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 | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Pozieres Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 18 Jul 1915 in France | ~ | Temple Balsall Cemetery Gates |
| Balsall Common | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| German Spring Offensive | Aug/Sep 1914 in Coventry | Other War Memorials |
| St. Mary's, Far Coton, Northampton | ||
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| Oppy NW of Arras | ~ | |
Circumstances of Death
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William is listed as being killed in action on 21 Mar 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive. The 2nd/6th Battalion war diary entry for that day is transcribed below along with a transcription of a Report on Operations of Surplus Personnel from 21st to 26th March 1918. We do not know if William was with the main part of the Battalion or the Surplus Personnel. 21 March 1918War Diary Front Line outside St. Quentin - 21/3/1918: Enemy bombardment commenced at 4.45am and continured until 11.30am. END From Report on Operations All other ranks under Major H.N. Davenport proceeded to Ugny and all surplus officers (9) under Captain A.D. Wilcox proceeded to Corps Reinforcement Camp at Estouilly near Ham, and returned to Ugny with a draft of approximately 60 O.R. the same day. This composite force dug in as a defensive measure, and remained until ordered to retire to Voyennes. About 200 O.R. of the Battalion were picked up on route, but proceeded in the direction of Nesle under 2/Lt J. McDonough. Full Report on OperationsBrief Summary of Operations by Surplus Personnel of Battalion from Night of 21st 21.3.18: All other ranks under Major H.N. Davenport proceeded to Ugny and all surplus officers (9) under Captain A.D. Wilcox proceeded to Corps Reinforcement Camp at Estouilly near Ham, and returned to Ugny with a draft of approximately 60 O.R. the same day. This composite force dug in as a defensive measure, and remained until ordered to retire to Voyennes. About 200 O.R. of the Battalion were picked up on route, but proceeded in the direction of Nesle under 2/Lt J. McDonough. 22.3.18: Surplus personnel took up defensive position at Bridge-head at Voyennes until 5am, and proceeded to Nesle where they were ordered to barricade the streets round Church and prevent enemy advance through town. Brig-Gen Spooner and two other Generals were present at this operation. 23.3.18: The force was ordered to proceed to Billancourt where the Battalion also arrived the same evening. 24.3.18: Surplus moved to Damery under arrangements 25.3.18: Force proceeded to Damery under Brigade and 6pm same night to Folies 26.3.18: Our patrols were fired on moving along Roye-Amiens road in direction of Roye. Stores etc. moved off at once. Remainder took up a defensive line through Warvillers and Rouvroy until relieved by 89th and 90th Brigades at 4pm same day. Force then withdrew to Mesieres and met rest of Battalion and dug defensive positions. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 30 Mar 1892 in Temple Balsall | 1 May 1892 in Temple Balsall |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| William and Mary Elizabeth Gardner | Fen End, Temple Balsall |
| Wife and Marriage Details | Children |
| Agnes Gardner nee Hunter | William Edward born 22 Sep 1918 |
| Oct Qtr 1917 in Hardingstone | |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1895 - Temple Balsall | 1911 - Farm Labourer |
| 1901 - Fen End, Balsall | |
| 1911 - Fen End, Temple Balsall | |
| 1917 - 9 Henley Street, Far Coton, Hardingstone |
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- Brother of John Gardner who also fell