by peter » Wed Jun 17, 2009 4:16 pm
Hi again Jules,
Just a little more information on William. He was born in Birmingham (1891 abt.) and enlisted in Birmingham. The son of Mrs. Sarah Ann Brookes of 4 back 22 Wainwright Street, Aston. In 1916 he was a member of 'A' Company when he was killed in action aged 25.
The following is taken from 'the Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War' by Captain H. FitzM. Stacke M.C. psges 204/5.
As dawn of November 1st lit up the battlefield it was seen that 'Frost Trench', held by the 2nd Wocestersshire, was separated from the German position in 'Hazy Trench' by a low crest line, which effectively prevented any real knowledge of the dispositions of the enemy.
All day long the front line of the Battalion was heavily shelled, so heavily shelled that it was necessary to withdraw most platoons from the trench to a line of shell-holes in rear. During the morning Captain W. Ferguson was shot dead by a German sniper - a most serious loss, for he had proved himself a very gallant leader.
As the afternoon wore on, the fire of the British artillery grew heavier and rose suddenly to intensity at 'zero' - 3.30 p.m. Then, as the guns litted their fire, the 9th H.L.I. and 2nd Worcestershire ('A' and 'B' Companies 'C' and 'D' were in reserve) advanced through the mud to attack 'Boritzka' and 'Hazy Trenches.
Never had the Battalion struggled through worse morass. The Franklin soldiers sank up to their knees in the mud, hauling out each foot with the utmost difficulty and in many cases losing their boots and putties.Slowly the attacking line waded forwarded up the slight slope. As they reached the crest of the little rise which hid the enemy from view they were met by a storm of bullets.
From "Hazy" Trench in front, from another German position on their left flank at the end of the spur, and from the Cemetery on the crest of the ridge beyond, groups of German machine-guns opened rapid fire. Under that fire the attack could not gain ground, officers and men fell on every side, and the remainder were driven to such shelter as they could find amid the water-logged shell-holes. When darkness came, the survivors waded back to their original line. The failure had been due to the mud and to the weather conditions as much as to the enemy's fire.
One other 2nd Battalion soldier that sailed to France with William in August 1914 was killed in action on this day on the Somme, he was Corporal 11751 William Stacey.
Sorry this is not the photograph you wish for but hope it is helpful.
Regards
Peter