be some consolation to know that his death was instantaneous and that he suffered no pain.”
J W ELLIOT, 40733, Private, 2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 96 Brigade, 32 Division.
Enlisted in Raunds, Formerly he was in the Northamptonshire Regiment but I have found no reason for his transfer to the Inniskilling Fusiliers. Next of Kin: Mother – Mrs Jane Elliot, Chelveston Road, Raunds.
Died: 1 April 1917 near Savy Wood, aged 21. Buried at Savy British Cemetery, Aisne, Grave Reference No I.B.20.
On 1 April 1917 Private Elliot’s battalion was to attack Savy Wood near St Quentin. It advanced under hostile artillery and heavy machine gun fire. The battalion reached its final objective at 3.40pm and commenced consolidating with strong points along the edge of the wood. 31 soldiers were killed in this attack and Private Elliot would have been one of them.
Baptised: 5 August 1894, Enlisted in 1914, Went Overseas in 1915, Worked as a shoe hand for Messrs Horrell & Son, Raunds. He was a member of the Stanwick Reading Room (now known as “The Shant”). Before joining the Army he had never left Stanwick overnight. His father was a labourer.
Just before the news of his death had been received at home he and his brother William (see below) had been sent parcels from the girls employed at Horrell & Son, bought with the proceeds from a night singing. A Corporal Barker from Raunds, when thanking the girls for his own parcel, told the girls of the death of the Felce brothers.
Died: 9 May 1915 at Aubers Ridge, aged 21. He was one of four men from Stanwick who died in this battle. Named on the Ploegsteert Memorial (Berks Cemetery Extension) – Panel 7.
The 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment was part of 24 Brigade 8 Division which attacked the northern sector of Aubers Ridge. The pre-attack artillery bombardment was more successful in this sector because the guns were deliberately placed in the front line of the infantry. Unfortunately there were still not enough of them to ensure success. The wire was cut and a breach made in the enemy positions through which the British were able to dash and gain a foothold. However, it could not be held and they had to retire with heavy losses. Private Felce was one of the casualties whose body was not found or recognised. He died at the side of his brother William.
William Robert FELCE, 16630, Private, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 24 Brigade, 8 Division.
Enlisted in 1914, Went Overseas in 1915, Worked as a shoe hand for Messrs Horrell & Son, Raunds. He was a member of the Stanwick Reading Room (now known as “The Shant”). Before joining the Army he had never left Stanwick overnight. His father was a labourer.
Just before the news of his death had been received at home he and his brother Herbert (see above) had been sent parcels from the girls employed at Horrell & Son, bought with the proceeds from a night singing. A Corporal Barker from Raunds, when thanking the girls for his own parcel, told the girls of the death of the Felce brothers.
Died: 9 May 1915 at Aubers Ridge, aged 21. He was one of four men from Stanwick who died in this battle. Named on the Ploegsteert Memorial (Berks Cemetery Extension) – Panel 7.
The 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment was part of 24 Brigade 8 Division which attacked the northern sector of Aubers Ridge. The pre-attack artillery bombardment was more successful in this sector because the guns were deliberately placed in the front line of the infantry. Unfortunately there were still not enough of them to ensure success. The wire was cut and a breach made in the enemy positions through which the British were able to dash and gain a foothold. However, it could not be held and they had to retire with heavy losses. Private Felce was one of the casualties whose body was not found or recognised. He died at the side of his brother Herbert.
Charles William FOSKETT, 7815, Corporal, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, 95 Brigade, 5 Division.
Baptised: 24 January 1887, Re-enlisted in 1914, Went Overseas in 1915, Next of Kin: - Wife – Mrs Annie Foskett (nee Rootham), Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Parents: Mr & Mrs J & M Foskett.
He had three children, the youngest of which was born after he left to join the colours so he never saw him. Ironically, his eldest son was killed in the Second World War whilst serving with the Canadian Air Force.
He was brother to George Foskett (see below), 47th Battalion, Canadian Infantry.
Formerly a resident of Stanwick who emigrated to Canada with his family in 1907. He was an Army reservist at the outbreak of the war and was recalled to the colours in England to rejoin his battalion.
He was extremely musical, he belonged to the Stanwick Church Choir and was a member of the Regimental Band. When on leave in England he would stay with his aunt, Mrs Clarke, in Grange Road.
Died: 30 October 1917, aged 33. Named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Panels 80-82.
