by Glyde » Thu Apr 11, 2013 8:51 pm
Mark Rogers wrote:
> Hi David,
>
> Hope I can help a little, but I am not sure what you already know. I have a
> copy of the Regimental History ' The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great
> War' and James Hughes appears in the roll of honour with the same details
> that you have posted, killed 10/7/16 and same service number. 'Soldiers
> Died' database gives same details and says he came from Lye,
> Worcestershire. CWGC say he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and
> was Son of Joseph and Alice Hughes, of Holy Well, Leigh, Malvern, Worcs.
>
> I can tell you that the Regimental History gives an extensive account of
> the actions involving the 1st battaion at this time. They went into the
> line on 6th July 1916 on the Somme opposite Contalmaison. from then until
> they left the line on the 11th July they were involved in a series of
> actions. The history records that during these few days they lost 350 men
> including 13 officers. Casualty figures tended to be compiled when the men
> came out of the line, and I imagine that James could have actually been
> killed at any time between the 6th and 10th of July.
>
> I have visited the site of this action as my Grandfather was in the 1st
> Battalion and told me of his involvement. With the aid of the map from the
> regimental History it is possible to trace where the action took place,
> though little remains on the ground today to show of the fierce fighting of
> July 1916.
>
> Hope this helps and do get in touch if I can help further.
>
> Regards
>
> Mark Rogers
Mark
Thank you. Yes I have a copy of the "History". My difficulty arises because I can't find any service records for the man, hence my seeking others help.
Appreciate you taking the time to look into this for me. I think my only recourse is to travel to the museum and see what they might have.
David