Military History

Lt. Col Flower is listed as dying of wounds on 11^th July 1916 at Mametz and he was buried at Moylancourt British Cemetery No 1 which was made by Field Ambulances in June and July 1916.

The 13^th Battalion war diary entries for the period 12^th to 14^th July are transcribed below and show that Lt Col Flower was killed by a British shell.

Mametz – 10.7.1916: 4.45am - 38^th Division attacked Mametz Wood. Disposition of forces:
Right flank:- From centre side of wood to extreme East side of Wood, 114^th Brigade
Left Flank:- From centre side of wood to West side of wood, 113^th Brigade
Formation:- 113^th Brigade in 8 lines at 100 yards per Battalion, the 16^th R.W.F 1^st line being formed up North of White Trench.

Capt. E.W. Lawrence R.A.M.C, and 2/Lt A.S.H. Barrett and Lt H Vivian Jones were killed while Capt’s L.S. Ayer and F.R.G Thomas were wounded.

Mametz – 11.7.1916: 7am - Three patrols were sent forward to reconnoitre ground up to the railway line, on their returning to the line advanced our right being in touch with the 16^th Welsh. Patrols were sent out to extreme edge of Wood.

12 noon: Battalion relieved on this line by 16^th R.W.F. and moved back to the original line S in X.24.a where at 3.30pm the C.O. [Lt. Col Flower]; Major Bell and Adjt were wounded by one of our shells. Captain Hardwick took command.

5.37pm: Battalion moved forward t X roads at Y.

7.25pm: Under orders Battalion advanced and formed line on right of 14 R.W.F. with 3 Coys and 1 Coy out of 14 R.W.F. forming new front line.

10pm: Orders received from Brid Gen Evans to evacuate new line and take over 2^nd line held by 11 S.W.B on R of Central Ride with 3 Coys & 1 Coy on L of Central Ride.

Minden Post – 12.7.1916: 1am – Battalion relieved in the line by 12^th Northumberland Fusiliers (21^st Div) and bivouacked near Minden Post.

5.30pm: Battalion marched to the Halte at Meaulte and entrained for Longtre and there marched to billets at Yaucourt.

2^nd Lt H.R. Ford rejoined for duty.