Military History

Hubert is listed as being killed in action on 18 Sep 1914. He was originally buried at Soissons Communal Cemetery before his remains were exhumed around 1920 and, having been identified by his uniform, he was reburied at Vaixbuin.

The 1st Battalion war diary does not list any deaths on the day he is said to have been killed nor on the day after, however in the period 13th to 17th it lists 11 other ranks as being killed. The battalion war diary entries for the period 13th to 18th Sept 1914 are transcribed below.

13^th to 17^th Sept - La Montagne Farm: Still occupying trenches at La Montagne Farm. During which time were more or less continuously under artillery fire & wet weather made the conditions in the trenches very trying. On the 16^th the enemy brought up his heavy guns (reported to be 8.5in mortar). These were used in conjunction with aircraft for observation with amazing accuracy and caused a good deal of loss in our trenches. On this date units from the 10^th Infantry Brigade were brought up into the firing line and two sections organised each consisting of units from both Brigades. The Hampshire Regt coming under command of Brig Gen Haldane Commanding 10^th Infantry Brigade.

11.30am till 1.30pm 17^th Sept: Bucy-le- Long heavily shelled by enemy’s heavy guns which caused considerable damage.

Casualties 13^th to 17^th:

Killed: Officers Nil and Other Ranks 11
Wounded: Capt Richards and Lieut H.C. Westmorland and 54 Other Ranks
All the above were caused by artillery fire.

18^th Sept - La Montagne Farm: Orders received to sort our the two Brigades 10^th Bde of the right as far as a point 150 yards west of La Montagne Farm. 11^th Bde thence to the left occupying a frontage of about 1500 yards with its left resting on the right of the 45^th French Division (African). The Bn was supposed as follows: 2 companies in fire trenches, 1 company in supporting trench and 1 Company held in  reserve in a conveniently situated cave.

Casualties: Wounded - Officers Nil & Other Ranks 1.