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Home , 2nd Corps (Turkey), 85th Brigade, Battle of Bazentin Ridge, Battle of Caen (1346), Battle of Delville Wood, Battle of Guillemont

DATE ORDER FOR WW1, WW2 AND BOER WAR MEMORIALS

1st January 1915 Corporal 17662 John Leese. 3rd Bn Regiment Born 1898 at Fenton son of George and Charlotte Leese 165 Oldfield St, Fenton. In 1911 John age 13 was working as an Errand Boy, Boot store. John served on the Western Front in and He died at home: 1st January 1915 age 17 and is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave Ref: 2371) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. 1st January 1917, Sergeant G/5385 Arthur Mottram. 9th Bn Born 1887 at Longton son of Samuel & Emily Mottram of 20 George Street, Fenton. Married Elizabeth Jane Hemmings at Christ Church, Fenton in 1911 and lived at 15 Smith St. (now Hallam St) (1911 Census) 9th (Service) formed at Chichester as part of the Third New Army (K3) and then moved to South Downs to join the 73rd of the 24th . During 1917 they were engaged at The , The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Langemarck, The Operations. Arthur was killed in action 1st January 1917, age 30 British Expedionary . Cemetery/memorial: Philosophe British Cemetery, . Pas de , France (Grave ref: II.G.3) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals.

6 January 1915 9901 Henry Jackson 1st Bn, North (Prince of ’s) Regiment. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1891 at Fenton son of Frederick and Sarah Ann Jackson of 52, Park Rd., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 was living at 1 Woodend St. Henry worked as a Potters Dresser. He had previously served in the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion for three years before enlisting as a regular soldier in 1913. Private Jackson was stationed at Buttevant on the outbreak of the war and landed at St Nazaire with the 1st North Staffords on 12 . Harry (Henry) was the batman to Captain Ferdinand Charles Tracey Ewald and on 13 he distinguished himself during the fighting at Outtersteene by helping to evacuate wounded comrades under fire. Harry (Henry) was killed on 6 January 1915 while serving in the trenches at Rue du Bois. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 8 of the Ploegsteert Memorial, Hainaut, . He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. The memorial commemorates more than 11,000 servicemen of the and South African who died in this sector during the First World War and have no known grave. The memorial serves the area from the line Caestre-Dranoutre- Warneton to the north, to Haverskerque--Fournes to the south, including the towns of , Merville, Bailleul and Armentieres, the Forest of Nieppe, and Ploegsteert Wood. Most of those commemorated by the memorial did not die in major offensives, such as those which took place around to the north or Loos to the south. Most were killed in the course of the day-to-day which characterised this part of the line, or in small scale set engagements, usually carried out in support of the major attacks taking place elsewhere.

7th January 1915. Colour Sergeant James Lemon. 5th Res Btn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment b Yoxall, Co Cork. Enlisted, Hanley Died at home 7th January 1915 and is commemorated at Newcastle, Staffordshire Cemetery (Evening Sentinel Report) THE LATE COL SARGT LEMON MILITARY FUNERAL AT NEWCASTLE. At Newcastle Cemetery on Saturday morning, the late Colour Sergeant James Lemon, of the 5th (Reserve) North Staffs Regt training at Hall was buried with military honours. These last sad ********* of a man who died serving his country were most impressive. Colour Sergeant Lemon had served 21 years in the and spent 13 years in India. When the appeal was made for ex NCO’s he responded to the call of his country and went to Butterton Hall as instructor. His efficiency in his work was responsible in the measure for the smallness of the battalion, and he was respected by his officers and those he come into contact. Before re-joining the forces he was working at the Harry Johnson’s tile works in Tunstall in which town he was well known. He was a splendid type of man strong and healthy but for a short time before his death he had not had his usual robustness. He died with tragic suddenness while dressing and his death cast a gloom over the camp and particularly on those with whom he was intimately associated. During his service at Butterton he obtained leave to be married, and he leaves a young widow. At Butterton he was colour sergeant of ? . The family mourners at the funeral were the widow and the deceased’s brother Drum Major Lemon who served with 5th North ’s. Men of T Company attended in charge of ****** ******. Th e service was conducted by the Rev J.W. Dunne Rector of Newcastle. (Difficult to make out remaining paragraph) 7th January 1916. 4. Acting Corporal 13872 William Thomas Evans. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1877 at Fenton, husband of Harriet A. Evans, of 55, Well St, (Now Watkin St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. William and Harriet Hill were married in 1897 at Fenton, Christ Church. William was employed as a Miner, Hewer. In 1911 the family were living at 221 Duke St, Fenton before moving to 55 Well Street (Watkin St). His son William Henry Evans 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regiment was killed in action 8th age 21 William was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and served in . The eight month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to through the and the Black Sea. William was killed in action 7th January 1916 age 39 during the Turkish attacks at Helles and is commemorated at the , Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 and 171) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. He is also commemorated at Temple Street Methodist, Church. From the records of Temple Street Methodists. Compiled by Richard Ellis Acting Corporal 13872 William Thomas Evans 7th Battalion Prince of Wales’s North He was born, lived and enlisted in Fenton. He married Harriet Ann Hill at the parish church in Fenton on 13/03/1897. The minister was Rev. A.G. Nash and the witnesses were James Horton and Sarah Mace. In 1911 the family lived at 221 Duke Street, Fenton. In 1916 they were living at 55 Well Street, Fenton. He enlisted on 29/09/1914, giving his age as aged 34. In fact, he was a least 37 as can be seen from his own entry on the 1911 census. He had to give his age as 34 as the maximum age acceptable for service overseas was 35. He was 5' 5 ¾ " tall and weighed 154 lbs. He had a chest measurement of 35 ½ " with 3" expansion. His complexion was fair; he had blue eyes and brown hair. His physical condition was good. He described himself as a Wesleyan. He had eight children at home: George Wifred born 23/09/1899, Elizabeth born 22/04/1901, John Arthur born 02/04/1903, Frank born 21/02/1905, Doris born 23/01/1907, Phyllis born 09/11/1909, Gladys born 14/09/1912 and Ida born 26/05/1914. His eldest son, William Henry had already left home. He was posted to the 10th battalion as a private. He was promoted to unpaid lance corporal on 12/03/1915 and paid 10/04/1915. He was promoted again to acting corporal on 05/11/1915. He served at home at Devonport from 29/09/1914 to 15/12/1914, Okehampton from 16/12/1914 to 31/05/1915 and from 01/06/1915 to 13/11/1915. He was transferred to the 7th battalion on 15/11/1915. He went to the Balkans on 15/11/1915 and was killed in action Gallipoli 07/01/1916 aged 39 during the last Turkish attacks on Helles and just before all were withdrawn from the peninsula. The of his battalion was killed on the same day.

The battalion war diary describes what happened in the days up to and including 07/01/1916.

Lance 13918 Corporal William Thomas Moseley. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1888 at Milton son of William and Mercy Moseley. In 1911 William was boarding at 61 China Street, Fenton. He was employed as a Coal Miner, Hewer. In 1913 William married Rosanner Smith in a Civil Marriage at Stoke. William was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and served in Gallipoli. The eight month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. William was killed in action 7th January 1916, age 28 and is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 and 171) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Lance Corporal 11965 George Stonier (419) 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regt Born 1894 at Fenton son of George and Mary Fanny Stonier, of 66, Nelson St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. George was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and served in Gallipoli. The eight month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. George was killed in action 7th January 1916, age 22 and is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 and 171) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 7th January 1942 Trooper 7946095 Leslie Alfred Gears. 17th/21st Lancers . Royal Armoured Not Yet Commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1921 son of Samuel Alfred and Elizabeth Ann Gears, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943.

Date of Death: 07/01/1943, age 22. Commemorated at Mediez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia. (Panel Ref: Face 3) Leslie was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

The memorial commemorates almost 2,000 men of the who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.

8th January 1916 Private 10385 Charles Hallam. 7th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1883 at Fenton son of George Henry and Amy Hallam, of 42, Alfred St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. He was working as a Coal Miner, Loader. Charles was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and served in Gallipoli. The eight month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. Charles was killed in action 8th January 1916, age 32 and is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 and 171) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 'Dad owed life to my uncle' Article by By Richard Ault Staffordshire Evening Sentinel. Saturday August 10th 2013 A POIGNANT story of family loyalty that saved the life of a daring young Potteries soldier has been revealed. Private Joseph Hallam survived the First World War despite lying about his age to sign up for the North Staffordshire Regiment. Yet, bizarrely, his name was still etched into a war memorial to the fallen at the now-closed Fenton Town Hall. In fact it is Joseph's elder brother, Charles, who should be on the war memorial. Charles gave his life so his younger brother could return home, marry and have children. Last night Joseph's daughter, Irene Wallace, of Jack Ashley Court, Fenton, explained the story. The 87-year-old said: "They were both serving in the same regiment. Charlie was coming back from the front and he met my father going the other way. He was only 17 – he had lied about his age to enlist. "Charlie said to the man in charge, 'let him go back home to his mother, he shouldn't be here, he's underage.' Charlie offered to take my father's place. He went back to the front and was killed. "My dad always looked up to Charlie, he was the eldest brother and he thought the world of him. "My dad used to cry about it when he had a drink. He said Charlie died because of him." Charlie, the son of George and Amy Hallam, of 42, Alfred Street, Fenton, was just 32 when he was killed. He was not married and had no children. He was serving with the 7th battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment, at Gallipoli and is remembered correctly on the Helles Memorial, in Turkey. He was killed in action on January 8, 1916 the day the Allied forces staged a full retreat from the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, bringing to an end a disastrous invasion of the . Joseph returned home to Fenton and married Eva, who he met on the journey back, and the couple had one daughter, Irene. They ran Hallam's Groceries in Fenton and Joseph became familiar around the town, often selling groceries from a horse and cart. Now the war memorial is under threat, due to the Ministry of Justice's plans to sell the former town hall for £500,000. Irene added: "My dad never commented about his name going on the memorial, I don't think he liked to talk about it. "I think it is awful that the memorial might be lost, it is part of Fenton."

8th January 1917 Lance Corporal 9510 William James Stanyer. 32 Bn ( Regiment) Born 1886 at Fenton, son of Letitia and the late William Stanyer, of 29A, Park Lane, Fenton. He was working as a Bricklayer. William was enlisted into the 32nd (Service) Battalion (East Ham) which was formed in October 1915 by the Mayor and the Borough. In May 1916 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and the Division was engaged in various action on the Western Front. During 1917 they were engaed on the in the Battle of Messines, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of the Menin Road and Operations on the Flanders coast. William was killed in action 8th January 1917, Age 31 and is commemorated at the Ridge Wood Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave ref: II.F.4) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 8 January 1945 Private 5953815 William Ronald Brayford. Corps. Herts & Bucks Regiment. Born 1917 at Stoke-on-Trent son of William and Mary Brayford of Fenton. In 1943 William married Alice May Adams at Northwood, Holy Trinity. Died 8th January 1945 age 28, Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45 and is commemorated at Hasselt (Kruisveld) Communal Cemetery, Limburg, Belgium. (Grave ref: Row B Grave 1) Headstone “The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another” William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to . Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over . Hasselt (Kruisveld) Communal Cemetery contains a plot of 50 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. 8th January 1943 Able Seaman P/JX 275312 Arthur Key. . HM 311 Born 1921 son of Edward and Mary Elizabeth Key of Fenton. HMS P311 was a T-class submarine of the Royal Navy, the only boat of her class never to be given a name. She was to have received the name Tutankhamen but was lost before this was formally done. P311 was a Group 3 T-class boat built by Vickers- Armstrong at Barrow-in-Furness and commissioned on 5 March 1942 under the command of Lieutenant R.D. Cayley. She was one of only two T-class completed without an Oerlikon 20 mm anti-aircraft gun, the other being HMS Trespasser. She joined the 10th Submarine Flotilla at Malta in November 1942, and was lost with all hands between 30 December 1942 and 8 January 1943 whilst en route to La Maddalena, Sardinia where she was to attack two Italian 8-inch gun using Chariot human torpedoes carried on the casing as part of Operation Principle. She was reported overdue on 8 January 1943 when she failed to return to base. It was assumed that she was mined. (Wikipedia) Arthur was assumed dead, 8th January 1943 age 22 and is commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire, (Panel 75, Column 1) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

Sunken WW2 Submarine Discovered After 73 Years With 71 Dead Bodies Still Inside

A British Second World War submarine was found off the coast of Sardinia, believed to be that of missing HMS P311. It looks certain never to be raised from the ocean despite containing the bodies of its 71 crew members inside.

The wreckage of the long-lost T-class boat was discovered around 90m (295 ft) from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea by Italian diver Massimo Domenico Bondone.

The submarine had been missing for more than 73 years after it vanished between late December 1942 and January 1943 after setting off from Malta to take part in a military attack on Italian warships.

The ship was presumed mined after it failed to return to Malta on 8 January.

Bordone told local Italian press when he found the wreckage, it was still in relatively good condition and not too damaged from the mine explosion believed to have sank it. He came to the conclusion that all crew members must have died as a result of suffocation and have remained inside the submarine ever since.

Despite this, both the British and Italian navy say there are no plans to attempt to raise the submarine from the ocean, and instead will keep the vessel in place as a memorial to those who died.

An Italian coastguard official with the Olbia port authority (which is responsible for the stretch of sea including the wreckage site) said the final decision on whether to recover the remains laid with the Royal Navy.

The central command in was to discuss the matter with its British counterpart. Meanwhile the coastguard will place a temporary ban on all activities around the submarine to respect the memory of the deceased. Resting some 90m underwater, the wreckage is reachable only by professional divers with technical equipment.

The Italian navy said that even if a salvage operation was to be launched, it would be impossible to predetermine how long it would take. "There are too many variables like the high depth, the conditions of the seafloor, the weather and it's impossible to know what other issues may arise underwater" a Navy spokesman said.

The British Royal Navy also agree that attempting to retrieve the submarine at a depth of around 90m is both an expensive and potentially dangerous exercise.

They added it isn't necessary to raise this submarine in particular as there are "potentially thousands of wreckages" from the Second World War still in the oceans, especially around the Mediterranean Sea.

A spokesperson added: "The submarine remains the property of Britain, so we ask that it is respected accordingly. We would never raise any vessel unless there were compelling historical or operational reasons to do so. We are examining our records to determine whether or not this is a Royal Navy submarine."

The P311 was led by Commander Richard Cayley, one of the most highly documented officers in the war. He was awarded the award of a Distinguished Service Order and two Bars in 1941. His daughter, 82-year-old Jennifer Barker, agreed the P 311 should remain where it is.

She told the Hampshire Chronicle: "If it is intact it probably means all of the bodies are still inside. I just hope they leave her where she is and don't try to raise her. It's a war grave and should be respected as such."

P311 was the only unnamed T-class boat – she was due to have been named Tutankhamen, but was lost before she could be officially named. 9th January 1917 Private 11237 Harry Battersby. 6th Bn South Lancashire Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial. Born 1890 son of Harry Battersby, of 10, Sandy Lane, Lowton-St.-Mary's, -le-Willows and was employed as a Coal Filler. Husband of J. M. Berry (formerly Battersby), of 46, Rd., Fenton, Harry enlisted into the 6th (Service) Battalion Lancashire Regt which was formed at Warrington, Cheshire as part of the First New Army (K1) and then moved to Tidworth, Wiltshire to join the 38th Brigade of the 13th Division. In January 1915 they Deployed to Egypt and then to Mesopotamia and engaged in various actions as part of the Palestine Campaign in 1917 including the Battle of Kut al Amara, and the capture of the Hai . Between May and December 1916, the 13th Division refitted and re-equipped in preparation for the drive northward to capture . On 12 December 1916, the division advanced from Sheik Sa'ad on Kut. At the Second Battle of Kut, the division helped drive the Turkish forces from the town. After a brief pause, the division drove north, crossing the Diyala River, and participated in the capture of Baghdad on 11 Harry was killed in action 9th January 1917 age 27 and is commemorated at the Basra Memorial, (Panel 23) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The Basra Memorial commemorates more than 40,500 members of the Commonwealth forces who died in the operations in Mesopotamia from the Autumn of 1914 to the end of August 1921 and whose graves are not known. The memorial was designed by Edward Warren and unveiled by Sir Gilbert Clayton on the 27th March 1929. 9th January 1918 Private 18460 William Morris. 20th Bn . Born 1892 at Fenton son of John and Eliza Morris, of 16, High Street, (now City Road) Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 11 Smith Street, (now Hallam St) Fenton. William was employed as Kiln Youth in the Potts. William was enlisted to the 20th (Service) Battalion (4th Salford) which was formed in March 1915 as a bantam battalion at Salford. Towards the end of 1917 the battalion were engaged in the fighting in Houthulst Forest, The Second . William died on the 9th January 1918. Age 26 and commemorated at the Memorial West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 54 to 60 and 163A) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known William was awarded the British War & Victory medals. .

11th January 1917, Private 8083 Alfred Parkinson. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in , resident in Fenton Alfred was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and served in Gallipoli. The eight month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. Alfred was killed in action 11th January 1917, and is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq (Grave XXIV.A.9) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Alfred was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

12th January 1917 Private 15682 William Edward Eardley. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1886 at Hanley in 1911 son of Elizabeth Eardley and was working as a Blacksmith. William was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and served in Mesopotamia. The eight month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. William was killed in action 12th January 1917, age 31 and is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq (Grave ref XXV1.A.25) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Killed in action 12th January 1916 age 31 and commemorated at the Amara War memorial. Grave ref XXV1.A.25 William was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

13th January 1942 Ordinary Seaman LT/JX 301694 Jack Watson. Royal Navy Patrol Service. HMS Europa. Born 1923 son of John Edward and Nellie Watson, of Fenton The Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS) was a branch of the Royal Navy active in the Second World War. The RNPS operated many small auxiliary vessels such as naval trawlers for anti-submarine and minesweeping operations to protect coastal Britain and convoys. Jack died 13th January 1942 age 19 and is commemorated at Lowestoft (Beccles Road) Cemetery, Suffolk. (Grave ref: Sec 25 Grave 502 south) There are 122 burials of the 1939-1945 war commemorated in this site. Of these 11 are unidentified seamen of the Merchant Navy. There are 11 German war burials here and 2 non-war service burials. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

20th January 1919 Private 34445 Samuel Colclough. (105) 18th Bn Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) transferred to (65526) 110 Coy Labour Corps Born 1890 son of Samuel Benjamin and Sarah Colclough, of 17, Thomas St, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1916 Samuel married Alice Edwards at Stoke St Peters. After being enlisted into Royal West Surry Regt he was then transferred to the 110 Coy Labour Corp serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders. Samuel died 20th January 1919 age 29 and is commemorated at the Huy (La Sarte) Communal Cemetery, Liege Belgium. (Grave ref 1 A 11) Headstone “To memory ever dear. Fondley remembered by his loving wife” Samuel was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Formed in January 1917, the Labour Corps grew to some 389,900 men (more than 10% of the total size of the Army) by the Armistice. Of this total, around 175,000 were working in the United Kingdom and the rest in the theatres of war. The Corps was manned by officers and other ranks who had been medically rated below the "A1" condition needed for front line service. Many were returned wounded. Labour Corps units were often deployed for work within range of the enemy guns, sometimes for lengthy periods. In April 1917, a number of were transferred to the Corps. The Labour Corps absorbed the 28 ASC Labour Companies between February and June 1917. Labour Corps Area Employment Companies were formed in 1917 for salvage work, absorbing the Divisional Salvage Companies. In the crises of March and on the Western Front, Labour Corps units were used as emergency infantry. The Corps always suffered from its treatment as something of a second class organisation: for example, the men who died are commemorated under their original regiment, with Labour Corps being secondary. Researching men of the Corps is made extra difficult by this, as is the fact that few records remain of the daily activities and locations of Corps units.

21 January 1917 Private 30021 Thomas Isaac Gordon. 8th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers Previous Formally 18779 North Staffs Regiment. Born 1886 at Fenton. Thomas in 1905 married Clara Wilkinson at Dresdon Resurrection. In 1911 they were living at 207 King Street, Fenton with three children, Beatrice (1903) Laurence (1907) and Florie (1909). He was employed in the Pottery Dipping House. Beatrice was Sgt J. Brown of the Staffordshire Regt. Living at 5 Cross St, Fenton enlisted in into the 3rd North Staffordshire Regt before transferring to the 3rd Bn and then the 8th Bn Welsh Fusiliers in March 1916 The 8th (Service) Battalion landed at Anzac in and were engaged in various actions against the Turkish army. In 1917 they were engaged at the Battle of Kut al Amara, On 12 December 1916, the division advanced from Sheik Sa'ad on Kut. At the Second Battle of Kut, the division helped drive the Turkish forces from the town. After a brief pause, the division drove north, crossing the Diyala River, and participated in the capture of Baghdad on 11 March 1917 Gordon died of wounds (Gun shot wounds in the spine) at Amara, 21 January 1917 age 31 and is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery.Iraq, (Grave ref: X111.B.5) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Medical report states “GSW Neck with injury to spinal cord. Date of wounding not known Admitted from 15 C.C.S Clean perforating bullet wound of neck. Entry just above clavicle on Lt. ant; aspect. Exit Rt post; aspect neck. Complete paralysis below level of sixth clavical nerve. Patient quite conscious, Retention of urine & incontinence of feaces. Patient died about 9am. Sgd C.C.Holman. Captain RAMC In my opinion the patient (40021 Pte Gordan) died from wounds contracted as a result of Active Service during the present war. Sgd. L Wood. Lieut Colonel. RAMC. Commanding No 2 (Rawal Pindi) British General Hospital”. Amara. Mesopotamia. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditiony Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Plot XXV is a Collective Grave, the individual burial places within this are not known. 21st January 1919 Private 31091 George Henry Johnson (Notts and Regiment (Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial) Born 1898 son of Thomas and Priscilla Johnson of 5 Alfred Street, Fenton. Born at Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. By 1911 both his parents had died and was now living with his Grandfather Thomas Johnson at 63 Alfred St, Fenton. Goeorge now 13 was employed as a Pottery Mould Runner. George died 21st January 1919 age 21 and is buried at Hartshill Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 1528) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 21st January 1944 Sergeant 1582908 Reginald Symcox. 102 Sqdn Volunteer Reserve. Born 1924 son of Robert and Ethel E. Symcox, of Fenton. 102 Bomber Command. RAF Pocklington Duty lacation: Magdeburg. Reginald was flight engineer on a Halifax bomber. Mark 11 Code DY-M Serial Number HX150 Crewe F/S Harold T.Ellis - Pilot - KIA - Aged 27 Sgt Reginald Symcox - FE - Aged 20 - KIA F/O F. Joseph Payne - Nav - PoW F/S William Millar - B/A - PoW Sgt Stanley G. Adams - PoW Sgt James Sydney Fraser - AG - Aged 19 - KIA Sgt Leonard J. Wilson - AG - KIA - http://www.102ceylonsquadron.co.uk/memoriescrews.html Reginald died, crashed near Becklingen {Bergen} 21st January 1944 age 20 and is commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, Surry (Panel 238) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, 1939 -45 Star and Air Crew Europe Star Historical Information. (CWGC) The at Runnymede commemorates by name over 20,000 airmen who were lost in the Second World War during operations from bases in the United Kingdom and North and Western Europe, and who have no known graves. They served in Bomber, Fighter, Coastal, Transport, Flying Training and Maintenance Commands, and came from all parts of the Commonwealth. Some were from countries in continental Europe which had been overrun but whose airmen continued to fight in the ranks of the Royal Air Force. 21st January 1945 Private 5056238 Arthur Johnson. 2nd Bn . Born 1920 son of Samuel and Eliza Ann Johnson, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. 2nd Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment. (Forces War Records) In 1939 the Battalion was in India. Until 1942 they guarded the North-West Frontier. Then Japan entered the war and swept through Burma and the Pacific. Fearing invasion, the Battalion moved to the south-east coast. In February 1944 the Battalion moved up to the Burmese border, and in November crossed it and entered the war. After fighting to relieve the Allied posts at Kohima and Imphal, they began the long march south. Fighting through the thick jungle, they pushed jungle experienced Japanese Army back. It was a claustrophobic war, fighting the environment as well as the enemy. After a hard fight at Nanka during December they reached Shwebo and crossed the Irrawaddy River in January 1945. Pushing on down behind Japanese lines, they resisted a counter-attack at Kule (February) and liberated Mandalay in March 1945. Arthur died 21st January 1945 age 25 at Burma. Arthur was originally buried in Mandalay War Cemetery. His body was then exhumed and reburied at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. (Grave ref: 18.F.4) Headstone “The lord gave and the Lord has taken away” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY is the largest of the three war cemeteries in Burma (now Myanmar). It was begun in 1951 for the reception of graves from four battlefield cemeteries at Akyab, Mandalay, Meiktila and Sahmaw which were difficult to access and could not be maintained. The last was an original 'Chindit' cemetery containing many of those who died in the battle for Myitkyina. The graves have been grouped together at Taukkyan to preserve the individuality of these battlefield cemeteries. (CWHC) Lance Bombardier 5055167 Cyril Thomas Boulton. 160 Field Regt. Royal . (Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial) Born 1914 Son of Harold and Phoebe Boulton. In 1939 Cyril married Annie Penson at Stoke, St Peter. Date of Death: 21/01/1945. Age: 31. Commemorated at Rangoon Memorial, Burma {now Myanmar} (Panel: Face2) Cyril was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. The Rangoon Memorial bears the names of almost 27,000 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaigns in Burma (now Myanmar) and who have no known grave.

22th January 1917 Gunner 76759 Jonas Kirkland. D Bty 78th Bde Royal Born 1893 at Newcastle, Staffs son of Sarah A Kirkland of 13 Helena Street, Fenton. On enlisting in 1914 Jonas was recorded at his parents house 70 Adelaide St (now Beville St) Fenton and employed as a Miner, Waggoner. The LXXVIII Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, served with 17th (Northern) Division. 17th (Northern) Division was formed in September 1914, as part of Kitchener's Second New Army. After initial training close to home, the Division moved to Dorset to continue training and then in late May 1915 moved to the Winchester area. The division had been selected for Home Defence duties, but this was reversed and they proceeded to France in July 1915 concentrating near St Omer. They moved into the Southern for trench familiarisation and then took over the the front lines in that area. In the spring of 1916 they were in action at the Bluff, south east of Ypres on the Comines canal then moved south to The Somme seeing action during The in which the Division captured Fricourt and The . In 1917 they moved to and saw action in The First and Second Battles of the Scarpe and The Capture of Roeux. Later they moved and were engaged at Passchendaele. Jonas was killed in action 22th January 1917 age 22. His body was found at map ref: 57c. T.15.B.5.6 and was reburied on 27/8/197 by the 3rd Labour Company at Gaurds Cemetery, Les Boeufs Somme. (Grave ref VIII. R.3) Consecration of graves) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

25th January 1917 Private 11697 Aaron Lymer. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1891 at Fenton In 1911 Aaron was living with his Uncle Alfred and Jane Lymer of 30 Nelson St, Fenton. He was employed as a Coal Miner Loader, Under Ground During 1917 Aaron served in Mesopotamia. On 12 December 1916, the division advanced from Sheik Sa'ad on Kut. At the Second Battle of Kut, the division helped drive the Turkish forces from the town. After a brief pause, the division drove north, crossing the Diyala River, and participated in the capture of Baghdad on 11 March 1917 He was killed in action 25th January 1917 age 26 at the battle of Kut-el-Amara.and commemorated at Amara War cemetery. Iraq (Grave: XV1.B.9) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Plot XXV is a Collective Grave, the individual burial places within this are not known. Corporal 13916 Harold Mellor. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1879 at Fenton. In 1905 Harold married Sarah Ann Thorley of 198, Whieldon Rd., Mount Pleasant, Fenton at Desdon Resurrection. And lived at 198, Whieldon Rd., Mount Pleasant, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. They lived at 108 Duke Street, Fenton. His occupation was Coal Miner. Served in Mesopotamia. On 12 December 1916, the division advanced from Sheik Sa'ad on Kut. At the Second Battle of Kut, the division helped drive the Turkish forces from the town. After a brief pause, the division drove north, crossing the Diyala River, and participated in the capture of Baghdad on 11 March 1917 Harold died at the battle of Kut-el-Amara.on the 25th January 1917, age 38 and is commemorated at the Basra Memorial, Iraq. (Panel 34) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The Basra Memorial commemorates more than 40,500 members of the Commonwealth forces who died in the operations in Mesopotamia from the autumn of 1914 to the end of August 1921 and whose graves are not known. Corporal 10068 Joseph McGrath. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1889 at Fenton son of William J and Dina McGrath of 43 Brunswick St, (now Beville St) Fenton Served in Mesopotamia. On 12 December 1916, the division advanced from Sheik Sa'ad on Kut. At the Second Battle of Kut, the division helped drive the Turkish forces from the town. After a brief pause, the division drove north, crossing the Diyala River, and participated in the capture of Baghdad on 11 March 1917 Joseph was killed in action 25th January 1917 age 27 at the battle of Kut-el-Amara.and commemorated at the Amara War cemetery. Iraq (Grave: XV11.D.9) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Plot XXV is a Collective Grave, the individual burial places within this are not known. Family of Fenton soldier back fight to preserve memorial plaque Report in the Staffordshire Evening Sentinel by Richard Ault. Wednesday, August 07, 2013 THE death of Corporal Joseph McGrath devastated his family. Decades after he was killed on January 25, 1917 in Mesopotamia – modern day Iraq – his sisters would speak of him with sadness. CAMPAIGN: Christina Koumi, whose uncle, Joseph McGraph, was killed during the First World War and is commemorated on the memorial. Inset, our story about the campaign to save the memorial. Picture: Nick Hands Cpl McGrath – whose name is among 498 fallen soldiers on Fenton War Memorial – is still remembered as a caring and much- loved elder brother and uncle by his family. Every year his niece Christina Koumi lays a cross in his memory at Fenton Cenotaph. All her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren are familiar with his story and have visited the memorial inside Fenton Town Hall to see his name. Now Christina is among thousands of people – many of them descendants of the fallen listed at Fenton – who have grave concerns about the future of the unique memorial, made from Minton tiles. The Ministry of Justice wants to sell the former Fenton Town Hall for £500,000. Campaigners fear a private developer could decide to bulldoze the town hall destroying the memorial, which cannot be moved. Christina, aged 72, of Fenton, said: "I'm very concerned about preserving this memorial. "I have taken my children and my grandchildren to see it and I explain to them what happened. Joseph was a much-loved elder brother and his sisters were devastated by his death. If you try to explain to them how many millions died they don't understand, but they can understand one death and the devastation it caused." Joseph was born on April 8, 1889, in Hanley and lived at Brunswick Street, Fenton, with his parents, William and Dinah, and his four younger sisters and brother. Before the outbreak of war, he had gone to live in Durham to help care for his mother, who was dying of cancer and had gone to live with her sister, Martha. While there he fell in love with his aunt's neighbour, and he continued to write to her after he returned home to Fenton following his mother's death in 1908. Joseph enlisted in the North Staffordshire Regiment in 1914, and wrote to his Aunt Martha to ask if he could live with her after the war, intending to settle down and marry his sweetheart. Instead, he was one of hundreds of British soldiers killed in the battle of Kut-el-Amara. Christina said: "All the sisters spoke of how devastated they were by his death. It took such a long time for them to come to terms with his death. "My mother, Elizabeth, was always very sad when she spoke of him, even years later. "He was such a happy and kind person. He was very caring and it was him who went to help care for my grandmother when she was dying of cancer."

26th January 1917 Private 26235 Frederick Ford. 3rd North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born in 1891 at Longton son of Thomas and Thurza Ford and was living in Longton. His occupation was a Pottery Dippers Assisstant. In 14th Frederick married Mabel Mary Kirklan at Edensor, St Paul and lived at 23 New Street, Longton. Mabel later married (Mrs M Horton) and lived at 11 Street, Fenton. In June 1916 Frederick joined the 3rd Bn North Staffordshire Regt and was posted to Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force in . Died of gun shot wounds to the neck at the 16th Casualty Clearing Station on the 26th January 1917, age 26 at Mesopotamia and is commemorated at Amara War Cemetery (Grave Ref: XXX11.G.8) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Plot XXV is a Collective Grave, the individual burial places within this are not known. L/Sgt. J. Bradley: R.A. L/Sergeant 843058 John Bradbury. 4th Bn Royal Horse Artillery. Born 1916 son of John and Jane Bradley of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Died 26th January 1941 in the Middle East and was buried at BGR/5/539. On 23/4/1945 his body was exhumed and reinterred and commemorated at the Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya. Headstone “Deep in our hearts a memory is held of one we loved will never forgot. RIP” John was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

26th January 1902 Boer war Private 6166 John Giles 2nd North Staffordshire Regiment. (The Prince of Wales’s) Force: Field Force. Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, . Cathedral. Nave north aisle. Plaque 2 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, , Staffordshire, England Died of disease, 26th January 1902 at Charlestown. Gazeteer. [2728: 2725-2951] a town in Natal Colony (Newcastle district; KwaZulu-Natal), 35 km north of Newcastle. Variant: Charleston (misspelling in HMG III index). On 13 October 1899, it was taken for the Boers without opposition by the Hollander Corps under Cmdt J.P.La G. Lombard. On the advance northwards of the Natal Army under Gen Sir R.H. Buller, troops under Brig-Gen J.G. Dartnell scouted as far north as the town on 12 June 1900 and on the following day it was reoccupied by troops of the 2nd brigade. HMG III p.280 (map no.45); Times IV p.195 (map facing p.196); Wilson II (map on p.648); Breytenbach I p.180. Queens South Africa Medal

The Queen's South Africa Medal (QSA) was awarded to J Giles and Military Personnel who served in the Boer War in South Africa between 11th October 1899 and 31 May 1902.

The QSA was the medal issued to all who served in South Africa until the end of the war in May 1902.

Kings South Africa Medal

The King's South Africa Medal was the second campaign medal for the South African or ‘Boer War’, awarded to J Giles and all those who were in theatre on, or after the 1st January 1902, and had completed 18 months service in the conflict prior to 1st June 1902. Service did not have to be continuous, the recipient would have had to serve from December 1900 to have 18 months service before the war ended in May 1902. Clasps awarded: Cape Colony, Transvaal, and Ksa2 27th January 1917

Lance Corporal 8795 George Jackson. 1st Bn

George resided Blackfriars London and is the brother of Thomas Wright, of 62, Alma St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent During march 1916 they moved to France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including during 1916 The Battle of Albert, The Battle of the Transloy Ridges. During 1917 The First, Second and Third Battles of the Scarpe, The Battle of Langemarck, The , The Battle of Poelcapelle, The George was killed in action 27th January1917, age 32 and is commemorated at the . Somme, France. (Pier & Face 6.A & 7C) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave

29th January 1918, Private 16417 Thomas Gough. 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment “D” Coy Pioneers. Born in Longton son of Thomas and Mary Gough 18 Brocksford Street, Fenton. In 1911 they were living at 30 Bermore St, Fenton. Thomas was employed at that time as a Crate Makers Boy. Enlisted January 1915 at Longton and appointed to the 11th Battalion Thomas served on the Western Front before transfer to the 9th and being posted overseas to France in March 1916. In December 1917 Thomas was awarded 10/- (50p) having passed as an efficient shoeing smith. He was admitted to the British Cemetery H.27. C.3.9. No 3 Field Ambulance 30/1/1918. Thomas was killed in action BEF, France on the 29th January 1918, age 21 and is commemorated at the Huts Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave ref XV.B.3) Headstone:”Duty Nobly Done RIP” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. This cemetery takes its name from a line of huts strung along the road from Dickebusch (now Dikkebus) to Brandhoek, which were used by field ambulances during the 1917 Allied offensive on this front. Plots I to X and XII to XIV were filled between July and November 1917. Plots XV and XI followed. Nearly two-thirds of the burials are of gunners as many artillery positions existed nearby. The cemetery was closed in April 1918 when the German advance (the Battle of the ) brought the front line very close. The advance was finally halted on the eastern side of the village, following fierce fighting at Dickebusch Lake, on 8 May. There are now 1,094 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery. 29th January 1945. Driver T/53559 William Bradshaw . Died 29th January 1945 and is commemorated at Fenton, Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 5906) William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

5th February1916

Private G/17370 George Henry Lowndes (295) 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born 1889 at Stone, Staffordshire son of David and Mary Lowndes of 26 Alfred Street, Fenton. During 1916 the regiment was engaged at the Actions of the Bluff and St Eloi Craters, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of , The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of the . George died 5th February1916, age 27 and commemorated at Etaples Military Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref: V1.C.20A) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick. The cemetery contains 10,771 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, the earliest dating from May 1915. 35 of these burials are unidentified.

6th February 1918, Rifleman R/9922 Harry Nash. 12th Battalion King’s Royal Rifles He was born and lived in Fenton. In 1901 he was a potter's presser in an earthenware works aged 13. He was the step son of Samuel Jones and son of Catherine Jones of 124 Raglan Street, Fenton. He had 4 brothers. He enlisted in Longton. He went to France & Flanders on 24/07/1915 and died of wounds on 6th February 1918, which he had received during the 1918. He was 27 years old. He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery (Grave XXVII.FF.7). He is also commemorated at Temple Street Methodist, Church. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 6th February 1947 Leading Aircraftman 1155209 James Harry Bennett. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1916 Son of Henry and Emily Bennett, of Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Rose Bennett, of Fenton. Date of Death: 06/02/1947. Age: 31. Buried and commemorated at Hartshill Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 9410) Headstone “In loving memory of his wife and daughter Jean” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

7th February 1915. Private 3/2808 Edward Taylor. 2nd Bn York and Lancaster Regiment Not Yet Included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1890 son of Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1914 Edward married Hilda Lowe at Edensor, St Paul. The 2nd Battalion were stationed at Limerick, at the outbreak of war as part of the 16th Brigade of the 6th Division and then moved to Cambridge The battalion were mobilized for war and landed at St. Nazaire and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including including actions on the Aisne heights (1914) and the action at Hooge (1915) Edward died of his wounds on the 7th February 1915. Age 25 and is commemorated at the Cite Bonjean Militry Cemetery, Armentieres, Nord, France. (Grave ref: IX.B.64) The cemetery now contains 2,132 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star and British War & Victory medals.

8th February 1917 Private 15749 Ernest Furnival (172) 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1885 son of Jamesand Harriet of 5 Cumberland St. Fenton. In 1906 Ernest married Sarah Parkes at Dresdon Resurrection. They lived at Longton with William (b1906) and Ernest was employed as a Pottery Labourer. Enlisted to the 11th Bn and then transferred to the 7th in September 1915, He embarked for Port Said in February 1916 embarking in Basra almost a month later. He was wounded in action, gun shot wounds 5/4/1916. He was invalided to India befor returning to action May 1916. On 12th December 1916, the division advanced from Sheik Sa'ad on Kut. At the Second Battle of Kut, the division helped drive the Turkish forces from the town. After a brief pause, the division drove north, crossing the Diyala River, and participated in the capture of Baghdad on 11 March 1917 Ernest died of his wounds received in action 8th February 1917 age 32 at No 2 British General Hospital, Amara, Mesopotamia. He is commemorated at the Amara War cemetery. Iraq (Grave: XV11I.B.16) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Plot XXV is a Collective Grave, the individual burial places within this are not known. Private 13403 Robert Ashley Barnes “A” Co. 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not Yet Included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1887, son of Frederick Matthew Barnes and Sarah Barnes of 33 Heron Street, , Fenton. In 1911 he was living at 2 Clyde Street, (now Tweed St) Heron Cross and was employed as a Boot and Shoe Maker. Robert served in the 9th (Service) Battalion (Pioneers) on the Western Front in France and Flanders. On the 24/3/1916 Robert was admitted to hospital suffering Tuberculosis lung. He was transferred to the sick convoy 6/4/1916 on Panama. He died on the 8th February 1917 and is buried at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref 1251) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 8th February 1944 Gnr. H. Birks: R.A. 17 Gunner 1707314 Harold Birks 86 Battery, 24 Lt. A.A./Anti- Regiment. . Born 1910 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Enoch and Hannah Birks. In 1940 Harry married Ivy M Hudson at Blurton, St Bartholomew. Died Burma, 8th February 1944, age 34. Originally Harry was buried at Akyab War Cemetery and his body was exhumed and reburied and commemorated May 20th 1952 at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar. (Grave ref: 12. H. 16 ) Headstone “He died as he lived, everyone’s friend” Victor was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY is the largest of the three war cemeteries in Burma (now Myanmar). It was begun in 1951 for the reception of graves from four battlefield cemeteries at Akyab, Mandalay, Meiktila and Sahmaw which were difficult to access and could not be maintained. The last was an original 'Chindit' cemetery containing many of those who died in the battle for Myitkyina. The graves have been grouped together at Taukkyan to preserve the individuality of these battlefield cemeteries. Burials were also transferred from civil and cantonment cemeteries, and from a number of isolated jungle and roadside sites. Because of prolonged post-war unrest, considerable delay occurred before the Army Graves Service were able to complete their work, and in the meantime many such graves had disappeared. However, when the task was resumed, several hundred more graves were retrieved from scattered positions throughout the country and brought together here. The cemetery now contains 6,374 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 867 of them unidentified. Private. 14561630 Harold Barlow (6) 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Son of George and Harriet Barlow, of Fenton. In 1939 Harold married Alice May Crane in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. On the 8 December 1943 the Second (Regular) Battalion landed in and was sent to Salerno to begin training for a new amphibious landing. It was later to be chosen to be one of the two leading units to land on the beachhead. 22 January 1944: In the early hours of 22/1/1944 the Division landed and took part in “Operation Shingle”, commonly known as the Battle of Anizo. (Forces War Records) Date of Death: 08/02/1944 Age:35 at Italy. Commemorated at (Grave ref: II,B,6) Headstone: “Where ever I go, whatever I do, I shall always remember you” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. The site for this cemetery was selected not long after the landings at Anzio and the burials here date from the period immediately following the landings. Anzio War Cemetery contains 1,056 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. (CWGC)

11th February 1917 Sergeant 10717 Arthur Daniels. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1890 son of George and Sarah Daniels of 190 Park Road, (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton. In 1911 the family had moved to number 186 and he Arthur was employed as a Coal Miner, Hooker. In 1912 Arthur married Eliza Powell in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. After 4 yrs in the Territorials Arthur enlisted on the into the North Staffs Regt. He was lodging at 33 Elgin St, (now Marriott St) Fenton. In he was promoted to L/Cpl and in August 1915 to Corporal. In 1916 he was then appointed Acting Sergeant and the Sergeant in June 1916. With ranging from freezing to 130 ºF (50º C), the campaign in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) was undertaken in an extremely inhospitable climate. Despite being lesser known than the battles of the Western Front, the lasted virtually the entire period of the war. Early 1917 Kut was an immediate objective. Faced with a quagmire of mud, there was little opportunity for movement except by river transport. However, by attacking at the Shurman Bend (6 miles west of Kut) on 17 February, the Turkish commander to withdrew from the town a few days later. In January 1917 he was admitted to hospital, Sheikh Saad, dangerously wounded and Arthur died of wounds at Mesopatamia on the 11th February 1917, age 27 and is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery. (Grave Ref X1V. F. 29) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Lance Corporal 17876 Thomas Henry Davis. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1876 son of Thomas and Rachael Davis of 22 Terrace Buildings (Meakins Row), Fenton. In 4/6/1899 Thomas married Florence Baggaley at Burslem, St Paul and had 7 children. In July 1915 while living at 20 Park St and working as a Plumber. Florence lived also at 31, Minshall St., Mount Pleasant, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Thomas age 37 enlisted in into the 3rd Bn North Staffordshire Regt before transferring to the 1st Bn Februry 1916. During 1917 the regiment were engaged in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Langemarck, The Cambrai Operations. Thomas was killed in action, BEF France on the 11th February 1917 and is commemorated at the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarb, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave ref I.M.12) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The cemetery was started in August 1915. In 1916 it was taken over by the 16th (Irish) Division, who held the Loos Salient at the time, and many of their dead were brought back to the cemetery from the front line. Succeeding divisions used the cemetery until October 1918, and men of the same Division, and often the same battalion, were buried side by side. There are now 1,996 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery, 277 of them unidentified.

12 February 1919 Private T/294265 John W Hall Royal Army Service Corps transferred to 451945 406th Agricultural Coy, Labour Corps Born 1887 at Silverdale son of Mary Hall. In 1914 John married Alice Johnson in a Civil marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. Died 12th February 1919. age 32 and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery (Grave ref 7457) Next of kin Mrs A Morris 69 Temple Street, Fenton. Headstone “Blest are the pure of heart, they shall see their God” Buried at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref 7457) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

Between 16/02/1944 - 18/02/1944 Fusilier 14578026 George William Robson. 9th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1924 son of George and Emily Robson, of 45 Holly Place, Fenton. 9th (2nd City of London) Battalion were active in the Middle Eastern and African campaign and in the Italian campaign. On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Historic Information (CWGC) Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken. George was killed in action sometime between 16/02/1944 - 18/02/1944 age 20 in Italy. He is commemorated at the Cassino Memorial, Italy (Panel 5) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The memorial commemorates over 4,000 Commonwealth servicemen who took part in the Italian campaign and whose graves are not known.

17th February 1917 Private 15815 William Henry Powell. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1886 in Fenton. In 1906 William married Sarah Elizabeth Powell at Longton, St John the Baptist. In 1911 they were living at of 16 Nelson St, Fenton, his occupation, Loader Underground. Served in Mesopatamia William died 17th February1917, age 31 and is commemorated at Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery (Grave VI.K.5) WW1: The dying wishes of Private William Henry Powell of Fenton AS HE lay dying in a Turkish prison far from home, Private William Henry Powell prayed to God for the health and wellbeing of his wife and children – and pleaded with his captors to send home his dying words. William was well aware that his beloved wife, Sarah Elizabeth Powell, had been taken into hospital in December, 1916. He was overcome by fear at the thought of his four children, being left alone, without a mother or father to care for them. Now, it was February, 1917, and William knew he would never again see his family, or return to his home at 16 Nelson Street, Fenton. So William did the only thing he could to help. He prayed for his family and made his Turkish captors promise to send word back to Stoke-on-Trent, to tell them that his final thoughts were of his family, and home. William had been serving with B Company, of the 7th Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment, in Mesopotamia. He had waited alongside his comrades in the hot conditions as the sun rose over Mesopotamia on January 25, 1917. William had woken early, the sound of the British bombardment banishing any hopes of more blissful rest. At 9.45am on that morning, the shrill shriek of an officer's whistle had signalled the attack. William and his pals clambered out of the relative safety of their trench and launched the attack on the Turkish lines at the west bank of the River Hai. Companies A, B – which included William – had lined up in four waves, with columns of platoons separated by 50 yards. William was in the middle of the line as the Staffords charged. To William's right, C company reached their objective with little trouble, but to the left, A company met fierce resistance from the Turkish machine gunners. Amid the chaos of battle, A company were partly driven back, but William and the men of B and C companies swept into the Turkish trenches. Expecting a counter attack from the Turks at any moment, William and his comrades took up defensive positions. The Turks rallied at 11am, charging the positions they had held just under two hours previously. When the attack came it was furious in its intensity. The Turks attacked hurling bombs ahead of them at the British troops. A company, already devastated by the ferocious fire, was driven back. But to the centre, B and C companies desperately fought off wave after wave of Turkish fighters, until it seemed certain that they would be overwhelmed. At that moment the weary troops were reinforced by a battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. They joined with their comrades from North Staffordshire and drove the Turks back once more, securing the trench. But the joy of victory did not last long. Again the Turks attacked, but still they were held back by the bravery and precision shooting of the North Staffords and Royal Warwicks. By then the North Stafford’s had just one officer, 2nd Lieutenant McDowell, left alive and in a fit state to lead. Hour after hour the troops stood fast, until at around 4pm that day, at last the enemy bombers proved too much for the brave defenders. With much of the trench retaken, the Staffords had no choice but to evacuate. The survivors took what wounded they could and limped back to their own lines. In the final stages of that momentous battle, William was hit. No-one saw him fall. Most likely he was wounded by shrapnel from dozens of bombs that were hurled at the trench in that final assault. But it could also be that he was shot as the Staffords made their desperate escape, or perhaps he fell to a Turkish bayonet as the enemy surged into the trench in a terrifying final push. When roll call was taken after the battle, William was not there to answer his name. He was not among the wounded, nor was he among the bodies of the fallen that were later recovered. Instead he was listed as 'missing' and a telegram was sent home to his distraught family. In the initial aftermath of the battle, it was believed the battalion had lost 30 men killed, 128 wounded and 106 missing. As more men made it back from No Man's Land, or were found among the wounded – and as one man believed to be dead actually made it back alive – that number was amended to 29 killed, 163 wounded and 72 missing. By the next day the figures were changed again, to 55 killed, 163 wounded, 46 missing. A total of 264 men were taken out of action. Of the officers, two were killed in battle, another died later of his wounds, one was missing in action and four wounded. William was one of the missing soldiers. It was not until March, two months later, that his fate was discovered. In fact, before the final British retreat was sounded, it is likely that William was wounded. He was discovered, still alive, by the Turks, after they secured the trench. He was taken prisoner, carried back behind enemy lines and given treatment, then eventually he was carried to a Turkish hospital in Baghdad. Nearly three weeks after being taken captive, William lay in his hospital bed. By now he knew he was dying. Before he breathed his last breath, his last words were recorded in both French and Turkish, written in a notebook which was later found in the military hospital where he died. Written in French were the words: "He prayed fervently and was very anxious of his wife's health (she had gone to hospital in December) and at the thought of his four children of whom the eldest was eight-years-old." In Turkish was written: "He had four children the eldest of whom was eight and wife who was being treated in a sanitarium and he begged that his salutations be sent her." William died on February 17, 1917. On March 28, 1917, the British military received a report that William had been taken prisoner and had since died. However, his death was not certified until May 1, 1917. Historian Richard Ellis, aged 65, of Dresden, who researched William's life and death, said: "Up to this point his family would have been told only that he was missing. "They would have had to wait some time to hear that he had in fact died. He had died as a , but the cause of death was unknown, although he had probably died of wounds. His pay book was missing but his soldier's small book had survived." William, a miner, had married his sweetheart, Sarah Elizabeth Stevenson, just before Christmas, on December 23, 1906 at St John's Church at Lane End. The vicar who took the service was Reverend George Oliver and witnesses Edwin James Spencer and Harriett Emily Bate. The couple set up home at 16 Nelson Street, Fenton, not far away from William's elder brother George Powell, who lived at 14 Church Street, Fenton, and his big sister, Eliza Daniels, of 38 Elgin Street, Fenton. William and Sarah had four children, William Henry, who was born on January 18, 1908, Nellie, born on April 28, 1909, Edith May, born on August 15, 1910, and Frederick James, who was born on June 11, 1913. When war broke out, William was working in an industry regarded as essential to the war effort. He was under no obligation to fight. Even later, when conscription was brought in, William would have been exempt. However, at the age of 29, he left the pits and marched down to Longton to enlist in the Army on September 17, 1914. William had some military experience, having served in the North Staffordshire for three months in his younger days, before buying himself out. According to his enlistment papers, William was 5ft 6ins tall and weighed 8st 9 lbs. His complexion was described as fair and he had brown eyes and brown hair. He gave his religion as 'Wesleyan'. William left his young family behind to begin his military service as a private in the 10th (service) battalion from October 31, 1914. He was temporarily transferred to the , on July 7, 1916 and then to the 8th Training Reserve battalion on September 4, 1916. During those first two years of his military service he remained in Britain, serving at Devonport, Southampton, Darlington and the camp at Chase. While stationed in England, he would have been able to return home regularly while on leave to visit his family. Then on September 4, 1916, William joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. He would have been allowed leave to say his tearful good-byes to Sarah and the children, before boarding a train for Devonport, where he set sail for Syria, arriving on September 28, 1916. He then joined the 7th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment at Amara on October 10, 1916 and was assigned to B company. He fought with B company throughout the campaign in Mesopotamia, until that fateful day on January 25, 1917 when he was taken prisoner. How Sarah managed to cope with bringing up four young children, alone and without the family’s main bread winner – or even if she recovered from her stay in hospital at Christmas, 1916 – is not known. By The Sentinel Posted: June 09, 2014 and thanks to Richard Ellis From the records of Temple Street Methodists. Compiled by Richard Ellis 15815 (previously 9803) Private William Henry Powell 7th Battalion Prince of Wales's North Staffordshire Regiment. He enlisted in Longton on 17 September 1914 aged 29 years and 5 months. He was born in Fenton. He had been a collier's loader underground in 1911 and gave his address as 16 Nelson Street, Fenton in 1911 and when he enlisted. He had had already had some experience in the army, having served 3 months in the North . He had bought himself out. He was 5' 6" tall and weighed 8 stone 9 lbs. His chest measured 35 ¾ " with an expansion of 3 ¼ ". His complexion was described as fair and he had brown eyes and hair. He gave his religion as "Wesleyan". He began his military service as a private in the 10th (service) battalion from 31 October 1914, was temporarily transferred to the Machine Gun Corp on 7th and to the 8th Training Reserve battalion on 4th September 1916. He served at home from 17/09/1914 to 03/09/1916. He went to Devonport, Southampton, Darlington and the camp at (Cannock Chase). He joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 04/09/1916 and served with this till his death on 17/02/1917. In total he served 2 years and 154 days. His family was made up of his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Powell (née Stevenson) whom he married on 23/12/1906 at St John's church Lane End. The vicar was Rev. George Oliver and the witnesses were Edwin James Spencer and Harriett (?) Emily Bate. They had four children: William Henry born 18/01/1908; Nellie (Nelly) born 28/04/1909; Edith May born 15/08/? ; Frederick James born 11/06/1913. His mother and father were dead but he had a brother named George Powell aged 34 who lived at 14 Church Street, Fenton and a married sister Mrs Eliza Daniels aged 30 who lived at 38 Elgin Street, Fenton. He embarked on active service from Devonport on 04/09/1916 and was in Busra on 28/09/1916. He joined the 7th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment at Amara on 10/10/1916. He joined B company. He was reported missing on 25/01/1917 during the Battle of Kut al Amara. He had died on 17/02/1917 in a Turkish hospital at Baghdad. A report to this effect was received on 28/03/1917 and his death was finally certified on 01/05/1917. Up to this point his family would have been told only that he was missing. They would have had to wait some time to hear that he had in fact died. He had died as a prisoner of war, but the cause of death was unknown, although he had probably died of wounds. His pay book was missing but his soldier's small book had survived. Later an extract from a note book which had been found in the military hospital where he died was found. It recorded his last words, which were as follows with the spelling and grammar of the original: No. 15815 Pte (7th N Staffs) William Henry Powll Samwool. Protestant. Stock-on-Trent, England. Addresse 16th Nelson St Fenton Stock-on-Trent, England. Died 18/02/1917. Place of burial English cemetery. His grave is marked. Last words (French) He prayed fervently and was very anxious of his wife's health. (She had gone to hospital in December) and at the thought of his four children of whom the eldest was 8 years old. (Turkish) He had four children the eldest of whom was 8 and wife who was being treated in a sanatorium and he begged that his salutations be sent her. This was certified "as a true extract" on 22/04/1917. He is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery (Grave VI.K.5). He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 17th February 1919 Private 25510 Frederick J. Wooliscroft. 2nd Garrison Bn Born in Fenton in 1882 and lived at 31 Hardinge Street in 1911. He was the son of F.J. and B.A. Wooliscroft of 33 Hardinge Street Fenton Stoke-on-Trent. He was a colliery banksman and had a wife, Emma, and three children. He served in India and died on 17th February 1919 aged 37 and is buried in Port Said War Memorial Cemetery (Grave M23). He is also recorded on the memorial in Temple Street, Methodist. His family chose the following text for his grave stone: “At Rest”. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

18th February 1917. Private 30017 Francis Emery. 8th Bn Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers Born in 1887 at Fenton son Thomas and Emily, 13, Helena St, Fenton. In 1907 Francis married Mary E Fowell at Fenton Christchurch. In 1911 He was living with his wife and 3 children Frances Emily, Alice and James. He was employed as a Potters Placer. Enlisted to the 7th Bn then transferred to the 3rd Bn in Sept 1915 before being transferred to the 8th Bn in February 1916. During 1917 the Battalion were in Mesopotamia and engaged in the Battles of the Hai salient, Dahra Bend and the Shumran Peninsula (11 January - 24 February 1917) Francis died of wounds, place not stated on the 18th February 1917. Age 30 and is commemorated on the Basrra Memorial, Zubayr, Iraq. (Panel 15). The memorial commemorates 40,682 Commonwealth forces members who died during the Mesopotamian Campaign. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 18th February 1944 Gunner 4611236 William Henry Smith Royal Artillery, 71st Field Regiment Born 1912 son of Henry and Ellen Smith. In 1940 William married Eliza Jane Brown of Meir in a Civil marriage in Stoke-on- Trent William served in Italy and died 18th February 1944, age 32 and is commemorated in the Minturno War cemetery, Italy (Grave V, F, 9). He received the War Medal 1932-1945 and 1939-45 Star The burials are mainly those of the heavy casualties incurred in crossing the Garigliano in January. On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful and it was not until 17 January 1944 that the Garigliano was crossed, and Minturno taken two days later. The site for the cemetery was chosen in January 1944, but the Allies then lost some ground and the site came under German small-arms fire. The cemetery could not be used again until May 1944 when the Allies launched their final advance on Rome and the US 85th and 88th Divisions were in this sector (CWGC) Received the War Medal 1932-1945 and 1939-45 Star

19th February 1915 Private 10326 John Timmis. 1st Bn Welsh Regiment In January the battalion were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the Second , The . John died of wounds 19th February 1915 and is commemorated at the Bois-Guillaume Communal Cemetery, Seine-Maritime, France (Grave ref: I.B.18A) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory medals. 19th February 1917 Private 20561 James Russell (394) 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1892 at Fenton son of James and Mary Russell, of 21, Clyde St., Fenton. In 1911 he was living with his parents at 40 Frederick St, Fenton and was employed as an Apprentice Placer in the Potts. Enlisted in February 1916 to the 3rd Bn Nnorth Staffords and was then posted to the 1st Bn in June 1916 and was landed in France at Rouen. On the 13/8/1916 James was wounded in action and was transferred to England on the 23rd. In December he was still dangourously ill with pyelitis following 2 wounds to the back. He died (of his wounds) of gangrene resulting from gun shot wounds at Central Red Cross Hospital. Taplow, Bucks on the 19th February 1917 age 25. He is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 19th February 1918 Boy. 24823 Alfred Burton. Cheshire Regiment No 3 Depot Born 1901 at Fenton son of Albert and Eliza Burton, 23 Coburg Street, Fenton Alfred died 19th February 1918. Age 17 and is buried and commemorated at Chester (Overleigh) Cemetery His father requested the following on his headstone “One of the best. God grant him eternal rest” He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

20th February 1915 Private 10653, Harry Brown. 1st Bn., Welsh Regiment. Born 1889 at Longton son of William John and Elizabeth Brown, of 3 Clarence St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 Harry was living with his uncle at 86 Brocksford Street, Fenton, he was employed as a Coal Miner Hewer Under Ground In January 1915 the 1st Bn Welsh Regement were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The , The Battle of Loos. Harry was killed in action, 20th February 1915 age 26 and is commemorated at the Ypres () Memorial. West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 27) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory medals. 20th February 1917 Private 200611 William Jones. 1st/5th Born 1880 at Eyton, Shropshire son of John and Ellen Jones. In 1911 the family lived at 67 Edward Street, Fenton and William was employed as a Carter. Later they lived at on of Mrs. Ellen Jones, of 55, Albert Rd. 1/5th Battalion mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne April 195 In May 15 the formation became the 150th Brigade of the 50th Division which engaged in various actions on the Western Front including in 1917, the First Battle of the Scarpe, The Capture of Wancourt Ridge, The Second Battle of the Scarpe, The Second Battle of Passchendaele. William died. 20th February 1917 age 37 and is commemorated at the Thiepval memorial. Somme, France (Pier and Face 14A and 15C) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 20th February 1944, Sergeant 1275643 Arthur Wiliam Gotham Flight Engineer. Royal Air Force. (Vr.) 428 Squadron Bomber Command (RAF ) Born 1922 son of William and Arthur and Florrie Gotham of 92 Market St, Fenton Aircraft: Halifax II NA-M JD 271 RAF Middleton St. George was a Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command station during World War II. It was located in , five miles east of Darlington, England. Archive Report: Allied Forces Compiled from official National Archive and Service sources, contemporary press reports, personal logbooks, diaries and correspondence, reference books, other sources, and interviews. Mission: Leipzig. Date: 19/20th February 1944 Unit: No. 428 Squadron. Type: Halifax II. Serial: JD271 Code: NA-M Base: R.A.F. Middleton St. George. County Durham Location: Ijsselmeer Pilot: F/O. Alan Whamond Woolverton J/23297 R.C.A.F. Age 23. Killed Fl/Eng: Sgt. Arthur William Gotham 1275643 R.A.F.V.R. Age 22. Killed Nav: F/O. Gerald Alfred Smith J/21556 R.C.A.F. Age 21. Killed W/Op/Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. Herbert Sutton Lister AUS420761 R.A.A.F. Age 24. Killed Air/Gnr: Sgt. Cecil William Sherratt 1577535 R.A.F.V.R. Age 22. Killed Air/Gnr: Sgt. Edward Charles Webb R/180232 R.C.A.F. Age 20. Killed (1) Air/Gnr: W/O 2. Neil Macintyre Stewart R/161156 R.C.A.F. Age 21. Killed REASON FOR LOSS: Took off at 23.56 hrs from R.A.F. Middleton St. George. County Durham (then North ) to attack the city of Leipzig together with 822 other aircraft (561 Lancasters, 255 Halifaxes. 7 Mosquitoes) A very sad day for Bomber Command - they had though that the German controllers would send their night-fighter to the diversionary raid on Kiel Bay but when this bomber stream crossed the Dutch coast they were met by a larger force of the night fighters (some that had left for the Kiel diversionary raid returned) They were then under attack all the way to the target. The winds had not been as forecasted and a number of the bombers had to circle the target waiting for the pathfinders during this period they lost 4 aircraft in collisions and a further 20 from the heavy flak. The target was cloud covered and the pathfinders had to use the sky-marking technique. No details regarding the effect of the bombing were available. Halifax JD 271 was intercepted and shot down by Lt. Friedrich Potthast (1) from 12./NJG1 at 3,700 mtrs. at Ijsselmeer 15 km South East of Medemblik at 06.3 hrs. - See more at: http://www.aircrewremembered.com/raf1944/2/woolvertonalan.html#sthash.YHa6bfCe.dpuf Arthur was killed 19-20th February 1944, age 22, crashed off Anijk, Leipzig and is commemorated at Runnymede Memorial. (Panel 230) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, 1939 -45 Star and Air Crew Europe Star. 22nd February 1919

Lance Corporal 52404 Edward Woolley (464) 1st Leicestershire Regiment. Born 1897 at Fenton son of John and J Woolley of 29 Smith (now Hallam St) Street, Edward worked in the pits as Screen lad, above ground. Later living at 9 Adelaide Street, (now Millicent St) Fenton. Enlisted 9th December, 1915. Mobilised and posted to the 3rd Bn Regt, April 1918. He was then posted to BEF, France and into the Leicestershire Regt. Died 22nd February 1919 at Military Hospital Gravesend and is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery (Grave ref: 10348) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

25 February 1917 Private 10700 Frederick Brown (28) 7th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1894 at Hanley son of William Henry and Mary Brown. In 1911 the family were living at 3 Swan St, (now Edison St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent and Fred was working as Potters Holloware Presser During 1917 the Battalion were in Mesopotamia and engaged in the Battles of the Hai salient, Dahra Bend and the Shumran Peninsula (11 January - 24 February 1917) Frederick was killed in Action 25 February 1917 age of 23 and is commemorated at the Basra Memorial. Zubayr, Iraq. (Panel 34) The memorial commemorates 40,682 Commonwealth forces members who died during the Mesopotamian Campaign. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Private 12686 William Henry Hackett (235) 7th Bn North Staffordshire Regt Born 1894 at Longton son of Enoch and Eliza Hackett, of 11 Old Tramway, (now part King St) Fenton..William was working as a Coal Miner, Wagoner Later the family lived at 68, China St, Fenton. During 1917 the Battalion were in Mesopotamia and engaged in the Battles of the Hai salient, Dahra Bend and the Shumran Peninsula (11 January - 24 February 1917) William was killed in Action 25 February 1917 age of 23 and is commemorated at the Basra Memorial. Zubayr, Iraq. (Panel 34) The memorial commemorates 40,682 Commonwealth forces members who died during the Mesopotamian Campaign. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Private 15793 William Leese (300) 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton and living in Fenton During 1917 the Battalion were in Mesopotamia and engaged in the Battles of the Hai salient, Dahra Bend and the Shumran Peninsula (11 January - 24 February 1917) William was killed in Action 25 February 1917 and is commemorated at the Basra Memorial. Zubayr, Iraq. (Panel 34) The memorial commemorates 40,682 Commonwealth forces members who died during the Mesopotamian Campaign. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

26th February 1917 Private 40520 George Edward Lamb (299) 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1898 son of Edward and Francis Elizabeth Lamb, of 17 Street, Fenton, Stoke On Trent. Later living at 83, High St, (now City Rd) Fenton. George was a Potters Mould runner. The 8th (Service) Battalion was formed September 1914 as part of the Second New Army (K2) and joined the 57th Brigade of the 19th Division and moved to Salisbury Plain, and then Bristol. In July 1915 they were mobilised for war, landed in France and engaged in various action on the Western Front including in late 1916 The . George died of wounds at home 26th February 1917, age 19 and is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on- Trent. (Grave 2265) Mrs Lamb requested “His duty nobly done” be included on his headstone. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

1st March 1918 Private 29847 Frank Randle (393) 1st Bn Loyal North Lancashire. Formally (5069). Born 1889 at Fenton son of William and Mary Randle of 68 Victoria Road, Fenton. In 1911 Frank was employed as a Railway Porter. During 1918 the battalion were involved in the third battle of Ypres. Frank died of wounds 1st March1918, age 29 and is commemorated at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. IX.X.9 He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Photograph supplied by (Simon Randle. Facebook) My Great Grand Uncle.

