Thursday, 30 September 2010
After three long years of fighting on the Western Front Frank goes back to civilian life and returns to his parents home in Willenhall.
He was determined not to go back to work in the lock trade,his elder brother Harry had for some time worked for the Pearl Assurance and I think this encouraged him to do the same, he soon got employment with the Pearl at Tipton
He was determined not to go back to work in the lock trade,his elder brother Harry had for some time worked for the Pearl Assurance and I think this encouraged him to do the same, he soon got employment with the Pearl at Tipton
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
David Appleby
Same age as Frank (being 8 in the 1901 census) and living in Hall Street, Willenhall, not far from Wood Street where Frank was living in 1901. Fellow RAMC Territorial. Frank reports to Drill Hall with David when war is declared. David is mentioned several times throughout Frank’s diaries.
Florrie Ash (David Appleby’s girlfriend)
Florence B. Ash, aged 6 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Will (William) Aston aged 5 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Harold Baker
Alfred Bateman
Len Burrows
George Cartwright
I H Colley - died 1st July 1916. Private, RAMC 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Foncquevillers Military Cemetery (CWGC)
Joe Court
Col. Dent
Percy William Diment - died 22nd May 1918 aged 20. Private, RAMC, 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Houchin British Cemetery (CWGC)
Thomas Dugmore - manager at Beddow & Sturmey, lockmakers where Frank worked before the War. Also a friend. Frank receives a parcel from ‘Ada & Ruth’ - this could be Frank’s sister Ada and Thomas Dugmore’s daughter, Ruth who were the same age (both born 1889)
Joe Edge
There are three males called Joseph Edge in the 1901 census born/living Willenhall, they are aged 9, 13 and 16
Eddie Edwards
Fairbanks son (leg amputated)
Joe Fletcher (wife dies)
Harold Ford
Jack Forrester
Company Sergeant Major John Forrester, South Staffordshire Regiment died 15th August 1915 aged 34 years (CWGC)
Humfrey Fox
Roland Grif (Griffiths)-Ethel’s ex boyfriend?
Age 9 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall. Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 23. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Charlie Griffiths (not Roland’s brother)
Tom Hall
C. Horace Harding - died 14th October 1916 aged 19. Driver, Royal Field Artillery. Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Extension (CWGC)
Haselden - Hasleden’s son - may be Pte Robert Haselden, South Staffs Regiment died 29 August 1915 aged 20 years. Memorial is at Blaupoort Farm Cemetery, hence the Blue Fort or Point Farm.
George Hidens - died 24th April 1917. Staff Serjeant, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Canadian Cemetery Neuville-St Vaast (CWGC)
Major A.E. Hodder - later Lt. Col.
Clarrie (Clarence)Hoggins - brother of Bertina (Bertha) who marries Harry Ward-Frank’s older brother. Age 9 in 1901 census
Born/living Willenhall
Jim (James) Horton
Age 14 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall, occupation ‘Pawnbrokers Assistant’.
From Vaughan's Pawn shop, went to Australia; wounded.
Chaplain Howard
Hunt - Wood Street
Harold Jordon
Major Percy Arnold Lloyd-Jones DSO (later Lt. Col.)- died 22nd December 1916 aged 40. RAMC. Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. (CWGC)
Fred Lockley - Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 17. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Bert (William Hubert) Mather - Lance Corporal, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Died 5th June 1918 aged 26. Pernes British Cemetery. (CWGC)
Arthur Moore
Captain W.C. Parkes ‘C’ Company 1/6 South Staffs.
Rev. Arthur Morrell Pratt
Vicar of St Giles Church, Willenhall which Frank attended and was also bell ringer. He is Chaplain during the war. Died 29th June 1917 aged 42, leaving a wife. He is buried in Rouen Military Cemetery, France. (CWGC)
Mr Protheroe & wife (friends of Rev Pratt)
Fred Redfern
Frank, Colin, William Seckington
3 brothers aged 10, 12 and 13 respectively in 1901 Census
All born/living Willenhall.
Lieutenant Frank Seckington 1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment died 14 July 1916 aged 26. Thiepval Memorial. (CWGC).
Edith Southall
Sid Southall
Jack Southall
(Ethel’s sister & brothers).
Tom Spate of Love Lane ‘who goes with Parramp’s ? daughter’
He is age 6 is the 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Major Charles Algernon Stidston
Capt. Strange
Sid Tildesley
Reginald & Roland Tonks
These two appear to be cousins, aged 12 and 6 respectively, both born/living Willenhall in 1901 census.
(‘one being Charlie’s son, the other being Enoch’s son’).
Enoch Tonks’ father set up the lock making firm ‘ETAS’ (Enoch Tonks and Sons) which was taken over by Yale in 1963. Both families had two servants each in the 1901 Census so were probably quite well off.
Reginald was a Lance Corporal in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and died on 13th October 1915 aged 26. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Roland Tonks was a Private in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and also died on 13th October 1915 aged 20. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Arthur Walker
Chris Wallater - fellow bell ringer, 38 Riley Street, Willenhall.
Albert Ward
Fred Ward
Will Ward
(Frank’s brothers: Albert & Fred serve in the war, Will is living in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).
Mr & Mrs Watterson
This could be George & Betsy Watterson (aged 56 & 52 in 1901 Census, living Willenhall) His occupation is ‘Keysmith’.
