10th worcesters J.E. GROVES & J.O. YEATES

[Mike]

Hello all, (again!),
Just a few questions for you all.
In my research i believe that Norton barracks are no more and are just a housing estate?
I have never visited the museum in Worcester but intend to.
Jim Groves is on the war memorial at the church at st Mary's Priors Norton.
i believe both men joined up together very soon after war was declared.
I want to build up a list of sites to visit when i get the chance to come down. I live in North Yorkshire and although i have relatives in Gloucester but i don't get down there that often. If you have any advice, tips or whatever contact me! Thanks Mike

[Mike Jones]

Hi Mike,
sorry I have not replied before but lots of computer trouble, again! Your grandfather, James Yeates and his mate James Groves joined in the first week of September 1914. I know that Charles Leonard Overthrow 15658 enlisted 3rd September 1914. He got between them somehow! I see that you have a copy of Captain Stacke's book, is it an original or one of the recent reprints? With it of course you can trace any battalion's movements throughout the war. I have put both Yeates and Groves in my data-base, thank you, the bit that helps me is that your grandfather was also in the 10th Bn.. When you get down to Worcester, there will be to much to see in one day but the old barracks at Norton is worth the time. It is almost all gone as Clive has already told you. You can get some idea of how big it was by the area the new houses cover. The old Keep/entrance is still there and is very impressive. It is a very big structure, now converted into flats. Apparently the builders wanted to pull it down but someone had the foresight to stick a preservation order on it. The Regimental Archives are all at the old barracks as well. If you are planning to to look at them, you will have to ring them first and book in.
Regards Mike

[Mike]

Thanks Mike,
I did think they joined in 1914 i have a cardboard badge with red white and blue ribbon with the words enlisted in Kitchener's army (or something like that. I haven't got it to hand at the moment) which my grandad had. I have the original Stackes book which was my late Fathers and as you say is a truly excellent book.
A couple of things i haven't finalised. JO Yeates was down as a Battalion runner 21/11/1915 to 15/09/1916 and Brigade runner from 15/09/1916 10 07/02/1919. He won his MM at or around Cambrai in 1917, awarded at Kemmel shelters 01/11/1917 and in the London gazette 12/12/1917. I believe it was for getting a message through under fire whilst cut off but i don't have the citation.
James (Jim )Groves was killed 22/11/1915 i don't know exactly where but the 10th Worcesters were north of the Loos battle in Oct/No. 1915, Richebourgl'Avoe and Festubert at La Quinge Rue. Stackes book states Nov 17 - 21 "front line at La Quinge Rue (5 killed 6 wounded) Nov 23 - 24 billeted at La Tombe willot". Jim is buried at Le Touret military cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue which i have visited with my grandfather and family in 1964 and recently to pay my respects, with his great grandchildren.
The story my Grandfather used to tell was that Jim was brewing tea whilst he went to get the rations and that when he returned Jim had been shot through the head by a sniper. He said he then went out and got the blighter!! Whether that is right or not i don't know but it is a nice story. It must have been hard for them all losing Pals who they knew for so long you can't imagine what they all went through. I do not have JO Yeates medals but have excellent copies from The Worcester medal co. on a nice mounted display. my brother has the originals. I'm sorry if this is a bit long winded but if any one has any other information or can put me right on anything do please get in touch. I do not pretend to be an expert but firmly believe in keeping all their memories alive especially Jim and my Grandfather who although called James was i think referred to as Oliver his middle name!
Mike Lowther