Creech St. Michael War Memorial - Our Local Men Who Fell In World War 1
As part of my teaching degree, I have had to write two assignments on the foundation subjects (every subject other than English, maths and science). For these assignments, I chose to focus on the centenary of the First World War and the soldiers who died from my local village. As the end of the centenary draws closer, I saw it only fitting to share this information with my fellow villagers.
Along with 2018 being the centenary of the end of the First World War, it is also the 700th anniversary of St. Michael's - the parish church. The parish includes the village of Creech St. Michael, but also the hamlets of Adsborough, Charlton, Coombe, Creech Heathfield, Ham, Langaller and Walford. In total, there are 26 villagers on this list that are connected to the village - 7 of which are not included on the Creech St. Michael War Memorial. I am also in the process of generating a list of all the known villagers who served in the war, but were not killed. This is a much more difficult task, but I hope to publish this list over the coming year.
Along with 2018 being the centenary of the end of the First World War, it is also the 700th anniversary of St. Michael's - the parish church. The parish includes the village of Creech St. Michael, but also the hamlets of Adsborough, Charlton, Coombe, Creech Heathfield, Ham, Langaller and Walford. In total, there are 26 villagers on this list that are connected to the village - 7 of which are not included on the Creech St. Michael War Memorial. I am also in the process of generating a list of all the known villagers who served in the war, but were not killed. This is a much more difficult task, but I hope to publish this list over the coming year.
Private Walter Ernest George ALLEN (9909) of the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Born in Creech, to Eliza Allen, he was baptised in the village church on the 27 April 1894. His mother had been widowed 7 years before Walter's birth when William, her husband, died leaving behind the 5 children they had together. She had a further 5 illegitimate children, including Walter, between 1890 and 1899. By the birth of her last child, she had become ill and was unable to care for her children leaving them in a "wretched condition", so the inspector of the NSPCC decided they should be taken to the Taunton Union Workhouse. After a few months, she recovered, but had to move house as her house at the time was unfit for habitation. She moved to Taunton and became a laundress, but she refused to take her children out of the workhouse. It appears, after being threatened with a jail sentence, she took out her children. Her youngest child, Cecil, died very soon after, aged not even a year. However, things still weren't going well as not soon after, Walter along with his brothers Lambert and Stanley were sent to the Somerset Industrial Home for Boys in Bath due to the 1857 Industrial Schools Act, suggesting they were found begging or wandering. Each child stayed there until they were 15, suggesting Walter left in 1909. Walter found it hard to stay in a job; in late 1911, he joined the Great Western Railway in Taunton only to be 'discharged' less than a year later. It is no surprise that Walter signed up to the army - especially as he already had a brother in the Army and another in the Royal Marines (see William below). The unfortunate events continued and less than a month after disembarkation, he was reported missing presumed dead on the 14th September 1914 during the First Battle of the Aisne. He was 20-years-old. He is remembered on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial in Seine-et-Marne along with 3,763 others. From Lambert's medal roll index card, Lambert applied for Walter's medals.
Able Seaman William George ALLEN (RMA/8650) of the Royal Marine Artillery onboard HMS Queen Mary. Born in Creech in 1880, he was the eldest child of William, an engine driver, and Eliza Allen. Being the eldest half-brother of Walter, he would have supported his mother, who worked as a charwoman (cleaner), once he left school. Which he did before joining the Royal Marine Artillery in 1900 and sent to Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth for training. He stayed there until July 1901, when he embarked aboard HMS Mars. Near to the end of his time on the ship, in 1903, he returned home to Taunton and married Daisy Peppin who was pregnant with their daughter, Bertha, at the time. Unfortunately, Bertha died as an infant. The couple moved to a small house in Portsmouth, so they could spend more time with each other as William was based at Eastney. In December 1903, William embarked onboard HMS Glory and then HMS Diadem both based in China - a long way from home. William served for 12 years before he was transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve. When war broke out, William was remobilised and joined HMS Queen Mary in September 1914 who's first engagement of the war was the Battle of Heligoland Blight. The Queen Mary was used in further engagements until the Battle of Jutland on the 31st May 1916. The Queen Mary was under intense fire from German ships between 3:48 p.m. to 4:26 p.m. which caused two explosions on the ship. Out of the 1,284 people on board, 1,266 were lost - including William, aged 36. He is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Joseph Henry ADAMS of the Woolmersdon Mule Depot. He was the third child born to David and Mary Adams in Walford in 1890. David was an agricultural labourer, a job which Joseph took up before becoming a gardener by the time of his marriage to Mary Ann Long in 1913 at St. Michael's Church and later a quarryman. Together, they had a son, David, born in 1914 and a daughter, Mary, born in 1915. During the war, Joseph was employed at the Mule depot at Woolmersdon. On the 16th July 1915, around midnight, Joseph lead a group of 4 mules from Bridgwater station to the depot. However, the leading mule fell and the others fell on top of it. Whilst Joseph tried to help the mules back to their feet, one kicked him in the head. Almost a month later, he was still suffering from tetanus. Joseph died on the 17th August 1915, aged 24. A service was held at Creech church and the Independent Equalised Order of Druids, of which he was a member of, attended along with his family.
Private George BURT (3906) of the 68th Coy, Machine Gun Corps. Born in 1899 to Francis and Eliza Burt in Fivehead, he grew up in West Monkton and Creech St. Michael due to his father's occupation as a 'casual' farm labourer. George signed up to the army at the end of 1915, aged just 16, suggesting he lied about his age in order to go to fight for his country. The young soldier joined the Somerset Light Infantry before being transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He was likely injured during the Second Battle of Ypres, before his division went on to Italy where he died on the 11th November 1917, aged 18. He was buried in the Pegli Communal Cemetery.
Lance Corporal John Dunning DUNNING (11918) of the 6th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born and baptised as John Dunning Dunning and known as Jack, he was born to John and Jane Dunning. He spent his teenage years working at Court Barton Farm (behind the church) working as a farmer with his father. Before the war, he was a travelling oil salesman based in Thurloxton. On the 25th May 1915, he saw his first action in France and must have quickly excelled to be promoted to lance corporal so soon after signing up. Unfortunately, John contracted an infection in Ypres which killed him on the 29th June 1915, aged 31. His obituary in the Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser states that he was a sergeant, so it's possible he was destined to be further promoted. He was buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery in Belgium.