Lattie (Latimer) Wedge aged 11 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Albert Welch
Laurie (Lawrence) J Williams aged 9 in 1901 born Hanley, Worcs, living Willenhall.
Col. Wrath
Same age as Frank (being 8 in the 1901 census) and living in Hall Street, Willenhall, not far from Wood Street where Frank was living in 1901. Fellow RAMC Territorial. Frank reports to Drill Hall with David when war is declared. David is mentioned several times throughout Frank’s diaries.
Florrie Ash (David Appleby’s girlfriend)
Florence B. Ash, aged 6 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Will (William) Aston aged 5 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall
Harold Baker
Alfred Bateman
Len Burrows
George Cartwright
I H Colley - died 1st July 1916. Private, RAMC 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Foncquevillers Military Cemetery (CWGC)
Joe Court
Col. Dent
Percy William Diment - died 22nd May 1918 aged 20. Private, RAMC, 1st/3rd (North Midland) Field Amb. Houchin British Cemetery (CWGC)
Thomas Dugmore - manager at Beddow & Sturmey, lockmakers where Frank worked before the War. Also a friend. Frank receives a parcel from ‘Ada & Ruth’ - this could be Frank’s sister Ada and Thomas Dugmore’s daughter, Ruth who were the same age (both born 1889)
Joe Edge
There are three males called Joseph Edge in the 1901 census born/living Willenhall, they are aged 9, 13 and 16
Eddie Edwards
Fairbanks son (leg amputated)
Joe Fletcher (wife dies)
Harold Ford
Jack Forrester
Company Sergeant Major John Forrester, South Staffordshire Regiment died 15th August 1915 aged 34 years (CWGC)
Humfrey Fox
Roland Grif (Griffiths)-Ethel’s ex boyfriend?
Age 9 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall. Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 23. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Charlie Griffiths (not Roland’s brother)
Tom Hall
C. Horace Harding - died 14th October 1916 aged 19. Driver, Royal Field Artillery. Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Extension (CWGC)
Haselden - Hasleden’s son - may be Pte Robert Haselden, South Staffs Regiment died 29 August 1915 aged 20 years. Memorial is at Blaupoort Farm Cemetery, hence the Blue Fort or Point Farm.
George Hidens - died 24th April 1917. Staff Serjeant, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Canadian Cemetery Neuville-St Vaast (CWGC)
Major A.E. Hodder - later Lt. Col.
Clarrie (Clarence)Hoggins - brother of Bertina (Bertha) who marries Harry Ward-Frank’s older brother. Age 9 in 1901 census
Born/living Willenhall
Jim (James) Horton
Age 14 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall, occupation ‘Pawnbrokers Assistant’.
From Vaughan's Pawn shop, went to Australia; wounded.
Chaplain Howard
Hunt - Wood Street
Harold Jordon
Major Percy Arnold Lloyd-Jones DSO (later Lt. Col.)- died 22nd December 1916 aged 40. RAMC. Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. (CWGC)
Fred Lockley - Private, 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment died 13 October 1915 aged 17. Loos Memorial. (CWGC)
Bert (William Hubert) Mather - Lance Corporal, RAMC 1st/3rd North Midland Field Amb. Died 5th June 1918 aged 26. Pernes British Cemetery. (CWGC)
Arthur Moore
Captain W.C. Parkes ‘C’ Company 1/6 South Staffs.
Rev. Arthur Morrell Pratt
Vicar of St Giles Church, Willenhall which Frank attended and was also bell ringer. He is Chaplain during the war. Died 29th June 1917 aged 42, leaving a wife. He is buried in Rouen Military Cemetery, France. (CWGC)
Mr Protheroe & wife (friends of Rev Pratt)
Fred Redfern
Frank, Colin, William Seckington
3 brothers aged 10, 12 and 13 respectively in 1901 Census
All born/living Willenhall.
Lieutenant Frank Seckington 1st Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment died 14 July 1916 aged 26. Thiepval Memorial. (CWGC).
Edith Southall
Sid Southall
Jack Southall
(Ethel’s sister & brothers).
Tom Spate of Love Lane ‘who goes with Parramp’s ? daughter’
He is age 6 is the 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Major Charles Algernon Stidston
Capt. Strange
Sid Tildesley
Reginald & Roland Tonks
These two appear to be cousins, aged 12 and 6 respectively, both born/living Willenhall in 1901 census.
(‘one being Charlie’s son, the other being Enoch’s son’).
Enoch Tonks’ father set up the lock making firm ‘ETAS’ (Enoch Tonks and Sons) which was taken over by Yale in 1963. Both families had two servants each in the 1901 Census so were probably quite well off.
Reginald was a Lance Corporal in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and died on 13th October 1915 aged 26. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Roland Tonks was a Private in the 1/6th South Staffordshire Regiment and also died on 13th October 1915 aged 20. Loos memorial (CWGC).
Arthur Walker
Chris Wallater - fellow bell ringer, 38 Riley Street, Willenhall.
Albert Ward
Fred Ward
Will Ward
(Frank’s brothers: Albert & Fred serve in the war, Will is living in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).
Mr & Mrs Watterson
This could be George & Betsy Watterson (aged 56 & 52 in 1901 Census, living Willenhall) His occupation is ‘Keysmith’.
Lattie (Latimer) Wedge aged 11 in 1901 census, born/living Willenhall.
Albert Welch
Laurie (Lawrence) J Williams aged 9 in 1901 born Hanley, Worcs, living Willenhall.
