16th Service Battalion
( 2nd Salford Pals)
The XX Lancashire Fusiliers
1914 - 1918
The 16th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers were known as The 2nd Salford Pals, the battalion was raised in Salford on the 15th of November 1914, by Mr Montague Barlow MP and the Salford Brigade Committee. They began training near home and on the 28 December 1914 they moved to Conway for training. They became part of the 96th Brigade, 32nd Division and moved in May 1915 to concentrate in Shropshire at Prees Heath. The camp was found to be too wet for training and the Division moved on the 21st of June 1915 to Catterick in North Yorkshire. using the firing ranges at Strenshall. In August 1915 they moved for final training and firing practice at Codford on Salisbury Plain. They proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne on the 22nd of November 1915. Their first taste of action was at Thiepval Ridge on The Somme on the 1st of July 1916, the battle resulted in the Salford Pals being almost wiped out. The battalion was reinforced and saw action throughout the war. In 1917 they were involved in Operations on the Ancre and the pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. In 1918 they were in action on the Somme and in the Battles of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Picardy


From "The Long Long Trail" Website
http://www.1914-1918.net/sacredground/places.htm

The Somme
Authuille Village
1916
On the wall of the rebuilt church in this small village is a bronze plaque that reads "To the eternal memory of three battalions of the 'Salford Pals', the 15th, 16th and 19th Lancashire Fusiliers of 32nd Division, who held the trenches in Authuille from early 1916 and who valiantly attacked the redoubts of Thiepval on 1st July 1916". The plaque was erected by the Lancashire & Cheshire Branch of the Western Front Association.

The Victoria Cross

"Lt(Acting Col) Neville Marshall
VC,MC and bar,Croix de Guerre (Belgium),
Chevalier of the Order of Leopold Belgium."

4th November 1918


"Lt(Acting Col) Neville Marshall VC,MC and bar,Croix de Guerre (Belgium), Chevalier of the Order of Leopold Belgium."
late Irish Guards Special Reserve (Attached)
16th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
“VC to Lt (acting Lt Col) John Neville Marshall MC, late Irish Guards, Special Reserve, attached 16th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers; “ For most conspicuous bravery, determination and leadership in the attack on the Sambre-Oise canal, near Catillon on the 4th November 1918, when a partly constructed bridge came under concentrated fire and was broken before the advanced troops of his Battalion could cross. Lt-Col Marshall at once went forward and organised parties to repair the bridge.

The first party was soon killed or wounded, but by personal example he inspired and volunteers were instantly forthcoming. Under intense fire and with complete disregard of his own safety, he stood on the bank encouraging his men and assisting in the work, and when the bridge was repaired, attempted to rush across at the head of his Battalion and was killed doing so.

The passage of the canal was of vital importance, and the gallantry displayed by all ranks was largely due to the inspiring example set by Lt-Col Marshall MC”

Neville Marshall was killed in action as troops tried to put a bridge over the Sambre-Ojse canal near Catillon in November 1918. The soldiers trying to put up the bridge were driven off by bursts of heavy fire, but Lt Marshall nevertheless organised a party to carry on the work.

The first party was completely wiped out by enemy fire, but Lt Marshall courageously led another group into the fray, inspiring volunteers to follow him to the bridge. When the bridge was finished he tried to run across it on his own to take on the German soldiers, but was quickly shot and killed as he did so

This was read out by Major Algy Cole
VC PAVING STONE CEREMONY
Trafford, 4th November 2018.

(Address by Sandra Wellington whose father, R.A. Wellington, was Neville Marshall's nephew)


Lt. Col. Neville Marshall, VC, MC, Irish Guards/Lancashire Fusiliers

Lt. Col Neville Marshall served with the Belgian Army in 1914/1915, and was decorated twice by King Albert. He wrote in his early war diaries that "The greatest help to me has been in knowing exactly why I fight. Sensationalism, love of justice, love of religion. NO! But because I am English and see a type that will endanger my life, my wife, and existence. When I say 'English', it stands for much. All those glorious traditions. The seasons and especially the Spring with its daffodils and scent of Mother Earth. I cannot understand why Englishmen still hesitate. They do not know the danger of their enemy and they do not love their land and breed".