Private William John DART (302302) of the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Born in 1881 in Exton, near Dulverton, the eldest child of John, an innkeeper and blacksmith at the Hare & Hounds, and Bessie his wife. William and his family didn't live in Exton for long before they moved to Timberscombe around 1885 and then on to Bridgwater. William, a domestic groom, continued to move around and on the 12 August 1907, he married Gunhilda Gillard at the parish church of West Monkton. The following year, they had a son named William Edward Dart who was born in Ruishton. The small family then moved back to Gunhilda's birthplace - Creech St Michael. On the 12th December 1915, William signed up to the army and joined the 2/8th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry where he was immediately transferred to the Army Reserve and trained in Doncaster, Catterick and Basingstoke. On the 16th June 1917 as part of the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, William finally made it to France and fought in his first battle, the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, in September 1917 - part of the Battle of Ypres. He fought in three more battles before his battalion moved to Italy where William was wounded severely and died of his wounds on the 27th December 1917, aged 37. He was buried in the Giavera British Cemetery.
Sergeant Albert Edward DAY (78257) of the H Battalion, the Royal Tanks Corps. Born on the 4th January 1887 in Adsborough, he was the fourth son of William, an Innkeeper, and Florence Day. William was the Innkeeper of the Star Inn (now the Maypole Inn, Thurloxton) and from 1892, Albert attended Thurloxton Primary School (closed in 1968). 1917 was an important year to Albert, he married Hilda Fox and sadly was killed not long after. He was killed 'on or shortly after' the 1st December 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, where the 12 tanks of the H battalion were engaged at Gauche Wood - 4 were 'knocked out'. Albert is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial in Louverval. The Royal Tank Regiment commemorate annually the Battle of Cambrai on Cambrai Day - the 1st December - which is a major event for the regiment.
Corporal Wilfred John DAY (105576) of the Motor Transport Company, Army Service Corps. Born in 1891 in Adsborough, Wilfred was the youngest child of William and Florence Day and the brother to Albert Edward Day (above). By trade, Albert was a motor engineer which provided him with necessary skills to be part of the Motor Transport Company of the Army Service Corps for which he attested on the 12 June 1915 and served overseas. Wilfred was certainly an efficient soldier and was promoted to corporal within three months of signing up. Wilfred served for two years before contracting an illness, like many in his company, and was subsequently discharged on the 19th July 1917. He was awarded the Silver War Badge, given to soldiers who couldn't return to action as a result of his injuries. This illness persisted and Wilfred died in Walcot, Bath in 1919, aged 27. He was buried in Locksbrook Cemetery, Bath.
Gunner Alec George DAY (72402) of the 192 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Born in 1896 in Creech St Michael to James and Eliza Day of Bridge House (near the Baptist Church). Alec was the son of a brewer, maltster and coal merchant, but by 15, he was a law clerk for a solicitor and in the years after, he moved to Alnwick, Northumberland. This wasn't unusual for his family as two of his brothers emigrated to Brazil, another to Canada, a sister moved to South Africa as well as two more brothers moving around in England - only one sibling stayed in Somerset. On the 18th November 1915, he attested for the army and spent the next year training in England and gained a first class qualification in signalling telephoning in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex the following year. On the 11th November 1916, he was called up and arrived in France on the 16th November. He lasted 10 months before being discharged on the 20th September 1917 due to injuries. He died on the 26th August 1920 in Creech and is buried in the churchyard with his father, mother and two of his siblings, James Herbert who was 'accidently killed' in Bridgnorth, Staffordshire in 1923 and Anna Louisa Day who died in 1943.
Private William John FOXWELL (6648) of the 10th Hussars, Household Cavalry. Born in Bathpool (then part of West Monkton) on the 26th August 1891, he was the son of William and Maria Foxwell (alias Verrier). However, the joy of his birth wasn't to last long for his parents as a few weeks later his father was arrested for stealing a dog's collar (worth 4 shillings) and bailed for £20. Things went from bad to worse when a month later, he was arrested for the second time in three years for a charge of larceny - fortunately for the family, he wasn't charged for either offence. In 1897, the family moved to Adsborough where William Sr. was a farm hand. Two years later, the children started school at Thurloxton Primary School where William was educated up until March 1905, when he was 13-years-old. It is likely he was previously educated elsewhere. Unlike many soldiers from the village, William had joined the army prior to the start of World War 1. The 10th Hussars were based in South Africa at the start of the war and were recalled back to England before landing in Ostend in Belgium on the 8th October 1914 to take part in the Antwerp operations the following day. He was killed in action on the 22nd November 1916, aged 26. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Private George Henry HARVEY (12155) of the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Born in Creech Heathfield in 1896 to Charles and Emily Harvey, he was the eldest child of a millhand. When he left school, George didn't take up employment at the paper mill like his father, instead he became a baker's assistant, employed by their neighbour Charles Brass - both of whom lived near the Baptist Church. His responsibilities would have included delivering the bread to the villagers. Based on his war gratuity, it is likely that he enlisted in 1914 and joined the army reserve and finally sent to France in 1916. Sadly, it's likely that George was killed in action during his first battle - the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. He died on the 16th September 1916, aged 20. His body wasn't identified. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Electrician (3rd Class) William Charles HOPKINS (M/5095) of the Royal Navy onboard HMS Defence. Known as Charles, he was born on the 12th October 1890 in Ruishton to William and Emma Hopkins. His father was a butcher who's business developed into what is now AC Hopkins, the abattoir near the river. Although born in Ruishton, he grew up just over the river in Creech St Michael, where all of his siblings were baptised. As an adult, he was an electrical engineer within the village. This was a skill wanted by the Royal Navy. Hence, on the 15th October 1912 he signed up to the Royal Navy. Three days later, he started training on the wooden training ship HMS Defiance, based in Devonport, as an acting 4th class engineer for 10 and a half months. In September 1913, he joined HMS Defence with very good conduct. Onboard HMS Defence, Charles had an interesting war experience visiting many foreign seas before culminating with the Battle of Jutland. At 6:05p.m. on the 31st May 1916, Defence was spotted by German ships and came under intense fire. At 6:20p.m. the ship exploded. Everyone onboard lost their life. Charles was 25-years-old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial (below) and on a gravestone in St. Michael's churchyard.