Col. Wrath
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Places mentioned in Frank Ward’s diaries
1915
Newport
A village just south of Saffron Walden in Essex.
Cassel
16km (10 miles) East-North-East of St Omer.
Arneke
8km (5 miles) North-West of Cassel.
Borre
4km (about 2 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
Estaires
12km West-South-West of Armentières, and about 4km (2 1/2 miles) West-South-West of Sailly-sur-la-Lys.
Neuve Chapelle
About 11km (7 miles) North-East of Béthune.
Outtersteene
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Bailleul.
Neuve Eglise
In Belgium, about 7km (nearly 5 miles) North-West of Armentières. Flemish name is Nieuwkerke, which means the same as Neuve Eglise. In recent years many place names have been turned into Flemish, as opposed to the French-style names they had up to the late 20th Century.
Bailleul
In France, 8km (5 miles) West of Neuve-Eglise, and about 12km (7 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
St Julien.
Now St Juliaan, about 4km (2 1/2 miles) North-East of Ypres.
Poperinge
10km (6 miles) West of Ypres (now Ieper on maps).
Locre & Dranoutre
Loker, Dranouter, between Neuve Eglise and Poperinge.
Maple Copse
The name given by the Army to a small plantation about 900 metres east of the village of Zillebeke, and just west of Sanctuary Wood. The place was used by Advanced Dressing Stations.
Zelebeck Lake
Now Zillebeke Lake, 4kms (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Ypres (Ieper).
Flamanting
Now Vlamertinge, 4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Ypres.
Brandhoek
6km (nearly 4 miles) West of Ypres.
Boeschepe
About 6km (nearly 4 miles) South-West of Poperinge.
La Bassée
12km (nearly 8 miles) East of Béthune in France.
Hill 60
So called because it was marked on French maps as 60 metres high. Originally a spoil heap from the construction of the railway cutting nearby. A deadly place of bayonet charges, mining, counter-mining.
Reningelst
Reningelst is about 6kms (nearly 4 miles) South-East of Poperinge.
Gonnehem
6km (4 1/2 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the south.
Vermelles
10km (6 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Allouagne
About 10km (6 miles) West of Béthune.
Lestrem
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Estaires.
Ménice Forest
Not sure of the name - nearest wood of any size is Forêt de Nieppe, about the right distance away.
Zelobes
A small hamlet, in the village of La Couture, about 3km S of Lestrem.
Hinges
About 4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
St Venant
About 10km NE of Hinges.
1916
Isbergues.
Between Béthune and St Omer on the Canal D’Air. About 16km (10 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Berguette station.
About 2km (1 mile) South of Isbergues.
Pont-Remy.
On the river Somme, 8km (5 miles) South-East of Abbeville.
Maison-Roland.
14km (9 miles) East of Abbeville.
Saint Ouen.
12km (8 miles) South-East of Maison Roland.
Longvillers
20 km (12 miles) East of Abbeville.
Doullens
Between Abbeville and Arras; 20km (12 miles) East of Longvillers.
Canettemont
About 16 km (9 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Magnicourt-sur-Canche
10km (6 miles) Sout-East of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Acq
About 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Ecoivres
2km (about a mile) South-East of Acq.
Neuville-Saint-Vaaste
8km (5 miles) North of Arras.
Bailleul-aux-Cornailles
24km (15 miles) North-West of Arras, just off the main road from Arras to St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Ivergny
About 20kms (12 miles) from Bailleul-aux-Cornailles.
Gaudiempre
23km (14 miles) South-West of Arras, near to the front lines. 12 km (8 miles) from Ivergny.
Foncquevillers
8km (5 miles) South-East of Guadiempre.
Savy
Savy-Berlette. 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Bailleulval
16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
La Herlière
6km (4 miles) South-West of Bailleulval.
Berles
Berles-au-Bois: 2km (about a mile) South-West of Bailleulval.
Couturelle
10 km (6 miles) West of Bailleulval.
Avesnes
Avesnes-le-Comte: 12km (8 miles) North-West of Bailleulval.
Frévent
12km (8 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
St Pas
St Pas-en-Artois, 3km (about 2 miles) from Guadiempre.
Bavincourt
Between Doullens and Arras; 16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
Brévillers
About 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, away from the front lines.
Outrebois
About 8km (5 miles) North-West of Doullens.
Gapennes
10km (6 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Froyelles
12km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Yvrench
8km (5 miles) to the South-East of Froyelles.
Bachimont
About 14km (nearly 9 miles) to the North-East of Yvrench.
Bienvillers
Bienvillers-au-Bois, about 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, South of the road to Arras, and very near to where he was in mid-November.
1917
St Amand
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the West of Bienvillers.
Couin
6km (about 4 miles) South-West of Bienvillers.
Souastre
Between Bienvillers and Couin, 5km (3 miles) Sout-West of Bienvillers.
Bus
Bus-lès-Artois, 10km (6 miles) South of Gaudiempre.
Contay
12km (7 1/2 miles) Sout-West of Bus-lès-Artois.
Villers-Bocage
10km (6 miles) North of Amiens.
Saveuse
6km (about 4 miles) West of Amiens.
Bacouel
Bacouel-sur-Selle; 8km (5 miles) South of Saveuse.
Ecquedecques
14km (nearly 9 miles) North-West of Béthune; on the Western outskirts of Lillers.
Ham
Ham-en-Artois;4 km (2 1/2 miles) North of Ecquedecques.
