Living at 46, Ackers Street, Prescot, were Henry Hollihead, a 34 year old joiner's labourer, his wife Mary (32), and children Ernest (12), John (11), Henry (8), Lucy (6), Frank (4) and Margaret (1).
Birth/Marriage/Death Registrations
Birth registered Q1/1897, Prescot, 8b, 722
SDGW – Where Born
Prescot, Lancs
Enlisted
Prescot
Resided
How Died
Killed In Action
Theatre of War
France & Flanders
Notes
Research Ref. No.
P153
Service Details
Frank Hollihead attested into the 5th (Reserve) Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment as Private 2861 on 19th September 1915 at Prescot, giving his address as 16, Sewell Street. He was 19 years and 63 days old, stood 5 foot 7 ½ inches in height, weighed 128 pounds and was employed as an Aluminium worker.
After the outbreak of war in August 1914, second and third line battalions were formed within several battalions of the regiment; the second line battalion would be equipped and trained for overseas servicewhilst the third line battalion would be used for development and training of men ultimately drafted into the first and second line battalions, as replacements and reinforcements.
The 2nd/4th Battalion of the South Lancs was formed in September 1914 and did much of its training in the south of England. At the same time, it formed part of the force retained in England for home defence, and it carried this role out throughout 1915 and 1916.
Frank’s military service appears to have been liberally sprinkled with disciplinary offences! As early as 1st December 1914, he was on a charge for Disorderly Conduct on Parade, for which he was confined to barracks for one day. Other offences, mostly “Refusing to obey an order”, followed in January, March and April 1915. Also on April 27th 1917, he was charged for having a dirty rifle on parade and was again confined to barracks.
He was renumbered to 240865 early in 1916 as part of a wide-ranging renumbering of the regiments. His record shows that he was in hospital in Devon from 27th January 1918 to 27th March 1918 suffering from tonsillitis, after which he spent time in a convalescent home until 6th May. It is not clear from his record at which point he was finally sent overseas.
In 1918, having been part of the defence against the German attack in March, by the middle of the year, the battalion moved to Arras, remaining out of the line from the end of July until the 17th August. By this time, the British counter-attacks were making significant headway and attacks on the German lines were becoming more frequent. On 2nd September, a large attack was launched against the Drocourt-Queant system of trenches, where it joined the Hindenberg Line. The battalion were at the forefront of this attack and all the objectives were taken at slight cost.
The battalion was withdrawn from the line into reserve the following day. On 27th September, the battalion attacked the Graincourt Line as part of the assault on the Canal Du Nord. By this time, the trench systems were being left behind, resulting in a more open, flowing fight. The battalion were in place at their assembly point in a sunken road by 5.20 a.m. although they never moved into the attack until after 10.00 a.m. They then moved forward under heavy shell fire to the canal crossing, near lock No. 5, from which they advanced over 1,.000 yards. By 3.30 p.m. the battalion was again on the move, this time ordered to attack Graincourt. They assaulted the village but came under withering machine-gun fire which inflicted severe casualties.By the evening, the assault came to a stop and the troops concentrated on “mopping up” enemy strong points which were holding out.
Orders were received to take the village of Cantaing the next day which they did with few casualties. The total casualties from the fighting of the 27th and 28th were 20 killed and 90 wounded. On the 29th, the battalion attacked again, near to Proville, quickly capturing the village with 4 men killed and 41 wounded
On 1st October, the battalion was moved into reserve at La Folie Wood where it remained until the 6th. Private Hollihead is reported as being “Killed in Action” on 2nd October, despite the battalion being in reserve. This suggests that he may have fallen victim to enemy shellfire. His body was recovered from the battlefield and he rests in AnneuxBritishCemetery.
For the purposes of correctly issuing his memorial plaque and scroll, the Army Records Office asked his next of kin, listed as his father Harry, to complete a form showing all living relations. This showed that Frank was not married and had no children. His father was shown living at 10, Market Place, Prescot, as was his mother, Mary, and brothers Henry (29) and Joseph (18), and sister Lucy (27).
Private Hollihead’s family listed in his service record.
The Army Records Office at Shrewsbury wrote to his father, Henry Hollihead, at 10, Market Place, Prescot, on 8th March 1918 returning Frank’s possessions; they were listed as a small photo case, photos, disc, wallet, tobacco pouch, a pipe, a pair of scissors, a set of dominoes and some letters. Henry replied on 18th March to acknowledge receipt of the items.
His father wrote to acknowledge receipt of his British War Medal and Victory Medal on 24th March 1922.