Able Seaman William George ALLEN (RMA/8650) of the Royal Marine Artillery onboard HMS Queen Mary. Born in Creech in 1880, he was the eldest child of William, an engine driver, and Eliza Allen. Being the eldest half-brother of Walter, he would have supported his mother, who worked as a charwoman (cleaner), once he left school. Which he did before joining the Royal Marine Artillery in 1900 and sent to Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth for training. He stayed there until July 1901, when he embarked aboard HMS Mars. Near to the end of his time on the ship, in 1903, he returned home to Taunton and married Daisy Peppin who was pregnant with their daughter, Bertha, at the time. Unfortunately, Bertha died as an infant. The couple moved to a small house in Portsmouth, so they could spend more time with each other as William was based at Eastney. In December 1903, William embarked onboard HMS Glory and then HMS Diadem both based in China - a long way from home. William served for 12 years before he was transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve. When war broke out, William was remobilised and joined HMS Queen Mary in September 1914 who's first engagement of the war was the Battle of Heligoland Blight. The Queen Mary was used in further engagements until the Battle of Jutland on the 31st May 1916. The Queen Mary was under intense fire from German ships between 3:48 p.m. to 4:26 p.m. which caused two explosions on the ship. Out of the 1,284 people on board, 1,266 were lost - including William, aged 36. He is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Joseph Henry ADAMS of the Woolmersdon Mule Depot. He was the third child born to David and Mary Adams in Walford in 1890. David was an agricultural labourer, a job which Joseph took up before becoming a gardener by the time of his marriage to Mary Ann Long in 1913 at St. Michael's Church and later a quarryman. Together, they had a son, David, born in 1914 and a daughter, Mary, born in 1915. During the war, Joseph was employed at the Mule depot at Woolmersdon. On the 16th July 1915, around midnight, Joseph lead a group of 4 mules from Bridgwater station to the depot. However, the leading mule fell and the others fell on top of it. Whilst Joseph tried to help the mules back to their feet, one kicked him in the head. Almost a month later, he was still suffering from tetanus. Joseph died on the 17th August 1915, aged 24. A service was held at Creech church and the Independent Equalised Order of Druids, of which he was a member of, attended along with his family.
Private George BURT (3906) of the 68th Coy, Machine Gun Corps. Born in 1899 to Francis and Eliza Burt in Fivehead, he grew up in West Monkton and Creech St. Michael due to his father's occupation as a 'casual' farm labourer. George signed up to the army at the end of 1915, aged just 16, suggesting he lied about his age in order to go to fight for his country. The young soldier joined the Somerset Light Infantry before being transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He was likely injured during the Second Battle of Ypres, before his division went on to Italy where he died on the 11th November 1917, aged 18. He was buried in the Pegli Communal Cemetery.
Lance Corporal John Dunning DUNNING (11918) of the 6th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born and baptised as John Dunning Dunning and known as Jack, he was born to John and Jane Dunning. He spent his teenage years working at Court Barton Farm (behind the church) working as a farmer with his father. Before the war, he was a travelling oil salesman based in Thurloxton. On the 25th May 1915, he saw his first action in France and must have quickly excelled to be promoted to lance corporal so soon after signing up. Unfortunately, John contracted an infection in Ypres which killed him on the 29th June 1915, aged 31. His obituary in the Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser states that he was a sergeant, so it's possible he was destined to be further promoted. He was buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery in Belgium.
Private William John DART (302302) of the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Born in 1881 in Exton, near Dulverton, the eldest child of John, an innkeeper and blacksmith at the Hare & Hounds, and Bessie his wife. William and his family didn't live in Exton for long before they moved to Timberscombe around 1885 and then on to Bridgwater. William, a domestic groom, continued to move around and on the 12 August 1907, he married Gunhilda Gillard at the parish church of West Monkton. The following year, they had a son named William Edward Dart who was born in Ruishton. The small family then moved back to Gunhilda's birthplace - Creech St Michael. On the 12th December 1915, William signed up to the army and joined the 2/8th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry where he was immediately transferred to the Army Reserve and trained in Doncaster, Catterick and Basingstoke. On the 16th June 1917 as part of the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, William finally made it to France and fought in his first battle, the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, in September 1917 - part of the Battle of Ypres. He fought in three more battles before his battalion moved to Italy where William was wounded severely and died of his wounds on the 27th December 1917, aged 37. He was buried in the Giavera British Cemetery.
Sergeant Albert Edward DAY (78257) of the H Battalion, the Royal Tanks Corps. Born on the 4th January 1887 in Adsborough, he was the fourth son of William, an Innkeeper, and Florence Day. William was the Innkeeper of the Star Inn (now the Maypole Inn, Thurloxton) and from 1892, Albert attended Thurloxton Primary School (closed in 1968). 1917 was an important year to Albert, he married Hilda Fox and sadly was killed not long after. He was killed 'on or shortly after' the 1st December 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, where the 12 tanks of the H battalion were engaged at Gauche Wood - 4 were 'knocked out'. Albert is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial in Louverval. The Royal Tank Regiment commemorate annually the Battle of Cambrai on Cambrai Day - the 1st December - which is a major event for the regiment.
Corporal Wilfred John DAY (105576) of the Motor Transport Company, Army Service Corps. Born in 1891 in Adsborough, Wilfred was the youngest child of William and Florence Day and the brother to Albert Edward Day (above). By trade, Albert was a motor engineer which provided him with necessary skills to be part of the Motor Transport Company of the Army Service Corps for which he attested on the 12 June 1915 and served overseas. Wilfred was certainly an efficient soldier and was promoted to corporal within three months of signing up. Wilfred served for two years before contracting an illness, like many in his company, and was subsequently discharged on the 19th July 1917. He was awarded the Silver War Badge, given to soldiers who couldn't return to action as a result of his injuries. This illness persisted and Wilfred died in Walcot, Bath in 1919, aged 27. He was buried in Locksbrook Cemetery, Bath.