Hinges
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Aix-Noulette
12km (7 1/2 miles) South of Béthune.
Liévin
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the East, on the Western outskirts of Lens.
Labeuvriére
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Vermelles
8km (5 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Labourse
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Noeux-les-Mines
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Labourse.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the South-West.
1918
Annezin
Now a suburb in the West of Béthune.
Nédon
20km (12 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Marles
Marles-les-Mines; 8km (5 miles) West of Béthune.
Auchel
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Marles.
Prédefin
8km (5 miles) West of Nédon.
Divion
12km (7 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Bruay
Near Divion, to the North-East.
Hesdigneul
4km ( 2 1/2 miles) towards Béthune from Bruay.
Essars
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Le Hamel
The hamlet about 1km (1/2 mile) North-East of Essars.
Beuvry
4km (2 1/2 miles) East of Béthune.
Gorre
A small village just outside Béthune, to the North-East.
Calanne-Ricouart Station
14km (8 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Wimereux
Seaside town just North along the Channel Coast from Boulogne.
Ambleteuse
Village on the Channel Coast North of Wimereux.
Brie
8km (5 miles) South of Péronne, on the main road from Amiens to St Quentin.
Estrées
Estrées-en-Chaussée, 6km (about 4 miles) East from Brie, towards St Quentin.
Bihécourt
A hamlet 12km (7 1/2 miles) North-West of St Quentin.
Magny-la-Fosse
About 10km (6 miles) North of St Quentin.
Méricourt
12 km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Fresnoy-le-Grand
A short distance North-East of Méricourt.
Bohain
20km (12 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Catillon
16km (10 miles) North-East of Bohain.
Landrecies
8km (5 miles) North-East of Catillon.
Hecq
8km (5 miles) North of Landrecies, on the Western edge of the Forêt de Mormal.
Troisvillers
18km (11 miles) South-East of Cambrai.
Newport
A village just south of Saffron Walden in Essex.
Cassel
16km (10 miles) East-North-East of St Omer.
Arneke
8km (5 miles) North-West of Cassel.
Borre
4km (about 2 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
Estaires
12km West-South-West of Armentières, and about 4km (2 1/2 miles) West-South-West of Sailly-sur-la-Lys.
Neuve Chapelle
About 11km (7 miles) North-East of Béthune.
Outtersteene
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Bailleul.
Neuve Eglise
In Belgium, about 7km (nearly 5 miles) North-West of Armentières. Flemish name is Nieuwkerke, which means the same as Neuve Eglise. In recent years many place names have been turned into Flemish, as opposed to the French-style names they had up to the late 20th Century.
Bailleul
In France, 8km (5 miles) West of Neuve-Eglise, and about 12km (7 1/2 miles) East of Hazebrouck.
St Julien.
Now St Juliaan, about 4km (2 1/2 miles) North-East of Ypres.
Poperinge
10km (6 miles) West of Ypres (now Ieper on maps).
Locre & Dranoutre
Loker, Dranouter, between Neuve Eglise and Poperinge.
Maple Copse
The name given by the Army to a small plantation about 900 metres east of the village of Zillebeke, and just west of Sanctuary Wood. The place was used by Advanced Dressing Stations.
Zelebeck Lake
Now Zillebeke Lake, 4kms (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Ypres (Ieper).
Flamanting
Now Vlamertinge, 4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Ypres.
Brandhoek
6km (nearly 4 miles) West of Ypres.
Boeschepe
About 6km (nearly 4 miles) South-West of Poperinge.
La Bassée
12km (nearly 8 miles) East of Béthune in France.
Hill 60
So called because it was marked on French maps as 60 metres high. Originally a spoil heap from the construction of the railway cutting nearby. A deadly place of bayonet charges, mining, counter-mining.
Reningelst
Reningelst is about 6kms (nearly 4 miles) South-East of Poperinge.
Gonnehem
6km (4 1/2 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the south.
Vermelles
10km (6 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Allouagne
About 10km (6 miles) West of Béthune.
Lestrem
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Estaires.
Ménice Forest
Not sure of the name - nearest wood of any size is Forêt de Nieppe, about the right distance away.
Zelobes
A small hamlet, in the village of La Couture, about 3km S of Lestrem.
Hinges
About 4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
St Venant
About 10km NE of Hinges.
1916
Isbergues.
Between Béthune and St Omer on the Canal D’Air. About 16km (10 miles) North-West of Béthune.
Berguette station.
About 2km (1 mile) South of Isbergues.
Pont-Remy.
On the river Somme, 8km (5 miles) South-East of Abbeville.
Maison-Roland.
14km (9 miles) East of Abbeville.
Saint Ouen.
12km (8 miles) South-East of Maison Roland.
Longvillers
20 km (12 miles) East of Abbeville.
Doullens
Between Abbeville and Arras; 20km (12 miles) East of Longvillers.
Canettemont
About 16 km (9 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Magnicourt-sur-Canche
10km (6 miles) Sout-East of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Acq
About 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Ecoivres
2km (about a mile) South-East of Acq.
Neuville-Saint-Vaaste
8km (5 miles) North of Arras.
Bailleul-aux-Cornailles
24km (15 miles) North-West of Arras, just off the main road from Arras to St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
Ivergny
About 20kms (12 miles) from Bailleul-aux-Cornailles.