Prior to his death his battalion was involved in many conflicts, especially in 1916 on the Somme (Delville Wood, Longueval, Guillemont, and Morval). At Passchendaele, on the 4th October, DCLI was involved in the Battle of Broodseinde.
On the date of his death the first DCLI was in reserve at Tor Top and Stirling Castle. The line was very irregular consisting mostly of short lengths of tenches and pits. The whole area was open, shell-torn and full of barbed wire entanglements. His battalion was carrying supplies up to the two front line battalions under heavy gun fire and in wet weather. Corporal Foskett almost certainly lost his life in these circumstances which would coincide with the report that he was “killed in Belgium leading men”.
George Ernest FOSKETT, 628614, Corporal, 47th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (West Ontario Regiment), 10 Brigade 4 Canadian Division.
Baptised: 27 November 1887, Enlisted in 1914, Went Overseas in 1915, Next of Kin: Parents - Joseph & Mary Foskett, Harris, Saskatchewan. He was brother to Corporal Charles Foskett (see above), 1st Battalion, DCLI.
Formerly a resident of Stanwick who emigrated to Canada with his family in 1907. His father was a carpenter who built and lived in the house in 18, Raunds Road, Stanwick, before the whole family emigrated. Prior to enlisting in 1914 it would appear that he worked with his father in the building trade and it is said he worked on the construction of the Masonic Temple in Saskatoon.
He stayed in Stanwick with his aunt, Mrs Clarke, at “Rose Cottage”, Grange Road, when he was on leave from France.
Died: 26 October 1917, aged 30 at Passchendaele. Named on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Panels 10-26-28.
Corporal Foskett’s battalion was involved in much of the heavy fighting in 1916/17 including the Battle of Ancre Heights on the Somme (October-November 1916), Vimy Ridge (April-May 1917) and finally Passchendaele (July-October 1917). He was killed, almost certainly, on the first day of the Second Battle of Passchendaele when his battalion was attacking in a north easterly direction from Tyne Cot towards Crest Farm and the village of Passchendaele.
John Lawson FRENCH, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Column GHQ, Army Service Corps.
Enlisted in 1914, Went Overseas in 1916,
Next of Kin: Mr George French, School House, Stanwick.
He was the son of the head teacher of Stanwick School and a former pupil teacher at Newton Road Council School, Rushden.
He joined up from Bristol College.
He was accidently killed on 26 September 1917.
Buried at Aubigny Cemetery Extension, Grave Reference Number VI.H.9.
Arthur William HALL, 15302, Private, 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 73 Brigade 24 Division.
Enlisted in 1914, Baptised: 23 August 1896 Next of Kin: Parents – Mr & Mrs William and Rebecca Hall, East End, Stanwick. His father was a rivetter.
Died: 1 October 1919, aged 23. Buried in Stanwick Churchyard.
From the date of his death and the fact that he is buried in Stanwick Churchyard, it is reasonably safe to assume that he was badly wounded in the final advance to victory during October-November 1918.
In August 1918 the 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment was in the Loos area north of Arras but soon after the whole of the 24th Division moved by train to the Cambrai area where it was involved in the capture of that city on 8 October 1918. The following day the 7th Battalion were ordered to reconnoitre the village of Cagnoncles which was too heavily defended to be attacked without artillery support. Early on the 10th the battalion attacked under an artillery barrage and after heavy fighting captured the village. The battalion suffered fairly heavy casualties and it is likely that Private Hall was one of the 85 other ranks killed and wounded. He could have been wounded later as the battalion advanced to the River Selle and beyond. After the Armistice he would have been evacuated to England where he succumbed to his wounds nearly a year later.
Arthur Edward HARRISON, 33496, Private, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, 54 Brigade 18 Division.
Enlisted in May 1915, Trained at Colchester as a signaller. Next of Kin: Mr & Mrs H Harrison, West End, Stanwick.
Died: 4 April 1918 at Gentelles. Buried at Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave Reference No I.F.8.
After the Armistice he was exhumed from his original grave and re-buried at Hangard Cemetery.
Private Harrison fought at the Battle of Cambrai (November 1917) and had a narrow escape there.
During the German Spring Offensive of 1918, Hangard Wood, south east of Amiens, was the scene of incessant fighting between 4th & 25th April 1918. The 18th Division was particularly heavily engaged as his battalion helped stem the German advance as they sought to overrun the Allies and win the war. On 4th April, the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was in billets at Gentelles and the Germans were shelling throughout the day. Seven soldiers were killed and Private Harrison was almost certainly one of these seven.