Gunner Alec George DAY (72402) of the 192 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Born in 1896 in Creech St Michael to James and Eliza Day of Bridge House (near the Baptist Church). Alec was the son of a brewer, maltster and coal merchant, but by 15, he was a law clerk for a solicitor and in the years after, he moved to Alnwick, Northumberland. This wasn't unusual for his family as two of his brothers emigrated to Brazil, another to Canada, a sister moved to South Africa as well as two more brothers moving around in England - only one sibling stayed in Somerset. On the 18th November 1915, he attested for the army and spent the next year training in England and gained a first class qualification in signalling telephoning in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex the following year. On the 11th November 1916, he was called up and arrived in France on the 16th November. He lasted 10 months before being discharged on the 20th September 1917 due to injuries. He died on the 26th August 1920 in Creech and is buried in the churchyard with his father, mother and two of his siblings, James Herbert who was 'accidently killed' in Bridgnorth, Staffordshire in 1923 and Anna Louisa Day who died in 1943.
Private William John FOXWELL (6648) of the 10th Hussars, Household Cavalry. Born in Bathpool (then part of West Monkton) on the 26th August 1891, he was the son of William and Maria Foxwell (alias Verrier). However, the joy of his birth wasn't to last long for his parents as a few weeks later his father was arrested for stealing a dog's collar (worth 4 shillings) and bailed for £20. Things went from bad to worse when a month later, he was arrested for the second time in three years for a charge of larceny - fortunately for the family, he wasn't charged for either offence. In 1897, the family moved to Adsborough where William Sr. was a farm hand. Two years later, the children started school at Thurloxton Primary School where William was educated up until March 1905, when he was 13-years-old. It is likely he was previously educated elsewhere. Unlike many soldiers from the village, William had joined the army prior to the start of World War 1. The 10th Hussars were based in South Africa at the start of the war and were recalled back to England before landing in Ostend in Belgium on the 8th October 1914 to take part in the Antwerp operations the following day. He was killed in action on the 22nd November 1916, aged 26. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Private George Henry HARVEY (12155) of the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Born in Creech Heathfield in 1896 to Charles and Emily Harvey, he was the eldest child of a millhand. When he left school, George didn't take up employment at the paper mill like his father, instead he became a baker's assistant, employed by their neighbour Charles Brass - both of whom lived near the Baptist Church. His responsibilities would have included delivering the bread to the villagers. Based on his war gratuity, it is likely that he enlisted in 1914 and joined the army reserve and finally sent to France in 1916. Sadly, it's likely that George was killed in action during his first battle - the Battle of Flers-Courcelette. He died on the 16th September 1916, aged 20. His body wasn't identified. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Electrician (3rd Class) William Charles HOPKINS (M/5095) of the Royal Navy onboard HMS Defence. Known as Charles, he was born on the 12th October 1890 in Ruishton to William and Emma Hopkins. His father was a butcher who's business developed into what is now AC Hopkins, the abattoir near the river. Although born in Ruishton, he grew up just over the river in Creech St Michael, where all of his siblings were baptised. As an adult, he was an electrical engineer within the village. This was a skill wanted by the Royal Navy. Hence, on the 15th October 1912 he signed up to the Royal Navy. Three days later, he started training on the wooden training ship HMS Defiance, based in Devonport, as an acting 4th class engineer for 10 and a half months. In September 1913, he joined HMS Defence with very good conduct. Onboard HMS Defence, Charles had an interesting war experience visiting many foreign seas before culminating with the Battle of Jutland. At 6:05p.m. on the 31st May 1916, Defence was spotted by German ships and came under intense fire. At 6:20p.m. the ship exploded. Everyone onboard lost their life. Charles was 25-years-old. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial (below) and on a gravestone in St. Michael's churchyard.
Private Henry Jacob HURFORD (15877) of the 8th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Known as Jacob, he was born in Creech St Michael in 1882 to Isaac and Sarah Hurford, he was the son of a labourer who worked in the paper mill. As an adult, he moved to Highbridge were he took up work as a brickyard labourer before moving onto Llanfabon, Glamorgan to work as a coal miner. It is likely he went to Wales with his younger brother, Frederick, who also worked underground. Jacob boarded with the Preece family who had servants including Margaret Daniell, who's sister Martha, he married in 1911. Together, they had two children; William, who was born in 1912 and died not long after birth and Vera who was born in 1913. He arrived in France on the 24th August 1915 and served for 18 months, surviving the Battle of the Somme. Jacob was killed in action during the Battle of Arras around Bullecourt on the 8th May 1917, aged 35. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
Acting Corporal Frederick Willie HURFORD (14451) of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. He was born 9 years after his brother Jacob, to Isaac and Sarah Hurford and would have had a similar upbringing. He grew up at 5 Laburnum Terrace, in the village, before moving to Llanfabon, like his brother, to work underground in either the mines or the quarries there. He arrived in France on the 15th April 1915 and took part in the Actions of Hooge in July 1915 before being killed in action during the Second Attack on Bellewaarde on the 25th September 1915. Frederick was 24. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres.
Private Herbert John HILL (26454) of the 12th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. As a young child, Herbert grew up at 4 Laburnum Terrace, next door to the Hurfords, with his parents, Frederick and Sarah and his siblings. Although Herbert was born in 1898, 7 years after Frederick, the boys probably knew of each other, especially as both of their fathers' worked at the paper mill, before working on the railway. As military service became compulsory in January 1916, to those aged 18, he would have known that around the time of his 18th birthday he would be conscripted - and he was. He was sent to Egypt in early 1917 and fought in Gaza and Jerusalem. At the latter, in the defence of the city, Herbert was killed in action, after successfully capturing it only a few weeks prior. Herbert was 19-years-old. He is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.
Private James HOOPER (295500) of the 12th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born near Curvalion House, by the Baptist Church, in 1897 James was the youngest child of John and Emily Hooper. John worked at the paper mill, like many in the village. James signed up to the 1/1st West Yeomanry Regiment in March or April 1916 and was sent to Egypt. In January 1917, his battalion was converted into the 12th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry and joined by Herbert Hill. Alongside Herbert, he fought in the Third Battle of Gaza where he was killed in action on the 6th November 1917, aged 20. He was buried in the Beersheba War Cemetery.