2nd March 1916, Private 197 Samuel Starkey. 8th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born in Fenton son of William and Annie E.F. Starkey of 56 Frederick Street, Fenton. In 1911 Samual was living with Grandparent William and Thirza Bowman of 17 Cumberland Street, Fenton. He was employed as a Miner. The 8th (Service) Battalion was formed at Hounslow in August 1914 as part of the First New Army (K1), moving to Colchester and joining the 26th Brigade of the 12th Division. In May 1915 they were mobilized for war and landed at France and the Division was engaged in various actions on the the Somme Samuel was killed in action 2nd March 1916, age 23 and is commemorated at the Pas de Calais, France (panel 25 to 27) The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. On either side of the cemetery is a wall 15 feet high, to which are fixed tablets on which are carved the names of those commemorated. Samuel was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

3rd March 1916, Private L/ 16522 John Booth, 9th Royal Fusiliers (London Rgt) Born at Stafford and living at Fenton 9th (Service) Battalion was formed in August 1914 at Hounslow as part of the First New Army (K1), moving to Colchester and joining the 26th Brigade of the 12th Division. In May 1915 they were mobilised for war and landed at France and the Division was engaged in various actions on the Somme John was killed in action 3rd March 1916, and is commemorated at the Loos memorial Pas de Calais, France (panel 25 to 27) The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. On either side of the cemetery is a wall 15 feet high, to which are fixed tablets on which are carved the names of those commemorated. John was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 3rd March 1917 Private 201571 Albert Street. 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Price of Wales) Regiment. Born 1897 at Fenton son of Mrs. E. Street, of 2 Clarance Street, Fenton, and was employed as a Pottery Warehouse boy. They later lived at 49, Victoria Rd., Fenton. The 1/5th Battalion Territorial Force were stationed in Hanley in August 1914, as part of the of the North Midland Division and then moved to the Luton area, and then Bishops Stortford. In March 1915 they mobilised for war and landed in France where the formation became the 137th Brigade of the 46th Division. In Feb 1916 they returned to France from Egypt and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The diversionary attack at Gommecourt, and the Operations on the Ancre, Albert was killed in action 3rd March 1917, age 20 and is commemorated at the Bienvillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais France. (Grave VI.B.10) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The cemetery now contains 1,605 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 425 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to two casualties known or believed to be buried among them.

4th March 1917 Rifleman 301476 Philip Sydney Smith. 2nd/5th London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) Born 1889 at Fenton, son of John and Emma Smith, of 21 Blurton Road, Heron Cross. Philip was single and working as a bank clerk. Philip was killed in action 4th March 1917 age 28 and commemorated at the Berles New Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref I.A.5) He was also commemorated on his parents gravestone in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. The village of Berles-au-Bois remained in British hands from the summer of 1915, when it was taken over from French troops, until the end of the War; but it suffered at times from severe shelling. The village was later "adopted" by the County Borough of . Berles New Military Cemetery was begun by fighting units in January 1917, when the Churchyard Extension was closed; it was used until April 1918. There are now over 150, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified. 4th March 1945. Sergeant 958767 Stanley Shaw. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 4th December 1914 son of Fred and Ellen Shaw. In 1937 married Annie Emery at Longton, St John the Baptist. Living at 78 King Street, Fenton, Stanley was employed as a bus conductor Stanley served in Bomber Command. He died 04/03/1945 age: 30 and is commemorated at Runnymede, Surry (Panel 276) Stanley was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, 1939-45 Star and Air Crew Europe Star.

5th March 1941 L/Bdr. J.H. Parker: R.A. Lance Bombardier 946226 John Herbert Parker Royal Artillery. 56th Heavy Regiment. Born 1919 son of John and Elsie Parker of Fenton Death 5th March 1941 age 22 Commemorated in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 7305) Received the War Medal 1932-1945 and 1939-45 Star

7th March 1919 Private M2/119298. John Frederick Green. 606th M.T.Coy Royal Army Service Corp Born 1889 at Fenton son of John Frederick and Emily Green, 15 Peel St now Minshall St) Mount Pleasant Fenton. In 1901 at 157 High St, (now City Rd) Fenton. Later his parents moved to "Belmont," Beechwood Rd., Rhyl, Flints. The Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was a corps of the . It was responsible for land, coastal and lake transport; air despatch; supply of food, water, fuel, and general domestic stores such as clothing, furniture and stationery (but not ammunition and military and technical equipment, which were the responsibility of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps); administration of barracks; the Army Fire Service; and provision of staff clerks to headquarters units. John died of Pneumonia 7th March 1919 age 30 and is commemorated at Reigate Cemetery, Surry. H.3248 He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 7th March 1921 Private 46104 Percy Harvey Lincolnshire Regt, transferred to 28415 Labour Corps Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1898 son of Alfred and Elizabeth Harvey 14 Chapel Street (now Watkin St [part]) Fenton. In 1991 Percy was registered as still at school and working as a part time butcher. The Labour Corps was formed in January 1917, the Corps grew to some 389,900 men (more than 10% of the total size of the Army) by the Armistice. Of this total, around 175,000 were working in the United Kingdom and the rest in the theatres of war. The Corps was manned by officers and other ranks who had been medically rated below the "A1" condition needed for front line service. Many were returned wounded. Labour Corps units were often deployed for work within range of the enemy guns, sometimes for lengthy periods. In April 1917, a number of infantry battalions were transferred to the Corps. In the crises of March and April 1918 on the Western Front, Labour Corps units were used as emergency infantry. The Corps always suffered from its treatment as something of a second class organisation: for example, the men who died are commemorated under their original regiment, with Labour Corps being secondary. Researching men of the Corps is made extra difficult by this, as is the fact that few records remain of the daily activities and locations of Corps units. Percy died 7th March 1921 age 23 and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (grave ref 1803) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

8th March 1918, Private 18252 George Parker. 1st Bn Fusiliers Born in 1897 at Fenton son of George and Emma Parker, of 14, George St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. George was employed as a Pit Boy Underground The 1st Royol Scots were engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres where George died of wounds 8th March 1918, age 21 and is commemorated at the Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux. (Grave II.B.21) Headstone inscription requested by his parents “He died that we may live. May he rest in peace” He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

8th March 1943 Private 4868826 Victor Stanley Rushton. 2/5th Leicestershire Regiment. Born 1924 and living in Stoke on-Trent age 19 The 2/5th Territorial battalion in January 1943 landed in North Africa. Saw action in Tunisia Then in February 1943: The Battalion was involved in action at the Battle of Kassarine Pass. Here it suffered heavy losses. Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. Victor died 8th March 1943 in North Africa age 19. He is commemorated at Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia (Panel 17) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The memorial commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves. 8th March 1944. Marine PLY/X 109374 Jack Brown. No 40 Royal Marine Commandos. Born Stoke-on-Trent Son of John and Alice Beatrice Brown of Blurton. RM ‘A’ Commando was again re-designated; this time as 40 (RM) Commando. Further training and replenishment was carried out. Once back to full strength it was sent to Sicily in July 1943 and a little later in September saw action at Pizzio. Later that year the Commando was in action in Termoli in October, and in 1944 was embroiled at Anzio. Later service in Yugoslavia and Albania followed by policing duties on Corfu wound up 40’s wartime activities. Jack died ashore 8th March 1944 and is commemorated at Panel 102, Column 3. Naval Memorial, Devon. (Panel 102 Column 3) Jack was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

8th March 1902 Private 6282 Joseph Charles Nicklin 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s). Memorials: Town Hall Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Cathedral. Nave north aisle. Plaque 2 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. Notes: [Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project] Died Disease on 8th March1902 at Charlestown Force: South Africa Field Force. Gazetteer: [2728: 2725-2951] a town in Natal Colony (Newcastle district; KwaZulu-Natal), 35 km north of Newcastle. Variant: Charleston (misspelling in HMG III index). On 13 October 1899, it was taken for the Boers without opposition by the Hollander Corps under Cmdt J.P.La G. Lombard. On the advance northwards of the Natal Army under Gen Sir R.H. Buller, troops under Brig-Gen J.G. Dartnell scouted as far north as the town on 12 June 1900 and on the following day it was reoccupied by troops of the 2nd cavalry brigade. HMG III p.280 (map no.45); Times IV p.195 (map facing p.196); Wilson II (map on p.648); Breytenbach I p.180. A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999)

9th March 1945 Private 11266543 Frederick Williams. 4th Bn Kings 0wn Scottish Highlanders. Born 1923 son of Robert and Elizabeth Williams of Fenton Allied forces entered the Netherlands on 12 September 1944. Airborne operations later that month established a bridgehead at Nijmegen and in the following months, coastal areas and ports were cleared and secured, but it was not until the German initiated offensive in the Ardennes had been repulsed that the drive into Germany could begin. In the Autumn of 1944 the 4th and 5th (Territorial) Battalions made assault landings on Walcheren Island, at the mouth of the River . They fought through into Germany, taking part in the capture of Bremen. Frederick was killed 9th March 1945 age 22, Western Europe Campaign. He is commemorated at Groesbeek Memorial, Gelderland, Netherlands. (Panel 4) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. The memorial which commemorates by name more than 1,000 members of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaign in north-west Europe between the time of crossing the Seine at the end of August 1944 and the end of the war in Europe, and whose graves are not known. (CWGC)

10th March 1917 Private 241717 Edward Francis Bourne. (82) A Coy 2nd/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1894 at Burslem, son of Thomas and Henrietta Bourne of 11 Hill Street, (now Derry St) Heron Cross, Fenton. Edward was working as a packer in china pottery. The 2/6th Battalion Territorial Force was formed at Burton on the 1st November 1914 and joined the 176th Brigade of the 59th Division and the moved to St. Albans, January 1915. In April 1916 moved to Ireland; Dublin and then Curragh to quell the troubles there. In February 1917 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the pursuit of the German retreat to the . (14 March - 5 April 1917) In March 1917, the German armies on the Somme carried out a strategic withdrawal known as . They destroyed everything on the ground that they left: flattening villages, poisoning wells, cutting down trees, blowing craters on roads and crossroads, booby-trapping ruins and dugouts. The withdrawal was to an immensely powerful and shorter line, positioned to take every tactical advantage of ground. The construction of this line - or rather, series of lines - had been spotted by British and French aviators in late 1916. British patrols began to detect the withdrawal of German infantry from the Somme in mid February 1917 and a cautious pursuit began, halted only as the Hindenburg Line itself was approached. Edward died of Wounds 10th March 1917, age 23 and is commemorated at St Pierre Cemetery, . (Grave V111.B.3) Headstone inscription requested by his mother “The heavier the burden, the lighter the cross” St. Pierre Cemetery contains 676 Commonwealth burials of the First World War Edward is also commemorated on his parents headstone in Fenton Cemetery Henerietta, w/o Thomas BOURNE, 11 Hide St, Fenton, 16 July 1923, 61 Pte Edward F. BOURNE, s, died of wounds received in action, 11 March 1917, 24 Thomas, the above, 19 Dec 1958, 86

11th March 1901 Boer war Private 5805 William Leigh 4th Battalion West (Prince of Wales’s). Other: attached to 2 The (Prince Of Wales Own) Force: South Africa Field Force Son of Emily Leigh of 100 Duke St. Fenton. Rolls: WO100/175 page 304. Died of disease 11th March 1901 at Grootfontein Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Duncombe Place. Edwardian Cross. County, York, North Yorkshire, England Minster St George's Chapel. Plaque West Yorkshire Regiment, York, North Yorkshire, England Notes: [Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project] [The National Archives WO100. The QSA and KSA campaign medal rolls.] [MIBISA] 14th March 1915 Corporal l 7126 William Gratton 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born at Porthill, and living in Fenton. The 1st Battalion part of the 17th Brigade of the 6th Division were mobilised for war in September 1914 and landed at St. Nazaire and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The actions on the Aisne heights the Battalion took part in the of 1914. During 1915 were engaged in the action at Hooge William was killed in action 14th March 1915 age 23 and is commemorated at the Ploegsteert Memorial. Hainaut, Belgium (Panel 8) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory medals. The memorial commemorates more than 11,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in this sector during the First World War and have no known grave. The memorial serves the area from the line Caestre-Dranoutre- Warneton to the north, to Haverskerque-Estaires-Fournes to the south, including the towns of Hazebrouck, Merville, Bailleul and Armentieres, the Forest of Nieppe, and Ploegsteert Wood. The original intention had been to erect the memorial in . Most of those commemorated by the memorial did not die in major offensives, such as those which took place around Ypres to the north, or Loos to the south. Most were killed in the course of the day-to-day trench warfare which characterised this part of the line, or in small scale set engagements, usually carried out in support of the major attacks taking place elsewhere. 14th March 1917 Private 201650 John Bartlem 1st /5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment John was living in Fenton and served in 1/5th Battalion Territorial Force. The battalion returned to France in Feb 1916, and the Division engaged in various actions on the Somme in the diversionary attack at Gommecourt then in 1917 the Operations on the Ancre. John was killed in action 14th March 1917 and is commemorated at the Roossignol Wood Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France Grave A9) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Lance Corporal 201589 Francis Harrison 1/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Born 1881 at Wooton, Staffordshire. In 1902 Francis married Alice Dean at Fenton, Christ Church and the lived at 20 Hill Street, (now Derry St) Heron Cross, Fenton. He was employed as a Coal Miner, Hewer. The battalion returned to France in Feb 1916, and the Division engaged in various actions on the Somme in the diversionary attack at Gommecourt then in 1917 the Operations on the Ancre. Francis was killed in Action 14th March 1917 age 36 and is commemorated at Shrine Cemetery, Bucquoy Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref I. A. 14) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Shrine Cemetery is named from a crucifix standing on a mound on the west side of the village. It was begun by the 46th (North Midland) Division in March 1917, and enlarged by other units in . After the Armistice further graves were brought in, mainly from Le Barque and Eaucourt-L'Abbe. The cemetery now contains 89 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and one German war grave. Private 201382 Harry Moss. 5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regt Born 1897 at Longton son of Harriett Moss, of 135, King St., Fenton, and the late John Moss. He was employed as a Colliery Servant. The battalion returned to France in Feb 1916, and the Division engaged in various actions on the Somme in the diversionary attack at Gommecourt then in 1917 the Operations on the Ancre. Harry died 14th March 1917 age 20 and is commemorated at the Shrine Cemetery, Bucquoy, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave Ref: I.A.11) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. At the reqest of his mother his headstone bore the inscription “Duty Nobly Done” Shrine Cemetery is named from a crucifix standing on a mound on the west side of the village. It was begun by the 46th (North Midland) Division in March 1917, and enlarged by other units in August 1918. After the Armistice further graves were brought in, mainly from Le Barque and Eaucourt-L'Abbe. The cemetery now contains 89 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and one German war grave. 14th March 1919 Private M2/101686 William Henry Mollart Royal Army Service Corps. M.T. Coy Son of William and Mary Mollart, of 59, Carron St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. 1911 the family lived at 63 Berdmore St, Fenton, and William was employed as a Potters Caster.William in 1915 was living at 59 Carron St, Fenton was employed as a motor drive and enlistedas to Motor Transport RASC. The Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was a corps of the British Army. It was responsible for land, coastal and lake transport; air despatch; supply of food, water, fuel, and general domestic stores such as clothing, furniture and stationery (but not ammunition and military and technical equipment, which were the responsibility of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps); administration of barracks; the Army Fire Service; and provision of staff clerks to headquarters units. In August 1915 he took part in the 2nd Divi supply column, Southampton to Rouen. He wa s then transferred to the 5th Aux MTCoy In May 1918 was discharged to rest camp. While on leave at home he was admitted to the War Hospital at Newcasrle, Staffs suffering from influenza – Broncho – pneumonia contracted in service. William died in hospital on 14th March 1919 age 31. He is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 2859) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals Lance Corporal P/2984 Harry Royall Military Police Corps. Mounted Branch Born 1892 at Bucknall Son of Isaac and Martha Ann Royall of 13 Berdmore st, Fenton. He was employed as an Engineer Served in France and Flanders Harry died 14th March 1919, age 27 and is commemorated at the Ath Communal Cemetery, Hainaut, Belgium. (Grave B.2) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The 38 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in Ath Communal Cemetery date from November 1918 to March 1919, and are mainly those of men who died at No. 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station. 14th March 1943. Trooper 4038216 Harold Jones. 1st Derbyshire . Royal Armoured Corps. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1916 son of Charles and Sarah Ann Jones, of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1942 Harold married Mary Elizabeth Speed of Fenton at Stoke, St Peter. Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. Died Tunisia 14/03/1943 age 27 and was originally buried at Youks Lles Baines Community Cemetery, Algeria. 10/11/1944 his body was concentrated and commemorated at Mediez-el-Bab War Cemetery. Tunisia (Grave Ref: 18. H. 19) Headstone “Happy and smiling, always content. Loved and respected wherever he went” Harold was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939- 45 Star. The memorial commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.

16th March 1915 Private 13316 W.H. Peaty. "C" Coy. 9th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial. Born 1880 at Burslem son of Harry George and Janet Peaty. In 1908 William married Julia Sherriff in a Civil Marriage at Stoke- on-Trent. In 1911 they lived at 15 May Place, Fenton, Stoke On Trent. William was employed as a Coal Miner, Hewer. Later they lived at 85, Foley St, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Enlisted in September 1914 at Longton serving in the 9th (Service) Battalion (Pioneers) The battalion at this time was formed at Lichfield as part of the Third New Army (K3) and attached to the 22nd Division and moved to South Downs and then Hastings. In July 1915 they were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front. William died of Syncope (heart) on the 16th March 1915 and is buried commemorated at the Hasting Cemetery Sussex, Grave ref L.D.N22) The desease was not contracted on active service. He was awarded the 1914/15/ Star, the British War and Victory medals. Between 16/03/1943 and 17/03/1943. Guardsman 2663704 Stanley Copestake 3rd Bn (Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial) Born 1917 son of William and Bertha Copestake, of 6 Berdmore Street, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Annie Copestake, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Previously reported Missing he was recorded as killed in action North Africa between 16/03/1943 and 17/03/1943. Age: 27. Stanley’s body was found buried at map ref 55GR/WJD/2044. On the 6/4/1944 he was reburied and commemorated at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. (Grave ref: V A 15) Headstone “Beautiful memories of one so dear. We’ll cherish always with love sincere” Stanley was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. Meanwhile, in the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein were withdrawing into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. The Eighth Army attack on the position at Enfidaville on 19 April captured the village, but strong resistance meant no further progress was possible. Attacks further north met with greater success and Tunis fell on 7 May, Bizerta on the 8th. By 11 May, the position at Enfidaville was surrounded at resistance ceased on the following day. Most of those buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery died in the final battles from March to the beginning of May. The cemetery contains 1,551 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 88 of them unidentified 17 March 1917 Private 202013 William Francis Bromley 1st/5th Btn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regt Born at Longton and in 1911and living in Fenton, 45 Vivian Road, William was employed as a Pottery Placer. 1/5th Battalion Territorial Force were stationed in Hanley in August 1914 as part of the Staffordshire Brigade of the North Midland Division and then moved to the Luton area, and then Bishops Stortford. In March were mobilised for war and landed in France where the formation became the 137th Brigade of the In Feb 1916 Returned to France and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front. After the Battle of the Ancre (13–18 ), British attacks on the Somme front were stopped by the weather. During the rest of 1916 and early January 1917, military operations by both sides were mostly restricted to survival in the rain, snow, fog, mud fields, waterlogged trenches and shell-holes. As preparations for the offensive at Arras continued, the British attempted to keep German attention on the Somme front. Into spring of 1917 the battalion wer egaged in Operations on the Ancre (March) and Occupation of the Gommecourt defences (4 March) William died of wounds, 17 March 1917 age 23 and is commemorated at the Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, Pas de Calais, France (Greve ref VI.D.6) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The site of the cemetery was chosen in May 1916. It was used from June 1916 to May 1917 by the 20th and 43rd Casualty Clearing Stations, in February 1917 by the 1/1st South Midland, and from April to June 1917 by the 32nd. The whole of plots VII, VIII, IX and X were filled in April and May 1917, the months of the Battles of Arras. From June 1917, the cemetery was practically unused until the fighting of May and June 1918, when field ambulances buried in it. After the Armistice the cemetery was increased by graves brought in from the following small military cemeteries.

19th March 1917 Private G/14438 George Eli Woodcock 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1894 at South Kirby son of George Eli and Mary Ann Woodcock of 53 Hill St, (now Derry St) Heron Cross, Fenton. George was employed as a Miner, Hewer. In 1917 the regiment was engaged in The Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Messines, George died of Wounds: 19th March 1917, age 23 and commemorated at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Seine-Maritime. France (Grave O.VII.J.10) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. During the First World War, Commonwealth camps and hospitals were stationed on the southern outskirts of Rouen. A base supply depot and the 3rd Echelon of General Headquarters were also established in the city. Almost all of the hospitals at Rouen remained there for practically the whole of the war. They included eight general, five stationary, one British Red Cross and one labour hospital, and No. 2 Convalescent Depot. A number of the dead from these hospitals were buried in other cemeteries, but the great majority were taken to the city cemetery of St. Sever. In September 1916, it was found necessary to begin an extension, where the last burial took place in April 1920.

20th March 1918 Sergeant 1068 Albert Edward Johnson 18th Bn Middlesex Regt. Born 1884 at Fenton son of Samuel and Prudence Johnson, of 1 Leopold Street, Fenton. In 1911 he was boarding at 1 Argyle Street, (now Bute St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. He was employed as a Pottery Decorator. Albert enlisted into the 18th (Service) Battalion (1st Public Works Pioneers) 33rd Division and served in France and Flanders In October 1916 while still a corporal he suffered with Scabies and was transferred to another hospital by 1/3rd South Midland Field Ambulance. In 1918 The battalion were engaged in Flanders in the Fourth Battle of Ypres Albert was killed in action 20th March 1918, age 34 and is commemorated at the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave ref: III.D. 16) His father requested on the headstone the words “Of everlasting rememberance” He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Private M2/102873 Henry Herbert Till M.T. Royal Army Service Corps Born February 1891 son of Henry George and Lucy Till of 1 Minshall Street, Mount Pleasant, Fenton. In 1911 Henry was living with Grandmother Fanny Jane Whitehead, 79 Whieldon Road, Mount Pleasant and was employed as a Potters Clerk. Henry served in East Africa The Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) was a corps of the British Army. It was responsible for land, coastal and lake transport; air despatch; supply of food, water, fuel, and general domestic stores such as clothing, furniture and stationery (but not ammunition and military and technical equipment, which were the responsibility of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps); administration of barracks; the Army Fire Service; and provision of staff clerks to headquarters units. Herbert died 20th March 1918, age 26 and was buried at the Lindi Cemetery Tanzanier. of Graves in 1925 from to Dar es Salaam War Cemetery, Tanzania (Grave ref: 5.D.19) Off grave stone at Fenton Cemetery, Cpl, Henry Herbert (Harry) TILL, Died. C.E. Africa, 20 March 1918. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 20th March 1945 Warrant Officer 1578491 William Edgar Durber. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Trade: Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1923 son of Edgar and Emma Durber, of 29 Grove Road, Heron Cross, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Date of Death: 20/03/1945 age: 22. Buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref 5903) Headstone Beloved son of Emma and Edgar Durber. 29 Grove Road, Fenton “Lord, Thy will be done” William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

21st March 1918, On March 21, 1918, near the Somme River in France, the German army launches its first major offensive on the Western Front in two years. At the beginning of 1918, Germany’s position on the battlefields of Europe looked extremely strong. German armies occupied virtually all of Belgium and much of northern France. With Romania, Russia and Serbia out of the war by the end of 1917, conflict in the east was drawing to a close, leaving the free to focus on combating the British and French in the west. Indeed, by March 21, 1918, Russia’s exit had allowed Germany to shift no fewer than 44 divisions of men to the Western Front. German commander saw this as a crucial opportunity to launch a new offensive–he hoped to strike a decisive blow to the Allies and convince them to negotiate for peace before fresh troops from the could arrive. In November, he submitted his plan for the offensive that what would become known as Kaiserschlacht, or the kaiser’s battle; Ludendorff code- named the opening . Morale in the German army rose in reaction to the planned offensive. Many of the soldiers believed, along with their commanders, that the only way to go home was to push ahead.

Operation Michael began in the early morning hours of March 21, 1918. The attack came as a relative surprise to the Allies, as the Germans had moved quietly into position just days before the bombardment began. From the beginning, it was more intense than anything yet seen on the Western Front. Over 3.5 million shells were launched along a 40 miles (60km) front covering 150 sq miles (400 sq km) onto an area held by British Third and Fifth armies.

Winston Churchill, at the front at the time as the British , wrote of his experience on March 21: There was a rumble of artillery fire, mostly distant, and the thudding explosions of aeroplane raids. And then, exactly as a pianist runs his hands across a keyboard from treble to bass, there rose in less than one minute the most tremendous cannonade I shall ever hear. It swept around us in a wide curve of red flame By the end of the first day, German troops had advanced more than four miles and inflicted almost 30,000 British casualties. 14 of who were from or associated with Fenton. Private 203802 William Chilton 1st Bn Prince of Wales's North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1884 at Fenton son of William and Mary Chilton of Fenton 22 China Street, Fenton (1891 Census) In 1911 the family was living ar 24 Park Road (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton. In 1917 William married Rose Birkes at Fenton Christ Church. Later remarried, Rosetta Goodwin (formally Chilton) of 19 Edensor Road, Longton

The First Battles of the Somme – Battle of St Quentin -21/3/1918. Location: Shepherd's Copse. German victory. In the early morning of 21st March 1918, the , 'Operation Michael' began, when German artillery launched the largest artillery bombardment of the war, swiftly followed by rapidly advancing shock troops, against the British Fifth Army, and units of the First Army stationed in and around St.Quentin.

William was killed in action 21st March 1918 age 34. His body was found at map ref: 62B. M. 8. C. 7. 4 and reburied/commemorated Jan 1921 at the Vadencourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France (Grave ref IV. H. 14.) Requested by his wife his headstone bears the words Headstone “Known unto God” He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Vadencourt British Cemetery (called at first Vadencourt New British Cemetery) was begun in , by fighting units, and used until March 1918. In October and November 1918 t was used by the 5th, 47th and 61st Casualty Clearing Stations (at Bihecourt, on the road to Vermand) as well as by Field Ambulances. These original graves are in Plots I-III. After the Armistice these plots were enlarged, and Plots IV and V made, by the concentration of graves from the surrounding battlefields and from a few small burial grounds. These scattered graves were mainly of April 1917, and March, April, September and October 1918, and many of them represented casualties of the 59th (North Midland) Division. Lance Corporal 200903 Thomas George Brassington (formally 3897) D Coy Signalling Section 1st/5th Prince of Wales's North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1887 at son of Joseph and Sarah Mary Brassington and in 1911 living at 41 Broade Street, Fenton, he was registered as still at school Thomas enlisted as a private in the 5th Reserve battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment Territorial Force on 11th November 1914. Thomas was reported missing on 21st March 1918 aged 21 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht. He is commemorated at the (Addenda Panel: to be added) He is also commemorated at Temple Street Methodist, Church. At the end of the war on 12 December 1918 his parents of 40 Grove Road, Fenton asked in the Weekly Sentinel for information from repatriated prisoners of war for any news about Tom, who had been missing since 21 March. His soldier's will survives. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals Lance Corporal 200903 Thomas George Brassington D Coy Signalling Section 1st/5th Prince of Wales's North Staffordshire Regiment. From the records of Temple Street Methodists. Compiled by Richard Ellis H e was born in Caverswall and was living at 41 Broade Street, Fenton in 1911. He had two siblings. He was the son of Joseph and Mary Brassington. He enlisted as a private in the 5th Reserve battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment Territorial Force on 11th November 1914. He was a potter. He had had a medical on 09/11/1914 when he was described as being 18 years of age, 5' 9"" tall with a 34" chest. One day before, on 10/11/1914, he was described as being 17years 6months old, 5' 8 1/2" tall with a 35" chest. As a 17 year old he could join the Territorial Force, but not the regular army. On the same day he enlisted he signed the Imperial Service Obligation by which he agreed to serve outside the United Kingdom in the event of a national emergency. He was stationed at Hanley. On 01/12/1916 he began a stay of 52 days in Portobello hospital. On his release from hospital, he embarked on active service from Folkestone on 25/02/1917, arriving at Boulogne the same day. He transferred to 2nd/5th battalion as an acting lance corporal on 27/09/1917 but would have joined 1st/5th when the two battalions merged in February 1918. He spent 5 days at the signal school and rejoined his unit on 15/12/1917. He was now a signaller. He was granted leave from 02/03/1918 and rejoined his unit later in March. He was reported missing on 21/03/1918 aged 21 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht when the enemy swept aside his division. Only 100 men of the two involved on 21/03/1918 answered roll call the next day. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial (Addenda). His name has only recently been accepted by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as a casualty. In the chaos of the retreat so many men were unaccounted for. At the end of the war on 12 December 1918 his parents of 40 Grove Road, Fenton asked in the Weekly Sentinel for information from repatriated prisoners of war for any news about Tom, who had been missing since 21 March. His soldier's will survive. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Private 47730 Frank Bosson 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1883 son of Peter and Margaret Bosson and in 1901 living at 22 Duncan St. In 1908 Frank married Mary H. Heron in a civil wedding at Newcastle, Staffs. They lived at 12 Broad Street Fenton, was employed as a sorter and had a son Frank born 1910 The First Battles of the Somme – Battle of St Quentin -21/3/1918. Location: Shepherd's Copse. German victory. In the early morning of 21st March 1918, the German Spring Offensive, 'Operation Michael' began, when German artillery launched the largest artillery bombardment of the war, swiftly followed by rapidly advancing shock troops, against the British Fifth Army, Third Army and units of the First Army stationed in and around St.Quentin. Killed in action 21/03/1918 France and Flanders Commemorated at Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France Ref. Sp. Mem. B. 12 (special headstone “Buried in this cemetery”) Historic Information. The Canal de St. Quentin passes under the village of Bellicourt in a tunnel 5 Kms long, built under the orders of I. The Hindenburg Line ran west of the village, and the in the tunnel were used to shelter German reserves. About 5 Kms south of Bellicourt, where the canal is open, is the village of Bellenglise, where another great tunnel or dug-out was made by the Germans. (Forces War records)

On 29 September - 2 October 1918, the Battle of the St. Quentin Canal was fought. The 46th (North Midland) Division stormed the Hindenburg Line at Bellenglise and captured 4,000 prisoners and 70 guns. The 30th United States Division captured Bellicourt and Nauroy, which were cleared by the 5th Australian Division. The North Midland and Australian dead of this engagement fill most of the graves in Bellicourt British Cemetery.

The cemetery was made after the battle, when 73 dead were buried in what is now Plot I. It was greatly enlarged after the Armistice, when graves were brought from the surrounding battlefields some smaller cemeteries. Bellicourt British Cemetery now contains 1,204 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 313 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to 21 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. (CWGC) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals Private 201855 Frederick Best 2nd/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales) Regiment. Born 1897 at Fenton son of Frederick and Honour Best, 37 York Street, Fenton. In February 1918 the 2nd/5th were absorbed into the 1/5th Battalion. Frederick was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 21 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Private 200797 William Furnival 2nd/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1885 at Newcastle, Staffs son of Joseph and Ann Furnival. In 1906 William married Hannah Housley at St John the Baptist Church Longton and lived at 60 Foley St, Fenton, He was employed as a Pottery Plate Maker. In February 1918 the 2nd/5th were absorbed into the 1/5th Battalion. William was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 33 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Private 200757 Percy Charles Hackney 2/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born in 1896 son of Charles and Mary Ann Hackney of Cromartie St, Longton. Percy worked on the Potts as a Mould Maker. He later became a resident of Fenton. In February 1918 the 2nd/5th were absorbed into the 1/5th Battalion. Percy was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 22 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Private 201079 Ernest Hargreaves 2nd/5th Prince of Wales's North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1895 at Fenton son of Mr John Hargreaves and the late Mrs Hargreaves of 34 Clarence Street, Fenton, In February 1918 the 2nd/5th were absorbed into the 1/5th Battalion. Ernest was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 23 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Sergeant 200258 Edward Wilshaw 2nd/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born and bred in Longton, Edward served in France and Flanders In February 1918 the 2nd/5th were absorbed into the 1/5th Battalion. Edward died of Wounds: 21st March 1918, age 22 and is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artois British Cemetery, Haucourt (Grave ref: Rumaucourt German Cem. Mem. 1) His headstone bears the words “To the Memory of NorthStaffordshire Regt. 200258 Serjeant E Wilshaw. N Staffordshire Regt. 21st March 1918. Cross. Who is buried in Rumaucourt German Cemetery but whose grave is now lost. Their Glory shall not be blotted out” He was awarded the Military Medal, the British War and Victory medals. Private 201139 Ernest Durose 2nd/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1898 at Hanley son of John Thomas and Edna Durose of 12 George Street, Fenton. He was working as an Errand Boy. 2/6th Battalion Territorial Force was formed November 1914 at Burton. In February1917 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front. In 1918 they were engaged in the Battle of , The Battle of Bailleul Ernest was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 22 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Private 201413 Frederick Thomas Lawton 2nd/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Grandson of Thomas and Mary Lawton of 11 Minshall Street, Mount Pleasant Frederick was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 29 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. L Corporal 201673 Thomas Rushton 2nd/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment AA Not yet included in the WW1 Memorial Born 1898 at Fenton son of Charlotte Ann Rushton of 16 Summer St, Stoke-on-Trent 2/6th Battalion Territorial Force was formed November 1914 at Burton. In February1917 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front. In 1918 they were engaged in the Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Bailleul Thomas was killed in action 21st March 1918 age 20. The buriul reports “The body of 201673 T Rushton was found at map ref: 57c. C.9. a. 55.98 (Bapaume) was recognised by disc. Khaki. One set of titles: -N.Staffs and body of Unknown British Soldier. The remains were so intermingled as to render separate exhumation impossible, they were reburied in one coffin, two grave spaces being allowed. They were reburied at Canadian Cemetery No 2, Neuville-St. Vaast. Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref: joint grave 22, A. 82-83) There are nearly 3,000, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. 29 Canadian soldiers buried at the time in the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade Cemetery, Givenchy-en Gohelle and the Canadian cemetery near Gunner's Crater, Givenchy-en- Gohelle but whose graves are now lost are commemorated by special memorial headstones, inscribed to this effect with the additional quotation, "Their Glory shall not be blotted out". Private 4322 Ernest Cooper Machine Gun Corp (Infantry) In 1912 Ernest married Florence Yates, at Fenton, Christ Church and lived at 15, Leopold St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Ernest served in the machine gun corp in France and Flanders Ernest was killed in action 21st March 1918 age 27 and is commemorated at the Delsaux Farm Cemetery, Beugny. Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref: 111.B.24) Buried near this spot Requested by his mother the headstone reads “Their Glory shall not be blotted out”. Delsaux Farm was a point on the German defensive system known as the Beugny-Ytres line, which was reached by Commonwealth troops on 18 March 1917, and passed on the following day. The farm was lost on 23 March 1918 after the gallant defence of Beugny by the 9th Welsh Regiment and their withdrawal, but it was retaken by the on 2 , and on the next day the same division occupied Beugny village. Corporal 201380 Henry Colin Derbyshire. MM. 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers Born 1890 in Dresdon son of Charles and Mary Derbyshire of Post Office, 106 Victoria Road, Fenton, Henry was employed as a Polisher. In 1918 the regiment were engaged in the Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, The First 1918 Henry was killed in Action 21st March 1918, age 28 during the battle of St. Quentin. This was the first day of the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 2 and 3) He was awarded the Military Medal, the British War and Victory medals. The military decoration was awarded to Henry Colin Derbyshire for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Conferment of the medal was announced in the London Gazette and Henry Colin Derbyshire earned the right to add the letters M.M. to his name. The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Bombardier William Hartley Wroe W. (Hartie) Embury MM "B" Battery 70th Brigade Royal Field Artillery. Not yet included in the WW1 Memorial Born 1885 at Burslem son of Fredrick and Fanny Embury of 35 Market St (now King St) Fenton. His parents later lived at 69, Widdow St., Leigh, Lancs although Frederick was buried in Fenton Cemetery in 1924. William was killed 21st March 1917 age 31 and is commemorated at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Pas de Calais, France (Grave Ref II.J.20) The Commonwealth section of the cemetery was begun in March 1916, behind the French military cemetery established earlier. It continued to be used by field ambulances and fighting units until November 1918. The cemetery was enlarged after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields and from two smaller cemeteries in the vicinity. The cemetery contains over 2,650 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 10 of which are unidentified. William was awarded the Military Medal, the British War and Victory medals. The military decoration was awarded to William Hartley Wroe Embury for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. On his parent’s headstone Fenton Cemetery Percy EMBURY, 15 March 1891, 3 yrs Jim, 18 March 1891, 11 months Children of Frederick & Fanny EMBURY, Eliza Agnes, 18 Feb 1894, 11 months Bmdr W.H.W. (Hartie) EMBURY, KiA, France, 21 March 1917, 31 Frederick, the above, 21 June 1924, 64

22nd March 1943. Private 4040573 John Thomas McDonald 8th Bn Durham Light Infantry. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Son of John Thomas P. McDonald and Sarah McDonald, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1937 John Married Louisa Margaret Bowden in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent and lived at 51 Nelson Street, Fenton. After John’s death Louisa moved to husband Northolt, Middlesex. Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive.

Date of Death: 22/03/1943 age 32 and is commemorated at Medez-el-Bar Memorial, Tunisia (Face 29) John was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

The memorial commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.

23rd March1916 Private 12991 John Richard Roberts 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Hanley and living in Fenton John served in the 8th (Service) Battalion in France and Flanders. The battalion was formed at Lichfield in September 1914 as part of the Second New Army (K2) and joined the 57th Brigade of the 19th Division and moved to Salisbury Plain, and then Bristol. In July 1915 they were mobilised for war and then landed in France and engaged in various action on the Western Front on the Somme. John was killed in action: 23rd March1916 and commemorated at the Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, Nord, France. (Grave ref: I. E. 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals Pont-du-Hem was in German hands from mid-April to mid-September 1918. The Cemetery was begun, in an apple-orchard, in July 1915, and used until April 1918, by fighting units and Field Ambulances; these original burials are in Plots I, II and III, and Rows A and B of Plot IV. In April and May 1918, 23rd March 1917 Lance Corporal 200690 Ernest Wright 2nd/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1879 at son of John and Jane Wright. In 1901 Ernest married Alice Brassington at Stoke, St Peter, and lived at 65, Church St, (Now Christchurch St) Fenton. In February the battalion were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; the pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, Ernest was killed in Action 23rd March 1917, age 38 and is commemorated at the St Sever Cemetery Extesion, Rouen, Seine- Maritime, France (Grave O.VIII.K.2) Headstone inscription chosen by his wife: “Duty nobely done” He was awarded the British War and Victory medals 23rd March 1918 Private 96681 John Albert Winfield 2nd Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) Born 1880 at Hilderstone son of John and Elizabeth Winfield and living in Stone. In 1905 John married Mary Ellen Brandrick at Barlaston, St John the Baptist. John was killed in Action: 23rd March 1918 and is commemorated at the Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy. Pas de Calais, France (Grave Lagnicourt German Cem No 1. Mem 10) There are now 2,377 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 1,441 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 56 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals 23rd March 1901 Boer war

Lance Corporal. 1842 Daniel Price 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers. Died at Charlestown Force: South Africa Field Force Rolls: WO100 page 79 and page 130 Died of Disease: 23 March 1901 at Charles Town Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Notes: [The National Archives WO100. The QSA and KSA campaign medal rolls.] A Private on EC Roll [Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project] The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Laing's Nek, South Africa 1901 Gazetteer: [2728: 2725-2951] a town in Natal Colony (Newcastle district; KwaZulu-Natal), 35 km north of Newcastle. Variant: Charleston (misspelling in HMG III index). On 13 October 1899, it was taken for the Boers without opposition by the Hollander Corps under Cmdt J.P.La G. Lombard. On the advance northwards of the Natal Army under Gen Sir R.H. Buller, troops under Brig-Gen J.G. Dartnell scouted as far north as the town on 12 June 1900 and on the following day it was reoccupied by troops of the 2nd cavalry brigade. HMG III p.280 (map no.45); Times IV p.195 (map facing p.196); Wilson II (map on p.648); Breytenbach I p.180. A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999) 24th March 1918 Private 42309 George Arthur Jones 2nd/6th (TF) Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born in Stoke and resident in Stoke In February 1917 the battalion were mobilised for war and landed in Havre and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; the Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, George was killed in Action 24th March 1918, age 19 during the battle of St. Quentin. It was the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 6) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Private 45633 Percival Grocott 2nd Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born 1899 son of Samual W and Lily Grocott of 31 Clarence St, Fenton. In February 1917 the battalion were mobilised for war and landed in Havre and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; the Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, George was killed in Action 24th March 1918, age 19 during the battle of St. Quentin. It was the German Spring offensive or Kaiserschlacht and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 6) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Percival is also included on his parent’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery. Samuel Wakefield GROCOTT, 28 Jan 1929, 59 Lily, w, 3 Aug 1906, 35 Pte Percival GROCOTT, s, who was missing In France, 24 March 1918, 19 The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. A separate memorial remembers those killed in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.

25th March 1918 Able Seaman R/5158 William Ernest Boulton. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Army Reserve 12/12/1915 ; Entered 13/7/1917 ; Draft for BEF 19/11/1917, D' Company 13th Platoon Drake Battalion 27/11/1917-25/3/1918 Discharged Dead. Born December 1888 son of Ernest W Boulton and Elizabeth J Boulton of 4 Temple St, Fenton. In 1910 William married Martha Willis at Stoke St, Peter and lived at 516 Hartshill Rd, Stoke-on-Trent. He was employed as a Moulder. William was killed in action 25th March 1918 Age 40. On the 20th September 1918 William was reported "Fallen & buried about 300 metres from the NW corner of the Fourcaux Wood by the Fourcaux- Rd. in a single grave." He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial (Bay 1) Pas de Calais, France. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Private 42216 Harold Emery. 12th Bn Born 1880 son of Jemma Emery of Longton and the late William Emery. In 1916 Harold married Emily Wignall in a Civil Marriage in Stoke and lived at 105 Albert Road, (now Manor St) Fenton 12th (Service) Battalion was formed at Hamilton in August 1914 as part of the Second New Army (K2) and moved to Bordon to join the 46th Brigade part of the 15th Division. In February1918 transferred to 106th Brigade of the 35th Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front. Harold was killed in action 25th March 1918 age 28 and is commemorated on the Pozeres Memorial. Somme, France (Panel 72) The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Sapper 487985 Frank Higginson 59th Div Signal Coy . Formerly 2099, R.F.A. (59Th Div. Signal Coy., R.E.) Frank was living in Longton, and served in France and Flanders From October 1916 the Royal Engineers had been working underground, constructing tunnels for the troops in preparation for the Battle of Arras in 1917. Beneath Arras itself there is a vast network of caverns called the boves, consisting of underground quarries and sewage tunnels. The engineers came up with a plan to add new tunnels to this network so that troops could arrive at the battlefield in secrecy and in safety. The size of the excavation was immense. In one sector alone four Tunnel Companies of 500 men each worked around the clock in 18-hour shifts for two months.

Frank was killed in action 25th March 1918 Frank’s body was found at map ref: 57D. F9.a. 7.2. He was identified by a cross and disc. He was reburied at Gommercourt Wood New Cemetery Foncquevilliers, Pas de Calais, France (grave ref: I.K.5) on the 10/12/19, He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 25th March 1942 Private 5052041 Robert Ashworth Dix. North Staffordshire Regiment (Infantry) (Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial) Born 1918 son of Robert A. Dix and Bertha Dix, of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent; In 1939 Robert married Lilian Eardley of Fenton at Burslem, St John. Date of Death: 25/03/1942. Age: 24. Commemorated at Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref: Sec. A.C. Grave 172.) Headstone “Dearly loved son of Rort and Bertha Dix. Late of 51 Brindley St. Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent. Robert was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

26th March 1918, Private 18618 Albert Thomas Pugh 1st/4th King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Albert was born 1894 at Longton son of Amos and Elizabeth Pugh, of 231, Duke St., Fenton, He was employed as a Potters Polishers Groom. In July 1917 the battalion joined the 190th Brigade of the 63rd Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; In February 1918 they were transferred to the 56th Brigade of the 19th Division; In 1918 they were engaged in the First Battle of Arras, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of the Scarpe, Albert died 26th March 1918, Age: 24 and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 6) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918. Canadian and Australian servicemen killed in these operations are commemorated by memorials at Vimy and Villers-Bretonneux. Private 93801 Frederick (Fred) Colclough 1ST Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire And Derbyshire Regiment) Born 1899 at Longton son of Frederick and Angelina Colclough, 3 Argyle St, Fenton Enlisted into the “Robin Hood’s” Fred served in France and Flanders where in 1918 the battalion were engaged in the Battle of St Quentin and the actions at the Somme crossings Fred was killed in action 26th March 1918 age 19 on the Pozieres Memorial. Somme, France (Panel 52-54) The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. 26th March 1944 Sgt. T. Bailey: R.A.F. Sergeant 2220975 Thomas William Bailey. Air Gunner Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 460 Sqdn. Born 1913 son of Thomas and Thirza Bailey of Hanley. In 1941 Thomas married Marjorie Bayley at Fenton, Christ Church. Died 26th March 1944. His body was buried at St Vith Communal Cemetery Row A grave 28 and was concentrated at Hotton British Cemetery, Luxembourg, Belgium on 26/6/1947 (grave ref V11. C.6) Headstone: Dearly loved husband of Matjorie and father of Lynne “After duty – Rest” Thomas was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. The village of Hotton was the western limit of the great German counter offensive in the Ardennes in January 1945. A great many of the burials in Hotton War Cemetery date from that time, although there are also some from May 1940. The cemetery contains 666 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 21 of them unidentified.

27th March 1916 Private, L/16322 William Thomas Beardmore. "X" Coy, 4th Bn., Royal Fusiliers. Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Beardmore of 57 Nelson St, Fenton later moving to 4 Victoria Place, Fenton. William was employed as a Potters Mould Runner. The 4th Battalion were stationed on the stationed at Parkhurst, Isle of Wight in August 1914 as part of the of the . In August 1914 they were mobilized for war and landed at Havre the Division and were one of the first to arrive and remained on the Western Front for the duration of the war engaged in various During 1916 the battalion were engaged in the Actions of the Bluff and St Eloi Craters. The Battle of St Eloi Craters was fought from 27 March to 16 April 1916 which took place over the soggy terrain. The battle began with the detonation of six mines beneath German lines on 27 March. The British soldiers rose from their positions in the cold mud and attacked, quickly capturing three craters and the third German line. By 16 April, the battle ended with the Germans in control of the battlefield, as they had been at its start William died on the first day of the battle on the 27th March 1916 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 6 and 8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The Menin Gate is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient. Broadly speaking, the Salient stretched from Langemarck in the north to the northern edge in Ploegsteert Wood in the south, but it varied in area and shape throughout the war. The Salient was formed during the in October and November 1914, when a small British Expeditionary Force succeeded in securing the town before the onset of winter, pushing the German forces back to the Passchendaele Ridge. The Second Battle of Ypres began in April 1915 when the Germans released poison gas into the Allied lines north of Ypres. This was the first time gas had been used by either side and the violence of the attack forced an Allied withdrawal and a shortening of the line of defence. 27th March 1917 Lance Sergeant 732 John Hazleton 8th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1891 at Fenton son of George and Martha Hazleton of 86 Park Road Husband of Adelaide Tams (formerly Hazleton), 16, Park Rd, (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton. He was employed as a Coal Miner Waggoner, Underground. In 1911 John married Adelaide Green at Fenton, Christ Church. 1/8th (City of London) Battalion () were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and in May the formation became the 140th Brigade of the 47th Division and engaged in various actions on the Western, in 1917 the Battle of Messines, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, John died 27th March 1917 age: 26 and is commemorated at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras. (Grave III.K.25) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. The French handed over Arras to Commonwealth forces in the spring of 1916 and the system of tunnels upon which the town is built were used and developed in preparation for the major offensive planned for April 1917. The Commonwealth section of the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery was begun in March 1916, behind the French military cemetery established earlier. It continued to be used by field ambulances and fighting units until November 1918. The cemetery was enlarged after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields and from two smaller cemeteries in the vicinity. The cemetery contains over 2,650 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 10 of which are unidentified. The graves in the French military cemetery were removed after the war to other burial grounds and the land they had occupied was used for the construction of the Arras Memorial and Arras Flying Services Memorial. 27 March 1943 Able Seaman C/JX 189663 Wilfred Fernyhough. Royal Navy. HMS Dasher (D37) Born 1921 son of William and Clara Alice Fernyhough of Fenton Died 27th March 1943 age 22 in home waters of the coast of Scotland and is commemorated at , Kent (Memorial 68.3) HMS Dasher (D37) was a British Royal Navy , of the Avenger class – converted merchant vessels – and one of the shortest lived escort carriers. (Wikipedia) Loss of HMS Dasher (Wikipedia) Various possible causes have been suggested, including one of her aircraft crashing onto the flight and igniting petrol fumes from leaking . Much of what happened will never be known. Her death toll, 379 out of 528 crewmen, despite rapid response and assistance from ships and rescue craft from and Lamlash on the and from and Greenock on the Scottish mainland, was amongst the highest in British home waters. Many escaped from the ship but died of or burns suffered when escaped fuel ignited on the water. Most of the dead were buried at Ardrossan or Greenock. The US blamed it on poor RN petrol handling procedures, the British on bad design of the stowage and handling. There were merits in both arguments but thereafter the stowage on her British operated sister ships was reduced from 75-88,000 gallons down to 36,000 gallons, and the USN reduced theirs also but not as drastically. The government of the time, eager to avoid damage to morale and anxious to avoid any suggestion of faulty US construction, tried to cover up the sinking. The local media were ordered to make no reference to the tragedy, and the authorities ordered the dead to be buried in a mass unmarked grave. Furious relatives protested and some of the dead were returned to their loved ones for burial. The survivors were ordered not to talk about what happened. This policy subsequently attracted much criticism, and now memorials to those lost exist at both Ardrossan and Brodick The wreck site lies approximately halfway on the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry route between Ardrossan and Brodick and is a controlled site under the Protection of Military Remains Act. Teak boards from the flightdeck of HMS Dasher washed up on the beach at Ardrossan in 1999. They were riddled with tubes made by burrowing teredo worms. A section of this wood featured in the "Flotsam and Jetsam" exhibition in the Millennium Dome and another piece is held by the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in . There has been speculation that one corpse from the sinking was used during the British deception ("The Man Who Never Was"). The case is argued by authors John and Noreen Steele in their book The Secrets of HMS "Dasher". An archaeological dig was undertaken in October 2012 to ascertain whether there was a mass grave within Ardrossan Cemetery containing bodies from HMS Dasher. This dig showed there was no disturbance to the ground in the area searched. Petty Officer FAA/SFX 144 George William Wain Royal Navy. HMS Dasher. D37 Born 1918 son of Mr and Mrs George Wain, husband of Lucy Victoria Wain MS Dasher (D37) was a British Royal Navy aircraft carrier of the Avenger class – converted merchant vessels – and one of the shortest lived escort carriers. The carrier was commissioned into RN service as HMS Dasher (D37) on 2 July 1942. She participated in Operation Torch, with her sister HMS Biter, carrying Sea Hurricanes of 804 Naval Air Squadron. After doing some aircraft ferry operations in the Mediterrian, Dasher sailed to the Clyde in March 1943 and, having had her flight-deck lengthened by 42 feet, she embarked aircraft. She escorted one convoy successfully, but shortly after leaving with the second, Dasher suffered engine trouble and turned back. Shortly after getting to the on 27 March 1943, she suffered a major internal explosion and sank. Various possible causes have been suggested, including one of her aircraft crashing onto the flight deck and igniting petrol fumes from leaking tanks. Much of what happened will never be known. Her death toll, 379 out of 528 crewmen, despite rapid response and assistance from ships and rescue craft from Brodick and Lamlash on the Isle of Arran and from Ardrossan and Greenock on the Scottish mainland, was amongst the highest in British home waters. Many escaped from the ship but died of hypothermia or burns suffered when escaped fuel ignited on the water. Most of the dead were buried at Ardrossan or Greenock. The US blamed it on poor RN petrol handling procedures, the British on bad design of the stowage and handling. There were merits in both arguments but thereafter the stowage on her British operated sister ships was reduced from 75-88,000 gallons down to 36,000 gallons, and the USN reduced theirs also but not as drastically. (Wikipedia) George died 27th March 1943 age 25 and is commemorated at Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hampshire (Panel Bay 7 Panel 4) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. 29th March 1917 Private 201838 Leonard Colclough 2nd/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1897 at Wolverhampton son of Alfred and Elizabeth Colclough 26 Grove Road, Heron, Cross, Fenton. 2/5th Battalion Territorial Force were formed in Hanley in November 1914 and became the 176th Brigade of the 59th Division. February 1917 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the the pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. In March 1917, the German armies on the Somme carried out a strategic withdrawal known as Operation Alberich. They destroyed everything on the ground that they left: flattening villages, poisoning wells, cutting down trees, blowing craters on roads and crossroads, booby-trapping ruins and dugouts. The withdrawal was to an immensely powerful and shorter line, positioned to take every tactical advantage of ground. The construction of this line - or rather, series of lines - had been spotted by British and French aviators in late 1916. British patrols began to detect the withdrawal of German infantry from the Somme in mid February 1917 and a cautious pursuit began, halted only as the Hindenburg Line itself was approached. Leonard died: 29th March 1917, age 20 and is commemotated at the Bray Military Cemetery. Somme, France (Grave: II.D.2) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals “In our Father’s keeping” requested by Miss L Colclough of 4 Duke St, Heron Cross for his headstone.He is also commemorated in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. The cemetery was begun in April 1916 by fighting units and field ambulances. In September 1916, the front line having been pushed further east, it was used by the XIV Corps Main Dressing Station and in 1917, the 5th, 38th and 48th Casualty Clearing Stations came forward and used it. In March 1918, the village and the cemetery fell into German hands, but were retaken by the 40th Australian Battalion on 24 August, and during the next few days the cemetery was used again. After the Armistice graves were brought in to Plot I, Rows A1 and B1, and Plot II, Rows J and K, from the battlefields immediately north and south of the village and in 1924, further isolated graves (Plot III) were brought in. Bray Military Cemetery now contains 874 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 127 of which are unidentified. 29th March 1944 Able Seaman D/JX 253402 James Kelly. Royal Navy. H.M. Motor Boat. 614. Born 1921 Son of George and Lucy Kelly, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire; In 1941 James married Margaret Elizabeth Kelly, of Fenton at Fenton, Christ Church. Motor (MTB) was the name given to fast torpedo boats by the Royal Navy and the . The 'motor' in the formal designation, referring to the use of petrol engines. was to distinguish them from the majority of other naval craft that used steam turbines or reciprocating steam engines. James died 29th March 1944 age 23 and is commemorated at (Panel 86. Column 3) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

1st April 1916 Lance Corporal 22723 Robert Joynson. 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) Previous: 4th North Staffordshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s) Not not yet recorded on the WW1 (#fenton498) Mmemorial Born 1885 at 13 Terrace Buildings, Fenton, (Meakins Row) Stoke-on-Trent and in 1911 was living at 21 Paradise Street, Longton, living with his wife Emma and children, Florrie and Elsie. He was employed as Coal Miner (Hewer) Killed in action 1st April 1916. Commemorated at , West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (grave ref I. F. 1) Historical Information. (CWGC). The land south of Essex Farm was used as a dressing station cemetery from April 1915 to August 1917. The burials were made without definite plan and some of the divisions which occupied this sector may be traced in almost every part of the cemetery, but the 49th (West Riding) Division buried their dead of 1915 in Plot I, and the 38th (Welsh) Division used Plot III in the autumn of 1916. There are 1,200 servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 103 of the burials are unidentified but special memorials commemorate 19 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. It was in Essex Farm Cemetery that Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian Army Medical Corps wrote the poem ' ' in May 1915.

1ST April 1917 Private 12662 Patrick Hart 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Patrick was born in Hanley in 1884. He was employed as a Potters assistant In 1911 he was living with his parents Patrick and Mary Hart at 4 China Street, Fenton On April 8th 1913 his daughter Ada Birks was born. He enlisted and embarked then arrived in Basra, March 1916 and served in Mesopotamia. In September of the same year he was recommended for Proficiency Pay Class II. During 1917 the battalion were engaged in the Battle of Kut al Amara, The capture of the Hai Salient, The capture of Dahra Bend, The passage of the Diyala, and the capture of Baghdad. Patrick died of wounds in the Field on 1st April 1917 age 24 and is commemorated at the Basra Memorial, Iraq. (Panel 34) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 1st April 1944. Pte. S. Bradbury: K.O.Y.L.I. Private 4920209 Samuel Bradbury Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. 9th (The Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons) Born 1920 son of Frederick and Harriet Bradbury, of Fenton. In 1942 Samuel married Irene Marjorie Leeming at Fenton, Christ Church Died 1st April 1944 age 24 in North Africa and is commemorated at the Anzio War Cemetery, Italy. (Grave ref: II, R, 12) Headstone “I cannot go that place to see. No matter, he will always be in my heart” Samuel was entitled to the War Medal 1939- 1945 and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side.

Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until May. The site for this cemetery was selected not long after the landings at Anzio and the burials here date from the period immediately following the landings. Anzio War Cemetery contains 1,056 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. 1st April 1945. Lance Corporal 5259581 . Thomas H Foster. King Shropshire Light Infantry. 1st Battalion, The Herefordshire Regiment. Born 1920 son of Percy and Mary Elizabeth Foster of 19 York Street, Fenton. Thomas died 1st April 1945 age 25 and was buried Ibbenburen Germany (map ref: Sh 95 1/50.000 9606) On the 15/4/1945 he was reburied at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (Grave ref: 61.G.1) Headstone “In loving memory of a dear son killed in action” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information Reichswald Forest War Cemetery was created after the Second World War when burials were brought in from all over western Germany and is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the country. Some of those members of the land forces buried there died in the advance through Reichswald Forest in February 1945. Others died crossing the Rhine, among them members of the airborne forces whose bodies were brought from Hamminkeln, where landings were made by the 6th Airborne Division from bases in England. Some of the airmen buried in the cemetery lost their lives in supporting the advance into Germany, but most died earlier in the war in the intensive air attacks over Germany. Their graves were brought in from cemeteries and isolated sites in the surrounding area. There are now 7,594 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 176 of the burials are unidentified. There are also 78 war graves of other nationalities, most of them Polish.

2nd April 1916

Private 4688 Frank Archibald Emms 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Levenshulme, Lancashire in 1896 he was living with Uncle William Edmund Cordon at 22 Foley Place, Fenton and was employed as an errand boy. His parents: the late William Thomas and Rebecca Emms were fruiterers living at 75 and 77 Fountain Square, Fenton Frank Served in France and Flanders, was killed in action, 2nd April 1916, age 20 and is commemorated at the Ecoivres Military Cemetery. Mont-St Elon, Pas de Calais, France (Grave I B 9) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 2nd April 1918 Private 242571 Herbert Ernest Bott. 2nd/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Formally 14895 7th North Staffs & 242571 1st/6th N Staffs Regiment Herbert was born in Dresdon and in 1901 lived with his parents Herbert and Mary A. at 5 St Clair Street, Dresdon. He married Leah Dawson in 1917 at St John the Baptist church, Longton John served in France and Flanders, died 2nd April 1918, age 26 and is commemorated in the H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St, Mein, Pas de Calais, France (Grave V11.C.1) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 201197 William Henry Hudson 2nd/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment William was born in Fenton in 1884 before moving to Stoke. He was employed as an accountant’s clerk. He served in France and Flanders where he died on the 2nd April 1918, age 34 and is commemorated at La Louviere Town Cemetery, Hainaut, Belgium (Grave C.2) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

3rd April Burton James Private 2nd class 282356 James Burton Royal Air Force Born at 26 Blantyre St, Dresdon in 1884. His parents William and Emily, also had three children, In 1901 James was employed as a Potters thrower. No other information is available at this time other than James died in Stoke Military Hospital, Hartshill on the 3rd April 1919 age 35 He was buried in Longton Cemetery. (Grave ref 1423) Spring Garden Road. His sister Mary Ann (m John J Doorbar in 1911) 69 South Street, (Ainsworth St) Mount Pleasant dealt with the arrangements. Marking the grave was a stone with a cross in the middle with the words RIP. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

4th April 1917 Oakey Geoffrey Private 48570 Geoffrey Oakey 20th (Tyneside Scottish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers Born in Fenton in 1898 at the time he was living with his parents Thomas and Sarah, and with 4 brothers and a sister at 64 Temple Street, Fenton. In 1911 he was still attending school. Geoffrey Served in the Western European theatre in France and Flanders was killed in action 4th April 1917, age 26. He is commemorated at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Pas de Calais, France (Grave III.0.1) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His brother Thomas (347) was also killed in action 9 months earlier on the 7th July 1916

7th April 1943 Gunner 1815359 Reginald Ernest Grocott. Royal Artillery. 377 Bty. 115 Lt. A.A. Regt. Born 1922 son of Andrew and Winifred Annie Grocott of 211 Blurton Road, Stoke-on-Trent. Reginald died 7th April 1943 at Tunisia, North Africa. He was buried Beja Civil Cemetery (grave ref: L-12.143 and was exhumed and reburied 27/4/1944 Medjez el Bab War Cemetery. (Grave ref: 11.D.2) Headstone “He loved all God’s creatures” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. There are 2,903 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in MEDJEZ-EL-BAB WAR CEMETERY. 385 of the burials are unidentified. Special memorials commemorate three soldiers buried in Tunis (Borgel) Cemetery and one in Youks-les-Bains Cemetery, whose graves are now lost.

8th April 1944 L/Cpl. C. Ball: Leics. Regt. Lance Corporal 4857835 George Ball 1st Bn Leicestershire Regiment. Born 1917 son of Mr and Mrs Ball George Ball of Fenton Historical Information (CWGC) The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar). Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma, worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943. The graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the Burma-Siam railway (except for the Americans, whose remains were repatriated) were transferred from camp burial grounds and isolated sites along the railway into three cemeteries at Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar. Chungkai was one of the base camps on the railway and contained a hospital and church built by Allied prisoners of war. The war cemetery is the original burial ground started by the prisoners themselves, and the burials are mostly of men who died at the hospital. George died 8th April 1944 age 27. He was originally buried at Wat Koke Mor, Nong-Pladuk. Siam (Grave C 119) 19/5/1946 his body was transferred to Chungkai War Cemetery, Thailand. (Grave 8 M 4) Headstone “Winds of Heaven blow softly under this quiet spot, Remembered by father and family” George was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star There are now 1,426 Commonwealth and 313 Dutch burials of the Second World War in this cemetery.

