Military History

Frederick is listed as being killed in action on 2nd July 1916, aged only 17, at Thiepval Wood during the 2nd day of the Battle of the Somme. The 96th Company was diary entry covering the period 1st to 6th July can be read by clicking here. Below is a brief precis of the events at that time.

96th Company was one of the units choosen to support the advance of British troops in the attack in the Thiepval Wood sector on 1 July 1916. Two sections were to advance, one with 16th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, the other with 18th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

The section intended to support 16th Battalion was unable to do so as the mauling that formation took made any supporting fire redundant.

The other section advanced in the wake of 18th Battalion and soon found themselves under artillery fire. Most of their number being killed or wounded by shrapnel including both officers and having one gun being buried they withdrew. It was clear that to advance further only risked the loss of more guns. The Company reserve did briefly advance but finding the line in enemy hands withdrew and prepared to receive a counter-attack. After some consolidation a force of three guns was sent forward to the 'Skinner Street' trenches just behind the front line to assist them. The Company suffered heavy losses, particularly 'C' section.