Private Charles Henry MITCHELL (26352) of the 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Charles, grew up in Bull Street, the son of John Mitchell, a road contractor and later a haulier, and Elizabeth his wife. Charles didn't follow his father's footsteps, instead, he took up work in the paper mill and moved to Taunton, where he met his wife Beatrice and married her at Holy Trinity Church in 1910. Charles signed up in 1916 and was sent to Flanders where he was killed in action on the 31st July 1917 - the first day of the Battle of Pilkem Ridge. He is commemorated on the Menin Road Memorial, Ypres. His wife died four years later.
Private Henry George POOLE (3/114) of the 8th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. Known as George, he was the eldest of the two children born to Benedict, a farm labourer, and Louisa Poole. He was born in Creech Heathfield in 1892. As an adult, he became a carpenter and a popular villager; he was even a member of the Friendly Society of Creech St Michael, West Monkton, Ruishton and Thornfalcon. He signed up to the Wiltshire Regiment near the start of the war and was sent for training in Weymouth, Trowbridge and finally Wareham where he became a very efficient soldier. At Bovington Camp, near Wareham, George became ill and succumbed to his illness on the 28th November 1915, aged 22. Three days later, he was buried at the church in Creech St Michael, an occasion which many villagers attended. He was buried near the back of the churchyard on the left-hand side. His parents' and sister's grave can be seen nearby.
Private Edward John VERRIER (16153) of the 10th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Born in the North End area of Creech in 1886, he was the son of Robert, a domestic groom, and Emily Verrier, who called him John. Once he left school, he and his brother became outdoor houseboys, most likely to help his father as he took on more work. As an adult, he moved to Cheddon Road, Taunton where he was employed by Great Western Railway to clean the carriages and in 1908, he married his wife Eva, who was from Chevithorne, near Tiverton. Together, they had three children in three years before the war, Leslie in 1912, Reginald in 1913 and Edward in 1914. A year after Edward's birth, on the 17th August 1915, he disembarked for the Western Front and his small family moved to Bath. At some point during 1916, John returned from action during the war, but returned to Greece the following year. On the 9th March 1917, John succumbed to his wounds and was buried at the Sarigol Military Cemetery. A few months later, Eva gave birth to their fourth and final son, Jack. During World War 2, Jack and Reginald also served for the Devonshire Regiment. Both were killed between the 19th and 22nd April 1944 in India, possibly on the same day.
Private Wilfred Webber WEST (295408) of the 12th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born in Creech Heathfield in 1896, Wilfred was one of two illegitimate children born to Ellen West. It is likely that Wilfred knew his father, John Webber, who lived next door and later married Ellen, once his first wife died, in 1926. Once he left school, he took up work in the paper mill. Before the outbreak of the war, Wilfred married Beatrice Louisa Maunder, a young lady who had previously been a servant. A few months later in September 1914, Wilfred signed up to the 5th Dragoons before being transferred to the 4th Reserve Battalion of the Calvary Regiment - a training regiment. However, after a month and a half, on the 24th October 1914, Wilfred was discharged from the army. Just over a year later, Wilfred signed up again, this time joining the 1/1st Battalion of the West Somerset Yeomanry, which later became the 12th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. Whilst serving, he would have fought alongside his fellow villagers, Herbert Hill and James Hooper, and witnessed their deaths. Wilfred was killed on the 5th July 1918, aged 22. He was buried in the Tannay British Cemetery in Thiennes, France.
The following soldiers were born in Creech, but moved away and are subsequently not on the village war memorial.
Lance Corporal Walter James BOBBETT (9641) of the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Born in Creech St Michael in 1887, Walter was the son of John, a blacksmith, and Emma Bobbett. Despite being born in the village, Walter's memories of Creech would have been few if any as not long after his birth the family moved to the village of Merthyr Dyfan (now a suburb of Barry), Glamorganshire. The family struggled for money after moving and took in several lodgers. John even had to sell alcohol illegally to make ends meet and due to this John was taken to court in 1893. In early 1897, Emma and her youngest 6 children (the youngest only being a baby) became destitute due to John's neglect and had to be supported by the Cardiff Union. Due to this, Walter found it hard to stay out of trouble and was arrested in early 1900, aged 12, for stealing 20lbs of coal from the dockyard, he was let off with a warning. He was again summoned to court later that year for bathing naked in Barry Harbour - a charge that many boys were given at the time (including his older brother Arthur the following year) - again only receiving a caution. Fortunately, Walter turned his life around and soon took up work with the local chemist and became his errand boy to help support his family. He then joined the local football and cricket teams, playing for Victoria United and Barry Congregational respectively. However, his family life wasn't to improve so soon as in late 1906, John deserted his wife and children leaving the already destitute family having to rely on further support from the Cardiff Union. John rarely saw his family and provided them very little support; the one time he did return to the house was at Christmas 1907 when he wished his family 'a Merry Christmas'. Soon after, John and Emma were provided with a separation order. A few weeks after his father's surprise Christmas visit, Walter signed up to the Welsh Regiment based in Pembroke. Whilst in Pembroke, he met Elizabeth Phoebe James and married her in 1911. Together they had a daughter, Violet Rowena Bobbett, who was born in 1913. Walter was part of the 1st battalion in India at the outbreak of war which, subsequently, had to be sent back to England. He landed in Plymouth in December 1914 to discover his younger brother, Alfred, had been killed whilst serving on HMS Monmouth during the Battle of Coronel the previous month. A month later, in January 1915, he was sent to Le Havre. Walter joined the 2nd battalion and was promoted to lance corporal. On the 15th July 1916, during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge (part of the Battle of the Somme), Walter was killed. He was 29. He, like many others killed during the Somme, has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Private Reginald COUNSELL (22321) of the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Born in Creech St Michael in 1895, Reginald was the youngest child of William and Susan Counsell. William was a publican at many Somerset pubs and he was the father of many children with two wives. However, Reginald didn't know his father for too long as William died when Reginald was 12, leaving Susan to bring up their two youngest children singlehandedly whilst becoming the innkeeper of the Swan Inn in Misterton herself. Reginald signed up sometime after 1915, most likely when conscription came into place. He joined the Machine Gun Guards temporarily before transferring to the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards before going into action. The first battalion of the Coldstream Guards, is the oldest continuous regiment in the British Army dating from the time of the English Civil War. Therefore, Reginald was part of a well-established battalion of the army. The battalion's last battle of the war was the Battle of Sombre which took place on the 4th November 1918. At dawn, with resources stretched, Reginald along with many other men, including the poet Wilfred Owen, left the trenches to attack German forces. Reginald was killed a week before Armistice - quite possibly to the hour. He was buried in the Villers-Pol Community Cemetery Extension. It is likely the news of his death reached his mother around Armistice Day. She died 2 years later.