9th April Private 8481 Henry Roberts 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1896, he was living with his parents William Yates Roberts and Zillah Roberts, and his sister Sarah at 60, China St, Fenton. His occupation given on the 1911 census was a collier wagoner, underground. He served in Mesopotamia with the 7th Bn North Staffords In 1916 the regiment was involved in the -al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. Henry died of wounds in Mesopotamia on the 9th April 1916, age 19 where he is commemorated in the Basra Memorial, Iraq (panel 34) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Scragg. Isaac. Private 32485 Isaac Scragg 47th Field Amb Born in Fenton in 1893 at 28 China Street. In 1901 he was living with his mother Lily (widow of Robert) and three brothers and two sisters. In 1911 Issac was boarding with John and Lily Smith (formally Scragg) at 24 Best St. He was employed as Motor driver, underground. He enlisted in Iron and joined the RAMC and served in the Western European theatre in France and Flanders. He died of wounds 9th April 1917, age 25. He is commemorated at the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, ,. Pas de Calais , France (Grave XVII.K.17) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

10th April. Farmer William, Private 301785 William Harry Farmer 1st/8th Bn. Durham Light Infantry. Formerly 149709, R.H. and R.F.A. Born in Shelton in 1884 he was living with his mother Harriet, 4 sisters and a brother. He was employed as a sanitary earthenware worker. William married Francis E Millington in 1911 at Christ Church, Fenton and lived at 28 Havelock Street, (Masterson St Top end) Fenton William enlisted in May 1916 and served in France at Boulogne and Etaples. He was killed in action on the 10th April 1918. Age 37 and is commemorated at the Ploegsteert Memorial., Hainaut, Belguim. (Panel 8 and 9) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private S/40902 John Francis Woolliscroft 6th (Perthshire) Bn (Territorial) (Royal Highlanders) Formerly 33014, Royal. Scot. Fusiliers Not yet recorded on memorial in town hall In 1908 John married Mary Florence Yates at St James, Normacot and went on to have four children Evelyn (b1909) Gerald (b1911) Frank (b1914) and Roy Sydney (b1917) They lived in Lillishall St Longton while his parents remained in Heron St. When he enlisted John joined the before joining the Black Watch. He joined the war in France and Flanders fighting on the Somme. He was killed in action on the 10th April 1918 age 36 and is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 78 to 83) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

12th April Arkinstall H. Gunner 49927 Harry Arkinstall Served in the 20th Siege Bty, Royal Garrison Artillery Born in Fenton in 1897 to William and Fanny, Arkinstall, living together with five siblings at 8 Hollins Street, Fenton. In 1911 aged 14 he was employed as an assistant butcher. Harry enlisted in Longton and served in the Western European theatre in France and Flanders. He was killed in Action on the 12th April 1918, age 21 He is commemorated at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Extension. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave IV.B.11) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Oakes Joseph Lance Corporal 12394 Joseph Oakes 344 51st Bn Machine Gun Corp (Infantry) Formerly 10660, North Staffordshire Regiment. Joseph was enlisted in Burslem and served in the Western European theatre in France and Flanders. He was killed in action: on the 12th April 1918 and is commemorated at the Ploegsteert Memorial, Hainaut, Belgium. (panel 11) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

12th April 1941.

Gunner 2080338 Robert Naylor. Royal Artillery. 362 Bty., 41 (5th Bn. The North Staffordshire Regt.) Searchlight Regt. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred James Naylor, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Date of Death: 12/04/1941. Commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 12148) Headstone “Safe in the arms of Jesus” Robert was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

13th April 1916 Archer William Private 8973 William Archer 7th Battalion the North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton to John and Elizabeth Archer of 7 Coburg St, Fenton At the age of 11 he was registered as being employed as a Potters apprentice. In 1911 William was living with his wife Ellen Elizabeth at 8 Clarence Street, Fenton and still employed in the potts where he was a dish-maker In November 1914 he enlisted and was posted to 11th Reserve Bn North Staffs Regt. On the 21st September 1915 he was posted to the 7th Battalion where he served in the Asiatic Theatre. In January 1916 the battalion evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions and in February they moved to Mesopotamia. In 1916 the regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. William died of wounds in Mesopotamia on the 13 April 1916, age 34 where he is commemorated in the Amara Cemetery, Iraq (Grave II.E.1) Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

14th April 1916 Private 14852 John Weaver Dutton 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment John Weaver Dutton born at Rindle, Staffordshire in 1887 to George and Jane Dutton and in 1891 was living with his parents together with 5 siblings. John Weaver and Annie Rushton were married in 1905 at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 They were living with their two children John Weaver Dutton age 2 and Annie age 2 months at 17 Fenton Lowe, Fenton. John’s occupation was a stone sawyer. John enlisted in Longton and served in the Asiatic Theatre. In 1916 the regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. He died of his wounds on the 14th April 1916 age 29 in Mesopotamia. He is commemorated at the Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. (Grave V.F.3) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 21526 Albert Alcock. 3rd Bn Coldstream Guards Born in Fenton in 1880 to Ralph and Jane Alcock and living at 34 Park Street with his grandparents. In 1911 they were living at 80 King St, Fenton and Albert was employed as a warehouse assistant. He enlisted in Longton and served in the Western European Theatre in France and Flanders. The regiment fought at the Battle of the Somme, not in any of the major battles but in support of them. Most men died in day to day trench warfare. Albert was killed in action on 14th April 1918 age 38 and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. Hainaut, Belgium. (Panel 1) This memorial commemorates more than 11,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in this sector during the First World War and have no known grave. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

15th April 1917 Colclough A. Corporal 13776 Alfred Colcough 18th Btn Lancashire Fusiliers Born in 47 Howard St, Florence, Longton to parents Charles and Selina Colclough. He married Hannah Stoddard in 1911 at the Dresdon Resurrection Church. Alfred Enlisted in Longton and served in the Western European Theatre in France and Flanders. He was killed in action on the 15th April 1917 age 27 and is commemorated at the Thiepville Memorial. Somme, France (Pier and Face 3C & 3D) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

16th April 1941. Sergeant T/50996 Cecil Stuart Foster. 15 Res. M.T. Company. Royal Army Service Corps. Born 1903 son of Mr and Mrs William Foster of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1928 Cecil married Doris Mayer at Tunstall, St Mary. Historical Information Tobruk is a Mediterranean port with an excellent deep water harbour. During the war it was important to Allied and Axis forces alike, for the reception of supplies and reinforcements. In January 1941, it was taken from the Italians by General Wavell's forces, and after the clearance of the demolitions in the harbour the port was usable and proved invaluable. When Rommel commenced his drive across Cyrenaica towards Suez it was deemed essential that Tobruk be held, and the resulting siege lasted from 11 April to 10 December 1941, when the Axis forces were driven back. They recovered far more quickly than was expected and by early February 1942, it was the Allies turn to fall back towards a line running southwards from Gazala to Bir Hakeim. Again orders were given to hold Tobruk, but it fell to Rommel on 21 June. It was retaken five months later by the Eighth Army in their final sweep along the North African coast into Tunisia. Cecil died 16th April 1941 age 38 and is commemorated at the Tobruk War Memorial, Lybia (Grave ref: 3.J.3) Headstone “In memory of a dearly loved husband. Jesus, Mercy. Mary, Pray. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star.

17th April 1944 Sapper 882643 Stanley Taylor. 604 Railway Construction Company. Royal Engineers. Born 1921 son of Frank and Sarah Ann Taylor, of 40 Marlborough St, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Stanley died 17th April 1944 in India. He was originally buried at Chittagong Civil Cemetery. Military Extension. On the 25/2/1946 he was reburied at Chittagong Cemetery, Bangladesh. (Grave ref: 6 E 1) Headstone “Duty nobly done. Never forgotten by dad, mother, brothers and sisters” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. The cemetery was created by the army, and there were originally about 400 burials. Graves have since been transferred to this cemetery from the Lushai Hills (Assam) and other isolated sites, and from Chittagong Civil Cemetery; Chandragona Baptist Mission Cemetery; Chiringa Military Cemetery and others. There are now 731 Commonwealth burials of the 1939-45 war here, 17 of which are unidentified 17th April 1945 Private 5057743 Harry Smith. North Staffordshire Regiment attached to the Worcestershire Regiment, Born 1923 son of Samuel and Elizabeth Smith, of 11 Queen St, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Died in Burma 17th April 1945 age 22. He is commemorated at the Taukkyan War Cemetery (Grave ref: 23A F 5) Headstone “As long as life and memory last we will remember you. Mother dad and family” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) Taukkyan War Cemetery is the largest of the three war cemeteries in Burma (now Myanmar). It was begun in 1951 for the reception of graves from four battlefield cemeteries at Akyab, Mandalay, Meiktila and Sahmaw which were difficult to access and could not be maintained. The last was an original 'Chindit' cemetery containing many of those who died in the battle for Myitkyina. The graves have been grouped together at Taukkyan to preserve the individuality of these battlefield cemeteries Burials were also transferred from civil and cantonment cemeteries, and from a number of isolated jungle and roadside sites. Because of prolonged post-war unrest, considerable delay occurred before the Army Graves Service were able to complete their work, and in the meantime many such graves had disappeared. However, when the task was resumed, several hundred more graves were retrieved from scattered positions throughout the country and brought together here. 17th April Boer War Memorial

Corporal 2604 Henry Hemmings 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s) Force: South Africa Field Force, Bloemfontein Died of Disease 17th April 1900 at Glen Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Cathedral. Nave north aisle. Plaque 2 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England Gazetteer: [2826: 2857-2620] a station on the railway line north from Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State (Bloemfontein district; Free State), 22 km north of Bloemfontein. Variant: Glen Siding (used in HMG). After the fall of Bloemfontein (2)*, Boer forces blew the railway bridge over the Modder River at Glen on 18 March 1900, a company of the 2nd Coldstream Guards arriving too late to protect it; they were reinforced by 1st Coldstream Guards on 22 March, 3rd on 22 March and on 24 March by Brig-Gen J.R.P. Gordon's 3rd cavalry brigade with two batteries of Royal Horse Artillery. On 25 March Lt- Gen C. Tucker's 7th infantry division was positioned at Glen on both sides of the river and then ordered to dislodge the Boers from Karree Siding* further north. By 30 April 1900, the newly formed 21st infantry brigade under Maj-Gen B.M. Hamilton was around Glen. On 13 August 1901, Maj-Gen E.L. Elliot took the columns of his division into Glen to refit, leaving five days later for Sannah's Post* and Ladybrand*. HMG II

18th April 1918 Derry Dan Second Lieutenant Daniel Derry 5th Bn (Territorial) North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment In 1911 Daniel (b 1896) was living with his parents Daniel and Mabel together three brothers at "Hazelhurst," 13 Blurton Rd, Heron Cross, Fenton. During early 1918 the Battalion continued to fight on the Western Front at the first battles of the Somme where Daniel died on the 18th April 1918 age 22. He is commemorated at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belguim: (Grave ref X. A. 37) His Headstone reads ‘To live in hearts. We leave behind is not to die’ He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Leese Francis Private 27410 Francis Leese 1st Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt Born in Fenton at 73 Market Street, Fenton. His occupation was a potters dipper. Francis enlisted on the 11th December 1915 at the age of 40 in Fenton. At this time he was living at 35 China Street, Fenton with his sister Elizabeth Reeves. He was 5ft 7inches with Grey eyes and Brown hair. He was transferred to the British European Force in France on the 30th . On the 21 September he was transferred to the 8th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment before being transferred to the North Lancashire Regiment on the 28th. He was killed in action on the 18th April 1918 age 44 and is commemorated at the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 89 to 91) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

19th April 1916 Hackett, Peter Charles Private 24564 Peter Charles Hackett 8th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers Not yet recorded on memorial in town hall Born in Longton in 1898 to Enoch and Eliza Hackett of 68 China Street, Fenton. In 1911 they lived at 11 Old Tramway, Fenton (now part of King St) and his occupation was a collier. He enlisted in November 1914 before his posting in March 1915 to and to the 3rd Bn before being posted to the 8th Bn. On the 14th February Peter embarked in Port Said to Basra. The regiment was deployed February 1916 to Mesopotamia and engaged in various actions of the Palestine Campaign. Peter was wounded in action 19th April 1916 and died at the 41st Field ambulance the same day in Mesopotamia age 18. He is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery Iraq (XX.D.6) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Historical Information (CWGC) Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there.

Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. Plot XXV is a Collective Grave, the individual burial places within this are not known

20th April 1916 Private 8217 John Henry Sellers 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment In 1901 John was living with his parents William H and Mary Ann Sellars at 30 Hardinge Street, Fenton In 1911 John Henry was living at 57 Nelson St, Fenton with his step father Thomas and mother Mary Ann Beardmore. He was registered as being a potter’s mould runner. John enlisted in Stoke when he joined the 7th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment and served in the Asiatic Theatre of war in Mesopotamia. The regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. It was on 20th April 1916 that John was killed in action at the age of 18. He is commemorated at the Basra Memorial, Iraq . (Panel 34). He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private B/21467 John Arthur Mullock 10th/11th Bn Highland Light Infantry transferred to (449635) 822nd Employment Coy. Labour Corps. Born in 1878 in Longton John was living with his stepmother Sarah Mullock at 94 Foley Street, Fenton. He was employed as a pottery china caster. Enlisted in Longton he joined the Highland Light infantry and died in the Battles of the Somme on the 20th April 1918 age 41. John is commemorated at Chocques Military Cemetary. Pas de Calais, France (VI. A.25) Requested by his mother his headstone reads “Duty Nobly Done” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 13902 Samuel Thomas Tansley 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1889 Samuel in New St, Hanford. By 1911 he was living at 67 Portland Street, with his wife Alice whom he married in Christ Church Stone. in 1911 and his step son John J Chell. He was employed as a Policeman. Samuel enlisted and joined the 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment He served in France and Flanders in the battles of Arras possible at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in support of the Canadian army Samuel died of wounds 20th April 1918, age 29 and is commemorated at the Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (VI. D. 49) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 20th April 1944 Gunner 5055318 Samuel Henry Simcock. 180 Field regiment. Royal Artillery. Born 1915 son of Samuel Cooper and Maud Simcock of 71 Albert Rd. Fenton. Samuel was employed as a colour mixer on the potts. Samuel died 20th April 1944 age 29 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref: 12185) Headstone “With thee O Lord forever to abide in that blest home which knows no eventide” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star

Boer War Drummer 3707 T. P. Wood 4th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s) Force: South Africa Field Force. Notes: [Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project] The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Cape Colony, South Africa 1901 Rolls: WO100/199 page 206. WO100/199 page 242 Killed by lightning 20th April 1901 at Richmond. Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Cathedral. South Transept. Window. 4 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. Gazetteer: [3122: 3125-2357] a town in the Cape Colony (Richmond district; Northern Cape), 80 km east of Victoria West. In December 1900, the district was placed under martial law. On 25 June 1901, the town was invested and attacked by Cmdt W.C. Malan's commando. Seven of the town's 12 defense posts fell as fighting continued through the night. On the following morning a small column under Capt F.T. Lund, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers, arrived and the commando was driven off. The town was then regarrisoned and provisioned and Lt-Col W.P. Wyndham's column positioned there. HMG IV pp.226-227 and 239 (map no.63); Times V p.128 (map of the Cape Colony in the end pocket). A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999)

21st April 1943 Guardsman 2616659 William Kenneth Keeling. 5th Bn Grenadier Guards Born 1923 son of Harold and Edith Mary Keeling of 17 Gordon Street, Heron Cross, Fenton. Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. William died 21st April 1943 in North Africa age 20. William was originally buried at Teboursouk Grave ref: 23/GRV/CNK/2060. 2.B.3. On the 36/1944 William was reburied at Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. Headstone “Lord all- pitying Jesu blest grant him thine eternal rest” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Caserta War Cemetery contains 768 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. There are 2,903 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in MEDJEZ-EL-BAB WAR CEMETERY. 385 of the burials are unidentified. Special memorials commemorate three soldiers buried in Tunis (Borgel) Cemetery and one in Youks-les-Bains Cemetery, whose graves are now lost

22nd April 1915 Private 3/7495 Thomas Edger Clucas. 1st Bn Born in 1893 he lived with his parents Frederick and Estha Clucas and three brothers at 10 Duncan Street, Fenton. He was employed in the engineering works as an Iron moulder. He enlisted 16th November 1914 age 21 at Longton where it was noted that his employment was as a miner. He joined the Gordon Highlanders in Aberdeen and was posted to the 1st Battalion. Suffering Shrapnel wounds in December 1914 he was transferred back to England before being drafted into the European Force on the 5th March 1915 He was killed in action by bomb on the 22nd April 1915, age 22. He is commemorated at the La Clytte Military Cemetery West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave: I.B.F) His headstone reads “He died that we might live” He is also commemorated on his parent’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery He received the 1914-15 star campaign medal of the for his service in World War One together with the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 22nd April 1917 Private 43436 Henry Fennell 10th Bn . British Expeditionary Force Trans S. Henry was born in , Staffordshire in 1890 to Percy and Sarah Fennel. In 1911 they were living together at 144 Victoria Road, Fenton together with 5 siblings. He was recorded on the census as an assistant grocer. He enlisted in Northwich and joined the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The regiment was part of the Battle of Arras 1917. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, and the German attack in the spring of 1918.Between the 23rd to 24 April 1917 at the Second Battle of the Scarpe the British launched an assault towards Vis-en-Artois in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. During this assault heavy losses were made. On the 22nd April 1917 Henry went missing age 27 and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. (Bay 9) The ARRAS MEMORIAL commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Boer War 22nd April 1901 Private 3969 William Henry Collis (initials J or JW) 4th North Staffordshire Regiment. (The Prince of Wales’s) Force: South Africa Field Force Died of disease 22nd April 1901 at Deefontein Memorials Town Hall (now closed). Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Cathedral. South Transept. Window. 4 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England Gazetteer [3022: 3059-2348] a hamlet and railway station on the main line from Cape Town to Kimberley in the Cape Colony (Richmond district; Northern Cape), 55 km southeast of Britstown. The Imperial Yeomanry Hospital, a general hospital with 625 beds, was opened here on 18 March 1900 and remained open for a year; it was mainly tented. In early 1902, there was a serious outbreak of enteric fever and there is a large military cemetery. Times VI p.534; Wilson III p.405 (photograph); Putzel I p.376 (photograph). A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999

23rd April 1915 Lance Corporal 10109 John Hammersley 1st Bn York and Lancaster Regt Born in 1894 at Longton, In 1911 John was living with his grandmother Mary Ann and mother Sarah Hammersley at 35 Meakins Row , Fenton and his occupation recorded as Collier, wagoner, underground (pony driver). Enlisted in Doncaster in 1912 age 19 and joining the York and Lancaster Regiment. It was during the Second Battle of Ypers in 1915 that the Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge took place on the 22nd and 23rd April. It was to be the beginning of the German gas attack on the ridge when they made huge gains. John was killed in action on the 23rd April 1915, age 21 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Panel 36 and 55) He received the 1914-15 star campaign medal of the British Empire for his service in World War One together with the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 23rd April 1916 Private 17146 James William Thomas 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment The son of Richard and Frances Thomas James was born Born in 1896 in Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 they were living at 11 Clarence Street, Fenton and James was employed as a motor drawer at the colliery. Enlisted he joined the 7th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment and served in the Asiatic Theatre of war in Mesopotamia. The regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. It was on 23rd April 1916 that James was killed in action at the age of 19. He is commemorated at the Basra Memorial, Iraq . (Panel 34). He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 23rd April 1917 Sergeant 12384 Sydney Edward Browne 94th Machine Gun Corps Born 1881 at Burton-on-Trent. In 1902 Sydney married Emily Brown at Fenton Christ Church. In 1911 they were boarding at 117 Duke Street, Fenton together with two children Sydney (1905) and Annie (1907) 94th Machine Gun Company, Machine Gun Corps joined 94th Brigade 31st Division on the 21st of May 1916. They saw action at Serre at Battle of the Somme in 1916 and were on the Ancre and in the Battles of Arras in 1917 Sydney died 23rd April 1917 Body was found at map ref: Sh.51b. B.17.b.1.1. Reburied 8/10/19 at Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-en-Gohelle, Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref V1.G.8) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals. Headstone: Fondly remembered by daughters Annie and Nellie (Mrs N Whitehouse (daughter) 107 Hollins Street, Fenton. SE 94 /MGC The cemetery was begun in April 1917, on the new front resulting from the Battles of Arras, and it was used by the units holding that front until the following November. These original burials are in Plot VI, Row K, and Plot I, Rows A to F. The cemetery was greatly enlarged after the Armistice by the concentration of graves from the neighbouring battlefields and from other burial grounds. Private 47438 John Harris 17th Btn Manchester Regiment. Formally 36162 Royal Welsh Fusiliers Born in Fenton John in 1911 was living with his parents John and Mary Ann Harris and two sisters at 3 Kent Street, Fenton, his occupation was a potters tile fettler. He enlisted at Longton joining the Royal Welsh Regt before transferring to Manchester Regiment. The regiment was part of the Battle of Arras 1917. Between the 23rd to 24 April 1917 at the Second Battle of the Scarpe the British launched an assault towards Vis-en-Artois in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. During this assault heavy losses were made. John was killed in action on 23rd April 1917 age 22 and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. (Bay 7) The Arras Memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. Arthur was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

24 April Jackson A.L. Captain Arthur Lloyd Jackson 409th Bty. 96 Bde. Royal Field Artillery Born in Fenton Arthur lived with his parents John and Fanny Flora Jackson at 35, Grove Rd., Heron Cross. In 1911 he was a Clerk manager, earthenware manufacturer. In 1915 he married Cicely Stonier at Christ Church, Fenton and lived at 66 Nelson Street, Fenton He was killed in action 24th April 1918 aged 26 as part of the Fifth Army as they were forced back across the former Somme battlefields, and is commemorated at the Pozieres Memorial, Department de la Somme, Picardie, France (Panel 10) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Lance Corporal 97428 Albert Shelley 1st Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire And Derbyshire Regiment) Living with parents Arthur and Rosa Shelley and his brother and two sisters at 15 Well (Welby St) Street, Fenton. In 1911 Albert was still attending school age 12. In 1916 he was recorded as an assistant grocer Enlisted in Longton on 7th December 1916 and in February 1917 was appointed to the 13th Bn Training Reserve at Brocton camp, Stafford. He was one month off is 18th birthday and was 5’ 4” in height. He was then transferred to the Notts and Derbyshire Regiment November 1917 and on the 14th January 1918 posted to 1st Battalion. The Regiments were engaged in the first battles of the Somme at the Battle of Saint-Quentin. He was killed in action at the Somme crossing on the 24th April 1918 age 19 when the Fifth Army was under great being forced back across the former Somme battlefields. He is commemorated at the Pozieres Memorial , Somme, France (panel 52 to 54) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 23062 Albert Lymer C" Coy. 11th Bn. Worcestershire Regiment Not yet recorded on memorial in town hall. Son of Henry and Phoebe Lymer, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent; Husband of Edna Knapper (formerly Lymer), of 41, Albert St., Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent. Served in Salonika Reported missing 24/25th April 1917 Killed in action on the first day of the First Battle of Doiran: 24th April 1917. Age:26 Commemorated at Doiran Memorial, Greece and was was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 24th April 1943 Trooper 556338 Harold Vincent Waltho. 1st Bn . RAC Born 1920 Stoke-on-Trent son of Harold Vincent and Florence Waltho. In 1941 Harold married Jenny Hill at Longton, St Gregory’s RC Church. Historical Information In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. Harold died 24th April 1943 age 23 in the Middle East. He was commemorated at Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia (Panel Face 3) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. The Medjez-El-Bab Memorial commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.

25th April Arrowsmith L. Private 23002 Lawrence Arrowsmith 86th Machine Gun Corp (Infantry) Formerly G/5011, R. Fusilliers. Born 1890 in Fenton. In 1911 he was living at 5 Albert Road (now Manor St) with his parents James and Sarah Arrowsmith together with 5 siblings. He was employed as a pottery’s hollow ware Presser Lawrence also known as Law enlisted and joined the Royal Fusiliers G/5011 after which he was posted to the Machine Gun Corp. He was killed in action on the 25th April 1917 age 27. He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. (Bay 10) The Arras Memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Powell John Gunner 151602 John Powell 250th Siege Bty Royal Garrison Artillery Born in Heathcote Road, Longton, 1893 to parents William Richard and Rose Ann Powell. In 1911 he was living at 25 Chadwick St, Longton with his mother Rose Ann Powell and two brothers He was employed as a Enamel Kiln Youth. In 1915 he married Nellie Fearnes in a Civil Marriage and they lived at 61 Queen Street, Fenton. He enlisted and served with The Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed in action during the Spring offensive on the 25th April 1918 age 25 at Flanders. John is commemorated at the Lijssenthoek Miltary Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (XXXV.H.7A) Requested by his wife, his headstone reads “Duty nobly done, ever remembered by his wife” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

26th April 1915 Donkin Robert Private 10064 Robert Donkin. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1896 in Longton son of John and Eliza Donkin before moving to Swann St, Hanley. He had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He was employed in the potts as a mould runner. After Roberts’s death his father lived at 17 Clyde Street, (now Tweed St) Heron Cross. On enlistment he joined the 1st Bn North Stafford’s. During 1915 the regiment took part in the action in Hooge a small village in Flanders in Belgium and was the site of intensive fighting. Robert died of his wounds on the 26th April 1915 age 19 and is commemorated at Ferm Buterne Militery Cemetery, Houplines, Nord France (B27) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. 26th April 1917 Bailey William Private 12031 William Bailey 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment William was born in 1892. In 1911 he was living with his uncle at 128 Park Road, (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton and was employed as a miner driver underground. On enlisting William joined the 9th North Staffs and was involved on the Western Front at the Battle of Arras a British offensive. From 9 April to 16 May 1917, attacking the German offences near the French cit of Arras. There were major gains on the first day, followed by stalemate. The battle cost nearly 160,000 British casualties and about 125,000 German casualties. It was during this time that William was killed in action on the 26th April 1917 age 26. He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (bay 7 and 8) After his death his mother Ann Jane Hope, lived at 11, Terrace Buildings, Fenton, Staffs He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

26th April 1918. Private 39333 Josiah Johnson 9th Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Formerly 38383, N. Staffs Regt Born 1899 in Longton. In 1911 Josiah was living with a cousin in Kildare Street, Longton and was still attending school. In 1917 he married Annie Tooth in a civil marriage in Stoke and they lived at 67 Queen St, Fenton. He enlisted in Longton and joined the North Staff’s Regt before his transfer to the Kings Yorkshire Light Infantry. In 1918 the regiment continued in the first battles of the Somme in the spring offensive at the Battle of Bapaume where Josiah was killed in action on the 26th April 1918. He is commemorated at the La Clytte Military Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (VI.F.2) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 26th April 1941 Lance Bombardier 1502714 Leonard Watts. 16 Bty., 2 H.A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery. Born 1919 in Staffordshire and living in Stoke-on-Trent Leonard was part of the 16th Bty 2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment in the Middle East. The Germans invaded Greece and Yugoslavia on 6 April 1941, and overran both countries within a month, despite British aid to Greece in the form of an expeditionary corps. The conquest of Greece was completed in May with the capture of Crete from the air, although the Fallschirmjäger suffered such extensive casualties in this operation that the Germans abandoned large-scale airborne operations for the remainder of the war. (Wikipedia) Leonard died 26th April 1941 (26/27th April) age 22 and is commemorated at the Athens Memorial, Greece (Panel ref: Face 2) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. The Athens Memorial stands within Phaleron War Cemetery and commemorates nearly 3,000 members of the land forces of the Commonwealth who lost their lives during the campaigns in Greece and Crete in 1941 and 1944-1945, in the Dodecanese Islands in 1943-1945 and in Yugoslavia in 1943-1945, and who have no known grave.

27th April 1943 Private 5116668 William Albert Eardley. 13th Battalion Kings ( Regiment) Born 1918 at Stoke-on-Trent William died 27th April 1943 at Burma and is commemorated at Rangoon Memorial Myanmar (Burma) (Panel: Face 5) The Rangoon Memorial bears the names of almost 27,000 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaigns in Burma (now Myanmar) and who have no known grave. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star.

28th April 1945 Leading Aircraftman 1526873 Arthur John Shotton. 2726 Squadron R.A.F. Regiment. Royal Airforce Volunteer Reserve. Born 1923 County Durham and living in Newcastle on Tyne son of John Henry and Annie Shotton, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent RAF Eindhoven. (http://baor-locations.org/rafeindhoven.aspx.html) The City of Eindhoven was heavily bombed during WW2, including during the run-up to , and large parts of the City were destroyed Situated approximately 8km west of the City Centre R.A.F. Eindhoven was taken over on the liberation of Eindhoven by the Allies in 1944. Given the number B78, it was renamed RAF Eindhoven shortly after. It was initially used as a Flying Station for numerous Squadrons, quite a number of them Canadian, and provided a base for numerous detachments and RAF Regiment Squadrons. Although strictly not within the borders of Germany, RAF Eindhoven played a part in the history of BAOR in that it covered the supply of stores, vehicles, and acted as a bomb dump, for 2TAF. There was also a subsidiary bomb dump at Alphen Riel, about 25miles/40km to the north-west. At some stage in its history, more than likely after the RAF left, it was renamed Welschap Airport. This site has now been redeveloped as housing, and the now-named Eindhoven Airport has moved slightly further west. RAF Eindhoven was home to No 2726 Sqn RAF Regiment - Aug 1944-??1945 (Rifle Sqn) Arthur died 28th April 1945 age 22 and is commemorated at Celle War Cemetery, Niedersachsen, Germany. (Grave ref 1 B 9 ) Headstone “One of many, Yes, we know, but he’s one of ours and we love you. Mam, Dad and family. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star Celle War Cemetery was the hospital cemetery of the 64th British Military Hospital and those buried here were mainly servicemen who died of wounds sustained during the last month or so of the war. The cemetery contains 206 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War and three Polish war graves.

29th April 1917

Private 9455 Ernest Durber 22nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regimentt) Born in Tunstall in 1897 son of William and Charlotte Durber. In 1911 Ernest was living with his parents at 23 Minshall St, Mount Pleasant. He was employed as a Coal Loaders Waggon Underground. On enlisting Ernest joined the London Regiment and was involved on the Western Front. During this time the regiment was involved the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Battle of Arleux. Ernest was killed in action on the 29th April 1917 age 20. He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (bay 3) The ARRAS MEMORIAL commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. The most conspicuous events of this period were the Arras offensive of April-May 1917, He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

30th April 1915

Private 7293 William Shirley 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1888 in Burslem to William and Elizabeth Shirley. In 1910 William married Mary Emily Mountford in a civil marriage in Stoke. In in April 1911 they were living at 3 Terrace buildings, Fenton with 1 month old son George Edward Shirley. William was employed in the potts as a placer. He enlisted in Hanley and was posted to the North Staffs Regt. The regiment was engaged in the action at Hooge in Flanders. The First Attack on Bellewaarde, The Actions of Hooge, The Second Attack on Bellewaarde where over 1000 men died within a 12 hour period and many others wounded, some would die later of infection or complications. William died of his wounds on 30th April 1915 age 15. He is commemorated at the Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, Nord France. (I.C.9) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Taylor Henry Burgess Private G/1897 Henry Burgess Taylor 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Not yet commemorated on the memorial Born in Hanley 1897 son of John and Kate Taylor of 2 May Place, Fenton. Enlisted at Shelton and joined the London Regt. In 1915 the battalion were engaged in Winter Operations, The First Attack on Bellewaarde, The Actions of Hooge, The Second Attack on Bellewaarde where over 1000 men died within a 12 hour period and many others wounded, some would die later of infection or complications. Henry is recorded as died in action on the 30th April 1915 age 18 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial West, Vlaanderen, Belguim (Panel 6 and 8) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known Henry was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. 30 April 1916 Private 9980 Ralph Pennington 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1897 in Fenton Ralph Pennington son of Ralph and Elizabeth Ann Pennington of 55 Albert Rd, Fenton. In 1911 he was living in High St, Bucknall. and his occupation was Boilermaker. Enlisted into the 1st Bn North Staffordshire Regtiment who in October 1915 were transferred to the 72nd Brigade of the 24th Division and continued to engage in various actions on the Western Front and in 1916 wer engaged in the German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of In the Gas attacks at Wulverghem in the two German cloud gas attacks took place on British troops near Ypres in Belgium. The first gas discharge took place on 30 April 1916 The gas attacks at Wulverghem were part of the sporadic fighting, which took place between battles in the Ypres. The British Second Army held the ground from Messines Ridge north to Steenstraat. British divisions opposite the German XXX111 Reserve Corp, had received warnings of a gas attack in the ten days beforehand. From 21–23 April, British artillery-fire exploded several gas cylinders in the German lines around , which released greenish-yellow clouds of gas. A gas alert was given on 25 April, when the wind began to blow from the north-east and routine work was suspended; on 29 April, two German soldiers deserted and warned that an attack was imminent. Just after midnight on 30 April, the German attack began and a gas cloud (a mixture of chlorine and phosgene) moved on the wind through no man's land, into the British defences. Ralph was killed in action in Belgium 30th April 1916 age 19 and is commemorated at the Drancourt Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belguim. He is also commemorated at on his parent and grandparents grave in Fenton Cemetery. Ralph was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 30th April 1917 Private G/10826 Edward Henry Evans. 17th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1887 in Wharf Street, Longton to Evan and Elizabeth Evans. In 1911 Edward was employed in the potts as an earthenware common caster. In 1913 Edward married Florence G Brookes at Christ Church Fenton and lived at 21 Alfred Street, Fenton. After enlisted William was posted with the London Regiment and was involved on the Western Front. During this time the regiment was involved the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Battle of Arleux. Ernest was died of wounds on the 30th April 1917 age 30. He is commemorated at Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension no 2. Somme, France (Grave I. A. 22). He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

1st May 1918 Private 38980 Fred Farmer 1st/5th. Bn Born in 1899 son of Alfred and Olive Farmer at 42 West Parade, Mount Pleasant. In 1911 the family were living at 11 Alma Street, Fenton, Fred was registered as still being at school. The 1st/5th Bn Somerset Light Infantry were involved in the Battle of Tell'Asur and the Battle of Berukin in Egypt where Fred was killed in action on the 1st May 1918 age 19. He is commemorated at the Ramleh War Cemetery. Israel and Palestine (including Gaza) (Q.34) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

3rd May 1917 Sergeant 24137 Bertram Plant 2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers. Formerly 21885, Notts and Derby Regt. Born in Cheadle, Staffordshire in 1880 son of William and Louisa. In 1905 Bertram married Lilian May Plant at Christ Church Fenton In 1911 they lived at 43 Edward Street with two children Betram Thomas age 2 and Louisa, age 2 months. Bertram was employed as a Coal Miner, Hewer. Bertram was enlisted into the Nottingham and Derby Regt before moving to the Lancashire Fusiliers. His regiment were involved on the Western Front in the Arras Offensive. Bert was killed in action on the 3rd May 1917 age 37 and is commemorated at Browns Copse Cemetery, Roeux. Pas de Calais, France ( II.F.24) The cemetery is named from a small copse (the Bois Rossignol) on the east side. Plots I to IV are composed almost entirely of graves cleared from the battlefield where there was incessant fighting throughout April and May in the summer of 1917. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private 17354 Sampson Harp 7th Bn King's Shropshire Light Infantry Born in 1878 the son of Samuel and Jane Harp of 52 Park Street, Fenton. In 1903 Sampson married Lavinia Braddock at St. Peter’s Stoke. In 1911 Samuel was living at 234 Duke Street with his wife Lavinia and their children Doris 7 and Roland 5. He was employed as a Coal Miner, Hewer. Sampson enlisted and served in the Western European Theatre in France and Flanders. As part of the Shropshire Light Infantry Sampson took part in the Battle of Arras (also known as the Second Battle of Arras) a British offensive during WW1. From 9 April to 16 May 1917, troops from many countries attacked German defences near the French city of Arras on the Western Front. There were major gains on the first day, followed by stalemate. The battle cost nearly 160,000 British casualties and about 125,000 German casualties. He was killed in action on the 3rd May 1917 age 38. He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 3rd May 1918 Private 18771 Harry Moore 5th Bn North Staffordshire Regtiment (Prince of Wales's) Son of Mr S Moore of 39 Helena St, Fenton The 1st 5th Bn were formed in August 1914 at Hanley. Part of Staffordshire Brigade in North Midland Division. January 1918 they transferred to the 176th Brigade of the 59th Division, absorbing the 2/5th Battalion and continued to fight on the Western Front at the the Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge. Harry died 3rd May 1918 and is commemorated at the Grootebeek British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belguim (Grave ref: C.2) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 3rd May 1942 Gunner 1603151 William Joseph Bromage. 67 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt. Royal Artillery. Born 1910 at Staffordshire son of Isaac James and Emily Bromage of Stoke-on-Trent Killed in action 3rd May 1942 at Burma. Reported to the Casualty Section for the 24 hours ending 9am 4/9/1942 William is buried and commemorated at the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar. (Face 2) The RANGOON MEMORIAL bears the names of almost 27,000 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaigns in Burma (now Myanmar) and who have no known grave. William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star 3rd May 1945 Private 3856492 Albert Taft, 2nd Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regiment Born 1918 at and lived in Stoke-on-Trent. Historical Information (CWGC) Before 1939, the area was a military camp and at the time of the Japanese invasion of Malaya, it was the site of a large ammunition magazine. On 8 February 1942, the Japanese crossed the Johore Straits in strength, landing at the mouth of the Kranji River within two miles of the place where the war cemetery now stands. On the evening of 9 February, they launched an attack between the river and the causeway. During the next few days fierce fighting ensued, in many cases hand to hand, until their greatly superior numbers and air strength necessitated a withdrawal. After the fall of the island, the Japanese established a prisoner of war camp at Kranji and eventually a hospital was organised nearby at Woodlands. Albert died 3rd May 1945 age 27 in Malaya. On the 21/1/1947 Alberts body was transferred from Wing Loon Cemetery, Changi and reburied at Kranji War Cemetery, (Grave ref: 16 D 14) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. After the reoccupation of Singapore, the small cemetery started by the prisoners at Kranji was developed into a permanent war cemetery by the Army Graves Service when it became evident that a larger cemetery at Changi could not remain undisturbed. Changi had been the site of the main prisoner of war camp in Singapore and a large hospital had been set up there by the Australian Infantry Force. In 1946, the graves were moved from Changi to Kranji, as were those from the Buona Vista prisoner of war camp. Many other graves from all parts of the island were transferred to Kranji together with all Second World War graves from Saigon Military Cemetery in French Indo-China (now ), another site where permanent maintenance could not be assured. (CWGC)

4th May 1917 Private 201138 Arthur Alcock. 1/5th Battalion Territorial Force. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1890, son of Stafford and Eliza Alcock of 55 Church St, Fenton. (now Christchurch St) In 1911 the family were living at 34 Nelson St, Fenton. Arthur was employed as a Potter Printer Apprentice. Arthur enlisted at Fenton Town Hall and joined the North Stafford’s on the Western Front. He was killed in action 4th May 1917 age 27 and is commemorated at the Canadian Cemetery No 2 Neuville-St. Vaast. Pas de Calais (Grave 6.A.23) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals. The cemetery was established by the after the successful storming of Vimy Ridge on 9th April, 1917 and some of those buried in the cemetery fell in that battle or died of wounds received there, though the majority of the graves were made later for the burial of the dead recovered from surrounding battlefields and from isolated graves which were transferred into the cemetery over a period of years after the Armistice. 4th May 1918 Private 13618 George Whitmore. 1/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment George was born in Shelton in 1884 and in 1911 was living with his mother Mrs Harriat Kennerley and his brother Arthur at 16 Gorse Street, Heron Cross, Fenton. He was employed as a Miner, Loader. He enlisted 8th September 1914 in Longton and in July 1915 was posted to the expeditionary force in France in the 9th Pioneers North Staffordshire Regt He was admitted to hospital in September 1917 with scabies. He was posted to the 1/6th NSR in the field 25th October 1917. He re-joined his unit in November 1917 In January the regiment was transferred to the 176th Brigade of the 59th Division, absorbing the 2/5th Battalion and continued to fight on the Western Front; The Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Bailleul, The First Battle of Kemmel Ridge. On the 4th May 1918 age 34 George died of wounds (Gas) in St John’s Ambulance Brigade hospital, France. He is commemorated at the Etaples Military Cemetery, France (Grave LXV111.A.23) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals.. Lance Corporal 201546 Albert Victor Wain 4th (Extra Reserve) Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton, 1896 Albert was living at 34 High Street, (now City Rd) Fenton with his parents Frederick and Annie Wain and his brothers and sisters. He was registered as still at school. The regiment was engaged in Northern France and Southern Belguim on the Somme where Albert died of his wounds on the 4th May 1918 age 22. He is commemorated at the Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt. Somme, France (Grave I.G.24) His parents (now living at 162 Regent Rd, Fenton) requested these words “duty nobly done” put on his headstone. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals.

6th May 1917 Private 29188 Amos Alcock 19th Battalion Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers. The son of Mrs. Mary Ann Edwards, of 5, Kent St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Amos was living at 39 New St, Boothen. Amos was employed as a Carter. He enlisted at Fenton Town Hall in May 1915 age 21 yrs 2 months. He was posted to the British European Force, France. In March 1915 the regiment was formed at Deganwy by the W.N.E.C. as a bantam battalion of the 38th Division. Early June 1916 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front and in various battles on the Somme including the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Amos died of his wounds (place not stated) at the age of 23 on the 6th May 1917. He is commemorated at the Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand. Somme, France (Grave VI.G.13) and was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals. Records show that Amos was originally buried in a smaller or isolated cemetery, but who, at a later date, was exhumed and reburied in war cemeteries. The concentration of cemeteries allowed otherwise unmaintainable graves to be moved into established war grave cemeteries where the Commission could ensure proper commemoration

7th May Boer War Memorial

Private 5790 Albert Salt 3rd North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s).

Son of Charles and Elizabeth Salt of 3 High Street, Fenton (City Road) Died of Disease 7th May 1902 at Vryburg. Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Notes (Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project) Events source: South Africa Field Force. Gazatteer: [2624: 2658-2445] a district and town on the Kimberley-Mafikeng railway line in the Cape Colony (Vryburg district; Northern Cape) 150 km south-west of Mafikeng. On 15 October 1899 the garrison of Cape Police evacuated the town rather than defend it; on 21 October later it was taken by a large force commanded by Veg-Gen J.H. de la Rey including the Lichtenburg commando. It was retaken on 9 May 1900 by the column commanded by Col B.T. Mahon marching to relieve Mafikeng (Mafeking*). Lt-Gen Sir A. Hunter's 10th infantry division stayed in the town from 23 to 26 May. When the western South African Republic was organised into military districts on 5 June 1900, the south-west was commanded by Maj-Gen H.H. Settle with headquarters at Vryburg. It became an important base for the resupply and refitting of British columns operating in the north-west of the Cape Colony and the western areas of the Republic. In the later stages of the war it was the headquarters of Lt- Gen Lord Methuen. For the last drive of the war in the western Republic, Lt-Gen Sir I.S.M. Hamilton assembled six armoured trains at Vryburg as part of the defence of the railway line northwards to Mafikeng (Mafeking*). It was the location of a white concentration refugee camp. HMG III p.228 (map no.38), IV pp.345-346, 348 and 406 (map no.59); Times II pp.123 and 271- 272 (map facing p.286), IV pp.218-219 and 224 (map facing p.236), V pp.497 and 580 (map facing p.562); Breytenbach I pp.393-396 (map facing p.406); Wilson I pp.52-53 (photograph), II p.371; Cd.819. A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999) 8th May 1916

L Corporal 13923 James Dawson B Coy 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1892 in Cobridge to James and Elizabeth Dawson of 11 Gower Street, (Camden St) Heron Cross, Fenton, he was employed as a miner. In 1914 James married Elizabeth Jones in a civil marriage in Stoke-on-Trent. James enlisted in Cobridge and Joined the North Staffords. In January 1916 the battalion evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions and in February they moved to Mesopotamia. In 1916 the regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. James died in Mesopotamia on the 8th May 1916, age 24 where he is commemorated in the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq (Grave XXI.E.5) Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 8th May 1917

Private 242563 Ernest Edward Lear (293) 1st/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1884 at 102 Temple Street, Fenton, son of Ernest Edward and Lily Lear. In April 1911 now living at 38 Temple Street, Fenton. Ernest was employed as a biscuit placer in the potts. Enlisted in Longton William joined the North Staffordshire Regt. During 1917 the regiment was engaged in France on Operations on the Ancre (March), Occupation of the Gommecourt defences (4 March) The attack on Rettemoy Graben (12 March) and The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line Ernest was killed in action: 8th May 1917 age 33. He is commemorated at the Lievan Memorial Cemetery Pas de Calais, France (Grave Ex. Re IV.D.7) Lievan was captured by the Canadians in 1917 and remained in British hands until the war eneded. The Extension was made after the Armistice by the concentration of graves from the battlefields North and South of Lens and from certain smaller cemeteries. 8th May 1918 Gunner 344268 William Henry Tranter 39th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Forth. [RGA – 9TF)] Served in France and Flanders Died of wounds 8th May 1918 Cemetery/memorial: Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No 3, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (III.C.1) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 9th May 1915 Private 10075 John Fowler 1st Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry Born in Stafford in 1895 son of John and Emily Fowler. In 1911 they were living at 13 Clarence Street, Fenton together with his brothers and sisters Arthur (9) Rose (5) and George (1). John was registered as a coal miner trammer He enlisted in Newport, Shropshire and joined the Shropshire Light infantry. The regiment were involved at Hooge which is a small village in Flanders in Belgium which contained a château used as the divisional headquarters. It was the site of some intense fighting during the First World War. The German forces attacked the area between 24 May and 3 June 1915, and, despite the detonation of a British mine by the 3rd Division, leaving a massive crater, they took control of the château and the surrounding area on 30 July. John was killed in action on the 9th May 1915 age 20 and is commemorated at the Ration Farm Military Cemetery, Nord, France (Grave V1. A.2) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory medals and the medals. 9th May 1918 Private 242599 Harold Roberts “B” Co” 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Roberts, of 100, Fielding St., Stoke-on-Trent. Staffs. Enlisted in Fenton Town Hall and served with the 9th North Staffords in the Battles of the Somme. Harold died of his wounds on the 9th May 1918 age 20 he is commemorated at the Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France (Grave II.A.26) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals.

10th May 1915

Rifleman R/8738 Thomas Henry Forsch 3rd Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps Born in Longton in 1881 to William and Mary Forsch. In 1904 he married May Litchfield at Fenton Christ Church and in 1911 was living at 18 Market St, (King St) Fenton with 5 children, Thomas Henry (6) Betsy (5) Minnie (3) Gertrude (1) and Harriet (1 month) Thomas’s occupation was a Beer Seller. He enlisted and joined the Kings Royal Rifles. In 1915 the battalion were engaged in the action of St Eloi, The Second Battle of Ypres. The Second Battle of Ypres began in April 1915 when the Germans released poison gas into the Allied lines north of Ypres. This was the first time gas had been used by either side and the violence of the attack forced an Allied withdrawal and a shortening of the line of defence. Thomas died of his wounds on the 10th May 1915 age 34 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gtae) Memorial. West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Panel 51 and 53) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory medals and the medals. 10th May 1917 Second Lieutenant Frederick Arthur William Stubbs M.C 6th Bn Territorial, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1881 at Ashwell, Bakewell Derbyshire in 1890 to William R and Alice Stubbs. He married Hilda Amelia Stubbs and lived at 4 Water Street, (Watkin St) Fenton. Frederick enlisted and joined the Sherwood Forrester’s (The Robin Hoods) and the battalion was mobilised for war in February 1917. They landed in Boulogne and were engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge. During his service Frederick was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. (Citation below) He was killed in action on the 10th May 1917. He is commemorated at Maroc Military British Cemetery, Grenay, Pas de Calais France (Grave II. O. 4) He was also commemorated on his parent’s gravestone in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. He was awarded the Military Cross, British War and Victory medals and the medals. 3938 SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 26 APRIL, 1917. Military Cross Instituted on 28th December 1914 the Military Cross (M.C.) is the third level military decoration awarded to Officers. This decoration was awarded to Frederick William Arthur Stubbs for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. The Military Cross (M.C.) is awarded for gallantry during active operations against the enemy. Frederick William Arthur Stubbs, as an owner of the Military Cross, is entitled to use the letters M.C. after his name. Citation For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a patrol for 800 yards along unknown trenches in order to ascertain the situation and later personally covered the withdrawal of his party. On another occasion he made a gallant attempt to rescue a wounded N.C.O. He has at all times set a good example. 10th May 1918 Corporal Wheeler 313011 Herbert Eastern Daniel Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Staffs Heavy Bty. North Midland Bde. Royal Garrison Artillery Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1894 to John B and Sarah G Daniel. Herbert was living with his brother-in-law at Arnside, Mount Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent and was employed as a Postal Clerk. In 1914 he married Annie May Pugh in a civil marriage in Stoke- on-Trent. Annie remarried after Herberts death and lived at 124 King Street, Fenton. Herbert served in the Royal Garrison Artillery and died of his wounds on the 10th May 1918 and is buried in Hartshill Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 3596) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals.

Sapper 492078 Arthur Cratchley M.M. 46th Div. Signal Coy. Royal Engineers Born in Shelton in 1885 to Joseph and Mary Ellen Cratchley. In 1916 he married Annie Massey at Stoke St. Peters. And they lived at 25 Whieldon Road, Mount Pleasant, Fenton Enlisted in Smethwick, Staffs, Arthur enlisted into the Royal engineers. He regiment were engaged in tunnelling in preparation for the battle of Arras. Arthur died of his wounds on the 10th May 1918 age 24. He is commemorated at the Etaples Military Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave: LXV11. B. 13) His Gravestone reads “Beloved husband of Annie Cratchley. Thy will be done”.

11th May 1918 Company Sergeant Major 7880 Harry McCoy 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Served in France and Flanders Born in Fenton in 1886 Harry enlisted at Litchfield and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers. He served on the Western Front on the Somme and died of his wounds on the 11th May 1918 age 32. He is commemorated at the Pernes British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave II. B. 32) His wife Mary S McCoy of Northumberland had “Thy will be done” inscribed on his headstone He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals. 11th May 1943 Colour Sergeant 4970471 Joseph Rawlinson. 2nd Bn Leicestershire Regiment. (Infantry) Born 1912 son of George T. Rawlinson and of Mary H. Rawlinson, of Fenton. February 1942: The battalion went to Ceylon, in 1943 they joined with the 16th Infantry Brigade re-joined 70th Division (previously named the 6th Div) in India. Joseph died in the Middle East 11th May 1943 age 31. He is commemorated at Helliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt (Grave ref: 3 G 32) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The cemetery at Heliopolis was opened in October 1941 for burials from the many hospitals in the area coping with the wounded and sick, mainly from the Western Desert campaigns. After the war, 125 graves were moved into the cemetery from Mena Camp Military Cemetery where permanent maintenance was not possible. There are now 1,742 Commonwealth casualties of the Second World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery, and the 83 war graves of other nationalities reflect the diverse make-up of the Middle East Command.

12th May 1944 Pte L. Albrooks: R.A. Gunner 1514783 Leonard Allbrooks 14th Anti Tank Regiment. Royal Artillery. Born 1919 son of William and Florence Allbrookes of Burslem. In 1942 Leonard married Elsie Owen at Burslem, St John. Leonard served in Italy and died 12th May 1944. He was buried at II.GRU.PDB (2139) and was reburied on the 22/6/1945 and is commemorated Cassino War Cemetery (Grave ref X1X. K. 14) Leonard was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information CWGC. On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken. The site for CASSINO WAR CEMETERY was originally selected in January 1944, but the development of the battle during the first five months of that year made it impossible to use it until after the Germans had withdrawn from Cassino. During these early months of 1944, Cassino saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Italian campaign, the town itself and the dominating Monastery Hill proving the most stubborn obstacles encountered in the advance towards Rome. The majority of those buried in the war cemetery died in the battles during these months. There are now 4,271 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated at Cassino War Cemetery. 289 of the burials are unidentified. 13th May 1918 Wainman H. Private 70583 Harry Wainman 9th Bn Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers Born in Birmingham in 1892 son of George Wainman. In 1916 Harry married Martha Morris at Christ Church, Fenton when Martha lived at 59 High Street, Fenton (now City Road) Harry enlisted in Llanelly and was posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. During the German Offensive in Flanders he died of his wounds on the 13th May 1918 age 26. He is commemorated at Esquelbecq Military Cemetery Nord, France (Grave I. D. 12) Harry was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. May 13th 1943 F/Lt. L. Rickenson D.F.C. R.A.F. http://en.ww2awards.com/person/7008

Rickinson, Leslie Arthur (Service number: 45901) Born :May 26th 1917 son of Arthur Ernest and Beatrice Rickinson of 2 Queen Street, Fenton. Died: May 13th 1943 (crashed near Eemnes, the Netherlands) Buried: Oud-Leusden (Rustof) Plot 13. Row 7. Grave 127. He was awarded the DFC, War Medal 1939-1945, 1939 -45 Star and Air Crew Europe Star Career: 5th September 1933: enlisted with No. 566639 as Aircraft Apprentice; 13 mei 1943: shot down in action during an operation over Duisburg, flying in W4955 with No. 83 Squadron Royal Air Force. BIOGRAPHY: Leslie Arthur Rickinson was born on May 26th, 1917. He followed his education at the Longton High School. At the age of 16 years, he was admitted to an "Air Training School. He passed out as Leading aircraftman after three years and was stationed with a flying boat squadron in Singapore. Short after the outbreak of World War Two he received his "wings". Was killed on May 13th, 1943 when his No. 83 Squadron, Avro Lancaster I W4955, OL-R.was damaged by flak and then shot down by Night Fighter at 02:17, crashing at Eemnes. Promotions: ?: Leading aircraftman; 20th December 1939: Sergeant, Pilot/Fitter II; 1st April 1941: Temporary Flight Sergeant; 29th May 1941: Pilot Officer (on probation); 29th May 1942: Pilot Officer; 29th May 1942: Flying Officer (war subs.); 16th July 1942: Acting Flight Lieutenant. DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC) Pilot Officer No 101 Squadron, Royal Air Force Awarded: November 1941 Action: Citation: "This officer has been on operations in Blenheim and Wellington aircraft for a total of nine months, during which period he carried out both day and night sorties. Throughout his 'tour' of operations he has at all times set a splendid example to other members of the squadron by his determination, skill and devotion to duty. His sense of humour and discipline was largely responsible for the good results obtained by the crew. If there was a difficult job to be done there could always be relied on Pilot Officer Rickinson to get there and obtain the best results. His last sortie resulted in severe damage to the rear turret, the rear gunner bailed out and the second pilot was seriously injured by an enemy night fighter. He brought the aircraft back and landed safely with bombs on." Provide alterations or additional information Picture Source: -Jaap van der Woude Information source: - The London Gazette of 4th July 1941, Issue 35208 - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 18th November 1941, Issue 35353, dated 21st November 1941 - The London Gazette of 23rd June 1942, Issue 35606 - Recommendation to the DFC, dated 15th September 1941, Wing commander commanding No. 101 Squadron - Extract form The London Gazette 21 November 1941 - 'Old Haltonians' - RAF Halton Aircraft Apprentices Association 13th May 1944. Fusilier 5349725 Harold Palmer. 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Son of William and Ethel Palmer, of 37 Peel Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side.

Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken.

Date of Death: 13/05/1944. Age: 21. Originally buried at map ref 11.GR0.PDR=B (2057) On the 13/5/1944 his body was reburied and commemorated at Cassino War Cemetery. Italy (Grave Ref: XII. K. 9) Headstone “One of many. Yes we know but you were ours and we loved you” Harold was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

The site for Cassino War Cemetery was originally selected in January 1944, but the development of the battle during the first five months of that year made it impossible to use it until after the Germans had withdrawn from Cassino. During these early months of 1944, Cassino saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Italian campaign, the town itself and the dominating Monastery Hill proving the most stubborn obstacles encountered in the advance towards Rome. The majority of those buried in the war cemetery died in the battles during these months. There are now 4,271 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated at Cassino War Cemetery. 289 of the burials are unidentified.

13th May 1945. Lance Sergeant 5046003 Samson Wines. Royal Artillery 155 Bty. 52 Lt AA regiment. Not yet included in the WW2 Memorial.

Born 1912 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Edwin and Thomas and Ann Emma Wines. In 1935 Samson married Ada Barker in a civil marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. Killed 13th May 1945 in the Balkans and Greece Campaign. He is commemorated at Klagenfurt War Cemetery, Austria. (Grave ref: 6. B. 16.) Headstone: “May peace be with you now and with God’s blessing” Historical Information (CWGC) Samson is also commemorated at St Paul’s church, Mount Pleasant. Austria was annexed by Germany in March 1938, and many labour, prisoner-of-war and concentration camps were established there by the Germans. The principal POW camps were at Dollerscheim, Gneizendorf, Kaisersteinbruch, Leinz Drau, Spittal Drau and Wolfsburg Gratz. Commonwealth war dead buried in Austria were mainly servicemen who died in these camps in captivity, airmen who were shot down or crashed while flying over the country and those who died while serving with the army of occupation after the war. Klagenfurt, the only Commonwealth war cemetery in Austria, was begun in June 1945 by the British occupying forces, who moved graves into it from all over the country. It now contains 589 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. Between 1950 and 1954, eight First World War graves (three of them unidentified) were moved into the cemetery from small cemeteries at Innsbruck, Mauthausen, Muhldorf and Vienna. At the same time, special memorials were erected to two other First World War casualties whose graves at Muhldorf and Vienna could not be found.

14th May 1917

Private 29588 Joseph Hallam 12th Bn Lincolnshire Regt transferred to (9642) 17th Coy Labour Corp. Formerly 28925, N. Staffs Regt. Born in Longton and resident in Fenton Joseph was enlisted and posted to the Western Front on the Somme. In August 1916 the battalion moved to France to work on the Lines of Communication and in April 1917 they were transferred to the Labour Corps as the 16th and 17th Labour Corps. Joseph was killed in action on the 14th May 1917. His body was recovered from map reference G 28. B. 4. 6 and transferred and commemorated at the Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery. Arras. Pas de Calais, France (Grave V1.G.22) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

Private 40629 Arthur Wood 12th Bn Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment, formally 5400 North Staffs Regt Born, 1883 in Fenton to Ann Wood. In 1903 he married Sarah Ann Bettaney at Christ Church Fenton. In 1911 he was living at 25 Park Lane with his son Arthur age 5 and was employed as Hard mine ironstone loader. As part of the West Yorkshire Regiment Arthur took part in the Battle of Arras (also known as the Second Battle of Arras) a British offensive during WW1. From 9 April to 16 May 1917, troops from many countries attacked German defences near the French city of Arras on the Western Front. There were major gains on the first day, followed by stalemate. The battle cost nearly 160,000 British casualties and about 125,000 German casualties. Arthur died on the 14th May 1917 age 34. He is commemorated at Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave V.E.21) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals. 14th May 1918 Private 202976 Charles William Redman “D” Co 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment (Pioneers) Born in Burslem 1878, then in 1901 Charles married Mary Elizabeth Wood at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 they were living at 127 Market Street, (King St) Fenton with their children William (10) Albert (9) Charles Harcourt (6) Ethel (5) Rachel (2) and Norman (4 months) A further daughter Eva was born 17/2/1912. He was employed as a coal miner, hewer. Charles enlisted at Fenton Town Hall December 1915. In November 1916 was appointed to the 8th North Staffordshire Regiment and to the Expeditionary Force in Boulogne France March 1917 where he joined his unit in the field. The battalion were involved against the German offensive at the second battle of the Somme At the No. 1 Australian General Hospital on the 14th May 1918 he died of wounds (Gas) age 40 received in action. He is commemorated at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Roun, Seine-Maritime, France (Grave P.XI.K.13B) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Private 16231 Albine B, Williamson 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton in 1896 to Joseph and Elizabeth Williamson, they lived at and had 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He was employed as a moulder. He enlisted in Stoke where he joined the North Staffords. The battalion were involved against the German offensive at the second battle of the Somme. Albine died of his wounds on the 14th May 1918 and is commemorated at the Bangneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt. Somme (Grave I.B.32) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the medals. 14th May 1944 Private 13021742 John Mycock. 1st Bn Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) Born 1915 son of Bernard and Rose Mycock. In 1937 John married Polly Boycott at Normacot, Holy Evangelist. In January 1944 the battalion in the same division was now attached to the 12 Brigade and took part in the Italian Campaign. Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken. John died 14th May 1944 age 29 in Italy. He was originally buried at Map ref: 11 GRU/PDS/2057. On the 6/8/1945 he was reburied at the Cassino Military Cemetery. Italy (Grave ref XVI. A. 17) Headstone “My dear husband John. Always remembered by his loving wife Mary and family” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star

15th May 1916 Private 14751 James Russell Rix 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment, formally 8719 4th Battalion. Born in Longton in 1893 James married Ethel May Moore in 1912 at Christ Church, Fenton. After the death of James Ethel remarried and lived at 39 Helena Street, Fenton. James enlisted in Longton and was posted with the 7th Bn North Stafford’s to Mesopotamia. In 1916 the regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. James was killed in action in Mesopotamia on the 15th May 1916, age 23 where he is commemorated in the Basra War Cemetery, Iraq (Panel 34) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

16th May 1916 Private 11987 William Thompson 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton, son of Sarah Ann Thompson. In 1897 he Married Maria Grocott at Christ Church, Fenton, in April 1901 they were living at 24 Cambridge Street, (bottom half of Masterson St) Fenton with daughter Sarah Ann, age 2. William’s occupation was engineering labourer. William enlisted at Fenton Town hall and was posted to 7th North Stafford’s and was engaged in the Asiatic theatre in Mesopotamia. In January 1916 the battalion evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions and in February they moved to Mesopotamia. The regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. William died of wounds in Mesopotamia on the 16th May 1916, age 43 where he is commemorated in the Amara Cemetery, Iraq (Grave II.E.1) Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 3 June 1915 and it immediately became a hospital centre. The accommodation for medical units on both banks of the Tigris was greatly increased during 1916 and in April 1917, seven general hospitals and some smaller units were stationed there. Following Williams’s death his wife Maria lived at 16, Herbert St., Fenton with their 5 children, Sarah Ann, Francis William, Harold, Gladys and Frederick William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 16th May 1941, Pte.V. Boycott: S. Staffs. Regt. Private 4918827 Victor Boycott 1st Bn South Staffordshire Regiment. Born 1918 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Frederick and Polly Boycott, of 80 Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Duty location: Crete Killed in action 16th May 1941, age 23. Incident reported to War Office Casualty Section for the 48 hours ended 09:00. 9/6/1941. Casualty list 534. Victor is commemorated at the Athens Memorial, Greece {Panel ref: Face 6) Victor was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star.

