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Alfred Harry Bennett

PostPosted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 9:16 am
by Ron Bennett
Bennett Alfred Harry 57351 Pte. d. of w. F. & F. 26/04/1918 3rd

I am just starting some research for my family about the death of our great uncle Alfred Harry Bennett from Kidlington Oxfordshire who died aged just 20yrs on the 26th April 1918. He was a member of the Worcestershire Regiment 3rd Battalion.

I would appreciate any information of the location of his death on the 26th April 1918 and the details of the battle/map if known.

Many Many thanks in advance!

Ron Bennett - West Sussex

PostPosted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 2:00 pm
by scully
Hi Ron,

Alfred Harry Bennett died of his wounds on 26th April 1918.

The 3rd Battalion at the time were involved in the Battle of The Lys. From the 18th to 21st April 1918 the 3rd Battalion was near the village of St. Jans Cappel (about 2500 yards north of Bailleul). They then moved N.N.E. some 4 miles to the village of La Clytte and deployed there at midnight on the 25th/26th April 1918. On the 26th April 1918 the 3rd Battalion attacked the Germans at the village of Kemmel.
It is most likely he was wounded during this period of advance and then died shortly afterwards.

Regards,

Louis

Thankyou so much!

PostPosted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:13 pm
by Ron Bennett
Louis,

Thank you so much Louis for this detailed information, we are planning a visit to the battlefields soon and to visit our great uncles grave at Poperinge.

Again-thankyou so much!

Best Wishes,

Ron Bennett - Burgess Hill West Sussex

Re: Alfred Harry Bennett

PostPosted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:13 am
by Ron Bennett
I will be visiting Alfred Harry Bennett's grave next month with relatives. Is there anywhere that I can trace his movements prior to the Battle of the Lys. I have a letter from Alfred to his mother posted from Ireland earlier in 1918. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated. Would his service record help me, for instance?
Kind Regards,
Ron Bennett

Re: Alfred Harry Bennett

PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 10:12 am
by gilbo139
Hello Ron, It looks like Alfreds service record was destroyed in the blitz but as you may know his MIC indicates he was also in the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry with the number 31271. It might help if you trawl through some of the old Kidlington newspapers of the time . When my great grandfather was killed a report was put in the local paper about 7 weeks later, I even went on to find a photograph. When you get to Poperinghe make sure you go to the town centre ,the local council have just revamped it. A lot of the original cafes and bars are still there and Toc H is just down one of the side streets. Regards Colin