Pioneer William Thomas GREENSLADE (WR/22364) of the 312th Road and Quarries Coy, Royal Engineers. Born on the 30th March 1891 in Adsborough, William was the only son of Thomas, a butcher and farmer, and Mary Ann Greenslade. William didn't live in Creech for long and in 1892 he and his parents moved to the White Hart Inn in Corfe - where his sister May was born. The family didn't stay there for long either before moving to Stoodleigh (near Tiverton) in Devon. Once he had left school, William worked on his father's farm with his father and sister. William then spent a short time in the 1st Devonshire Yeomanry, leaving prior to the outbreak of war. William was conscripted in February 1916 and was put straight into the army reserve. In January 1917, his parents took their case to tribunal to keep William on the farm with his mother refusing a substitute farmhand; their case was rejected with the chair stating he would "probably not be called up for a little while" due to his prior war service. This tuned out not to be the case and a month later, William was mobilized and posted as part of the Royal Engineers in February 1917. He was wounded after a month and sent to hospital for treatment. After 2 weeks, William was discharged from hospital and returned to his unit. William sustained two more smaller injuries in August and November that year. On the 1st June 1918, William suffered shell wounds to his head and right side as well as a fractured femur - wounds which he died from. He was 27-years-old. He was buried in Montigny Communal Cemetery. A private plaque on his grave states "the last words of my dear boy. 19.03.1918, 'mother it is hard for me, but promise you will not grieve for me. It won't be long."
Lance Corporal Lancelot Arthur Hensley KING (10409) of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born in 1892 at the vicarage, Launcelot was the only son of 5 children to Louis, a clergyman, and Hannah King. Due to Louis' job as a curate, he moved from parish to parish. Louis and his family lived in Creech from late 1891 until March 1894 and was the curate for the village during this time. On all the parish baptisms by him during his time in Creech, he interestingly states he's the 'curate in charge' despite the Reverend James Bownes being the vicar for the parish at this time. Louis baptised his son Launcelot as well as George Poole (above) - who both died during the war - at St. Michael's Church as well as many other children. The family moved on to North Newton, where Louis became vicar in January 1894. Launcelot was educated at King's College, Taunton before moving on to Burnham-on-Sea where Lancelot took up work as a motor engineer. Lancelot joined up early on in the war, most likely in December 1914 and landed in France on the 21st May 1915. On the 1st July 1916, the Battle of Albert (the first battle of the Battle of the Somme) began. Lancelot was part of the 4th division which attacked between Serre and Beaumont-Hamel. Lancelot was presumed dead, aged 23, and among the 19,000 plus British soldiers who were killed that day. He is remembered in the Serre Road Cemetery.
Private Frank STONE (32506) of the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Born in Adsborough in 1887, as Francis, he was the son of Frank, a farm and coal labourer, and Leah Stone. Frank Jr. only lived in Creech for 3-4 years before moving to Newbridge (now in Caerphilly) for the same amount of time. Frank and Leah were used to moving around as they lived in Penygraig, Glamorgan before moving to Creech - where Frank Sr. was born. The family kept moving for work down the coal mines and many of Frank and Leah's children joined their father working as coal hewers. In 1912, Frank married Margaret Jones in Neath. Frank signed up around June 1915, before being sent to France on the 4th December that year. On the 7th July 1916, the 16th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment were sent to Mametz Wood where fighting was fierce. The battalion suffered many casualties that week, including Frank, who was killed on the 10th July, aged 28. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
The following soldier has no known familial connections to the village. However, he was the only soldier to be killed in the parish during the war.
Private Walter SMITH (38017) of the 3rd Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born in 1885 in Birmingham, he was the son of Charles, who bottled soda water for a living, and Hannah Smith. Walter grew up in a large family with many brothers and sisters which was fairly common at the time. However, when Walter was nine, his father died leaving Hannah with 6 children under the age of 18, the youngest being 5. The elder children would have had to support the family with many of them getting jobs. At 15, Walter was an iron fitter with his younger brother, Edward. Once he and his siblings were no-longer having to support their mother, he was able to marry Elizabeth Riley in 1907 and settle down with a career as a polisher. They had 2 children, Hart in 1908 and Walter in 1910. He signed up to the Labour Corps before being transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry. Whilst on the train from Birmingham, where he was held by the police, to Crownhill Barracks in Plymouth on the 4th September 1917, he tried to escape several times. Once the train had got to Creech, he tried to escape again and jumped from the train that was travelling at 55 miles per hour. He was killed instantly. The train came to a stop 3/4 of a mile beyond where his body was found. He was 32-years-old and his remains were buried at Witton Cemetery in Birmingham.
Acting Corporal Frederick Willie HURFORD (14451) of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. He was born 9 years after his brother Jacob, to Isaac and Sarah Hurford and would have had a similar upbringing. He grew up at 5 Laburnum Terrace, in the village, before moving to Llanfabon, like his brother, to work underground in either the mines or the quarries there. He arrived in France on the 15th April 1915 and took part in the Actions of Hooge in July 1915 before being killed in action during the Second Attack on Bellewaarde on the 25th September 1915. Frederick was 24. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres.
Private Herbert John HILL (26454) of the 12th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. As a young child, Herbert grew up at 4 Laburnum Terrace, next door to the Hurfords, with his parents, Frederick and Sarah and his siblings. Although Herbert was born in 1898, 7 years after Frederick, the boys probably knew of each other, especially as both of their fathers' worked at the paper mill, before working on the railway. As military service became compulsory in January 1916, to those aged 18, he would have known that around the time of his 18th birthday he would be conscripted - and he was. He was sent to Egypt in early 1917 and fought in Gaza and Jerusalem. At the latter, in the defence of the city, Herbert was killed in action, after successfully capturing it only a few weeks prior. Herbert was 19-years-old. He is remembered on the Jerusalem Memorial.