19th May 1942 L/Bdr. F. Carter: R.A. Gunner 964004 Frank Carter. 24th Field Regiment. Royal Artillery Born 1919 son Edward and Sarah Carter of 62 Clarence St, Fenton. In 1942 Frank married Jessie Bentley at Longton, St John the Baptist. Died 19th May 1942 age 23 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref: 5564) Frank was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

20th May 1901 Boer War Memorial Lance Corporal 6385 Bernard John Outram. 5th Battalion The Northumberland Fusiliers Other unit: attached to Mounted Infantry, 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Force: South Africa Field Force Son of William and Rachael Outram of 118 Regent Road, Fenton (now Smithpool Rd) Died of disease: 20th May 1901, age 20 at Middelburg Memorials: Northumbrian Regiments, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, England Town Hall Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England 21st May 1944 Fus. Brindley: London Roy. Fus. Fusilier 6095329 William Brindley. 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken. Died 21st May 1944 at Italy and was buried at 11. GRU.PDB (2057) His body was exhumed on the 16/8/1945 reburied and commemorated at Cassino War Cemetery, Italy (Grave Ref: XII.C.8) Headstone “Hold him in thine arms O’ Lord now that he is thine. Love him as we loved him with a love divine” William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

23rd May 1916 Rushton T. (389) Private 14540 Thomas Rushton 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Stoke in 1896 son of Frank and Mary May Rushton were living at 11 Herbert St, Fenton in 1911. Thomas enlisted and with the regiment was posted to Mesopotamia and India. In January 1916 the Regiment evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions. A month later they moved to Mesopotamia and engaged in the Battle of Kut al Amara. The siege of Kut-al-Amara lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure. The surrender of Townshend's army in late April 1916 shocked people in Britain, for whom the Mesopotamia campaign had previously been a distant - and largely successful - venture. Kitchener rushed to defend the honour of the British and Indian forces at Kut-al-Amara, but it was impossible to avoid the fact that - after the humiliating retreat at Gallipoli - Allied forces had suffered another defeat at the hands of the despised Turks While the surrender of Kut-al-Amara led in London to the creation of a parliamentary committee of enquiry into operations in Mesopotamia, far more horrific repercussions were taking place on the ground. Captured British and Indian soldiers were brutally treated on their march to Turkish prisoner-of-war camps in Anatolia. Of the 11,800 men who left Kut-al-Amara with their captors on 6 May 1916, 4,250 died either on their way to captivity or in the camps that awaited them at the journey's end. Nationalarchives.gov.uk Thomas died of his wounds in India on the 23rd May 1916 age 21. His body was exhumed from the Bombay Sewri Cemetery and reburied on the 24th Jan 1962 in a Mass Grave in front of the memorial at Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, Bombay India (Panel Face E) Thomas was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 23rd May 1940 Corporal 5567859 Christopher Powell. 2nd Bn Wiltshire (Duke of Edinburgh's) Regiment. Born 1912 at Derby son of William and Elizabeth Powell; husband of Hilda Elizabeth Powell, of 91, Market St, Fenton. In 1934 Christopher married Hilda Elizabeth Millward in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. The 2nd Battalion, , began the war as part of the 13th Infantry Brigade, which also included 2nd Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (later 5th Essex Regiment), part of the 5th Infantry Division of the British Expeditionary Force in France. The battalion fought in a series of engagements during the in May 1940, most notably at the Battle of Arras. After being evacuated at Dunkirk, the 2nd Wiltshires participated in Operation Ironclad, the capture of Vichy-held Madagascar, known as the Battle of Madagascar. Christopher was killed 23rd May 1940 age 28 in the France and Belgium Campaign. He is commemorated at Roeux Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave 4) There are now 30, 1939-45 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 10 are unidentified. Headstone “Christ will link the broken chain closer when we meet again” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star Between 23rd May 1940 and 4th June 1940 Sapper 1875159 Victor Bickerton 225 Field Coy Royal Engineers. Served in France and Belgium Born 1919 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Annie Bickerton, and stepson of Leonard Ellerton of 132 Raglon St, Fenton Died between 23rd May 1940 and 4th June 1940 at Belgium age 21. He is commemorated at Coxyde Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. Headstone. (Grave ref: IV. O. 3) “Rest in Peace The cemetery was used again during the Second World War, chiefly for the burial of casualties sustained during the defence of the Dunkirk-Nieuport perimeter in May 1940. Victor was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star 23rd May 1944 Private 5048883 Frederick Bennett. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1916 at Stoke-on-Trent and living in Stoke-on-Trent 1st (Regular) Battalion in September 1939 was stationed at Poona, India. It remained in India and Burma throughout the war. For the first three years was engaged in internal security duties. 1942: It was involved in the defence of the Andaman Islands during the Japanese invasion May 1943: It became attached the 26th Indian Division and went into action in Burma. They defended Ngakeydauk Pass to ensure that the rest of the army could escape back towards India. The fighting went on for six days. Like most battalions, they suffered more from disease, particularly malaria, than they did from enemy actions. By the time they had returned to India the battalion was well below full strength and was posted to the Bihar province. Once again it took up internal security operations. (Forces War Records) Frederick died at sea 23rd May 1944 and is commemorated at the Calcutta (Bhowanipore) Cemetery, Kolkata, India. (Plot L Grave 47) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

24th May 1916

Private 21435 Thomas Bullock. 10th (Service) Btn Highland Light Infantry Formally 52367 RGA Born in Normacot Road, Longton in 1885 son of Henry and Harriet Maud Bullock. In 1907 Thomas married Amelia Bullock at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 they were living at 6 Charles Street, (now Hertford St) Heron Cross, Fenton with their 1-year-old son Albert. Thomas was employed as a Pottery Placer. Thomas enlisted in Longton and was posted to the Highland Light Infantry fighting on the Somme on the Western Front. He was killed in action on the 24th May 1916 age 31 and is commemorated at the Vermelles British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. (1V C 12) Thomas was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

25th May 1916

Private 16158 Charles Williamson “C” Coy. 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton in 1884 son of Mary Williamson. In 1911 Charles a single man and his family were living at 35 Brunswick St, (now Beville St) Fenton. He was employed as a Pottery flat presser. Enlisted Stoke-on-Trent, December 1914. In July 1915 the regiment were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front at the Somme. Charles died 25th May 1916 age 33 U.D. Heart at 41st Casualty Clearing station BEF. He is commemorated at the Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No 1, The Somme, France (Grave I.C.1) Headstone reads “Always remembered, mother and family” Charles was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 25th May 1917 Boy 1st Class J/38244 Edwin Harrison Shenton Royal Navy H.M.S “Hilary” previous ship H.M.S “Powerful” Not yet recorded on the memorial Born 25th August 1899 in Dresden, son of Thomas (d1900) and Martha Shenton, (d1902) of Fenton. In 1911 Edwin was living with his stepmother Jenny Smith of 54 Raglan Street, Fenton. When enlisted 3rd April 1915 Edwin’s occupation was given as school boy. He was age 15, 4ft 11 ½ inch in height with grey eyes and a chest measurement of 31 ½ inches. He sported tattoos on both forearms and on left hand. He was appointed to HMS Powerful as boy 2nd class. On the 25th August 1915 he was transferred to HMS “Hilary” as boy 1st class. On the 25th May 1917 Edwin was killed or died, age 18 as a direct result of enemy action. His body was not recovered for burial. Medal Entitlement (British War Medal and Victory Medal) issued to his Brother. Index Casualty given as No. 9795/1917. HMS Hilary was a combined passenger/cargo vessel and originally named SS Hilary. During the First World War First World War, it was commissioned into the Royal Navy and in 1917 was sunk by a German Submarine. On the outbreak of the First World War, the ship was requisitioned by the Royal Navy for conversion to an armed merchant and assigned to the 10th Cruiser Squadron. She formed part of the Northern Patrol blockading trade to Germany. It was torpedoed and sunk 40 mi (64 km) west of Lerwick, Shetland Islands by the German Submarine U-88 whilst Hilary was leaving her patrol area to refuel at the naval base at . Ref: Wikipedia Private 241777 Arthur Perry. 1st/6th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet recorded on the memorial Born in Queen St, Fenton, March 1893 son of Arthur and Mary Ann Perry. In 1911 they were living together with 9 brothers and sisters, Arthur’s occupation was a Potter’s dipper. After his death on the Somme his parents moved to no 3 Oldfield Street, Fenton. Arthur’s regiment returned to France in February 1916. The French had handed Arras to Commonwealth forces in the spring of 1916 and the tunnels upon which the town is built were used and developed in preparation for the major Arras offensive planned for April – May 1917. Arthur was killed in action during this offensive on the 25th May 1917 and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) The Arras Memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave. Arthur was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 25th May 1940 Corporal 4856721 Andrew Joseph Quigley. 2/5th Leicestershire Regiment. Born 1914 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Joe and Annie Quigley of 37 Mason St, Fenton; husband of Edith Miriam Quigley, of Lutterworth. The Battalion throughout the war was part of the 46th North Midland Division. It also became part of the BEF. May 1940: It was evacuated from Dunkirk and returned to the UK. During the Second World War, Dunkirk was the scene of the historic evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from France in May 1940. Andrew was mentioned in Despatches. This is the lowest form of recognition that was announced. The Mention in Dispatches (M.I.D.) for a serviceman is not an award of a medal, but is a commendation of an act of gallantry or service. Andrew Joseph Quigley’s name would appear in the official report written by a Superior Officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the Soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy. This despatch is published in the London Gazette newspaper of the State, which has existed since 1665 and is still published today. Andrew was killed 25th May 1940 age 26 in France and Belgium Campaign. He is commemorated at the , Nord, France (Panel 48) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The DUNKIRK MEMORIAL stands at the entrance to the Commonwealth War Graves section of Dunkirk Town Cemetery. It commemorates more than 4,500 casualties of the British Expeditionary Force who died in the campaign of 1939-40 or who died in captivity who were captured during this campaign and who have no known grave. (CWGC)

26th May 1915

Private 16419 Richard Hammond 2nd Bn Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regt) Regiment Born Aug 1875 at 1 Back Park Road, Fenton son of Richard and Jane Hammond. In 1905 Richard married Harriet in 1911 and were living at 3 Park Road, (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton when Richard was employed as a collier loader. Richard enlisted in Longton on the 22nd September 1914. Posted to the West Riding Regiment which became engaged in the Second Battle of Ypres. The records show he died of heart failure in the field and was buried at Ypers on the 25th May 1915 He is commemorated at the Perth Cemetery (China Wall) West-Vlaanderen. Belgium (I.VA.16) Richard was awarded 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 26th May 1918 Private 56913 John Bradbury. (Addendum) 1st Bn Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment Not yet recorded on the memorial Born in Longton in 1886, son of Edward and Jane Bradbury, Park Road, Fenton. Occupation: Farm labourer, wagoner. John married Annie Bradbury at St Mary’s Bucknall in 1908 who lived at Oulton, Stone with her children, Doris Ellen, Frederick Charles, Gladys Millicent and ? May. Enlisted in Dunbar, posted to No 6 Cavalry Depot, Dunbar on the 17th May 1917 then in October was posted to the West Yorkshire Regt. He served in Flanders during the German offensive and the British counter attacks. He was killed in action 26th May 1918 age 32 and is commemorated at Nine Elms British Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

27th May 1918 Private 47242 Joseph Webster 6th Bn Leicestershire Regiment. Formerly 307971, A.S.C. Born in 1899 at 97 Market St, ((now King St) Fenton son of Joseph and Emily Webster Joseph was registered as still at school. After the death of Joseph his parents lived at 11 Mason St, Fenton. As part of the Leicestershire Regiment he served on the Somme where at the end of April 1918, five divisions of Commonwealth forces (IX Corps) were posted to the French in this sector to rest and refit following the German offensives on the Somme and Lys. Here, at the end of May, they found themselves facing the overwhelming German attack which, despite fierce opposition, pushed the Allies back across the Aisne to the Marne. Joseph was killed in action on the 27th May 1918 age 19 and is commemorated at the , Aisne France. Joseph was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 27th May 1940 Lance Corporal 5046395 James Price. 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born and living in Stoke-on-Trent. During the Second World War, the British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. James died 27th May 1940, France and Belgium Campaign. He is commemorated at Comines (Komen) Communal Cemetery, Hainaut, Belguim (Grave ref: British Plot. Grave 43) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The Commonwealth plot in Comines Communal Cemetery, which is close to the entrance, was created by the municipality, when scattered graves were brought in from all over the commune. All were killed in the heavy fighting which occurred in the area at the end of May 1940. 27th May 1944 Fusilier 7047113 John Ravenscroft. 1st Bn . Born 1913 son of John Henry and Elizabeth Ann Ravenscroft of Fenton. In 1939 John married Millicent Upton at Fenton, Christ Church. Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken. Killed 27th May 1944 age 31 in Italy and was buried at map ref: 1CGR.WMB. 2114. On the 9/8/1945 he was reburied and commemorated at the Cassino War Cemetery, Italy (Grave ref: X1 H 23) Headstone “Sacrificed that we may live. By wife and children, mam and dad. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The site for CASSINO WAR CEMETERY was originally selected in January 1944, but the development of the battle during the first five months of that year made it impossible to use it until after the Germans had withdrawn from Cassino. During these early months of 1944, Cassino saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Italian campaign, the town itself and the dominating Monastery Hill proving the most stubborn obstacles encountered in the advance towards Rome. The majority of those buried in the war cemetery died in the battles during these months. There are now 4,271 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated at Cassino War Cemetery. 289 of the burials are unidentified. (CWGC) Private 5059337 Jessie Birks 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1913 son of Harry and Gertrude Birks, of Fenton, in 1939 Jessie married Elsie McDonald of Fenton in a Civil Ceremony at Stoke-on-Trent. In December 1943 the 2nd Regular Battalion landed in Italy and was sent to Salerno to begin training for a new amphibious landing. It was later to be chosen to be one of the two leading units to land on the Anzio beachhead. 22 January 1944: In early hours of 22/1/1944 the morni Division landed and took part in “Operation Shingle”, commonly known as the Battle of Anizo. In February 1944 after heavy fighting the Battalion became overrun at Buonriposo Ridge and were ordered to withdraw. After a stalemate situation on the 29/5/1944 a breakout was achieved and the Battalion along with the rest of the Division engaged in a quick push towards Rome. (Forces War Records) Date of Death: 27/05/1944. Age: 31 (Grave Ref: XV. H. 1.) Commemorated at Beach Head Cemetery, Anzio, Italy. Headstone “Rest in Peace" He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. The site of the cemetery originally lay close to a casualty clearing station. Burials were made direct from the battlefield after the landings at Anzio and later, after the Army had moved forward, many graves were brought in from the surrounding country. Beach Head War Cemetery contains 2,316 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 295 of them unidentified. There is also one First World War burial which was brought into the cemetery from Chiete Communal Cemetery near Rome.

28th May 1915 Private 18046 Arthur Box 2nd Btn . Formerly 8152, North Staffs Regiment. Born in 1884 at 247 Victoria Road, Fenton, son of George and Fanny Box. In 1911 living at 18 Alfred Street he was registered as Coal Miner, Hewer. Enlisted in Stoke in 1914 and posted to the 4th North Staffordshire Regt. In May 1915 he was transferred to the 3rd Bn before being drafted to the 2nd Bn East Yorshire Regiment in France. In January 1915 the regiment were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western front including; The Second Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Loos. Arthur died in action in the field on the 28th May 1915 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belguim. (Panel 21 and 31) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Arthur was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 28th May 1942 Sergeant 319870 Frederick John Simmonds 1st Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corp Born 1921 son of George H and Edith H Simmonds of Fenton Served in Libya and died 28th May 1942 age 21 Commemorated in the Tobruke War Cemetery, Libya. (1. D. 12) Received the War Medal 1932-1945 and 1939-45 Star When Rommel commenced his drive across Cyrenaica towards Suez it was deemed essential that Tobruk be held, and the resulting siege lasted from 11 April to 10 December 1941, when the Axis forces were driven back. They recovered far more quickly than was expected and by early February 1942, it was the Allies turn to fall back towards a line running southwards from Gazala to Bir Hakeim. Again orders were given to hold Tobruk, but it fell to Rommel on 21 June. 28th May 1944 Lance Corporal 5059438 Arthur Dalhousie Smith 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1924 son of George A and Maud Smith of Fenton Served in Italy and was killed in action 28th May 1944 age 20 Commemorated at the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio, Italy (Grave XV1.B.5) In February 1944: After heavy fighting the Battalion became overrun at Buonriposo Ridge and were ordered to withdraw. On the 29th May 1944: After a stalemate situation a breakout was achieved and the Battalion along with the rest of the Division engaged in a quick push towards Rome. 30th May 1918 Sapper 79151 Alfred Frederick Mountford. Tunnelling Depot Coy. Royal Engineers Not yet included on the memorial Born in Fenton 1882. Died at home 30th May 1918. Age:36. Buried and commemorated at the Dresdon (The Resurrection) Churchyard, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. (In North-East part.) Wording requested on the headstone, “Duty nobly done” 30th May 1940 Gunner 935012 John William Bryan 11 Royal Artillery (Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial) Born 1919 son of John Thomas Bryan and Olive Bryan, of 8 Foley Road, Fenton. Date of Death: 30/05/1940 Age: 21. His body was recovered at Bray-Dunes New Mil Cemetery, France (GSGS 4336) and was reburied and commemorated 22/11/1947 at the Marquise Communal Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Plot 1. Row C. Grave 23) Headstone “At rest with the Lord. Always in our thoughts. Duty nobly done” John was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. The British Plot, at Marquise Communal Cemetery was created to receive casualties removed from graves on the beaches of Bray Dunes. All those buried here were brought in from Bray Dunes save one from St. Georges Churchyard. There are now over 150, 1939-45 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, 60 are unidentified. (CWGC)

31st May 1916 Stoker 1st Class SS/113416 William Griffiths Silvester Royal Navy. HMS Queen Mary. Born in 1897 the son of Sarah Silvester of 37 George St Fenton Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 William was living with his grandparents at no 16 George Street, Fenton his occupation registered as Waggoner Underground. William served in the . () He was killed in action against German fleet in the North Sea. 31st May 1916 age 19. Body Not Recovered for Burial. He is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial (1916 O - Z) At the Battle of Jutland in mid-1916. HMS Queen Mary was hit twice by the German Derfflinger during the early part of the battle and her magazines exploded shortly afterwards, sinking the ship. The wreck was discovered in 1991 and rests in pieces, some of which are upside down, on the floor of the North Sea. Queen Mary is designated as a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 as it is the grave of 1,266 officers and men.

Steaming in advance of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe's , Beatty's , supported by the of the , collided with Vice Admiral Franz Hipper's battlecruisers in the opening phases of the Battle of Jutland. Engaging at 3:48 PM on May 31, the German fire proved accurate from the outset. At 3:50 PM, Queen Mary opened fire on SMS Seydlitz with its forward turrets. As Beatty closed the range, Queen Mary scored two hits on its opponent and disabled one of Seydlitz's aft turrets. Around 4:15, HMS Lion came under intense fire from Hipper's ships. The smoke from this obscured HMS Princess Royal forcing SMS Derfflinger to shift its fire to Queen Mary. As this new enemy engaged, the British ship continued to trade hits with Seydlitz.

At 4:26 PM, a shell from Derfflinger struck Queen Mary detonating one or both of its forward magazines. The resulting explosion broke the battlecruiser in half near its foremast. A second shell from Derfflinger may have hit further aft. As the after part of the ship began to roll, it was rocked by large explosion before sinking. Of Queen Mary's crew, 1,266 were lost while only twenty were rescued. Though Jutland resulted in a strategic victory for the British, it saw two battlecruisers, HMS Indefatigable and Queen Mary, lost with nearly all hands. An investigation into the losses led to changes in ammunition handling aboard British ships as the report showed that cordite handling practices may have contributed to the loss of the two battlecruisers. http://militaryhistory.about.com

Telegraphist J/23272 Thomas Hollins Royal Navy: HMS “Defence”

Born in Newcastle in 1897, son of Daniel Henry and Emmie Hollins. In 1911 Thomas was registered as an errand boy and living at 14 Clarence Street, Fenton. He enlisted into the Royal Navy and was posted to HMS “Defence” serving in the North Sea. Defence was sunk on 31st May 1916 during the Battle of Jutland the largest naval battle of the war. Escorting the main body of the Grand Fleet, the ship was fired upon by one German battlecruiser and four as she attempted to engage a disabled German . She was struck by two salvoes from the German ships that detonated her rear magazine. The fire from that explosion spread to the ship's secondary magazines, which exploded in turn. There were no survivors. (Wikipedia) Thomas was recorded as missing age 19. He is commemorated at the Plymouth Naval Memorial, (panel 14) At the time, it was believed that Defence had been reduced to fragments by the explosion, but the wreck was discovered in mid- 1984 by a NUMA survey of the North Sea and . It was dived upon in 2001 by a team led by nautical archaeologist Innes McCartney and found to be largely intact, despite the violence of her sinking. Defence, along with the other Jutland wrecks, was belatedly declared a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, to discourage further damage to the resting place of approximately 900 men. (Wikipedia)

1st June 1916 Stoker 1st Class K/23435 Alfred Peake Royal Navy. HMS Tipperary Alfred was born April 1895 in Hanley, son of James and Sarah A Peake. On the 1911 census Alfred was registered as an Apprentice Sagger Maker. The family then moved to 54 Hollings St, Fenton. He enlisted into the Royal Navy and joined the crew of HMS Victory II in November 1914 and in June 1915 to HMS “Tipperary” Alfred was killed at the Battle of Jutland 1st June 1916, age 20 and his body was never found for burial. He is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial (Panel 19) HMS Tipperary led the 4th Flotilla at the Battle of Jutland under Captain C. J. Wintour. Tipperary and her squadron pressed home determined torpedo attacks on the German main battle line as it escaped across the rear of the British fleet during the night action, starting at approximately 23:20 on 31 May 1916. The 4th Flotilla sank the German light cruiser SMS Frauenlob, but Tipperary and many of the other British were sunk or badly damaged. These engagements took place at such close range that some of Tipperary's squadron were able to hit the German dreadnoughts with their small 4-inch guns, causing casualties that included command officers on the bridges. HMS Tipperary was sunk on 1 June 1916 by 5.9 inch (150 mm) fire from the secondary battery of the German SMS Westfallen with the loss of 185 hands from her crew of 197. The wrecksite is designated as a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

3rd June

Private 22923 John Metcalfe Bowen 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born in Halifax in 1895 son of John (Died 1903) and Charlotte Bowen (Died 1913) and in 1901 was living at 12 Hollins Street, Fenton. Enlisted at Fenton Town Hall he joined the North Staffordshire Regimentt. At the end of April 1918, five divisions of Commonwealth forces (IX Corps) were posted to the French 6th Army in this sector to rest and refit following the German offensives on the Somme and Lys. Here, at the end of May, they found themselves facing the overwhelming German attack which, despite fierce opposition, pushed the Allies back across the Aisne to the Marne. John was killed in action on the 3rd June 1918 age 23 and is commemorated at the Soissons Memorial. Aisne, France. This memorial commemorates almost 4,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom forces who died during the Battles of the Aisne and the Marne in 1918 and who have no known grave. John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

4th June 1916 Corporal 6121 Harry T Hassall 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders Killed in action 4 June 1916 Cemetery/Memorial: Drancourt Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Ref II.B.II) Words on memorial “Never Forgotten” Born in Stone, Staffordshire. enlisted in Hanley 4th June 1943 S/Sgt. Arthur Copestake: R.A.P.C. Acting Staff Sergeant 4189961 Arthur Copestake. Royal Army Pay Corps Born 1914 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Albert and Gertrude Copestake of 42 Holly Place, Heron Cross, Fenton 15/2/1942 Reported missing in action in Malaya. 5/3/1942 reported to War Office Casualty Section 5/5/1943 reported as Prisoner of War. Date of Death 4th June 1943 Historical Information (CWGC) The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar). Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943. The graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the Burma-Siam railway (except for the Americans, whose remains were repatriated) were transferred from camp burial grounds and isolated sites along the railway into three cemeteries at Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar. 4th June 1943 Sergeant Arthur Copestake died whilst Prisoner of War in Malay. He was buried at Sonkrie Cemetery. In December 1945 his body was exhumed and reburied at Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Burma (Grave ref B4. J. 11) (now Myanmar) William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. 4th June 1944 Private 3854240 James Henry Hodgkiss. 9th Bn Cheshire Regiment. Born in Stoke-on-Trent Historical Information (CEGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year. The 65th and 92nd General Hospitals were in Naples from late in 1943 until the end of the war, also the 67th General Hospital for the greater part of that time. The site for the war cemetery was chosen in November 1943 and burials were made in it from the hospitals and garrison. Later graves were brought in from a number of small cemeteries in the immediate vicinity. James died 4th June 1944 and was originally buried at SC3/RGD/2079. On the 19/9/1944 was reburied at Naples War Cemetery. Italy (Grave ref I.R.12) Naples War Cemetery contains 1,202 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. 6th June 1915 Private 19084 John Thomas Ridgway 3rd Bn Northumberland Fusiliers Born in 1896 in Stoke-on-Trent son of Henry and Eleanor Ridgway. In 1911 the family was living at 33 Kent Street, Fenton and John was working as a Pottery Mould Runner. He served in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and died on the 6th June 1915 age 19 and was buried at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on- Trent (grave 2412) His headstone bears the words “Rest in peace” Arthur was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 6th June 1944 Trooper 557865 Edwin Bradbury. Royal Armoured Corps. Bn Staffordshire Yeomanry. Born 1911 son of George and Minnie Bradbury of Fenton. In 1933 Edwin married Gladys Davies in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on- Trent. Served at France in the Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45 Edwin died 6th June 1944 in France and was buried at 068787 Hermanville, France. 7F/1. On the 5/6/1945 his body was exhumed, reburied and commemorated at War Cemetery, , France. (Grave ref: Coll II. F. 21) Headstone “Worthy of everlasting love. Wife Gladys and daughter Margaret” Edwin was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the landings of 6 June 1944. Ranville was the first village to be liberated in France when the bridge over the Caen Canal was captured intact in the early hours of 6 June by troops of the 6th Airborne Division, who were landed nearby by parachute and glider. Many of the division's casualties are buried in and the adjoining churchyard. The CEMETERY contains 2,236 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 90 of them unidentified. There are also 323 German graves and a few burials of other nationalities Gunner 14325590 John James Wade 121 Bty., 33 Field Regt. Royal Artillery. Born 1925 son of Charles and Minnie Wade. In 1944 John married Laura I Plant at Newcastle, Holy Trinity. The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the of 6 June 1944. Date of Death: 06/06/1944 Age 19. The original location of the grave Hermanville (map ref: 7F/1. 077.800. 1/50000) Date of Death: 06/06/1944 Age 19. The original location of the grave Hermanville (map ref: 7F/1. 077.800. 1/50000) On the 7/11/1944 his body was reburied and commemorated at War Cemetery, Calvados, France (Grave ref: X. H. 6). Headstone “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. which was completed in 1952, contains 4,144 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 338 of them unidentified.

7th June Private 49972 Daniel Greenfield 13th Bn Cheshire Regiment Born in 1892 in Stoke-on-Trent son of Joseph and Sarah Greenfield. Daniel was employed as a Pottery castor. On December 21st December 1913 Daniel married Sarah Eccleston at Christ Church, Fenton. They then lived at 24 Clyde St, (now Tweed St) Heron Cross, Fenton. And had one child, William b 18/9/1914 In June 1916 while resident in Birkenhead he was called up for National service. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion of the Cheshire’s and then to the 13th Battalion in November 1916. On Jan 17th he was wounded in action (gas) and again on March 17th was admitted to hospital with blistered feet and discharged back on duty 5 days later. Daniel was killed in action in the field on June 7, 1917 age 20 during the battle of Messines Ridge which led to the Third Battle of Ypres known as Passchendaele. Daniel is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Panel 19-22) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

8th June

Private 16501 Joseph Burrows 8th Co 9th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment Born in Fenton in 1897 son of William and Harriet Burrows, his occupation was a Collier and lived at No 1 Malkins Square, Fenton. (off Park St) He enlisted in Stoke and posted to the North Staffordshire Regiment and served in France Joseph was severely wounded near Berles on 7th June 1916 and died the following day 8th June 1916 in a Casualty Clearing Station He is commemorated at the Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension no 1, Picardie, France (Ref II B I) His headstone bears the words “Duty done, ever remembered his loving mother. Rest in peace” Joseph was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Aldersea R. (15) Pvt 242567 Richard Alldersea. 1st/6th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Formally 14039 7/N. Staff R. Born in 1894 son of Richard and Mary Jane Aldersea of Hanley. In 1911 the family were living at 33 Ashworh Street, Fenton and Richard was employed as a Potters Mill Labourer. In 1914 he married Martha M Colclough at Christ Church, Fenton and they lived at 22 China Street, Fenton. Richard enlisted and was posted to the 7th Bn North Staffs before his transfer to the 1st/6th Battalion, Territorial Force. Richard died of his wounds on the 8th June 1917 and is commemorated at Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (I.T.26) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Evans Reginald (161) Private 41195 Reginald Evans 1st battalion King's Own (Royal Lancashire Regiment) Formerly Private 21721 Leicestershire Regiment). Born in Audley, Staffordshire son of Thomas and Elizabeth Evans. In 1911 they lived in Longton before moving to 28 Grove Road Fenton, Reginald was registered as a scholar. Reginald enlisted before serving in France where he was killed in action on the 8th June 1918 age 18. He is commemorated at Mont-Bernanchon British Cemetery Pas de Calais. (Grave I.G.9). His headstone bears the words “Until the day breaks” and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He is also commemorated at Temple Street Methodist, Church.

Shoeing Smith 92236 Peter Wood 72nd Field Coy, Royal Engineers Born in West Bromwich in 1899 was living as step son to Thomas and Dihah Agnes Harris in the Goods yard off King St. By 1911 the family were living at 17 Grove Road Heron Cross together with brother William Ernest and sisters Florence and Violet. William was registered as Carter in the Brickyard. William enlisted and served in the Adriatic theatre at Mesopotamia and died on the 8th June 1918 age 19. He is commemorated at the Bagdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq (Grave IV.G.4) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

9th June 1944 Lance Corporal 5049957 John Hackney. 2nd Bn . Born 1919 son of William and Alice Gertrude Hackney of 85 Frederick St, Fenton. Historical Information. (CWGC) The Japanese advance into India was halted at Kohima in April 1944 and Garrison Hill, a long wooded spur on a high ridge west of the village, was the scene of perhaps the most bitter fighting of the whole Burma campaign when a small Commonwealth force held out against repeated attacks by a Japanese Division. The fiercest hand to hand fighting took place in the garden of the Deputy Commissioner's bungalow, around the tennis court, but the heaviest casualties on both sides occurred after relieving forces reached the Garrison and the Japanese were driven off the ridge, so re-opening the road to Imphal. John died 9th June 1944 age 25 in Burma and was originally buried at Viswema Spur. He was identified by his identity disc on body and metal cross on grave. He was then reburied and commemorated on the 18/9/1944 at Kohima War Cemetery. (Grave ref: 2. B. 17) India, Headstone “Duty Nobly Done” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star Historic information continued. KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY lies on the battle ground of Garrison Hill. No trace remains of the bungalow, which was destroyed in the fighting, but white concrete lines mark and preserve permanently the historic tennis court. The cemetery now contains 1,420 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. At the highest point in the cemetery stands the KOHIMA CREMATION MEMORIAL commemorating 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers whose remains were cremated in accordance with their faith. At the lower end of the cemetery, near the entrance, is a memorial to the . It bears the inscription; - "When you go home Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, We gave our today." The cemetery also contains a memorial to the 2nd Battalion, the Dorsetshire Regiment and a number of other regimental memorials have been erected on and near Garrison Hill.

June 11th 1917 Gunner 113957 Arthur Carding. 280th Siege Bty Royal Garrison Artillery Born in 1877 in Burslem son of John and Mary Ann Carding. On 1st August 1903 Arthur married Amy Boulton at Stoke St. Peter’s. In 1911 the family lived at 21 Well St, (now Watkin St) Fenton, they had five children Louie (1904), David John (1906), Arthur (1909), Amy (1912) and Leslie (1915) John was employed as a House painter. Arthur enlisted on the 11th December 1915 at Fenton Town Hall and was posted to the Royal Regiment of Artillery. He was mobilised to BEF France on the 18th March 1917 and was killed in action in the field, in France on the 11th June 1917. He was buried in Kandahar Farm just wsw of Walvergham, 2 ¼ miles wsw of Messines. He is commemorated at the Kandahar Farm Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen Belguim (II D 17) His headstone bears the words “Gone but not forgotten” Arthur was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

12 June 1916 Lance Corporal 11845 John Kelly 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Longton, 1887 son of Patrick and Kate Kelly who lived in Holly Place, Heron Cross and then 80 Duke St, Fenton. Enlisted in Stoke and joined the North Staffordshire Regt. He served in Mesopotamia and died on the 12th June 1916 age 29. He is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq (V11.E.7) Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was erected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it. John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 12 June 1918 Private S2/016331 Leonard Hughes 28th Supply Coy Royal Army Service Corp Born in 1897 son of James and Mercy E Hughes living at 12 Duke St, Heron Cross, Fenton. In 1911 the family had moved to Fern Villas Elmton Rd, Creswell, Nr Mansfield, Notts and Leonard was employed as a driver. He enlisted and was posted the in Greece. He died on the 12th June 1918 age 21 and is commemorated at the Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery. Greece (1421) Leonard was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 12th June 1943. Guardsman 2622561 George Edwin Gunn. 5th Bn Grenadier Guards. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1905 son of Thomas Henry and Emma Gunn, of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1929 George married Ada Clarke in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. husband of Ada Gunn, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1941 the 5th Battalion was raised and served in North Africa and Italy where it fought significant battles in the Medjez-El-Bab and along the Mareth Line and in Italy at Salerno, Monte Camino, Salerno and along the . (Forces War Records) Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. Date of Death: 12/06/1943 age 38, North Africa. His body 14/8/1944 was consecrated and Commemorated at Mediez-el-Bab War Cemetery. Tunisia (Grave ref: 7 E S) Headstone “They are not lost, nor have they travelled far. Just entered Home’s best room and left the door ajar” George was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

The memorial commemorates almost 2,000 men of the First Army who died during the operations in Algeria and Tunisia between 8 November 1942 and 19 February 1943, and those of the First and Eighth Armies who died in operations in the same areas between 20 February 1943 and 13 May 1943, and who have no known graves.

13th June 1917 Private 15699 Phillip Riley. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1890 in Longton son of John and Sarah A. Riley. In 1911 he was living at 63 King Street, Fenton and was unemployed. He married Estha and lived at 7 York St, Fenton. (Now Morville Close) Phillip enlisted in Longton, September 1914 and was posted to the 10th North Staffordshire Regt (Reserve Battalion) He was admitted to the London General Hospital, September 1916 for almost a month suffering usual shell shock symptoms after he was partially buried eight times in one day. Nerves badly shattered, now complaining of pain in his ribs left side. Has previously been gassed. Treatment in Neurological section. Discharged suitable for armament depot. He then had several posting before joining the 1st Bn in February 1917. In 1917 in the Third Battle of Ypres an offensive was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Phillip was killed in action, on the 13th June 1917 age 27. He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) West-Vlaanderen Belgium Memorial (Panel 55) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Phillip was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

14th June 1917 Private 201876 James Alcock. Served in the 2nd/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. 25th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment Born 1899 son of Alfred and Eliza Alcock. In 1911 living at 34 Nelson St, Fenton he was registered as an Apprentice Casting in Clay Pottery James enlisted at Fenton Town Hall and was posted to The Royal Sussex Regiment before he transferred to the North Stafford’s. In February 1917 the 2/5th Battalion were mobilised for war and landed in France and were engaged in various actions on the Western Front. It was here on the 14th June 1917 that James was killed in action age 18. He is commemorated at -en- Couture Communal Cemetery British Extension. Pas de Calais, France (I.A.3) James was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 201314 Harry Williams 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton son of William and Harriett Williams. In 1911 living at 18 Best Street, Fenton he was registered as a Pit Bell Knocker He enlisted in Shelton and was pasted to the North Staffordshire Regiment and were mobilised to the Western Front in France. Harry died of his wounds on the 14th June 1917 age 20. He is commemorated at the Lillers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave V.D.39) His headstone bears the words “Gallant Life, so freely given” Harry was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

15th June 1946. Signalman 556910 W. Platt. 306th Inf. Bde. Sig. Sec. Royal Corps of Signals Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1919 son of William Edgar and Lizzie Platt, of 8 Alma Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. The Royal Corps of Signals (often simply known as the Royal Signals - abbreviated to R SIGNALS) is one of the combat support arms of the British Army. Signals units are among the first into action, providing the battlefield communications and information systems essential to all operations. Royal Signals units provide the full telecommunications infrastructure for the Army wherever they operate in the world. The Corps has its own engineers, logistics experts and systems operators to run radio and area networks in the field. It is responsible for installing, maintaining and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems, providing command support to commanders and their headquarters, and conducting electronic warfare against enemy communications.

Date of Death: 15/06/1946. Age: 27. He is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 5184) W Platt was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

16th June 1916 Private 8223 Hamlet Leese 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1892 in Longton (Ubberley Cottages, ) son of Alice Leese. In 1911 was boarding in Longton and was registered as being a China Saucer Maker. Later Hamlet was resident in Fenton Hamlet enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt. In July 1915 after 4 years’ service he was admitted to no 12 Ambulance train where he spent 44 days with gunshot wounds to the right knee. He was discharged back to duty on 26th August 1915. The first specially built medical train was sent out from the UK to the Western Front in 1914 and designated number 12, these were trains served by nursing sisters. Originally the hospital trains used French goods wagons. The battalion continued to fight in the battles of the Somme and Ypres. It was here that Hamlet died of his wounds on the 16th June 1916 age 25. He is commemorated at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belguim. (X1V.F.15) His headstone at the request of his sister Mrs A Thomas of 34 Clarence Street, Fenton reads “In loving memory of my dear brother. From your loving sister. Peace, perfect peace” Hamlet was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 17th June 1916 Private 8720 Ernest Bailey 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1886 at Fenton son of Thomas and Mary Bailey. Wood Farm, Broadsfield Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent (By the cemetery) Ernest enlisted into the 1st Bn of the North Staffordshire regt serving in France and Flanders. In October 1915 the battalion transferred to the 72nd Brigade of the 24th Division and continued to engage in various actions on the Western Front including during 1916 the Battle of Delville Wood, The . The Gas attacks at Wulverghem in the municipality of Heuvelland were two German cloud gas attacks during on British troops near Ypres in the Belgian province of . The first gas discharge took place on 30 April 1916 and was followed by another attack on 17 June. Ernest was killed in action 17th June 1916 age 30 and is commemorated at the Dranoutre Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, (Grave ref: II E 14) Ernest was awarded the the British War & Victory medals Lance Corporal 12665 Alfred Hancock 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regimentt Born in Fenton son of Albert and Annie Hancock of 165 Duke Street, Fenton. Enlisted in Longton and posted to the North Staffords he served on the Somme and died on the 17th June 1916 age 19. He is commemorated at the Albert Communal Cemetery Extension. Somme France. (I.E.5) His grave bears the words “Always in the thoughts of those who loved him” Alfred was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private 7912 William Hammersley 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born in Park Lane, Fenton in 1886 son of George and Sarah Hammersley. In the 1911 cencus William was registered with the North Staffordshire Regiment. In 1913 William married Frances Lea Fradley at Edensor St. Paul’s. William battalion were committed on the Western Front in Messines in Belgium. June 17th 1916 was the second time the Germans had used a gas attack at Wulverghem, it was also the day that William was killed in action 17th June 1916. He is commemorated at the Dranoutre Military Cemetery. (II.C.13) William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private 12962 William Palfreyman 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1896 son of Ambrose and Evelyn Lizzie Palfreyman (Hulme) In 1911 they were living at 1 Alma Street, Fenton and William was registered as an ironmonger’s errand boy. William was posted to the North Stafford’s and served on the Somme and died on the 17th June 1916 age 19. He is commemorated at the Albert Communal Cemetery Extension. Somme, France. (I.E.4) William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 17th June 1942 Sergeant 1166150 Thomas McGuire. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Born 1921 son of James William and Ethel McGuire, of 38 High Street East, Fenton. City and Guilds of London Certificate in Electrical Technology. When war broke out in 1939 the employed the RAFVR as the principal means for aircrew entry to serve with the RAF. A civilian volunteer on being accepted for aircrew training took an oath of allegiance ('attestation') and was then inducted in to the RAFVR. Normally he returned to his civilian job for several months until he was called up for aircrew training. During this waiting period he could wear a silver RAFVR lapel badge to indicate his status. By the end of 1941 more than half of Bomber Command aircrew were members of the RAFVR. Most of the pre-war pilot and observer NCO aircrew had been commissioned and the surviving regular officers and members of the RAFO filled the posts of flight and squadron commanders. Eventually of the "RAF" aircrew in the Command probably more than 95% were serving members of the RAFVR. (Forces War Records) Thomas died 17th June 1942 age 21 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref: 147) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star 18th June 1915 Private 3/7508 Richard Wright 2nd Bn Gordon Highlanders Born in Fenton 1894 son of Isaiah and Mary Wright of 49 High Street, Fenton (now City Road) William was employed as a Pottery Placer. Richard enlisted in Longton and was posted to the Gordon Highlanders and served on the Western Front which saw some of the heaviest fighting of the First World War, included the second action of Givenchy. Together with other battles it took place along a section of the front line that stretched from Estaires in the north to Grenay in the south. Richard was killed in action on the 18th June 1915 age 21. He is commemorated at the . Pas de Calais France (Panel 39 to 41) The memorial commemorates over 13,400 British soldiers who were killed in this sector of the Western Front from the beginning of October 1914 to the eve of the Battle of Loos in late September 1915 and who have no known grave. Richard was awarded the 1914/155 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

19th June 1943 Leading Aircraftman 1011171 Herbert Rudge. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Born 1920 son of Livie and Agnes Rudge. In 1941 Herbert married Dorothy Byatt at Longton, St John the Baptist. Herbert died 19th June 1943 age 23 and is commemorated at Selby Cemetery, Yorkshire. (Grave 5282) Headstone “In loving memory of my dear husband Herbert. Loving dad of Barbara. Loved and longed for always” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star 19 June 1944 Lance Sergeant 5255201 Albert Hill. 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry Born in Stoke-on-Trent The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. Jerusalem is a tiny hamlet near the village of Chouain. The area was the scene of bitter fighting when a German armoured column sought to retake Bayeux shortly after its liberation. Albert was killed on the 19/6/1944 Western Europe Campaign, and is commemorated at the Jerusalem War Cemetery. Calvados, France (Grave ref: C.8) Jerusalem War Cemetery contains 47 burials, one of them unidentified, and one Czech grave. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

20th June 1917 Private 20124 William Longson 1st Bn York and Lancaster Regt. Formerly 15909, North Staffordshire Regiment. Born 1892 in in Fenton son of John Longson of 8 Bridge Street, Mount Pleasant (now Ridley Walk [St]) In 1911 William was registered as a Potter's Apprentice Presser. William enlisted and after a short spell with the North Staffordshire Regt was posted to the York and Lancaster Regiment when in January 1915 his battalion was mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Second Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Loos. He was killed in action on the 20th June 1915 age 23. He is commemorated at the Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (J.71) William was awarded the 1914/155 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Lance Corporal 1708 Albert Fox 12th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Albert was born in Fenton in 1892 the son of W and Mary Jane Fox. He enlisted into the London regiment and was posted to the Western Front were the battalion continued to fight in the battles of the Somme and Ypres. It was here that Albert died of his wounds on the 20th June 1917 age 25. He is commemorated at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belguim. (XV.E.4) His headstone at the request of his family read “Peace perfect peace. Ever remembered by his sister Polly and his family” Albert was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

21st June 1918 Private T4/219467. Henry Henshall. 274th MT Coy. Royal Army Service Corps. Henry was born in Hanley in 1891 In 1911 was living with his brother in law and his sister James and Sarah Ann Bloor at 66 Oldfield St, Fenton. His occupation was noted as China Flat Presser in the Potts. Henry was posted to the RASC whose role in the field falls into two main parts, supply and transport. First the supply of food, petrol and lubricants, fuel and light, hospital supplies and disinfectants and in Transport it is concerned with the conveyance of the above supplies, together with ammunition, engineer stores, ordnance stores and post, from railhead, or from base if no railhead exists, to all units of a field force. In addition RASC units are provided for the carriage of infantry, tanks and heavy bridging equipment. The mechanical transport of medical and certain other units is also found and operated by the RASC. Also enable these services to be undertaken effectively, the RASC are responsible for the provision, repair, and maintenance of their own mechanical transport. Henry died at home on the 21st June 1918 age 27 and is buried in Greenwich Cemetery, London. (Screen Wall. 1. C. B. 1075) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

23rd June 1917 Private 404959 William Frederick Arrowsmith 19th Canadian Central Ontario Regiment. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1889 at Fenton, son of George and Sarah Arrowsmith, of 67, Church St., Fenton. In 1911 William was employed as a Pottery Packer. William served in the Canadian Army. The 19th battalion Central Ontario Regt was an infantry regiment which was originally raised at Exhibition Park in Toronto, Ontario, on 6 November 1914. As part of the 4th Infantry Brigade, , the 19th went from its station in Toronto, Canada, to West Sandling Camp, Shorncliffe, England, 23 May 1915 and then to France on 14 September 1915 where it served from 1915 to 1919. In 1917 they served on the Western Front, France and Flanders, engaged at Vimy Ridge, Hill 70 and Passchendale William died on 23rd June 1917, age 28 and is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref: 1860.) Headstone “Duty Nobly Done” William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 23rd June 1918 Sergeant 4772 Percy Morris 7th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born in 1896, son of James and Nellie Morris of 21 Alma Street, Fenton. In 1911 Percy was employed as a Coal Miner, Wagoner He enlisted in Stoke and was posted the London Regt, was sent to the Western Front were they were engaged in the Battle of Albert and the Second Battles of the Somme Percy was killed in action 23rd June 1918 age 23 and is commemorated at the Louvencourt Military Cemetery. Somme, France. (Plot 1 Row 1. Grave 27) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

25th June 1916 Private 2499 John Parry 1st/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton 1894 son of Henry and Elizabeth Parry of 3 Mill Street, Fenton. Johns occupation was a Pottery Plate Maker. John enlisted in Stoke and was posted to the North Staffs Regt. In Jan 1916 his battalion was moved to Egypt. In Feb 1916 before returning to France the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the diversionary attack at Gommecourt near where the allied front line was. John was killed in action on the 25th June 1916 age 22 and is commemorated at the Foncquevillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave I.G.13) John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 25th June 1944 Flight Engineer 1815706 Colin Henry Slater. 75 Squadron. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Born 1924 son of Harry and Ethel Slater, of 121 Regent Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Colin was killed 25th June 1944 age 20. He was buried at Fruges Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (map ref: sh 6 HO34282) on the 6/4/1947 Colin was reburied within the same cemetery. Headstone “Treasured memories of our dear Colin. Mother, Dad and Marion” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

Boer war Memorial Private 4481 Joseph Smith 4th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s) Force: South Africa Field Force Killed 25th June 1901 at Richmond Memorials: Town Hall Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Cathedral. South Transept. Window. 4 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. Notes: [Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project] Gazetteer: [3122: 3125-2357] a town in the Cape Colony (Richmond district; Northern Cape), 80 km east of Victoria West. In December 1900, the district was placed under martial law. On 25 June 1901, the town was invested and attacked by Cmdt W.C. Malan's commando. Seven of the town's 12 defense posts fell as fighting continued through the night. On the following morning a small column under Capt F.T. Lund, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers, arrived and the commando was driven off. The town was then regarrisoned and provisioned and Lt-Col W.P. Wyndham's column positioned there. HMG IV pp.226-227 and 239 (map no.63); Times V p.128 (map of the Cape Colony in the end pocket). A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999) 26th June 1916 11344 Private John Davison Morris 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Hanley in 1896 son of Edwin and Annie Morris. In 1911 they were living at Broadfields, Fenton (near Fenton Cemetery) and his occupation was Potters Holloware Presser. Later Mr and Mrs Morris moved to 12 Blurton Road, Heron Cross. Enlisted he joined the North Staffordshire Regt. He served in Mesopotamia and died on the 26th June 1916 age 21. He is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq (V111.C. 13) and John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Amara War Cemetery contains 4,621 burials of the First World War, more than 3,000 of which were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. 925 of the graves are unidentified. In 1933, all of the headstones were removed from this cemetery when it was discovered that salts in the soil were causing them to deteriorate. Instead a screen wall was rected with the names of those buried in the cemetery engraved upon it.

29th June 1942. Sergeant 4920563 Charles Foxall. 13th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born 1914 son of George and Elizabeth Foxall in 9 Leopold Street, Fenton. In 1934 Charles married Dolly Hemmings at Stoke, St Peter. Charles died 29th June 1942. It was reported to the War Office Casualty Section (casualty list 892) 2/8/1942 that Sergeant Foxall had died as the result of an accident. He is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref: 12139) Headstone “Worthy of everlasting love” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star.

30th June 1916 Private 1724 Amos Edward Pugh 11th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born in Longton in 1890, son of Amos and Elizabeth Pugh. In 1901 they lived in Charles Street, Heron Cross, Fenton (now Hertford St) Later moving to 231 Duke St, Fenton Enlisted he joined the London Regiment and served on the Somme leading up to the battle of Albert. He was killed in action on the 30th June 1916 age 26 and is commemorated at the Carnoy Military Cemetery Somme, France. (Grave 23) Amos was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 30th June 1940 Fred Bailey born 1884 Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Civilian Death 30/6/1940 age 56 of 35 Wells Street, Fenton. Died at Glebe Street shelter. Reporting Authority: Stoke-on-Trent, County Borough. St. George's Chapel in Westminster Abbey Country: England. Locality: London Of the many civilians of the Commonwealth whose deaths were due to enemy action in the 1939-1945 War, the names of some 67,092 are commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour, located near St. George's Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London.

1st July 1915

Pvt 10713 Robert Ford 5th Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry Born in 1878 son of Henry and Elizabeth Ford of Barkers Square, Fenton. In 1911 Robert was living at 11 Water Street, Fenton (now Railway end of Watkin St) and his occupation was recorded as Potters General Labourer. His brother Charles was living at 2 Wesley St. Fenton (now Elsing St). Robert enlisted and joined the Shropshire Light Infantry and was posted on the Western. Robert was killed in action on the 1st July 1915 age 41 and is commemorated at the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave V111.B.54) Wording requested by his brother Charles, on his headstone reads “Duty Nobly Done” Robert was awarded 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. July 1st 1916 The First Day of the Battle of the Somme On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. The following 10 men are commemorated at the Thiepval memorial. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Private 266800 William Bowers 1st/7th Bn Sherwood Forrester’s (Nottingham and Derbyshire) Born in Bucknall in 1883 Son of Luke and Ann Bowers of 27 Alfred Street, Fenton. His occupation, Prester Tailor. Enlisted in Nottingham to the Sherwood Forresters. He served on the Western Front on the Somme trying to take Thiepval. The village had been an original objective of 1 July 1916 the day on which William was killed in action age 33. He is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 10 C 10 D and 11 A) William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 3028 William Colclough 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment William was born in 1896 son of Aaron Colclough of 111 Oldfield Street, Fenton. His occupation was recorded as a Mould Runner in the Potts. Enlisted in Hanley to the North Staffordshire Regt. He served on the Western Front on the Somme trying to take Thiepval. The village had been an original objective of 1 July 1916 when William was killed in action age 20. William is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14B & 14C) William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 17949 James Cope 11th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born and lived in Fenton Could be one of b 1890 Single, 39 Albert Rd, Fenton, Stoke Upon Trent b 1893 Single, 66 Holly Place, Heron Cross, Fenton, Staffordshire Enlisted in Stoke to the London Regt He served on the Western Front on the Somme trying to take Thiepval. On the 1st July 1916 he was killed in action. The village had been an original objective of 1 July when James was killed in action. He is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 8C 9A & 16A) James was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 201393 Louis Flackett 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Stoke Louis was living at 24 Havelock Street, Fenton in 1911 and his occupation was a Pottery Kiln man Enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt. He served on the Western Front on the Somme trying to take Thiepval. The village had been an original objective of 1 July 1916 when Lois was killed in action age age 29 on the 1st July 1916. Louis is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14B & 14C) Louis was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 241754 William Thomas Podmore 1st/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1895 son of Charles Arthur and Charlotte Anne Podmore of 5 Colville St, Fenton. In 1911 now living at number 36 William was employed as a Pottery Kiln Boy. Enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt William served and was killed on the 1st July 1916 on the Western Front on the Somme trying to take Thiepval. The village had been an original objective of 1 July 1916 when William was killed in action age 29. Louis is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14B & 14C) Louis was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Sapper 486636 Frederick Kenneth Steele 2nd/1st North Midland Field Coy, Royal Engineers Born in Fenton son of Winifred Steel of 21 Herbert Street, Fenton. Frederick enlisted in Smethwick and served in the Royal Engineers on the Western Front. In 1915, in response to German mining of British trenches under the then static siege conditions of World War One, the corps formed its own tunnelling companies. Manned by experienced coal miners from across the country, they operated with great success until 1917, when after the fixed positions broke, they built deep dugouts such as the Vampire dugout to protect troops from heavy shelling. Frederick was killed in action on the 1 July 1916 when Frederick was killed in action. He is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 8A & 8D) Frederick was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 5448 Ernest Edward Fewtrell 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1877 son of William and Eliza Fewtrell of South St, Fenton. In 1911 at 83 South St, Mount Pleasant, (now Ainsworth St) living with his mother and two brothers and sisters he was employed as a Mine Labourer, above ground. Enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt, Ernest served and killed in action on the Western Front on the Somme trying to take Thiepval. The village had been an original objective of 1 July 1916 when Ernest was killed in action age 41. He is commemorated at the Foncquevillers Military Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave I. L. 34) The headstone inscription reads “Fondly remembered by mother and all” In 1915 and 1916 the Allied front line ran between Foncquevillers and Gommecourt. The cemetery was begun by French troops, and taken over by Commonwealth forces. It remained in use by units and field ambulances until March 1917, the burials in July 1916 (particularly in Plot I, Row L) being especially numerous Ernest was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Sapper 439 Harold Whitcut 2nd/1st (North Midland) Bde. Royal Engineers. Born in 1898 son of James and Eleanor Whitcut of 63 Church Street, (Now Christchurch St) Fenton. His occupation at age 13 was a Clerk. Harold enlisted in Smethwick and served in the Royal Engineers on the Western Front. In 1915, in response to German mining of British trenches under the then static siege conditions of World War One, the corps formed its own tunnelling companies. Manned by experienced coal miners from across the country, they operated with great success until 1917, when after the fixed positions broke, they built deep dugouts such as the Vampire dugout to protect troops from heavy shelling. Harold was killed in action on the 1 July 1916 age 18 He is commemorated at the Foncquevillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave I.L.49) Harold was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 5414 John Kemp 1/5TH North Staffordshire Regt Previous 3/5th North Staffords. Born 1899 son of John Alfred and Estha Ann Kemp of 6 Chapel St, Fenton. In 1911 at 3 Field Place, Fenton. On enlisting John’s address was given as 2 Ashliegh St, Fenton or Ashley St Engaged into the 3rd Bn North Stafford’s, 19/8/1915 16/12/15 to 10/2/16 in North Staffordshire Hospital with Hernia 13/5/16 transferred to the 1/5th Bn, Territorial Force, North Stafford’s. 14/5/16 Embarked Southampton 15/5/1916 Disembarked Roen 6/6/1916 joined B Company on the Western Front engaging in the diversionary attack at Gommecourt. John was killed in action 1st July 1916. Age 17 (Reported missing 7/7/1916) and is commemorated at Foncquevillers Militery Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref: I L 11) Receive British War Medal and Victory Medal. In 1915 and 1916 the Allied front line ran between Foncquevillers and Gommecourt. The cemetery was begun by French troops, and taken over by Commonwealth forces. It remained in use by units and field ambulances until March 1917, the burials in July 1916 (particularly in Plot I, Row L) being especially numerous. (CWGC) 12/9/19 Document states Father of soldier: dead. Mother: Esther Ann Kemp (28 Regent Rd, Fenton) Sister Maud age 15 of same address. 4/6/1920 Note on records state: unable to trace NoK of 5414 Pvt John Kemp 5th North Staffs.

Not yet commemorated on the War memorials. Private 16991 Cornelius John Redfern 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regiment Born in Longton in 1895, Cornelius married Annie Norcup in 1914 at St Peter’s, Caverswall and lived at 8 Duncan Street, Fenton Cornelius enlisted and joined the Lincolnshire Regt. As a member of the second battalion they took part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. The Allied preparatory artillery bombardment commenced on 24 June and the Anglo-French infantry attacked on 1 July. Cornelius was killed in action on the 1st July 1916 age 21 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 1.C) Cornelius was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 1st July 1917 The following four men were 137th (Staffordshire) Brigade in “D” Co, 1st/5th Battalion North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment and fought in the attack on Lievin on the 1st of July 1917 as a result all were possibly listed as missing killed in action. (Many individual soldier’s records were destroyed) All were awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. All four men were commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7 and 8) The memorial commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918, the eve of the Advance to Victory, and have no known grave.

Sergeant 200180 Albert Henry Hill 1st/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1895 the son of Albert and Mini Hill of Bagnall Street, Stoke with an occupation registered as Attends To Miner Phone Below. He worked at Glebe Colliery, Fenton. In 1917 Albert married Gertrude Franks at Wellington St Lukes. They lived at 18 Victoria Road, Fenton. On October 11th 1917 Gertrude (3 months after Albert’s death) gave birth to a son Albert Arthur Hill

Sergeant 200330 John Lodey 1st/5th Bn Prince of Wales's North Staffordshire Regiment Born in Newcastle staffs son of James and Emily Lodey, In 1907 John married Grace Florence Wright at Holy Trinity, Hartshill. They had two children John and Grace.

Corporal 200727 William Henry Webb 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment William was born in Longton in 1886. He Married Julia Florence (Webb) at Fenton Mount Tabor Methodist Church, Fenton in 1910. He was a Pottery Saucer Maker and in 1911 was living with Julia’s parents at 20 Alma Street, Fenton.

Private 201323 James Henry Foreman 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton in 1897 son of Harry and Sarah Freeman of 75 Oldfield Street, formally no 151 Oldfield St, Fenton. His occupation was on the Pit Bank. James was reported missing before being struck off the Bn register on the 27th August 1917 having been killed in action July 1st 1917.

2nd July 1917

Lance Corporal 202551 John Stanway 1st/5th North Staffordshire (Price of Wales’s) Regiment Born in 1883 son of Thomas and Edith Stanway. In 1911 the family were living at 33 May Place, Fenton and John was employed as a Potters Printer. John married Lilian Tranter in 1915 at St John the Baptist Church, Longton and they lived at 21 Goldenhill Road, Fenton. Enlisted in Longton John joined the North Staffs Regt and was posted to the Western Front and was involved in the attack on Lievin and was killed in action on the 2nd July 1917 age 34. He is commemorated at the Loos British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. (grave WIX.B.8) John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

2ND JULY 1918 PRIVATE 11477 JAMES GRUNDY DCM 5TH BN GRENADIER GUARDS. Not yet commemorated on the War memorial

WAR ILLUSTRATED Volume VI, Spring-Summer Campaign 1916

Born 1888 son of John and Zilpa Grundy of 47 West Parade, Fenton, Husband of Ethel May. When he was age 13 he was working as a Bricklayers Labourer. In 1911 he was a serving soldier stationed with the 1st Bn Grenadier Guards in London. When war broke out he re-joined his regiment and served in France and Flanders with the Grenadier Guards. He died on 2nd July 1918 age 30 and is buried at Hartshill Cemetery. Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 63CD) with his parents “John GRUNDY, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, 26 Jan 1912, 60 Zilpah, w/o the above, 10 Nov 1928, 78. Pte James GRUNDY, D.C.M, 4th Grenadier Guards, h/o Ethel M, died 2 July 1918, at Millbank Hospital, London, 31. James was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Silver Medal for Bravery (Montenegro), the British War and Victory medals.

WW1: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF BRAVERY THAT HAD ONE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE PRIVATE IN LINE FOR THE Shells and bullets whizzed all around – but Private James Grundy remained at his post manning a telephone in the trenches. He was charged with maintaining communications for the Grenadier Guards in their section of the network of trenches at Ypres. Suddenly, the phone went dead. The telephone wire had been cut by the shell fire coming from the German lines. Pte Grundy took a deep breath, then launched himself from the relative safety of the trench he was sheltering, out into No-Man's Land. It was night-time, the only light coming from explosions as bombs fell all around, but Pte Grundy made it to the wire. He found the problem and, working quickly, managed to fix it before returning safely to the Allied trenches. Moments later, another shell landed on the wire, cutting off communications once more. Pte Grundy looked out once more at the hail of shells that were being launched towards him and his comrades. Again he left the trenches and ran towards the shellfire. But this time his luck ran out. Shortly after reaching the damaged section of wire, a bomb exploded close by. Shrapnel ripped through his body and the soldier collapsed. Despite the pain, and bleeding from 14 separate wounds, Pte Grundy continued to work at the wire, all the time aware that the enemy was watching him from just 120 yards away. Back in the British trenches, Pte Grundy's friends has seen what had happened. A rescue party braved the carnage in an attempt to bring the wounded soldier back to safety. When they reached him, Pte Grundy was still working at the wire. The brave Grenadier Guard was dragged back to his own lines. But even then he refused to quit his post until he had handed over to an officer the secret code used in all communications between the different sections of the line. Only then did Pte Grundy finally allow the stretcher bearers to staunch the bleeding and take him away to the nearest aid station. The action had taken place overnight on April 19 and 20, 1916. By morning, talk of Pte Grundy's bravery and devotion to duty had spread through the British lines. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Seymour relayed a report to Major-General Frederick Rudolph Lambart, the Earl of Cavan – who then personally recommended Pte Grundy receive the Victoria Cross. Pte Grundy's mother, Zilpah Grundy, had been distraught and wracked with worry when she received a telegram from the War Office to her home at 47 West Parade, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, informing her that her son had been wounded in action. But a short time later she was bursting with pride when she received a letter stamp addressed from London, from the pen of Captain and Regimental Adjutant Forbes, who was writing on behalf of Colonel Sir Henry Streatfield, commander of the garrison in London. The letter, which informed her that her son had been recommended for the VC, said: "As has already been reported to you, your son is now in hospital. Col Streatfield desires me to send you, on his behalf, and on behalf of the regiment, most hearty congratulations on your son's splendid conduct. "We all hope that he will make a complete and speedy recovery from his wounds, and will be awarded the much-coveted decoration for which he has been recommended. I have this day written to your son, to inform him that he has been recommended for the Victoria Cross. We are all very proud of him." The letter was published in full in The Sentinel, and there was a great sense of patriotic pride surrounding the prospect of North Staffordshire receiving what would have been its first VC. In West Parade in particular, neighbours hung Union Flags from bedroom windows and the street adopted a 'carnival atmosphere' – although Mrs Grundy told a Sentinel reporter: "Jim would come in by the back way if he saw this demonstration." Residents also bought War Savings Certificates, which were later presented to Pte Grundy, together with a certificate, which said: "We, the inhabitants of Mount Pleasant, the place of your birth and upbringing, wish to place on record our hearty appreciation of your very gallant conduct on the field of battle at Ypres on April 19th and 20th 1916. "We ask your acceptance of the Address and the accompanying Purse as a token of our appreciation, and also wish you a complete recovery from your wounds, long life and happiness." James Grundy was 29 years old to the day when he received his medal recommendation. His family was well known around Fenton, with his father, John, a contracting joiner and carpenter – who died just before the outbreak of war. James, one of four brothers, had joined the Grenadier Guards in around 1902, at the age of 17, and served with the regiment for eight years. During that time he was stationed in London and took a prominent role in regimental athletics, distinguishing himself as a swimmer. While in London, he met his wife, Ethel May Grundy. But after eight years of service, he joined the Army reserves and returned to Mount Pleasant to live with his mother, taking up employment as a bricklayer at the Great Fenton Collieries. On the outbreak of war in 1914, he returned to his old regiment, originally as a brigade instructor, before being transferred to the Western Front, where he received his wounds – and his citation for bravery – during fighting around the Ypres Salient in April 1916. Pte Grundy's wounds were serious, but he made light of them in a letter sent home to his mother. He admitted he had received 14 wounds, but added: "The doctors think they are healing, so they cannot be so bad." It appears Pte Grundy recovered from his wounds and returned to action. The request for a VC was refused. However, the veteran soldier was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), the next highest award which could be received by a member of the ranks. On October 31, Pte Grundy received another honour, this time he was presented with the Silver Medal for Bravery (Montenegro) – an honour conveyed by the King of Montenegro for, "distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign". Pte Grundy would also receive a certificate for bravery in the field, before he was wounded again, on November 21, 1917. At that time the Guards division was in Third Army reserve and was moving up to the front in preparation for taking part in the battle of Cambrai. From November 21, they were moving forward from south east of Bapaume. Compared to their time at the front – particularly considering the numerous combat actions Pte Grundy had lived through – they were in a position of relative safety. Perhaps he was caught by shell fire. However, just six days later, the Guards suffered heavy casualties during the assault on Bourlon Wood and the village of Fontaine on November 27, it could be that it is here that Pte Grundy met his doom, with the earlier date explained by a typing error. Once again, Pte Grundy was taken to an aid station and ultimately sent to Millbank Hospital in London. Whatever his wounds, the soldier never recovered. Although the nature of his wounds are unclear, he died after undergoing a serious operation at the hospital on July 2, 1918 A large congregation turned out to celebrate James Grundy's life at his funeral held at St Paul's Church in his native Mount Pleasant. Janet Grundy, aged 61, of Stafford – granddaughter of James's brother William – said: "My dad told me we had someone in the family who had been very brave in the war and almost received the VC. He told me to be proud of him, but it was never really spoken of in the family. I knew it must have been something significantly brave that he did. "When I first found his grave at Hartshill, I was told it would probably be a big war grave, but it is just a family grave. I thought it was sweet there was somewhere nearby his mother could go to. We are very proud of him." Pte Grundy was given full military honours, with a Union Flag draped over his coffin, carried on the back of a gun carriage. A number of soldiers joined the funeral cortege and a bugler played the Last Post before he was buried at Hartshill Cemetery. Pte Grundy's widow, Ethel Grundy, – who moved back to London and later remarried – received many letters of condolences on the death of her husband, including one from Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Scott, who wrote: "I hasten to offer my deepest sympathy. He was a most gallant man and a well tried comrade, and we hoped he would have been awarded the Victoria Cross instead of the DCM." By the Sentinel Posted: June 30, 2014 3 July 1916

Private 17338 Arthur Bradshaw 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1896 son of Henry and Mary Jane Bradshaw of 37 Alfred Street, Fenton. His occupation was registered as Wheel Turner, Brick Works. Arthur enlisted to the North Staffs Regt in Stoke on the 30th March 1915. His occupation was noted as colour mixer. He was 5 ft 5½ inches and 7st 10lb, blue eyes and fair complexion. The regiment were engaged on the Western Front on the Somme when Arthur was reported as missing on the 3rd June 1916 and death presumed on the 3rd July 1916 age 19. He is commemorated at the Theipval Memorial. Somme , France. (Pier and Face 14B & 14C) John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 17298 Thomas Parker 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton in 1883 son of Eliza Parker. In 1906 he married Francis Mary Wall at Stoke Catholic Church, Hartshill on 4th August 1906. They had three children. Thomas, Elizabeth and Francis Mary. His occupation was a Glost Placer. Thomas enlisted in Stoke to the North Staffs Regt. The regiment were engaged on the Western Front on the Somme when Thomas was reported as missing, presumed dead on the 3rd July 1916 age 33. BEF France He is commemorated at the Theipval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14B & 14C) John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 10185 Thomas Henry Tunstall 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1897 son of Richard and Harriet Annie Colclough of 3 Sutherland Street, Fenton. In 1911 Thomas was occupied as Office Boy. Thomas enlisted in Stoke to the North Staffs Regt. The regiment were engaged on the Western Front on the Somme and was killed in action on the 3rd July 1916 age 19. BEF France He is commemorated at the Ovillers Military Cemetery, Somme. (Grave X.O.9) Thomas was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 3rd July 1918 Private 50548 Moses Porter 4th Res. Bn. Lincolnshire Regiment Not yet recorded on the war memorial Born in Fenton in 1898 son of William (d1910) and Mary Ann Porter. In 1911 living in Hanley with widowed mother he was till attending school. Enlisted in Tunstall into the Lincolnshire Regiment. Moses died at home on the 3rd July 1918 age 19. He is buried in Hanley Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. The headstone is inscribed “Gone but not forgotten. RIP” Moses was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 3rd July 1945 Gunner 1725594 Joseph Hallam. 12 Bty. 6 H.A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery. Born 1915 son of Joseph and Rose Hannah Elizabeth Hallam of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1938 Joseph married Annie Bates at Longton, St John the Baptist. Historic Information (CWGC) After the fall of Singapore several thousand British and Australian Prisoners of War were sent to camps in Borneo, mainly in the Sandakan area on the eastern coast of North Borneo, where they were employed on aerodrome construction. The Australians belonged to the 8th Australian Division (“B” forces numbering 1,494 and “E” force 500). In October 1943 most of the officers were separated from their men and sent to Kuching. Thereafter conditions at Sandakan greatly worsened; the men were starved, beaten and overworked by their captors. In February 1945 the Japanese, anticipating Allied landings in North Borneo, decided to move the Prisoners of War westwards to Ranau, more than 160 miles inland from Sandakan. Although many had already been transferred to other centres, more than 1,900 British and Australian servicemen remained to take part in the “Death march to Ranau”. Those who fell, sick or exhausted, on the journey were killed; the survivors who reached Ranau were made to perform superhuman work on starvation rations. Out of the 2,000 men who left Sandakan only 260 arrived at Ranau, and most of these succumbed later. Only six survived the end of the war. These six escaped from Ranau and were living with the natives when rescued. Joseph died 3rd July 1945 age 30 and was buried at Lintang Camp Cemetery, Cuching. On the 5/9/1946 Joseph was reburied , . (Grave ref: R.E.15) Headstone “Remembrance is a golden chain which binds us till we meet again”. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Historic Information continued. When the Australian Army Graves Service entered Borneo they followed the route from Sandakan to Ranau, and found many unidentifiable victims of this infamous march. These and other casualties from Battlefield Burial Grounds and from scattered graves throughout Borneo were taken in the first instance to Sandakan, where a large number of prisoners of war were already buried. This flat coastal area, however, was subject to severe flooding and it proved impracticable to construct and maintain a permanent cemetery. The Sandakan graves, numbering 2,700 of which more than half were unnamed, were therefore transferred to Labuan War Cemetery, specially constructed to receive graves from all over Borneo. As well as the graves from Sandakan, about 500 are from Kuching where there was another large prisoner-of-war camp. The total number of burials is 3,900. The preponderance of unidentified graves is due to the destruction of all the records of the camps by Colonel Suga, the Japanese commandment, before the Australians reached Kuching, his headquarters. When apprehended, this man committed suicide rather than face questioning on his conduct of the Borneo Camps.

