Also Served: Benjamin Heaps - Benjamin HEAPS
26, Cumber Lane, Whiston Private 812, 5th Bn., South Lancashire Regiment Benjamin Heaps was a pre-war Territorial, joining the 5th Bn of the South Lancs in 1908 after its foundation as part of the Haldane reforms, which defined the new Territorial Army. He has previously served with the 2nd Volunteer Bn of the regiment from 1901 to 1908.
He was a 26 year old Brass Finisher at the Wire Works when he attested in 1908, and was married to Elizabeth, with a daughter, Doris.
He attended annual camp with the Battalion each year up until 1913 and was then embodied on the outbreak of war in August 1914. He went to France with the Battalion on 13th February 1915 but returned to the UK on 17th May that year.
His records show that on 6th May, he was with 12 Field Ambulance, then moved to No 2 Casualty Clearing Station. Ultimately, he moved through the casualty chain until coming back to England on 17th. Strangely, his ailment is recorded as 'dental caries', which is tooth decay.
Having completed his Term of Engagement by May 1916, he was then disembodied and assigned to work for Scotts Shipbuilders in Greenock, Scotland.
He was entitled to the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
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