Gaudiempre
23km (14 miles) South-West of Arras, near to the front lines. 12 km (8 miles) from Ivergny.
Foncquevillers
8km (5 miles) South-East of Guadiempre.
Savy
Savy-Berlette. 14km (9 miles) North-West of Arras.
Bailleulval
16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
La Herlière
6km (4 miles) South-West of Bailleulval.
Berles
Berles-au-Bois: 2km (about a mile) South-West of Bailleulval.
Couturelle
10 km (6 miles) West of Bailleulval.
Avesnes
Avesnes-le-Comte: 12km (8 miles) North-West of Bailleulval.
Frévent
12km (8 miles) South of St Pol-sur-Ternoise.
St Pas
St Pas-en-Artois, 3km (about 2 miles) from Guadiempre.
Bavincourt
Between Doullens and Arras; 16km (10 miles) South-West of Arras.
Brévillers
About 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, away from the front lines.
Outrebois
About 8km (5 miles) North-West of Doullens.
Gapennes
10km (6 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Froyelles
12km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of Abbeville.
Yvrench
8km (5 miles) to the South-East of Froyelles.
Bachimont
About 14km (nearly 9 miles) to the North-East of Yvrench.
Bienvillers
Bienvillers-au-Bois, about 8km (5 miles) North-East of Doullens, South of the road to Arras, and very near to where he was in mid-November.
1917
St Amand
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the West of Bienvillers.
Couin
6km (about 4 miles) South-West of Bienvillers.
Souastre
Between Bienvillers and Couin, 5km (3 miles) Sout-West of Bienvillers.
Bus
Bus-lès-Artois, 10km (6 miles) South of Gaudiempre.
Contay
12km (7 1/2 miles) Sout-West of Bus-lès-Artois.
Villers-Bocage
10km (6 miles) North of Amiens.
Saveuse
6km (about 4 miles) West of Amiens.
Bacouel
Bacouel-sur-Selle; 8km (5 miles) South of Saveuse.
Ecquedecques
14km (nearly 9 miles) North-West of Béthune; on the Western outskirts of Lillers.
Ham
Ham-en-Artois;4 km (2 1/2 miles) North of Ecquedecques.
Hinges
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Aix-Noulette
12km (7 1/2 miles) South of Béthune.
Liévin
4km (2 1/2 miles) to the East, on the Western outskirts of Lens.
Labeuvriére
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Vermelles
8km (5 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Labourse
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-East of Béthune.
Noeux-les-Mines
4km (2 1/2 miles) South-West of Labourse.
Fouquières
Now a suburb of Béthune, in the South-West.
1918
Annezin
Now a suburb in the West of Béthune.
Nédon
20km (12 1/2 miles) West of Béthune.
Marles
Marles-les-Mines; 8km (5 miles) West of Béthune.
Auchel
4km (2 1/2 miles) West of Marles.
Prédefin
8km (5 miles) West of Nédon.
Divion
12km (7 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Bruay
Near Divion, to the North-East.
Hesdigneul
4km ( 2 1/2 miles) towards Béthune from Bruay.
Essars
4km (2 1/2 miles) North of Béthune.
Le Hamel
The hamlet about 1km (1/2 mile) North-East of Essars.
Beuvry
4km (2 1/2 miles) East of Béthune.
Gorre
A small village just outside Béthune, to the North-East.
Calanne-Ricouart Station
14km (8 1/2 miles) South-West of Béthune.
Wimereux
Seaside town just North along the Channel Coast from Boulogne.
Ambleteuse
Village on the Channel Coast North of Wimereux.
Brie
8km (5 miles) South of Péronne, on the main road from Amiens to St Quentin.
Estrées
Estrées-en-Chaussée, 6km (about 4 miles) East from Brie, towards St Quentin.
Bihécourt
A hamlet 12km (7 1/2 miles) North-West of St Quentin.
Magny-la-Fosse
About 10km (6 miles) North of St Quentin.
Méricourt
12 km (7 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Fresnoy-le-Grand
A short distance North-East of Méricourt.
Bohain
20km (12 1/2 miles) North-East of St Quentin.
Catillon
16km (10 miles) North-East of Bohain.
Landrecies
8km (5 miles) North-East of Catillon.
Hecq
8km (5 miles) North of Landrecies, on the Western edge of the Forêt de Mormal.
Troisvillers
18km (11 miles) South-East of Cambrai.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Epilogue
Epilogue
There this story ends. Frank started out in 1914 as a young man not knowing what was to happen to him, like millions of others at the time. He survived, not because he was in a safe job or because he stayed out of the firing line; he was as much in the front line as the infantry, and often had to go into No Mans Land, that most dangerous of places, to pick up wounded men. Just like them there must have been many times when he lived in fear of death or injury. No doubt he was as careful as he could be, just like any other sensible soldier, particularly one whose bonds with home, family and sweetheart were very strong. Luck was also on his side on many occasions, like soldiers before him and to this day.
He lost colleagues, friend’s colleagues and acquaintances, lads he had been to school and church with, or worked with or knew as neighbours. He saw death and wounds of the most terrible kind; he tended to men of both sides. Army life sent him to strange places, to suffer hard living conditions, privations, long spells away from home, and all the usual petty impositions inflicted on soldiers. Frank never complained; he got on with what he had to do, and even put himself in harms way to save others from harm. Many of his colleagues had the same stamp as Frank; young inexperienced men, still just boys in most ways, who had to grow up in a few weeks and carry out duties that were unimaginable in their civilian life.