4th July 1916 Sapper 1026 Frederick Rushton Royal Engineers. 1st/2nd (North Midland) Field Coy. Born in 1887 son of Thomas and Mary Ann Rushton of 39 Raglon St, Fenton, later to live at 130 Park Rd (now Fenpark Rd) Frederick enlisted in Smethwick and joined the Royal Engineers on the Western Front In 1915, in response to German mining of British trenches under the then static siege conditions of World War One, the corps formed its own tunnelling companies. Manned by experienced coal miners from across the country, they operated with great success until 1917. Frederick was killed in action on 4th July 1916 and is commemorated at Fonquevillers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais France (Grave I.L.23) The wording on his headstone requested by his parents. “Until the day breaks and shadows flee” In 1915 and 1916 the Allied front line ran between Foncquevillers and Gommecourt. The cemetery was begun by French troops, and taken over by Commonweatlh forces. It remained in use by units and field ambulances until March 1917, the burials in July 1916 (particularly in Plot I, Row L) being especially numerous. Samuel was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 4th July 1918 Private 53006 Samuel Johnson 2nd Bn West Yorkshire Regt (Prince of Wales Own) Born in Longton Samual was enlisted in Stoke into the West Yorkshire Regt. He served in the second Battalion in France and Flanders He died on 4th July 1918 and is commemorated at the Aulnoye Communal Cemetery. Nord, France (Grave I. A. 28) For much of the First World War, the communal cemetery at Aulnoye was used by the Germans for the burial of their own dead as well as Italian, Commonwealth, French and Russian prisoners of war. Samuel was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

5th July 1915 Driver 29740 Arthur Hughes 15th Bde Ammunition Column, Royal Horse Artillery Born in 1881 son of William and Jane Hughes of 12 High Street East, Fenton. In 1911 Arthur was living with his widowed mother with his brother and sisters at 66 Cambridge St, Fenton. (bottom half of Masterson St) Arthur died of his wounds in Malta, 5th July 1915 age 34. He is commemorated at the Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta (Grave B.1.3) Arthur was awarded 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. In 1915, as Europe’s armies faced stalemate, World War One spread beyond the Western Front. To try to break the deadlock Britain and France led new campaigns at Gallipoli in Turkey, and Salonika in Greece. New battle fronts meant new places to treat the wounded would be needed. But the allies had more than just combat casualties to deal with. Climate and conditions brought malaria and dysentery. Very quickly, there were tens of thousands of soldiers in need of urgent and ongoing care. The answer was a tiny rock in the Mediterranean Sea. At a safe distance from the front line, Malta became a hospital island for more than 136,000 men. By the end of the war it had earned itself the nickname the "Nurse of the Mediterranean". 5th July 1916 Lance Corporal 18384 John Thomas Reynolds 1st Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) Born 1881 in , son of Mark and Mary A. Reynolds. In 1905 John married Maria Powell at Stoke St Peter’s and in 1911 they were living at 33 Elgin St, Fenton (now Marriot St) with two children, John 5 and Percy 1. John was employed as a Pottery Gilder. John was enlisted into the Sherwood Forrester’s. As a member of the first battalion he took part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. John was killed in action 5th July 1916 age 35 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 10C.10D. and 11A) Arthur was awarded 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

6th July 1916 Private 12427 Cyril Bickerton 8th Bn North Staffs (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born in Caverswall March 1891 son of William and Alice Martha Hackney. In 1911 he was living at 15 Trentham Road, Longton with his parents and three brothers. He was employed as a Coal Miner. Cyril was enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt. As a member of the Eighth battalion he took part in the Battle of Albert (1– 13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. Cyril was killed in action 6th July 1916 age 25 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 14B and 14C.) Cyril was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Sergeant 23415 Harry Knapper MM 46 Bn Machine Gun Corp Formerly 2558, N. Staffs Regt. M.M

. Born in Fenton 1882 son of William and Elizabeth Knapper of 32 China Street, Fenton. In 1911 he was boarding at 8 Paynter Street, Fenton with his widowed father and sister Ester-Ann. He is recorded as working in the Pits as a Trammer underground. In 1918 Harry married Marie Edwards in a civil marriage in Stoke-on-Trent He enlisted and was posted to the North Staffordshire Regt and then to then to the Machine Gun Corp. The Machine Gun Corps (MGC) was a corps of the British Army, formed in October 1915 in response to the need for more effective use of machine guns on the Western Front in . In 1917 Harry as a corporal was awarded the Military Medal for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Harry died of wounds 6 July 1918 age 26 and is commemorated at the Pernes British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. V.D.43. His headstone bears the words “Duty Nobly Done” Harry was the Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal 6th July 1944 Private 14552671 Thomas Edwin Day. 2/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born 1925 son of Samuel and Florence Alice Day of Fenton. Death 6th July 1944 age 19. Thomas was buried at Anlay, France. Map rf: 7F/1 MR 013762. On the 25/6/1945 jis body was exhumed and reburied at Hermanville Beach Cemetery, Clavados, France. (Grave ref 4.E.10) Headstone “Greater love hath no man than this” Thomas was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. The village of Hermanville lay behind and was occupied early on 6 June by men of the South Lancashire regiment. Later the same day, the Shropshire Light Infantry supported by the armour of the Staffordshire Yeomanry managed to reach and hold Bieville-Benville, four kilometres to the south of Hermanville. Many of those buried in died on 6 June or during the first days of the drive towards Caen. The cemetery contains 1,003 Second World War burials, 103 of them unidentified. 6th July 1942 Able Seaman D/JX 163597 Laurence Grall. Royal Navy. HMS Niger. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1924 Son of Mrs. E. M. Grall, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. HMS Niger a Halcyon class class of 21 oil-fired (officially, "fleet minesweeping sloops") built for the British Royal Navy between 1933 and 1939. They were given traditional small ship names used historically by the Royal Navy and served during World War II. Halcyons served in Home waters, at Dunkirk, on Arctic convoy duty, and in the Mediterranean. Niger. (Cdr. A. J. Cubison, DSC and Bar) was lost off Iceland on 5 July 1942 while escorting Convoy QP 13, when part of the convoy wandered into a British minefield. (Wikipedia) Date of Death: 06/07/1942 age 18. Commemorated Plymouth Naval Base. Devon. Panel ref: Panel 65, Column 1. Laurence was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. Lance Sergeant 863203 Frederick Emery. 30 Field Regiment. Royal Artillery. Born Stoke-on-Trent Frederick died 6th July 1944 and is commemorated at Foiano Della Chiana War Cemetery. Italy (Grave ref: II.C.5) Frederick was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information. (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but the advance was checked for some months at the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line. The line eventually fell in May 1944 and as the Germans withdrew, Rome was taken by the Allies on 3 June. Early in July there was heavy fighting in the Chiana valley where the Germans made their last stand in front of Arezzo and the Arno. The cemetery is a battlefield cemetery originally formed by the and later increased when graves were brought in from the surrounding area. Most of the burials in the cemetery date from the first two weeks of July 1944. Foiano della Chiana War Cemetery contains 256 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. It was designed by Louis de Soissons

7th July 1915 Private 2439 William Pritchard 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1896 in Hanley son of George H and Kate Elizabeth Pritchard. In 1911 living with his brother George and sister Georgina at 8 Ernest Place Fenton. Williams occupation a Pottery Mould Runner. William enlisted and was sent to the Western Front with the 1st/5th Bn North Stafford’s. They were engaged in the Second Battle of Ypres which began in April 1915 when the Germans released poison gas into the Allied lines north of Ypres. This was the first time gas had been used by either side or the violence of the attack forced an Allied withdrawal and a shortening of the line of defence. William died on the 7th July 1915 age 19 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Addenda Panel) The Addenda Panel lists those service personnel whose details are awaiting addition to the Regimental Panels. William received the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 7th July 1916 Corporal 15746 Samuel James Edgerton 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born at Endon, Staffordshire in 1888 son of Samuel and Hilda Edgerton. In 1909 Samuel married Hilda Gater at Fenton Christ Church. In 1911 the family were living at 3 Holly Place, Heron Cross, Fenton, also lived at 264 Duke Street, Fenton. Samuels occupation was recorded as Coal Miner, Hewer. Other regimental number 9355 Enlisted in Stoke-on-Trent 1st September 1914 and was posted to the North Staffordshire Regt, Regimental number 9355. He was 5ft 6 tall, 9 stone 6 with brown eyes and a fair complexion. He was transferred to the 11th Bn in November 1914. In February 1916 Samuel was promoted to acting Corporal and transferred to the 8th Bn in April. As a member of the 8th battalion he took part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo- French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. On the 7th July 1916 Samuel died of his wounds at No 2 Canadian : General Hospital, LeTreport. He is commemorated at Le Treport Military Cemetery. Seine-Maritime, France (Plot 2 Row O. Grave 1C) Samuel was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Corporal 10307 William Hallam 9th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Rgt) Formerly 7205, Scots Greys. Born 1883 in Longton son of John and Susannah Hallam, of 83, Foley St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Enlisted in Warrington into The Scots Greys before transferring to the London Regt. William served on the Somme where supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained On the 7th July 1916 William died of his wounds and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Pier and Face 8C 9A and 16A) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Lance Corporal 3/16362 Thomas Oakey 9th Bn Duke Of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) Born in 1879 in Ashby Leicestershire son of Thomas and Sarah Oakey. In 1911 the family were living at 64 Temple Street, Fenton and Thomas’s occupation was a Pottery slip maker. In 1897 John enlisted into 4th Bn North Staffordshire Regt, Regimental number 5417 was discharged 1909 and added to army reserve in 1913 He took part in the South Africa Campaign 1901-02. In June His service was from Lichfield, Belfast, Newry, South Africa and back to Lichfield in October 1902 suffered with Contusions, eye, Severe haemorrhage and fracture. In 1914 age 35 was a reservist when in April 1915 John was posted to the Duke of Wellington (West Riding) Regiment. Regimental number 16362 and appointed Lance Corporal in February 1916. On the 7th July 1916 John was reported missing and then killed in action during the Battle of Albert. (See above) He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial Somme, France (Pier and Face 6 A and 6 B) For his military service Thomas received the South Africa 1900-1-2. Queens Medal Clasps “Relief of Kimberly O.F. State Johannesburg”. Kings Medal, Clasps 1901-1902. The British War Medal and Victory Medal. His brother Geoffrey (346) was also killed in action 9 months after on 4th April 1917 7th July 1917 Staff Sergeant 313004 Charles Meakin Hammersley 1st/1st (North Midland ) Bde. Royal Garrison Artillery Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born in 1889 in Fenton son of Samuel Hammersley of 7 Hitchman Street, Fenton. In 1906 Charles married Martha Hand of the Roe Buck Hotel, Stoke at St Peters Church, Stoke. He served on the Western Front in France and was killed in action 7th July 1917 age 28 He is commemorated at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension Nord. France (Grave 111.D.215) His headstone at the request of his wife bears the words “In the midst of life, we are in death” He is also commemorated on his father’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Charles was mentioned in Despatches This is the lowest form of recognition that was announced. The Mention in Despatches (M.I.D.) for a serviceman is not an award of a medal, but is a commendation of an act of gallantry or service. Charles Meakin Hammersley’s name would appear in the official report written by a Superior Officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the Soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy. This despatch is published in the London Gazette newspaper of the State, which has existed since 1665 and is still published today

8th July 1921 Private 5040619 George Barton M.M. 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial George was born in Longton in 1890 son of Dinah Barton of no 1 Cross Keys Square, King Street, Fenton. George’s occupation was a Potters Mill Hand. In 1913 George married Elizabeth Ann Machin at Longton, St John the Baptist church. George served in the 2ND Bn the North Staffordshire Regt and died on the 8th July 1921 age 31. He is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 1814) and was awarded the Military Medal, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His headstone bears the words “Peace, Perfect Peace” 8th July 1944, Gunner 1786201 Reginald Clamp. 68 Anti-Tank Regt. Royal Artillery Born 1912 son of Richard John and Emily Clamp of Fenton. In 1933 Reginald married Phyllis Tomkin in a Civil Marriage in Stoke-on-Trent. Reginald died 8th July 1944, Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45. Reginald was buried at Galmanche map ref: 7F/1 008733. His body was exhumed and reburied on 21/6/1945 at Hermanville Beach War Cemetery, Calvados, France (Grave ref: 4.B.15) Headstone “Duty Nobly Done” Reginald was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star Lance Sergeant 5051937 George Edward Spendilow. 6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1916 son of George and Nellie Spendilow of Normacot. In 1939 George married Phyllis Swann at Fenton, Christ Church. George died 8th July 1944 age 28 Western Europe Campaign. He was originally buried Colleville (map ref: 7F1 928.650) On the 27/9/1945 he was reburied at Brouy British Cemetery, Calvados, France. (Grave ref: V A 12) Headstone “May we be worthy of his supreme sacrifice” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. For the most part, the burials in Brouay War Cemetery relate to the heavy fighting of June and July 1944, when Commonwealth forces attempted to encircle Caen to the south. The cemetery contains 377 Second World War burials, seven of them unidentified. Private 5059112 Ernest Hudson. 6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1916 Son of Jack and Berta Hudson, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent; In 1939 Ernest married Dora Marie Moore of Fenton at Caverswall, St Peter. 6th (Territorial Army) Battalion: 03 September 1939: The Battalion was stationed in Lichfield and became part of 176th Brigade, 59th Division. It remained in the UK training for the Normandy invasion 25 June 1944: The battalion, along with the rest of the 59th Division, arrived in Normandy via Juno Beach and assembled at Bayeux-Creully. 07-09 July 1944: It took part in “Operation Charnwood”. The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. A unit of the East Riding Yeomanry, R.A.C., in support of the 3rd British Infantry Division, reached the northern outskirts of Cambes-en-Plaine on the 9th June. Here they found the Germans dug in and the advance to Caen was halted. Ernest died 8th July 1944 age 28, Western Europe Campaign, and is commemorated at Cambes-en-Plaine War Cemetery, Calvados, France (Grave ref: Row F 6) Headstone “To a beautiful life came to sudden end. He lived as he died everyone’s friend) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

9th July 1916 Driver 96876 Albert Machin. Royal Field Artillery. 29th Small Arms Ammunition Col. Born in 1885 in no 2 Fenton Low, son of Levi and Alice Machin. In 1906 he married Annie Greenwood at Crewe, St Paul and they lived at 69 Peel St. Crewe. William enlisted in Crewe and joined the Royal Field Artillery. 29th Small Arms Ammunition Column in Salonika. He died on the 9th July 1916 age 30 and is commemorated at the Salonika (Lembert Road) Cemetery, Greece (Grave 220) His headstone has the words “Rest in Peace” Albert received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

10th July 1916 Lance Corporal 18619 Charles Thomas Steele. 11th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) Not yet included on the memorial (AA 47) Born 1891 in Longton son of George and Agnes Steele of 64 Duke, St Fenton. His occupation was Coal Miner, Waggoner. Charles married Emily M Eldon at Christ Church, Fenton in 1913 and lived at 13 China Street, Fenton Charles was in the 11th Bn Sherwood Forresters and took part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. Charles died of his wounds, 10th July 1916 and is commemorated at the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (VIII.C.120) The headstone bears the words “Ever remembered by his loving wife and children. Thy Will Be Done” He received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

11th July 1915 Private L/16411 Percival Edwards. 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born 1894 at 35 Park St, Fenton son of Mary Ann Harding (formerly Edwards), of 27, Wallis St., Fenton, and the late George Thomas Edwards. The 4th Battalion in August 1914 were stationed at Parkhurst, Isle of Wight as part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Division. They were mobilized for war and landed at Havre the Division was one of the first to arrive and remained on the Western Front for the duration of the war engaged in various actions including in in 1915 The Winter Operations 1914-15, The First Attack on Bellewaarde. Little is remembered of the Battle of Bellewaarde, which took place on the 16th June 1915, it is also known as the First Battle of Bellewaarde, or The Battle of Hooge. A battlefield approximately ½ mile square, where over 1000 men died within a 12 hour period and many others wounded, some would die later of infection or complications. Percival died in Military Hospital, Reading 11th July 1915, age 21. He was then buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref: 2362) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. 11th July 1915 Private 626 William S Boulton 1st/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born in Fenton 1888, son of William Joseph and Sarah Boulton. In 1911 the family were living at 91 High St, (now City Rd) Fenton and William was working as a Stone Mason, Sanitary Mason. In 1911 he married Elizabeth Fenton at Cobridge, Christchurch and lived at 6 Stewart St, Fenton. He enlisted into the Territorial Force, North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regt serving in France and Flanders and was killed in action on the 11th July 1915 age 28 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 2340) The headstone reads Sgt William S. BOULTON, husband of Elizabeth, of High St, Fenton, died of wounds received in France, 11 July 1915, age 26 William George, only son, 3 Oct 1914, 3 yrs William was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal 11th July 1944 Private 5057798 Kenneth Adams. 2nd Bn. East Yorkshire Regiment Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1923 at Nottingham son of William H. Adams and Gladys M. Adams, of Fenton, in 1944 Kenneth married Elizabeth Goodwin at Stoke, St Peter. 06 June 1944: The Battalion took part in . It took all their objectives despite suffering many casualties. The Battalion was involved in action all the way through the Normandy Campaign, then on into Belgium, Holland and lastly into Bremen, Germany. This attack was the last action of the campaign for the Battalion. Date of Death: 11th July 1944 Age: 21, Western Europe Campaign. He is commemorated at Hartshill Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (grave ref: 18473) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star

12th July 1944 Private 5125783 Mervyn Arthur Johnson. 5th Bn Northamptonshire Regiment Born 1923 at Brighton, resident in Stoke-on-Trent. On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year. The Royal Palace at Caserta served as headquarters for the Allied armies in Italy for the greater part of the duration of the Italian campaign and the 2nd General Hospital was at Caserta from December 1943 until September 1945. Some of those buried here died in the hospital, others as prisoners of war (there was a POW Hospital at Caserta) before the Allied invasion. There are also a few burials from the October 1943 fighting on the River Volturno, which lies not far away to the north. Mervyn died 12th July 1944 age 21 and is commemorated at Caserta War Cemetery, Italy. (Grave ref: I B 16) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Caserta War Cemetery contains 768 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.

13th July 1915 Private 17024 Aaron Bradbury 2nd Btn Lincolnshire Rgt Born in Fenton in 1884 son of Edward and Mary A of 35 Meakins Row, Fenton. In 1905 he married Mary Ann Daniels in a civil marriage. In 1911 Aaron was living with his wife at 180 Park Road, (now Fenpark) Fenton and an occupation as a Coal Miner and Loader. Aaron as a private in the Lincolnshire Regiment fought on the Western Front in The , The . He was killed in action on the 13th July 1915 age 31 and is buried at White City Cemetery, Nord, France. (Grave D14) He received the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 2842 John Hallam 9th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Rgt) Born 1890 son of John and Susannah of 11 Melbourne St, Longton and living in Fenton In May 1915 the regiment mobilised for war and landed at France and the Division was engaged in various actions on the Western front including; The Battle of Loos. John died of his wounds 13th July 1915 age 25 and is commemorated at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord. France (Grave I.D.111) Albert was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal

14th July 1915 Private 8397 Frederick Farnell 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1890 son of William and Mary Ann Farnell of 9 Clarence Street, Fenton. In 1911 was boarding at 44 Park Street, Fenton and his occupation was registered as Miners Wagoner’s in the Pit. Frederick enlisted into the North Staffordshire and was part of the 1st Battalion fighting on the Western Front in the battles of the Somme and Ypers. He died of his wounds on the 14th July 1915 age 25 and is commemorated at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, France (Grave 111. B. 15) During the First World War, the village of Lijssenthoek was situated on the main communication line between the Allied military bases in the rear and the Ypres battlefields. Close to the Front, but out of the extreme range of most German field artillery, it became a natural place to establish casualty clearing stations. Frederick received the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. 14th July 1916 Private 14652 Bert Drakeford 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment attd 7th Bn Gloucestershire Regt Born in Dresdon in 1895, son of Mary Drakeford of 65 Foley Street, Fenton. Occupation a Potter. He enlisted and posted to 11th North Stafford’s and then transferred to the 7th Battalion. In January 1916 the battalion evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions and in February they moved to Mesopotamia. The regiment was involved in the siege of Kut-al-Amara which lasted 147 days, before the 11,800 British and Indian troops inside the garrison town finally surrendered on 29 April 1916. Conditions during the siege were appalling. In bitterly cold weather and with little medical treatment, many of the soldiers did not survive the winter. Several attempts were made to relieve the besieged town, but they encountered stubborn Turkish resistance and all ended in failure Bert’s papers record that (on the 14th June 1916?) died of acute Enteritis, due to field operations at the 32nd British General hospital, Makina, I.E.F “D” Mesopotamia. He died of Disease in Mesopotamia July 14th 1916 and is commemorated at the Basra War Cemetery, Basra (Grave 6. M. 12) his headstone is inscribed “Though far away from them he loved so dear, in a hero’s grave he lies” He received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 20510 Herbert Holdcroft. 1st Bn Kings Own Scottish Borders Born in Hanley son of John and Hannah Holdcroft. In 1911 Herbert was living at 4 Brook Street, Fenton and his occupation a Potters Ovenman. William enlisted into the Scottish Borderers and with the 1st Bn he was part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. On the 14th July 1916 Herbert was killled in action 14th July 1916, age 38 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 4A and 4D) Cyril was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Herbert received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 18240 John Thomas Morris. 1st Bn South Staffordshire Regt Born in 1889 son of John T and Ann Morris of 11 Kent Stret, Fenton. Occupation: Potters Placers. John enlisted into the South Stafford’s and with the 1st Bn he was part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. On the 14th July 1916 John was killed in action on the 14th July 1916 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 7B) John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Herbert received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private 16102 William Saunders. 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1886 William married Harriet Brian on 24th December 1910 at St John the Baptist church, Longton. Williams occupation was Coal Miner, Hewer. In 1914 was living at Baths Street, Longton with a child Bertha born in 1911. After Williams’s death Harriet Husband of Harriet remarried and lived at 72 Brocksford St, Fenton. He enlisted 29th December 1914 at Longton and served with the Staffordshire Regt in the 9th (Service) Battalion (Pioneers) on the Somme in France. He died of his wounds at the No 36 Casualty Clearing Station BEF age 32 on the 14th July 1916 and is commemorated at the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’abbe , Somme (II.B.25) William received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 18089 John Thomas 8th Bn East Yorkshire Regt Born in 1876 in Fenton John married Blanch Ashley in 1906 at Fenton Christ Church they lived at 11 Broad St, (now Wileman St) Fenton. They had three children, Agnes 20th May 1908, Gwendolen Thomas June 25th 1910 and John Reginald in July 1912. John enlisted in August 1914 having previously in the Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers (Time Expired) He was posted with the North Stafford’s 4th Btn. In May 1915 he was transferred to the East Yorkshire Regt 3rd Btn in France and then to the 2nd Btn. John was wounded in action at Etaples 8/10/1915, he then returned home until 5/5/1916 when he joined the 8th Btn in the British European Force in France On the 14th July 1916 John was killed in action in the field age 40 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme ,France (Pier and Face 2C) John received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

15th July 1918 Ford William Private 49998 William Henry Ford 13th Bn Kings (Liverpool Regt) Formerly 35793, North Staffordshire Regiment. Born in 1897 son of William Henry and Mary Ford of 25 Smith Street, (now Hallam St) Fenton. Enlisted in Longton into the North Stafford’s regt before transferring to the Liverpool Regt on the Western Front, being engaged with the 13th (Service) Battalion. William died of his wounds on the 15th July 1918 age 21 and is commemorated at the Pernes British Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave V.E.41) William received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 15th July 1943 Aircraftman 2nd Class. 1737120 Henry Roy Astill. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1923 son of Clement J. and Emily Astill, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Historical Information (CWGC) On 10 July 1943, following the successful conclusion of the in mid May, a combined allied force of 160,000 Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily as a prelude to the assault on mainland Italy. The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little determined resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn. The campaign in Sicily came to an end on 17 August when the two allied forces came together at Messina, but failed to cut off the retreating Axis lines. Commonwealth forces made their landings in the south-east corner of the island between Pachina and Syracuse, and the majority of those buried in Syracuse War Cemetery died during those landings or in the early stages of the campaign. Many graves belong to men of the airborne force that attempted landings west of the town on the night of 9-10 July, when gale force winds forced 60 of the 140 gliders used into the sea and blew others wide of their objectives.

Henry died 15/7/1943, Age: 20. Henry was originally buried at map ref: GR18/SHH/246. On 4th/12/1945 he was transferred and reburied at Syracuse War Cemetery, Sicily. (Grave Reference: IV. D. 8). He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939- 45 Star. Syracuse War Cemetery contains 1,059 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 134 of them unidentified.

15th July 1944

Sapper 2011262 Reginald Joseph Degg. 278 Field Company, Royal Engineers. Born 1917 son of Percy and Florence Degg of Fenton. In 1937 Reginald married Phylis E Rowley at Coppenhall (Crewe) St Michael. Reginald died 15th July 1944 and was buried at Ryes Temporary Cemetery (map ref: 7E/5 862.822) and was interred and reburied on 15/2/1945 at Ryes British Cemetery, Bazenville, Calvados, France. Headstone “In the watchful care of God, He lies with England’s Heroes. Eternal rest. Reginald was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. Ryes War Cemetery is not far inland from the beaches at Arromanches, where the 50th Division landed on 6 June. The first burials were made there just two days after the landings. The cemetery contains 652 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. There are also one Polish and 335 German graves.

16th July 1943 Lance Corporal 4037245 Richard Degg. 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry Born 1915 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Richard and Matilda Degg of Hanley. In 1938 Richard married Marion Clewes at Fenton (Temple Street) Methodists Church. 9th DLI Battalion: They served in N Africa, Zt el Mrassas, Point 174; El Alamein, Mareth. Landing in Sicily seeing action at Primosole Bridge and in NW Europe: Villers Bocage, Tilly-sur-Seulles, St. Pierre la Vielle; Gheel, Roer, Ibbenburen. (Forces War Records) It was reported to the War Office Casualty Section (casualty list 1218) on the 21/8/1943 that Richard had been killed in action on the 16th July 1943. His body was buried at map ref: GR/11GNF/35. 18/11/1943 his body was exhumed and reburied at Catania War Cemetery, Sicily (Grave ref: III. D. 15) Headstone “Too dear in life to be forgotten in death” Richard was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) On 10 July 1943, following the successful conclusion of the north African campaign in mid May, a combined allied force of 160,000 Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily as a prelude to the assault on mainland Italy. The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little determined resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn. The campaign in Sicily came to an end on 17 August when the two allied forces came together at Messina, but failed to cut off the retreating Axis lines. Catania War Cemetery contains burials from the later stages of the campaign, from Lentini northwards. Many died in the heavy fighting just short of Catania (the town was taken on 5 August) and in the battle for the Simeto river bridgehead. Catania War Cemetery contains 2,135 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 113 of them unidentified.

Between 18 /19th July. Sgt/Gnr. G.E.Bloor: R.A.F. Sergeant Gordon Elijah Bloor. RAF. 101 Sqdn. West Raynham. Bomber Command. Born 1919 son of James and S.A. Bloor of, 66 Oldfield Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Aircraft: Blenheim IV. SR. P6924 The Bristol Blenheim, the most plentiful aircraft in the RAFs inventory when WWII began, was designed by Frank Barnwell, and when first flown in 1936 was unique with its all metal monoplane design incorporating a retractable undercarriage, wing flaps, metal props, and supercharged engines. A typical bomb load for a Blenheim was 1,000 pounds. In the early stages of the war Blenheims were used on many daylight bombing missions. While great heroism was displayed by the air crews, tremendous losses were sustained during these missions. The Blenhiem was easy pickings at altitude for German Bf-109 fighters who quickly learned to attack from below. To protect the vulnerable bellies of the Blenheims many missions were shifted to low altitude, but this increased the aircrafts exposure to anti-aircraft fire. www.worldnavalships.com Duty Location: Invasion Ports. Killed 18th-19th July 1940, Lost without trace and is commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, Surry. Gordon was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, 1939 -45 Star and Air Crew Europe Star. Historical Information (CWGC) The Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede commemorates by name over 20,000 airmen who were lost in the Second World War during operations from bases in the United Kingdom and North and Western Europe, and who have no known graves. They served in Bomber, Fighter, Coastal, Transport, Flying Training and Maintenance Commands, and came from all parts of the Commonwealth. Some were from countries in continental Europe which had been overrun but whose airmen continued to fight in the ranks of the Royal Air Force.

19th July 1917 Second Lieutenant Norman Rhead Potts 9th (Pioneer) Bn South Staffordshire Regt Born in Fenton in 1892 son of Mrs Louisa and the late James Potts of 140 Victoria Road, Fenton In 1911 the family were living at the same address and Normans occupation was recorded as assistant in business Norman passed out in Durham as a lay person or as a padre but didn't join up as a padre. He joined the South Stafford’s, 9th Pioneer Battalion. On the 18th July 1915 he was promoted to temporary Second Lieutenants. And to temporary Lieutenants while employed as a bombing officer in 1916 For the 19th July 1917 the Battalion war diary reads "Camp shelled at night. Only one direct hit into camp. CAPT. M.W. LISTER, 2 Lt. E. HOLLAND and 2 Lt. N.R, POTTS killed. 2 Lt. H.F. HOLDEN wounded. 3 O.R. wounded. Road Coy. did good work and some slabbing & corduory work was effected. Tramway Coy. layed 150 yds. rail Coys. on trench work failed to work owing to a raid executed by Division." It was then recorded that Norman was Killed in action on the 19th July 1917 age 25 and is commemorated at the Dickebush New Military Cemetery Extension, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave II.C.8) His headstone bears the words “Deemed Worthy” Normans medals, the British War Medal and Victory Medal were requested by Mrs Louisa Rhead Jones. (sister) 36 Crawford St, Fenton 19th July 1943. Sapper 1897638 Henry Carding Listed as Acting Lance Sergeant in May 1943. 18th Div Postal Unit Royal Engineers. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1913 at Goddard St, Fenton. While serving in Malaya Henry was reported missing 15/2/1942. (Casualty list 791) 17th May 1943 now reported as Prisoner of War (Casualty list 1128) Historical Information. (CWGC) The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar). Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre. The Japanese aimed at completing the railway in 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line, 424 kilometres long, was completed by December 1943. The graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the Burma-Siam railway (except for the Americans, whose remains were repatriated) were transferred from camp burial grounds and isolated sites along the railway into three cemeteries at Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar. Died in Malaya 19/7/1943 age 30. Henry’s body was originally buried at Kinsyoke (grave 132) 13/3/1946 his body was reburied and commemorated at Kanchanaburi Military Cemetery, Siam. (Grave ref: 8 G 20) Henry was entitled to the War Medal 1939- 1945 and 1939-45 Star. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is only a short distance from the site of the former 'Kanburi', the prisoner of war base camp through which most of the prisoners passed on their way to other camps. It was created by the Army Graves Service who transferred to it all graves along the southern section of railway, from Bangkok to Nieke. 19th July 1944 Private 4037844 Thomas Henry Brough. Royal Army Ordinance Corps. attd 27th Armed. Brigade. Born 1914 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Ernest Brough and step-son of Mary Ann Brough of Oakwood Road, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1939 Thomas married Coralena Smith at Blurton, St Bartholomew. Thomas died 19th July 1944 age 30 and was buried at La Deliverand Temp Cemetery Map ref 7E/5 1/5000 024.805. His body was exhumed and reburied in May 1945 at La Deliverand British Cemetery, Calvados, France (Grave ref V1.B.6) Headstone “What God hath willed, what God hath planned, some day, some time we’ll understand” Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. The burials in La Delivrande War Cemetery mainly date from 6 June and the landings on Sword beach, particularly Oboe and Peter sectors. Others were brought in later from the battlefields between the coast and Caen. There are now 944 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 65 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to a number of casualties known to be buried among them. The cemetery also contains 180 German graves. Thomas was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

20th July 1915 Sapper 28367 John Derricott Royal Engineers 13th Base Park Coy. Born 1884 son of Thomas H and Sarah J Derricoot of 25 Park Street, Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 13 Pool St, Fenton and later to 34 Hollins St. John’s employment was as a Colliery Timekeeper. As part of the Royal Engineers John took part in the eight-month campaign in Gallipoli which was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. John was killed in action on the 20th July 1915 age 21 and is commemorated at the Lancashire Landing Cemetery. Turkey including Gallipoli) (Grave ref F. 93) The headstone at the request of his mother bears the words “Nobly died for his country” He is also commemorated on his parent’s memorial in Fenton Cemetery. John received the 1914/1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal 20th July 1916 Private 31816 Tom Francis Brindley. 10th Bn Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers. Born in 1886 son of Thomas W and Evelyn Brindley of 16 Sutherland St, Mount Pleasant. On the 22nd January 1908 Tom married Ada Pope at Fenton Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 living at 24 Park Street, with two children Tom Francis (1906) and Violet (1907), Tom’s occupation Potters Jigger. In June 1916 living at 11 Park Road, (now Fenpark Road) Fenton Tom enlisted at Longton and was posted to the 3rd Bn in Wrexham then to the 10th Bn in May 1916 and embarked to Etaples. The battalion was engaged at the Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916) which was a series of engagements in the 1916 Battle of the Somme As part of a general offensive General Douglas Haig, Commander of the BEF intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. During this battle on the 20th July 1916 Tom was reported missing and death was accepted as killed in action. His body was recovered from map ref 57c. S.18. a 7.6 His body exhumed from a smaller grave and identified by his G.S uniform, boots and titles. His body was reburied commemorated at the London Cemetery and Extension, The Somme, France ( 4.G.3) His headstone bears the words “Forever Loved” Tom received the British War Medal and Victory Medal Private 4949 Alfred Patrick. 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born in at Leigh in Staffordshire 1897 son of Alfred and Elizabeth Esther Patrick. In 1911 the family were living at 42 Queen Street, Fenton. Alfred was working as a Grocers Errand Boy. Enlisted at Fenton Town Hall, April 1915 and was posted to the 3rd/5th Btn. On the 11 April 1916 he was transferred to the 1st5th Territorial Force and posted to the BEF in France on the Western Front. Alfred was injured on the 2nd July 1916 at the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at Gomercourt and moved to the 6th casualty clearing station and to the 2nd Stationary Hospital at Bruay where he died of his wounds on the 20th July 1916. He is commemorated at the Abberville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. (Grave V.F.12) His headstone reads “Duty Nobly Done” Alfred received the British War Medal and Victory Medal Second Lieutenant Charles Howard Crofts, M.C. King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) attd. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Born in Longton in 1892 son of William Francis and Ann Cotterell Crofts of 67 King Street, Fenton. Charles was employed as an Apprentice Chemist. After his death his wife Muriel H. Rainford (formerly Crofts), lived at 20, Albert Rd., West Kirby, Cheshire. Charles enlisted and was posted to the Western Front with the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) attd. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. At the end of April 1918, five divisions of Commonwealth forces (IX Corps) were posted to the French 6th Army in this sector to rest and refit following the German offensives on the Somme and Lys. Here, at the end of May, they found themselves facing the overwhelming German attack which, despite fierce opposition, pushed the Allies back across the Aisne to the Marne. Having suffered 15,000 fatal casualties, IX Corps was withdrawn from this front in early July, but was replaced by XXII Corps, who took part in the Allied counter attack that had driven back the Germans by early August and recovered the lost ground. Charles died 20th July 1918, age 26 and is commemorated at the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France. He was awarded the Military Cross for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. He was also awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal Military Cross Instituted on 28th December 1914 the Military Cross (M.C.) is the third level military decoration awarded to Officers. This decoration was awarded to Charles Howard Crofts for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. The Military Cross (M.C.) is awarded for gallantry during active operations against the enemy. Charles Howard Crofts,as an owner of the Military Cross, is entitled to use the letters M.C. after his name. Citations for the M.C. were published in the London Gazette during the Great War. However if the M.C. was a King’s Birthday or New Year award, details were not published and in most cases will not be available

21st July 1917 Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Private 18716 E Jones 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1896 As part of the Staffordshire Regiment Private Jones would have been with his regiment engaged on the Western Front and in 1917 at the The Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, Died on the 21st July 1917 age 21 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (grave ref: 1863) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

22nd July 1917 Private 23721 John William Emery 16th Bn Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regt Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders Died of wounds 22nd July 1917 age 30 Born in 1887 at Fenton son of William and Annie Emery. John enlisted in Tamworth into the West Yorkshire Regt serving on the Western Front in France. Dduring 1917 the battalion were engaged in the Operations on the Ancre, The Third Battle of the Scarpe, The Capture of Oppy Wood. On the 22nd July 1917 John died of his wounds age 30. He is commemorated at the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension , Pas de Calais, France ( Grave 111.E. 29) Headstone (at request of Mr/NK. Mrs Hughes, 7 Brock St, Hanley) “until the day dawns” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 22nd July 1943 Gunner 5055230 Thomas Gibson. Royal Artillery. 165 Field Regiment. Born 1913 son of John William and Mary Gibson of Fenton. In 1935 Thomas married Beryl Eva Goldstraw at Fenton, Christ Church. Died 22nd July 1943 and was buried, map ref: 18GR/CB/2143. On the 20/7/44 his body was exhumed and reburied at CataniA British Military Cemetery, Italy (Grave ref: III. L.27) Headstone “No one near to hear his last farewell. No words of comfort from one he loves. His loving wife, Beryl” Thomas was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information. (CWGC) On 10 July 1943, following the successful conclusion of the north African campaign in mid May, a combined allied force of 160,000 Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily as a prelude to the assault on mainland Italy. The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little determined resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn. The campaign in Sicily came to an end on 17 August when the two allied forces came together at Messina, but failed to cut off the retreating Axis lines. Catania War Cemetery contains burials from the later stages of the campaign, from Lentini northwards. Many died in the heavy fighting just short of Catania (the town was taken on 5 August) and in the battle for the Simeto river bridgehead. Catania War Cemetery contains 2,135 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 113 of them unidentified.

23 July 1915 Private 2969 Fred Colclough 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1896 son of Fred and Margaret Ellen Colclough of 20 Church St (now Christchurch St) Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 33 Water Street, (now part of Watkin St) Fenton. Fred was registered as still at school. Enlisted in Hanley and was posted with the 1st/5th Btn North Safford’s and took part in the Battle at Hooge. Fred was killed in action on the 23rd July 1915 age 19. He is commemorated at the Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery (Grave I K 2) He was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal Private 16043 William Henry Steele. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Price of Wales) Regiment Born in 1891 son of George and Agnes Steele of 64 Duke Street, Fenton. William married Florence Emery in 1911 at Christ Church, Fenton. And lived at 17 Foley St, Fenton. They had three children, Florence (1911) Harriet (1912) and Doris (1914) Later they lived at 6 Bourne St, Heron Cross. Enlisted December 1914 at Stoke into the North Staffordshire Regt. He was posted to the 7th Bn in June 1915 to Gallipoli. Gallipoli was an eight-month campaign which was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. William was killed in action at the Gallipoli peninsular on 23rd July 1915 age 24 and is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli). (Panel 170 and 171) The memorial bears more than 21,000 names. William was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal He was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal Private 10782 Harry Smith. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regt Born in 1887 son of William H and Mary A Smith of 39 Frederick Street, Fenton. In 1911 he was living with his brother-in-law and sister Mary Ann in Hanley. He was registered as a Pottery Printer Harry enlisted and was posted to Gallipoli with the 7th Bn North Stafford’s. In July 1915 the regiment landed at Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including; the , The Battle of Russell's Top, The Battle of . The eight-month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. Harry died of his wounds on the 23rd July 1915 age 28. He is believed to be buried in the Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles Turkey (inc Gallipoli) (Sp mem 200) Inscribed on his memorial is “Their Glory Shall not be blotted out” He was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal 23 July 1916 Private 13800 Samuel Lockley 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1890 son of Thomas and Sarah Lockley of 8 Market St (now King St) Fenton. In 1911 the were living at 24 Brunswick St, (now Beville St) Fenton. Samuel’s occupation was Carter, Coal Dealer. Samual married Edith Lamb in 1911 at Fenton Christ Church. After Samuel’s death his parents lived at 21 Helena Street. Samuel enlisted in Stoke and was posted to the Staffordshire Regt. As part of the 8th Battalion they took part on the Somme at the Battle of Arras and High Wood. It was during this battle that Samuel was killed in action on the 23rd July 1916 age 26. Samuel was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He is commemorated at the Thiepval memorial Panel, Somme France (Panel 14B AND 14C) The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Private 14161 Thomas Hemmings 8th Battalion North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial.

In 1901 John lived with his mother Jane (widow) and 7 siblings at 15 Sutherland Street, Fenton. Thomas married Henrietta Tomkinson at Fenton Christ Church in 1905 and lived at Cavandish Street, Etruria Vale. John Joined up at Litchfield 2/9/1914 was posted to the 7th Battalion before joining the 8th bn on the 10th September 1914. He was 5ft 6 ½ inches and weighed 140lbs. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair and was employed as a miner. He was posted with the regiment to the BEF, France on 18/7/1915 and took part on the Somme at the Battle of Arras and High Wood. He died of his wounds 23/7/1916 at 38 CC Station. BEF. He is commemorated at Heilly Station Cemetery, Merricourt-L’Abbe Memorial (II.C.10) Somme, France. Historical Information (CWGC) The 36th Casualty Clearing Station was at Heilly from April 1916. It was joined in May by the 38th, and in July by the 2/2nd London, but these hospitals had all moved on by early June 1917.

The cemetery was begun in May 1916 and was used by the three medical units until April 1917. From March to May 1918, it was used by Australian units, and in the early autumn for further hospital burials when the 20th Casualty Clearing Station was there briefly in August and September 1918. The last burial was made in May 1919.

There are now 2,890 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. Only 12 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 21 casualties whose graves in the cemetery could not be exactly located. The cemetery also contains 83 German graves. The burials in this cemetery were carried out under extreme pressure and many of the graves are either too close together to be marked individually, or they contain multiple burials. Some headstones carry as many as three sets of casualty details, and in these cases, regimental badges have had to be omitted. Instead, these badges, 117 in all, have been carved on a cloister wall on the north side of the cemetery.

23rd July 1941 Sergeant 529437 Frederick Griffin. 205 Sqdn, Royal Air Force. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1911 age 30 son of Mrs. S. E. Griffin, of Heron Cross, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Historical Information. (CWGC) Before 1939 the Kranji area was a military camp and at the time of the Japanese invasion of Malaya, it was the site of a large ammunition magazine. On 8 February 1942, the Japanese crossed the Johore Straits in strength, landing at the mouth of the Kranji River within two miles of the place where the war cemetery now stands. On the evening of 9 February, they launched an attack between the river and the causeway. During the next few days fierce fighting ensued, in many cases hand to hand, until their greatly superior numbers and air strength necessitated a withdrawal. After the fall of the island, the Japanese established a prisoner of war camp at Kranji and eventually a hospital was organised nearby at Woodlands.

Date of Death: 23/07/1941 age 30. Commemorated at Singapore Memorial (Panel Ref: Column 410.) Frederick was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

Within Kranji War Cemetery stands the Singapore Memorial, bearing the names of over 24,000 casualties of the Commonwealth land and air forces who have no known grave. Many of these have no known date of death and are accorded within our records the date or period from when they were known to be missing or captured. The land forces commemorated by the memorial died during the campaigns in Malaya and Indonesia or in subsequent captivity, many of them during the construction of the Burma- Thailand railway, or at sea while being transported into imprisonment elsewhere. The memorial also commemorates airmen who died during operations over the whole of southern and eastern Asia and the surrounding seas and oceans. (CWGC)

25th July 1917 Private 12636 Joseph Goodwin 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in and resident in Fenton Joseph joined the North Staffordshire Regt and served on the Western Front in Flanders. As part of the 9th Bn he was engaged in an intense artillery battle in progress when Joseph was reported missing presumed dead on the 25th July 1917. His body was eventually found at Map Ref 0 27 C 39 and reburied and commemorated at Messines Ridge British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave 11.A.25) Messines British Cemetery was made after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefield around Messines. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal Private 14286 Arthur Roberts 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Stoke-on-Trent resident in Fenton Arthur joined the 9th Bn North Stafford’s and served on the Western Front in Flanders. They were engaged in an intense artillery battle in progress when Arthur was reported missing presumed dead on the 25th July 1917. Together with Joseph Goodwin above his body was eventually found at Map Ref 0 27 C 39 and reburied and commemorated at Messines Ridge British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave 11.A.26) Messines British Cemetery was made after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefield around Messines. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal

26th July 1917 Private 16455 James Thomas Rowley 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born at Hanley in 1881. In 1900 James Married Catherine Bailey at Christchurch, Fenton. In1911 They were living at 8 Terrace Buildings (Old Tramway), Fenton with his wife Catherine and two children James William (1900), Thomas (1906), Jane (1909) They went on to have another child Catherine in 1915. He worked in the Potts as a Saggar Frame Filler. In January 1915 he enlisted in Longton to the 9th North Stafford’s then to the 11th Bn before joining the 7th Bn in September 1915. It was then he embarked to Port Said in February 1916 landing in March After a bout of illness, he was granted a month’s leave in India. On his return on the 25th July he was taken ill and admitted to 3rd British General Hospital, Basra, Mesopotamia. The following day on the 26th July 1917 he died of disease from the effects of heat, age 37. Death was due to disease contracted whilst on active service. He was buried at the Hakimiyeh Military Cemetery. (Grave no K 20). Later his body was transferred to the Basra War Cemetery, Basra (1V.A.9) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal Lance Corporal 29615 Walter Salt 13th Bn. () Yorkshire Hussars (Alexandra, Princes of Wales' Own) Formerly 30628, Notts and Derby Regt. Born in 1898 son of Walter and Lucy Jane Salt of Victoria Road, Fenton. In 1911 they were living at 16 Duncan Street, later to move to 51 Frederick Street. Walter worked in the Potts as a mould runner. Walter enlisted into the Nottingham and Derby Regt, the Sherwood Forrester’s (The Robin Hood’s) before transferring to the Green Howards. The 13th Bn proceeded to France, landing at le Havre on the 6th of June 1916, the division concentrating near Lillers. They went into the front line near Loos and were later in action in The Battle of the Ancre on the Somme. In 1917 they saw action during The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. The capture of Fifteen Ravine, Villers Plouich, Beaucamp and La Vacquerie abd The Cambrai Operations Walter was killed in action on the 26th July 1917 age 19 and is commemorated at the Fins New British Cemetery. Somme, France (Grave I.E,10) His headstone bears the words, “Peace Perfect Peace” and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 26th July 1944 Trooper 7925077 Hugh Harris. Royal Armoured Corps. Inns of Court Regiment. Born 1907 in Shropshire. In 1934 Hugh married Lucy Evelyn Bates at Fenton, Mount Tabor Methodist Church. Hugh was killed in the Western Europe Campaign, 26th July 1944 age 37. He was originally buried at West of Camilly (map ref: 7F/1 945.772) On the 14/4/1945 he was reburied at Ryes War Cemetery, Bazenville, Calvados, France (Grave ref: V1.F.4) “In proud and loving memory of a dear husband and daddy” “Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Hugh was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. Ryes War Cemetery is not far inland from the beaches at Arromanches, where the 50th Division landed on 6 June. The first burials were made there just two days after the landings. The cemetery contains 652 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. There are also one Polish and 335 German graves.

27th July 1915 Private 2696 Frederick John, Bentley. 1st/5th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment. Born 1883 in Normacot son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bentley, of 47, Nelson Street, Fenton; In 1906 Frederick married Mary Ann Lyth at Stoke St Peter’s. In 1911 they were living at 13 Victoria Road with their 3-year-old son Frank. Frederick was employed as a compositor. After his death Mary Ann remarried in 1923 to Charles Ecclestone at Christ Church, Fenton, and was living at 77, Albert Road, (now Manor St) Fenton. Enlisted in Hanley September 1914 He was 5’ 5½” weighing 9st 4lb with grey eyes and light brown hair. Frederick was posted to France in March 1915 engaging in the Second Battle of Ypres. He was killed in action on the 27th July 1915 age 32. As a dispatch rider Frederick was blown up and has no known grave. "He was blown up by a shell, delivering messages." According to the regiment's official war diaries, Private Bentley's battalion was in trenches at Hill 60, holding the line at the end of Klein-Zillebeke Ridge, near to the Menin Gate, in Belgium. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial. (Panel 55.) The Ypres (Menin Gate) memorial. now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.

'It would be a disgrace to lose grandad's memorial' Reported in the Staffordshire Evening Sentinel Thursday, August 08, 2013.. By Dave Knapper TWO brothers say they are 'disgusted' a war memorial featuring the name of their grandfather could be lost forever. Private Frederick John Bentley had to close his business and leave behind his wife and son when he joined the Army to fight for King and country in the First World War.

HANDED DOWN: Fred Bentley with his grandfather's bronze memorial plaque. The dispatch rider – who was also a crack shot – was killed while serving with the North Staffordshire Regiment during the Second Battle of Ypres, on July 27, 1915. There is no known grave for the 32-year-old book binder and printer. Instead, his wife Mary-Ann, known as Polly and young son Frank and later his grandchildren Fred and Frank Bentley, would visit the plaque in Fenton Town Hall to remember him. Now the Ministry of Justice has put the building, which was most recently used as a magistrates court, up for sale leaving the memorial's future in doubt. Fred Bentley, aged 77, of Ford Green Road, Norton, said: "The memorial has an important place in my life. It would be a disgrace to lose it. "I visited it many, many, times with my gran, his wife Polly. "I'm very upset about what is happening. The town hall itself belongs to the people of Fenton. "The Ministry of Justice has no moral rights over the memorials or the building, it should not be sold for commercial gain." Mr Bentley, who was named after his grandfather, lived with his gran during the Second World War, while his father Frank Bentley served as a sergeant with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). He said: "My gran said Fred was a lovely man. We all looked up to him, even though we never met him. "He had a book binding and printing business near to Fenton Town Hall, which he had to close before he could join up. "When he died it left my gran in quite a bit of difficulty. She married again, but she never forgot him. "I still have the bronze memorial plaque issued by the war department, which was passed to me by my gran to look after." Mr Bentley's brother Frank, aged 83, of Greenacres Avenue, – also a former REME soldier – said: "It's disgusting that we could lose the war memorial. I went to visit Ypres and saw the plaque at Menin Gate, which also includes grandad's name. "He was blown up by a shell, delivering messages." According to the regiment's official war diaries, Private Bentley's battalion was in trenches at Hill 60, holding the line at the end of Klein-Zillebeke Ridge, near to the Menin Gate, in Belgium. 27th July 1917 Private 61185 Joseph Hackett. 15th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers Born and Enlisted in Longton Son of Enoch and Eliza Hackett, of 68, China St., Fenton, Joseph joined the Royal Welsh Regt where he took part in the Third Battle of Ypers. He was killed in action on the 27th July 1917 and is commemorated at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. (Panel 22) and was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal

30th July 1915 Lance Corporal R/6982 Albert Hodgkiss 9th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corp Born in Longton in 1893 son of David and Anne Maria Hodgkiss of 77 Market Street. Albert married Sabina Dimmock in 1911 at Christ Church, Fenton and they lived at 147 Market Street, Fenton (now King St) In 1914, living at Park Cottage, Fenton Albert gave up his job as a collier and enlisted into the 9th Service Battalion of the Kings Royal Rifles. In May 1915 the Bn were Mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and ended in various actions on the Western Front including; actions at Hooge in Flanders, Belgium. On July 30, the Germans put their new weapon, the flammenwerfer, or , to devastating use against the Allies at the Battle of Hooge. The Battle of Hooge represented one of the first major employments of the flamethrower, one of the most feared weapons introduced during World War I. Eleven days before the battle, British infantry had captured the German-occupied village of Hooge, located near Ypres in Belgium, by detonating a large mine. Using the to great effect, along with machine guns, trench mortars and hand grenades, the Germans reclaimed their positions on July 30, 1915, penetrating enemy front lines with ease and pushing the British forces back to their second trench. Though few men were lost to actual burns, a British officer reported later, the weapons had a great demoralizing effect, and when added to the assault of the other powerful weapons, they proved mercilessly efficient at Hooge. Albert was killed in action on the first day of this battle on the 30th July 1915 and he commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial West-Vlaanderen Belgium (Panel 51 and 53) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Albert was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal 30th July 1916 Private 11270 Frank Francis. 1st Bn The Kings (Liverpool Regt) Born in Burslem and living in Fenton Frank enlisted in Liverpool to the Liverpool Regt. He served on the Western Front in France and Flanders. At the Battle of Delville Wood which was was a series of engagements during the summer of 1916 in the Battle of the Somme. General Douglas Haig, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. Frank was killed in action on the 30th July 1916 age 37 and is commemorated at Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz. Somme (Grave I. A. 23) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 30th July 1917 Private 15839 David Thomas Parry. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in Fenton in 1882 David married Louis Copestake in 1907 at St James Longton. In 1911 they were living at 16 Herbert Street, Fenton and David was employed as a Colliery Loader In 1914 David enlisted and was posted to the 11th Bn North Stafford’s when he was posted to Port Siad. He suffered a bout of dysentery and having spent some time was invalided to India. He then spent some time with other Battalions before being posted to the 1st Bn and promoted to Lance Corporal in June 1917. The Bn were involved in The Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Messines and Battle of Pilkem Ridge, Vimey Ridge was the opening battle of the Third Battle of Ypres. It was here that David was killed in action on the 30th July 1917 age 35. He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial; West-Vlaanderen Belgium (Panel 55) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. David was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal

31st July 1917 Private 14566 Jesse Smith "D" Coy. 1st Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1887 son of Frederick and Mary Smith of 12 Park Place, Fenton. Jesse enlisted in 1914 and was posted to the BEF in France with the 1st Bn North Stafford’s. He was wounded in August 1915 and again in June 1916 with gas. During his time in the battalion they took part in the Christmas Truce in 1914 and The action at Hooge in 1915 In October 1915 the battalion was transferred to the 72nd Brigade of the 24th Division and continued to engage in various actions on the Western Front. During 1916 they were involved in the German gas attack at Wulverghem, the Battle of Delville Wood and the Battle of Guillemont. In 1917 at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Messines, and the Battle of Pilkem Ridge, Vimey Ridge was the opening battle of the Third Battle of Ypres. It was here that Jesse was killed in action on the 31st July 1917 age 32. He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 55) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. David was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal 31st July 1944 Private 5057877 David Henry Parry. 2nd Bn Essex Regiment Born 1923 in Flintshire and living in Heron Cross, Fenton son of Ellis and Eliza Davies. David was killed 31st July 1944 age 21. He was originally buried at Parfouru L’Eclin (Map ref 6F/2 744.638) On the 24/5/1945 he was reburied at Hottot-Les-Bagues War Cemetery, Calvados,France (Grave ref: VII G 10) Headstone “My Garden of Remembrance is all that is left” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. Most of the burials in Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery were brought in from the surrounding district, where there was much heavy fighting through June and July 1944 as Commonwealth forces tried to press on from Bayeux in an encircling movement to the south of Caen. The cemetery contains 1,005 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 56 of them unidentified, and 132 German graves.

1st August 1916 Private 16186 William Henry Povey 9th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1893 son of Margaret Povey of 100 Market, St Fenton. He was employed as a Pottery Mould Runner. On the 28th January 1915 he married Salina Silverton at Stoke Registry Office and lived at 21 Cumberland Street, Fenton. William enlisted at Longton 31st December 1914 and posted to the 9th (Service) Bn North Stafford’s. (Pioneers) In July 1915 the Battalion was mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front on the Somme including; including during 1916 the Battle of the Ancre. William was killed in action on 1st August 1916 age 22. His body was found at Map ref 62D F.4.a.3.6 and was reburied and commemorated at the Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mamex (Somme) France (Grave IV.F.4) He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal 1st August 1944 Lance Sergeant 2612101 William Cooper. Grenadier Guards Born 1912 in Stoke-on-Trent 06 June 1944: the regiment took part in the Normandy landings. From here carried on fighting in North Western Europe. William was killed in action 1st August 1944 age 32 and was buried nr Bois du Homme MAP REF:GSGS 4250 Sh 6F/4, 674510. His body was exhumed and reburied on the 4/4/1916 at Tilly-Sur-Seulles War Cemetery, Calvados, France (Grave ref: V111.A.4) William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

4th August 1916 Private 23456 Edwin Martin 13th Bn Durham Light Infantry. Formerly 10/15884, Northumberland Fusiliers. Born 1890 in Chesterton son of Charles and Mary Martin. In 1911 was living at 65 Edward St, Fenton with an occupation as Collier, Wagoner. On enlisting was registered as a Potter. Enlisted in November 1914 at Longton was posted to the Northumberland Depot and the 10th Bn before transfer to the Infantry in the 13th Service Bn Durham Light Infantry In August 1915 the battalion were mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1915 Trench familiarisation as part of the 20th (Light) and 27th Divisions. Took control of the front line at Ferme Grande Flamengrie to the Armentieres-Wez Macquart road and at Bois Grenier. In 1916 they fought in various battles on the Somme Edwin was killed in action in the field on the 4th August 1916 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme. France (Pier & Face 14A &15C) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

5th August 1916 Private 44 Bertram Booth 8th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1895 in Fenton and living at 14 China St Fenton, Bertram enlisted into the 8th (Service) Bn London Regiment whith whome he fought in the battle of the Somme including; The Battle of Loos. During 1916 The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Pozieres, The Battle of . He was killed in action on the 5th August 1916 age 21 and is commemorated at the Theipval Memorial. Somme, France (Pier and face 8 C, 9A and 16A) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. 5th August 1917 L Sergeant 8077 Samuel Palmer 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Not yet listed on the memorial Born 1888 son of William and Mary Palmer, of 1 Park Place, Fenton, Enlisted in Hanley into the 1st Bn North Stafford’s serving on the Western Front in Flanders at the Battle of Ypres. During 1917 they were engaged in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Langemarck, The Cambrai Operations. The Battle of Pilckem Ridge, 31 July – 2 August 1917, was the opening attack of the main part of the Third Battle of Ypres. The battle took place in the Ypres Salient area of the Western Front. The Allied attack had mixed results; a substantial amount of ground was captured and a large number of casualties inflicted on the German defenders, except on the tactically vital Gheluvelt plateau on the right flank. The German defenders also recaptured some ground on the XIX Corps front, from the Ypres–Roulers railway, north to St. Julien. After several weeks of changeable weather, heavy rainfall began in the afternoon of 31 July and had a serious effect on operations in August. Samuel died of his wounds on the 5th August 1917 and is commemorated at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen (Grave XVII. B. 9) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

6th August 1915 Private 10362 Mace John Tom Blood 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1878 son of Thomas and Martha Blood of 19 Heron Street, Heron Cross, Fenton. Mace married Eliza A Allender in 1903 at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 they were living in Sutton in Mayfield with two daughters and was working as a Fruiterer & Greengrocer. On returning to the city they lived at 8, Hardinge St., Newtown, Fenton, Staffs. When enlisted Mace was posted to the 7th North Staffords. In July 1915 the regiment landed at Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces. Known as the August Offensive the Battle of Sari Bair was the final attempt made by the British to seize control of the Gallipoli peninsula from the Ottoman Empire. Mace was killed in action at the Dardanelles, on the 6th August 1915 age 37 and is commemorated at Beach Cemetery, Anzac. Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Grave 11 G 4) Eliza his wife requested the words “Greater love hath no man than this” to be put on his headstone. He is also commemorated on his wifes grave in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. Mace was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 6th August 1916 Private 23199 Albert Palmer. 10th Bn Notts and Derby (Sherwood Foresters) Regiment Born 1879 in Shelton son of Edward and Sarah Ann Palmer. In 1901 Albert married Estha Goodwin in 1901 at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 Albert was employed as a Potter and was living with his wife Estha and five children at 272 Duke Street, Fenton Albert enlisted and was posted to the Sherwood Forresters, the Robin Hoods. The regiment were engaged on the Western Front on the Somme in 1915 holding front lines in southern area of Ypres salient then in 1916 at the Battle of Albert, and the Battle of Delville Wood. Albert was reported missing presumed killed in action on the 6th August 1916 age 37. His body was found and recovered later behind British Lines at Map ref 57c. S. 28.d. 3. 3 9 just on the edge of the village of Montauban on the road past Bernafay wood on the way to Guillemont. He was identified by a piece of Khaki and a piece of receipt. He was the reburied and commemorated at the , Longueval Somme, France (Panel XXII.Q.8) The cemetery was made after the Armistice, when graves were brought in from a few small cemeteries and isolated sites, and from the battlefields. Almost all of the burials date from July, August and September 1916. Albert was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 6th August 1918 Private 40692 Daniel Arrowsmith. 2nd Battalion the Bedfordshire Regiment, formerly 37442, South. Staffs Regt Born 1885 in Longton son of Daniel and Annie Arrowsmith of Upper Cross Street, Longton Daniel married Edith Clarke in 1907 at Christ Church, Fenton was living at 43 Park Road (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton and working as a Potters Biscuit Placer On enlisting Daniel was posted to the South Staffords before transferring to the Bedfordshire Regt. He fought on the Somme battlefields and was killed in action on the 6th August 1918 age 32. He is commemorated at the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France (Panel 28 and 29) The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918. Daniel was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

7th August 1915 Coy Sgt Major 6089 George Oaks Harp. 8 Bn Cheshire Regiment Born 1883 son of Thomas and Anna Harp of no 1 Terrace Buildings, (Meakins Row) Fenton. In 1905 George married Maggie M. Crowshaw at Tamworth, St Editha. Later Maggie lived at 16 Grosvenor Place, Grosvenor Rd. Chester. George Served in the South Africa campaign, The Boer war and discharged in 1901. He later enlisted and served in the Cheshire Regt as Company Sergeant Major. He served in the Balkan theatre at Gallipoli Feb 1915 The regiment moved to Pirbright, Aldershot before being deployed to Egypt and Gallipoli engaged in various actions against the Turkish Army The eight-month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. George was killed in action on the 7th August 1915 age 33 and is commemorated at the Ari Burnu Cemetery, Anzac. Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Grave B30) His name was added to the memorial in the Town Hall October 2010 Evening Sentinel May 1914 Company Sergeant Major George Oakes Harp lost his life fighting in the disastrous . Thousands of Australians and New Zealand troops – known as Anzacs – were killed fighting in Turkey. Less is spoken of the British troops who also fought and died in the Dardanelles, including CSM Harp. The veteran soldier, born in 1882 in Fenton, had fought in South Africa during the Boer War, which lasted between 1899 and 1902. He had then enlisted at Crewe into the Cheshire Regiment and embarked for Egypt in June 1915 and then on to Gallipoli. It was there, in Turkey, on August 7, 1914, that CSM Harp died of his wounds. On that day he was fighting alongside the Anzac forces attempting to take Russell's Top – named after Brigadier Andrew Russell, commander of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade – which was the highest point within the Anzac perimeter and commanded views along most of the Turkish line. As CSM Harp led a company of Cheshire Regiment troops up the hill, he was cut down alongside dozens of his comrades by a defensive artillery battery backed up by eight machine guns. George, aged 33, left behind two sons. He is buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery, in Turkey, and was added to the list of the fallen on the Great War Memorial, locked up within the former Fenton Magistrates' Court, in 2010, after research carried out by his great, great grandson, Terry Payne, of Market Drayton. After succeeding in his efforts to get his ancestor's name inscribed on the unique Minton memorial, Mr Payne, told The Sentinel: "My great, great grandmother went to collect her war widow's pension and was told that she couldn't have anything, and that was the fortunes of war. "My grandmother used to tell me stories about him."