Neville Marshall joined the First Battalion, Irish Guards in 1916 and saw action in the Somme and elsewhere, being wounded ten times during his war career. He was always known for his keen sense of discipline and forthright views, and once noted in his diaries that he was fortunate because he had "no sense of fear", but at the same time was still "emotional and soft-hearted". With regards to the War, he commented "We as soldiers admire our enemy as brave men" and "Thank God, racial and national anger is only temporary".

In May 1917, he was attached to the Lancashire Fusiliers, where the poet Wilfred Owen described him as the "mad Major"; "bold, robust, dashing, unscrupulous, cruel, jovial, immoral, vast-chested, handsome-headed, of free coarse speech". No doubt these attributes served Neville Marshall well during, what he called "his adventures" at the front.

On 4th November 1918, he was commanding 16th Battalion when he attempted to lead his men across the bridge at the Sambre-Oise Canal, in France and was tragically killed, one week before Armistice. For these actions he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. By sad coincidence, Wilfred Owen was also killed at the same battle, on the same day.

Neville Marshall inspired his own men in the heat of battle and has obviously served to inspire our family over the years, by his courage, bold attitudes and perseverance. We are therefore delighted that, with this wonderful and fitting tribute, organized by Trafford Council and supported by representatives of the Irish Guards and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Neville Marshall's name and fine example will undoubtedly continue to inspire many generations to come - of soldiers and civilians alike.


06.10.18


Died on 03/04/1918
Sergeant W.S. Simms
Private William Beeston
16th Lancashire Fusiliers
(2nd Salford)

Two Middleton men serving with the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers, were killed on this day in 1918.
Both were killed in the taking of Ayette village.

Private Beeston, aged 23, was wounded at Gallipoli in 1915, also in France in 1916. He lived at Factory Street, Middleton, at home he was connected to St. Peter's Church, and was a member of the Church Lads' Brigade.

Sergeant William. S. Simms, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who resided at Threepits, Slattocks, was killed in action on April 3rd, 1918. He had seen much fighting, going to the Dardanelles and Egyptian campaigns, and then on to France where he was wounded in 1916, and then won the Military Medal, while in January 1918 he was recommended for the D.C.M. Sergeant Sims was connected with Providence Church.
Mrs Simms received a letter from her son's captain in which he stated. "The company was doing a small attack, and your son had done splendid work when he was killed by a shell. He had gained the respect of the officers and company. By his death the company has lost one of its best NCOs. I hope you will find some comfort in your sad loss, by the knowledge that your son died fighting for King and country."

The 16th didn't go to Turkey or Egypt, but the pair of them were in the 9th Lancashire Fusiliers, both were wounded, and transferred together into the 16th when they recovered.

And sadly, they are buried together at the beautiful
Quesnoy Farm Military Cemetery, France

Died on 06/02/1918
Sergeant Robert Tait
16th Lancashire Fusiliers.

Sergeant Robert Tait, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, died from wounds in February 6th, 1918. This soldier was 21 years of age, and resided at Park Street, Middleton.
He was a piecer at the Times Mill and was connected to Tonge Church and School. He enlisted in November 1914,, and went to the Dardanelles early in 1915, while there he caught a fever and was sent to hospital in Cairo. In July, 1916, he was wounded and was sent to England in November of that year, but went to the front again.
A sister at the Casualty Station wrote: "I deeply regret to inform you of the sad news that your son passed away peacefully at two o'clock this morning, he became very restless and delirious late in the evening of yesterday, everything was done which possibly could be, but he had no pulse all day, and as night came on, we feared the worst.
He became calm and peaceful before he died, and wished us to send his love home and say 'Goodbye' Your son will be buried in the military cemetery close to this Casualty Clearing Station. I fear this will be a very great and sad shock to you, it is so hard to lose our brave boy's like this. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss and trouble".

Sergeant Tait is buried at Mendinghem, Military Cemetery, Belgium.

British troops who found themselves at these CCS during the war, jokingly nicknamed them. Mendinghem, Dozinghem and Bandaghem.
Which was a play on Belguim towns that ended in Hem.

