1st / 6th Lancashire Fusiliers
Sep 1914 - May 1915
Egypt

Gallipoli: Town's brave sons under a hostile Eastern sky

"THE word came to advance and every man got onto the trench top - immediately a storm of bullets met us. I lost a lot of my friends that day... I have often heard people talk about 'hell', but I never thought I should see it."

These are the words of Private Briggs of Middleton in a letter to his sister, a Mrs Hardman of Hanging Birch, Rhodes, telling her about his first taste of combat on May 6, 1915, at Gallipoli.

Briggs was one of close to 250 Middleton men who had been part-time Territorial, or Saturday soldiers prior to the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914.

By the end of 1915, 50 Middleton men would have given their lives at Gallipoli, and three times as many were wounded, many of them seriously.

It was a nightmare that the territorials could never have envisaged when proudly answering the call to arms little more than 12 months before.

The Middleton territorials were called to the Drill Hall, on Rochdale Road (opposite where the BP garage now stands), on the day war broke out on August 4 and duly marched to Rochdale to join up with the other men who were to fight alongside them as part of the 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers - 500 Rochdale territorials and 250 from Todmorden.

These men were a near-perfect cross section of local society. The officers were from wealthy families and the men came from all walks of life - from white collar roles with the local council to labouring jobs in the mills. Private Briggs, for example, was a Middleton mill hand while his commander was Major Lees, who was a wealthy landowner living in Alkrington Hall.

All of these men put their normal lives on hold to train daily for combat.

On the outbreak of a European war, the role of the territorials was to look after home defence so that the professional army could be freed to deal with the fighting on foreign shores. However, because so many of our professional regiments were already scattered around the Empire, Lord Kitchener (the Minister for War) quickly saw the need for the part-time soldiers to take their place abroad.

The vast majority of the Middleton men who made up the battalion rapidly agreed to an overseas posting and, on August 20, were moved to a camp in Turton, prior to embarkation to Egypt. They were to become part of the 42nd East Lancashire Division, made up of men from other Lancashire towns like Bury, Bolton, Blackburn, Burnley, Manchester, Ashton, Oldham and Wigan.

These 16,000 Lancastrians were the first territorial soldiers to ever volunteer for foreign service and, on September 10, became the first to leave British shores. Their task was to police Egypt and, more importantly, protect the vital trade route of the Suez Canal.

However, their presence wasn't appreciated by all on board the ship to the East.

One senior officer, serving with the socially elite Westminster Dragoons Territorial Cavalry Unit, had the following to say: "They clog dance on all occasions, look dirty and untidy and have bad manners. Good God, what a sight met my eyes between decks - shambles and filth. Their officers all say 'thee' and 'thou', even the captains. They are the commonest of men I ever saw. I would rather desert in Egypt than put up with the return journey. I can't think I left a valet and maid at home."

Fifteen days after setting sail from Southampton, the 42nd Division convoy docked at Alexandria and was moved by train to Cairo. Khaki pith helmets were despatched to the delight of the great adventurers from Lancashire... the official history of the division reports the following exhange: "Bill, will they let us tak' these whoam wi' us?" Bill replied: "Tha'll be lucky if tha tak's thi yed whoam, never mind thi 'elmet."

There now commenced months of hellish desert training, including marches reaching up to 32 miles in the full heat of the day, complete with 65lb packs on their backs. Needless to say, the weak were soon weeded out.

The Middleton men were, however, becoming aware that the gruelling training may well be a precursor to the kind of action they had envisaged on volunteering.

On November 5 the Turks entered the war on the side of the Germans. Still, it wasn't until nearly six months later, on April 28, 1915, they were informed that they would be going to join the allied attack against the Turks at Gallipoli.

If the men were initially excited, they were soon to get a distressing foretaste of the dark days that lay ahead.

Among the boats provided in the first week in May to take the men to the peninsula were vessels that had recently been used to ferry dead and wounded from Gallipoli. Two battalions of the division found themselves sat amid gory clothing and stretchers. The brutality of war was now a reality.

Sir John Maxwell, who had had ultimate control of the Lancashire men during their time in Cairo, wrote a letter to the their commanding officer prior to their departure for Gallipoli. He said of the men: "I am sure they will fight gallantly and uphold the great traditions of Lancashire and the Empire and prove, if proof be needed, that the trained Territorial soldier is second to none."

Let us hope that what was to happen in the coming weeks would more than answer his question.

In Memoriam

Died on 15/07/1917
Private David Gordon
1/6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

Having previously served in the 6th Lancashire Fusiliers, he re-enlisted on Aug 6th 1914 and on Sept 9th sailed to Egypt. In December 1914, he was suffering blindness in the right eye and he was returned to the UK in April 1915 and discharged later the same month.
Prior to joining the army he worked for Mr S. Matthews as a plumber and was connected with St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Private Gordon died of TB on July 15th, 1917 at 33, Stuart St, Middleton.