Private James HOOPER (295500) of the 12th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born near Curvalion House, by the Baptist Church, in 1897 James was the youngest child of John and Emily Hooper. John worked at the paper mill, like many in the village. James signed up to the 1/1st West Yeomanry Regiment in March or April 1916 and was sent to Egypt. In January 1917, his battalion was converted into the 12th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry and joined by Herbert Hill. Alongside Herbert, he fought in the Third Battle of Gaza where he was killed in action on the 6th November 1917, aged 20. He was buried in the Beersheba War Cemetery.
Private Charles Henry MITCHELL (26352) of the 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Charles, grew up in Bull Street, the son of John Mitchell, a road contractor and later a haulier, and Elizabeth his wife. Charles didn't follow his father's footsteps, instead, he took up work in the paper mill and moved to Taunton, where he met his wife Beatrice and married her at Holy Trinity Church in 1910. Charles signed up in 1916 and was sent to Flanders where he was killed in action on the 31st July 1917 - the first day of the Battle of Pilkem Ridge. He is commemorated on the Menin Road Memorial, Ypres. His wife died four years later.
Private Henry George POOLE (3/114) of the 8th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. Known as George, he was the eldest of the two children born to Benedict, a farm labourer, and Louisa Poole. He was born in Creech Heathfield in 1892. As an adult, he became a carpenter and a popular villager; he was even a member of the Friendly Society of Creech St Michael, West Monkton, Ruishton and Thornfalcon. He signed up to the Wiltshire Regiment near the start of the war and was sent for training in Weymouth, Trowbridge and finally Wareham where he became a very efficient soldier. At Bovington Camp, near Wareham, George became ill and succumbed to his illness on the 28th November 1915, aged 22. Three days later, he was buried at the church in Creech St Michael, an occasion which many villagers attended. He was buried near the back of the churchyard on the left-hand side. His parents' and sister's grave can be seen nearby.
Private Edward John VERRIER (16153) of the 10th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Born in the North End area of Creech in 1886, he was the son of Robert, a domestic groom, and Emily Verrier, who called him John. Once he left school, he and his brother became outdoor houseboys, most likely to help his father as he took on more work. As an adult, he moved to Cheddon Road, Taunton where he was employed by Great Western Railway to clean the carriages and in 1908, he married his wife Eva, who was from Chevithorne, near Tiverton. Together, they had three children in three years before the war, Leslie in 1912, Reginald in 1913 and Edward in 1914. A year after Edward's birth, on the 17th August 1915, he disembarked for the Western Front and his small family moved to Bath. At some point during 1916, John returned from action during the war, but returned to Greece the following year. On the 9th March 1917, John succumbed to his wounds and was buried at the Sarigol Military Cemetery. A few months later, Eva gave birth to their fourth and final son, Jack. During World War 2, Jack and Reginald also served for the Devonshire Regiment. Both were killed between the 19th and 22nd April 1944 in India, possibly on the same day.
Private Wilfred Webber WEST (295408) of the 12th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born in Creech Heathfield in 1896, Wilfred was one of two illegitimate children born to Ellen West. It is likely that Wilfred knew his father, John Webber, who lived next door and later married Ellen, once his first wife died, in 1926. Once he left school, he took up work in the paper mill. Before the outbreak of the war, Wilfred married Beatrice Louisa Maunder, a young lady who had previously been a servant. A few months later in September 1914, Wilfred signed up to the 5th Dragoons before being transferred to the 4th Reserve Battalion of the Calvary Regiment - a training regiment. However, after a month and a half, on the 24th October 1914, Wilfred was discharged from the army. Just over a year later, Wilfred signed up again, this time joining the 1/1st Battalion of the West Somerset Yeomanry, which later became the 12th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. Whilst serving, he would have fought alongside his fellow villagers, Herbert Hill and James Hooper, and witnessed their deaths. Wilfred was killed on the 5th July 1918, aged 22. He was buried in the Tannay British Cemetery in Thiennes, France.
The following soldiers were born in Creech, but moved away and are subsequently not on the village war memorial.
Lance Corporal Walter James BOBBETT (9641) of the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Born in Creech St Michael in 1887, Walter was the son of John, a blacksmith, and Emma Bobbett. Despite being born in the village, Walter's memories of Creech would have been few if any as not long after his birth the family moved to the village of Merthyr Dyfan (now a suburb of Barry), Glamorganshire. The family struggled for money after moving and took in several lodgers. John even had to sell alcohol illegally to make ends meet and due to this John was taken to court in 1893. In early 1897, Emma and her youngest 6 children (the youngest only being a baby) became destitute due to John's neglect and had to be supported by the Cardiff Union. Due to this, Walter found it hard to stay out of trouble and was arrested in early 1900, aged 12, for stealing 20lbs of coal from the dockyard, he was let off with a warning. He was again summoned to court later that year for bathing naked in Barry Harbour - a charge that many boys were given at the time (including his older brother Arthur the following year) - again only receiving a caution. Fortunately, Walter turned his life around and soon took up work with the local chemist and became his errand boy to help support his family. He then joined the local football and cricket teams, playing for Victoria United and Barry Congregational respectively. However, his family life wasn't to improve so soon as in late 1906, John deserted his wife and children leaving the already destitute family having to rely on further support from the Cardiff Union. John rarely saw his family and provided them very little support; the one time he did return to the house was at Christmas 1907 when he wished his family 'a Merry Christmas'. Soon after, John and Emma were provided with a separation order. A few weeks after his father's surprise Christmas visit, Walter signed up to the Welsh Regiment based in Pembroke. Whilst in Pembroke, he met Elizabeth Phoebe James and married her in 1911. Together they had a daughter, Violet Rowena Bobbett, who was born in 1913. Walter was part of the 1st battalion in India at the outbreak of war which, subsequently, had to be sent back to England. He landed in Plymouth in December 1914 to discover his younger brother, Alfred, had been killed whilst serving on HMS Monmouth during the Battle of Coronel the previous month. A month later, in January 1915, he was sent to Le Havre. Walter joined the 2nd battalion and was promoted to lance corporal. On the 15th July 1916, during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge (part of the Battle of the Somme), Walter was killed. He was 29. He, like many others killed during the Somme, has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Private Reginald COUNSELL (22321) of the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Born in Creech St Michael in 1895, Reginald was the youngest child of William and Susan Counsell. William was a publican at many Somerset pubs and he was the father of many children with two wives. However, Reginald didn't know his father for too long as William died when Reginald was 12, leaving Susan to bring up their two youngest children singlehandedly whilst becoming the innkeeper of the Swan Inn in Misterton herself. Reginald signed up sometime after 1915, most likely when conscription came into place. He joined the Machine Gun Guards temporarily before transferring to the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards before going into action. The first battalion of the Coldstream Guards, is the oldest continuous regiment in the British Army dating from the time of the English Civil War. Therefore, Reginald was part of a well-established battalion of the army. The battalion's last battle of the war was the Battle of Sombre which took place on the 4th November 1918. At dawn, with resources stretched, Reginald along with many other men, including the poet Wilfred Owen, left the trenches to attack German forces. Reginald was killed a week before Armistice - quite possibly to the hour. He was buried in the Villers-Pol Community Cemetery Extension. It is likely the news of his death reached his mother around Armistice Day. She died 2 years later.