Died on this day 03/04/1918
Sergeant W.S. Simms
Private William Beeston
16th Lancashire Fusiliers
(2nd Salford)

Two Middleton men serving with the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers, were killed on this day in 1918.
Both were killed in the taking of Ayette village.

Private Beeston, aged 23, was wounded at Gallipoli in 1915, also in France in 1916. He lived at Factory Street, Middleton, at home he was connected to St. Peter's Church, and was a member of the Church Lads' Brigade.

Sergeant William. S. Simms, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who resided at Threepits, Slattocks, was killed in action on April 3rd, 1918. He had seen much fighting, going to the Dardanelles and Egyptian campaigns, and then on to France where he was wounded in 1916, and then won the Military Medal, while in January 1918 he was recommended for the D.C.M. Sergeant Sims was connected with Providence Church.
Mrs Simms received a letter from her son's captain in which he stated. "The company was doing a small attack, and your son had done splendid work when he was killed by a shell. He had gained the respect of the officers and company. By his death the company has lost one of its best NCOs. I hope you will find some comfort in your sad loss, by the knowledge that your son died fighting for King and country."

The 16th didn't go to Turkey or Egypt, but the pair of them were in the 9th Lancashire Fusiliers, both were wounded, and transferred together into the 16th when they recovered.

And sadly, they are buried together at the beautiful
Quesnoy Farm Military Cemetery, France

A lovely old pocket that David Williamson picked up out of a box at a car boot. An old soldier filled in all his battles and the dates. His information is in the middle it says " 12576 (DRO) ?? C. CLEMENTS, 16th LANC'S FUS". It's amazing he got all that information including the flags on a little watch. It's still working and I think he must have carried it with him throughout his battles in the First World War.

Died on this day 06/02/1918
Sergeant Robert Tait
16th Lancashire Fusiliers.

Sergeant Robert Tait, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, died from wounds in February 6th, 1918. This soldier was 21 years of age, and resided at Park Street, Middleton.
He was a piecer at the Times Mill and was connected to Tonge Church and School. He enlisted in November 1914,, and went to the Dardanelles early in 1915, while there he caught a fever and was sent to hospital in Cairo. In July, 1916, he was wounded and was sent to England in November of that year, but went to the front again.
A sister at the Casualty Station wrote: "I deeply regret to inform you of the sad news that your son passed away peacefully at two o'clock this morning, he became very restless and delirious late in the evening of yesterday, everything was done which possibly could be, but he had no pulse all day, and as night came on, we feared the worst.
He became calm and peaceful before he died, and wished us to send his love home and say 'Goodbye' Your son will be buried in the military cemetery close to this Casualty Clearing Station. I fear this will be a very great and sad shock to you, it is so hard to lose our brave boy's like this. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss and trouble".

Sergeant Tait is buried at Mendinghem, Military Cemetery, Belgium.

British troops who found themselves at these CCS during the war, jokingly nicknamed them. Mendinghem, Dozinghem and Bandaghem.
Which was a play on Belguim towns that ended in Hem.

 

Final Days on the Somme
George Higginson


Following the release of her new book, ‘Somme: 141 Days, 141 Lives’, Alexandra Churchill (with co-author Andrew Holmes) explores the story of Lieutenant George Higginson, the commanding officer of a team sent to rescue 120 men left stranded on the Somme battlefield.

On 18 November, the final day of the Battle of the Somme, the 97th Infantry Brigade advanced across no-man’s-land in driving sleet, and headed for the German front and support lines on Redan Ridge. Despite some men reaching the enemy’s positions, they were too few in number to hold them. By dusk all the remaining soldiers had been pushed back, or so it was thought.

On Redan Ridge, unknown to the British, a party of 120 men still held a portion of Frankfurt Trench and remained there in isolation, with the enemy completely unaware of their presence. This didn’t last for long. On 20 November 1916 the Germans launched their first attack, which was beaten off by the beleaguered troops.

The following day a non-commissioned officer and one of the men from the trapped party broke back through enemy lines and alerted the British to their predicament. An attempt later that night to bring back the marooned troops failed, as the rescuers were unable to breach the German front trench.