The Parish Magazine of 29th October 1918 reported “The following names to be added to the Roll of Honour” and included “Pte. Frank Hollihead of 10 Market Place, killed in action 20th October”.
Extract from BICC “Link” Magazine, November 1918
Private Hollihead’s Medal Index Card. He was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal
Frank Hollihead's headstone at Anneux British Cemetery
Picture courtesy and copyright of 'Ponte Fractus', a 'Pal' of the Great War Forum
Corporal 34604 Thomas Henry HOPWOOD
Unit/Regiment
9th (Service) Bn, York and Lancaster Regiment
Date of Death
09/06/1917
Age at Death
30
Burial/Memorial & Reference
Menin Gate
Panels 36 and 55
CWGC Family Details
(if shown)
Husband of Jane Hopwood of 14, Cyprus Street, Prescot
Census Details
Birth/Marriage/Death Registrations
Marriage to Jane Case in Q4/1907, Prescot, 8b, 1194
SDGW – Where Born
Wolverhampton
Enlisted
Middlesborough
Resided
Prescot, Lancs
How Died
Killed In Action
Theatre of War
France & Flanders
Notes
Formerly 18840 Yorkshire Regiment
Research Ref. No.
P154
Service Details
SDGW shows that Thomas Hopwood was born in Wolverhampton. It has not been possible to trace a record of his birth registration nor can he be located on the 1901 census. The first official trace of him to be located is his wedding to Jane Case at the Wesleyan Chapel in Rainhill on 19th October 1907. At that time, he gave his address as 68, Beaconsfield Street, Prescot.
Jane gave birth to a daughter, Elsie, on 7th May 1908 in Prescot.
It is not clear why, but Thomas attested into the army on 21st December 1914 in Middlesborough, despite giving his address as Beaconsfield Street, Prescot. He joined the Yorkshire Regiment as Private 18840. Aged 29 years and 10 months, he stood 5 foot3 inches tall, and had a 37 inch chest measurement, expandable by 2 inches. He reported his wife Jane as his next of kin.
Thomas was posted to the 3rd Battalion of the regiment on 30th December 1914, then transferred to the 6th Battalion on 28th August 1915. The battalion sailed for the Dardanelles the same day, arriving there on the 29th. A promotion to the paid appointment of Lance Corporal followed on 8th September 1915. He was then transferred to the 9th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regimenton 23rd September 1915 with a new service number of 34604.
His record notes that he was wounded (details unknown) on 1st November 1915 and treated at 26 Casualty Clearing Station at Suvla in the Dardanelles. He was moved to hospital on Malta on board the Hospital Ship Dongola, arriving there on 7th November.The Dongola was used to ferry casualties from the Gallipoli peninsula while the Dardanelles campaign was in operation.
Part of Thomas Hopwood’s service record, detailing his movements after being wounded on Gallipoli
Thomas was transferred to the Ghain Tufficha Convalescent Camp on Malts on 21st January 1916, where he contracted Jaundice. His wife was notified of this on 20th March 1916. He was finally discharged back to duty on 21st May 1916. He remained with his unit in the Mediterranean until 2nd July 1916, when he arrived at Marseilles in France as his unit was moved to support the battle of the Somme.
It has not been possible to trace the battalion’s movements for the remainder of 1916, but in February 1917 they went into Divisional reserve, entraining at Poperinghe for Millain, from where they marched via Bayenghem to billets at Zouasques near St Omer. Training was in the form of preparation for open warfare. They remained here until 18th March. A Brigade Football Competition was held, but the battalion lost 1-0 to 8th battalion, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
On 18th March the Battalion marched to Herzeele via Watten and Millain. Here it trained and rested in billets. On 29th, Brigade Sports were held then on 31st practice in attack was begun.
On 1st April Major Middleton & 2/Lt Park rejoined and the Battalion was moved to Ottowa Camp. On 2nd they were on Observatory Ridge and MountSorrel, BHQ at Rudkin House then on the 6th they relieved a Battalion of the 39th Division on the left. The next day, following a raid by the 47th Division, the enemy retaliated, badly damaging front line trenches.
On 9th April, with the front line barely repaired, the enemy opened a very heavy bombardment on Front Line, support and Communication Trenches. The attack was to the right of the Battalion but was driven back after penetrating as far as Deep Support Line in the centre.
At 7.45pm they attacked 'D' Company of the battalion and serious damage was done to the front, parapets blown in and Davidson St. and Winnipeg St. trenches blocked. However, the Germans were repulsed and left behind 4 dead and 2 prisoners on the battalion front with heavy losses in No-Man's land. They also left behind explosives to be used to destroy mine shafts.