For some unknown reason, David’s death isn’t classed as a war casualty and with recent research we have now located his burial plot at St Leonard’s, and bizarrely he shares a grave with another Lancashire Fusilier man to die at home, Lance Corporal Thomas Elliott, who died two years earlier in January 1915.
Only his name is inscribed on the headstone and not David Gordon’s as his death is not classed as a war related even though his name is inscribed on the Middleton war memorial,

The photo shows the neglected and overgrown resting place of both brave men, who are rightly remembered today.
Died on 04/07/1915
Private John Whitworth
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers

Private John Whitworth of the 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, whose home address was Factory Street, Middleton, died on July 4th, 1915 from wounds received in action at the Dardanelles on May 5th.
From Egypt he was conveyed to hospital at Netley, suffering from severe wounds in the head, and he was buried in England with military honours.
His widow and children were present at the funeral. The late soldier was 43 years of age, having joined the regulars as a young man and afterwards rejoined the 6th Battalion at the outbreak of war.

May 5th was the day the 1/6th were in action for the first time at Gallipoli, known as the 'Second Battle of Krithia'
Private Whitworth is buried at Netley Cemetery in Hampshire.

Netley Military Cemetery is a permanent military cemetery, the property of the Ministry of Defence. The cemetery was at the back of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital and was used during both wars for burials from the hospital.

The cemetery contains 636 First World War burials.
Died on 19/06/1915
Private Jack Grimshaw
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers

One of the original Middleton Territorials who left the Drill Hall early August 1914, and after a spell in Egypt, he landed at Gallipoli on the 5th of May 1915.
He was 22 when he was killed.
Private Grimshaw was listed as missing, and his name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial.

And just an excuse to post again the wonderful colourisation of the Middleton men en-route to the Gallipoli beaches. Our man Jack could be one of the men.

Soldiers Died in the Great War lists his name as Jocks Grimshaw, could be a nickname or just a typo.

Jack's brother Harold was killed a year later in 1916.
Although both were born in Chadderton, Jack was a resident of Middleton at the time, hence why Jack is on the Middleton Memorial and Harold isn't.
Died on 22/04/1916
Private Stanley Oldham
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers

Private Stanley Oldham, of Peach Bank Street, Middleton, was 54 years of age when, in the service of the Lancashire Fusiliers, he passed away. He came from an old fighting family, for one of his ancestors fought and fell at the Battle of Waterloo. Oldham was a sergeant in the volunteers, and then became attached to the National Reserve. At the outbreak of war he, along with other Reserve men, offered his services and went with the battalion to Egypt. Illness necessitated his removal to Ireland, where he was given his discharge in July 1915. He came home practically unable to follow his own employment as a joiner. He was given a military funeral at Tonge church.

Although illness sustained in Egypt cut short his military career, the CWGC doesn't have him listed as a casualty from the Great War.

The Guardian also states that his son travelled with him to Egypt with the 1/6th and was wounded at Gallipoli.
Died on 20/12/1915
Private John Newton
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers.

Private John Newton of the 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers, was killed in action at the Dardanelles on December 20th, 1915. He was only 19 years of age and join the colours on May 5th, 1915, being then employed as a piecer at the Malta Mill. He was also a member of the Mills Hill Baptist Church and Sunday School. A comrade writing to the deceased soldier's aunt at Baytree Lane, Middleton Junction, said: "We were very sorry when he got killed. We were together in the firing line, and have been together some weeks. Please accept my sympathy and it be maybe some slight comfort to you to know that he suffered no pain being killed instantaneously by a bullet through the head, and is buried with some of these comrades on the beach at Lancashire Landing, where the 1st Fusiliers made history. Poor lad, if he had lived for six days he would have been saved, for we got relieved off the peninsula on the 26th. He was always cheerful, never complaining, and met his end like a British soldier without a murmur, or a groan."

Another famous Territorial from Middleton, also laid to rest in the same cemetery as yesterday's casualty.
Twelve Tree Copse British Cemetery at Gallipoli.
Died on 19/12/1915
Corporal Chadwick Davies
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers.

On December 19th, 1915, Corporal Chadwick Davies, of the 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers, was killed at the Dardanelles. He was 23 years of age, and proceeded with his Regiment to Egypt on the outbreak of war, being at that time employed at the Albany Mill, where he worked for his father as a piecer. He was also connected with St Michael's Church and Sunday School. A chaplain writing to the parents said: "One of our mines was exploded, and our men dashed out of our trenches to take possession of the crater which was formed by the explosion. I understand that your son was killed instantaneously. We offer you our sincere sympathy in your great loss, and I hope God may grant you strength and comfort. We buried him on Monday evening December 20th in the moonlight, in a part of this gully called Geogheghan's Bluff. He has done very good work since he has been here. England will never go under so long as there are men like your son and his comrades, who made a great sacrifice last Sunday."

Corporal Davies is laid to rest at Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey.

One of the original 1/6th men who left Middleton Drill Hall in August 1914, and tragically killed only a week or so before the evacuation of the peninsula.
Died on 25/11/1915
Private Frank Radcliffe
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers.

Private Frank Radcliffe of the 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers, died at Malta on November 25th,1915, as a result of dysentery. He was a member of the National Reserves, was 39 years of age, and was formerly employed at the Soudan Mill, He resided at Norman Street, Middleton.

