3976 PTE JOSEPH JEAVONS 1/7 Bn WORCESTERSHIRE Regt

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3976 PTE JOSEPH JEAVONS 1/7 Bn WORCESTERSHIRE Regt

Postby shelldrake » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:02 pm

I am researching PTE JEAVONS who is reported to have been killed in action on 01 May 1916 in F & F, he is buried in Hebuterne Military Cemetary. Grateful for any information regarding where the 1/7 Bn were at the time and what they were doing. Any other general information on 1/7 Bn or PTE JEAVONS also appreciated.
Many thanks.
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Postby scully » Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:42 am

Below is some information taken from the history of the 1/7 battalion for the period you are interested in:

The Somme 1916.

The arrival of the 29th Division at the beginning of April 1916 (took over the line facing Beaumont Hamel) caused a readjustment of the other Divisions holding the line. The 48th Division shifted its ground to the left and the 144th Brigade moved from Serre back to Hebuterne. The 1/7th Worcestershire marched forward from Colincamps on April 2nd and relieved the 5th Gloucestershire. On the next day the 1/8th Worcestershire also moved to the new area and relieved the sister Battalion on the night of April 8th.

The weather had now definitely changed for the better, and the ensuing weeks were more pleasant. Gradually the ground dried and it became possible to improve the trenches. Casualties were not heavy in that part of the line. On April 14th the 1/8th Battalion, after relief by the 1/7th Battalion, moved back to Couin for a rest in Divisional Reserve. There for a fortnight the Battalion rested and trained. The 1/7th Worcestershire did not leave the trenches till April 21st. Then the Battalion marched back to Bayencourt. Six days later the 144th Brigade again changed position and on April 27th the 1/8th Worcestershire took over trenches facing the German salient at Gommecourt Park. Those trenches were good and the weather continued fine; but the enemy's shell-fire was trying. Lieut. J. F. Reading of the 1/7th Battalion was killed by a shell on April 29th and on the fallowing night Lieut. G. J. L. Slater, Adjutant of the 1/8th Battalion, was mortally wounded (Lieut. Slater died within the hour. He had been an excellent officer, devoted and untiring in his work as Adjutant, and his death was much felt). On May 1st, Captain N. P. Goodwin of the 1/7th Battalion was severely wounded.

In the first days of May the Gommecourt front was taken over by the 46th and 56th Divisions (Who were destined later to make at that point one of the most heroic but disastrous attacks of the whole war). The 48th Division moved back into reserve. On May 2nd the 1/7th and 1/8th Worcestershire were relieved, and two days later the 144th Brigade marched westward from Couin for rest and training. Through Authie, Marieux and Beauquesne the column marched to Beauval. There training was carried on for ten days (It is of interest to note that it was not till this period (10th-11th May) that the Territorial Battalions were issued with the short rifle carried by the rest of the Army) and a cheery Brigade Sports Meeting was held (At which the Brigade Sports Cup was won by the 1/7th Worcestershire. On May 10th Colonel A. R. Harman rejoined from hospital and resumed command of the 1/7th Battalion. Four days later Lieut. E. R. Wallace became A/Adjutant). Then on May 15th the Brigade marched back in its tracks to Couin and Coigneux to relieve the 145th Brigade.
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3976 PTE JOSEPH JEAVONS 1/7 Bn

Postby shelldrake » Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:49 pm

Scully

Many thanks for your response and the information in it concerning the unit. Being rather new to this type of research are you able to give me a few pointers or advise as to how I can obtain information from PTE JEAVONS' Attestation Papers or other Regimental documents?

Thanks in advance.

Shelldrake
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Location: North Yorkshire

Postby scully » Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:24 pm

What is left of the First World War indiviual army papers are held at the National Archives at Kew.
The National Archives
Ruskin Avenue
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 4DU
Telephone 0208876 3444

Sadly, most of the individual records of private soldiers were destroyed during WW2 bombing. Some still survived but you need to check with the National Archives.

Regards,

Louis
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