There this story ends. Frank started out in 1914 as a young man not knowing what was to happen to him, like millions of others at the time. He survived, not because he was in a safe job or because he stayed out of the firing line; he was as much in the front line as the infantry, and often had to go into No Mans Land, that most dangerous of places, to pick up wounded men. Just like them there must have been many times when he lived in fear of death or injury. No doubt he was as careful as he could be, just like any other sensible soldier, particularly one whose bonds with home, family and sweetheart were very strong. Luck was also on his side on many occasions, like soldiers before him and to this day.
He lost colleagues, friend’s colleagues and acquaintances, lads he had been to school and church with, or worked with or knew as neighbours. He saw death and wounds of the most terrible kind; he tended to men of both sides. Army life sent him to strange places, to suffer hard living conditions, privations, long spells away from home, and all the usual petty impositions inflicted on soldiers. Frank never complained; he got on with what he had to do, and even put himself in harms way to save others from harm. Many of his colleagues had the same stamp as Frank; young inexperienced men, still just boys in most ways, who had to grow up in a few weeks and carry out duties that were unimaginable in their civilian life.
Friday, 10 September 2010
January 1919.
Thursday
The Field Amb. march away from Fresnoy-le-Grand at 9am on 5/3/19 and arrive at Troisvillers at 3pm, a distance of 14 miles. Biletted at old, empty houses.
(written in a French Hand)
Chazot Lafarge
Troisvillers
Nord
France
The Field Amb. march away from Fresnoy-le-Grand at 9am on 5/3/19 and arrive at Troisvillers at 3pm, a distance of 14 miles. Biletted at old, empty houses.
(written in a French Hand)
Chazot Lafarge
Troisvillers
Nord
France
1st Friday
Leave expires.
Left Willenhall at 3pm.
Wolverhampton for Luton 4pm.
Arrived Luton 8pm.
Spent a good time.
2nd Saturday
Left Luton at 5.30am. Victoria 7am. Folkestone 11am. Sailed 4pm. Landed Boulogne 6pm, spent night at Worcesters Camp.
3rd Sunday
Entrained at 9am.
4th Monday
Train.
Passed through St Quentin.
5th Tuesday
Disentrained at Fresnoy-le-Grand, motored to Bohain. Stayed at Camp.
6th Wednesday
Under canvas.
Heavy rain.
Can’t find Unit.
7th Thursday
Marched to billets in Bohain.
8th Friday
Bohain.
11th Monday
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
December 1918
1st Sunday
Rest.
2nd Monday
Salvaging.
7th Saturday
Left Hecq by Motor Amb. for Fresnoy-le-Grand, passing through Le Cateau, billeted at Convent.
8th Sunday
Billeting for the Unit.
12th Thursday
The Unit arrive here.
13th Friday
Hospital Duty.
22nd Sunday
Day Hospital Duty.
Quiet day.
Leave expires.
Left Willenhall at 3pm.
Wolverhampton for Luton 4pm.
Arrived Luton 8pm.
Spent a good time.
2nd Saturday
Left Luton at 5.30am. Victoria 7am. Folkestone 11am. Sailed 4pm. Landed Boulogne 6pm, spent night at Worcesters Camp.
3rd Sunday
Entrained at 9am.
4th Monday
Train.
Passed through St Quentin.
5th Tuesday
Disentrained at Fresnoy-le-Grand, motored to Bohain. Stayed at Camp.
6th Wednesday
Under canvas.
Heavy rain.
Can’t find Unit.
7th Thursday
Marched to billets in Bohain.
8th Friday
Bohain.
11th Monday
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
December 1918
1st Sunday
Rest.
2nd Monday
Salvaging.
7th Saturday
Left Hecq by Motor Amb. for Fresnoy-le-Grand, passing through Le Cateau, billeted at Convent.
8th Sunday
Billeting for the Unit.
12th Thursday
The Unit arrive here.
13th Friday
Hospital Duty.
22nd Sunday
Day Hospital Duty.
Quiet day.
November 1918
1st Friday
Leave expires.
Left Willenhall at 3pm.
Wolverhampton for Luton 4pm.
Arrived Luton 8pm.
Spent a good time.
2nd Saturday
Left Luton at 5.30am. Victoria 7am. Folkestone 11am. Sailed 4pm. Landed Boulogne 6pm, spent night at Worcesters Camp.
3rd Sunday
Entrained at 9am.
4th Monday
Train.
Passed through St Quentin.
5th Tuesday
Disentrained at Fresnoy-le-Grand, motored to Bohain. Stayed at Camp.
6th Wednesday
Under canvas.
Heavy rain.
Can’t find Unit.
7th Thursday
Marched to billets in Bohain.
8th Friday
Bohain.
Armistice Delegation.
Allied representatives led by Ferdinand Foch in a restaurant car on a railway siding in the Forest of Compiegne.
11th Monday
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
Hostilities ceased.
12th Tuesday
Marched away from Bohain to Catillon.
13th Wednesday
Left Catillon and marched Landrecies.
14th Thursday
Marched from Landrecies and rejoined Unit at Hecq.
15th Friday
Hecq.
17th Sunday
Marched to Church Parade Landrecies.
19th Tuesday
Salvage party.
20th Wednesday
Salvaging the recent Battle Area.
Memo
Landrecies. The second big battle on the Mons retreat took place at the above town, where we made a short stand.
