WW1 Casualty: Rifleman 3535 Fred Finney - Rifleman 3535 Fred Finney
Prescot Reporter 28/07/1916
| Unit/Regiment |
1st/5th Bn., South Lancashire Regiment |
| Date of Death |
16/07/1916 |
Age at Death |
20 |
Burial/Memorial
& Reference |
Agny Military Cemetery
D.13 |
| CWGC Family Details (if shown) |
Son of Joshua and Annie Finney, of 8, Ward St., Prescot, Lancs
Headstone Inscription
PEACE PERFECT PEACE |
| Census Details |
1901 Census -
The Finney family lived at 11, Cyprus Street. Joshua (30, a Watch Broachmaker) and his wife Annie (27) had children Rachel (6), Fred (5), Joseph (3) and Walter (1)
1911 Census -
The family lived at 8, Ward Street where 15 year old Fred was recorded to be a Shop Assistant |
| Birth/Marriage/Death Registrations |
Birth registered Q2/1896, Prescot, Volume 8b, Page 707 |
| Enlisted |
St Helens |
| How Died |
Killed in Action |
Theatre of War |
France & Flanders |
| Research Ref. No. |
P102 |
Service DetailsAs there is no date of entry shown in Fred Finney's Medal Index Card (below), it is assumed that he only arrived in France with his battalion after the beginning of January 1916.
In mid-January 1916, the battalion was based south of Arras, taking over trenches from the French at Bellacourt. The time between then and April was uneventful, but the trenches were in a very poor condition leading to an uncomfortable period there, with some 25 men being victims of frostbite and exposure. The units spent 8 days in the trenches and 8 days in support, and whilst in the trenches they had to send out patrols every night,
The Regimental history does not record details of any significant actions around this time. Although the Battle of the Somme had commenced on 1st July, the battalion, part of 55th Division, was only engaged with active patrolling and sniping.
Private Finney was killed in this 'quiet' period. His body was recovered and he rests in Agny Military Cemetery
The Battalion War Diary for the few days around Pte. Finney's death is reproduced below.
July 12th/13th
Relieved 1/8th Liverpool Regt, 164th Bde in trenches in front of AGNY.
Dispositions of 166th Bde, 1/5th South Lancs Regt in front line right sub sector, 1/5th K O (Royal Lancaster) Regt in left sub sector, 1/10th Liverpool Regt in support in AGNY, 1/5th Loyal North Lancs Regt working for 165th Infy Bde in BRETENCOURT.
July 14th
Discharged smoke at 3am and heavily bombarded enemy lines. Retaliation was prompt but not heavy. Wind blew most of smoke back over our own lines.
Casualties 1 killed 2 wounded.
July 16th/17th
Relieved by 1/6th York & Lancaster Regt, 11th Div and marched to billets at BEAUMETZ.
Prescot Reporter of 28/07/1916 reported
"Pte. Fred Finney of the Gun Section of a South Lancashire Regiment has been reported killed in action. Capt. Guy Pilkington has written saying the unfortunate young man was killed instantly by a big shell on the 16th inst. And that he would be greatly missed by his comrades and officers. He always did his duty willingly and cheerfully and was an exceedingly brave soldier.
Pte. Finney was 20 years of age and lived with his parents at 8, Ward Street, Prescot. He was well known in the town and his many friends have heard of his death with extreme regret. The greatest sympathy is felt for his sorrowing parents."
The Parish Magazine of 22nd July 1916 reported 'Four more of our townsmen have been reported Killed in Action', and included 'Pte. Fred Finney, 5th South Lancashire, aged 20, of 8, Ward Street'.
Prescot Reporter 14th September 1917
The Register of Soldiers Effects lists Joshua Finney as next of kin
Fred Finney's Medal Index Card. He was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal
Fred Finney's grave at Agny Military Cemetery
In addition to his grave at Agny, Fred is also commemorated on his parents headstone in Prescot cemetery.
Picture courtesy and copyright, Leslie Birchall
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