The battalion lost 23 other ranks in these attacks and were then relieved on the 10th.
On 2nd May the Battalion moved to Forges to begin to rehearse for an impending attack. 3 days were spent in the front line during which time a shell fell on 'D' Company HQ dugout on the 26th, killing 2/Lt Brenigan and M Proctor and wounding 2/Lt Bunce. On 29th May, by which time they were back in the Bund, Battalion HQ was blown in by a shell and all papers and records destroyed.
June opened with the Battalion relieved out of the line under a heavy gas shell bombardment, which caused a couple of casualties. Out of the line the Battalion visited a contour model of Messines in a wood near Busseboum, and visited a field near Boeschoepe to go over a "flagged course". Just before the battle the Battalion was in a field near Ouderdom when it was shelled by Perishing Percy, a long range gun.
On 5th June the Battalion was in the front line ready for the Battle of Messines, 'A', 'B' and 'C' Companies were in Wellington Crescent and 'D' in Maple Trench. Battalion HQ was situated in Halfway House. On 6th June Assembly positions were taken up from the North end of Canada Street to The Gap.
On the 7th about 2.30am the Battalion was in position. They formed the right front, with Battalion HQ in Canada Street. 'A' & 'B' Companies were to establish blocks at junction of New Trench and Image Avenue. 'C' Company was to bomb Immediate Trench. 'D' Company were designated as “moppers-up”.
In the evening the Battalion was relieved having suffered 50% casualties, including CO Lt Col Bowes-Wilson killed by machine-gun fire, These were mainly sustained during the enemy's bombardment of his lost positions. At Kenistraathoek lorries took the survivors back to the Scottish Lines with Major D Lewis in command.
Corporal Hopwood is recorded by CWGC as Killed in Action on the 9th June. It has not been possible from the battalion diary to be certain about the action in which he fell, however it is likely that it was in the shelling of the 7th. It is interesting to note that the Parish Magazine reports him as being killed on the 7th which seems more likely. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Menin Gate.
The Parish Magazine of 28th June 1917 reported "The following are deaths in action, all in France or Belgium" and included "Corporal Thomas Hopwood, 30, of 14 Cyprus Street, the 9th York and Lancasters. Killed 7th June 1917, married"
Thomas Hopwood’s Medal Index Card showing his service with two regiments, and also noting the date of his arrival in the Gallipoli area on August 1915. His entitlement was to the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Note that the date of death differs from that shown by CWGC.
Thomas Hopwood’s inscription on the Menin Gate
Prescot Reporter September 1917
Private 70374 William HORNBY
Unit/Regiment
166th Coy, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Date of Death
30/11/1917
Age at Death
20
Burial/Memorial & Reference
Cambrai Memorial
Panel 12 & 13
Census Details
1901 Census –
4 year old William Hornby lived at 3, Carvers Court, Prescot with his widowed mother Hannah (34), his elder brother Peter (6) and sisters Bessie (8), Mary (2) and Ada (11 months). His father, Richard Hornby, had died in 1900.
William was the first cousin of Private William Henry Hornby, also of the Machine Gun Corps, whose details are shown later in this document. He was also the nephew of Private William Hornby of the Manchester Regiment, the next man listed in this report.
(previously Private 3728, South Lancashire Regiment)
Research Ref. No.
P155
Service Details
At the outset of war, each Battalion, such as the 5th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment, would have had a “second line” battalion, formed to provide reinforcements and replacements. This battalion would have been designated, for example, the 2nd/5th Battalion.
However, by 1915, the ever-increasing demand for men led to these “second line” units becoming field units. As a consequence, a “third line” was formed to train reinforcements and also to act as a depot for personnel evacuated sick and wounded from the front after their discharge from hospital.
To implement this scheme, the 3rd/5th Battalion was raised. Few records have survived for these third line units, although owing to the heavy losses sustained on the Western Front by the parent units in 1915 and 1916 man hundreds of officers and men were simply trained and dispatched to France to fill the gaps
William Hornby attested as Private 3728 to the 3rd/5th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment on 10th May 1915 in St. Helens. At the time, he lived at 49, Houghton Street, Prescot. He was aged 19 years 180 days, worked as a Wire Drawer and stood 5 foot6 inches in height. His eyesight and physical development were both recorded as “Good” and he was passed as fit for military service.
He remained in training with the Battalion until 2nd September 1915. The battalion then entrained for Southampton and on the same day embarked for France, arriving at Rouen the following day.
