South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Campaign Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Thiepval Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Bravery & Conduct Medals | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 18 Jul 1915 in France | ~ | Leamington Spa War Memorial |
| Leamington St. John's Memorial | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| Battle of the Somme | August 1914 in Warwick | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| near La Boisselle | ~ | ~ |
Circumstances of Death
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John is listed as being killed in action on 2nd July 1916, the second day of the Battle of the Somme, during the Battle of Albert. The 10th Battalion war diary entry for the 2nd July is transcribed below and indicates that he was killed by enemy shellfire hitting the Battalions trenches. Front Line NW of la-Boisselle – 2 Jul 1916: Sunday. The Battalion took over the front line from Keats Redan to Argyll Street (see map), holding the line with 3 Coys and having one in support. Orders were then received that the attack would start at 2.15am on the 3rd. The Battalion was to be Brigade reserve and occupy the front line. The enemy shelled our front line heavily causing us to have a few casualties. In the evening the 2nd in Command, one Coy Commander and two other officers were sent forward to help organise the attack. Casualties – Officers: Killed Cyril George Williams; Wounded Frederick Rance; Shell Shock Richard James Mesney. Men: Killed 5; Wounded 31; Missing 9 (6 known to be wounded & alive); shell shock 3 Reinforcements: 2nd Lt’s A. A. Cavins, A.N. Donnett; C.E. Clarke
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| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
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| Oct-Dec Qtr 1868 in Leamington Spa | |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Joseph and Mary Ann Heath | Both deceased |
| Wife and Marriage Details | Children |
| Annie Heath nee Whittington | John Alexander born 28 Mar 1902 |
| 7 Oct 1888 at Hockley, St Saviour | Gertrude Rosalie born 18 May 1906 |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1869 - Leamington Spa | 1881 - School |
| 1871 - Swans Buildings, Kenilworth Street, Leamington | 1888 - Porter |
| 1881 - 6 Swains Court, Kenilworth Street, Leamington | 1891 - Railway Porter |
| 1888 - 116 Little King Street, Hockley, Birmingham | 1901 - Gas Works Labourer |
| 1891 - 7 Albion Row, Leamington Spa | 1911 - Music Rooms Porter |
| 1901 - 13 Union Walk, Leamington Spa | |
| 1911 - 31 Court Street, Leamington Spa | |
| 1915 - 31 Court Street, Leamington Spa | |
- Brother of Walter Edward Heath who also fell.
