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 in Which Died | Campaign Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | British War & Victory Medals | Tyne Cot Memorial |
| First Arrived in Theatre | Bravery & Conduct Medals | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| After 1 July 1916 in France | ~ | Leamington Spa War Memorial |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) | May 1916 in Coventry | ~ |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| Polygon Wood | ~ | |
Circumstances of Death
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Albert is listed as being killed in action on the 9th October 1917. The 2nd Battalion war diary entries for the period 8th to 10th October are transcribed below. 8.10.17 – In the Field 5.30am at Polygon Wood: Bn Held the line east of Polygon Wood. A, D & C Coys in front line, B Coy in support. 2 Lt D.W. Searle put out tapes for attack [on 9.10.17]. 9 Oct 1917 5am to 9am9.10.17 – In the Field 5.30am at Polygon Wood: The Bn attacked with H A C [Honourable Artillery Company] on right. A Coy held the line on left, D Coy & C Coy attacked with B Coy in support 5.55am: Green lights seen all along out objective line. 2nd Lt J.H. Davies killed at the Butte. 6.20am: Two wounded N.C.O’s of left Coy report Coy had passed through Judge Copse and has captured on prisoner. Enemy ran away and were fired on continuously. 6.50am: enemy prisoner brought in by two men of 9th Devons, he was found in a pill box behind our lines near the Butte. Prisoner was with two men of the 2 R War R and stated he had been there for three days. Prisoner stated he belonged to 92 I.R. [92 Infantry Regiment] 7.10am: message received from H.A.C. On the right that continuous machine gunfire or still coming from direction of Judge Copse. 7.15am: Sent message to O.C. Support Coy to send platoon to mop up Judge Copse. 7.30am: received a message from 2/lt J.M. Green of left attacking Coy stating he was wounded and with A Coy (holding line on left of attacking companies). Situation map marked. He reported that left attacking Coy had lost direction passed through Judge Copse and had mixed with left Coy on N edge of Cemetery. Also that B Coy (Support) had advanced in direction of Cemetery and were with D & C Coys there. 8.40am: sent message to OC A Coy to reconnoitre his right, collect any men of left attacking Coy and establish them in defensive posts. Also informed them of advance of a Coy of 9th Devons who were being sent to mop up Judge Corpse and fill up gap on the left flank. Capt. D Aucutt reported killed. 9.00am: received message from 2/Lt J.A. Dorey (right attacking Coy) stating that they were on a line N of Cemetery. Capt. C.L.N. Roberts and 2/Lt R.C. Stable killed. Right Coy in touch with left of H.A.C. 9 Oct 1917 10am to 11.59pm10.00am: received the message from OC A Coy and situation map marked. Received message from OC B Coy to say that he was sending a platoon to deal with machine gun in Cemetery. 12.10pm: received message from Sgt Partridge, Commanding D Coy. Received message from OC A Coy that 1 Coy of 9th Devons were in position on his right. 2.30pm: OC 9th Devons received message from OC Coy on right of A Coy R War R that he is not in touch with D Coy R War R on W side of Judge Copse but that his right in on E edge of Judge Copse. Officers Commanding Battalions decide that an attack shall be made to clear enemy still in Copse by a raid by 9th Devons. 4.00pm: Received message from OC A Coy – Captain G.CV. Blandy killed 4.15pm: Received message from OC C Coy and situation map 5.35pm: Received report of patrols and situation from OC A Coy 5.45pm: SOS sent up on our front. Enemy barrage put down. Received A295 (?) from Brigade. 2 Lts C.C.W Maguire & A. Scrivener joined. 10.10.17 – In the Field at Judge Copse: 7.00am: Message from A Coy, sent 2/Lt S A Wheeler to D Coy, established connection on right. 9th Devon partly cleared Judge Copse. Capt. R.A. Raphael returned from line and reported all connected up. Situation report from Officers Commanding C & D. Battalion relieved [and went to camp at Zillebeek Lake] |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| Apr Qtr 1886 in Leamington Spa | 7 Jun 1886 at Leamington Spa, All Saints |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Alfred and Mary Ann Matthews | 18 Park Street, Leamington Spa |
| Wife and Marriage Details | Children |
| Florence Elsie Matthews nee Applin | Freda Irene born 6 Mar 1913 |
| Apr Qtr 1910 in Hardingstone District, Northants | Edna Mary born 9 May 1915 |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1886 - 18 Park Street, Leamington Spa | 1901 - School age (14) |
| 1891 - 18 Park Street, Leamington Spa | 1911 - Gun Fitter |
| 1901 - 18 Park Street, Leamington Spa | 1916 - Employed by Courtaulds in Coventry |
| 1911 - 29 Waterloo Street, Leamington Spa | |
| 1917 - 8 Lincoln Street, Coventry |
Coventry Graphic - 23rd November 1917
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