Private Hornby served with the battalion until 27th November 1916 when he was transferred to the No 6 Company, Machine Gun Corps. He was granted leave on 12th December until 22nd December 1916, and was back serving in the field with his company until he had a short period in a rest camp from 6th August 1917 to 21st August 1917.
On 30th November 1917, whilst serving with 166 Company, he was posted Missing in Action. In November 1917, his unit were involved in the Battle of Cambrai.Sir Douglas Haig described the object of the Cambrai operations as the gaining of a 'local success by a sudden attack at a point where the enemy did not expect it' and to some extent they succeeded. The proposed method of assault was new, with no preliminary artillery bombardment. Instead, tanks would be used to break through the German wire, with the infantry following under the cover of smoke barrages. The attack began early in the morning of 20 November 1917 and initial advances were remarkable. However, by 22 November, a halt was called for rest and reorganisation, allowing the Germans to reinforce. From 23 to 28 November, the fighting was concentrated almost entirely around Bourlon Wood and by 29 November, it was clear that the Germans were ready for a major counter attack. During the fierce fighting of the next five days, much of the ground gained in the initial days of the attack was lost. In this fighting, Private Hornby was reported as Missing in Action on 30th November.
For the Allies, the results of the battle were ultimately disappointing but valuable lessons were learnt about new strategies and tactical approaches to fighting. The Germans had also discovered that their fixed lines of defence, no matter how well prepared, were vulnerable.
In March 1917, the War Office wrote to the Army Records Office stating that any personal possessions of Private Hornby were to be returned to the Houghton Street address. It was 16th September 1918 before William Hornby was deemed, for official purposes, to have died on or since 30th November 1917. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial in Louveral, France.
His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth A Hornby, acknowledged receipt of her late husband’s British War Medal and Victory Medal on April 18th 1922, and his 1914-1914-1915 Star on an undetermined date.
The Parish Magazine reported on 28th December 1918 “Five more names for our Roll of Honour” and included “Pte. William Hornby, 20, 5th S. Lancs. Killed in action 30th November 1917, of 47, Houghton Street”
An extract from William Hornby’s service record
William Hornby’s Medal Index Card shows his previous service with the South Lancashire Regiment, with whom he first arrived in France on 3rd March 1915. This entitled him to the 1914-1915 Star in addition to his British War Medal and Victory Medal
William Hornby’s inscription on the Cambrai Memorial
Private 301938 William HORNBY
Unit/Regiment
1st/10th Bn, Manchester Regiment
Date of Death
20/10/1918
Age at Death
43
Burial/Memorial & Reference
Belle Vue British Cemetery, Briastre
E 4
Census Details
1901 Census –
William Hornby was a 26 year old Watch Jeweller living at No 3, Royal Hotel Cottage, Derby Street, Prescot. His father was also William, a 73 year old watch frame maker. His mother was Elizabeth (65) and also at the address were his sisters Martha (33, a Watch Wheel Cutter), Elizabeth (20) and Sarah Robinson (26). Also present is Sarah’s daughter Elsie Robinson aged 5. The census shows that Elsie was born in the United States.
SDGW – Where Born
Prescot, Lancs
Enlisted
St Helens, Lancs
Resided
How Died
Killed In Action
Theatre of War
France & Flanders
Notes
William was the uncle of William Hornby (detailed above) and William Henry Hornby (whose details follow)
(previously Private 5544, Manchester Regiment)
Research Ref. No.
P156
Service Details
On the 23rd March 1918, the 42nd Division was on the move in response to the long-anticipated German attack. London Motor buses took them south to Adinfer Wood and they marched on to the Arras Bapaume road. The German advance had thrown the army into retreat and the division was needed to attempt to reinforce the line. As the battle waged on, the battalion found it's self in Logeast wood then to Ervillers, where they reinforced the 40th division. The Germans attacked them there in strength but were beaten back several times, finally that evening they carried out a fighting withdrawal. After two weeks holding the line, the battalion was ordered back to Souastre where it was gratefully fed and watered.
On the 14th April the 10th moved back to the front, there they spent three weeks in and out of the front line trenches north east of Rossignol Wood, to be relieved on the 6th May. At Pas Wood the battalion took some time training up newly arrived American Troops In June they returned to the trenches south of Hebuterne. Heavy shelling and trench raids were a feature of life there and flu began to take its toll.
The division kept up the pressure on the German lines and by August, the battalion was ready to attack Serre. This was accomplished by the 20th and the allied troops were now taking back the battlefield of the Somme, previously lost to the enemy in March and April. At Miraucourt, the 10th along with the 5th East Lancashires won an important battle, and later the battalion took the village of Riencourt, winning many medals in the process.
