South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project

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The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One


Private 28315 William Henry KIRKHAM - A Company, 1st Battalion, Hampshire Regiment

Killed in action on Saturday 31st August 1918 aged 19


Military History

     
Theatre of War in Which Died Campaign Medals Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial
France & Flanders British War & Victory Medals Vis-en-Artois Memorial
     
First Arrived in Theatre Bravery & Conduct Medals SWFHS Area Memorials
After 1 Oct 1917 in France ~ Leamington Spa War Memorial
     
Action, Battle or Other Reason Died Date and Place Enlisted Other War Memorials
Hundred Days Offensive August 1917 in Leamington Spa
     
Place of Death Previous Regiments or Units  
near Boiry ~  
     

Circumstances of Death

William is listed as being killed in action on 31st August 1918. He was a member of A Company. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the 30th & 31st August 1918 are transcribed below.

Boiry - 30 Aug 1918: Companies reconnoitring and putting out patrols, and took up a line further East, returning early morning of 30th on relief by 39th Machine Gun Battalion. A considerable amount of hostile shelling in area generally.  Boiry receiving particular attention.

In evening, battalion moved south to slope south of Long Wood. Later, orders to relieve 1st Rifle Brigade, who, with 1st Somerset Light Infantry, had attacked and advanced line, capturing Emerginy. It was impossible to complete relief owing partly to the fact that a large carrying party of C Coy was out.

Boiry - 31 Aug 1918: Situation this morning: B Coy front right. A Coy support left. C Coy, front left. D Coy, support right, not in position.

Heavy Enemy shelling of Sterpigny and Wood.  Casualties inflicted, specially on A Coy in village, who had 3 Lewis Guns put out of action.

2/Lt C.B. Abbott (CO D Coy) wounded in afternoon by shell fire. Two other officers, 2/Lts H. T. LRiggs and R.V. Woodley, having been wounded yesterday.


 
 Personal & Family History

 

Birth Date/Place Baptism Date/Place
Jan Qtr 1899 in Leamington Spa 8 Mar 1899 at Leamington Spa St. Paul's                           
   
Parents Names Abode
William Henry and Sarah Kirkham 4 Cross Street, Leamington Spa
   
Schools Colleges
  ~
   
Address History Employment History
1899 - 7 Hampton Street, Leamington Spa 1911 - School 
1901 - 37 Moreton Street, Leamington Spa  
1907 - 4 Binswood Street, Leamington Spa  
1911 - 3 Wells Buildings, Brook St, Leamington  
1917 - 4 Cross Street, Leamington Spa