By this time, the occupiers had run out of food and rations. Some of the stranded men volunteered to go out into no-man’s-land to take supplies from the bodies of dead soldiers. A second German attack was repelled on 23 November, although by now the situation for the stranded men was becoming perilous. Over half of them were wounded and the lack of supplies was becoming desperate.

Lieutenant George Higginson was a 28-year-old teacher from Worcestershire who enlisted at the outbreak of war. Until his commission came through in December 1914, George underwent training with the 19th Royal Fusiliers at their camp in Woodcote Park, Epsom. The battalion eventually landed in France in September 1915.

Less than two months later, George was injured by an explosion during grenade instruction at Bayonvillers on the Somme. The extent of the wounds to George’s right arm were so severe that he was evacuated back to Britain for treatment. After leaving hospital, George was transferred into a different battalion of his regiment.


George returned to the front line on 19 November 1916, joining the 16th Lancashire Fusiliers as they moved into the British lines opposite the isolated men in Frankfurt Trench, the original German support line. After the trapped mens’ failure to break out from the German trenches, it was decided that another rescue attempt should be mounted by 300 men. George would command the third wave of troops, who would push on through the initial attackers towards the Frankfurt Trench and rescue the stricken British soldiers.

Zero hour was 3.30pm on 23 November. George and his Lancashire Fusiliers, along with the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, advanced under the cover of an intense artillery barrage. Initial progress was encouraging. Munich Trench, the German front line, was reached and occupied without too much opposition, but then the Germans emerged from their dug-outs to launch counter-attacks against the British. Fierce fighting at close quarters took place.

Despite the ensuing struggle, George and some of his men managed to cross the Munich Trench and head towards Frankfurt in search of their trapped comrades. But no further progress towards the stranded men was made.

On 29 November, George Higginson’s widowed mother received a telegram from the Army stating that they had received information that George had been wounded, and the authorities began making enquiries.

Statements were taken from seven soldiers who attacked alongside George. The contradictory nature of some of these statements revealed how difficult it was to accurately recall events that took place under extreme conditions. Accounts contradicted each other hugely as to what had happened to him. Finally, a Sergeant Holt said that Higginson was between the German first and second lines when he was hit by machine-gun fire. When Holt went to his assistance he found that George was already dead and so he dragged him into a shell hole and covered him with a waterproof sheet.

On 20 March 1917, the War Office wrote again to George’s mother, sending their deep regrets, but stating that they believed he had been killed somewhere between Munich and Frankfurt Trenches on 23 November. George’s body was recovered and he was laid to rest in Waggon Road Cemetery.

The men stranded in the German trench were never rescued and managed to hold out for another couple of days. By the time that they came to surrender, after another severe enemy attack, only 15 unwounded soldiers were able to stagger out of Frankfurt Trench and hand themselves over to the Germans.

Thanks to Mike Murray and http://www.nam.ac.uk


Wilfred Walter Sydee.
He died on 25/05/1918 and was buried in VIII.O.28 of Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souche
( Service No 47943)


Click on this photo to enlarge

Sent in by Pat Hackett (her uncle) in Australia


11434 Private Walter Wood
16th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers
Date of Death: 05/04/1918
Grave Reference:
A. 8.
Cemetery:
QUESNOY FARM MILITARY CEMETERY


Walter and has wife Louisa
sent in by Angela Hulse


This is a picture of my grandad, Private Thomas Dunn Regimental Number 15061, of the 16th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers (2nd Salford Pals). Taken whilst training in Conway, I think. Please can he be added to the gallery on the Lancs Fusiliers website. Grandad survived the slaughter, but never talked much about it (or else I was too young to listen properly).

Grandad's brother in law, Harold Ferguson, (husband of Martha Dunn) was the first of the Salford Pals to be killed, on 23.12.1915.