On the 15th September, the battalion occupied Havingcourt Wood again, as it had 15 months previously. There they were gassed but most were protected by their masks.
The 23rd saw them near Tresault, patrolling no mans land prior to an attack there on the 27th. At 2.30am the 10th followed the barrage cresting Highland Ridge and chased the Germans through Couillet Wood reaching the abandoned trenches of Welsh Ridge. Here the 8th Battalion took over.
On the 29th the Kiwis passed though and swept on towards LaVacquerie - the Hindenberg Line was broken.
On the 12 October the 10th relieved the New Zealanders on the River Selle and attacked the German lines over the river. In hand to hand fighting, men lost in the dark were led by the example of the NCOs and officers, in a ferocious battle lasting five hours, the battalion achieved it's objectives with honour. The battalion continued its pursuit of the retreating German forces through to the beginning of November.
As part of this fighting, Private Hornby was killed on the 20th October. His body was recovered from the battlefield and he now rests in BelleVueBritishCemetery, in Briastre.
Private Hornby’s Medal Index Card. His number with the Manchester Regiment prior to renumbering is shown. His entitlement was to the British War Medal and Victory Medal
Private 70380 William Henry HORNBY
Unit/Regiment
Infantry, 166th Coy, Machine Gun Corps
Date of Death
14/06/1917
Age at Death
29
Burial/Memorial & Reference
Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery
III A 4
Census Details
1901 Census -
William Henry Hornby was aged 13 and lived with his 35 year old widowed mother Eliza at 7, Warrington Road, Prescot.
Birth/Marriage/Death Registrations
Birth Registered Q1/1888, Prescot, 8b, 701
SDGW – Where Born
Prescot, Lancs
Enlisted
St Helens, Lancs
Resided
Prescot, Lancs
How Died
Killed In Action
Theatre of War
France & Flanders
Notes
William Henry Hornby was the cousin of Private William Hornby, also of the Machine Gun Corps, and the nephew of William Hornby of the Manchester Regiment. Both men’s details are shown earlier in this report.
Formerly 2427 South Lancashire Regiment
Research Ref. No.
P157
Service Details
William Henry Hornby attested as Private 2427 into the 5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, at St. Helens on 3rd September 1914. He stated that he had previously completed a 4-year engagement with the same regiment.
He was aged 26 years and 7 months and was employed as a machinist at the British Insulated and Helsby Cables Company. He stood 5 foot6 inches in height and had a chest measurement of 35 inches, expandable by 2 inches. His vision and general physical development were both classed as “Good” and he was passed fir for military service. He was single and recorded his address as 9, Albany Road, Prescot. His sister, Elizabeth Fowler of the same address, was recorded as his next of kin.
The 5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, had just started its annual training in camp when war broke out in August 1914. It was sent to Edinburgh until October, then moved to Tunbridge Wells until February 1915. The battalion embarked at Southampton on 13th February 1915, arriving at Le Havre the following day.
Over the next few days the battalion marched to billets at Le Bizet, and then undertook instruction in trench warfare. The system was for companies from a battalion to be attached to other battalions for spells in the line, before the sector was allocated to the battalion on its own. In addition to the trench duty, the battalion undertook its share of pioneer work and training in rapid fire.
The Battalion was moved around regularly without seeing action, until 28th April when it was moved to Vlamertinghe, Belgium in readiness to take part in the 1st Battle of Ypres, which had started on the 22nd.
On 2nd May, the Germans launched a violent attack, accompanied by a cloud of chlorine gas, and the battalion was moved into the line for the first time. On 3rd May, it was moved to the new line in front of Wieltje, and then on the 4th it was again moved to Shell Trap Farm. At dawn, they engaged the Germans but by 4pm the enemy was within 400 yards of the British lines, from where they began a heavy bombardment of the British lines.
More shell fire continued through the next day, culminating in heavy concentrated fire about 5 p.m. which resulted in a considerable number of men being buried, many of them killed and wounded. The enemy fire continued until midnight and four attempts were made by the Germans to take the farm, but all were repulsed.
At 2 a.m. on the 6th, the Battalion was relieved and moved to La Brique, having incurred considerable casualties.
On the 8th May, the battalion was once more sent up to the Wieltje sector as it was thought that the enemy had broken through, but it proved to be a false alarm and on the 9th it returned to La Brique, leaving “C” Company and a machine-gun detachment at Wieltje. Early on the 10th, the battalion moved to the bank of the Yser canal where it remained until the 13th, when it was moved back to the support lines.