Pioneer William Thomas GREENSLADE (WR/22364) of the 312th Road and Quarries Coy, Royal Engineers. Born on the 30th March 1891 in Adsborough, William was the only son of Thomas, a butcher and farmer, and Mary Ann Greenslade. William didn't live in Creech for long and in 1892 he and his parents moved to the White Hart Inn in Corfe - where his sister May was born. The family didn't stay there for long either before moving to Stoodleigh (near Tiverton) in Devon. Once he had left school, William worked on his father's farm with his father and sister. William then spent a short time in the 1st Devonshire Yeomanry, leaving prior to the outbreak of war. William was conscripted in February 1916 and was put straight into the army reserve. In January 1917, his parents took their case to tribunal to keep William on the farm with his mother refusing a substitute farmhand; their case was rejected with the chair stating he would "probably not be called up for a little while" due to his prior war service. This tuned out not to be the case and a month later, William was mobilized and posted as part of the Royal Engineers in February 1917. He was wounded after a month and sent to hospital for treatment. After 2 weeks, William was discharged from hospital and returned to his unit. William sustained two more smaller injuries in August and November that year. On the 1st June 1918, William suffered shell wounds to his head and right side as well as a fractured femur - wounds which he died from. He was 27-years-old. He was buried in Montigny Communal Cemetery. A private plaque on his grave states "the last words of my dear boy. 19.03.1918, 'mother it is hard for me, but promise you will not grieve for me. It won't be long."
Lance Corporal Lancelot Arthur Hensley KING (10409) of the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born in 1892 at the vicarage, Launcelot was the only son of 5 children to Louis, a clergyman, and Hannah King. Due to Louis' job as a curate, he moved from parish to parish. Louis and his family lived in Creech from late 1891 until March 1894 and was the curate for the village during this time. On all the parish baptisms by him during his time in Creech, he interestingly states he's the 'curate in charge' despite the Reverend James Bownes being the vicar for the parish at this time. Louis baptised his son Launcelot as well as George Poole (above) - who both died during the war - at St. Michael's Church as well as many other children. The family moved on to North Newton, where Louis became vicar in January 1894. Launcelot was educated at King's College, Taunton before moving on to Burnham-on-Sea where Lancelot took up work as a motor engineer. Lancelot joined up early on in the war, most likely in December 1914 and landed in France on the 21st May 1915. On the 1st July 1916, the Battle of Albert (the first battle of the Battle of the Somme) began. Lancelot was part of the 4th division which attacked between Serre and Beaumont-Hamel. Lancelot was presumed dead, aged 23, and among the 19,000 plus British soldiers who were killed that day. He is remembered in the Serre Road Cemetery.
Private Frank STONE (32506) of the 16th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Born in Adsborough in 1887, as Francis, he was the son of Frank, a farm and coal labourer, and Leah Stone. Frank Jr. only lived in Creech for 3-4 years before moving to Newbridge (now in Caerphilly) for the same amount of time. Frank and Leah were used to moving around as they lived in Penygraig, Glamorgan before moving to Creech - where Frank Sr. was born. The family kept moving for work down the coal mines and many of Frank and Leah's children joined their father working as coal hewers. In 1912, Frank married Margaret Jones in Neath. Frank signed up around June 1915, before being sent to France on the 4th December that year. On the 7th July 1916, the 16th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment were sent to Mametz Wood where fighting was fierce. The battalion suffered many casualties that week, including Frank, who was killed on the 10th July, aged 28. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
The following soldier has no known familial connections to the village. However, he was the only soldier to be killed in the parish during the war.
Private Walter SMITH (38017) of the 3rd Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry. Born in 1885 in Birmingham, he was the son of Charles, who bottled soda water for a living, and Hannah Smith. Walter grew up in a large family with many brothers and sisters which was fairly common at the time. However, when Walter was nine, his father died leaving Hannah with 6 children under the age of 18, the youngest being 5. The elder children would have had to support the family with many of them getting jobs. At 15, Walter was an iron fitter with his younger brother, Edward. Once he and his siblings were no-longer having to support their mother, he was able to marry Elizabeth Riley in 1907 and settle down with a career as a polisher. They had 2 children, Hart in 1908 and Walter in 1910. He signed up to the Labour Corps before being transferred to the Somerset Light Infantry. Whilst on the train from Birmingham, where he was held by the police, to Crownhill Barracks in Plymouth on the 4th September 1917, he tried to escape several times. Once the train had got to Creech, he tried to escape again and jumped from the train that was travelling at 55 miles per hour. He was killed instantly. The train came to a stop 3/4 of a mile beyond where his body was found. He was 32-years-old and his remains were buried at Witton Cemetery in Birmingham.
Published: 10 November 2018
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