Regards
Jenny Mitton

Name: John William Baron
Birth Place: Rochdale, Lancs
Death Date: 3 Apr 1918
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Rochdale
Rank: Private
Regiment: Lancashire Fusiliers
Battalion: 16th Battalion
Number: 34320
Type of Casualty: Killed in action
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

16th Bn (2nd Salford Pals) Lancashire Fusiliers
E Coy 1914-1915

Click on photo to enlarge it
Capt E Crompton, 1st Lieut A Nelson Allen, 2ng Lieut Lindsay Jones, 2nd Lieut H B Rylands, 2nd Lieut E A Owen

Hastings J (Coy Sgt Mj), Douglas W J (Coy Q M S), Bradshaw S J (Sergt, )Burns T (Sergt, )Masterton R (Sergt), Brooks W (Sergt)

Aldis B

Atherton F

Almond T

Ball T

Banner A E

Bates R

Bevins S

Booth A

Bluer H

Brooks J

Bottomley G

Berry L

Barnsley T

Boland J

Bidmead B L

Barnes P

Bates W

Brough J

Baker C

Baron A

Basson A

Bowling A

Barnes J

Buck H

Brown E

Bouley T

Braime A J (Corpl)

Burnett J W

Barlow B

Barnes A

Broom A

Broadhurst T

Beswick Wilfred

Berisford J

Beswick William

Broughton J

Cashin John (Lce Corpl)

Cashin James (Corpl)

Colclough J (Lce Corpl0

Crossley J

Chapman P

Crowden W

Coxon T

Cook J

Cordwell J

Clements C

Cordwell P

Chilton J

Connolly W

Crawshaw J

Cunliffe J

Derbyshire W

Dudley G (Corpl)

Day W

Dunn T

Dainty J

D'Arcy T

Dickman H

Davenport A

Dodd T

Dawson T

Dammery B

Davies R

Dyke E

Duncalf E

Egerton J


Edwards R

Edwards A

Ertkamp F

Egan J

Evans J R

Evans J

Eastwood M

Evans W

Edwards P

Evans J T

Fellon G A

Ferber H

Freeman J

Flynn E

Ferguson H

Fenny J F

Fairhurst J C (Lce Corpl)

Gee R

Grimshaw W

Gostridge J

Greenhalgh A

Greatorex Walter

Greatorex William

Greenhalgh Wm

Greenhalgh J

Glover J T

Garry J

Griffiths W

Grime H

Gibson J

Harrison P (Corpl)

Hardman W

Harrison J A

Hill T F

Hesford J

Horten J W

Hunt W

Higham A E

Haworth A

Hilton R E

Harrison P

Hulme W

Harrison F

Hughes W

Hall A E

Hutchinson C J

Hughes A

Hall B L

Hardman A

Hayman W

Jenkins J

Jones P T

Jackson H

Jones Maurice

Joyce H

Jones A

Jenkinson C

Jameson A

Jackson J

Kilburn J

Kilgariff J

Knight J

Kettle P

Kelly T D

Lee H (Corpl)

Lemmon H (Corpl)
Levy M

Lamb D

Lord M (Sergt)

Lyman J

Lawley E

Lawton F

Lawler A

Leigh W

Lawrence G E

Lloyd P

Lewis J W

Lewis R

Masterson T (Corpl)

Maine J

Machell P S (Sergt)

Moore F

McNally J

McKenna J

McLachlan F

McDermott P

Moss W

Mack J

Marsh W H

Moores A

Morris J

Mee J W

Morton F

Mather C

Naylor W H

Nuttall A

Oliver A

O'Brien L (Lce Corpl)

Ormrod F

Oldfield T

Ormrod E

Parker W H

Peters J E (Lce Corpl)

Pilkington A

Preston C

Philips H

Pye W

Parker R

Potts P W (Lce Corpl)

Potter H

Pearson J

Price S

Rayson J M

Richards A

Rowlands J

Riley J

Rowley T

Read J

Radford J

Royle J

Richards E

Rowlands E

Rushton W

Rothwell H

Ryder J

Stretch J W

Savage W

Stringer

Shaples S

Smethurst W

Seddon S

Syddall J W

Senior R

Swarbrick R

Stott J

Shaw R

Savage J H

Smith J

Schofield J T

Sharples H

Seddons W

Sambrook H

Sweeney T

Sharples A

Seddon F (Lce Corpl)

Sant T J (Sergt)

Smith T

Taylor J

T?&?hall J C (Lce Corpl)