Private Hornby is reported to have suffered a Gun Shot Would to the left knee while serving in the field on 24th May He was initially treated at a Casualty Clearing Station but was them moved by train to hospital at the base camp at Rouen, arriving there on 26th May. He was moved to convalescent camp on 29th May and then rejoined his battalion on 6th June.
On 10th March 1916, he reported to the Machine Gun Corps for duty. (This was probably a secondment rather than a transfer). He was again admitted to hospital (actually a Divisional Rest Station) on 15th March suffering from Inflammation of the Connective Tissues (ICT) of the right leg. This was usually rheumatism, myalgia, etc.) He rejoined his unit 5 days later. A few days later, 20th March 1916, he was promoted to paid Lance Corporal.
Private Hornby was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on 28th November 1916. He was once again admitted to hospital on 11th January 1917, again suffering fromICT, this time of the body,but he rejoined his unit on 16th. His record then shows that on 13th May 1917 he reverted to his previous rank of Private at his own request. The following week, on 21st May, he was granted 10 days leave to the UK.
An extract from William Hornby’s service record, showing his admission to and discharge from hospital, plus his reversion to private from Corporal.
The next record of Private Hornby simply records him as being Killed in Action on 14th June 1917. This was at the commencement of the 3rd Battle of Ypres, better known as Passchendaele. His body was recovered from the battlefield and he now rests in VlamertingheMilitaryCemetery.
On 16th January 1918, the War Office wrote to the Records Office of the Machine Gun Corps and advised that any personal effects of William Hornby should be returned to Mrs. Elizabeth Fowler of 12, High Street, Prescot, and that any medals due to the deceased should also be sent to the same person.
The Records Office wrote to Elizabeth Fowler on 15th April 1919 asking her to complete an attached form, relating to the family of William Hornby, in order that the Memorial Plaque and Scroll should be delivered to the correct person. On this form, Elizabeth wrote that William was not married and did not have any children, and that both of his parents were deceased.
He had one brother, Arthur Hornby aged 26, who lived at 12 High Street, Prescot, and also one sister, Elizabeth Fowler, aged 28 and living at the same address.
Elizabeth wrote to the Army Records Office on 20th April 1922, acknowledging receipt of her late brother’s British War Medal and Victory Medal, then again on November 10th 1921 when she received his 1914-1914-1915 Star.
The Parish Magazine of 28th June 1917 reported “The following are deaths in action, all in France or Belgium” and included “Corporal William Henry Hornby, 29, of High Street, 5th S. Lancs. Killed June 1917”.
The listing of Pte. Hornby’s death in the London Times, July 1917
A clipping from the Prescot Reporter, 14th September 1917
William Hornby’s Medal Index Card shows his service with the South Lancashire Regiment prior to transfer to the Machine Gun Corps. He fist arrived in France with the South Lancashire Regiment on 13th February 1915.
William Hornby’s grave at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery
Private 49604 Thomas Edward HUGHES
Unit/Regiment
"C" Coy, 1st Bn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Date of Death
04/08/1918
Age at Death
27
Burial/Memorial & Reference
Mont Noir Military Cemetery
I A 12
CWGC Family Details
(if shown)
Son of Robert John and Annie Hughes, of 76, Bolton Rd., Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancs
Census Details
1891 Census –
The Hughes family lived at 18 Cook Street, Whiston, and comprised Robert (26, a Coal Miner) and Annie (23) and theirtwo month old son Thomas. Robert’s 16 year old brother Evan also lived with the family.
1901 Census –
By the time of the 1901 census, the family had moved to Ashton-in-Makerfield. Robert and Annie now had additional children Amelia (8), John (4) and Margaret (3 months).
At the beginning of 1918, the 2nd Battalion were located in the Lagnicourt sector, opposite the notorious Hindenberg Line. In February, owing to the shortage of manpower, the 8th (Service) Battalion ceased to exist, its men being transferred into the 2nd. Battalion.
It was clear that there was additional activity in the German lines, and a corresponding increase in the activity of German aircraft. The German offensive finally began on the 21st March and the battalion was in the thick of the fighting until the night of the 26th, when they were withdrawn, marching to billets at Lanches which they reached on the 28th.
In the 5 days of the initial offensive, they had lost 13 officers and 360 other ranks, killed, wounded and missing. Upon the arrival at Lanches of reinforcements of 15 officers and 343 other ranks, the battalion was reorganised with 4 companies, “A” to “D”.
