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 | 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Redan Ridge Cemetery No 3 |
| Arrived in Theatre | Medal Citation (if app) | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 7 Apr 1915 in France | ~ | Bidford on Avon |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | |
| Battle of the Ancre (Somme) | Aug 1914 in Birmingham | |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | Other War Memorials |
| Beaumont Hamel | ||
Circumstances of Death
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Christopher is listed as being killed in action on the 13th November 1916. The 2nd Battalion war diary is almost impossible to read in parts and so below is a precis prepared by the Grok 3 AI app. The 2nd Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (often referred to as the "Ox and Bucks") played a significant role in the Battle of the Ancre, which was the final major British offensive of the Somme campaign in 1916. This battle took place from November 13 to November 18, 1916, and was fought in the Ancre River valley on the Western Front in France. The 2nd Ox and Bucks, as part of the 5th Brigade in the 2nd Division, were heavily involved in the fighting, particularly during the assault on Beaumont Hamel, a key objective.
Context of the Battle
The Battle of the Ancre was launched after months of grueling combat on the Somme, which had begun on July 1, 1916. By November, the British aimed to capitalize on earlier gains and capture remaining German strongpoints, including the heavily fortified village of Beaumont Hamel. The weather had deteriorated significantly, with rain, mud, and cold hampering operations, but the attack went ahead to maintain pressure on the German lines before winter set in.
The 2nd Ox and Bucks' Role on November 13, 1916, the 2nd Battalion took part in the assault on the German trenches north of Beaumont Hamel, specifically targeting positions along the Redan Ridge. This was a heavily defended area, and the battalion faced intense resistance from German machine guns, artillery, and entrenched infantry. The attack was preceded by a massive artillery bombardment intended to weaken German defenses, but many strongpoints survived, making the infantry advance extremely costly.
The 2nd Ox and Bucks advanced under appalling conditions—thick mud slowed their progress, and they were exposed to withering enemy fire. Despite these challenges, the battalion succeeded in capturing parts of their objectives, though at a heavy price. The fighting was brutal and chaotic, with hand-to-hand combat in the trenches and significant losses due to the difficult terrain and determined German defense.
Casualties and Impact
The 2nd Battalion suffered severe casualties during the Battle of the Ancre. Among the losses was Captain Ralph Kite, a decorated officer who had previously earned the Military Cross and been mentioned in dispatches twice. His death on November 13 underscored the high toll on the battalion’s leadership and ranks. Overall, the unit sustained many killed and wounded, reflecting the ferocity of the engagement and the harsh conditions of the Somme battlefield by late 1916.
While the broader Battle of the Ancre achieved some success—Beaumont Hamel was eventually captured by other units, and the British gained ground—the gains came at a steep cost, and the 2nd Ox and Bucks’ experience mirrored this grim reality. The battalion’s efforts contributed to the incremental pressure that forced the Germans to retreat to the Hindenburg Line in early 1917, though the immediate strategic impact of the November fighting was limited.
Aftermath
Following the battle, the 2nd Ox and Bucks were withdrawn for a period of rest and reorganization. The severe weather that followed led to an unofficial truce of sorts on the Somme, as both sides struggled with the elements. By early 1917, the battalion was redeployed to other sectors, continuing its service on the Western Front.
The Battle of the Ancre marked the end of the Somme offensive, one of the bloodiest campaigns of the First World War. For the 2nd Ox and Bucks, it was a testament to their resilience and sacrifice, though it left the unit depleted and mourning significant losses. Their actions exemplified the relentless determination of British troops in the face of overwhelming odds during one of history’s most infamous battles.
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| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
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| 2 Nov 1895 at Bidford on Avon | 2 Mar 1898 Bidford on Avon, St. Laurence |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Amelia Ellen Edkins | Victoria Road, Bidford on Avon |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1895 - Bidford on Avon | 1911 - Farm labourer |
| 1901 - Tower Hill, Bidford on Avon | |
| 1911 - Steps Piece, Bidford on Avon | |
| 1916 - Victoria Road, Bidford on Avon | |
- Christopher's father is not named on his birth or bapitsm certificates. His mother Amelia was a domestic servant at the time of his birth.
