|
Reginald is listed as dying of wounds on 25th August 1918 at one of the three [1st, 7th and 33rd] Casualty Clearing Stations in Oppy which used the Ligny-St Flochel cemtery for burials. We have not identified the exact day on which he was wounded and the 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 17th to 25th August are transcribed below along with an obituary in the Stratford Herald.
War Diary 17th to 25th August 1918
Oppy sector - 17 to 21.08.1918: In the line Oppy sector. Work concentrated on the Main Line of Defence. Enemy artillery quiet. Several reconnaissance patrol sent out but were not able to enter enemy’s line.
7 OR’s joined
Oppy sector - 22.8.1918: Enemy very heavily bombarded the line with Gas from midnight till 4am causing 1 Officer & 16 Other Ranks casualties.
1 Officer and 19 OR’s joined.
Oppy sector - 23.8.1918: Defence scheme altered and necessitated the digging of a new trench between the main Arleux Road and Tommy Alley. Work commenced.
Another very heavy hostile Gas concentration causing 1 Officer & 10 OR’s casualties. 1 OR joined, 1 OR killed & 2 OR’s wounded.
Oppy sector - 24.8.1918: Trench completed and manned. 1 OR wounded. 2 Officers & 38 OR’s gassed as a result of previous concentration.
Oppy sector - 25.8.1918: Work of laying duck boards, revetting and wiring continued on new trench which was named “Worcestershire Trench”. 2 OR’s wounded.
Stratford Herald Obituary
Stratford Herald - Friday 30th August 1918
DIED OF WOUNDS - LANCE CORPORAL REGGIE MULLIS
It is our sad duty to record the death of this promising soldier at the age of 19 and the regret will be shared by many for Reginald Mullis was one of those happy individuals who could boast a host of friends. He did well at the Commercial School, and on leaving gained a position in the London City and Midland bank at
Leamington, being promoted to the Warwick branch after six months service. He was held in high regard by the manager and the staff. A promising career seemed opening for him when war broke out, and, like many another lad, he was anxious on attaining 18, to do his bit for his country.
He passed his examinations for a cadetship but joined up with the 1st Worcesters in January of last year hoping after a spell of trench work to qualify for a commission. In January 1918, he crossed the Channel and took his part in active operations. A few weeks back he had a slight attack of trench fever and was in hospital but he got over this quickly and was back with the battalion on Tuesday of last week. The Worcesters were soon engaged with the enemy and on Saturday Lance Corporal Mullis was severely wounded in the shoulder and also gassed.
Every attention was bestowed upon him by doctor and nurses but he never rallied and died on the Sunday at 2.15 p.m. Very genuine sympathy will go out to the bereaved parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Mullis in their terrible loss.
|