The battalion was ordered to replace the Australians at Ploegsteert and by 2nd April they occupied trenches some 2,000 yards east of the ruined village.They remained here until the 8th, when they marched back to the Rosignol rest area. However early the next morning, heavy shellfire was heard to the south, towards Armentieres and word was received that the enemy had broken through. The battalion was ordered to stand to, ready to move at a moment’s notice.
The battalion remained on stand by in support of the 8th Border Regiment and 11th Cheshires up to midnight on the 9th.
The next morning the Germans advanced towards Ploegsteert and the battalion was ordered to occupy a position on the high ground, 2,000 yards west of the village. At 3.30 p.m. it was decided that a counter attack against Ploegsteert should take place, timed for 5 p.m. The attack was reasonably successful, but was held up by a large number of skilfully handled German machine guns.
The battalion remained in the thick of the action until they were relieved on 21st April.
On 9th May, they entrained for the Soissons area, returning to the scenes of some of their earliest encounters with the Germans back in 1914, although there were now few survivors of that earlier campaign.
Around the middle of May, an increase in activity behind the German lines was reported and escaped French prisoners told that immense supplies of ammunition was being stock-piled.By 26th May, the battalion was in possession of intelligence that told of an attack the following morning, and they moved forward to Ventelay to protect the crossings of the River Aisne.
The attack commenced at 1 a.m. on the 27th with artillery, gas and a huge infantry assault. By midday the situation was critical and the enemy had crossed the Aisne in two places. Fierce fighting continued throughout the day but by dusk, the remnants of the battalion had withdrawn to the high ground south of Ventelay.
On the 28th and subsequent days the attacks continued all along the lines, forcing a general retirement to a line sough of the River Vesle. As a result of heavy losses on the Aisne, the battalion received strong drafts and moved to Flanders for rest. This took place throughout July and the battalion did not go back into the line until 8th August, when it was near Kemmel.
This day was the day the tide turned, beginning with a series of successful attacks along a broad front, north and south of the Somme. Within a few days, it was clear that the German line had fallen back along its entire length, from Switzerland to the sea. The main British role was an assault on the German positions in Flanders. The battalion was confined throughout August and September in small scale actions, clearing locations which had been the scene of bitter fighting in the previous years.
Ultimately, they reached Rollinghem on 20th October and marched through villages bedecked with flags and cheering Belgian inhabitants. However, they now had to cross the River Escaut.
During the night of 21st/22nd October, three platoons, accompanied by Royal Engineers, crossed the river. Well placed German defences prevented the establishment of the bridge-head and they had to withdraw, having lost 4 men killed and 28 wounded.
Private Hulme was one of those killed. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the missing.
The Parish Magazine reported on 28th December 1918 “Five more names for our Roll of Honour” and included “Pte. William Hulme, 31, 2nd S. Lancs., killed in action 25th October 1918, of 28 St Helens Road, leaves a widow and one child”.
An extract from BICC “Link” Magazine, November 1918
William Hulme’s inscription on the Tyne Cot memorial
William Hulme's Medal Index Card
Serjeant 12168 Wilfred HYDE
Prescot Reporter 04/08/1918
Unit/Regiment
6th Bn., King's Own Scottish Borderers
Date of Death
14/07/1916
Age at Death
23
Burial/Memorial & Reference
Thiepval Memorial
Pier and Face 4A and 4D
CWGC Family Details
(if shown)
Son of Mr. W. H. and Mrs. C. Hyde, of 31, Columbia Rd., Prescot, Lancs
Census Details
1901 Census –
William Hyde (31, a Pipe Fitter) and his wife Clara (30), lived at 14 Crosshouse (?) Terrace, Helsby, with their children Jessie (9), Wilfred (7), Edward (5) and Elizabeth (3).Although William and Clara were both from the Manchester area, their 3 eldest children are all recorded as being born in Scotland.
SDGW – Where Born
Edinburgh
Enlisted
Warrington,
Resided
Preston
How Died
Killed in Action
Theatre of War
France & Flanders
Research Ref. No.
P163
Service Details
In the first few days of the Somme offensive of July 1916, the 6th Battalion, King’s own Scottish Borderers were in support of the front line and spent much of their time providing carrying parties (ammunition and supplies) in support of the remainder of the Divisions at Montauban Wood.
The Battalion diary records that on the night of 30th June/1st July, the battalion paraded as late as 11:10 p.m. at the cross roads at GROVETOWN then marched to TRIGGER WOOD VALLEY, all arriving by 12:45 a.m.
It reported the men as being in splendid condition and very keen to be involved in the forthcoming actions, going on to say, “Bombardment all night by us, very intensive from 5:00 to 7:30 a.m. Our infantry attacked on large front at 7:30 a.m. At 12 noon, objective reported taken in immediate front – MONTAUBAN. Weather splendid, Wind S.W.”