Enlisted in 1915, Next of Kin: Mr & Mrs Joseph and Emma Jarvis of Stanwick.
Died: 24 November 1916 at Eaucourt L’Abbaye, aged 21. Buried at Serre Road Cemetery No.2, Grave Reference No XLI.H.5.
Soon after the final conflicts in the Somme area in 1916, the 1st Battalion, Northants Regiment were to be found at Eaucourt L’Abbaye and Private Jarvis was killed by a trench mortar. During the period between 22 November 1916 and early January 1917 the battalion had 14 killed and 39 wounded. Private Jarvis was one of them.
Enlisted in 1917, Next of Kin: Wife – Selina Lawman nee Hillson, 14 Beech Hill, Raunds. He had two children and was married on 27 July 1913.
He was employed as a shoe hand before enlistment.
Died: 2 December 1918 at Catterick Camp, Yorkshire. Buried at Raunds Cemetery. Funeral at Raunds on 7 December 1918.
He served on both Italian and Western Fronts.
He died of double pneumonia following influenza (no doubt a victim of the epidemic of 1918).
He is also named on Raunds War Memorial.
Walter Ernest LAWMAN, 18347, Private, 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 12 Division.
Born in Raunds. Enlisted at Rushden in 1916, Next of Kin: Wife – Mrs Mabel Lawman, 3 Swincroft Place, Raunds. Son of George & Rebecca Lawman.
Died: 10 October 1916 at Transloy Ridge, aged 28. Buried at Bancourt British Cemetery, Grave Reference No IX.G.5.
The 5th Battalion was the Pioneer Battalion of 12 Division and as such was not attached to any one of the three brigades which made up the Division. The Pioneer Btn was the “Jack of all trades” in any Division. They built roads, dug trenches and acted as stretcher bearers but they were also required to fight. The casualty lists of any Pioneer Battalion in any battle were significant and the 5th Battalion, Northants were no exception. On the date of Private Lawman’s death 12 Division were involved in the Battle of Transloy Ridges (7 - 20 October 1916). On 7 October, two brigades of 12 Division attacked towards Rainbow and Bayonet trenches. They were severely hampered by a heavy machine gun barrage and forced out. Several days elapsed before all the trenches were taken. It was during these days that Private Lawman was killed, either by shellfire, sniper or machine gun fire.
Enlisted in August 1916, first went to France 1 December 1916. Returned to England in 1917 with dysentery. Returned to France and was sent home again in March 1918 when gassed. Returned to France 1 April 1918.
Next of Kin: George & Lucy Morris, East End, Stanwick. Father was a labourer. He was the brother of John G Morris (see below), Essex Regiment.
Died: 10 October 1918 at Cagnoncles, east of Cambrai, aged 21. Named on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, panel 7.
The 7th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment was in the area around Loos in August 1918 before being involved in the capture of Cambrai on the 8 – 9 October 1918. Then followed the pursuit to the River Selle between 9 and 12 October 1918. On 9 October his battalion were ordered to reconnoitre the area around Cagnoncles, east of Cambrai. This was a very heavily defended village and stubborn opposition was encountered. The village was held too strongly to be taken without artillery support, so it was not until 5.30am on the 10 October that the battalion moved forward under an artillery barrage. After heavy fighting they captured the village in which they lost 4 officers killed and 85 other ranks killed and wounded. It is almost certain that Private Morris was among those killed.
John George MORRIS, 201997, Private, 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, 12 Brigade 4 Division.
Baptised: 7 September 1890 Next of Kin: George & Lucy Morris, East End, Stanwick. His father was a labourer. He was the brother of Edward H Morris (see above), Northamptonshire Regiment.
Died: 28 March 1918 just east of Arras, aged 27. Named on Arras Memorial, Bay 7.
A week after the Germans began their final all-out attempt at victory their attacks moved north to the Arras area where the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment were dug in east of that city, just north of the Arras to Douai Railway. Heavy artillery fire preceded the enemy advance at 7.15am. All communications ceased and by 7.35am the enemy entered British trenches. The Essex Regiment gradually withdrew but eventually stemmed the German advance. Several officers were killed or missing and among the other ranks 15 killed, 49 wounded and 342 missing. As Private Morris’ body was never found and identified it can be safely assumed that he was among one of those missing. A fuller account of this battle is given on page 2 as “Action near Arras – 2nd Essex Regiment”.