7th August 1916 Private 3023 George Harris. Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line Battalion: Staffordshire Yeomanry (Queens Own Royal Regiment) “B” Sqdn. Attached 10th Imperial Camel Corp Born 1895 son of Richard and Harriet Harris, of Fenton Manor Farm, Stoke-on-Trent. George was enlisted into the Household Cavalry before transferred to the Staffordshire Yeomanry. The Staffordshire Yeomanry, after a short period of training at Diss, Norfolk with the North Midland Mounted Brigade, was ordered to join the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in 1915. The Regiment was attached to the 22nd Mounted Brigade, Yeomanry Mounted Division in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman Turkish and German army 1916-1918. It fought in the indecisive and in March and April 1917. Goege was killed in action 7th August 1916 age 21 and is commemorated at the Jerusalem Memorial. Israel and Palestine (including Gaza) (Panel 2) George was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

8th August 1915 Private 10186. Stephen Hammonds. 7th Btn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1892 son of Joseph J. and Emily. Hammonds, of 151 Duke Street, Fenton. In 1911 they were living at 53 Alma St, Fenton. Stephen was employed as a Coal Miner Wagoner. Later the family moved to 42, Colville St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Enlisted in Stoke, Stephen was posted to the 7th North Staffordshire Regiment serving in Gallipoli. In June 1915 the regiment embarked for Gallipoli from Avonmouth a month later landing in Gallipoli and then engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including; The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top and The Battle of Hill 60. The eight-month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. The Allies landed on the peninsula on 25-26 April 1915; the 29th Division at Cape Helles in the south and the Australian and New Zealand Corps north of Gaba Tepe on the west coast, an area soon known as Anzac. On 6 August, further landings were made at , just north of Anzac, and the climax of the campaign came in early August when simultaneous assaults were launched on all three fronts. Stephen was killed in action 8th August 1915 age 22 and is commemorated at the 7th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Canakkale, Turkey (Gallipoli) (Plot, Sp. Mem. A 18) Stephen was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Headstone “Duty Nobly done. Ever remembered by his mother” Private 30049 Harry Jervis. 1st Bn Welsh Regiment Harry was born Longton and became a resident of Fenton. He enlisted into the Welsh Regiment and was posted to the 1st Battalion who were mobilised for war in Jan 1915 and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Second Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Loos. Harry was killed in action on the 8th August 1915 and is commemorated at the Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave B. 55) He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 8th August 1916 Corporal PW/1098 George Thomas Cooper 18th Bn Middlesex Regt Born 1879 son of William B and Jane A Cooper of Dresdon. In 1911 he was living with his wife Mary Ann and 7 Children at 15 Kent Street, Fenton. He was employed as a Collier, Loader, Underground. Later living at 42 Temple Street. Enlisted George was posted to the . 18th (Service) Battalion (1st Public Works Pioneers) Formed in London on 19 January 1915 by Lt-Col. John Ward MP. Moved to Alexandra Palace, going on in May 1915 to Rayleigh. In July 1915 they moved to Clipstone Camp and came under command of 33rd Division as Pioneer Battalion. Moved in August to Salisbury Plain. 15 November 1915: landed at Le Havre. (The Long, Long Trail http://www.1914-1918.net/msex.htm) In April the 18th Battalion was transferred to 86th Brigade of the 29th Division where they were involved in various action on the Western front including; The Battle of Albert, The The Battle of Bazentin, The attacks on High Wood, The capture of Boritska and Dewdrop Trenches. The 33rd Division On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. Attacks north and east continued throughout October and into November in increasingly difficult weather conditions. The Battle of the Somme finally ended on 18 November with the onset of winter. (CWGC) George was killed in action 8/8/1916 age 37 and is commemorated Thiepval Memorial France. (Pier and Face 12 D and 13 B.) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive and a small cemetery containing equal numbers of Commonwealth and French graves lies at the foot of the memorial. (CWGC) George was entitled to the British War & Victory medals. 8th August 1918 Private 41566 Arthur C Cotton. 7th Btn Norfolk Regiment Born 1899 son of Joseph and Lizzie Cotton of 4 Queen Street, Fenton. In 1911 Arthur was still at school age 12. In 1917 living at 11 Colville St, while working as a loader at Berry Hill Arthur was called up for the duration of the war and posted to the reserve with the Nottingham and Derby Regiment. On the 2nd June 1918 he embarked for Calais and then on the 4th was transferred to the 7th Bn Norfolk Regt. On the 8th August 1918 age 19 the first day of the Arthur was killed in action and is commemorated at the Beacon Cemetery, Sailly-Laurette, Somme, France (Grave V.G.9) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Gotham Sidney. Lance Cpl 12714 Sydney Vincent Gotham 9th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born March 1891 son of Thomas and Ann Gotham of 7 George Street Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 61 Edward Street, Fenton and Sidney was Sydney was employed as a Clerk. In 1913 he married Sally Brown in a civil ceremony in Stoke. Enlisted in Longton on the 25th August 1915. On the 8th August 1918 age 27 the first day of the Battle of Amiens Sydney was killed in action and is buried at the Dive Copse British Cemetery, (Somme) Sailly-Le-Sec. (Grave 111.G.5) Headstone inscription requested by his wife “Greater love hath no man than this” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 8th August 1943 Sapper 2139790 George Thomas McNicol. 20 Field Company. Royal Engineers. George was born in 1917 to George and Ethel E. McNicol, of 71 Cambridge Street, Fenton George was accidentally killed 8th August 1943 age 26 in the Middle East. Reported to War Office Casualty Branch 28/8/1943. Casualty List No. 1224. Location should read Middle East – Tripolitania. He is commemorated at Tripoli War Cemetery, Tripoli (Grave ref: 7. B. 7.) Headstone “May peace be his reward” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star During the North African campaign, Tripoli was an important Axis base until taken by Montgomery's forces on 23 January 1943. It then became a hospital centre, and the burials in the war cemetery were almost entirely from the hospitals, which included Nos 2, 48 and 133 General Hospitals from March 1943, and No 89 General Hospital from April 1944. Tripoli War Cemetery contains 1,369 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 133 of them unidentified. There are 19 non Commonwealth burials and 7 non world war service burials here. (CWGC)

9th August 1915 Private 10887 William Bodman. 9th Bn Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) Born in Fenton 1891, son of George and Mary Bodman of 9 Fenton Low. Married Mary Ann Eames and lived in Earsden, Newcastle on Tyne. He enlisted and joined the West Yorkshire Regt serving in Gallipoli. The eight-month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. The Allies landed on the peninsula on 25-26 April 1915; the 29th Division at Cape Helles in the south and the Australian and New Zealand Corps north of Gaba Tepe on the west coast, an area soon known as Anzac. On 6 August, further landings were made at Suvla, just north of Anzac, and the climax of the campaign came in early August when simultaneous assaults were launched on all three fronts. On the 9th August 1915 William was killed in action age 24 and is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 47 to 51) The Helles Memorial serves the dual function of Commonwealth battle memorial for the whole Gallipoli campaign and place of commemoration for many of those Commonwealth servicemen who died there and have no known grave. The United Kingdom and Indian forces named on the memorial died in operations throughout the peninsula, the Australians at Helles. William was awarded the 194-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 9th August 1915 Private 19677 Colen Hayes 9th Bn Sherwood Forresters (Nottingham and Derbyshire Regt) Born 1899 son of Herbert and Ellen Hayes of 25 Stewart St. In 1911 the family were living at 39 Adelaide St, Fenton. By this time Ellen was a widow and Colin still registered as at school. Colin enlisted into the Sherwood Forrester (The Robin Hoods) In Feb 1916. The battalion deployed to Egypt and took over a section of the Suez Canal defences. In the July they deployed to France and engaged in various action on the Western Front on the Somme including; the capture of the Wundt-Werk, The Battle of Flers-, The Battle of Thiepval. Colin was killed in action on the 9th August 1916 age 17 and is commemorated at the Arras memorial, Pas de Calais, France (Bay 7) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 9th August 1940 Engine Room Artificer 4th P/MX 56473 Class Alfred Mansfield. Royal Navy. HMS Glasgow. Born 1916 son of Eliza Mansfield of 9 Gordon Street, Heron Cross, Fenton. The seventh HMS Glasgow, built on the Clyde, was a Southampton-class light cruiser, a sub-class of the Town-class and commissioned in September 1937. She displaced 11,930 tons and had a top speed of 32 knots (59 km/h). She was part of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron of the Home Fleet; she escorted the King and Queen to Canada in 1939. She also took a large quantity of gold to Fort Knox as an emergency reserve. Captain Frank Pegram was commanding officer of Glasgow from July, 1939 to April, 1940. On the outbreak of war, she operated off the Scandinavian coast, and in November was off the coast of Norway with two destroyers in the hope of intercepting the German passenger ship SS Bremen which had sailed from Murmansk. This was unsuccessful, but on 12 February 1940, she captured the German trawler Herrlichkeit off Tromsø. On 9 April, she was attacked off Bergen by Ju 88s and He 111s and damaged by near misses. On 11 April 1940, during the Allied campaign in Norway in World War II, Glasgow, along with HMS Sheffield and six Tribal- class destroyers landed troops near Harstad and three days later on 14 April, again in company with Sheffield and ten destroyers, landed an advance force of at Namsos to seize and secure the wharves and approaches to the town, preparatory to the landing of a larger Allied force. On the 23rd Glasgow, Sheffield, HMS Galatea and six destroyers landed the first part of the 15th Infantry Brigade in Åndalsnes On 29 April, she evacuated King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav of Norway, Nygaardsvold's Cabinet and part of the Norwegian gold reserves when they fled from Molde to Tromsø, escaping the advancing German forces. She then departed to the United Kingdom on 1 May, carrying among others the Minister of Foreign Affairs Halvdan Koht and the Minister of Defence Birger Ljungberg. (Wikipedia) Alfred died 9th August 1940 and is commemorated at Bootle, Lancashire Cemetery. (War Graves Group. C. of E. Coll. grave 19) Headstone “In loving memory of the beloved son of Eliza Mansfield. Duty Nobly Done” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939- 1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

10th August 1915 Private 10853 William Arthur Ledgar 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born at Longton in 1897 son of Arthur and Sarah Ledgar. In 1911 Arthur was living with his widowed mother and his brother and sisters at 62 High St Fenton. He was employed on the Coal Pit Bank, above ground He enlisted and joined the North Staffordshire Regt serving in Gallipoli. The eight-month campaign in Gallipoli was fought by Commonwealth and French forces in an attempt to force Turkey out of the war, to relieve the deadlock of the Western Front in France and Belgium, and to open a supply route to Russia through the Dardanelles and the Black Sea. The Allies landed on the peninsula on 25-26 April 1915; the 29th Division at Cape Helles in the south and the Australian and New Zealand Corps north of Gaba Tepe on the west coast, an area soon known as Anzac. On 6 August, further landings were made at Suvla, just north of Anzac, and the climax of the campaign came in early August when simultaneous assaults were launched on all three fronts. On the 10th August 1915 William was killed in action age 19 and is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 -171) The Helles Memorial serves the dual function of Commonwealth battle memorial for the whole Gallipoli campaign and place of commemoration for many of those Commonwealth servicemen who died there and have no known grave. The United Kingdom and Indian forces named on the memorial died in operations throughout the peninsula, the Australians at Helles. William was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 10th August 1916 Private 18713 James Bradshaw. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Formally Royal Garrison Artillery and Scottish Rifles. Born in 1886 son of William and Mary Jane Bradshaw. In 1911 they were living at 74 Victoria Road, Normacot and James was employed as a China Pottery Caster. He had 3 brothers and 4 sisters. In 1914 James married Alice Woollam in a civil ceremony at Stoke registry office and lived at 49 May Place, Fenton. He enlisted in Longton in November 1914 and was posted as Gunner (52368) with the 21st Coy RGA he then transferred to 3rd Bn Scottish Rifles (18887) in June 1915. In September he transferred as a Private to the 3rd Bn and then the 7th Bn North Stafford’s serving in Mesopotamia. On the 6th August 1916 James was admitted to the 32nd British General Hospital in Amara, Iraq and died of disease (dysentery) due to field operations on the 10th August 1916. He is commemorated at the Amara War Cemetery, Amara, Iraq (Grave 1X B 7) James was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 10th August 1917 Private 27485 Cyril Eccleston 9th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. Formerly 4928, North Staffs Regiment Born in 1894 son of James and Bertha Eccleston of . In 1911 the Ecclestone’s were living at 33 Best Street Fenton with 7 children including Cyril. His occupation was recorded as a Potters Clay Wedger. Enlisted in April 1915 at Fenton Town Hall and was posted to the 3rd/5th North Stafford’s and then transferred to the Lancashire Regt in France Cyril served in the Salient area of the Western Front where was more significant activity on this front until 1917, when in the Third Battle of Ypres an offensive was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Cyril was killed in action on the 10th August 1917 (place not stated) and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. West-Vlaanderen, Belguim. (Panel 41 to 43) The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Cyril was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

11th August 1914 Drummer 10325 George Harris. 1st Bn Welsh Regiment Not yet commemorated on the memorial Born 1892 son of Josiah and Mary Harris, of 70, Blurton Rd., Fenton, Staffordshire. He enlisted and served in the Welsh Regiment as a drummer and was stationed at Chakrata, India. He died on the 11th August 1914 age 22. Originaly buried at the Chakrata Cemetery and is commemorated at the Madras 1914- 18 War memorial, Chennai. (Face 18) George was originally buried in smaller or isolated cemeteries, but who, at a later date, were exhumed and reburied in war cemeteries. The concentration of cemeteries allowed otherwise unmaintainable graves to be moved into established war grave cemeteries where the Commission could ensure proper commemoration. George was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 11th August 1916 Rifleman 12697 Richard Boulton. 9th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps Born 1897 at Fenton son of Richard and Annie Boulton, of 97 Victoria Road, Fenton. In 1911 Richard with his sister at 36 Grove Road, Heron Cross. Richard age 14 was working as Coal Miner Road Boy Underground. Enlisted July 1915 into the 6th Battion before his transfer to 9th (Service) Battalion of the Rifle corp who were mobilised for war in May 1915 and landed at Boulogne and ended in various actions on the Western Front. In 1916 the battalion was engaged in the Battle of Delville Wood. Richard was killed in action (accidentally) 11 August 1916 age 19 and is commemorated at the Dernancourt Communal Cemetery, Somme, France (Grave Ref: J.1) His headstone bears the words “To be with Jesus Christ is far better” was awarded the the British War & Victory medals. Private 5604 George Wain. (See below report Evening Sentinel 29 Aug 2016 and Richard Ellis.) 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1882 son of Charles H and Eliza Wain of Talbot St, Fenton he enrolled and served with the 1st Bn North Stafford’s. During 1916 the regiment were involved in the German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont. George was probably killed at the Battle of Delville Wood (July- Sept 1916) which was part of a series of engaged during the battle of the Somme. It’s recorded that George was killed in action on the 11th August 1916 age 34 and his body was found and recovered at map ref 62c.A.4. b.6.5 and reburied at the Peronne Road, Cemetery, Maricourt, Somme, France. (Grave II.B.35) George was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 11th August 1917 Driver 805352 John Shaw Bradbury M.M. "B" Battery 231st Brigade (N Mid) Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Territorial Force Born 1894 Son of John Shaw Bradbury, of 2, Sussex Place, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent John enlisted October 1914 at Shelton into the Royal Field Artillery. During the First World War a whole new form of artillery was developed to meet the unusual conditions of war on the Western Front: the trench mortar. The lighter weapons being manned by the infantry, the Royal Field Artillery provided the manpower for the heavier mortars. During his service John was a warded the Military Medal. It was recorded in the London Gazette Issue 30135. 13/6/1916. M.M. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The military decoration was awarded to J S Bradbury for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. John was killed in action 11 August 1917 age 23 and is commemorated at the Fosse No 10 Communal Cemetery Extension, Sains- Gohell, Pas de Calais. (Grave 11.c.18) Headstone bears the words “Peace, Perfect Peace” He was awarded the Military Medal, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Gunner 185727 Thomas. Stanley "B" Bty. 71st Bde. Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Not yet commemorated on the Memorial Born in Longton 1886 son of John and Marie Stanley, of 31, Hollings St., Fenton, Staffs Thomas was employed as a Potters Polisher. In 1913 he married Maggie Wood in 1913 at St John the Baptist church, Longton. After Thomas death Maggie remarried (Rowley formerly Stanley), and lived at 39, Kildare St., Longton, Staffs. Thomas served in the Salient area of the Western Front where there was more significant activity on this front until 1917, when in the Third Battle of Ypres an offensive was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Stanley was killed in action on the 11th August 1917 age 31. He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gtae) Memorial, West- Vlaanderen Belgium. (Panel 5 and 9). The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Stanley was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

WW1: While bombs fell the 1st North Staffordshire Regiment dug for victory on the Somme

By RichardAult | Posted: August 29, 2016 image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugcimages/276370/Article/images/29650637/15305444-large.jpg

German artillerymen at work in France during the First World War

BY THE time the Big Push started Private George Wain had faced countless enemies in India, South Africa, France and Flanders, during his 18 year career in the army.

Yet nothing he had faced before compared with the carnage and level of human slaughter he witnessed during the Battle of the Somme.

The 1st Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment was a battle hardened unit of fighting men. They had been on the Western Front for two years by the time the Somme offensive was launched. Private Wain, a 34-year-old veteran from Fenton, had gone bravely into battle many times before, rifle in hand. Apart from his experiences in India and in South Africa, during the Boer Wars, he had landed in France in September, 1914, and with his battalion, had taken part in the actions on the Aisne heights in 1914, and at Hooge in 1915, where they faced liquid fire for the first time.

Yet, while the less experienced troops of the Pals battalions and the Territorial Force, like the 1st/5th and the 1st/6th North Staffords, were ordered over the top on July 1, 1916; the 1st North Staffords were kept in reserve.

They first took over a section of the British front line on the Somme on August 9, 1916, near Guillemont village, a key position in the German defence system which had resisted all attempts at capture during the early phases of the Battle of the Somme.

The position was regarded by the enemy as second only to the defence of Thiepval, in terms of the strength of the position.

Those defences meant the Germans were able to bring down concentrated machine gun and artillery fire onto any unit attempting to take the village.

That was the position facing the 1st North Staffords when they arrived in the lines in August, 1916. Yet their role in the fight for Guillemont would not be an especially dramatic one.

When George and his comrades were sent forward, their job was not to attack with rifles and Mills Bombs, as they had done many times before. Instead, they were sent out with shovels, to dig another trench. image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/SoldiersinTrench.jpg

British soldiers on the Western Front

The front line was in a poor state after weeks of fighting, and the British top brass had realised that to reduce casualties during any attack on Guillemont, the amount of space between the British and German lines must be reduced.

That was where George and his pals came in. Their job was to dig a new trench, closer to the German lines, meaning the British attackers would have less distance to cross, and the German machine guns less time to do their murderous work.

Although, this time, the 1st North Staffords wouldn't be fighting, that didn't mean that their job was any less dangerous.

That menial task would require them to move 100 yards closer to the enemy, with its wealth of artillery and rapid fire weapons, under cover of darkness, and to dig.

The North Staffords took over the line on August from the 1st/10th (Scottish) Battalion of the Kings (Liverpool Regiment), who had made a costly and failed attack on Guillemont. As soon as dark fell, members of the North Staffordshire battalion went out into No Man's Land to help carry back men who had been wounded during that attack. They would have witnessed the work of Captain Noel Chavasse of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who won the first of his two Victoria Crosses that night, bringing in wounded soldiers and collecting identification discs from right under the noses of the enemy.

One man who helped the valiant officer was a North Staffordshire stretcher bearer, Private J.J. Preece, who went back out, alone, in the hours of daylight to find a wounded soldier he had been unable to locate in the dark.

As a result of his bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. His citation, published in the London Gazette, read: "For conspicuous gallantry in carrying a wounded man back to a front trench under continuous machine gun fire."

That first night, the North Staffords were supposed to start digging the new trench, but the order came in to postpone the task. One company of men, A Company, was already in 'Teale Trench', ready to start the work. During that night Teale Trench was shelled heavily by the enemy and one soldier, Private Francis Cliffe, from Hilton, was killed – the first man of the 1st North Staffords to be killed on the Somme.

The next night, at 11.45pm, the order was given to start digging. The men of A Company went out to start the job. Only C Company would join them before dawn. The men of B Company arrived late, and D Company did not managed to get started.

It wasn't long before the noise attracted the attention of German observers based at forward listening posts. The message soon got back to the commander of the enemy artillery .

The night was dark and the British worked quickly, knowing their best chance of survival was to dig as quickly as possible. The dark of night made it difficult for the enemy artillery fire to pick them out – yet that did not stop the Germans from trying.

All through the night the North Staffords worked – and all through the night they were shelled by the enemy. Sometimes the bombs would explode harmlessly in the mud. Other times shrapnel would rip into flesh and one of the soldiers would cry out and collapse into the mud. image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/StretcherBearers.jpg

Stretcher bearers struggling with a casualty in the mud

By the end of the night, the battalion had dug 120 yards of trench. But six men had been killed during the night. Among the casualties was Private George Wain.

The former miner had served with the army since 1898. His father had died when George was still a child and he had been raised by his mother and his step-father, Mary and Jesse Barker. George had an older half-brother, Jesse junior, and six half-sisters. George's family would never again see him. He died on August 11, 1916, and was buried at Maricourt Military Cemetery No.3, which is now known as Peronne Road Cemetery. His medals and personal effects were sent to his mother, Mary, at her home at 49 Church Street, Fenton.

Over the next few days the death count would rise among the 1st North Staffords. On August 12 the battalion was relieved by the 8th Royal West Kent Regiment, but the enemy bombarded the front line, then launched an attack to the right of the North Staffords. Twelve men were killed, including another South African veteran and ex-miner who had surely known George Wain well, 39- year-old James Cartlidge, of Silverdale.

At the other end of the age spectrum was 18-year-old Private John Nicholls, from Stone, a replacement who had only joined the battalion in May, 1916.

The next day the battalion was bombarded again. Among the slain was Private Arthur Austin, a 20-year-old pot bank worker from Hanley who was tasting action for the first time – he had joined the 1st North Staffords in June, just a few short weeks before the Battle of the Somme started.

Historian Richard Ellis, of Dresden, has researched the role of the North Staffordshire battalions at the Somme, including the 1st North. The retired Longton High School history teacher said: "During the short time the battalion had spent in front of Guillemont this tour, it had lost 18 other ranks killed, 60 wounded and five missing.

"They had not been involved in a single attack or trench raid during this time. This gives some indication of the daily losses experienced by the British army."

But the army had plans for the 1st North Staffords. They would soon be in action at Delville Wood, a place quickly nicknamed 'Devil's Wood' by the soldiers, and with good reason. image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/CaptainNoelChavasse.jpg

Captain Noel Chavasse

A HEADSTONE standing in Belgium is the only one in the world engraved with two Victoria Crosses.

It stands in memory of Captain Noel Chavasse, the remarkable doctor whose feats of bravery were witnessed by the 1st North Staffords at Guillemont.

Chavasse had joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) at the start of the Great War and his unit was attached to the 1st/10th (Scottish) Battalion of the Kings (Liverpool Regiment). He was first decorated for bravery during the Battle of Hooge near Ypres in 1915 – another battle that the 1st North Staffords were involved in. With just 140 men and two officers surviving unscathed, Chavasse had his work cut out, treating wounded soldiers under fire. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry.

During the Battle of the Somme, Chavasse became an almost legendary figure to the troops, spending long nights out in No Man's Land tending to the wounded, frequently under fire. He was hit by shrapnel twice and on one occasion carried a wounded man 500 yards back to safety.

He also collected as many dog tags as he could from the bodies of the slain lying on the battlefield.

His first VC was received at Guillemont, in front of the watching – and helping – North Staffords. The citation for his VC – presented to him by King in February 1917 – read: "Altogether he saved the lives of some twenty badly wounded men, besides the ordinary cases which passed through his hands. His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise."

Chavasse was in action in July, 1917, during the Third Battle of Ypres, more commonly known as Passchendaele. He set up an advanced post in a captured German dugout and suffered a fractured skull when the enemy shelled the position. Yet he stayed at the post, ordering stretcher bearers to take wounded men to safer positions, while he remained to treat the more seriously wounded.

On August 2, 1917, he was badly wounded by a shell which landed next to him, hot shards of shrapnel ripping into his stomach. He was himself treated at a casualty clearing station, but the wound was so severe he died two days later, aged 32.

For his bravery, he was awarded a second, posthumous VC. The citation reads: "Though severely wounded early in the action whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the dressing station, he refused to leave his post, and for two days not only continued to perform his duties but went out repeatedly under enemy fire to search for and attend to the wounded who were lying out.

"During these searches, although practically without food, he assisted to carry a number of badly wounded men over heavy and difficult ground. By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example he was instrumental in rescuing many who would have otherwise undoubtedly succumbed under the bad weather conditions."

Chavasse rests at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery.

Read more at http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/ww1-while-bombs-fell-the-1st-north-staffordshire-regiment-dug-for-victory-on-the- somme/story-29650637-detail/story.html#Z96huqySTPxsTEbY.99

12th August 1918. Gunner 84313 Reginald Hemmings. 150 Seige Battery Royal Garrison Artillery

Born 1897 and living at 31 Bridge Street, Mount Pleasant, Fenton and working as a coal carter. In the 1911 census he was living with his family at the Regent Hotel, 59 Whieldon Road, Fenton and registered as still at school. In June 1916 he signed on at Longton and was posted to the RGA and served in France. He was aged 18 yrs 11months, was 5’ 8 5/8” tall, and weighing in at 137lbs.

Reginald was Killed in action 12th August 1918 and commemorated at Heath Cemetery, Harbonniers, Somme, France (Grave ref: I. G. 9) (Concentration of graves 26 May 1919) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Harbonnieres was captured by French troops in the summer of 1916. It was retaken by the Germans on 27 April 1918, and regained by the on 8 August 1918. Heath Cemetery, so called from the wide expanse of open country on which it stands, was made after the Armistice, next to a French Military Cemetery, now removed. Graves were brought into it from the battlefields between Bray and Harbonnieres and from other burial grounds in the areas,

13th August 1916 Gater James H. Private 12135 James Henry Gater 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1880 son of James and Emily Jane Gater of Silverdale. In 1911 James was living with his family at 47 Duke Street, Fenton and was employed as a coal miner. Enrolled into the North Staffordshire Regt James served on the Somme where he was killed in action on the 13th August 1916 age 36. He is commemorated at the Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz. Somme, France (Grave I.C.39) His headstone bears the words “Duty Nobly Done” James was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 9586 Thomas Smith. 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not Yet Commemorated on the War Memorial Born 1883 in Fenton and in 1911 was living at Grosvenor Avenue, Oakhill with his wife Alice and having one-year-old Thomas and employed as a Potters Fireman When enlisted the 2nd Bn North Stafford’s were stationed at Rawal Pindi, India where it remained throughout the war. Thomas died on the 13th August 1916 age 33 in India. His body was exhumed and reburied 24th November 1966 in Rawalpindi Cemetery, . The cemetery contains 257 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, connected mainly with the operations on the North-West Frontier. Thomas was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 14th August 1917 Private B/200063 Albert Victor Ball. 10th Battalion Rifle Brigade. Formally: 25054, 3rd N. Staffs. Regt. Born 1898 son of John and Sarah Ball. Cottage, 1 Cemetery Rd, Off Brunswick Street, Brunswick Rd, Cemetery Rd, Fenton, Stoke-On-Trent. Albert was employed as a warehouse boy. Albert joined 3rd North Staffordshire Regt before joining the 10th Rifle brigade who in 1917 were engaged in the Attack on Steenbeek, Attack on Rue Des Vignes, The Cambrai Operations. He was killed in action on the 14th August 1917 age 19 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial West- Vlaanderen Belgium. (Panel 46 -48 and 50) He is also commemorated on his parent’s memorial in Fenton Cemetery. The Menin Gate memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Albert was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 14th August 1940. Lance Corporal 4914334 Alfred James Quigley. 2nd Bn South Staffordshire Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1918 son of Mathew James Quigley and Emily Quigley, of 26 Marlborough Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. The 2nd (Regular) Battalion in September 1939 were stationed in India until they returned to the UK in July 1940.. Date of Death: 14/08/1940. Age: 22. Commemorated and buried at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 5183) Headstone “Rest in Peace” Alfred was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

15th August 1916 Private 16222 William James Brown. B Co, 9th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1897 son of William and Catherine Brown, of 47 Brunswick St, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Enrolled into the North Staffordshire Regt, William served on the Somme where he died of wounds on the 15th August 1916 age 19. He is commemorated at the Puchevillers British Cemetery Somme, France (Grave II D 41) His headstone reads “Always Remembered, Mother and Father” William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 15th August 1917 A Sergeant 18670 Fred Powell. 4th Bn Training Reserve, formerly (18670) 11th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1895 son of James and Sarah Powell of 5 Alfred St, Fenton. Enlisted in 1915 at Stoke-on-Trent he was posted to the North Staffordshire Regt and was promoted to acting sergeant in 1917 in the 258th Infantry Battalion Training Reserve. While on exercises Fred was killed by lightening at Foxall Heath Camp Ipswich 15th August 1917 age 20. He is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref: 5911) The headstone reads: Sgt Fred POWELL, 12067, 4th Batt, North Staffs Regt, s/o James & Sarah POWELL of 5 Alfred St, Fenton Who was killed by lightning at Foxhall Heath Camp, Ipswich,15 Aug 1917, 22 Jane HODGKINSON, grandma of the above, 3 Jan 1924, 95 James, the above, 8 Nov 1929, 60 Mrs S Powell Willson St, Stoke 5 Alfred St Report in the Evening Star and Herald (Ipswich). Thursday August 16th 1917. An inquest was held by Borough Coroner into the death of Sergeant Fred Powell (single) and Corporal Albert Bacon (married with one child) of Nottingham who were killed by lightning. The two men were with a platoon carrying out manoeuvres in a wood. Heavy rain started and when sheltering under a tree it was struck by lightning killing both men almost instantly.

16th August 1917 Private 50372 Horace Rushton 12th Bn The King’s (Liverpool Regt) Formerly 293651, Royal Army Service Corps. Born 1895 son of Edward and Sarah Rushton of 191 King Street, Fenton He enlisted in Bradford serving in the RASC before transfer to 12th Bn Liverpool Regiment serving in the Salient area of the Western Front where there was more significant activity on this front until 1917, when in the Third Battle of Ypres an offensive was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Horace was killed in action on the 16th August 1917 age 22. He is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 31 to 34 and 162 and 162A and 163A) Horace was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 14529518 Cyril Corbett 6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1925 son of George and Nellie Corbett of 58 Stanier Street, Fenton Died 16th August 1943 age 18. Commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave ref 12178) Headstone “Until we meet again” Cyril was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

17th August 1917 Lance Corpral S/6419 William Egerton 12th Bn Rifle Brigade Born 1888 son of Thomas Henry Egerton and Sarah Ann Keay of Dresdon. In 1911 the family were living at Tilery Cottages, Blurton. William was employed as Labourer and married Hannah Seabridge at Edensor, St Paul. He enlisted and served in France and Flanders where during 1917 the battalion took part in the The Cambrai Operations. He was killed in action 17th August 1917 age 29 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 145 to 147) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 17th August 1943 Engine Room Artificer 4th Class P/MX 79838 Hugh Christopher Samuel Nicklin Royal Navy. HMS Egret Born 1922 son of Frederick Sydney and Emily Lily Nicklin of 47 Wallis Street, Fenton. HMS Egret was a sloop of the British Royal Navy, the lead ship of her class. She was built by J. Samuel White at Cowes, Isle of Wight and was launched on 31 May 1938. Sunk by a missile (Wikipedia) HMS Egret was the first ship ever to be sunk by a guided missile. The Germans had used the Henschel Hs 293 glide bomb for the first time on 25 August 1943 against the 40th Support Group in the Bay of Biscay. Landguard was slightly damaged by a near miss. Bideford was hit and damaged, with one sailor killed, though more serious damage was avoided because the bomb's explosive charge did not fully detonate. On 27 August 1943 the 40th Support Group was relieved by the 1st Support Group, consisting of Egret together with the sloop Pelican and the Jed, Rother, Spey and Evenlode. The group was attacked by a squadron of 18 Dornier Do 217 carrying Henschel glide bombs. One of the two covering destroyers, HMCS Athabaskan, was heavily damaged and Egret was sunk with the loss of 194 of her crew. At the time there were four RAF Y-Service electronics specialists on board, all of whom also died in the attack, thus bringing to total killed to 198. (These four RAF personnel are typically excluded from published casualty figures.) Egret had been fitted with electronic surveillance equipment designed to monitor Luftwaffe bomber communications and these Y-Service technicians were aboard to operate this equipment. The other , Grenville, commanded by Roger Hill, was attacked by the Dorniers firing one missile at a time, but survived by being able out-turn the glide bombs. Egret 's sinking led to the anti-U-boat patrols in the Bay of Biscay being suspended. Hugh died 17th August 1943 age 21 together with 197 others. He is commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire (Panel 77. Colum 2) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star

18th August 1915 Private 8151 Joseph Oaks Colclough. 1st Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1886 son of Mr and Mrs W Colclough of 22 China St, Fenton. In 1906 Joseph married Annie White at Fenton Christ Church. In 1911 Joseph and Annie were living at 6 Hulse Street, Fenton with two children, Joseph W (2) and Marion (1) Josephs occupation was Potters Placer. Joseph enlisted and joined the 1st Bn North Staffordshire Regt. The Battalion took part in the Second Battle of Ypres which began in April 1915 when the Germans released poison gas into the Allied lines north of Ypres. This was the first time gas had been used by both side and the violence of the attack forced an Allied withdrawal and a shortening of the line of defence. The actions at Hooge was when the Germans put their new weapon, the flammenwerfer, or flamethrower, to devastating use against the Allies. Joseph was killed in action on 18th August 1915 age 31 and is commemorated at the Ypers (Menin Gate) Memorial, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 55) The memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Joseph is also commemorated along side his father in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. Joseph was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 3735 Caleb Skilton 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1884 son of Caleb and Mary Skilton of 36 West Parade, Mount Pleasant. In 1911 the family were living at 36 West Parade, Mount Pleasant and Caleb was working as a Coal Miner, Loader. In 1912 Caleb married Hannah Lockett at Fenton Christ Church and lived at 282 Duke Street, Fenton. Caleb enlisted and joined the 1st Bn North Staffordshire Regt. The Battalion took part in the Second Battle of Ypres which began in April 1915 when the Germans released poison gas into the Allied lines north of Ypres. This was the first time gas had been used by both side and the violence of the attack forced an Allied withdrawal and a shortening of the line of defence. The actions at Hooge was when the Germans put their new weapon, the flammenwerfer, or flamethrower, to devastating use against the Allies. Caleb was killed in action 18th August 1915, age 31 and is commemorated at Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery. Ypres (Ieper), West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium (I.G.7) He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

18th August 1916 L Corporal S/6034 Ernest Bloor 8th Bn Born 1896 son of George Albert and Mary Bloor, of Newcastle Staffs later moving to 3 Bourne St., Heron Cross, Fenton, Stoke- on-Trent. Ernest enlisted into the Seaforth Highlanders and served with the regiment in 1916 in the Somme Offensive in subsidiary battles, including the Defence during The Actions of Spring, The Battle of Pozieres, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette where tanks were used for the first time. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse. It was during this time on the 18th August 1916 that Ernest age 20 was killed in action. He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Pier and Face 15 C) This memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Ernest was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

19th August 1915 Private 7556 Henry Mountford 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1892 in Longton, son of Henry and Sarah Mountford. In 1911 Henry (father) now a widower was living with his family at 5 Coburg St, Fenton. Henry was employed as a Collier, Wagoner. In 1913 Henry married Gertrude May Thorley at St Judes parish church, Hanley. Henry enlisted and joined the 1st Bn North Staffordshire Regt. The Battalion took part in the Second Battle of Ypres which began in April 1915 when the Germans released poison gas into the Allied lines north of Ypres. This was the first time gas had been used by both side and the violence of the attack forced an Allied withdrawal and a shortening of the line of defence. The actions at Hooge was when the Germans put their new weapon, the flammenwerfer, or flamethrower, to devastating use against the Allies. Henry was killed in action on the 19th August 1915 age 23 and is commemorated at the Birr Cross Roads, Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave. Union St. Graveyard No1 Cem. Mem 15) “His headston bears the words “Thy will be done” The Union Street Graveyards No 1 and No 2, Zillebeke, were due North of Zillebeke village, between Gordon House and Hell Fire Corner. They contained the graves of 19 soldiers from the United Kingdom, who fell in August and September, 1915. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

20th August 1916 Private 24665 Samuel Thomas. 2nd Bn The Royal Welsh (Welch) Fusiliers Samuel was born in 1887 son of Simeon and Lois Thomas of 37 Packett St, Fenton and enlisted and was posted to the 2nd Bn the Royal Welsh Regt. In November 1915 the 19th Brigade attached to the 33rd Division. Then in 1916 the Battalion fought on the Somme at the Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The attacks on High Wood, The capture of Boritska and Dewdrop Trenches. During August the British advanced west and south-west of Guillemont and ground was gained by the British towards Ginchy and Guillemont. The 33rd Division fail to progress at High Wood. On the 19th the British gained ground, in Thiepval Ridge area, then on the 20th there was a Germans counter-attack near Thiepval. It was here on the 20th August 1916 age 20 that Samuel died of his wounds. He is commemorated at the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe, Somme, France (III.F.7) There are now 2,890 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. Only 12 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 21 casualties whose graves in the cemetery could not be exactly located. The cemetery also contains 83 German graves. The burials in this cemetery were carried out under extreme pressure and many of the graves are either too close together to be marked individually, or they contain multiple burials. Some headstones carry as many as three sets of casualty details, and in these cases, regimental badges have had to be omitted. Instead, these badges, 117 in all, have been carved on a cloister wall on the north side of the cemetery. Samuel was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 20th August 1918 Private 14604 George Charles Clewlow. “C” Co. 29th Bn Machine Gun Corp (infantry) Formerly 4804, N. Staffs Regt. Born in Fenton son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Clewlow. In 1911 was living with his parents and nine brothers and sisters at 23 Cumberland Street, Fenton. He was employed as a Pottery Flat Presser. Enlisted in Hanley George was posted to the North Staffordshire Regt before transferring to the Machine Gun Corp. The hamlet of Outtersteen was captured by the Germans on 12 April 1918, and retaken by the 9th, 29th and 31st Divisions, with the ridge beyond it, on 18 and 19 August, 1915. It was here that George died of his wounds on the 20th August 1918 age 23 and is commemorated at the Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul. Nord, France (Grave 11.E.16). After the Armistice, over 900 graves of 1914 and 1918 were brought into Plots I, II and IV from the battlefields surrounding Outtersteene and from certain small cemeteries. The War Graves Commission has the regimental number listed as 146201. All other details are the same. George was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

23rd August 1944 Warrant Officer 1211264 George Thomas Collinson 692 squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Born 1920 son of George Henry and Matilda Collinson of 67 High Street East, Fenton. No.692 Squadron was formed on 1 January 1944 at Graveley as a light bomber unit in No.8 Group. Equipped with Mosquitoes it formed part of the Light Night Striking Force, and was the first squadron to carry 4,000 lb bombs in Mosquitoes. After carrying out night raids on Germany for the rest of the war, it disbanded on 20 September 1945. George died 23rd August 1944 age 24 and was commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref: Grave 6421) George was awarded the War Medal 1932-1945 and 1939-45 Star

24th August 1916 Private 19532 John Thomas Bould “G” Coy 6th Bn Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Born in 1894 son of Thomas William and Martha Ann Bould, of Longton. John was employed as a Miner, Waggoner Underground and married Bridget Louisa Bould in 1913 at Longton, St James of 10 Court, 5, Anchor Place, Longton, Stoke-on- Trent. John enlisted and was posted to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders. In 1916 the regiment were on the Somme at the Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette was intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. It was here that John died of his wounds on the 24th August 1916 age 22. He is commemorated at the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe (Grave 111.F.46) There are now 2,890 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. Only 12 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 21 casualties whose graves in the cemetery could not be exactly located. The cemetery also contains 83 German graves. The burials in this cemetery were carried out under extreme pressure and many of the graves are either too close together to be marked individually, or they contain multiple burials. Some headstones carry as many as three sets of casualty details, and in these cases, regimental badges have had to be omitted. Instead, these badges, 117 in all, have been carved on a cloister wall on the north side of the cemetery. John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Lance Corporal R/ 10466 Nathaniel Heath. 9th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corp Born in 1890 son of John and Bridget Heath of 14 Park Street, Fenton. On the 7th June 1908 Nathaniel married Anna Jane Heath at Edensor, St Paul. In 1911 they were living at 1 Mason St, Fenton together with son John James F Heath born June 1910 and Nathaniel was employed as a Coal Miner. They went on to have two more children Nathaniel (1912) and George Henry (1915) and lived at 25 Park St, Fenton. Anna moved to 81 Market St, Fenton (now King St) after Nathaniel’s death Nathaniel enlisted in Longton, 6th February 1915. He joined the Kings Royal Rifles in Winchester on the 10th. On the 30th September he was posted to the British Expeditionary Force in France. In January 1916 was promoted to Lance Corporal. In 1916 the regiment were on the Somme at the Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette was intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. Nathaniel was posted missing and killed in action on the 24th August 1916 age 36. Ann wrote a letter (March 1917) stating “Sir. As my husband has now been missing since the 24th August 1916 and I have not heard anything of him only official news that he was missing and it is six months, and I have not received anything belonging to him. If you have any news, please let me know as soon as possible. Yours sincerely Wife of L Corporal Nat Heath” He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme France (Pier and Face 13 A and 13 B) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Nathaniel was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Rifleman R/11431 William Frederick Leese 9th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps Born 1898 Son of Richard and Loiusa Leese of 8 Challinor’s Square, Fenton. In 1911 William age 13 was working as a Potters Mould Runner and living at Caroline Street, Longton. He joined the Kings Royal Rifles and was posted to the British Expeditionary Force in France In 1916 the regiment were on the Somme at the Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette. It was intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. William was posted missing and killed in action on the 24th August 1916. He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme France (Pier and Face 13 A and 13 B) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private 8440 William Wilkinson 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1899 son of William and Hannah Wilkinson of 8 Cross St, Fenton. In 1911 was employed as Coal Waggoner, Salt Man and living with his brother-in-law at 55 Park Street, Fenton. William enlisted and joined the 1st Bn Staffordshire Regt. They fought on the Western Front on the Somme. In December 1915 the battalion was transferred to the 99th Brigade of the 2nd Division. During 1916 they were involved in the Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of the Ancre, Operations on the Ancre. The Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916) was a series of engagements in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Delville Wood (Bois d'Elville), was a thick tangle of trees. As part of a general offensive starting on 14 July, which became known as the Battle of Bazentine Ridge (14–17 July), General Douglas Haig Commander of the British Expeditionary Force intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. British attacks and German counter-attacks on the wood continued for the next seven weeks William died of his wound on the 24th August 1916, age 26 and is commemorated at the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt- L’Abbe, Somme. (Grave III.F.61) William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. There are now 2,890 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. Only 12 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 21 casualties whose graves in the cemetery could not be exactly located. The cemetery also contains 83 German graves. The burials in this cemetery were carried out under extreme pressure and many of the graves are either too close together to be marked individually, or they contain multiple burials. Some headstones carry as many as three sets of casualty details, and in these cases, regimental badges have had to be omitted. Instead, these badges, 117 in all, have been carved on a cloister wall on the north side of the cemetery. 24th August 1918 Private 20009 Thomas Lewis Finney 1st (Garrison) Bn Lincolnshire Regiment Born 1872 in . He married Mary Ellen Hughes in 1904 at Fenton Christ Church. In 1911 Thomas and Mary were living at 55 Jervice Street, (now Chilton St) Heron Cross, Fenton with Thomas (1905) Gladys (1906) Margaret (1907) and Hilda (1910) Thomas was employed as a Miner, Hewer. Thomas was enlisted and served in India with the 1st Garrison Bn Lincolnshire Regt He died, 24th August 1918 age 46. He is commemorated at the Madras 1914-1918 War memorial, Chennai. India (Face 9) He is buried in Lebong Cantonment Cemetery Thomas was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Madras 1914-1918 War Memorial is situated at the rear of the cemetery. It bears the names of more than 1,000 servicemen who died during the First World War who lie in many civil and cantonment cemeteries in various parts of India where it had previously been considered not possible to maintain their graves in perpetuity. The Commission is currently working to reinstate the original graves of many of the casualties commemorated here, whose names will subsequently be removed from the memorial when the panels are next due for replacement as part of regular maintenance of the site.

25th August 1916 Rifleman R/10979 Frederick Thomas Tabbenor. 9th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps. Not yet included on the WW1 memorial Born 1898 at Bucknall son of Frederick and Agnes Tabbenor, of 154, Park Road, (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Fred joined the Kings Royal Rifles and was posted to the British Expeditionary Force in France. In 1916 the regiment were on the Somme at the Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette. It was intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. Frederick was died of his wounds on the 25th August 1916 age 18. He is commemorated at the Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. (Plot 2. Row B Grave 74) His headstone bears the words “Someday, sometime our eyes shall see the face we keep in memory. RIP. Frederick was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 25th August 1918. Private 251939 Arthur Thorley. 1st/6th Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Born in 1886 at Brindley Ford son of Harry and Annie Thorley of Maclagan Street, Stoke-on-Trent. Arthur Joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders fighting on the Western Front. The battalion were involved in the Second Battle of Bapaume took place at Bapaume, France between 21 August and 3 September 1918. It followed the Battle Amiens and is also referred to as the second phase of that battle. The British and Commonwealth attack is often taken to be the turning point of the First World War on the Western Front and the beginning of what was later known as the Allies’ Improved armoured support and artillery bombardment weakened once impregnable positions and helped the Allied forces tear holes through trench lines. It was probably during this battle that Arthur was killed in action on the 25th August 1918. Age 34 He is commemorated at the Queens Cemetery, Bucquoy, Pas de Calais, France (Grave II.B.8) Bucquoy was taken by the 7th Division in March, 1917. It was partly lost in April 1918, after a prolonged and gallant defence by the 62nd (West Riding), 37th and 42nd (East Lancashire) Divisions; and it was cleared on the following 21st August. The cemetery was begun in March 1917, when 23 men of the 2nd Queens were buried in what is now Plot II, Row A. Thirteen graves of April-August 1918 were added (Plot II, Row B) in September 1918 by the 5th Division Burial Officer. Arthur was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Sergeant G/4414 Percy Shelley. "C" Coy. 7th Bn. Royal Fusiliers Not yet included on the WW1 memorial Born in Longton 1997 son of the James and Cicely Shelley, of 75, Temple St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Percy was working as an Errand Boy. He enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers and posted to France on the Western Front. In 1918 the battalion was engaged in the Battle Bapaume at Warlencourt Warlencourt, the Butte de Warlencourt and Eaucourt-L'Abbaye was the scene of very fierce fighting in 1916. Eaucourt was taken by the 47th (London) Division early in October. The Butte (a Roman mound of excavated chalk, about 17 metres high, once covered with pines) was attacked by that and other divisions, but it was not relinquished by the Germans until the following 26 February, when they withdrew to the Hindenburg Line. The British fought a delaying action at Warlencourt during the second battle of Bapaume on 25 March 1918 during the great German advance (the German Spring Offensive. The British recaptured the ground on 25 August 1918 the day, the that Percy was killed in action age 21. Percy’s body was found at map ref: 57c.5. C.6.5 and was identified by two tags. He was reburied and commemorated at the Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave VI. J. 30) The cemetery now contains 3,505 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 1,823 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to 55 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. His headstone “Jesus Mercy, Mary Help” requested by Mr P Shelley 15 Well Street, Fenton. Percy was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

26th August 1915 Private 13186 Albert Leonard Harrison. "D" Coy. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1894 son of George and Mary Harrison of 4 Colville St, Fenton. Albert was employed as a Colliers Wagoner Later Mr and Mrs Harrison moved to 12, China St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Albert married Elizabeth Wooley in a Civil marriage in Stoke-on-Trent 1914 and lived at 13 Park Lane, Fenton. There were two children George b 4/8/1914 and Albert 18th Jan 1916. Enlisted on the 4th September 1914 and posted to the 7th Bn North Staffordshire and then transferred to the 8th Battalion and posted to the Western Front in France. Died of wounds accidentally on the 26th August 1915 age 21 while practising throwing hand grenades. He is commemorated at the Merville Communal Cemetery. Nord, France. (Grave III.T.11) Headstone reads “Gods will be done” Albert was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Court of enquiry 6pm. 26th August 1916 at billets in Meville, France into the death of Albert Leonard Harrison and L Corp Lovat. 1st Witness Lt A G Lamplough, 8th North Staffordshire Regiment I am the Grenadier Officer of the 8th North Staffordshire Regt. I was conducting a course of Company Bombers at the Brigade Bombing School near Merville on the morning of the 26th. I had conducted half the class personally and left L Corp F Lovat in charge during my absence at the end of the trench owing to the smoke. Both L Cpl Lovat and Pvt Harrison were trained Battalion Bombers, both skilled men. L Cpl Lovat exceptionally left instruction that Pvt Harrison was to throw the C. type of bomb, which caused the accident, as he had not thrown one of this class before. The bomb was a globular shrapnel, the explosive Amnonel, lighted by match, fuse and detonator. After giving these instructions I went into the trench at right angles to the trench in which the practice was taking place. The next thing I knew was a rush of men back along the trench which swept me off my feet. When I got up I heard Sgt Wadell blow his whistle. I got out of the trench and found L Cpl Lovat and Pvt Harrison lying at the bottom of the trench. We lifted them out and sent for the ambulance. Pvt Harrison died almost immediacy after lifting him out of the trench. L Crp Lovat was alive and just conscious. We did what we could with first field dressing while waiting waiting for the ambulance. The accident occurred about 11.30am in the first traverse of the practice trench from the shelter trench where I was at the time. Both men were in hospital by about noon. Signed Lieutenant Alfred Lamlough. There were two other witnesses. 26th August 1918 Lance Cpl 235409 Joseph Clewlow MM. 7th Bn Linconshire Regiment. Formerly 4940, N. Staffs Regt., M.M. Born in Longton 1891 son of Joseph Griffiths and Florence Cherry Clewlow of 186 Whieldon Road, Mount Pleasant, Fenton. Joseph was employed as an Apprentice Engineering Draughtsman Enlisted in Hanley Joseph joined the North Staffordshire Regt with whom he won the Military Medal, he was then transferred to the Lincolnshire Regt and was posted with the regiment to Western European Front in France. In 1918 the Battalion were involved in many battles including The Battle of Bapaume, The Second Battle of Bapaume took place at Bapaume, France between 21 August and 3 September 1918. It followed the Battle of Amiens and is also referred to as the second phase of that battle. The British and Commonwealth attack is often taken to be the turning point of the First World War on the Western Front and the beginning of what was later known as the Allies’ Hundred Days Offensive. Improved armoured support and artillery bombardment weakened once impregnable positions and helped the Allied forces tear holes through trench lines. Joseph was killed in action on the 26th August 1918 age 27. His body was found at map ref 57c M 26 d 4.1 and was identified by a tag. His body was recovered and reburied and commemorated at the Warlencourt British Cemetery Pas de Calais, France (Grave Ref V11 J 28) Joseph was awarded the Military Medal, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Military Medal The military decoration was awarded to Joseph Clewlow for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Conferment of the medal was announced in the London Gazette and Joseph Clewlow earned the right to add the letters M.M. to his name.

THE FOLLOWING THREE SOLDIERS WERE ENLISTED INTO THE 7TH BATTALION NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE (PRINCE OF WALES’S) REGT. SERVING IN SOUTH RUSSIA. The 7th battalion were sent to South Russia at to secure the oilfields left by the Russians. For the 7th North Stafford’s, Mesopotamia and the Turks had been hell on earth. But in September of 1918, they had a change of scene, though the enemy was the same. They were moved into North Persia to defend Baku's rich oilfields, left exposed by a Russia torn by the internal conflict of the revolution. The Stafford’s, singing in the sunshine and 'much impressed with the Russian women after the heavily-veiled Arabs,' marched into the city unopposed. They settled down to a cosy occupation and their only constant complaint was the abundance of Russian caviar, which they disgustedly called 'fish's eyes' and happily swapped for jam. Then the Turks struck with an instant power and savagery that swept aside the defending garrison. More than half the 7th fell in a hurried evacuation. Many of them were only wounded – but the Turks rarely cared for wounded soldiers and none of them were seen again. Dozens more, without proper food or rest or medical care, died from what would normally have been minor wounds – and from an outbreak of Spanish 'flu. To their horror, the beaten garrison were told that without reinforcements they were to attempt to storm the city against an enemy that, for all their cruelty and laziness, were among the world's finest fighters. And then the Turks looked over their shoulders and saw the end of the war in sight – and sought a truce. For the 7th, as for their comrades in Europe, peace was on the way. Private 29937 Ernest Wood 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1898 in Fenton son of Albert and Lavinia Wood, of 72, Raglan St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. William was employed as a Pottery Mould Runner Killed in action on the 26th August 1918 age 20. He is commemorated at Baku Memorial, Azerbaijon. (Believed to be buried at Baku British Military Cemetery and whose grave has not been identified). Ernest was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 201552 William Thomas Hawkesorth 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1884 in Fenton son of Thomas and Eliza Hawkesworth. In 1911 William was living at 4 Brunswick St, Fenton and was employed as a Miner, Loader. Later on the 8th May 1911 he married Sarah Jane Bentley at Edensor, St Paul and lived at 66 Park St, Fenton. On the 26th August 1918 William was killed in action age 32 and is commemorated at the Tehran Memorial, Iran (Panel 4 Column 2) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Corporal 9659 William Nathan Robinson 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1880 son of James and Elizabeth Robinson of Albert St, Stoke. In 1905 William married Louisa Hills at St Margarat’s , Wolstanton. In 1911 they wer living at 28 Hardinge Street, Fenton and had two children William 5 and James, 1. Williams occupation was a Pottery Presser. William was killed in action 26th August 1918, age 38 he is commemorated at the Tehran Memorial, Iran. (Panel 4 Column 1) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

27th August 1918 Second Lieutenant Thomas Bertram Collis. 22nd Sqn Royal Air Force. Formally R.N.A.S. or R.F.C.- Rank: - A. Mech. 3, Trade: - Misc.(Aviator) Private Misc Aviator 100650 Service from 6/11/17 Born 1895 in Fenton son of George and Annie Collis of Fenton. 21 Heron Street, Heron Cross, Fenton. In 1911 Thomas was registered as still at school. Thomas joined the RNAS or RFC as Air mechanic 3 on RAF pay of 1/6d (7 ½ p) for the duration of the war. He was then enlisted into the 22nd Sqd RAF The 22nd Squadron was originally formed in 1915 as an aerial reconnaissance unit of the serving on the Western Front during WW1 . Becoming part of the Royal Air Force on its formation in 1918, it was disbanded the following year as part of the post-First World War scaling back of the RAF. When Thomas was part of the RAF The Squadran was equipped with the Bristol F2b also known as the Bristol Fighter or 'Brisfit'. Thomas died on the 27th August 1918 age 23. His body was found at map ref E 30. C.4.5 and is reburied on the 27th October 1919 at the Hermies Hill British Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave 1V. E. 31) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 27th August 1943 Engine Room Artificer 4th Class. P/MX 79838 Hugh Christopher Samuel Nicklin. Royal Navy. HMS Egret. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1922 son of Frederick Sidney and Emily Lily Nicklin, of 47 Wallis Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. HMS Egret was a sloop of the British Royal Navy, the lead ship of her class. She was built by J. Samuel White at Cowes, Isle of Wight and was launched on 31 May 1938. HMS Egret was the first ship ever to be sunk by a guided missile. The Germans had used the Henschel Hs 293 glide bomb for the first time on 25 August 1943 against the 40th Support Group in the Bay of Biscay. Landguard was slightly damaged by a near miss. Bideford was hit and damaged, with one sailor killed, though more serious damage was avoided because the bomb's explosive charge did not fully detonate. On 27 August 1943 the 40th Support Group was relieved by the 1st Support Group, consisting of Egret together with the sloop Pelican and the frigates Jed, Rother, Spey and Evenlode. The group was attacked by a squadron of 18 Dornier Do 217 carrying Henschel glide bombs. One of the two covering destroyers, HMCS Athabaskan, was heavily damaged and Egret was sunk with the loss of 194 of her crew. At the time there were four RAF Y-Service electronics specialists on board, all of whom also died in the attack, thus bringing to total killed to 198. (These four RAF personnel are typically excluded from published casualty figures.) Egret had been fitted with electronic surveillance equipment designed to monitor Luftwaffe bomber communications and these Y- Service technicians were aboard to operate this equipment. The other destroyer, Grenville, commanded by Roger Hill, was attacked by the Dorniers firing one missile at a time, but survived by being able out-turn the glide bombs. Egret 's sinking led to the anti-U-boat patrols in the Bay of Biscay being suspended. Date of Death: 27/08/1943, age 21 and is commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. (Panel 77, Column 2) Hugh was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. 28th August 1916 Private 4139 Spencer Smallwood 1st/4th Bn. attd. 23rd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers Born in 1884 son of James and Louisa Smallwood of 42, Victoria Rd, Fenton, Staffs. In 1911 Spencer was employed as a Potters Warehouseman. Spencer enlisted into the Northumberland Fusiliers and was engaged on the Weston Front with his regiment on the Somme offensive which took place in the summer and autumn 1916. It was a time tanks were introduced and Italy declared war on Germany On the 28th August 1916 Spencer died of his wounds age 32. He is commemorated at the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France (Grave 1.C.31) In March 1916 the French were replaced by Commonwealth forces, the cemetery was then used for burials by the 6th Casualty Clearing Station. His headstone bears the words “in loving memory, mother and relatives” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Meda 28th August 1918 Private 4078 John Brassington. 7th Bn East Yorkshire Regiment Born 1898 at Silverdale, Staffordshire son of Thomas and Harriet Brassington of 104 King Street, Fenton. On the 1911 census John was still registered at school. Enlisted into the East Yorkshire Regt serving in France in the Western European Front. In 1918 the 7th Service Battalion were involved in the Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, The Second Battle of Bapaume took place at Bapaume, France between 21 August and 3 September 1918. It followed the Battle of Amiens and is also referred to as the second phase of that battle. The British and Commonwealth attack is often taken to be the turning point of the First World War on the Western Front and the beginning of what was later known as the Allies’ Hundred Days Offensive. Improved armoured support and artillery bombardment weakened once impregnable positions and helped the Allied forces tear holes through trench lines. John was killed in action on the 28th August 1918 age 20. He is commemorated at the Vis-En-Artois Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 4) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. They belonged to the forces of Great Britain and Ireland and South Africa; the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand forces being commemorated on other memorials to the missing. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 28th August 1920 Gunner 805125 T Lomas "A" Battery 231st Brigade Royal Field Artillery. Not yet included on the memorial. Born 1884. Mrs M.E. Lomas 7 Gordon Street, Heron Cross, Fenton was registered as next of kin. The 231st Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army in WW1 providing artillery support. In World War I it fought in Palestine and on the Western Front. The Royal Field Artillery was the largest arm of the artillery. It was responsible for the medium calibre guns and deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into brigades, attached to divisions or higher formations. Died 28th August 1920 age 36 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (grave ref: 6903) He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.

29th August 1916 Rifleman R/5900 John Henry Critchlow. 10th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Born 1896 in Cannon St, Fenton son of Emily Critchlow (1901 widow) In 1911 John was living with his grandparents at 26 Colville St, Fenton. He worked on the Pit Bank John enlisted into the Kings Royal Rifle Corp and as part of the 10th Battalion Service corp he served on the Western Front on the Somme. During 1916 the battalion were engaged in The Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916) which was a series of engagements in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. As part of a general offensive starting on 14 July, which became known as the (14–17 July), General Douglas Haige. Commander of the BEF, intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. British attacks and German counter-attacks on the wood continued for the next seven weeks It was reported that John was killed in action on the 29th August 1916 age 20. His body was recovered at map ref 62C A.4. d. 6.4 His body was exhumed and reburied in the Danzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz. Somme, France I.B.37 and awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal The village of Mametz was carried by the 7th Division on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, after very hard fighting at Dantzig Alley (a German trench) and other points. The cemetery was begun later in the same month and was used by field ambulances and fighting units until the following November. The 231st Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army in World War I. It was formed by redesignation of existing formations. In World War I it fought in Palestine and on the Western Front.

30th August 1918 Rifleman 45257 William Thomas Griffin Rifle Brigade. Posted to London Regt (London Rifle Bgd) Born 1899 son of Richard and Ellen Griffin of 40 Park Street, Fenton. In 1911 William was registered as still at school. William enlisted and served in France on the Western Front. He died on the 30th August 1918 age 19 and is commemorated at the Bac-Du-Sud British Cemetery, Bailleulval. Pas de Calais. France (Grave 111.E.28) Words on his headstone “Duty Nobly Done” William awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal The Bac-Du-Sud British Cemetery was made in March 1918 by the 7th, 20th and 43rd Casualty Clearing Stations, but when the German advance began at the end of that month, their place was taken by field ambulances of the units fighting on the Arras front, notably the 31st Division and the Canadian Corps. In August and September, when the Germans had been pushed back, the 45th and 46th Casualty Clearing Stations were posted to the neighbourhood.