24th Sunday
Guard of Honour on the occasion of the King, Prince of Wales and Prince Henry visiting Landrecies.
26th Tuesday
Kings passes here.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
October 1918
1st Tuesday
Advance still going and prisoners rolling in.
Plenty of work.
2nd Wednesday
No time to write.
3rd Thursday
Woke up 2am. Marched to Magny-la-Fosse. Div took Joncourt, Wiancourt, and part of Ramicourt.
4th Friday
Retired and returned to Coopers Quarry.
5th Saturday
Day rest.
6th Sunday
C.O. Parade
Congratulations.
7th Monday
Usual routine.
8th Tuesday
Ditto.
9th Wednesday
Marched from Coopers Quarry to Mericourt.
Had to dig in.
10th Thursday
Marched away from Levergies trenches and passed through Méricourt.
Rested there for dinner and then carried on to Fresnoy-le-Grand. A few civilians still here.
11th Friday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Days rest.
12th Saturday
Memo
The Bosch was driven out of Fresnoy 9 days ago. He had occupied this place since December 1914. He is still retiring.
13th Sunday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Billeted in Chateau.
17th Thursday
Left Fresnoy-le-Grand by Motor Bus to Roisel station in order to proceed on leave. Slept in train all night at this station.
18th Friday
Train left Roisel at 6.45am, passed through Peronne, Amiens, Abbeville and Etaples.
Arrived at Boulogne at 7.30pm, supper.
19th Saturday
Stayed at billets by docks. Reveille 4.30am. Breakfast 6.30am.
Embarked at 10.30. Landed Folkestone 12.30.
Willenhall 9pm.
Memo
Leave dated from 19.10.18 to 2/11/18.
20th Sunday
Leave
21st Monday
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
22nd Tuesday
Leave.
24th Thursday
Ada’s.
Wolverhampton Empire.
27th Sunday
Gun Week.
The Guns pass through Willenhall.
28th Monday
Harry’s.
Queen’s Picture Palace.
29th Tuesday
Leave.
30th Wednesday
Party at home.
Wolverhampton Grand.
31st Thursday
Party at Hatherton Terrace.
________________________________________________
1st Tuesday
Advance still going and prisoners rolling in.
Plenty of work.
2nd Wednesday
No time to write.
3rd Thursday
Woke up 2am. Marched to Magny-la-Fosse. Div took Joncourt, Wiancourt, and part of Ramicourt.
4th Friday
Retired and returned to Coopers Quarry.
5th Saturday
Day rest.
6th Sunday
C.O. Parade
Congratulations.
7th Monday
Usual routine.
8th Tuesday
Ditto.
9th Wednesday
Marched from Coopers Quarry to Mericourt.
Had to dig in.
10th Thursday
Marched away from Levergies trenches and passed through Méricourt.
Rested there for dinner and then carried on to Fresnoy-le-Grand. A few civilians still here.
11th Friday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Days rest.
12th Saturday
Memo
The Bosch was driven out of Fresnoy 9 days ago. He had occupied this place since December 1914. He is still retiring.
13th Sunday
Fresnoy-le-Grand.
Billeted in Chateau.
17th Thursday
Left Fresnoy-le-Grand by Motor Bus to Roisel station in order to proceed on leave. Slept in train all night at this station.
18th Friday
Train left Roisel at 6.45am, passed through Peronne, Amiens, Abbeville and Etaples.
Arrived at Boulogne at 7.30pm, supper.
19th Saturday
Stayed at billets by docks. Reveille 4.30am. Breakfast 6.30am.
Embarked at 10.30. Landed Folkestone 12.30.
Willenhall 9pm.
Memo
Leave dated from 19.10.18 to 2/11/18.
20th Sunday
Leave
21st Monday
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
22nd Tuesday
Leave.
24th Thursday
Ada’s.
Wolverhampton Empire.
27th Sunday
Gun Week.
The Guns pass through Willenhall.
28th Monday
Harry’s.
Queen’s Picture Palace.
29th Tuesday
Leave.
30th Wednesday
Party at home.
Wolverhampton Grand.
31st Thursday
Party at Hatherton Terrace.
________________________________________________
Lieutenant Wilfred Owen.
After serving on the Western Front from January to June of 1917, Owen was diagnosed with shell-shock, and sent to Craiglockhart Hospital for treatment. He returned to the front in September 1918, won the Military Cross for gallantry in October, and was killed while leading his men during the attack on the St Quenton Canal on November 4th just one week before the Armistice.
He was arguably the greatest of the Great War poets.
After serving on the Western Front from January to June of 1917, Owen was diagnosed with shell-shock, and sent to Craiglockhart Hospital for treatment. He returned to the front in September 1918, won the Military Cross for gallantry in October, and was killed while leading his men during the attack on the St Quenton Canal on November 4th just one week before the Armistice.
He was arguably the greatest of the Great War poets.
28 - 30th Sept 1918.
The greatest image of victory in the whole of the great war.
The 46th North Midlands Division following the triumphant
crossing of the St Quentin Canal during the breaking of the
Hindenburg Line.
Photo Below.
On the left Brigadier J.V. Campbell V.C. leans against the
parapet while addressing the vast concourse of troops.
The greatest image of victory in the whole of the great war.
The 46th North Midlands Division following the triumphant
crossing of the St Quentin Canal during the breaking of the
Hindenburg Line.
Photo Below.
