by allanp » Sun Jan 08, 2012 6:43 pm
Hi Mike
Further information on Cpl Berry. It may be of interest to Peter as well.
From the Bromsgrove & Droitwich Messenger 12th September 1914 edition
The Fighting at Mons
Wounded Worcester Returns
Cpl Berry who was injured whilst with the 3rd Worcesters at the now famous battle around Mons, was interviewed at Norton Barracks on Sunday by a representative of the Worcester Daily Times. Corpl Berry, who has happily mainly recovered from his wounds-two gun shots in the hip – spoke cheerfully of the prospect of returning to the front. Corpl Berry, who is a South African by birth, enlisted at Wyunberg, and he is twice wounded in the South African War. The 3rd Worcestershire, it will be remembered was attached to the 7th Brigade, which was part of the 3rd Division. Together with the Lancasters, the Irish Rifles and the Wilts, they were in the hottest part of the fight. Corpl Berry says that the Worcesters were engaged incessantly from the morning of last Sunday week until the following Wednesday evening. The British Force numbered only about 24,000 men and they were opposed to 115,000 Germans. Corpl Berry would not be drawn to say much about the actual fighting, but from a short conversation with him it easy gatherd that the conflict must have been terrible. The battle front, he said, extended along 20 miles of country. During those four days the British retired 20 miles, but, as has been stated by the militart authorities, this strategical retirement was carried out in perfect order. One was able to gather from him that our Forces behaved bravely throughout. Asked about the Germans, he said that their artillery was very heavy and correct, but their infantry were useless. Corpl Berry was hurt at Cambrai, being struck by shots from a machine gun, both nearly in the same place. He was picked up by the Royal Army Medical Corps, and after being for two days in an ambulance, was taken to the coast, and sent to England. Excepting for a slight limp, he is almost well. In fact, he is remarkably well, but has a tired, strained look due to the exposure. Corpl Berry has a fortnight’s furlough, after which he hopes to be in the thick of it again.
5th June 1915 edition Worcester Herald
Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham
11130 Sergt W. Berry - 1st Battalion - Sick
15th July 1916 edition Worcester Herald
Died of Wounds
11130 Sergt W. H. Berry - Ramsgate.
Regards Allan
12631 Lance Sergt George William Hill. KIA Vimy Ridge, 28 April 1916 3rd Battalion