“D” Company went out at on carrying duty at 7:15 p.m. and only returned at 5:30 a.m. on the 2nd July. They had been carrying Royal Engineer’s stores to LOOP TRENCH for the Essex Battalion of the 53rd Brigade. “A” Company went out at 11:50 p.m. on the 1st, returning at 6:30 a.m. on the 2nd, carrying stores to the forward dump of the 54th Brigade at POMMIERS REDOUBT.
On the 2nd, the diary reports that the battalion was ready to move out at short notice, but stayed in place for most of the day until they left TRIGGER WOOD VALLEY at 9:15 p.m. for TRAIN ALLEY, arriving there at 5:15 a.m. on the morning of 3rd July. Here they formed working parties, presumably repairing and reinforcing trench positions.
At 7:00 p.m. they battalion received Operational Orders to attack BERNAFAY WOOD. They formed up immediately and the attack commenced at 9:00 p.m. accompanied by the 12th Battalion of the Royal Scots. The attack was successful and the wood was taken, with 2 machine guns being captured and 11 prisoners taken, 5 casualties being incurred.
Almost immediately, a very heavy enemy bombardment of the newly captured positions began and this continued all night. Headquarters for the battalion was established in a shell hole in the South Western end of the wood and consolidation of the positions was undertaken.
The intense enemy bombardment continued into the 4th July and Headquarters was moved to CHIMNEY TRENCH.
Casualties were reported as 2 officers killed, 2 wounded and 2 more suffering from shell shock. “Other Rank” casualties for the day are simply reported as 130, without any indication of how many were killed and how many wounded.
The bombardment continued throughout the following days, with a steady stream of casualties in officers and also Other Ranks. On 7th July, it was reported that Headquarters had been moved to a German dugout in BERNAFAY WOOD. One officer and 40 OR casualties were incurred, and “C” company was sent back to TALUS BOIS for rest.
At 8:00 a.m. the following day (8th July), TRONES WOOD was attacked by the Yorkshire Regiment, who passed through the KOSB lines in BERNAFAY WOOD en route. The southern end of the wood was initially taken but then lost in a German counter attack. The Wilstshire Regiment then joined in the assault and the wood was finally taken and held at 10:30 a.m.
The 6th Battalion of the KOSB assisted in this attack by sending forward Lewis gunners and snipers. As a result of these offensives, the enemy bombardment of BERNAFAY WOOD became even more intense. “B” Company were relieved by a company of South Africans and marched back to rest at the south end of BILLON WOOD. HQ were also relieved, and “C” Company rejoined the battalion. “A” and “D” companies were now left under the command of the South Africans. Casualties for this day were 1 officer wounded and 70 other ranks killed or wounded.
On the 9th, the remaining companies of the battalion in the front line were relieved and a call was taken south of BILLON WOOD. 16 officers and 300 other ranks failed to answer the call.
The 10th to 12th July were spent in reorganising, cleaning up and resting.
On 13th, the battalion received orders to be ready to move out that night to take part in an attack on the German second line trench system. The attack was to be led by the South Africans and again the 6th KOSB were to act as carrying partiers in support of the main offensive. The battalion left BILLON WOOD at 9:00 p.m., “A” and “B” Companies to BRESLAU TRENCH while “C” and “D” Companies went to the quarry in CATERPILLAR VALLEY and then moved on to the Brigade dump. The attack on the German second line from BAZENTIN-LE-GRANDE to LONGUEVAL commenced at 3:25 a.m. on the 14th July, preceded as usual by an intense artillery bombardment. After hard fighting, the line was taken with 8 other ranks being reported as killed in action.
Among these was Serjeant Wilfred Hyde. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
Prescot Reporter, 04/08/1916 –
The official news has been received that Sergeant Wilfred Hyde has been killed in action in France. The deceased was 23 years of age and the son of Mr. William Henry Hyde of 21, Columbia Road, Prescot. He was attached to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and had been in France for 18 months. He had taken part in many engagements and was among the wounded at Loos in September last. Death was caused by a shot through the head.
Before the joined the army, about a week after the outbreak of war, he was a steward on board the “Arabic”. He comes of a fighting family, for his father is now with the British Expeditionary Force in the Mediterranean and his brother George Edward is a Sergeant in the deceased’s old regiment.
Sergeant Hyde’s Medal Index Card confirming his arrival into France on 12th May 1915, entitling him to the 1914-1915 Star.
