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 | Thiepval Memorial |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| After 1 January 1916 in France | ~ | Knowle Soldiers Chapel |
| Knowle War Memorial | ||
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| Battle of Albert (Somme) | After 2nd July 1915 in Birmingham | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| Mailly Maillet | ~ | |
Circumstances of Death
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George is listed as being killed in action on the 1 Jul 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The 1st/6th Battalion war diary entry for that day is transcribed below. Mailly – 1 [Jul 1916] – 7.40am: Battalion left their assembly trenches 10 minutes behind the 1/8th R War R – heavy casualties, about 80, before crossing our own lines, mingled in with 1/8th R War R immediately on reaching German lines, worked up as far as the third line. First and second wave Battalions on the right had advanced no further. 31st Division on left also hung up, certain units reaching Serre. Enemy’s opposition a well distributed barrage and very severe cross machine gun fire. 12th Infantry Brigade followed but were unable to advance further than line held by 11th Inf Bde. The one officer unhurt (2/Lt J.G. Cooper) returned with a message to Brigade HQ between 11 and 12am. The line which was being consolidated was severely pressed on the flanks and forced to withdraw to the quadrilateral from where the few remaining men were sent back to our lines about 4pm. All that could be collected were taken back to Mailly at midnight. Estimated casualties 120 killed and missing, 316 wounded. War Diary reference WO 95/2755/2 - page 10 |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| Apr Qtr 1889 in Knowle | |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| George (died 1907) and Eliza Annie Smitten | |
| Wife | Marriage Details |
| Amy Elizabeth Smitten nee Clarke | Jul Qtr 1910 in Solihull District |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1889 - Knowle | 1901 - School age |
| 1891 - Malthouse Lane, Knowle | 1911 - Independent Means |
| 1901 - Hampton Lane, Knowle | 1914 - Bank Clerk |
| 1911 - Mill Lane, Bentley Heath, Knowle | |
| 1918 - 390 Shaftmoor Lane, Hall Green |