As a result of the battalion’s heroics on 28 March 1918 the 2nd Battalion annually celebrated, between the years 1919 – 1939, what was known as “Arras Day” to commemorate their distinguished action.
Reginald MORRIS, 17619, Private, 1st Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, (Attached to the 8th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment), 57 Brigade 19 Division.
Enlisted at Northampton in 1915, Next of Kin: Mother – Mrs Maryiane Craven, Villa Lane, Stanwick.
He was stepson to Thomas Craven (see above), who was killed on 9 May 1915.
His father was a shoe finisher before he died.
Died: 26 July 1916, aged 25. Buried at Mericourt – L’Abbe Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, Grave Reference No II.D.10.
It is almost certain that he was wounded when he took part in the Battalion’s attack on the notorious Switch Line which ran through High Wood on 23 July 1916 and died later of his wounds.
Frank Leonard RICHARDS, Private, 12th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, 17 Brigade 24 Division.
Born: 7 April 1894, Enlisted in 1914, Next of Kin: Rev & Mrs Richards, Stanwick Rectory.
Died: 11 December 1914, aged 20. Buried in Stanwick Cemetery.
He was an articled clerk to solicitors Simpson & Mason of Higham Ferrers.
He declined his father’s suggestion that he should apply for a commission stating that he would work for promotion through the ranks. He was posted to Shoreham, Sussex. He caught pneumonia and went to Brighton Hospital. He was successfully operated upon but because beds were urgently required for the wounded from France he was returned to Stanwick Rectory. There, despite dedicated nursing, he died.
The whole village, including the children, attended the funeral.
Edgar Harry ROBINS, 18378, Private, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 54 Brigade 18 Division.
Enlisted at Rushden in 1915, Next of Kin: Mother – The Avenue, Stanwick.
Died: 29 March 1917. Buried in Stanwick Churchyard.
He was reported wounded in late February 1917. He had suffered gunshot wounds in the left hip and was taken to Boulogne Hospital. He was transferred to Suffolk Hall Hospital, Cheltenham where he died. His body was transported by train to Irthlingborough Station where he was met by car. The funeral service was on 2 April 1917 at Stanwick Church and was attended by a large number of people. The funeral service was conducted by the Vicar of Broughton (Rev C Podmore). Private Robins had been a member of the Church Lads Brigade in that village.
Although the Battles of the Somme officially ended in November 1916, throughout the ensuing bitterly cold winter, smaller scaled conflicts continued in the area of the River Ancre. The Battle of Boom Ravine was one such conflict. The 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, as part of 54 Brigade 18 Division, launched an attack in the Grandcourt/Miraumont region. The Germans had been alerted to the attack and the artillery and machine gun reception was heavy causing many casualties. Strong reinforcements had been brought in by the Germans so gains had been limited at heavy cost. Private Robins was badly wounded here, returned to England and died six weeks later. A full report of the Battle of Boom Ravinecan be found on page 2.
Enlisted in 1915, Next of Kin: Mr & Mrs W Sawford, 32 Corporation Terrace, Higham Ferrers.
Died: 14 July 1916 on the Somme. Named on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier & Face 11A & 11D.
Worked at the Currying Factory of Roberts & Randall, Higham Ferrers.
The family formerly lived in Stanwick. His mother was a prominent member of the British Women’s Temperance Association. He was a pupil of both the Wesleyan Sunday School and a bugler in the Boy’s Brigade in Higham. He had one brother killed in the war and another wounded and discharged. He is also named on the Higham Ferrers War Memorial. News of him was still being sought in September 1916. Death finally confirmed in November 1916.
He was killed during his battalion’s famed attack on Trones Wood during the Battles of the Somme. For a fuller description of the battle, see “The Battle of Trones Wood” on page 2.
His parents received the following letter from his officer:
“It is with deep regret as I write this letter to inform you that your son has been missing since 14 July 1916 and I fear that he is dead. I knew your son as a good soldier and one who always did his duty. The whole company join me in offering you our deepest sympathy. May God comfort you in your trouble.”
Thomas Gerald TAILBY, 1009287, Private, 46th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, (Saskatchewan Regiment), 10 Brigade 4 Canadian Division.
There are no details on his next of kin but he was born in Stanwick. It is possible that he was related to Tailby’s the grocers in Rushden and lived in “The Limes”, East Street, Stanwick.
From the school register it would appear he went to Stanwick school with George Foskett (see above) and it is possible that he emigrated to Canada at the same time as the Foskett family.