Thompson W

Tarrant A

Thompson C (Corpl)

Thompson G (Lce Corpl)

Tickle W

Taylor T

Tomlinson J H

Taylor S (Corpl)

Turner F

Talley G

Thornley W

Tomkinson A E

Tuckley S E

Vost T

Worthington F

Wolstenholme F

White J W (Lce Corpl)

Wolfenden J

Whalley J

Wilson A

Wray Joseph

Wakley A E

Worthington H

Watson W H

Withers J

Wilkes U

Wray J T

Walsh P

Wilson J (Corpl)

Wolstenholme H

Williams J

Wainwright J

Wallwork J E

Wilkinson H

Wolstencroft H

Wallwork R

Yardley E

Young T

Youngman S

Yates A

A
B
C
D
1

Thomas Cockayne
Click on his photo to see
his story
Story updated 20th Dec 2008

Grandfather
of
Ian Lewis
2

"11789 Fus Harold Mottershead did not make it,he was killed on the 2nd July 1916, probably 2 days after writing the message on the wall. (Joe)"

7PL



3

235093
Private Matthew Lomax
Click here to go to
Lomax family tree

Matthew Lomax service Record

Medal entitlement Roll


sent in by Mel Lomax


51469 Private John William Slade MM
Date of Death: 05/11/1918 died from wounds
Age:20
16th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers (2nd Salford Pals)

John was awarded the MM "Posthumously" for the action in the capture of Ramicourt (Hindenburg Line) on the 2nd October 1918
during which he was mortally wounded and died of his wounds on the 5th November 1918 "The award was announced in the London Gazette on the 14th May 1919"
PREMONT BRITISH CEMETERY

Grave ReferenceII. E. 13.

Additional Information:
Son of William and Elizabeth Slade, of 18, Crosland Terrace, Helsby, Warrington, Cheshire.

STONE, ARTHUR
Rank:Lieutenant Colonel
Date of Death:02/10/1918
Age:41
Regiment/Service:Lancashire Fusiliers
16th Bn.
Awards:D S O
Grave ReferenceB. 12.
CemeteryHANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Son of Emily Frances Stone, of 21, Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath, London, and the late Edward Stone.
Arthur's Brother was Walter Napleton Stone VC 3rd Bn Royal Fusiliers Click here for more details of Walter

These are pics of 37789 Samuel Kershaw of the 16th Bn .
Born 28/03 1894 died in Stepping Hill Hospital 22/01/1964.


Samuel Kershaw and my Grandma Lily Rabone


17th Manchester Company BB Christ Church Salford.

Samuel is bottom left
sorry the bottom 3 will not enlarge
Sent in by grandaughter Barbara Marshall. 20 November 2011.
27/12/2011


Taken from the Bury Times
89 year old Arthur Hardman Finally paid respect to his father he never meet



12442 Pte J Hardman.
This brave LF was in 11 platoon of C Company of the 2nd Salford Pals(16th Bn The XX The Lancashire Fusiliers when he enlisted and went to train at Conway on the 11th Feb 1915.
His OC was Captain R B Knott and his CSM was WO2 F A Ford.
His Platoon Officer was 2nd Lt R W Sharratt and his Platoon Sgt was Sgt Bulmer.
His Section Comdr was Cpl JJ Hayes and his Section 2i/c was L/cpl Broe
He enlisted with C McKale and they were given consecutive numbers.


Sgt Arthur Sidney Smith MM
born 9th July 1892
24 Lurgan Ave Fulham London.
Died 27 Jan 1966 in Wolverhampton aged 74 of pneumonia
12019 Sgt Arthur Sidney Smith served in 8 Platoon of B Company 16th Bn the Lancashire Fusiliers
( The Second Salford Pals)

His Company Commander was Captain T F Tweed and his CSM was W Robinson.

His PLatoon Commander was Lt C W Smith.

On the 19th December 1915, Sgt A Smith of the 16th Bn earned the Military Medal at a place called La Boisselle.

