South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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1s |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France and Flanders | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | St. Patrick's Cemetery, Loos |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 19 Dec 1915 in France | ~ | Hillmorton |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Mine warfare near Loos | Aug/Sept 1914 at Rugby | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| Loos | Pte 6573 Royal Warwickshire Regiment | |
Circumstances of Death
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Walter is listed as dying of wounds on 23 Jan 1916. The fact that he is buried in a cemetery not linked with a Casualty Clearing Station or Hospital indicates that he died a short time after he was wounded. The 11th Battalion war diary entry for overnight 22nd/23rd January 1916 is transcribed below. War DiaryMine exploded about point M.6.a.0.1 with object of destroying enemy mine - report below. The operations were considered to be successful. The O.C centre was ordered to detail two parties to occupy the near edge of the [Harrisons] crater & to consolidate it by dawn. Each party to consist of 5 Grenadiers, 1 officer, 2 sappers & 15 riflemen. Lt Donnithorne was selected as the officer for the party and the men were found by the 21st London Regt. In addition a reserve party of one officer (2nd Lt Wire) & 25 NCO's & men of Hants Pioneers were held in readiness in the Enclosure. The Right party (Lt Donnithorne) was ordered immediately after the explosion to clear the trenches of debris & consolidate the crater. Immediately after the explosion Lt Donnisthorne ordered the party to enter the crater and clear trench & construct new on on the inner edge. This party immediately came under close direct fire from the German rifles and guns. The enemy kept up sending flares continuously and the whole place was as light as day showing up the party against the white ?. At 2.45am Lt Donnithorne telephoned Lt Wire for 10 men who were immediately sent up under Cpl Atkins, 2nd Lt Wire bringing up the remainder himself at 3.15am. Lt Donnithorne was wounded in the leg at 3am & 7 men of the 21st London Regiment & five of the 11th Hants reserve party were casualties. END
47th Division Report of OperationsAt 2am we exploded a defensive mine at M.6.a.1½.1 and occupied and consolidated near the edge of the crater. The Germans sent up red and green rockerts immediately but their artillery did not open fire until 2.20am. Most of the German fire was directed on the reserve trenches - especially in Maroc Section. Many shells were blind. It is reported that the German mine was damaged and will probably be unfit for use in the immediate future. The Crater will be known as Harrison's Crater.
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| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| Apr Qtr 1886 at Swinford | 2 May 1886 at Swinford |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Henry (deceased) and Alice Brown | Swinford |
| Wife and Marriage Details | Children |
| Annie Elizabeth Brown (nee Hopkins later Daffern) | Walter Henry born 22 Mar 1909 |
| 25 Dec 1908 at Hillmorton | Oliver Herbert born 25 Mar 1914 | Alice Mary born 1 Jan 1916 |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1886 - Swinford | 1891 - Scholar |
| 1891 - 3 Lutterworth Road, Swinford | 1901 - Agricultural Labourer |
| 1901 - 8 Top Street, Swinford, Leics | 1908 - Engine Cleaner |
| 1908 - Hillmorton | 1911 - Engine Cleaner for London & North Western |
| 1911 - School Street, Hillmorton | |
| 1914 - School Street, Hillmorton |