Died: 26 September 1918, near Canal du Nord, aged 31. Buried in Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, Grave Reference No II.H.32.
From his grave reference number it is apparent that he had been first buried elsewhere and was exhumed after the armistice and re-buried at his present location.
Private Tailby’s battalion was involved in much of the heavy fighting during 1916-17. He was almost certainly involved in the Battle of Ancre Heights (October - November 1916), Vimy Ridge (April - May 1917) and Passchendaele (July - November 1917). His battalion was also involved in the breaching of the Queant-Drocourt Line, a section of the Hindenburg Line (2-7 September 1918) and the Battle of Canal du Nord (27 September -1 October 1918). It is therefore highly likely that he was killed on the 26 September as his battalion was moved into position.
George William THURLOW, G/96610, Private, 20th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, 121 Brigade 40 Division.
Date of Birth: 16 May 1899. Enlisted: September 1917, Went Overseas 3 April 1918.
Next of Kin: Mrs S J Hall, 3 Harcourt Street, Raunds.
Worked at St Crispin’s Productive Society Boot Factory, Raunds.
Died: 11 April 1918, near Armentieres, aged 18. Named on Ploegsteert Memorial (Berks Cemetery Extension), Belgium, Panel 8.
He is also named on Raunds War Memorial.
Private Thurlow was withdrawing through Armentieres with his battalion during the German offensive. He was lining a hedge along a road when artillery opened up and he was killed by a fragment of a shell. This was during the Battle of Estaires.
Robert Hatfield WARD, G/240, Sergeant, 6th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), 37 Brigade 12 Division.
Re-enlisted: 1914. He had been a regular soldier before the war with the 21st Lancers and had bought himself out. He re-enlisted at Guildford at the outbreak of war. Between his spells in the army he worked for The Callander Cable Co., Woking.
Next of Kin: Mr & Mrs Ralph Ward.
Died: 7 March 1916 at Loos. Buried at Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos. Grave Ref No. VIII.C.13.
After the bloody Battle of Loos in Sept – Oct 1915 the 12 Division relieved one of the assault divisions. During the next few months there were many skirmishes, attacks and counter-attacks in the area. A copy of a letter he sent home in 1915, which is published below, will confirm this:
“We have been through the mill lately and are now in a ‘hot shop’. Guns roar day and night without stop…… I had a most marvellous escape yesterday. We were cutting a new communications trench from our old front line to the old German front line (which had been captured) when they started shelling us. A shrapnel shell burst about thirty yards off. A bullet from it struck my back. It went through my coat, guernsey, belt (which saved me) and my trousers. I have a back bruise as big as my hand and a small hole about a quarter of an inch deep the size of a pea.
There are some awful sights here – dead everywhere. We have buried a lot. The place is in ruins – houses levelled to the ground. It makes one’s blood boil to see them. After my escape yesterday I want to get close grips with them and get my own back.”
He was killed by a trench mortar at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, Loos, when he led a party of bombers to repel a German attack.
Baptised: 11 October 1896 Next of Kin: Richard & Charlotte Warner, High Street, Stanwick. His father was a shoemaker. He was wounded on 5 September 1917 but had been home earlier that year to attend his sister’s wedding.
Date of Death: 24 March 1918 near Licourt, aged 21.
His relatives tell a very poignant story of how a German padre found his body and, because he looked so young, the padre removed all identification and documents from him and sent them home to his parents. As a result he is probably buried in some cemetery and listed as an unknown soldier in the Northamptonshire Regiment.
Because he has no known grave he is listed on the Pozieres Memorial in the Somme, panels 54-56.
On 21 March 1918 the German Army launched its final onslaught in an attempt to win the war before the full strength of the American Forces could be brought to bear. The initial assault fell upon the British 5th Army near St Quentin and the overwhelming numbers of the Germans that had been amassed began to take their toll. Slowly the British had to retreat towards the west. Even large numbers of French reinforcements could not completely stem this inexorable advance. Inevitably, British troops from other sectors of the fronts had to be sent to slow down the Germans. Among these troops were the 2nd Northamptons. They had moved from the Belgian front to arrive at Licourt on 23 March 1918 and took up positions along the River Somme, south of Peronne, between Eterpigny and Bethencourt. It was in this area, during the fighting as the Germans fought to cross the river, that Private Warner was almost certainly killed.
Sydney William WARNER, 24379, Pioneer, Reserve Signal Company, Royal Engineers.