He rescued 4 men after a mine explosion and also made a gallant attempt to rescue a fifth man who was lying out in the open with wounds.
Sgt Smith went out under heavy fire more than once ,the final time he had a rope attached to him so that he could drag the wounded man back.
Unfortunately the wounded man died before he could get him back.
Sgt Smith then went out the next night and covered up the body.

He was later transferred to the Labour Corp as he had received a war wound, and became entitled to the Silver War Wound Badge (SWB).

His MM is entered in the London Gazette Supplement numbered 5596 Gazette Issue 29608 published on the 2 June 1916. Page 44 of 52.


The man in civilian clothes is William Beard.

It is believed that William is one of the men who owed his life to Sgt Smith.

57334 Private Leslie Shilton


The Second Salford Pals 16th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers.
Died 4th November 1918 whilst involved in action to cross the Sambre-Oise Canal.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=336424
Leslie's resting place was visited by his niece Eileen Sadler (nee Shilton)
and her daughter Elizabeth of Burbage, Leicestershire on April 24th 2008. A peaceful and beautiful place.

"ONE DAY OUR LORD
WAS GATHERING FLOWERS
AT EVENTIDE
HE GATHERED OURS"

 
11557 Private JOHN JARDINE,


Age: 39
Date of Death: 22/03/1916
Killed in action of wounds
March 22nd 1916.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=204919
He enlisted in Salford in 1916 and was placed in 12 Platoon C Coy 16th bn .
His OC was captain R B Knott,his CSM was F A Ford.
His Platoon Commander was Lt F J Hick and his Platoon Sgt was Sgt G Johnson.
Corporal Harry Lloyd BIDMEAD

Service No:12590, aged 23. Buried in Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, Pas-de-Calais, France.
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=584948


Name in a tunnel— before soldier’s death on the Somme

THE year is 1916 and behind the front lines of the Somme a young soldier sits in a cramped, dark tunnel waiting his turn to be called above ground to face almost certain death.

For Kearsley soldier 11789 Private Harold Mottershead, of the Lancashire Fusiliers' 2nd Salford Pals, time hung heavy. And as he waited, he carved his name and battalion details on the tunnel walls, to ease the agony and to show he was there.

Within hours, the young married man was dead killed in the first attack on Thiepval one of thousands of British troops lost on the nation's costliest day of a brutal war. His body was never found and he was listed missing in action.

Decades went by and poppies covered the French fields where so many died, and the graffiti in the tunnels from the long-dead hands of British and Canadian soldiers lay undisturbed.

The passages under the church in the village of Bouzincourt, originally created in the Middle Ages to allow local people to hide from invaders such as the Vikings, became dangerous and hard to reach.

But a village official found his way through them to photograph the graffiti as a record of the "war to end all wars".

And a former Bolton woman, who had married a Frenchman and made her life in the area, deciphered them.

Paula Kesteloot, formerly Flanagan, is an ex-Farnworth Grammar School and Bolton South Sixth Form College student who is now teaching languages in French primary and secondary schools.

She knows a great deal about the First World War and its local connections; she worked as a translator and text writer for the Somme trench museum and runs battlefield walks.

She lives in Albert, which was a British garrison town on the western front of the Somme battlegrounds, and was intrigued by the soldiers' wartime words, especially those of Pte Motterhead, who came from Kearsley where she grew up.

"All I know is that his wife at the time, Nancy Mottershead, became Nancy Street and her later address was 434 Manchester Road, Kearsley.

"It was very moving when I read the words the soldiers wrote then, and I just thought that the families and remaining relatives would like to know about how they spent their final hours before they died," Paula explained.

She also wants them to know that, in spite of the years and the distance, the soldiers are not forgotten in 2006. Young pupils in her primary school, Notre Dame, are each adopting one of the 20 soldiers identified from the tunnels as part of the 90th anniversary of the Somme battle on July 1.

They will write a poem for each soldier, and read them at ceremonies at the two cemeteries where the soldiers are buried or whose names are on the famous Thiepval Monument.

Then they will place their poem and a poppy for each soldier's name on the graves to show that, in the hearts of a new French generation, this corner of a French battlefield will be forever England.

l Paula Kesteloot wishes to thank Neil Drum for his book, God's Own, and the Lancashire Fusiliers Museum in Bury in her battlefield researches.