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 of Death | Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| Sinai and Palestine Campaign | 1915 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Jerusalem Memorial |
| First Arrived in Theatre | Gallentry Medal | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 23 May 1915 in Gallipoli | Military Cross (Gazette) | Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Battle of El Burj | 18 Jan 1915 in Perth, Australia | Highnam St. Mary's Church |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| near El Burj, Eygpt | Pte 1758, 12th Battalion, Australian Infantry | |
Service History
- 18 Jan 1915 - Enlisted into Australian Infantry
- 23 May 1915 - Landed in Gallipoli
- 18 Jul 1915 - Taken ill with influenza and pneumonia, returned to duty after 14 Sep 1915
- 21 Dec 1915 - Commissioned to 2nd Lt. in 3/1st Gloucestershire Yeomanry (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars) (Gazette)
- 23 Apr 1918 - Awarded the Military Cross (Posthumously) (Gazette)
Military Cross Citation
For conspicuous gallantry & devotion to duty. When heavily attacked by the enemy & enfiladed by machine-gun fire, he held his post, though he was wounded, in a
most determined manner. Later, he again maintained his position against an enemy attack, although his flank was exposed. He showed great coolness and gallantry.
Circumstances of Death
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Herbert is listed as having died of wounds incurred earlier in the day of 1st September 1917 during the Battle of El Burj, part of the wider Battle of Jerusalem. The Regiments war diary entries for the 1st & 2nd December are transcribed below. 1 Dec 1917 - El Burj: At 0110 on the morning of 1st, received orders to stand-to ready to support the firing line, and almost immediately were sent out to 8th. Aus. Light Horse HQ N of El Burj and reached the firing line at 0150. 2/Lieut H.P Ellis and his troop filled a gap in "C" Sqn, 8th A.L.H., where he was killed very shortly. Lt. G.V. Fawtrey and Lt. E. G. Townsend took their troops to fill a gap between "B" & "C" Sqns, 8th A.L.H., the whole of the Gloucestershire Yeo Composite Sqn. being under command of Capt. A. G. Wykeham-Musgrave. The arrival of the Glos. Yeo detachment of 7 Officers and 82 Rifles, 6 M.G. teams, helped to drive back a determined attack by the Turks, and a Coy. of Royal Scots Fusiliers arriving at 0255 further helped us and the attack was driven off. From this time till 0815 the firing and bombing by both sides were intense. A second Coy of R.S.F arrived and was kept in reserve until 0415 when the Turks made another very determined attack which failed completely, and at daylight being so placed it was impossible for them to return they surrendered unwounded prisoners consisted of 4 Officers (including Brigade Commander) 2 Cadets, and 105 O.R., also 12 wounded O.R. Many dead were counted in front of our line, 120 being in front of ground held by 8th A.L.H. etc. Yee, and R.S.F. A prisoner reported they were the 90th Regt 1st Coy Storm Troppen Bde. And had come from, Galicia quite recently and had also been in Gallipoli and went into action for the first time on the front on the day previous. They appeared well armed and equipped having 1917 "Mausers", broom stick bombs, Austrian pattern clothing for the most part and steel helmets. During the day R.N.F. were withdrawn and all remained quiet except for occasional shelling. In the evening the Glos. Yee, were withdrawn into support positions just W. of 8th A.L.H. Killed in action: - 2/Lieut. H.P. Ellis 2 Dec 1917 - El Burj: Quiet day and night. All quiet. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 8 Jan 1886 in Longdon, Gloucs | 11 Feb 1886 in Longdon, Gloucs |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| Henry Arthur and Caroline Ann Ellis | Home Farm, Highnam, Longdon |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1886 - Longdon, Worcs | 1901 - Timber Merchants Clerk |
| 1891 - Home Farm, Highnam, Longdon | 1911 - Farmers Son/Farm Worker |
| 1901 - Home Farm, Highnam, Longdon | 1915 - Orchardist (Fruit Farmer) |
| 1911 - Home Farm, Highnam, Longdon | |