31st August 1916 Private 24195 James Beardmore. 15th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) Born in Hanley in 1888 son of Richard and Mary Beardmore. James married Fanny Taft in 1909 at Wellington, St Luke and lived at Wellington Street, Hanley. They had one son James, b 1910. They later moved to 25, Alfred St., Fenton, Stoke-on- Trent. James enlisted and joined the 15th (Service) Battalion (Nottingham) and was mobilized on the Western Front. In 1916 the battalion were engaged in the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, The fighting for Arrow Head Copse and Maltz Horn Farm, The fighting for Falfemont Farm, all phases of the Battles of the Somme 1916 Reported missing and killed in action on the 31st August 1916 age 28. His body was found N E of Delville Wood T.13.A and was reburied commemorated at the Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval. Somme France (Grave Ref XV. 1. 9) Headstone: “dearly beloved”. James was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Lance Corporal 7903 William Moore (334) 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born in Hanford William married Elizabeth Lake (b 1895 52 Market St [now King St]) at Stoke St Peter’s in 1913. They then lived 14 New St, Stoke-on-Trent. William enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt then was mobilized on the Western Front on the Somme. In 1916 the battalion were involved in The German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont. The Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916) was a series of engagements in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. As part of a general offensive starting on 14 July, which became known as the Battle of Bazentin Ridge (14–17 July), General Douglas Haige. Commander of the BEF, intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. British attacks and German counter- attacks on the wood continued for the next seven weeks William was killed in action: 31st August 1916. Age 22 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France (Addenda Panel) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Private 8457 Daniel Sutton 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Price of Wales) Regiment Born 1889 son of William Henry and Annie Sutton of Tunstall Enlisted in Burslem into the North Staffordshire Regt Daniel was mobilized on the Western Front on the Somme in 1916 the battalion were involved in The German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont. The Battle of Delville Wood (15 July – 3 September 1916) which was a series of engagements in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. As part of a general offensive starting on 14 July, which became known as the Battle of Bazentin Ridge (14–17 July), General Douglas Haige. Commander of the BEF, intended to capture the German second position between Delville Wood and Bazentin le Petit. The attack achieved this objective and was a considerable though costly success. British attacks and German counter- attacks on the wood continued for the next seven weeks Daniel was killed in action: 31th August 1916. Age 27 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. (Pier and Face 14 B and 14 C) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. 31st August 1917 Private 260048 Frank Patrick 1st/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1890 in Leigh, Staffordshire son of Alfred and Elizabeth E Patrick. By 1901 the family had moved to 4, (then to 42) Queen St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Franks occupation was a Baker. Enlisted into the North Staffordshire and posted with the battalion on the Western Front. In 1917 the battalion were engaged with operations on the Ancre, Occupation of the Gommecourt defences, The attack on Rettemoy Graben, The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The attack on Lievin, The . Frank died of wounds on the 31st August 1917. Age: 27. He is commutated at the Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery Extension Pas de Calais France (II.A.9) Headstone “Peace, perfect peace” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 31st August 1918 Bombardier 25896 Thomas Howe 50th TM Bty. Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery Born Stoke-on-Trent in 1887 son of Thomas and Emma Howe, In 1911 Thomas was living with his widowed mother at 36 Park Street, Fenton and his occupation was a Potters Caster. Trench mortars were used in a variety of defensive and offensive roles, from the suppression of an enemy machine-gun, post or other local feature, to the coordinated firing of barrages. Larger mortars were sometimes used for cutting barbed wire, especially where field artillery could not be used, either because of the danger of hitting British troops or where the effect of the fire could not be observed. Experience on the Somme revealed that use of Stokes mortars in an offensive close-support role had been limited by the reluctance of some commanders to sacrifice rifle strength to provide parties required to carry the ammunition which the weapons so quickly consumed. Thomas enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery on the Western Front. On 31st August 1918 age 31 Thomas died in Germany. He is commemorated at the Glageon Communal Cemetery Ext. Nord, France (Grave 11. 0. 2) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

1st September 1942 Gunner 976286 Eric James Ratcliffe. 1st Regiment. Royal Horse Artillery Born 1916 son of William and Mary Priscilla Ratcliffe. In 1935 Eric married Ethel M Hamilton at Fenton Christ Church. Historical Information (CWGC) The campaign in the Western Desert was fought between the Commonwealth forces (with, later, the addition of two brigades of Free French and one each of Polish and Greek troops) all based in Egypt, and the Axis forces (German and Italian) based in Libya. The battlefield, across which the fighting surged back and forth between 1940 and 1942, was the 1,000 kilometres of desert between Alexandria in Egypt and Benghazi in Libya. It was a campaign of manoeuvre and movement, the objectives being the control of the Mediterranean, the link with the east through the Suez Canal, the Middle East oil supplies and the supply route to Russia through Persia. Eric died 1st September 1942 and is commemorated at Alamein Memorial, Egypt (Panel ref: Column 9) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star The ALAMEIN MEMORIAL forms the entrance to Alamein War Cemetery. The Land Forces panels commemorate more than 8,500 soldiers of the Commonwealth who died in the campaigns in Egypt and Libya, and in the operations of the Eighth Army in Tunisia up to 19 February 1943, who have no known grave. It also commemorates those who served and died in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Persia. (CWGC)

3rd September 1944 Guardsman 2622433 George Ecclestone. 1st Bn Grenadier Guards. (Foot Guards) Born 1921 at Stoke-on-Trent son of George and Lucy Ecclestone, husband of Olive Joan Ecclestone, of Chippenham, Slough, Buckinghamshire. Died 3rd September 1944 age 23 and was buried at Pont A Marque, France. (map ref: GSGS 4336 1/100. 000 Sheet 7 H. 731234) His body was the exhumed and reburied 22/5/1947 at Lille Southern Cemetery, Nord, France (Grave ref: Plot 5, Row B, Grave 17) Headstone “He rests beyond, who loved this England, and for England died” George was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information. (CWGC) During the 1939-45 War, at the end of March 1940, the 50th Division was near Lille; while in May the same year No.10 Casualty Clearing Station used the Cemetery from the 16th to the 25th of the month. There are now over 600, 1914-18 and nearly 300, 1939-45 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number from the 1914-18 War are unidentified and a special memorial is erected to one soldier from the United Kingdom known to be buried among them. From the 1939-45 War nearly 40 are unidentified. The French number of Plot I is V.2; that of Plot II, V.4; and that of Plot III (where British prisoners of War are buried) J.1. The Second War graves are in French Plot 82.

September 5th 1915 Private 14063 Harry Swettenham 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1881 son of Lewis and Ann Swettenham of China St, Fenton. In 1905 Harry married Polly Smith at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 they were living at 61 China Street, Fenton with two children, his occupation, Pottery Presser. Harry enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regiment when in January 1915 they moved to Basingstoke and then Blackdown, Aldershot. In June 1915 they embarked for Gallipoli form Avonmouth and landed one month later in July 1915. The 13th Division landed at Anzac on the Gallipoli peninsula in preparation for the Spring Offensive and engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including; The Battle of Sari Bair, 6-10 August. The Battle of Russell's Top, 7 August.The Battle of Hill 60, Anzac, 27-28 August Harry died of wounds on the 5th September 1915 age 35 He is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey. (Panel 170 and 171) and was awarded the 1915-1916 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 8970 David Toft. 2nd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet Commemorated on the Memorial Born 1890 Son of the late Herbert and Edna Toft, of Wigan, Lancashire. In 1901 they were living at 17 Duke St and later 62, Oldfield St., Fenton. In 1911 was billeted with the North Staffordshire regiment in Manchester, Lancashire. The 2nd Battalion were stationed at Rawal Pindi, India where it remained throughout the war. David died on the 5th September 1915 is buried at the Shabkadr Cemetery. Charsadda District, North West Frontier and is commemorated at the Delhi Memorial () (Panel F 23) He was awarded the 1915-1916 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Grave Registration Report states Buried at Shabkadir Cemetery, Charsadda District. N W Frontier Province. “As this cemetery lies west of the Indus and is liable to desecration, the above names will probably be commemorated at the Attock Memorial irrespective of whether they are otherwise commemorated or not” XY/3540 Of the 13,300 Commonwealth servicemen commemorated by name on the memorial, just over 1,000 lie in cemeteries to the west of the River Indus, where maintenance was not possible. The remainder died in fighting on or beyond the North West Frontier and during the Third Afghan War, and have no known grave. The Delhi Memorial also acts as a national memorial to all the 70,000 soldiers of undivided India who died during the years 1914-1921, the majority of whom are commemorated by name outside the confines of India. 8th September 1916 Private 1627 Eli Byatt. 19th Bn Middlesex Pioneer Regiment Born in 1877 in Fenton. Eli married Mary Gallimore at Christ Church, Fenton on the 17th June 1915 and they lived at 2, Cowper St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. They had one child named Hannah. (Adopted sisters child b 1/9/1905) Eli worked as a Coal Miner, Hewer. Enlisted at Fenton Town Hall, 14th April 1915 into the 13th Pioneer Middlesex Regt. He was posted to the BEF on the 1st May 1916 and transferred to the 19th (Sevice) Battalion. (2nd Public Works Pioneers) The battalion landed in Le Havre on the 2nd May 1916. He was killed in action on the Somme, France 8th September 1916 age 38 His body was found at map ref 57C.S.16.c.9.2 and was reburied at The Quarry Cemetery, Montauban. Somme, France (Grave I.C. 8) His headstone bears the words “Though death divides, Fond memory clings” Eli was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 8 September 1945 Signalman 2360898 George Kenneth Chadwick. Royal Corps of Signals. Singapore Fortress Signals. (Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial) Born 1919 Son of Mr. and Mrs. George Chadwick, of Fenton, Date of Death: 08/09/1945 Age: 26. Commemorated at Singapore Memorial, (Colmn 44) George was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) Before 1939 the Kranji area was a military camp and at the time of the Japanese invasion of Malaya, it was the site of a large ammunition magazine. On 8 February 1942, the Japanese crossed the Johore Straits in strength, landing at the mouth of the Kranji River within two miles of the place where the war cemetery now stands. On the evening of 9 February, they launched an attack between the river and the causeway. During the next few days fierce fighting ensued, in many cases hand to hand, until their greatly superior numbers and air strength necessitated a withdrawal. After the fall of the island, the Japanese established a prisoner of war camp at Kranji and eventually a hospital was organised nearby at Woodlands. After the reoccupation of Singapore, Kranji War Cemetery was developed from a small cemetery started by the prisoners at Kranji, by the Army Graves Service. Within Kranji War Cemetery stands the Singapore Memorial, bearing the names of over 24,000 casualties of the Commonwealth land and air forces who have no known grave. Many of these have no known date of death and are accorded within our records the date or period from when they were known to be missing or captured. The land forces commemorated by the memorial died during the campaigns in Malaya and Indonesia or in subsequent captivity, many of them during the construction of the Burma- Thailand railway, or at sea while being transported into imprisonment elsewhere. The memorial also commemorates airmen who died during operations over the whole of southern and eastern Asia and the surrounding seas and oceans.

10th September 1916 Private 24139 Frank Ganner. 17th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) Born 1896 in Burslem son James and Sarah Ganner. In 1911 they were living at 7 Kent Street, Fenton and Frank was employed as an Apprentice Boiler Maker. Frank enlisted into the Sherwood Forrester (The Robin Hoods) and was posted to the BEF in 1917 and was involved in the Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Langemarck, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, The , The Second Battle of Passchendaele. Frank Died on the 10th September 1916 age 20 and is commemorated at the Ste Marie Cemetery, Lle Havre, Seine-Maritime, France. (Grave Div 3.F.5) Headstone “Ever remembered” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 10th September 1918 Sergeant 17183 Arthur Douglas Finney. B" Coy. 7th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet included in the war memorial Born in Fenton in 1893 son of William and Miriam Finney, of 165, High St., (now City Road) Fenton. He was a single man employed as a shop assistant at Boots shop. He enlisted on the 25th August 1914 and joined the North Staffordshire Regt. He was appointed Lance corporal and then acting Corporal and transferred to the 10th Reserve Battalion. In November he was transferred as Lance Sergeant to the 7th Battalion before becoming sergeant. In July 1918 the battalion was transferred to the 39th Brigade of the North Persia Force and moved to Baku to protect the oil fields. Arthur died of a cut throat on the 10th September 1918 age 25 in the Station Hospital, Belgaum. He is commemorated at the Belgaum Government Cemetery, India (Plot C. Grave 142) Arthur is also commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent on his parent’s grave stone. William, h/o Miriam FINNEY, 165 High Street, Fenton, 16 Oct 1921, 57. Sgt Arthur Douglas, s, died in India, 10 Sept 1918, 25” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

11th September 1943 Private 4809099 John Bradbury. 6th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment Born in 1923 at Stoke-on-Trent son of William Thomas Bradbury and Emily Bradbury, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. 03 September 1939: The 6th Battalion along with the 4th Battalion, were called up at once when the war was declared. April 1940: The Battalion embarked for France. Later it managed to return from Dunkirk. January 1943: The battalion left for Algiers. September 1943: It took part in the landings at Salerno in Italy. John died in Italy 11th September 1943 age 20 and is commemorated at Salerno War Cemetery. (Grave ref: V.F.5) John was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year. Commonwealth and American forces landed near Salerno on 8-9 September 1943 and there was fierce fighting for some days in the bridgehead that they established. The site for the cemetery was chosen in November 1943 and it contains many burials resulting from the landings and the fighting that followed, but graves were also brought in later from a wide area of south-western Italy. The 59th General Hospital was in the vicinity of Salerno at the end of 1943 and early in 1944.

12th September 1917 Gunner 133475 Samuel Tomlinson Foxall. 118th Siege Bty Royal Garrison Artillery Born 1895 in Stoke Samuel was the son of Samuel and Mary Jane Foxall of 55 Alfred Street, Fenton. In 1915 Samuel married Mabel Brandem James in a Civil marriage in Stoke-on-Trent. She lived at 10, Fenton Low Cottages, Stoke-on-Trent. Samuel was enlisted into The Royal Garrison Artillery and fought on the Western Front. He was killed in action on the 12th September 1917 age 22 and is commemorated at the Huts Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave V.C.7) His headstone bears the words “Peace, Perfect Peace” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Gunner 151496 William Broomhead 49th Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery Not yet included on the Memorial Born in Longton 1880 son of the late William Walter and Annie Broomhead. In 1911 they were living at 37 Bermore St, Mount Pleasant and William was employed as a metal mounter. In 1915 he married Florence M. Parkes at Normacot, Holy Evangelist. He enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery and served on the Western Front. William died of his wounds on the 12th September 1917 age 27 and is commemorated at the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. No 3 (Grave I.G.19) His headstone bears the words “Thy Will Be Done” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 12th September 1918 Gunner 210820 Brian T Thomas. Royal Field Artillery. 251st Bde. Formerly 104183, Gnr, Royal Garrison Artillery Born in Longton, 1897 son of Oswald and Mary Ann Brian of 20 Bourne St, Heron Cross. He enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery before transferring to the Royal Field Artillery The Royal Field Artillery was the largest arm of the artillery. It was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into brigades, attached to divisions or higher formations. During the First World War a whole new form of artillery was developed to meet the unusual conditions of war on the Western Front: the trench mortar. The lighter weapons being manned by the infantry, the Royal Field Artillery provided the manpower for the heavier mortars. Thomas died in Germany on the 12th September 1918 age 21 and his body found at Crecy Sur Serre G.M.C map ref 66c.R.28. b.1.7 Identified by Cross, GB List, Khaki & Red Cross Badge. Reburied on 18/2/1925 at Chauny Communal Cemetery British Extension (Grave 5.D.5) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Corporal 79312 Henry A Brown 181st Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers Born in Fenton 1893 son of Charles and Emma Brown 45 Hill Street, Fenton later moving to 6 Colville Street, Fenton. Harry enlisted into the 181st Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers. The 181st Tunnelling Company was one of the tunnelling companies of the Royal Engineers created by the army in WW1. The tunnelling units were occupied in offensive and defensive mining involving the placing and maintaining of mines under enemy lines, as well as other underground work such as the construction of deep dugouts for accommodation, the digging of subways, saps (a narrow trench dug to approach enemy trenches), cable trenches and underground chambers for signals and medical services. Harry was killed in action on the 12th September 1918 age 25. His body was exhumed from Vauix Churchyard Extension, map re 57c.c.25.c.8.5 He was reburied in February 1924 and commemorated at the Vaulx Hill Cemetery. (Grave I. J. 6) His body was identified by cross and clothing. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

12th September 1944 Gunner 4040477 Nathaniel Heath. Royal Artillery, 28th Field Regiment. Born 1912 son of Nathaniel and Jane Heath of Park St, Fenton. In 1938 Nathaniel married Alice Vitta in a Civil marriage in Stoke-on-Trent. Historical Information. (CWGC) The easiest route from Burma (now Myanmar) to India is through Imphal into Assam and after the invasion of Burma, Imphal became a focal point in the defence of India against the Japanese.

Early in 1942, as the Japanese approached Rangoon, a very large proportion of its Indian population fled from the city to India, many of them to Upper Burma and so by Chindwin tracks to Assam. In May of that year, Commonwealth forces followed the same route on their retreat to India. In their wake came still more civilian refugees, many of whom died on the arduous journey under ceaseless heavy rain, without transport and food. Of the 400,000 civilians who fled to India about 140,000 passed through Imphal into Assam. The defence of India and the retention of a position from which Burma could be re-entered now became of primary importance. The 23rd Indian Division was formed in Manipur State, new airfields were constructed there, and army and air force reinforcements arrived. Eventually there was a considerable concentration of Commonwealth fighting forces in the Imphal area and from November 1944 onwards, No. 38 General Hospital was posted there. Strategically well placed for attacks on the lines of communication by railway, road and river which were vital for the maintenance of all Allied operations in Burma, Imphal with its airfields was a main objective when the Japanese made their thrust towards India in the spring of 1944. There was severe fighting in the surrounding hills and on the outskirts of the plain and the Japanese succeeded in cutting a long section of the Imphal-Kohima road and holding it for over three months. The Fourteenth Army held on grimly, inflicting heavy punishment on the Japanese. Of all the battles on this frontier of India the siege of Imphal and its relief in the summer of 1944 rank next in importance to the Battle of Kohima. Nathaniel was killed 12th September 1944 age 32 he was originally buried at Tiddin Militery Cemetery. On the 26th February 1947 was reburied at Imphal War Cemetery (Grave ref: 4. A.15) “We have lost, Heaven has gained one of the best earth contained. Amen He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. There were originally some 950 burials in Imphal War Cemetery, but after hostilities had ceased, the Army Graves Service brought in graves from two smaller cemeteries in Imphal and from isolated positions in the surrounding region. The cemetery now contains 1,600 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.

13th September 1914 Lance Corporal 784 Thomas Dutton 2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers Born in Longon in 1886 son of John and Sarah Dutton. In 1914 Thomas married Elizabeth Ellen Brain at Christ Church, Fenton and lived at 221 Duke Street, Fenton. In 1911 Thomas was stationed in India with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He later transferred to the 2nd Battalion. In August 1914 the battalion were stationed at Dover as part of the of the 4th Division. They were then mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front. During August and September1914 the battalion was engaged in the , the Battle of the Marne, and Battle of the Aisne. The battle of Aisne was where the BEF halted the month-long advance of the German forces toward and decisively ended the possibility of an early German victory. It was here that Thomas was killed in action on the 13th September 1914 age 28. He is commemorated at the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne, France. Thomas was awarded the , the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 13th September 1915 Private 13864 Alfred Clewlow 1st Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1890 in Fenton son of Alfred and Sushannah Clewlow. In 1910 Alfred married Minnie Williams at Fenton, Christ Church, and then lived at 5 Smith St, (now Hallam St) Fenton. Alfred was a Coal Miner, Hewer and they had 1 child 8 month old Alfred. In 1914 Alfred enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt then in October 1914 he was mobilised and posted to the 4th Battalion. In January 1915 he transferred to the 1st Battalion and was posted to the Expeditionary force in France where he was engaged in the actions at Hooge Alfred was killed in action 13th September 1915, age 25 and is commemorated at the Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix. Pas de Calais, France (Grave I. B. 58) and was awarded the 1914 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 13th September 1917 Driver 820341 John Henry Middleton. Royal Field Artillery. 232ND Bde. John was born in Fenton. Living in Hanley. He enlisted into 232 Brigade Royal Field Artillery The Royal Field Artillery was the largest arm of the artillery. It was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into brigades, attached to divisions or higher formations. During the first world war a whole new form of artillery was developed to meet the unusual conditions of war on the Western Front: the trench mortar. The lighter weapons being manned by the infantry, the Royal Field Artillery provided the manpower for the heavier mortars. John was killed in action 13th September 1917. He is commemorated at the Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery. West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave I.N.1) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

14th September 1914 Private 7933 John Thomas Kellett 1st Btn Lincolnshire Regiment Born in 1888 son of Harriet Gilbert (formerly Kellett), of 110, Duke St, Fenton, Staffs, and the late Thomas Kellett. Enlisted into the Lincolnshire Regt and in August 1914 was mobilised for war and landed at Havre where the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Battle of and the subsequent retreat. This was the first major action of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in the First World War and the Battle of the Aisne. The battle of Aisne was where the BEF halted the month-long advance of the German forces toward Paris and decisively ended the possibility of an early German victory. It was here that Thomas was killed in action on the 14th September 1914 age 26. He is commemorated at the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, Seine-et-Marne, France. John was awarded the 1914 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 14th September 1944 Corporal 7887230 Robert Ball. Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. 51st (The Rifles) Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1920 in South East London. Husband of Vera Ball, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Following the fall of Rome to the Allies in June 1944, the German retreat became ordered and successive stands were made on a series of defensive positions known as the Trasimene, Arezzo, Arno and Gothic Lines. (CWGC) Date of Death: 14/09/1944 in Italy, Age:24. Robert was originally buried at Map ref: ICGR/MJG/2566. Sheet 109 923860 (Misano). On the 30/5/1945 he was reburied at Grandara War Cemetery, Italy. (Grave Reference: II, A, 34.) Headstone “We praise him; we call him blessed. Sadly, missed by his loving wife Vera” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939- 45 Star. The site for the cemetery was chosen in November 1944 and it contains the graves of casualties incurred during the advance from Ancona to Rimini, which broke the German's heavily defended Gothic Line, and in the heavy fighting around Rimini, which was taken by the Allies on 21 September 1944. Gradara War Cemetery contains 1,191 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. There is also one Belgian war grave. (CWGC)

15th September 1916 Rifleman G/12745 Lewis Booth 9th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Born in Fenton in 1888 son of Albert and Alice Booth In 1908 Lewis married Maud Lines at Stoke St Peter. They lived at 71 South St, Mount Pleasant, Fenton with two children, Alfred (19.8.08), Louis (4.11.09), Alice 1912 and Maud Lilian (1915) Lewis was employed as a collier On the 10th May 1915 Lewis enlisted at Fenton Town Hall and enlisted into the 2nd Co Kings Royal Rifles having previously been in the regiment. He was posted BEF France 3rd May 1916 and reported missing in the field and then killed in action on the 15th September 1916 age 28 and is commemorated at the Theipval Memorial. Somme, France (Pier and Face 13A&13B) Lewis was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive. Gunner 111727 William Ford 58th Bty. 35th Bde. Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery Born in Stoke in 1888 son of Henry and Rosanna Ford. In 1911 William was living with his brother at 49 Havelock Street, Fenton, and was employed as a Blast Furnace Labourer. William was enlisted with the BEF on the Somme and was killed in action on the 15th September 1916 He is commemorated at the Theipval Memorial. Somme, France (Pier& Face 1A & 8A) William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive. Private 140076 Peter Shenton 21st Bbn Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Born in Penkhull in 1895 son of Samuel and Louisa Shenton of 49 Whieldon Road, Mount Pleasant he was employed as a General Labourer. Enlisted into the Machine gun Corp Peter was reported missing and killed in action on the 15th September 1918 age 23. His body was found at map ref X 19. C. 4. 3 and was reburied at the Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, Nord, France (Grave V.G.19) Peter was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

16th September 1918 Private 317257 Joseph Hawkins. 13th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers Formally (3565) 5th North Staffordshire Regt. Born in 1894 son of Joseph and Martha Ellen Hawkins, of 52 Heron Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Johns occupation, Assistant Fireman at Hancock & Sons Stoke. Enlisted October 1914 at Hanley into the 5th North Staffordshire Regt, Territorial Force. He was then transferred to the 23rd Royal Welsh (Welch) Regt and then posted to the 13th Bn in Sept 1918. The regiment saw action in the The Battle of the Bapaume, The Battle of , The Battle of Epehy, The Battle of Beaurevoir, Joseph was reported missing and killed in action on 16th September 1918 age 24. His body was found at Map ref 57Q, 32. 6. 3. 5 (Cambrai) which was exhumed and reburied at the Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, Nord, France. (Grave I.G.2) Joseph is also commemorated on his parent’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

17th September 1939 Private 10225171 Norman Beckett. North Staffordshire Regiment Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1918 son of Albert Edward and Ethel Mary Beckett, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Date of Death: 17/09/1939. Age: 21. Commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave Reference: 2878) WW2 Battalions of the North Staffordshire Regiment At the outbreak of the Second World War, the North Staffordshire Regiment was composed of four battalions. The 1st and 2nd, were regular army battalions and another another two, the 6th and 7th, were Territorial Army battalions. 1st (Regular) Battalion: 03 September 1939: The Battalion was stationed at Poona, India. It remained in India and Burma throughout the war. For the first three years was engaged in internal security duties. 2nd (Regular) Battalion: 03 September 1939: The Battalion was in Aldershot and became part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. 22 September 1939: Now part of the BEF, landed in Cherbourge Harbour, France. The Battalion took up training and building field fortifications. 6th (Territorial Army) Battalion: 03 September 1939: The Battalion was stationed in Lichfield and became part of 176th Brigade, 59th Division. It remained in the UK training for the Normandy invasion 18th September 1915 Private 1771 Joseph Arthur Hayes. 5th Bn North Staffordshire Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1896 in Fenton son of John and Florence Elizabeth Hayes, of 14, West Parade, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 age 15 Joseph was employed as an Apprentice Fitter Enlisted Joseph was posted to the 1/5th Bn of the North Staffordshire Regt. (Territorial Force) In August 1914 stationed in Hanley were part of Staffordshire Brigade in North Midland Division. They moved to Luton area and in November 1914 and went on to Bishops Stortford. In March 1915 they were mobilised for war and landed in Le Havre, France where the formation became the 137th Brigade of the 46th Division. During 1915 the regiment were active at the German liquid fire attack at Hooge, The attack at the . Joseph Died on the 18th September 1915 age 19 and is commemorated at the Lijssenenthoek Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave 111.A.29A) His grave bears the words. “Always in our thoughts” He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 18th September 1917 Private 201313 Ernest Harrison 1/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regt Born 1897 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire son of George and Mary Harrison, of 12, China St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 while living at 4 Colville Street, Fenton Ernest was employed as a Warehouse Boy Enlisted Ernest joined the 1/5th North Staffordshire Regt (Territorial Force) During 1917 The regiment as part of the BEF was involved in the operations on the Ancre, Occupation of the Gommecourt defences, The attack on Rettemoy Graben, The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The attack on Lievin, The Battle of Hill 70. Ernest Died of his wounds: 18th September 1917 Age: 20 and is commemorated at the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe. Pas de Calais, France (Grave I.V.35) His headstone bears the words “The Lords Will Be Done” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 18th September 1918 Private 20434 Meredith Jones. 13th Bn The Kings (Liverpool) Regt. Formally 71734, Royal Welsh Fusiliers Born 1883 in Gresford Denbighshire son of John and Elizabeth Jones. In 1906 Meredith married Sarah A Tideswell at Gresford, All Saints, Wrexham and went on to have three children, Mona, Kathleen and Ralph. Later they became resident at 78 King St, Fenton. Stoke-on-Trent Enlisted 5th September 1914 in Manchester Was posted to France in August 1918 and was killed in action on the 18th September 1918. He is commemorated at the Hermies Hill British Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave I.G.10) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Sergeant 11618 Thomas Salt. 9th Bn South Lancashire Regt Born 1885 in Fenton son of Joseph and Louisa Salt of no 1 Cambridge St (now bottom half of Masterson St) Fenton. In 1917 Thomas married Gertrude Collette at Burslem, St Paul and lived at 55, Adelaide St, (now Milliccent St) Fenton, Enlisted into the South Lancashire Regt Thomas served out in Salonika. In 1918 the regiment were engaged in the 1918 the Battle of Doiran. The third Battle of Doiran was fought from 18–19 September 1918, with the Greeks and the British assaulting the positions of the Bulgarian First Army near Dojran Lake. The battle ended with the Bulgarians repulsing all attacks. From October 1915 to the end of November 1918, the British Salonika Force suffered some 2,800 deaths in action, 1,400 from wounds and 4,200 from sickness. The campaign afforded few successes for the Allies, and none of any importance until the last two months. The action of the Commonwealth force was hampered throughout by widespread and unavoidable sickness and by continual diplomatic and personal differences with neutrals or Allies. On one front there was a wide malarial river valley and on the other, difficult mountain ranges, and many of the roads and railways it required had to be specially constructed. Thomas was killed in action on the 18th September 1918 age 35, just 12 days before the regiment ended the war in Macedonia. Thomas is commemorated at the Dorian Memorial, Greece. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 18th September 1944 Private 5729130 James Knapper. 1 Bn Parchute Regiment AAC. (Army Air Corp) Born 1918 son of James and Sarah Ann Knapper, of 14 Asleigh Street (now Brogan St) Fenton. Allied forces entered the Netherlands on 12 September 1944. Airborne operations later that month established a bridgehead at Nijmegen and in the following months, coastal areas and ports were cleared and secured, but it was not until the German initiated offensive in the Ardennes had been repulsed that the drive into Germany could begin. James died 18th September 1944 in the Western European Campaign. He is commemorated at Groesbeek Memorial, Gelderland, Netherland. (Panel 9) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

19th September 1915 Private 7195 William Bowman. 1st Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers Born and Bred in Stoke-on-Trent William was the son of Edith Bowman of 280 Duke Street, Fenton. He enlisted in to the Royal Scot Fusiliers and served in Flanders at the Battle of Hooge nesr Ypers. William was killed in action on the 19th September 1915 and is commemorated at the Brandhoek Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave I. B. 24 ) The headstone bears the words “Thy will be done” He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 19th September 1917 Corporal S/7845 John Herbert Perkins. 7th Bn. Rifle Brigade. Born 1894 in Fenton son of John Benjamin and Martha Ann Perkins, of 8, Brunswick Street, (now Beville St) Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 5 Frederick St. William’s occupation, Pottery Saucer maker. John enlisted and joined the royal Rifles service battalion. During 1917 they were engaged with other battalions at the Battle of Arras, Inverness Copse and Engaged at Inverness Copse all part of the third battle of Ypres also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. The Battle of Ypres was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather which began at the end of July. John died in the field on the 19th September 1917 age 23 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belguim (panel 145 to 147) The Tyne Cot Memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 28977 William Henry Smith 16th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Born 1895 at Fenton son of Samuel Smith of 5 Kent Street, Fenton. He was employed as a collier. Enlisted 21st April 1915 at Fenton and joined the Royal Welsh Regiment at Deganwy Served in France at the Battle of Ypers Killed in action 19th September 1917. Heis commemorated at Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension, Nord, France. (Grave ref II.F.16) William was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal The village of Erquinghem-Lys was occupied by German forces early in October 1914, and taken by the 1st Somerset Light Infantry on 16 October. It remained in Allied hands until 10 April 1918, when the 101st Infantry Brigade and the 1st/4th Duke of Wellington's, after a stubborn defence, evacuated the village during the great German offensive. The village was finally retaken in September 1918. The earliest Commonwealth burials were made in two places in the churchyard itself, in October 1914-January 1915, but these 27 graves were moved into the extension (Plot II, Row G, and Plot III, Row G) in 1925, the churchyard being closed for burials. The extension was begun in April 1915 and used by units and field ambulances until April 1918. It was continued down to the stream by the Germans (who also used the churchyard) in the summer of 1918, and in September and October 1918, it was used again for some Commonwealth burials. The extension now contains 558 Commonwealth burials of the First World War (eight of them unidentified) and 130 German burials. One unidentified Russian servicemen is also buried in the extension.

19th September 1918 Private G/13943 Bertie Lawton. 6th Bn Buffs (East Kent Regt) Born in Oldham in 1897 son of Thomas and Charlotte Lawton. In 1911 the family were living at 55 Vivian Road later moving to 61 Edward Street, Fenton. Bertie’s occupation was House Painter Enlisted Bertie joined the Buffs (East Kent Regt) and were posted to the Western front. During 1918 and were engaged The First Battle of Arras 1918 and other battles. On the 18th September the battalion were involved in the Battle of Épehy. This battle involving the British Fourth Army (under the command of General Henry Rawlinson) was against German outpost positions in front of the Hindenburg Line. The village of Épehy was captured on 18 September by the 12th (Eastern) Division. Bertie was killed in action on this day the 19th September 1918 age 21 and is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (panel 3) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. They belonged to the forces of Great Britain and Ireland and South Africa; the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand forces being commemorated on other memorials to the missing. Bertie was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 17999 Thomas William Awty. Served in 11th Battalion, Cameroonians (Scottish Rifles) Born in Fenton 1894 son of Thomas and Annie Awty, of 41, Cambridge St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Thomas enlisted in to the Cameroonian Scottish Rifles, Service Battalion. During April 1917 Thomas suffered undiagnosed malaria and was sent on a medical convoy. The battalion were posted to Salonika and engaged on the 18-19 September 1918 in the Battle of Doiran (the attacks on Pip Ridge and the Grand-Couronne). The battle ended with the Bulgarians repulsing all attacks. Thomas was killed in the Doiran action on the 19th September 1918 age 24 he is commemorated at the Doiran Military Cemetery. Greece (Grave V. B. 29) His headstone at the request of his mother bears the words “He gave his life for us” Thomas is also commemorated on the Temple Street Methodists War Memorial He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Doiran Military Cemetery now contains 1,338 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 449 of them unidentified. There are also one French and 45 Greek war graves. From the records of Temple Street Methodists. Compiled by Richard Ellis 17999 Private Thomas William Awty 11th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) He was the son of Thomas and Annie Awty of 41 Cambridge Street, (now bottom half of Masterson St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent; he enlisted in Fenton. He was killed in action 19/08/1918 in the attacks on Pip Ridge and Grand-Couronne against positions held by the Bulgarians. At the beginning of 1918 the Allied troops in Salonika were prepared for a major offensive intended to end the war in the Balkans. The Greek Army had been reorganised and joined the Allied force. The offensive began in July 1918 but the British contingent did not play a significant part until early September. Then the British attacked a series of fortified hills. The final assault began along the whole front on 15 September 1918; the British being engaged in the Lake Doiran area. This battle was really on the 18 and 19 September 1918 and was a disaster for the British Divisions. They had to assault 'Pip Ridge' frontally. This was a 2000 foot high heavily defended mountain ridge with fortresses built on some of the higher points, notably Grand Couronne. (The Bulgarians had been working on these defences in the first months of 1916 and early 1917.) The British sustained very heavy casualties. The Regimental history of Private Awty’s battalion contains the following account of the battle: “The wider attack was to take the positions know as Sugar Loaf, The Knot, the Tassel the Rockies and the Plume. 11th battalion was on the right with 8th Royal Scots in the centre and the 12th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on the left. At 3am on the 19th the battalion under Major F.W.Scougal left Sennelje Camp where they had been in reserve the day before when the Greeks had failed to take the same position. They moved through Vladaja Ravine to their assemby positions. While moving through the ravine they came under shelling from gas shells which was not immediately recognised as gas by the men because of the large amount of smoke in the area. Many were affected before the respirators were put on. The battalion arrived at the assembly area at 5.12am and formed into two waves consisting each of two companies Nos.4 and 2 in the first wave led by Captain M McGibbon they were to take a position known as the Fang. No 1 and 3 were in the second wave commanded by Captain D.R.Orr. The barrage fell at 5.15am and the Fang was taken without difficulty and at 5.23am the barrage moved onto the second objective and they advanced towards the Knot. The Greeks on the right had failed to take their objective and machine gun fire was directed at the No.3 Company from these untaken positions and the fire became too intense for further progress to be made. Instead they followed the other three companies towards the trench between the Tassel and the Tongue. On the left the battalion was held up by machine gun fire and Corporal T Fisher took his forward and silenced the enemy position for which he was awarded the MM. After "very sharp fighting" the trench was theirs and they pushed on towards the Tassel but came under fire from three sides and were stopped by uncut wire, being forced to retire and make their way back to the captured trench. They were not in the trench for long because they came under intense artillery and machine gun fire from the uncaptured position on the right known as the Hilt. Finding it untenable the survivors joined the Royal Scots and the Argylls, now all at the Tongue. This position was held until 9.45am under Lt A.Reid who was the most senior unwounded Cameronian officer remaining. With both flanks "in the air" due the failure of the Zouaves on the left to take Doljeli village the entire of the enemy's fire came down on the remainder of the three battalions. Three successive infantry attacks were made against them; the first two were resisted with rifle and machine guns but as they ran out of ammunition, the third was driven off using captured stick grenades, large stones and bayonets. As there was no supporting artillery fire the officer in overall charge of the three battalions, Lt Col Falconer-Stewart of the Argylls decided that there was no option but to withdraw to the starting point or lose the remaining men entirely, to the Bulgarian attacks. At 10.30am, he ordered the withdrawal and carrying as many of their wounded as they could they retired to the start point having gained no ground at all. Three officers were killed 12 were wounded and two were missing, along with 173 men killed or missing and 40 wounded. Following the action the survivors, 12 officers and 322 rank and file were sent to a camp in the rear.” Private Awty was 22 years old when he was killed. He is buried at Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece (Grave V.B.29). He had previously served in France & Flanders from 20/09/1915. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star and British War and Victory medals. 19 September 1944 Private 2044354 James Higgins. 2nd Bn Parachute Regiment. Born 1921 son of William and Nelly Higgins. In 1944 James married Elizabeth M Pimlott at Fenton, Christ Church. Allied forces entered the Netherlands on 12 September 1944. Airborne operations later that month established a bridgehead at Nijmegen and in the following months, coastal areas and ports were cleared and secured, but it was not until the German initiated offensive in the Ardennes had been repulsed that the drive into Germany could begin. (CWGC) James was killed 19 September 1944 age 23 in the Western Europe Campaign. He is commemorated at Groesbeek Memorial, Gelderland, Netherlands. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Within the Groesbeek Canadian cemetery stands the GROESBEEK MEMORIAL, which commemorates by name more than 1,000 members of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaign in north-west Europe between the time of crossing the Seine at the end of August 1944 and the end of the war in Europe, and whose graves are not known.

20th September 1915 Sapper 693 Albert William Thomas. 2nd/1st (North Midland) Field Coy. Royal Engineers Born 1893 in Fenton the youngest of three children, the son of James and Annie Thomas of 14 Victoria Road, Fenton. Albert’s occupation was a warehouseman. Albert joined the Royal Engineers and serving France as part of the 46th (North Midland) Division they took part in the following engagements: The German liquid fire attack at Hooge (30-31 July 1915) The attack at the Hohenzollern Redoubt (13 October 1915) Albert died of his wounds on the 20th September 1915 age 23 and is commemorated at the Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave IV.F.4) His headstone on the request of his parents bears the words “To fall asleep is not to die. To dwell with Christ is a better life” He is also commemorated in Fenton cemetery on his parents headstone which reads “Ann Maria, wife of James THOMAS 14 Victoria Rd, Fenton, 9 May 1921, 64. Sapper Albert William THOMAS, s, Royal Engineers, died of wounds received, 20 Sept 1915, 23 Albert was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 20th September 1917 Lieutenant, Herbert Cyril Lindop, 1st/5th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment attached to, 10th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps. From Temple Street Methodists Records, compiled by Richard Ellis He was the son of Mr. Richard Charles Lindop,JP a secretary to a limited liability company and mechanical engineer, and Lucy Lindop of Sunnyside, 45 Grove Road, Fenton Stoke-on-Trent. He was educated at Longton High School and Hanley Secondary School. He had three siblings in 1911 and was himself a student of mechanical engineering, aged 16. He had tried to join up at the beginning of the war but had been rejected on health grounds. He persisted and was eventually accepted. He was commissioned from the ranks having started his service as a private (no. 2911) in the Territorial Force battalion for Stoke-on-Trent. He went to France & Flanders on 03/03/1915 with the 46th North Midland Division TF. He first fought at Neuve Chapelle. He went over the top on 1st July 1916 (the first day of the battle of the Somme) during his battalion’s abortive attack on Gommecourt. His commission from the rank of private to 2nd lieutenant was gazetted on 15/12/1915 and to full lieutenant in April 1917. He was killed in action on 20th September 1917 during the third battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) aged 22 whilst attached to 10 Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corp. This was the first day the offensive on Passchendaele had restarted after a break for consolidation. A full obituary appeared in the weekly Sentinel 6 October 1917. Rev. C.E. James, Wesleyan chaplain, described how he met his death. After leading his men bravely and gallantly to the attack, he had been wounded in the head by shrapnel and was returning to the aid post when he was sniped from a shell hole and killed. He went on to say that Herbert was the most highly respected by officers and men. “He was loyalty itself to his church and my right hand helper whenever we had a service. In judgement he was exceptionally sound and he was the soul of honour. None could be braver and we all felt proud to call him our friend. He has passed on. He is not dead; men like him never die.” He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial (panels 124-125 & 162 and 162A). His name is also recorded on his father's grave in Fenton cemetery and on the Temple Street Methodist War Memorial. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star and British War & Victory medals. Private 40430 Eli Alcock. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment, Born in Fenton 1897 son of Alfred and Eliza Alcock of 34 Nelson Street, Fenton, Stoke On Trent. In 1911 age 14 Eli was employed as an Errand Boy in Pottery Warehouse. Eli enlisted and joined the 8th North Staffs Service Battalion and served on the Western Front. In 1917 the battalion were engaged in the Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) The battle took place between July and November 1917 and was for the control of the ridges south and east of Ypres in West Flanders Passchendaele lay on the last ridge east of Ypres, 5 miles (8.0 km) from a railway junction at Roulers, which was vital to the supply system of the German . Eli was killed in action on the 20th September 1917 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memory, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 124 to 125 and 162 to 162A) the memorial which now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 24591 Ernest Charles Bates 9th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers Born 1897 in Fenton son of Harrie and Annie Bates of 46 Stanier Street, Fenton. In 1911 Ernest was working as a Potters Warehouse man and on enlistment a miner. Ernest enlisted in Longton, April 1915 and was posted to the 3rd Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers before transfer to the 9th Bn in February 1916 and was posted to the Expeditionary Force in Etaples, Northern France. The regiment was engaged in the The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, sometimes called "Battle of the Menin Road", was the third British general attack of the Third Battle of Ypres. The battle took place from 20–25 September 1917, in the Ypres Salient in Flanders on the Western Front. Ernest was reported missing and killed in action on the 20th September 1917 age 20 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 62 to 65) The memorial which now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. September 20th 1918 Private 200627 Thomas Byatt. 5th Bn Durham Light Infantry Born 1876 in Fenton son of Thomas and Harriet Byatt 3 Elgin St, (now Marriott St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Thomas was single and was working as a Brickyard Labourer. Enlisted December 1915 into the Durham Light Infantry. The battalion landed at Boulogne on the 18th of April 1915 and joined 150th Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. They saw action in the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915, on the Somme in 1916 and at Arras and Passchendaele in 1917. On the 12th of February 1918 they transferred to 151st Brigade in same Division and were in action on The Somme and in the Battles of the Lys. In July after heavy losses, the battalion was reduced to cadre strength and transferred to Lines of Communication, and on the 16th of August 1918 the 5th DLI transferred to 117th Brigade in 39th Division were engaged in training the newly arrived American troops. Thomas died on the 20th September 1918 age 42 and is commemorated at the Leuze Communal Cemetery, Hainaut. Belgium (Grave 11. D. 4) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 20th September 1944. Private 5509701 Richard Bentley. 11th Bn Parachute Regiment. Army Air Corps Born 1921 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Richard and Florence Bentley of Fenton. Following the Normandy landings of June 1944, the Allied advance through northern Europe was extraordinarily rapid and on 11 September 1944, the Second Army entered the Netherlands just south of Eindhoven, the first Allied troops to set foot in the country since its fall in May 1940. Their next aim was to cross the Rhine before the Germans had time to reorganise after their recent setbacks, securing crossings over the rivers and canals that stood in their path at Grave, Nijmegen and Arnhem. 'Operation Market Garden' would involve the United States 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the Commonwealth 1st Airborne Division and the Polish Parachute Brigade. On 17 September 1944, the 1st Airborne Division began landing west of Arnhem, but German resistance, bad weather and problems with supplies and reinforcements led to heavy losses, and their objectives were not taken. They were forced to form a perimeter at Oosterbeek which they held stubbornly until 25 September, when it was decided to withdraw the remnants of the division across the lower Rhine. (CWGC) Richard died Western European Campaign 20th September 1944. His body was found at Oosterbeek Isolated Holland 698776. In garden of houses Acacialaan. He was buried and commemorated at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Gelderland, Nnetherlands. (Grave Ref: 23.A.3) on the 20/9/1945. His headstone reads “A token of love to one we never forgot. His memory a treasure, His loss a lifetime regret” Richard was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star 20 September 1945. Stoker 1st Class D/KX 526100 Lawrence Augustus Steel. Royal Navy H.M. L.CT.495 (Landing craft) Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Son of Samuel L. Steel, and of Rose Steel, of Fenton, Staffordshire.

Date of Death: 20/09/1945 Age: 26 and is commemorated at Plymouth Naval Memorial (Panel Ref: Panel 94, Column 3) Lawrence was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

22nd September 1917 Private 18751 Henry Joseph Davis 6th Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry Born in 1897 son of Charles & Elizabeth Davis, 6 Paynter Street, Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 191 Oldfield Street, Fenton. Henry was employed as a Banks Lad. Enlisted into the Shropshire Light Infantry and served on the Western Front in France and Flanders. In 1917, the regiment were engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres an offensive in what was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Henry died on the 22nd September 1917 age 20. He is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 112 and 113) The memorial which now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Henry is also recorded on parent’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery, it reads: Mary E. DAVIS of Fenton, 28 Oct 1926, 54. Pte H.J. DAVIS, K.S.L.I, Fell in France, 22 Sept 1917, 20

23rd September 1918 Private 90400 William Johnson. Machine Gun Corp (Infantry) Formally 36617, North Staffs Regiment. Born 1898 in Fenton son of William and Mary Johnson of 33 Kent Street, Fenton. In 1911 William was employed as a Pottery Mould Runner. William enlisted and was posted to the North Staffordshire Regt before transferring to the Machine Gun Corp (MGC)The MGC saw action in all the main theatres of war, including France, Belgium, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Salonika, East Africa and Italy. In its short history the MGC gained an enviable record for heroism as a front line fighting force. Indeed, in the latter part of the war, as tactics changed to defence in depth, it commonly served well in advance of the front line. It had a less enviable record for its casualty rate. Some 170,500 officers and men served in the MGC with 62,049 becoming casualties, including 12,498 killed, earning it the nickname ’the Suicide Club’. William died of his wounds on 23rd September 1918 and is commemorated at the Brie British Cemetery, Somme, France (Grave I.C.12) and was He was awarded the British War & Victory medals

23rd September 1942 Corporal 5048642 Alfred Albert Gibson. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born 1918 in Stoke-on-Trent son of Mrs H Gibson, and stepson of Mr. J Davies of Fenton. The 1st (Regular) Battalion on the 3rd September 1939: The Battalion was stationed at Poona, India. It remained in India and Burma throughout the war. For the first three years was engaged in internal security duties. In 1942: It was involved in the defence of the Andaman Islands during the Japanese invasion. (Forces War Records) Died 23rd September 1942 and is commemorated at Calcutta (Bhowanipore) Cemetery, Kolkata. India. (Grave ref: Plot H. Grave7) Headstone “Dear as ever. As the years depart we shall remember you. Mother and dad” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information (CWGC) This civil cemetery has been in use since 1864, many of the earlier burials of service personnel and their dependants being made from the nearby garrison at Fort William, from which the cemetery initially took its name. During the Second World War, various establishments important to the war effort were posted to Calcutta and No 47 General Hospital was there from January 1943 to the beginning of February 1945. Originally, the graves were in denominational plots throughout the cemetery, war graves and civilian graves indiscriminately mingled. In 1954, the church authorities decided that it would be necessary to clear certain plots and the outlying war graves were moved by the Commission into the area with the largest number of war burials. This now forms a separate service section containing the graves of both world wars.

24th September 1918 Rifleman R/12658 Moses Slater 16th Bn King’s Royal Rifles Born in 1898 at Caverswall son of Enoch and Myra Slater, of 24, Colville St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In1911 Moses was still attending school Enlisted into the 16th (Service) Battalion (Church Lads Brigade) this was formed in September 1914 in Denham, Bucks. In November 1915 they were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; During 1918 The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Hazebrouck, The Battle of Bailleul, The defence of Neuve Eglise, The First Battle for Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of the Epehy, The Battle of Épehy was fought on 18 September 1918, involving the British Fourth Army (under the command of General Henry Rawlinson) against German outpost positions in front of the Hindenburg Line.The village of Épehy was captured on 18 September by the 12th (Eastern) Division. Killed in action 24th September 1918 age:20. The body of Moses was found at MAP REF:57C. x15, C. and was reburied at Villers Hill British Cemetery, Villers-Guislain (Grave V.D.13) on 16/9/19. Headstone: “May God watch o’er thee till we meet again” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 24th September 1944 Private 14441173 Denis William Harrison. 2nd Airborne Bn South Staffordshire Regiment. Born 1926 son of Albert and Annie Harrison, of Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent Historical Information (CWGC) Following the Normandy landings of June 1944, the Allied advance through northern Europe was extraordinarily rapid and on 11 September 1944, the Second Army entered the Netherlands just south of Eindhoven, the first Allied troops to set foot in the country since its fall in May 1940. Their next aim was to cross the Rhine before the Germans had time to reorganise after their recent setbacks, securing crossings over the rivers and canals that stood in their path at Grave, Nijmegen and Arnhem. 'Operation Market Garden' would involve the United States 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the Commonwealth 1st Airborne Division and the Polish Parachute Brigade. On 17 September 1944, the 1st Airborne Division began landing west of Arnhem, but German resistance, bad weather and problems with supplies and reinforcements led to heavy losses, and their objectives were not taken. They were forced to form a perimeter at Oosterbeek which they held stubbornly until 25 September, when it was decided to withdraw the remnants of the division across the lower Rhine. Date of Death: 24th September 1944 age 18. Hs body was found at Arnhem (Isolated) Holland. Garden of house opp DDGR/16995. Church GSGS 4427 1/25000 Sh. 6NW MR.693775. On the 8/ 8/1945 was concentration, buried and commemorated at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. Gelderland, Holland (Grave 2 B 10) (GSGS 4042 1/250,000. Sh. 2A & 3A E705790 Headstone “So young and yet so brave. For King and Country. Your life you nobly gave. God bless.” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Historical Information continued. Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery contains the graves of most of those killed during the September landings, and many of those killed in later fighting in the area. There are now 1,680 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 244 of the burials are unidentified and two casualties are commemorated by special memorials. There are also 73 Polish, three Dutch and three non-war (former Commission employees) graves in the cemetery.

25th September 1915 Private 536 John A Heath 11th Bn Highland Light Infantry Born in Longton, Resident in Fenton John enlisted into the Highland Light Infantry. In May 1915 the battalion was mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Battle of Loos John was killed in action on the 25th September 1915 and is commemorated at the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 108 to 112) The memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. John was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War & Victory medals 25th September 1916

Private 20549 Joseph Gibson 4th Bn Grenadier Guard’s Born iat 1896 son of John William and Mary Gibson of 29 Frederick Street, Fenton. In 1911 Joseph was employed as a Pit Boy, Haulage. Enlisted into the Grenedier Guards Joseph was posted to the 4th Battalion serving on the Western Front in France on the Somme. He was killed in action on the 25th September 1916 age 20 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France (Peir and face 8 D) The memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive and a small cemetery containing equal numbers of Commonwealth and French graves lies at the foot of the memorial. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals

Lance Corporal 20050 Herbert Stanley 4th Bn Grenadier Gaurds Born in 1888 in Fenton son of Harriet Stanley living at 8, Berdmore St., Fenton in 1911. Herbert was employed as a Coal Miner at the Timberer Coal & Tram Co Enlisted into the Grenedier Guards Joseph was posted to the 4th Battalion serving on the Western Front in France on the Somme. He was killed in action on the 25th September 1916 age 28 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France (Peir and face 8 D) The memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive and a small cemetery containing equal numbers of Commonwealth and French graves lies at the foot of the memorial. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals 25th September 1917 Pravate Alfred Barnett S/2358 13th Royal Sussex Regiment. Born 1886 at Hanley. In 1905 he married Jane Boulton at St John’s Hanley. In 1911 they lived at 81 Hope St Hanley and was employed as a miner’s loader, below ground. In 1921 Jane remarried James Bossoms. During August/Sept the regiment was engaged in the battle of Ypers - Battle Of Langemarck - 16/08/1917, Battle Of The Menin Road Ridge - 20/09/1917 and Battle Of Polygon Wood - 26/09/1917 Death 25 9 17 and commemorated at Larch Wood Railway Cuttings Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. III A 8. Grave marked “They will be done” The cemetery was begun in April 1915 at the North-end of a small plantation of larches. It was used by troops holding this sector, particularly the 46th (North Midland) Division and the 1st Dorsets, until April 1918. It was enlarged after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of Ypres and from the following smaller cemeteries.

26th September 1916 Private G43017 William Frathowen Carter. 12th Bn Middlesex Regiment Born in 1897 son of William and Hannah Carter, 18 Elgin Street, (now Marriott St) Fenton. William was employed as an Errand Boy in Brickyard. William enlisted in the 12th Service Battalion the Middlesex Regiment and served on the Western Front. In 1916 the battalion fought in many battles including The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin Ridge, The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Thiepval Ridge. The Battle of Thiepval Ridge was the first large offensive mounted by the Reserve Army of Lietenant General during the Battle of the Somme and was intended to benefit from theFourth Army attack at Morval starting 24 hours afterwards. Thiepval Ridge was well fortified and the German defenders fought with great determination, while the British coordination of infantry and artillery declined after the first day, due to the confused nature of the fighting in the mazes of trenches, dug-outs and shell-craters. William was killed in action on the 26th September 1916 age 19 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Pier and Face 12D and 13B) This memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals Lance Corporal 22909 John Gregory Harding. 9th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers Born in Longton in 1888 son of John and Hannah Harding, of 23 May Place, Fenton. John’s occupation Potters slipmaker Earthenware. In 1915 John married Mary Gertrude Knight in a civil marriage at Stoke. They lived at Carron St., Fenton. John enlisted into the 9th Service battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. In January 1916 the battalion was moved to Egypt arriving at Alexandria 31.01.1916 where the Division was involved in the defence of the Suez Canal. In July 1916 they were moved to France landing at Marseilles and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the capture of the Wundt-Werk (Wonder Work), The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of Thiepval. John died on the 26th September 1916 age 28 during the Battle of Thiepval Ridge which was the first large offensive mounted by the Reserve Army of Lietenant General Hubert Gough during the Battle of the Somme and was intended to benefit from the Fourth Army attack at Morval starting 24 hours afterwards. Thiepval Ridge was well fortified and the German defenders fought with great determination, while the British coordination of infantry and artillery declined after the first day, due to the confused nature of the fighting in the mazes of trenches, dug-outs and shell-craters. John was commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (panel 3C and 3D. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive and a small cemetery containing equal numbers of Commonwealth and French graves lies at the foot of the memorial.

27th September 1915 Private 20169 Frederick Talbot. 4th Bn Grenadier Guards Born 1885 in Hanley son of the late John and Hannah Talbot of Hanley John enlisted into the Grenadier Guards then in July 1915 the 4th battalion was formed in Marlow and mobilised a month later and landed in France to join the 4th Guards Brigade of the 31st Division. John was killed in action on the 27th September 1915 age 30 and is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (Panel 5 to 7) The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals Private 9468 Samuel Williams 3rd Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Not yet included in the WW1 Memorial Born in 1887 in Fenton son of Samuel and Ellen Williams of 29 Kent Street, Fenton his occupation, Waggoner, in Coal Pit Underground. Samuels brother John lived at 69, Holly Place, Fenton, Enlisted Samuel joined the 3rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers and in August 1914 was stationed at Lucknow, India. They returned to England landing in Dec ember1914 and moved to Winchester to join the 85th Brigade of the 28th Division. In January 1915 they were mobilized for war and landed at Havre where the Division was engaged in various actions on the Western front including; The Second Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Loos. Samuel was killed in action on the 27th September 1915 age 28. He is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (Panel 25 to 27) The memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals 27th September 1918 Private 40851 Ernest Burgess. 8th Bn King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Born in Fenton son of Mrs. Burgess, of 4, Terrace Buildings, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Enlisted into the Royal Lancaster Regiment Ernest was posted to the Western Front in France. In 1918 the battalion was engaged in the Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, The First Battle of Arras 1918, The Battle of Estaires, The Battle of Hazebrouck, The Battle of Bethune, The Battle of Albert, The Second Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of the , The Battle of Cambrai 1918, The . Ernest was killed in Action 27th September 1918 in the Battles Of The Hindenburg Line at the Battle Of The Canal Du Nord and is commemorated at the Lowrie Cemetery, Havrincourt. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave C19) The Lowrie Cemetery was made by the 3rd Division Burial Officer at the beginning of October 1918, and named after him. The original 211 burials, were increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields on all sides of Havrincourt. Most of the men buried in the cemetery died in September 1918. contains 251 First World War burials, 47 of them unidentified. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals

Lance Corporal G/11438 John Carson. 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1893 in Burslem son of John and Sarah A. Carson, of 2, Cowper St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent and his occupation was Carter. Enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers the 4th Bn wer engaged on the Western Front. In the last week of September 1918 four separate major Allied offensives were launched on the Western Front with the aim of finishing the war before the winter. In the second of these attacks the British First and Third Armies were to drive across the northern extension of the Hindenburg Line, towards Cambria. The task of crossing the formidable obstacle of the Canal du Nord required the most careful planning and precisely organised artillery and engineer support underpinned the success of the attack. It was during this battle of the Canal du Nord that John was killed in action on the 27th September 1918 age 25. His body was found at L.26.A.9.2 was reburied on 3rd January 1920 at the Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Villers-Plouich. Nord, France. (Grave V. B. 10) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals Gunner 805153 Edmund Thomas Tams. Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery, “C” Bty. 56th Bde Born in Duncan St. Fenton in 1894, son of Edmund Thomas and Minnie Etta Tams of 20 Park Rd, Fenton, his occupation was an Iron Moulder. Edward was enlisted into the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery and served on the Western Front in France. Edwards was killed in action 27th September 1918 age 24. His body was found at map referenc E.25.D.3.2 and was reburied on the 12/12/1919 at the Moeuvres Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. (Grave III.A.7) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals

28th September 1915 Private 16245 William Hassall. 7th Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers Born in 1891 son of William and Mary Hassell of 8 Park Lane, Fenton. Later moving to 5 Victoria Road Enlisted into the Royal Scots Fusiliers 7th (Service) Battalion In Sept 1914 the battalion formed at Ayr in Scotland as part of the Second New Army (K2) and then moved to Aldershot in the 45th Brigade of the 15th Division and then moved to Bramshott. In Feb 1915 they moved to Basingstoke and then Chisledon- Draycott Camp. During July 1915 they mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and were engaged in the Battle of Loos. William was died of wounds on the 28th September 1915 age 24 and is commemorated at the Bethune Town Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave IV.E.33) His head stone reads “Breathe not his name in sadness but in pride and live as nobly as he died” William was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals 28th September 1916 Private 15121 Wilfred Brown. 7th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born in Fenton in 1897 son of Samuel Allen Brown and Sarah Ann Brown, of 63, Holly Place, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent and was working as a coal miner. Enlisted into the South Staffordshire Regt when during 1916 the 7th Service Battalion were engaged on the Somme at the capture of the Wundt-Werk (Wonder Work), The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of Thiepval. The Battle of the Somme began on 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. Wilfred was killed in action on the 28th September 1916 age 19 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial., Somme, France. (Pier and Face 7 B) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals 28th September 1918 Gunner 805132 Benjamin Mountford. Royal Field Artillery. “A” Bty 231st Bde Born in Fenton in 1895 son of John and Martha Mountford. Enlisted into the Royal field artillery Benjamin served on the Western Front in France on the Somme. The Royal Field Artillery was the largest arm of the artillery. It was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into brigades, attached to divisions or higher formations. During the first world war a whole new form of artillery was developed to meet the unusual conditions of war on the Western Front: the trench mortar. The lighter weapons being manned by the infantry, the Royal Field Artillery provided the manpower for the heavier mortars. Benjamin was killed in action on the 28th September 1918 age 23. His body was found at map ref 62. c. Q. 10. 5. 9. and was reburied on 11/8/1919 at Communal Cemetery Extension. (Grave III.I.18) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals 28th September 1919 Deck Hand 8354 DA William Bray Royal Navy Reserve, HMS Pembroke Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born in 1867 son of Mrs. Eliza Bray; husband of Florence Edith Bray, of 33 Havelock St., Fenton, Staffs. Enlisted into the Royal Naval Reserve as a deck hand at HMS Pembroke. HMS Pembroke was a training establishment. It was the RN Barracks at Chatham. Building started in 1897 and was completed towards the end of 1902. The building was a glassed- roofed drill shed which was used to house men in WW1 and was hit by a bomb, causing many casualties. William died on the 28th September 1919 and is buried at Warrington Cemetery, Lancashire (Grave C.CE.770) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

29th September 1915 Corporal 10647 Leonard Victor Gotham 3rd Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born in 1888 son of James Rhead and Elizabeth of 11 Adelaide St (now Millicent St) Fenton. In 1910 Leonard Victor Gotham married Florence Alice Boden at Christ Church, Fenton. They first lived with his mother at 242 Duke St before moving to 144 Duke St, Leonards occupation was a Pottery Clerk. Leonard enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers. As part of the 3rd Battalion they were mobilized for war in Jan 1915 and landed at Havre where the Division was engaged in various actions on the Western front including; The Second Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Loos. The Battle of Loos was the largest British battle that took place in 1915 on the Western Front. It was the first time the British used poison gas and the first mass engagement of New Army units. The British battle was part of the attempt by the Allies to break through the German defences in Artois and Champagne and restore a war of movement. Despite improved methods, more ammunition and better equipment, the Franco-British attacks were contained by the German armies, except for local losses of ground. British casualties at Loos were about twice as high as German casualties. Leonard killed in action on the 29th September 1915 age 27. He is commemorated at the Loos Memorial. Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Panel 25 to 27) He was also commemorated on his parent’s gravestone in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. He is also commemorated on his parent’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery reading “James Rhead GOTHAM, 11 Adelaide St, Fenton, 16 Dec 1891, 44. Elizabeth, widow, 14 March 1919 Cpl, Leonard Victor GOTHAM, their son. Royal Fusiliers, KiA at Loos, 29 Sept 1915, 27. Duty nobly done” Leonard was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War & Victory medals. Lance Corporal 20063 Thomas Upton. 1st Bn York and Lancaster Regiment Born in Fenton 1880 son of Robert and Mary Ann Upton of 11 Best Street, Fenton, his occupation Jigger in Coal Mine. Thomas enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regt. As part of the 1st battalion they were mobilized for war in Jan 1915 and landed at Havre where the Division was engaged in various actions on the Western front including; The Second Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Loos. The Battle of Loos was the largest British battle that took place in 1915 on the Western Front. It was the first time the British used poison gas and the first mass engagement of New Army units. The British battle was part of the attempt by the Allies to break through the German defences in Artois and Champagne and restore a war of movement. Despite improved methods, more ammunition and better equipment, the Franco-British attacks were contained by the German armies, except for local losses of ground. British casualties at Loos were about twice as high as German casualties. Thomas was killed in action on the 29th September 1915. Age 27. He is commemorated at the Loos Memorial. Nord-Pas-de- Calais, France (Panel 105 and 106) The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. He was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War & Victory medals. September 29th 1916 A Sergeant 11233 Jack Perry. 6th Bn Leicestershire Regt Born in 1897 son of Arthur and Margaret (Mary Ann) Perry of 13 Albert Rd, (now Manor St) Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at Furnace House, Fenton Park and his occupation was an Agricultural Labourer. Jack’s parents later lived in 22 South Street, Mount Pleasant, Fenton. In 1914 Jack was working as a farm labourer in . In July 1914 Jack enlisted into the 6th Service Battalion of the Leicestershire Battalion. In July 1916 suffered with shell shock and after his recovery he re-joined his unit he was appointed Acting Sergeant. 6th (Service) Battalion formed at in August 1914 as part of K1 and attached as Army Troops to 9th (Scottish) Division. During 1916 The Battle of Bazentin Ridge, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The , The Battle of Morval, 25–28 September 1916, was an attack during the Battle of the Somme by the British Fourth Army on the villages of Morval, and Lesboeufs held by the German 1st Army, which had been the final objectives of the Battle of Flers–Courcelette (15–22 September). Jack was killed in action in the field on the 29th September 1916 age 19 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Pier & Face 2C & 3A) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. September 29th 1918 Private 51077 Percy Fennell. 1st/5th Bn Lincolnshire Regt Born 1884 son of Percy and Sarah Fennell, of 144, Victoria Rd., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Enlisted into the Lincolnshire Regt Percy fought on the Western Front. In 1918 the 1st/5th Battalion were engaged in the Battle of the St Quentin canal. The battle was a pivotal battle of World War I that began on 29 September 1918 and involved British, Australian and American forces in the spearhead attack and as a single combined force against the German Siegfried Stellung of the Hindenburg Line. Percy’s death occurred on the first day of the battle 29th September 1918 age 34 and is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 4) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. They belonged to the forces of Great Britain and Ireland and South Africa; the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand forces being commemorated on other memorials to the missing. Percy was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 52106 John Carter. 1st Bn Lincolnshire Regiment Born 1879 at Newcastle Staffs son of John and Sarah A Carter of 217 King Street, Fenton. In 1909 John married Mary Elizabeth Hawkins at Longton, St John the Baptist and lived at 35 Goldenhill Road, Fenton. John was employed as a Grocery Porter. The battalion was formed in August 1914 at Portsmouth. Part of 9th Brigade, 3rd Division. Landed at Le Havre on 14 August 1914. The brigade was attached to 28th Division between 17 February and 2 April 1915. And served on the Western Front in France and Flanders. John was killed in Action 29th September 1918 and is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artoise, Pas de Calais, France (panel 4) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals. This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. They belonged to the forces of Great Britain and Ireland and South Africa; the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand forces being commemorated on other memorials to the missing. Corporal 490414 George Arthur Hales. 465th Field Coy Royal Engineers Born in 1890 son of William and Janet Elizabeth Hales, 9 Clifton St, Fenton. Occupation Railway Engine Cleaner. George married Eliza Bentley in 1916 at Stoke, St Peter. After George’s death Eliza remarried and went to live in Liverpool. Enlisted in Smethwick into the Royal Engineers, 1st (North Midland) Field Company which joined the 46th Division after April 1915. The Company were engaged in the Battle of the St Quentin canal. The battle was a pivotal battle of World War I that began on 29 September 1918 and involved British, Australian and American forces in the spearhead attack and as a single combined force against the German Siegfried Stellung of the Hindenburg Line. Georges death occurred on the first day of the battle 29th September 1918 age 28and is commemorated at the Brie British Cemetery, Somme, France (Grave 1V. D.9) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

Private 203341 Edwin. Cope. 2nd/4th Bn. York and Lancaster Regiment Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born in Longton 1893 son of George and Emily Cope, of 6, Adelaide St, (now Millicent St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Occupation: Railway Engine Cleaner. Enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regiment serving on the Western Front in France In 1918 the 2nd/4th Pioneer battalion were involved in During 1918 in the Battle of Canal du Nord which was part of a general Allied offensive against German positions on the Western Front during the 100days Offensive. The battle took place in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais along an incomplete portion of the Canal du Nord and on the outskirts of Cambria between 27 September and 1 October 1918. This was undertaken as part of a number of closely sequenced Allied attacks at separate points along the Western Front. Edwin was killed in action on the 29th September 1918 age 25 and is commemorated at the Masnieres British Cemetery, , Nord, France (Grave I.C.5) At the request of his father his headstone reads “He died that we might live, see that he is not forgotten” Edwin was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 43011 William Isaac Milner. 1st/5th Leicestershire Regiment Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1896 at Fenton son of William Ephraim and Esther Emily Milner. In 1911 the family lived at 8 Brook St, (now Rill St, Foley) Fenton and was employed as an Assistant Potter. Enlisted into the Leicestershire Regt serving on the Western Front where they were engaged in the Battle of St Quentin canal. The battle was a pivotal battle of World War I that began on 29 September 1918 and involved British, Australian and American forces in the spearhead attack and as a single combined force against the German Siegfried Stellung of the Hindenburg Line. William’s death occurred on the first day of the battle 29th September 1918 age 22. His body was found in a Trench grave together with 9 others at Magny-la-Fesse Churchyard (62b.H.25. a.9.2) Grave no 4. This Trench grave had been previously opened and the bodies were more or less intermingled. Nothing was found to establish individual identification except in the case of one body in Grave 11. In May 1930 the bodies were reburied and commemorated at the Busigny Communal Cemetery Extension (Grave V.C.15/24) At the request of his father Williams headstone bears the words “Ever remembered by his loving father, mother, brother and sister” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals Lance Corporal G/3354 Joseph Sidley Previous 15266 North Staffs Regiment "D" Coy. 1st Bn. Middlesex Regiment. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born in 1897 at Fenton son of Joseph and Julia Ann Sidley, of 9, Mason St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Enlisted in 1914 into the North Staffordshire Regt before being transferred to the 18th Middlesex Regt in June 15. In August 1915 was appointed as Acting Sergeant. In November he was transferred to the 25th Bn and his rank reduced to Corporal. During 1916 was promoted to Lance Sgt and then Sergeant. In February 1918 was transferred to the 1st Bn and appointed Lance Corporal. Joseph was killed in action on the 29th September 1918 age 21 and is commemorated at the Villers Hill British Cemetery (Grave I.A.4) Villers Hill British Cemetery was begun (as the Middlesex Cemetery, Gloucester Road) by the 33rd Division Burial Officer on 3 October 1918, and used until the middle of October. The original cemetery (now Plot I) contained 100 graves, of which 50 belonged to the 1st Middlesex and 35 to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. “How we loved him” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 29th September 1945 Stoker 1st Class D/KX526100 Lawrence Augustus Steel. Royal Navy H.M. L.C.T. 495 Born 1919 son of Samuel L and Rose Steel of Fenton. HMS LCT 495 (LCT 495) The Royal Navy Landing Craft Tank of the LCT (Mk3) Class Pennant 495 Ordered 1942. Launched 1944. Died 29th September 1945, age 26. Commemorated at the Plymouth Naval Memorial (Panel 94, Column 3) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

29th September 1900 Boer war Memorial Private 5695 Samuel Travis 4th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s) Other unit: 2 The West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own. Rolls: WO100/175 page 306 Force: Natal Field Force Notes: [Anglo-Boer War Memorials Project] Died of disease 29th September 1900 at Capetown Memorials: Town Hall (now closed). Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Duncombe Place. Edwardian Cross. County, York, North Yorkshire, England Minster St George's Chapel. Plaque West Yorkshire Regiment, York, North Yorkshire, England. Library Ref: Digital Archive 19000926. 19001002.

