Prescot Roll of Honour

Pictured in the Prescot Reporter, courtesy of Ste M

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 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 service whilst 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 1917 as part of the Territorial Force renumbering. 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The battalion was withdrawn from the line into reserve the following day.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 Anneux British Cemetery.

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.

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 grave at Anneux British Cemetery