South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | British War & Victory Medals | Ploegsteert Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| After 1 Jan 1917 in France | ~ | Barston, St. Swithin's |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| German Spring Offensive | November 1916 in Birmingham | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| near Neuve Eglise | 37841 Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry | ~ |
Circumstances of Death
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James is now officially listed as being killed in action on 12th April 1918, having intially been listed as one of 282 men missing in action on that day. He was killed just 20 days after his older brother Harry. The 1st Battalion war diary for the period 11th to 13th April is transcribed below. Trenches E of Ploegsteert Wood – 11 April 1918: Hostile artillery bombarded the Battalions position during the whole day. Owing to the enemy capturing the Catacombs and Ploegsteert Wood the battalion was forced to withdraw to the vicinity of the Ravels Berg. Casualties: OR – 1 killed and 5 wounded Trenches around Neuve Eglise – 12 April 1918: The Battalion took up a position around Neuve Eglise. Hostile artillery very active all day. After dusk the Battalion marched to Bailleul to support the troops fighting to the E of that town but the battalion was despatched to hold a position at Crucifix Corner between Neuve Eglise and the Ravels Berg. Casualties: Officers: Lt. R.M. Evans USA RAMC missing OR: 4 killed, 16 wounded and 282 missing. Trenches at Crucifix Corner near Neuve Eglise – 12 April 1918: Owing to the enemy having approached his line very near that of the British a counted attack was decided upon in which the Battalion took part, driving the enemy back to his original position. Hostile artillery very active all day & night. Casualties: Officers: Capt. R Cecil, Lt. H.B. Burkett killed & Capt. G.K. Wait MC wounded. OR: 8 wounded. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
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| Apr Qtr 1898 in Barston | 5 Aug 1877 at Barston, St. Swithins |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| William and Ellen Prentice | Barston |
| Schools | Colleges |
| Barston School | ~ |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1898 - Barston | 1911 - School |
| 1901 - Barston | 1911 - General Labourer |
| 1911 - Barston | |
| 1917 - Church Cottage, Barston | |
- Brother of Harry Prentice who also fell
- Cousin of Arthur Ronald Prentice who also fell
- All three of them were killed during the German Spring Offensive in Mar/Apr 1918