Enlisted: 1908, Went Overseas: 1914
Next of Kin: Mr W Warner, Church Street, Stanwick.
Date of Death: 1 October 1914, Netley Hospital, Hampshire, aged 25.
Buried at Netley Military Cemetery, Grave Ref No. CE 1595.
On the outbreak of war he was a regular soldier with six years service. He went to France with the first contingents. Because of working continuously in wet trenches he developed consumption, was sent home and died in Netley Military Hospital.
Next of Kin: Mr W Watford, Church Street, Stanwick. He went to France in July 1915. His brother served with the 1st/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment in Egypt. He came from a large family of five boys and five girls.
Died: 17 February 1917 aged 21. Buried at Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave Ref No. M37.
Although the Battles of the Somme officially ended in November 1916, throughout the ensuing bitterly cold winter, smaller scaled conflicts continued in the area of the River Ancre. The Battle of Boom Ravine was one such conflict. The 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, as part of 54 Brigade 18 Division, launched an attack in the Grandcourt/Miraumont region. The Germans had been alerted to the attack and the artillery and machine gun reception was heavy causing many casualties. Strong reinforcements had been brought in by the Germans so gains had been limited at heavy cost. Lance Corporal Watford was one of those killed. A full report of this battle is given on page 2 – see “Boom Ravine”.
Born in Raunds in 1886, Enlisted at Kettering in 1917 in the Middlesex Regiment. He transferred, willingly or otherwise, to the Machine Gun Corps in late 1917. He went to the Machine Gun Training Centre, Grantham, for a six week course and then to the Machine Gun Base Depot on the French coast at Camiers early in January 1918. From there he was sent forward to join 193 Coy which was the Divisional Coy of 56 Division. On 1 March 1918 it became ‘D’ Coy 56 Bn MGC.
Next of Kin: Wife - Mrs M A Webb, Chelveston Road, Raunds. He had eight children. He was a well known local footballer and enjoyed the nickname of “Pudden”.
Died: 24 March 1918 at Etaples aged 32. Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Grave Ref No. XXXI.H.17A.
On 21 March 1918 when the Germans began their Spring offensive, Private Webb was attached to 56 Division, Third Army and stationed behind the front line in the region between Vimy and Gavrelle. Although the main thrust of the German attach was further south around St Qunetin on the Fifth Army Front, the Third Army front was also subjected to heavy artillery bombardment. This bombardment included the use of gas shells (a relatively new method of dispersing poisonous gas, not totally dependant on the direction of the wind). Private Webb was almost certainly gassed during this bombardment and was evacuated to Etaples Military Hospital. Here he died on the 24 March and is buried in the Military Cemetery.
William WELLS, 22089, Private, 3rd Battalion, Norfolk Regiment,
Enlisted in1915.
Next of Kin: Wife – Mrs E Wells, High Street, Stanwick.
Died: 20 November 1917 aged 49. Buried in Stanwick Churchyard.
He was a prominent member of Stanwick Working Men’s Club until his enlistment.
The 3rd Battalion was the training battalion for the Norfolk Regiment and was based in Felixstowe throughout the war. It was also involved in coastal defence and known as “The Harwich Garrison Battalion”.
William ANDREWS, 30913, Private,
Edward William BARKER, 28258, Private,
Cyril COX, 2013, Private,
Sydney COX, 41756, Private,
John CRAVEN, 20419, Private,
Alfred Ezra George CURRALL, 22159, Private,
J W ELLIOT, 40733, Private,
Herbert FELCE, 16633, Private,
William Robert FELCE, 16630, Private,
Charles William FOSKETT, 7815, Corporal,
George Ernest FOSKETT, 628614, Corporal,
John Lawson FRENCH, 2nd Lieutenant,
Arthur Edward HARRISON, 33496, Private,
Edgar JARVIS, 18151, Private,
Jesse LAWMAN, 202827, Lance Corporal,
Walter Ernest LAWMAN, 18347, Private,
Edward Hubert MORRIS, 27518, Private,
John George MORRIS, 201997, Private,
Frank Leonard RICHARDS, Private,
Edgar Harry ROBINS, 18378, Private,
Reginald Sam SAWFORD, 17726, Private,
George William THURLOW, G/96610, Private,
Robert Hatfield WARD, G/240, Sergeant,
Horace WARNER, 18150, Private,
Sydney William WARNER, 24379, Pioneer,
George WATFORD, 14654, Lance Corporal,
George WEBB, 121792, Private,