South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project

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The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One


Private 48073 Harry Samuel GARRETT - 22nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers


Killed in Action on Thursday, March 21st 1918 aged 34


Military History

     
Theatre of War Medals Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial
France and Flanders British War & Victory Medals Arras Memorial
     
Arrived in Theatre Medal Citation (if app) SWFHS Area Memorials
After 1 Jul 1916 ~ Warwick (Eleanor Cross) War Memorial
    Warwick St. Paul
Action, Battle or Other Reason Killed Date and Place Enlisted  
German Spring Offensive May 1916 in Leamington Spa  
     
Place of Death Previous Regiments or Units Other War Memorials
Saint Leger  ~ ~
     

Circumstances of Death

Harry is listed as being killed in action on 21 Mar 1918, the first day of the German Spring Offensive. The 22nd Battalion war diary entries for the 21st and 22nd March are transcribed below.

Front Lines near Belfast Camp – 21st March 1918: Enemy attacked. His barrage opened at about 5am and was very intense – particularly on the support, reserve, links and Bunhll Row. It consisted of HE and Gas. The initial casualties on account of this were heavy.

11am - The right forward Company formed a defensive flank as the Battalion on our right had been forced back. Two platoons of the Reserve company were sent forward to assist the forward Company.

11.30am – Two rifle grenade sections of the Reserve Company were sent forward to assist the forward Company

1.pm – 102nd L.T.M.B. section reported that the enemy were in Ecoust. One Company 25th N.F. were ordered to extend the defensive flank westward along the Ecoust Switch. Battalion HQ moved to left Bn HQ at U.25.a.60.60

1.30pm – The enemy gained a footing in the front line of Right forward Company as far North as GOG and endeavored to work northwards but was held up.

3pm – The enemy was reported to be on the Hogs Back. Two Companies 25th NF were immediately ordered by Brigade to counter-attack.

4pm – The enemy was seen advancing on the Hogs Back towards Croisilles

5pm – The enemy was seen gathering on the W side of the Railway bank between U.25.00.90 and U.24.d.55.60. The left Company practically intact and the remained of the three other companies made a fighting retirement Northwards on to a line from Factory Avenue to Croiselles Switch North.

When the enemy were on three sides, three Lewis Guns and the HQ personnel of 22NF, 23 NF and 25 NF made a temporary redoubt of Battn HQ, whilst all documents were burnt and then a fighting retirement was effected Northwards.

22nd March 1918: The remains of the Battn together with parties of 23 NF & 25 NF, J Coy, R.E’s and 102 Pioneer Company held the Croisilles Switch North. The enemy attempted to enter the trench N of St. Leger. In the afternoon the enemy entered St. Leger and flank fighting ensued. The Battalion was relieved at night and returned to billets at Moyenville.


 Personal & Family History

 

Birth Date/Place Baptism Date/Place
Jan Qtr 1885 in Warwick as Garratt 1 Feb 1885 at Warwick St. Mary
   
Parents Names Abode
William and Lucy Garrett Warwick
   
Wife and Marriage Details Children
Mary Jane Garrett nee Kennett Majorie born 21 Oct 1910
Apr Qtr 1910 in Meriden Winifred Olive born 23 Jul 1915                  
   
Schools Colleges
  ~
   
Address History Employment History
1885 - 22 Commercial Buildings, Saltisford  1901 - Errand Boy
1891 - 19 Commercial Buildings, Saltisford 1911 - Bricklayer
1901 - 19 Commercial Buildings, Saltisford   
1910 - 2 Pedmore Terrace, Linen Street, Warwick  
1916 - 59 Linen Street, Warwick