Prescot Roll of Honour

Service Details

Richard Renshalls original service number of 4976 suggests that he enlisted in March/April of 1916, and this is supported by his Medal Index Card, which does not list a date of arrival in theatre. It is almost certain, therefore, that he was only sent to France towards the end of 1916 or even in early 1917.

By the start of the New Year in 1917, the battalion was in the Ypres Salient, carrying out normal trench relief duties. By the beginning of May, however, activity was on the increase as the British forces prepared for the forthcoming Third Battle of Ypres, better known as Passchendaele. On 29th May, the battalion was sent to Garrison Railway Wood and then in the first week of June they mnoved to a new sector near to Zillebeke. Towards the end of June they were withdrawn to rest and train at St Omerin prepararion for the offensive, due to commence on 31st July. On 20th July they returned once more to Ypres and continued training until they moved into assault positions on the 30th.

At 3.50 a.m. on 31st July the British bombardment began and the leading waves of infantry closely followed, taking the first objective (the 'Blue Line') in their stride. At 5.05 a.m. as arranged, the battalion and the Liverpool Scottish went forwards towards the second objective, known as the 'Black Line'. Once the Blue Line was passed, however, the enemy counter barrage became heavier and more effective. But the battalion continued theior advance, shell-hole by shell-hole, to withion 200 yards of their objective. Here the advance came to a brief stop under German machine gun fire, but two tanks arrived and took out the German positions.

The battalion continued their advance and they swiftly took the enemy trenches, clearing the dug-outs with bombs and bayonets. Consolidation took place and by evening the new line was secure. The battalion had lost 1 officer and 27 other ranks killed, 5 officers and 133 other ranks wounded, 1 1 officer and 11 other ranks reported missing.

Richard Renshall was one of those killed that day. His body was never identified and he is remembered on the Menin Gate.

The Parish Magazine (date unknown) reported 'Pte. Richard Renshall, aged 20, of No 1 Court, Moss Street. 5th South Lancs, killed in action 31st July 1917'

The Register of Soldiers Effects

The listing of Private Renshall's death in the London Times in August 1917

Prescot Reporter 14th September 1917

Richard Renshall's Medal Index Card has his surname mis-spelt.

Richard Renshall's inscription on the Menin Gate