On the left Brigadier J.V. Campbell V.C. leans against the
parapet while addressing the vast concourse of troops.
September 1918.
September 1918
1st Sunday
Church Parade.
2nd Monday
Overhauling Medical Equipment.
3rd Tuesday
Visit to Bruay baths.
4th Wednesday
Left Bruay at 7am, a party of five and marched to Calanne-Ricouart Station in order to proceed to Rest Camp outside Boulogne, train left 6pm.
5th Thursday
Arrived at Wimereux at 3am, situated outside Boulogne, marched to Ambleteuse, 5 miles from the above place. We encamped at 1st Army S.C.
6th Friday
1st Army Rest Camp.
Bathing in the sea, 3 minutes walk from camp. Visit Boulogne 8 miles from Camp, had a good time.
7th Saturday
Rest Camp.
Thunderstorm.
Bathing in the sea.
Memo.
From this Camp one can clearly see the cliffs of Dover.
8th Sunday
Ambleteuse.
Wet and rough weather.
9th Monday
Rotten weather.
10th Tuesday
Wet weather still prevails and heavy gale. The sea being so rough as to wash up on the shore a large mine.
Went to pictures.
11th Wednesday
Visit to Boulogne, terribly rough, from Cars unable to get along the front as sea was washing over the road.
12th Thursday
Rough weather prevails.
13th Friday
1st Army Rest Station.
Sports held here at which English Nurses attended.
15th Sunday
Visit Wimereux the HQ W.A.A.C.
16th Monday
Nice weather.
Bathing in the sea.
18th Wednesday
Reveille 2am. March off at 3.30am, arrived at Boulogne 7am. Entrained.
Passed through Etaples, Abbeville, Amiens, Péronne. Disentrained. Marched 6 miles to Inf. Camp.
19th Thursday
Brie.
Awaiting the Div. which is on the move, in the meantime we are salvaging on the old battlefield here.
21st Saturday
Marched away from Brie at 10am and arrived at Estrées at 2pm. Went by Motor Amb. to A.D.S. Bihécourt captured 3 days since.
22nd Sunday
A.D.S.
Day Orderly.
Great activity.
24th Tuesday
The boys make a stunt, capturing some hundreds of prisoners and village. We were busy with casualties.
25th Wednesday
A.D.S.
Very Busy.
26th Thursday
Great preparations.
28th Saturday/30th Monday
Orderly in Dressing Station. Moved at night to Right Sector A.D.S. Opened same, another being run by C Section. A few hours sleep and duty in Station, then Div. charge at 5am after great barrage. They cross the St Quentin Canal and capture the village of Bellenglise, advancing many miles. No. of prisoners
9,200, guns 200, machine guns many hundreds and trench mortars. We dressed all the casualties including hundreds of Boche.
_______________________________________________
1st Sunday
Church Parade.
2nd Monday
Overhauling Medical Equipment.
3rd Tuesday
Visit to Bruay baths.
4th Wednesday
Left Bruay at 7am, a party of five and marched to Calanne-Ricouart Station in order to proceed to Rest Camp outside Boulogne, train left 6pm.
5th Thursday
Arrived at Wimereux at 3am, situated outside Boulogne, marched to Ambleteuse, 5 miles from the above place. We encamped at 1st Army S.C.
6th Friday
1st Army Rest Camp.
Bathing in the sea, 3 minutes walk from camp. Visit Boulogne 8 miles from Camp, had a good time.
7th Saturday
Rest Camp.
Thunderstorm.
Bathing in the sea.
Memo.
From this Camp one can clearly see the cliffs of Dover.
8th Sunday
Ambleteuse.
Wet and rough weather.
9th Monday
Rotten weather.
10th Tuesday
Wet weather still prevails and heavy gale. The sea being so rough as to wash up on the shore a large mine.
Went to pictures.
11th Wednesday
Visit to Boulogne, terribly rough, from Cars unable to get along the front as sea was washing over the road.
12th Thursday
Rough weather prevails.
13th Friday
1st Army Rest Station.
Sports held here at which English Nurses attended.
15th Sunday
Visit Wimereux the HQ W.A.A.C.
16th Monday
Nice weather.
Bathing in the sea.
18th Wednesday
Reveille 2am. March off at 3.30am, arrived at Boulogne 7am. Entrained.
Passed through Etaples, Abbeville, Amiens, Péronne. Disentrained. Marched 6 miles to Inf. Camp.
19th Thursday
Brie.
Awaiting the Div. which is on the move, in the meantime we are salvaging on the old battlefield here.
21st Saturday
Marched away from Brie at 10am and arrived at Estrées at 2pm. Went by Motor Amb. to A.D.S. Bihécourt captured 3 days since.
22nd Sunday
A.D.S.
Day Orderly.
Great activity.
24th Tuesday
The boys make a stunt, capturing some hundreds of prisoners and village. We were busy with casualties.
25th Wednesday
A.D.S.
Very Busy.
26th Thursday
Great preparations.
28th Saturday/30th Monday
Orderly in Dressing Station. Moved at night to Right Sector A.D.S. Opened same, another being run by C Section. A few hours sleep and duty in Station, then Div. charge at 5am after great barrage. They cross the St Quentin Canal and capture the village of Bellenglise, advancing many miles. No. of prisoners
9,200, guns 200, machine guns many hundreds and trench mortars. We dressed all the casualties including hundreds of Boche.
_______________________________________________
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