Private Radcliffe is laid to rest at Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Dysentery caused many casualties during the Gallipoli campaign, due to lack of fresh water and unburied dead scattering the battlefield that had laid out in the sun all summer, bringing plagues of flies causing untold misery on the men. Malta was a major hospital dealing with the wounded from Gallipoli.
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Died on 19/06/1915
Private Jack Grimshaw
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers

One of the original Middleton Territorials who left the Drill Hall early August 1914, and after a spell in Egypt, he landed at Gallipoli on the 5th of May 1915.
He was 22 when he was killed.
Private Grimshaw was listed as missing, and his name is inscribed on the Helles Memorial.

And just an excuse to post again the wonderful colourisation of the Middleton men en-route to the Gallipoli beaches. Our man Jack could be one of the men.

Soldiers Died in the Great War lists his name as Jocks Grimshaw, could be a nickname or just a typo.

Jack's brother Harold was killed a year later in 1916.
Although both were born in Chadderton, Jack was a resident of Middleton at the time, hence why Jack is on the Middleton Memorial and Harold isn't.

Died 13/04/1915
Private Ernest Heap

1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers.

Private Heap, was the Son of Mrs. Jane Heap, who was the landlady of the Brown Cow at Slattocks, Middleton.

Private Heap was the first casualty of the Middleton Territorials
The following was took from the Rochdale Observer newspaper.

An officer with the 1/6th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers writes from Cairo under date April 14th :-
I much regret to inform you that the battalion has just lost its first man. Private E. Heap (attached to the “B” company, and the son of Mrs. Heap. The landlady of the Brown Cow at Slattocks) has been in hospital for a fortnight, and died last night.
He was buried in a English cemetery this afternoon at 5pm, with full military honours. I have just got back from the funeral. It’s a great pity, for he was a fine chap and a good soldier. He only joined the battalion at Turton. He was a fitter by trade, and aged only 22. He seems to have died of fever.

Private Heap is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Photos show Private Heap, his cemetery where he's laid to rest and the Brown Cow pub where he lived.
Died on 17/10/1917
Private William Simpson
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers

Private William Simpson of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who resided at 14, Foundry Street, Middleton, was killed in action on October 17th, 1917. The late soldier was 25 years of age, and joined the colours in September, 1914, prior to which he was employed at the Townley Mill, and was also a steward at the Tonge Church Institute. Private J. H. Ashton wrote to the father. "It is with a very heavy and sorrowful heart I express my deep sympathy with you in your great loss of a beloved son.
I can assure you that I am writing the lines that all comrades and myself feel from the bottom of our hearts. We can do little to ease your suffering, as we feel that we have lost one who can never be replaced, as he filled a place amongst us and was always like a bright star when the night seemed darkest, and was always cheerful and ready to cheer others when things were at their worst, with never a thought for himself.
We know that our loss and sorrow are nothing compared with yours. He fought and fell fighting for his king and country. I can assure you he is buried in a nice cemetery with many other brave fellows."

Private Simpson is laid to rest at Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Private Fred Simpson, William's brother was killed in September of the same year.
Private Fred Buckley
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers.

Private Fred Buckley, aged 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Buckley, 239, Grimshaw Lane, Middleton Junction, died in hospital on March 20th, 1918, following an operation. This soldier enlisted in the Lancashire Fusiliers on September 13th, 1914, and went through the Dardanelles and Egyptian campaigns, afterwards been transferred to France.
He was formerly employed as a packer at the Soudan Mill, and was connected with the Salem Congressional Church as well as the Sunday School Football League. Writing to Mrs Buckley, the matron said. "Your son had a great deal of pain in the first part of his illness, but at the end was quite free.
Everything was done that could be done, and he wanted for nothing. Please accept my deepest sympathy with you in this great loss.
The chaplain wrote. "I deeply regret to have to inform you that your son passed away shortly after signing the letter which I wrote for him yesterday. He was very ill indeed at the time, but bravely made up his mind to sign it and send you an encouraging message. He then joined in prayer with me and seemed quite ready for whatever God had in store for him. He was a good lad and died a brave death.
May God in his mercy give you all possible comfort at this sad time."

Private Buckley is laid to rest at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, France.
Died on 03/09/1915
Private Harold Lees
1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers

Private Harold Lees, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lees, 26, Greenhill Road, Middleton Junction, was killed in action at the Dardanelles on September 3rd, 1915.
He was with the 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers, and was only 23 years of age. Before rejoining and going out with his Regiment to Egypt, Lees had already served four years in the Territorials. In the first grand assault at the Dardanelles he was slightly wounded, being taken from there to Malta, where he speedily recovered and was sent back to the firing line. At home he was connected with Jumbo Primitive Methodist School and was very well known.

Private Lees is laid to rest at Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery, on the Gallipoli Peninsular.
Cpl Hugh Robinson



http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1587575


Convalescent Home

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Hugh's
Details

Rochdale Observer

16th June 1938
The Lancashire Fusiliers 250th Anniversary
War History of local Battalions
1st/6th and 2nd/6th became the 6th Battalion
Click on newspaper for full size paper


note the 6 over the LF over the grenade
on the red flash badge