30 September 1918 Private 55074 Frederick James Wood. 15th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers Born 1897 son of Frederick James and Ann Wood of 4 Victoria Road, Fenton, Fredericks occupation was Sofa Runner Maker. Later they lived at 71, Adelaide St, (now Millicent St) Fenton. Enlisted into the Lancashire Fusiliers Frederick was posted to the 15th Service Battalion. During 1918 they were engaged in the Battle of St Quentin canal. The battle was a pivotal battle of World War I that began on 29 September 1918 and involved British, Australian and American forces in the spearhead attack and as a single combined force against the German Siegfried Stellung of the Hindenburg Line. Frederick’s killed in action during this battle on the 30th September 1918 age 21. He is commemorated at the Uplands Cemetery, Magny-La-Fosse, Aisne, France (Grave B.3) His headstone has the words “Lest We Forget” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals 30th Sepember 1942 Sergeant 1263610 William Herbert Ellwood. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Trade: Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 19220 son of William Ernest and Grace Ethel Ellwood; husband of Gladys Irene Ellwood, of Fenton. Date of Death: 30/09/1942. Age: 22. Commemorated at Harrow Head Cemetery, Middlesex. (Grave Ref; Sec. C. Grave 85) William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

1st October 1917 Private M/320972 Thomas Henry Lander. Army Service Corps, Mechanical Transport School of Instruction Born at Fenton in 1893 In 1911 Thomas was living with his Uncle at 9 Adelaide Street, (now Millicent St) Fenton. On the 2nd May 1915 Thomas married Miriam Hackney at Fenton Christ Church and lived at 40 High St (now City Rd) Fenton together with two children. On the 9th May 1917 Thomas was called up into the Army Service Corps having previously served in the 5th Middlesex Regt serving on the Western Front at St Omer, France. Thomas was at the field hospital at St Omer which was made up of marquees. On the night of 30 September an air raid began, lasting several hours. As a result, there were many casualties including soldiers and nurses. The following day the 1st October 1917 it was reported that Thomas was killed in action age 24 (hostile aircraft, air raid) in the 58th (Scottish General Hospital) St Omer in France. He is commemorated at the Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave IV.E.11) At the request of his wife his headstone reads “For freedom and honour Gods will be done” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals Private 11207 Percy Sutton. 8th Bn Leicestershire Regiment. Born 1893 at 2 Pitt St (now Younger St) Fenton son of Arthur and Emily Sutton. Percy’s occupation was a Platelayer. Later they lived at 62, Nelson Street, Fenton. Percy was enlisted into the 8th (Service) Battalion Leicestershire Regt. On the 29.07.1915 Mobilised for war and landed in France then in July the following year were ransferred to the 110th Brigade of the 21st Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; During 1917 the battalion was engaged at the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The First and Third Battles of the Scarpe, The flanking operations around Bullecourt, The Battle of Polygon Wood. The Battle of Polygon Wood took place during the second phase of the Third Battle of Ypers and was fought near Ypres in Belgium 26 September – 3 October 1917, in the area from the Menin Road to Polygon Wood and thence north, to the area beyond St. Julien. Much of the woodland had been destroyed by the huge quantity of shellfire from both sides since 16 July and the area had changed hands several times. Percy was killed in action on the 1st October 1917 age 24 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 50-51) West- Vlaanderen, Belgium. The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Percy was awarded the British War & Victory medals 1st October 1918 Private 29272 Josiah Bunn. 7th Bn the Buffs (East Kent Regiment) Born 1900 son of Mr. Josiah and Harriet Bunn, of 3, West Parade, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, Staffs. In 1911 Josiah was still attending school. Josiah was enlisted into the 6th (Service) Bn The Buffs. 7th (Service) Battalion. In 1918 the battalion was engaged in the Battle of St Quentin canal. The battle was a pivotal battle of World War I that began on 29 September 1918 and involved British, Australian and American forces in the spearhead attack and as a single combined force against the German Siegfried Stellung of the Hindenburg Line. Josiah died of his wounds on the 1st October 1918 age 18 and is commemorated at the Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension. Somme France. (Grave III. E. 6) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals

2nd October 1942. Ordinary Seaman P/JX 321114 Stanley Claude Lane. Royal Navy HMS Curacoa. (D41) Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Son of Frederick and Hannah Lane, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. HMS Curacoa, named after the island Curaçao in the Caribbean Sea, was a Ceres group C-class light cruiser. In 1942, she became one of the Royal Navy's major accidental losses during the Second World War. In April 1919, Curacoa joined the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron of the newly established Atlantic Fleet. In May 1919, Curacoa was deployed to the Baltic as part of the British intervention in the in support of the White Russians against the Bolsheviks, relieving HMS Caledon as the flagship of Rear Admiral . On 17 May, the ship was en route from to Liepāja when she struck a mine 70 miles east of Reval (now . One crewman was killed by the explosion, while Cowan, who was taking a bath at the time, was dumped out of the bath, running to the bridge dressed only in an overcoat until clothing could be brought up from his "day cabin". While damage was relatively minor, it did force the ship to be sent back to England for repair. Curacoa ended her Baltic deployment as Task Force Flagship, before returning to the UK and being re-deployed to the Mediterranean, where she remained until 1928. Later, in 1935, she was one of four Royal Navy ships featured in the film Brown on Resolution, where she played a German battle cruiser. On 2 October 1942 about 60 km north of the coast of Ireland she was escorting the ocean liner RMS Queen Mary carrying 10,000 American troops of the 29th Infantry Division to join the Allied forces in Europe. Queen Mary was steaming an evasive zig-zagging course. At 2:15 PM the Queen Mary started the starboard turn for the first leg of her zig-zag, cutting across the path of the Curacoa with insufficient clearance, striking her amidships at a speed of 28 knots and cutting her in two. The Curacoa sank in six minutes, about 100 yards from the Queen Mary. Acting under orders not to stop due to the risk of U-boat attacks, the Queen Mary did not assist in rescue operations and instead steamed onward with a damaged . Hours later, the convoy's lead escort, consisting of HMS Bramham and one other ship, returned to rescue 99 survivors from the Curacoa's crew of 338, including her captain, John Wilfred Boutwood. According to the HMS Curacoa Roll of Honour, 102 men were rescued from the Curacoa, 338 were lost. A number of graves of men of the Curacoa can be found at Lower Breakish in Skye, Arisaig and Morar. The incident occurred as the result of several factors. The captain of the Queen Mary made the assumption that her escort ship would track her course change and adjust accordingly. Meanwhile, Captain Boutwood on board the Curacoa assumed the standard seafaring rule that an overtaking ship must yield. The resulting convergent courses were reported on board both ships. The First Officer of the Queen Mary issued a correction, but both the reports and correction were dismissed by the respective ship's captains. The loss was not reported until after the war ended, whereupon the Navy immediately pressed charges against the Queen Mary's owners, Cunard White Star Line. The High Court of Justice subsequently ruled mostly in favour of the latter, assigning two-thirds of the blame to the Admiralty and one third to Cunard White Star. This ruling would become important in the civil lawsuits subsequently filed against Cunard White Star Line by relatives of the Curacoa's deceased. It prompted significant revisions in Royal Navy policy, including the suspension of escorts for passenger liners indefinitely. (Wikipedia) Date of Death: 02/10/1942 and is commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial (Panel Ref: Panel 65, Column 3) Stanley was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

3rd October 1917 Lance Corporal 32528 Frederick Bailey. 1st Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born 1889 son of William Philip and Alice Bailey of 22 Kent St, Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 51 Berdmore Street, Fenton. Frederick was working as a Railway Drayman. Enlisted into the South Stafford’s during 1917 were engaged in the The Battle of Polygon Wood. The Battle of Polygon Wood took place during the second phase of the Third Battle of Ypers and was fought near Ypres in Belgium 26 September – 3 October 1917, in the area from the Menin Road to Polygon Wood and thence north, to the area beyond St. Julien. Much of the woodland had been destroyed by the huge quantity of shellfire from both sides since 16 July and the area had changed hands several times. Frederick was killed in action on the 3rd October 1917 age 28 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, , West-Vlaanderen. Belgium. (Panel 90 to 92 and 162 to 162A) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Frederick was awarded the British War & Victory medals 3rd October 1918 Private 42600 Wilfred McMahon. 4th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1899 at Fenton son of Francis William and Hannah McMahon, of 15 Packet St, Fenton, Staffs. Wilfred was enlisted into the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion on the Western Front in France and Flanders. During 1918 the battalion were involved in The First Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, the action of Tieghem. Battle of Ypres 28-Sep-1918— 02-Oct-1918 This battle was also known as the Advance in Flanders or the Battle of the Peaks of Flanders. Unofficially it is sometimes known as the Fifth Battle of Ypres. On 28th September 1918 the Allied of Flanders attacked and broke through the German Front to the north, east and south of the city of Ypres. This Allied Army Group comprised British, French and Belgian divisions and was under the command of King . Casualties were over 4,500 for both the British and the Belgian forces. The progress of the advance was significant, with the recapture of the and several miles of territory lost to the German advance in April earlier that year. Messines is retaken by British forces and Passchendaele is retaken by Allied forces. 28-Sep-1918 29-Sep-1918 The Allied advance to the west, pushing the German Army further away from Ypres and the destruction left in the area from four years of fighting, continued with the Battle of Courtrai. Wilfred died of his wounds on the 3rd October 1918 age 19 and is commemorated at the Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille. Pas de Calais, France (Grave V.E.14) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals 3rd October 1920 Bombardier 74442 Stephen Meakin 153rd Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery. Formally Army Service Corps Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial

Born 1886 at Longton son of Stephen and Mary Meakin. In 1911 the family were living at 290 Duke St., Fenton, Stephen’s occupation was a Pottery Plate maker. In 1916 Stephen, age 30 was called up as a reservist having previously been in the Army Service Corps (21902) He was enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery when in 1917 the battery was posted to the British Europe Force. His service lasted until December 1918 at the end of the war with a diagnosis of Neurasthenia (20%) a mechanical weakness of the actual nerves. Stephen died on the 3rd October 1920 age 36 and is buried at Longton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent Grave 4354). His headstone reads “Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals

4th October 1916 Sergeant PW/2107 Lewis (Louis) Shingler. 19th Bn Middlesex Regt. Born 1884 in Fenton son of Lewis and Caroline Shingler of 69 Market St, (now King St) Fenton his occupation, Coal mines Jigger. Lewis was enlisted into the Middlesex Regt. In October 1914, 2nd London Division was selected for service on the Western Front and progressive training was carried out through the winter. Men who had volunteered for Home Service only were transferred to the 2/19th Battalion. 5th London Bde was the leading element of the division to land in France on 9/10 March 1915. In May the division (already known in France simply as 'The London Division' to distinguish it from the Regular Army 2nd Division took its place in the line and was designated 47th (1/2nd London) Division, with the brigades numbered consecutively: 5th London became 141st (1/5th London) Brigade. The 1/19th served in this brigade throughout the war During 1916 the battalion was engaged in the following operations Vimy Ridge. Battle of the Somme: Battle of Flers- Courcelette 15–19 September, Capture of High Wood 15 September – the 1/19th were in the second wave of the attack, but got caught up in the confused fighting. Their CO, Lt-Col A.P. Hamilton, assembled all the available men and went up into the wood to try to restore order, but was killed. High Wood, which had held up the British for two months, was finally taken, but casualties were so heavy that 141 Bde had to be reorganised into a composite battalion. The Battle of the Transloy Ridges 1–9 October and Capture of Eaucourt l'Abbaye 1–3 October Lewis was killed in action: 4th October 1916, age 33. He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Pier & Face 12D & 13B) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. The memorial also serves as an Anglo-French Battle Memorial in recognition of the joint nature of the 1916 offensive. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 4th October 1917 Private 18315 John William Cooke. 1st Bn King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Born at Fenton son of Isaac and Mary Cooke. In 1906 John married Sarah Jane Stanier at Fenton, Christ Church and lived at 19, Meakins Row, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent together with 3 children, Tom, Sarah and Mary Ann. Johns occupation, Mill Labourer. During 1917 the Scottish borderes were engaged in the First Battle of the Scarpe, The Second Battle of the Scarpe, The Third Battle of the Scarpe, The Battle of Langemarck, The Battle of Broodseinde, The Battle of Broodseinde was fought on 4 October 1917 near Ypres in Flanders, at the east end of the Gheluvelt plateau, by the British Second and Fifth armies and the German 4th Army. The battle was the most successful Allied attack of the Battle of Passchendaele. John was killed in action on the 4th October 1917 age 32. His body was found at map ref: 23.D.6.2, was identified by his disc and was reburied in February 1920 at the Poelcapelle British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen. Belguim (Grave XXX1V. D. 2) John is also commemorated on the plaques at Edinburgh Castle. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Centenarian Eliza Hughes joins Fenton Town Hall campaign Reported in the Staffordshire Evening Sentinel, Wednesday, August 21, 2013. By Dave knapper CENTENARIAN Eliza Hughes has added her voice to a campaign to save an under-threat war memorial which bears the names of her father and uncle who were both killed in combat. For more than nine decades Eliza, aged 100, has shied away from the box of keep-sakes gathered by her mother, with some memories simply too upsetting to dwell on. But after hearing the Fenton War Memorial could be torn down, Eliza sifted through dozens of poignant documents before deciding to support the battle to save the historic plaque. The memorial, housed inside the old Fenton Town Hall, lists her father John William Cooke and uncle Thomas Henry Cooke, who were killed during the First World War – among a total of 498 names. But the monument faces an uncertain future under the Ministry of Justice's plans to sell the former magistrates court. The memorial cannot be moved, and campaigners fear any new owner could tear down the building to make way for development. John, who served in the King's Own Scottish Borderers, died in October 1917 aged 32, during a battle in France. His brother Thomas, of the North Staffordshire Regiment, was killed in the Battle of the Somme in November 1916, at the age of 25. Eliza, who was raised on Meakins Row in Fenton, says their names are also on outside the town hall, while John's is etched in Edinburgh Castle. The retired freehand painter, who now lives in Berryhill Retirement Village, said: "When I think about what they both did I feel extremely proud, but at the same time upset. "I think the memorial needs to stay exactly where it is. Fenton Town Hall is a beautiful building and should be there for the people of Fenton." Eliza, who worked at the Royal Ordinance munitions factory in Swynnerton during the Second World War, was just a toddler when her father signed up for the war effort, but she does have some memory of him. She said: "I remember he returned from war and went to Blackpool for treatment after shrapnel wounds to the face. The soldiers who didn't live too far from there were allowed to come home and I just remember pulling at his trousers and asking if he had brought some Blackpool rock." However, Eliza's starkest memory is of the time when her mother Sarah, who had four children, received the telegram saying her husband had been killed. She said: "I was in the kitchen with my mother and this boy came on a bike. My mother picked me up and put me on a chair and said to stay there while she read it. "She told me she had to go and see Grandma Cooke after reading it. Later she told me she felt more sorry for her as both of her sons had been killed in war." Her niece Kathleen Cummings, aged 72, of Stone, whose father, also named Thomas, served in the Second World War, said: "I am disgusted about the memorial. As a family we were brought up in Fenton and I remember going to the town hall to pick up vitamins and things during the war." For now, community company Fenton498 have had the building listed as 'of importance to the area', buying them more time to try and save it. Alan Gerrard, of the group, has praised Eliza. He said: "This just shows how much the memorial means to people. Private 40788 Harold Davies. 2nd Bn Kings Own Scottish Borderers Born 1898 son of John & Sarah Davies, 37 George Street, Fenton. In 1911 he was living at 4 Leopold Street, Fenton, Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire with his family and was registered as still at school Harold served on the Western Front with the Scottish Borderers. During 1917 the Third Battle of Ypres took place, an offensive mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. It was probably during the which was the last offensive Battle of the Somme that Harold was killed in action: 4th October 1917 at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (panel 66 to 68) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Sergeant 840 John T. Derricott. 18th Bn Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Born at Fenton in 1887 son of Joseph and Sarah Derricott of 6 Hulse Street, Fenton John married Amy H Chadwick in 1906 at Fenton, Christ Church. In 1911 they were living at 74 Old Tramway, Fenton with their two children Joseph and Dora. John was enlisted into the 18th (1st Public Works) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment which was raised in London in 1915. They proceeded to France on the 15th of November, landing at Le Havre. In 1916 they were in action in the Battles of the Somme. In 1917 they took part in the Arras Offensive, The actions on the Hindenburg Line, the Operations on the Flanders coast and the Third Battles of Ypres. The Third Battle of Ypres also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. The battle took place on the Western Front from July to November 1917, for control of the ridges south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres in West Flanders John was killed in action 4th October 1917. Age 30 and is commemorated at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm) West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave V11 P 5) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals 4th October 1918 Private 5014 George Bernard Abraham 2nd/5th Highland Light Infantry transferred to 50th Coy Labour Corp (29445) Born at Hanley in 1879 son of Richard Ryan and Harriet Abraham of 60 Queen Street, Fenton. George married Francis Ann Bate in 1902 at Penkhull, St Thomas. In 1911 they were living at 301 Hartshill Road, Stoke with two children, Henry age 4 and Alice age 3. Later they lived at 60 Queen Street, Fenton. George’s occupation: Hollow Ware Presser Enlisted into the 2/5th (City of Glasgow) Battalion Territorial Force. In March 1918 the Division was broken up and the Battalion disbanded. Then George was transferred to the 50th Company Labour Corps serving on the Western Front. In the crises of March and April 1918 on the Western Front, Labour Corps units were used as emergency infantry. The Corps always suffered from its treatment as something of a second class organisation: for example, the men who died are commemorated under their original regiment, with Labour Corps being secondary. Researching men of the Corps is made extra difficult by this, as is the fact that few records remain of the daily activities and locations of Corps units. George was killed in action on the 4th October 1918 age 39 and is commemorated at the La Targette British Cemetery, Neuville- St. Vast, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave ref III.D.13) Requested by his wife the headstone reads “Those miss him most, who loved him best” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals

5th October 1915 Private 15038 William Peter Woodward. 11th Bn Essex Regiment. Not yet Commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born at Fenton 1n 1891 son of John and Mary Woodward of 36 Best St. In 1911 the family were living at 313 Park Road (now Fenpark Rd) Fenton. William’s occupation: Potters Presser. In Sept 1914 the 11th (Service) Battalion Essex Regiment was formed at Warley as part of the Third New Army (K3) and then moved to Shoreham to join the 71st Brigade of the 24th Division. In 1915 the battalion was mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne where they served on the Western Front. William died of his wounds on the 5th October 1915 age 24 at Etaples and is commemorated at the Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave 111. B.7A) His headstone bears the words “Rest in Peace” He was aware the 1914/15 Star, British War & Victory medals 5th October 1916 Rifleman 47664 Isaac Bowers. 2nd Bn Royal Irish Rifles Formally S/4/040972, RASC. Born 1889 at Audley son of Isaac and Martha Bowers of 10 Best St; Fenton. In 1913 Isaac married Edith Warrilow at Fenton, Christ Church later living at George Street. Fenton. Isaac’s occupation: Baker Isaac was enlisted into the RASC before transferring to the 2nd Service Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles In 1916 engaged on the Somme in the German attack on Vimy Ridge, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The Battle of Pozieres, The Battle of the Ancre Heights. The Battle of the Ancre Heights 1 October – 11 November 1916, was the continuation of British attacks after the Battle of Thiepval Ridge from 26–28 September. British possession of the heights would deprive the German 1st Army of observation towards Albert to the south-west and give the British observation north over the Ancre valley to the German positions around Beaumont Hamel, Serre and Beaucourt. The Reserve Army conducted large attacks on 1, 8, 21, 25 October and from 10–11 November. Isaac was killed in action 5th October 1916 age 27. He is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Panel 138 to 140 and 162 to 162A and 163A) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Isaac was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Corporal 9716 Andrew Hughes. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Andrew enlisted into 8th (Service) Battalion North Staffordshire Regt when in July 1915 the battalion was mobilised for war and landed in France where they were engaged in various action on the Western Front including; During 1916, The Battle of Albert, The attacks on High Wood, The Battle of Pozieres Ridge, The Battle of the Ancre Heights, The Battle of the Ancre. The Battle of the Ancre Heights 1 October – 11 November 1916, was the continuation of British attacks after the Battle of Thiepval Ridge from 26–28 September. British possession of the heights would deprive the German 1st Army of observation towards Albert to the south-west and give the British observation north over the Ancre valley to the German positions around Beaumont Hamel, Serre and Beaucourt. The Reserve Army conducted large attacks on 1, 8, 21, 25 October and from 10–11 November. Andrew died of his wounds on the 5th October 1916 and is commemorated at the Hazelbrouck Communal Cemetery.Nord, France (Grave I.B.2) Andrew was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 15922 Herbert Mansfield. “B” Co. 9th Bn., North Staffordshire Regiment. Born in 1895 at Fenton son of Arthur and Ada Mansfield, of 53, Alfred Street, Fenton. Herbert’s occupation was in the mines, Horse Driver. Enlisted in 1914 and was posted to the 3rd Bn North Staffordshire Regt before being transferred to the 9th (Service) Battalion (Pioneers) in March 1915 In 1917 the battalion were involved in many battles including The Battle of Broodseinde which was fought in October near Ypres in Flanders, at the east end of the Gheluvelt plateau, by the British Second and Fifth armies and the German 4th Army. The battle was the most successful Allied attack of the Battle of Passchendaele. It was during this battle that Herbert was killed in action on the 5th October 1917, Age 22. He is commemorated at the Tyne Cot memorial. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 124 to 125 & 162 to 162A) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Herbert was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals.

6th October 1916 Private 4496 William Brain. 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Son of Ephraim Brain, of Boggs Farm, Stallington Lane, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent Married Alice Bridgett at Edensor St Pauls in 1916. Enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt William served on the Western Front in the battle of the Somme. During 1916 the battalion were engaged in the German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont. William died of wounds 6th October 1916, age 28 and is commemorated at the Warlington Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave II.H.3) His headstone bears the words “Duty Nobly Done” The site of the cemetery was chosen in May 1916. It was used from June 1916 to May 1917 by the 20th and 43rd Casualty Clearing Stations. William was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 6th October 1918, Gunner 105552 William Woolley. 135th Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery Born 1890 at Fenton son of Ralph and Margaret Woolley, of 43, Adelaide St, (now Millicent St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. William’s occupation; Potters Placer. Enlisted into the RGA 135th Seiege Battery William served on the Western Front in France Siege Batteries RGA were equipped with heavy howitzers, sending large calibre high explosive shells in high trajectory, plunging fire. The usual armaments were 6 inch, 8 inch and 9.2 inch howitzers, although some had huge railway- or road- mounted 12 inch howitzers. As British artillery tactics developed, the Siege Batteries were most often employed in destroying or neutralising the enemy artillery, as well as putting destructive fire down on strongpoints, dumps, store, roads and railways behind enemy lines. The armaments of each battery will be given as details are added. William was killed in action on the 6th October 1918, Age 28 and is commemorated at the La Baraque British Cemetery, Aisne, France (Grave B,23) Bellenglise was the scene of the victory of the 46th (North Midland) Division at the end of September, 1918, and the Divisional Memorial stands very close to La Baraque. Bellenglise was later "adopted" by the town of Stafford. William was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

7th October 1916 Private 11721 John Charles Holmes. 9th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born 1894 at Fenton son of John and Fanny Eliza Holmes. 8 Meadow Street, (off Park St) Fenton. John’s occupation Miner, Driver below ground. John enlisted into the 9th (Service) Bn Royal Fusiliers serving on the Western Front In 1916 the battalion were engaged in the Battle of Albert, The Battle of Pozieres, The Battle of Le Transloy. The battle of the Transloy Ridges, 1-20 October 1916, was part of the first battle of the Somme. It was the last officially acknowledged battle fought by the Fourth Army (Rawlinson) although fighting continued on that front into November. The battle that was actually fought had been planned by Rawlinson to straighten out his line, by capturing Eaucourt l’Abbaye and the Flers line of defences as far as the village of . At the same time Haig was planning a major offensive timed for the middle of the month in which the Fourth Army was to attack towards La Transloy, and . John was killed in action on the 7th October 1916, age 24 in the Battle of the Somme and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier & Face 8. C.9A and 16A) He is also commemorated on his parents grave in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. John is also commorated on his parents grave in Fenton Cemetery. It reads Fanny Elizabeth, w/o John HOLMES, 8 Meadow St, Fenton, 11 Sept 1920, 67. John, the above, 17 Nov 1921, 67 L/Cpl John HOLMES, s, Killed in the Battle of the Somme, 7 Oct 1916, 22 John was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 7th October 1917 Second Lieutenant Harold William Hines MC, DCM. 113th Bde Royal Field Artillery. Formally 44Bde RFA. Cpl 44935 Born 1882 at Fenton son of William and Mary Hines, of The Hollies, (now 105) Blurton Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, husband of Ethel May Hines, of 56, William St, , Staffs. Harold was employed at his father’s Pottery works (Heron Cross Pottery) as a Pottery Manufactures Clerk. Enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery before being transferred to the 113th RFA serving on the Western Front In 1917, the Third Battle of Ypres was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Harold was killed in action on the 7th October 1917 age 34 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Panel 4 to 6 and 162) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He is also commemorated at Temple Street Methodist, Church. Harold was awarded the MC and DCM, he was awarded the 1914 Star with clasp 5th Aug-20th Nov 1914 and the British War & Victory (with oak leaf) medals. His gallantry awards included: Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded in the London Gazette of 17 December 1914 to 44935 Sergeant H.W. Hines 47th Brigade Royal Field Artillery. His citation reads: On the Aisne from 14 September to 14 October, and near Ypres from 21 October to 15 November has shown consistent gallantry in keeping up communication between the battery and observation stations. The efficiency of his battery’s fire was largely due to his efforts. The medal was presented by the King on 3 December 1914. Harold’s letter to his former headmaster at Newcastle High School described how he came to be awarded the medal. He said that he was the happiest man in the British Army. He wrote that he was being awarded the medal for “repairing the telephone wires between the observing station and the battery under fire and thus enabling the fire to be controlled from the observing station. Sometimes the shells were very plentiful, but they never got me. I feel that at last, sir, I have done something for the honour of the High School”. In addition, the Weekly Sentinel of 12 December 1914 recorded that he had been in all the fighting since Mons.He was Mentioned in Dispatches on 14 January 1915 (gazetted 17/02/1915) whilst with 47th Battery Royal Field Artillery. His Military Cross was awarded in the London Gazette on 26 January 1917. At this time, he was a Battery Sergeant Major with the Royal Field Artillery. His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and determination in getting men and horses away without casualties under heavy shell fire. The photograph shows Harold as a 2nd lieutenant with the MC and DCM medal ribbons. As well as the MC and DCM, he was awarded the 1914 Star with clasp 5th Aug-20th Nov 1914 and the British War & Victory (with oak leaf) medals. From the records of Temple Street Methodists. Compiled by Richard Ellis

7th October 1918 Private 32384 Frederick Jones. 7th Bn Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment. Formerly 914, Middlesex Regiment. Born 1896 at Hanley son of Frederick and Matilda Jones 19 Clyde St (now Tweed St) Heron Cross. Frederick worked in the pits as a Wagoner Underground. Enlisted into the Middlesex Regiment before being transferred to the 7th (Service) Battalion Wiltshire Regt serving with the BEF on the Western Front. In June 1918 the battalion returned to France leaving the 26th Division arriving at Serqueux. In July they Joined the 150th Brigade of the 50th Division at Martin Eglise and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line, The Battle of Cambrai 1918, The pursuit to the Selle. The Battle of Cambrai-St. Quentin, 27 September-9 October 1918, was the main British contribution to an all-out attack on the Hindenburg line. It saw three British and one French army force the Germans out of their strong defensive line and back to the River Selle. Frederick was killed in action (missing): 7th October 1918 age 22. His body was found buried on the 28th August 1920 at Gouy British Cemetery. He was identified by a cross, C. R and Record Plan. In May 1930 Frederick was reburied at Templeux-Le- Guerard British Cemetery, Somme, France (Grave I. J. 21) Gouy British Cemetery (Aisne), was in the hamlet of Rue-Neuve (or Rue-du-Moulin), on the road from Gouy to Estrees. It stood in a paddock among pasture fields, close to a farmhouse. It was made by the 50th Division (as very recently reconstituted) in October 1918, and it contained the graves of 127 soldiers from the United Kingdom (almost all from that Division) and one from ; the dates of death were the 3rd-10th October, except for one soldier who died on the 18th. Le Catelet and Gouy were captured by the 50th Division on the 3rd October 1918. Frederick was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

8th October 1915 Private 13037 Joe Blagg. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1892 at Longton son of Joseph and Louisa M Blagg, of Longton, Joe’s job Pottery Glost Placer Assistant. In 1914 Joe married Lydia May Burton at Normacot, Holy Evengelist and they lived at 2, Brook St, (now Rill St) Fenton. Enlisted at Longton August 1914 into the 10th North Staffordshire Regt and transferred into the 8th (Service) Battalion in 1915 and was mobilised for war in July and then landed in France and engaged in various action on the Western Front including; The Action of Pietre. Joe was killed in action with the Expeditionary Force in France on the 8th October 1915 and is commemorated at the Rue-Des- Berceaux Militery Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue , Pas de Calais, France. (Grave I.C.I) His headstone bears the words “Duty Nobly Done” Joe was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. 8th October 1918 Private 50661 William Henry Evans. 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regiment Born 1897 at Fenton son of Mrs Harriet A. Evans and the late Cpl William T Evans (killed in action 7/1/1916) In 1911 the family were living at 221 Duke St, Fenton before moving to 55 Well Street, (now Welby St) Fenton. William enlisted into the Lincolnshire Regiment serving on the Western Front. During 1918 they wer engaged in the Battle of St Quentin, The First and Second Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Messines, The Second Battle of Kemmel, The Battle of the Aisne 1918, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Epehy, The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of Cambrai The Battle of Cambrai-St. Quentin, 27 September-9 October 1918, was the main British contribution to an all-out attack on the Hindenburg line. It saw three British and one French army force the Germans out of their strong defensive line and back to the River Selle. William was killed in action 8th October 1918 age 21 and is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artoise, Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. (panel 4) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos. He is also commemorated at Temple Street Methodist, Church. William was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 102297 Frederick James Finney. 50th Bn Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) Formerly 35462, N. Staff. Regt. Born 1882 son of Charles and Emily Finney of Dresdon. In 1911 they were living at 47a Trentham Road, Longton and Frederick was employed as a Pottery Packer. In 1917 Frederick married Sarah A E Bentley at Normacot Holy Evangelist Church. Fredericks died on the 8th October 1918 age 36. His body was found later in Quendlinburg Central Cemetery, Prussion Saxony. Plot 23 Row 11 Grave 413. His body was exhumed and reburied at the Niederzwehren Cemetery, Kassel. Hessen, Germany. (Grave V111.D. 18) There were 102 burials at Quendlinburg Central Cemetery 1914-1918 The headstone bears the words “Rest in peace” requested by Mrs T Hewitt. 8 Elgin Street, Fenton, Frederick was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Niederzwehren cemetery was begun by the Germans in 1915 for the burial of prisoners of war who died at the local camp. During the war almost 3,000 Allied soldiers and civilians, including French, Russian and Commonwealth, were buried there In 1922-23 it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who had died all over Germany should be brought together into four permanent cemeteries. Niederzwehren was one of those chosen and in the following four years, more than 1,500 graves were brought into the cemetery from 190 burial grounds in Baden, Bavaria, Hanover, Hesse and Saxony. There are now 1,796 First World War servicemen buried or commemorated in the Commonwealth plot at Niederzwehren. This total includes special memorials to 13 casualties buried in other cemeteries in Germany whose graves could not be found. 8th October 1945 Private 4977527 Joseph Salt. 89 1st/5th Shrewood Forresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) Born 1920 and living at Stoke-on-Trent son Levi and Ann Jane Salt. The 1/5th (Derbyshire) Battalion was a 1st-Line Territorial Army formation originally serving with the 148th Infantry Brigade, part of the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division. However, in December 1939, the battalion was reassigned to the 25th Infantry Brigade and saw service with the BEF in France and Belgium in 1940 and being evacuated at Dunkirk. In late 1940 it was again reassigned to the 55th Infantry Brigade, 18th Infantry Division. The battalion, along with the rest of the 18th Division, was posted to Malaya to defend the peninsula and the island of Singapore against the Japanese. After Singapore fell to the Imperial Japanese Army, the battalion's men were among the thousands of Prisoners of war sent to work on the infamous Burma Railway. Joseph died 8th October 1945 age 25 in Malaya. He is commemorated at Madras War Cemetery, Chennai (Grave Ref: 1 L 14) Headstone “Smiling face, heart of gold, no finer son can this world hold. Mam, dad and family. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star

9th October 1916 Private 18518 William Alfred Jennings. 1st Bn East Yorkshire Regt Born 1892 in Ladywood, Birmingham son of William and Kate Jennings, of 11, Well St, (now Welby St) Fenton, Stoke-on- Trent. In 1911 the family lived at 43 West Parade, Mount Pleasant, Fenton, his occupation Miner, Hewer. Later the family moved to 75 South St, Mount Pleasant, Fenton Enlisted in Scarborough in September 1914 as Trooper to the 20th and then 13th Hussars of Line. In June 1915 he was transferred as Private to the 3rd East Yorkshire Regt. A month later was posted to the 1st Battalion attached to the Yorkshire Regt In July 1916 he was wounded in action before being back in service at Etaples. He then suffered a bout of Scabies before being returning to duty at Abberville. The battalion were involved in the Battle of Morval, 25–28 September 1916, it was an attack during the Battle of the Somme by the British Fourth Army on the villages of Morval, Gueudecourt and Lesboeufs held by the German 1st Army, which had been the final objectives of the Battle of Flers–Courcelette (15–22 September). William was wounded in action on the 25th September 1916 and died of his wounds on the 9th October 1916 age 24 and is commemorated at the Etaples Military Cemetery, France (Grave Pas de CalaisXVI.E.11) His headstone bears the words “Thy Will Be Done” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 9th October 1918. Private 42346 William Mellor. Bedfordshire Rgt posted to Hertfordshire Regt. Formally 48645. S Staffs Regt Born 1900 at Leek son of Sampson and Emily Mellor of 55 Jervis Street, (now Chilton St, Heron Cross) Fenton. 1911 the family were living at 108 Duke St, Heron Cross, Fenton William was enlisted into the South Staffordshire Regt before being transferred to the Hertfordshire Regt and then to the Bedfordshire Regt serving on the Western Front in France where he was killed in action on the 9th October 1918. He is commemorated at the Viz-en-Artois Memorial. Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 4 & 5) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

10th October 1918. Private 77099 James Sheldon. Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Hussars Born in Leek 1878 James in 1910 married Jane Shenton in a civil marriage at Stoke-on-Trent and lived at 78 Brocksford St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. James enlisted with the Yorkshire Hussars who were stationed in Ireland. Returning to England from Ireland James was drowned at Sea (from RMS “Leinster”) 10th October 1918 age 40 It was shortly before 9 a.m. on 10 October 1918 the R.M.S Leinster (the Irish mail boat) left Carlisle Pier, Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire), Co. Dublin, Ireland. Bound for Holyhead Anglesey, she carried 771 passengers and crew. The greatest number of passengers on board the Leinster was military personnel. Many of them were going on leave or returning from leave. Shortly before 10 a.m. about 16 miles into their journey a few people on the deck of the Leinster saw a torpedo approaching the port (left) side of the ship. It missed the Leinster, passing in front of her. Soon afterwards another torpedo struck the port side. The explosion travelled across the ship, also blowing a hole in the starboard side. In an attempt to return to port, the Leinster turned 180 degrees, until it faced the direction from which it had come. With speed reduced and slowly sinking, the ship had sustained few casualties. Lifeboats were being launched. At this point a torpedo struck the ship on the starboard (right) side, practically blowing it to pieces. The Leinster sank soon afterwards, bow first. (abridged from http://www.rmsleinster.com/sinking/sinking.htm) Harold is commemorated at the Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton. The Hollybrook Memorial commemorates by name almost 1,900 servicemen and women of the Commonwealth land and air forces* whose graves are not known, many of whom were lost in transports or other vessels torpedoed or mined in home waters. Harold was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 10th October 1943 Private 5049882 Harry Levison Skilton. 16th Bn Durham Light Infantry. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1917 son of Thomas Henry and Mary Ann Skilton, of Fenton, 16th DLI Battalion: They landed at Salerno in September 1943. The 1st Battalion arrived later and was almost wiped out on the island of Cos in the eastern Mediterranean in 1943. (Both Battalions were still in Italy when the war ended in May 1945) Historical Information. (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year. The 65th and 92nd General Hospitals were in Naples from late in 1943 until the end of the war, also the 67th General Hospital for the greater part of that time. The site for the war cemetery was chosen in November 1943 and burials were made in it from the hospitals and garrison. Later graves were brought in from a number of small cemeteries in the immediate vicinity.

Date of Death: 10/10/1943 Age: 26. Originally buried at map ref 19GR/DL5/11) 10/10/1943 His body was reburied and commemorated at Naples Military Cemetery. (Grave Ref: III. K. 6) Headstone “Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away” Harry was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. Naples War Cemetery contains 1,202 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.

11th October 1915 Private 15520 Samuel Morris. 2nd Bn Grenadier Guards Born in Fenton son of John T and Ann Morris of 11 Kent St, Fenton. In 1911 Samuel was employed as Coal Loader Miner Underground. Samuel enlisted into the Grenadier Guards and in August 1914 were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The First Battle of Ypres after which only 4 officers and 140 men remained of the Battalion. In August 1915 they were transferred to the 1st Guards Brigade of the Guards Division and engaged in various actions on the Western including The Battle of Loos (from 26 September) Samuel was killed in action on the 11th October 1915 age 25. His body was found with many other members of his battalion at map Ref G11. B.3.4 () and was reburied at St Mary’s A.D.S Cemetery, Haisnes. Pas de Calais, France (Grave IX.D.5) The village of Haisnes was reached, or nearly reached, by the 9th (Scottish) and 7th Divisions on the 25th September 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos; and parts of the commune were the scene of desperate fighting in the Actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt (13th-15th October, 1915). The cemetery was made after the Armistice, by the concentration of graves from the battlefield of Loos; the great majority of the graves are those of men who fell in September and October 1915. Samuel was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 11th October 1918 Private 105627. Douglas Cope. 2nd Bn Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) Born 1900 at Fenton son of Jessie and Sarah Cope of 150 King Street, Fenton. In 1911 Douglas was still at school age 11 and eventually became a miner working at Glebe Colliery Douglas conscripted for National Service in February 1917 age 17yrs 6 months. He was 5’2” in height with a chest measurement of 35”. He was mobilised in April 1918 into the 1/5th Sherwood Foresters, a month later into the 2nd battalion when arriving in Calais. During 1918 the battalion were involved in many battles including the Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of Beaurevoir, The Battle of Cambrai 1918 The Battle of Cambrai, 1918 (also known as the Second Battle of Cambrai) was a battle during the Hundred Days Offensive. The battle took place in and around the French city of Cambrai, between 8 and 10 October 1918. The battle incorporated many of the newer tactics of 1918, in particular tanks, meaning that the attack was an overwhelming success with light casualties in an extremely short amount of time. Reported wounded and missing on the 8th October 1918. Douglas was certified killed in action on the 11th October 1918 age 18. He is commemorated at the Viz-en-Artois Memorial. Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 7) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

12th October 1915 Private 37132 George Mountford 2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers Born 1891 at Fenton son of James and Jennie Mountford of 41 Granville St, (now continuation of Sutherland St, Mount Pleasant) Fenton. In 1911 George was an Apprentice Potters Hollow ware. Enlisted into the 2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers George served on the Western Front in France and Flanders were engaged in the Second Battle of Ypres and on the Somme during 1915. George was killed in action on the 12th October 1915 age 24 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France (Pier & Face 3C & 3C) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 12th October 1916, Lance Corporal 20130. Edmund Nixon 1st Bn West Yorkshire (Prince of Wales's Own) Regiment Born in 1893 at Chesterton Son of Herbert and Mary Nixon 33 Minshall Street, Fenton and living in Stoke-on-Trent. Edmund was enlisted into the West Yorkshire Regt. In 1916 as part of the 1st battalion they were engaged on the Somme in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy. The Battle of the Transloy Ridges, 1 -18 October 1916. The fighting took place during worsening weather and dreadful battlefield conditions. The first attack met fierce German resistance and it was not until the afternoon of 3 October that the objectives were secured. A follow-up attack was delayed by atrocious weather. Starting at 1.45pm on 7 October the advance involved six divisions and resulted in heavy British casualties and little success except for 23rd Division's capture of Le Sars. Continuous rain during the night hampered the removal of casualties and further forward moves. The failure to secure original battle objectives led to a renewed major assault on the afternoon of 12 October when infantry on Fourth Army’s right floundered towards German trench lines in front of Le Transloy, while formations on the left slogged towards the Butte de Warlencourt. Despite the slightest of gains (measured in hard fought for trench yards) the operation was not successful. Edmund was killed in action: 12th October 1916, age 23 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. 12th October 1918 Gunner 76293 Harry (Henry) Rushton Royal Field Artillery. "X" 50th Trench Mortar Bty. Born in 1889 at Hanley son of Thomas H and Ellen Rushton of 7 King St, Fenton. In 1907 Henry married Maud Harratt at Normacot, Holy Evangelist and lived at 34 Oldfield St, Fenton together with their son Thomas Henry (1908). Henry worked as a Potters Miller. Henry enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery and "X" 50th Trench Mortar Battery which was formed by the 25th June 1916. He served on the Western Front and he served in Germany. He was killed in action on the 12th October 1918 age 30 and is commemorated at Worms (Hochheim Hill) Cemetery Rheinland- Pfalz, Germany (Grave ref: Screen wall) Worms (Hochheim Hill) Cemetery contains a substantial plot of Allied prisoner of war burials. Among these are the graves of 113 Commonwealth servicemen who died in 1918. The names of the dead are inscribed on a screen wall. 13th October 1915 The following men took part in the Battle of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, (Hohenzollernwerk) which took place during the Battle of Loos (25 September – 15 October 1915) near Auchy-les-Mines in France on the Western Front The British captured the redoubt and then lost it to a German counter-attack. The final British assault on 13 October failed and resulted in 3,643 casualties, mostly in the first few minutes. The 1/5th Battalion Territorial Force who were stationed in Hanley during August 1914, as part of the Staffordshire Brigade of the North Midland Division and then moved to the Luton area, and then Bishops Stortford. During March 1915 the 1st/5th Battalion were mobilised for war and landed in France where the formation became the 137th Brigade of the 46th Division engaged on the Western Front. From 25th September to the 15th October 1915 the Battalion took part in the Battle of the Hohenzollern Reboubt (Hohenzollernwerk) during the Battle of Loos on the Western Front. The British 9th Division captured the redoubt then lost it in a counter attack by the Germans. The final British assault on the 13th October failed and resulted in 3,763 casualties, mostly in the first few minutes. There were over 500 casualties in 1/5 North Staffs Rgt that day with more than 200 killed. 17 of those men were from Fenton and all received the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. Sergeant 167 Thomas Brookes. 1st 5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Killed in action 13 October 1915 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, Sergeant 2060 William Bagguley. 1st 5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Killed in Action 13 October 1915, age 23 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial Born 1892 at Fenton son of Mary Elizabeth Bagguley, 36 Nelson Street, Fenton. He was employed as a loco fitter. Private 4020 Herbert Charles Brunt. 1st 5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Killed in action 13th October 1915 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial Private 4046 Sydney Grainger 1st/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action 13th October 1915 age 23 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial Born 1893 son of Albert and Emily Grainger 25 Brunswick Street Fenton, Sydney was employed as a Pottery Turner Sydney is also commemorated om his parent’s headstone in Fenton Cemetery “Albert, h/o Emily GRAINGER, 25 Brunswick St, Fenton, 22 Dec 1915, 65 Pte Sydney GRAINGER, 4046, North Staffs Regt, who fell in the Battle of Loos, 13 Oct 1915, 23. For his King & Country his life he gave, into his saviours keeping Emily, w/o of the above 24 July 1926, 72 Frank James, s, 13 May 1962, 65” Private 3580 John Hodson. A Coy 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action 13/10/1915 age 19 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial Born 1896 in Longton (resident in Fenton) son of Harriet E Brian (formally Hodson) of 123 Oldfield Street, Fenton Private 2498 Frederick William Heath (251) 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action: 13/10/1915, age 19 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial Born in 1896 at Stoke-on-Trent son of Joseph and Eliza Ann Heath, of 15, Mill St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Frederick occupation was Labourer. Private 3600 Ernest Hayes 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action: 13/10/1915. age 28 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial. Born 1887 at Fenton son of Joseph and Sarah Hayes, 5 Whieldon Road, Mount Pleasant, Fenton. His occupation Turner, Iron. Corporal 2937 Fred Hawley == 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action, 13/10/1915 age 24 Commemorated at the St Mary’s A.D.S. Cemetery, Haisnes. (Ref Sp. Mem. B.4) His headstone bears the words “How can man die better” He is also commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial. Born 1891 at Fenton son of Frederick and Flora Hawley, of 62, Heron St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent his occupation Railway Clerk He is commemorated on his parents gravestone at Fenton Cemetery “Fred HAWLEY, 1/5th North Staffs Regt, s/o Frederick & Flora HAWLEY, KiA at Loos, 13 Oct 1915, 24” Private 4023 George Morgan. 1st/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action 13th October 1915 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial. Born in 1890 son of Thomas and Mary Ann Jane Morgan of 5 Herbert Street, Fenton, his employment was Coal Miner, Hewer. Company Sergeant Major 192 Henry Washington. 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action: 13th October 1915 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial. Henry Washington came from Fenton and lived with his wife and eleven children at 241 Duke Street. He was employed at Glebe Colliery and had served with the 1st Volunteer Battalion and 5th Battalion of The North Staffordshire Regiment for 25 years. He was embodied at the outbreak of the war and went to France as the platoon Sergeant of No. 1 Platoon of “A” Company of the 1/5th North Staffords in March 1915. Sergeant Washington was promoted to the rank of Company Sergeant-Major while at the front. He was killed on 13 October 1915 during his battalion’s attack at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. Like so many of his comrades, his body was not found and his name was carved on the Loos Memorial. Private 1636 John James Walker. 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action: 13th October 1915 age 19 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 and 105) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial. Born 1896 son of the late William and Elizabeth Walker, of 25, High St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. John Walker was born in Fenton on 10 December 1894 and was the fourth son of William and Elizabeth Walker of 25 High St, (now City Road) Fenton. His father was the caretaker of Fenton Town Hall. John went to the Church of England School in Fenton and was later employed by the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation as a steam roller attendant. He joined the 5th North Staffords in 1911 at Stoke Drill Hall on Newport Road. On the outbreak of the war he was embodied and volunteered to serve overseas. Private Walker went to France with No. 9 Platoon of “C” Company, 1/5th North Staffords in March 1915. He was killed on 13 October 1915 during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt. James Walker has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Corporal 3538 Colonel Willis (498) 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Killed in action: 13th October 1915 Commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 TO 104) and on the Fenton WW1 memorial. Colonel Willis and was born in Audley in 1898 and in 1911 was living with his parents James and Hannah Jane and with a brother and sister at 49 Duke Street, Heron Cross. He was employed as an accounts office boy. He enlisted in Shelton on the 3rd October 1914 giving his age as 20 years 146 days. It was during this battle that the battalion was actually attacking Big Willie trench and Dump trench that Corporal Willis was reported missing, killed in the field (in action) on the 13th October 1915 age just 17. Willis, was the youngest corporal to die on that day, he was just 17. Some records state he lived at Goms mill, others elsewhere... What is known as he was a member of Fenton Cricket Club. He was first listed as missing in October 1915, but was confirmed dead by December 1915. Colonel shouldn't have even been there as 18 was the minimum age you could join the Army to fight over seas Private 3771 Ernest Arthur Cyril Ball. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Killed in action 13th October 1915 Commemorated at Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France (Panel 103 to 105) however he is not commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial at this time. Born in Dresdon in 1898 and in 1911 he was living with his mother Florence Ball and 2 brothers and 2 sisters at 409 High Street, (now City Rd) West Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Ernest was registered as still at school Private 3762 John Norris Brailsford. 1st 5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment (Territorial Force) Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Killed in action 13th October 1915 Commemorated at Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France (Panel 103 to 105) however he is not commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial at this time. John Norris Brailsford was born at Walsall in 1894. He had been employed at the Glebe Colliery in Fenton before enlisting in the 2/5th North Staffords at Hanley on 29 October 1914. After training at Butterton Hall, Brailsford was transferred to the 1/5th Battalion and posted to No. 8 Platoon of “B” Company. While in Saffron Walden he joined the battalion’s Machine-Gun Section. Private Brailsford was killed on 13 October 1915 during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt and is commemorated at Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France (Panel 103 to 105) however he is not commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial at this time. Captain Charles Caddick-Adams wrote to his mother, Mary, who lived 16 Stedman Street in , to inform her of the death of her only son: “Dear Mrs Brailsford I have the sad duty to inform you of the death of your son, who was killed in action on the 13th inst. at two o’clock. He was shot in the head by a bullet while doing his duty with the machine-gun. He started with me in the section at Saffron Walden, and I have always had the greatest admiration for him – a good, willing soldier and very efficient. We shall miss him very much. I know this is terrible news for you, and I can only send you my deepest sympathy, and that of all the men of our gun section. We lost our officer too that day. I was not with them, having been appointed to another post temporarily. Please excuse short line I can only say how grieved I am to send you this news. Please accept my deepest sympathy.” John Brailsford has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. Private 2033 Alfred Clayton. 1st/5th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Killed in action 13th October 1915 Commemorated at Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France (Panel 103 to 105) however he is not commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial at this time. Born in Fenton Resident in Stoke Private 2339 John Jones. 1st/5th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Killed in action 13th October 1915. Age:18 Commemorated at Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France (Panel 103 to 105) however he is not commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial at this time. Son of David and Jane Jones, of 176, Fenton Rd., Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Private 200790 William Henry Shaw. 1st/5th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Killed in action 13th October 1915, Age: 22 Commemorated at Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais France (Panel 103 to 105) however he is not commemorated on the Fenton WW1 memorial at this time. Born in Dresdon Son of Alfred John Shaw, of 48, Park Rd, (now Fenpark Road) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent 13th October 1918 Private 49304 Joseph Bryan. 1st 5th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment (Territorial Force) Born 1899 at Newcastle, Staffs son of Herbert and Mary Bryan, 3 Cumberland Street, Fenton, Stoke On Trent. In 1911 Joseph was registered as a scholar. Enlisted into the South Stafforshire Regt on the Western Front. During 1918 the 1st/5th Battalion were engaged in the Battle of the St Quentin canal, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line, The Battle of Cambrai, The Battle of the Selle, The Battle of Sambre. On the 13th October 1918 Joseph died of his wounds age 19 and is commemorated at the Vadencourt British Cemetery, Mmassimy. Aisne, France (Grave III. B. 24) Joseph was recieved the British War & Victory medals. Private 31140 Harry Butterton. 1st Bn Grenadier Guards Born in 1898 at Fenton son of Henry and Mary Jane Butterton of 47 Raglon Street, Fenton. In 1911 Harry was an Errand Boy. Harry was enlisted into the Grenadier Guards serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders. During 1918 the battalion were engaged in various battles on the Somme including the pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle, The Battle of the Sambre. The pursuit to the Selle came up into the conclusion of the Battle of Cambrai 1918. The Fourth Army spearheaded a rapid advance of over 8 miles on 9-10 October as the Germans carried out a sudden and rapid withdrawal to the line of the Selle River. The resistance was well organised into 'centres of resistance' based on the many villages and woods between the last German prepared defences (Beaurevoir Line/Hindenburg Reserve System), and the Selle. This was true open warfare for the first time since 1914. They were engaged in house-to-house fighting through and between the two villages just north of Le Cateau (Neuvilly and Montay) this continued until 17th-20th October Harry was killed in action 13th October 1918, age 20. He is commemorated at the St Vaast Communal Cemetery Extension. Nord, France (Grave ref C3) St. Vaast Communal Cemetery Extension was made by the Guards Division in the latter half of October 1918, after the capture of the village, when they buried 31 of their officers and men in Rows A, B and C. Harry was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 27571 Samuel Williams. 15th Bn Cheshire Regiment Born 1890 at Fenton son of Samuel and Ellen Williams of Gate St, Fenton (Gate St no longer there, it was off King St opposite Best St) In 1913 Samuel married Mary Ann Buttery in a Civil marriage at Stoke and lived at 29, Kent St., Fenton, Stoke-on- Trent. Enlisted into the Cheshire Regt and served on the Western Front in France and Flanders. As part of the 15th Battalion he took part in the final advance in Flanders being engaged in The First Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai, the action of Tieghem. Samuel died of his wounds on the 13th October 1918 age 28 and is commemorated at the Ypres Reservois Cemetery West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave II.D.17) His parents requested the words “Into thy hands O Lord” for his memorial. Samuel was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Private 31545 Robert Wallace. 1st/5th Bn York and Lancaster Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1898 at Hanley son of William and Annie Wallace, of 8 Cambridge St (now bootm half of Masterson St) Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 28 Kent St, Fenton. Robert was registered as still at school. Enlisted at Hanley into the 5th Reserve Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regt. He was then posted to the 14th battalion in Ocober 1916 before being transferred to the 1st/5th Bn in 1918. He was wounded in action in 1916 (no other information available) During 1918 the regiment were engaged in the Battle of Estaires, The Battle of Messines, The Battle of Bailleul, The First and Second Battles of Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of the Scherpenberg, the pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle. The pursuit to the Selle came up into the conclusion of the Battle of Cambrai 1918. The Fourth Army spearheaded a rapid advance of over 8 miles on 9-10 October as the Germans carried out a sudden and rapid withdrawal to the line of the Selle River. The resistance was well organised into 'centres of resistance' based on the many villages and woods between the last German prepared defences (Beaurevoir Line/Hindenburg Reserve System), and the Selle. This was true open warfare for the first time since 1914. They were engaged in house-to-house fighting through and between the two villages just north of Le Cateau (Neuvilly and Montay) this continued until 17th-20th October. Robert was killed in action 13th October 1918 and is commemorated at the York Cemetery, Aspres, Nord, France (C17) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

14th October 1915 Private 8289 Charles Brunt 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers. Born in 1878 at Fenton son of Isaiah and Mary Brunt of 8 Terrace Buildings (Meakins Row) Fenton, later living at 213 Duke St, Fenton. In 1908 Charles married Martha Reeves at Fenton, Christ Church. In 1911 they lived at 217 Duke St, Fenton with their two month old son Frederick. His occupation, Coal miner and loader. 1st Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regt were stationed at Portsmouth in August 1914 as part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Division. They were mobilised for war and landed at Havre as part of the British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) and engaged in various actions in 1914 on the Western Front including; The and the subsequent retreat, The Battle of Le Cateau, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, The Battles of La Bassee and Messines 1914, First Battle of Ypres. The Battle of La Bassée which has been called the saw some of the fiercest fighting of the first year of the war. The German 6th Army took Lille before a British force could secure the town and the 4th Army attacked the exposed British flank further north at Ypres. The British were driven back and the German army occupied La Bassée and Neuve Chapelle. Around 15 October, the British recaptured Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée but failed to recover La Bassée. Charles died of wounds 14 October 1914 age 36 and is commemorated at the Le Touret Memorial Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 5 and 6) The Le Touret Memorial commemorates over 13,400 British soldiers who were killed in this sector of the Western Front from the beginning of October 1914 to the eve of the Battle of Loos in late September 1915 and who have no known grave. Almost all of the men commemorated on the Memorial served with regular or territorial regiments from across the United Kingdom and were killed in actions that took place along a section of the front line that stretched from Estaires in the north to Grenay in the south. Charles was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. Private G/10971 George Bradbury. 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born in 1882 at Longton son of Sampson and Mary A Bradbury of 29 Jervis St, (now Tirley St) Heron Cross, Fenton. Enlisted into the 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers and engaged on the Western Front in France and Flanders. During 1915 the battalion were engaged in the action at Hooge. George was killed in action 14 October 1915 age 33 and is commemorated at the Divisional cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, France (Grave ref G5) George was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. 14th October 1918 Private 46868 Thomas Edwin Broomfield. 4th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1889 at Fenton Thomas married Sarah E Mansell in 1914 at Fenton, Christ Church and lived at 25 York St (now Morville Close) Fenton Thomas was enlisted into the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion North Staffordshire Regt serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders During 1918 the battalion were engaged in the First Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Ypres, The Battle of Courtrai. The Battle of Courtrai (also known as the Second Battle of Belgium and the Battle of Roulers was one of a series of offensives in northern France and southern Belgium that took place in late September and October 1918. Thomas was killed in action 14th October 1918 age 29. His body found at S/29. G.25.d.99 was identified by a cross and reburied at Dadizizeel New British Cemetery West-Vlaanderenon Belgium on the 19/2/20 (Grave II. A. 20) His headstone reads “A day to remember, too sad to forget. Rest in peace” He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

15th October 1915 Private 12779 John Thomas Neale. “D” Coy 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born 1874 Husband of Mary Ann Sheppard (formerly Neale), of 201, King's St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. 7th (Service) Battalion of the Staffordshire Regt was formed August 1914 at Lichfield as part of the First New Army (K1) and joined the 39th Brigade of the 13th Division and moved to Salisbury Plain. In January 1915 they to Basingstoke and then Blackdown, Aldershot then in June the battalion embarked for Gallipoli form Avonmouth. July 1915 Landed at Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including; The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top, The Battle of Hill 60. Later in January 01.1916 they were evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions. John died 15th October 1915 age 41 and is commemorated at the Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta (Grave A. XV.2) John’s wife asked for “Gone but not forgotten” be engraved on his headstone. From the spring of 1915, the hospitals and convalescent depots established on the islands of Malta and Gozo dealt with over 135,000 sick and wounded, chiefly from the campaigns in Gallipoli and Salonika, although increased submarine activity in the Mediterranean meant that fewer hospital ships were sent to the island from May 1917. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 15th October 1916 Gunner 48683 James Robert Milner 82nd Battery Royal Field Artillery. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial Born 1889 at Longton son of Elizabeth A.C. Milner of 173 King Street Fenton. James enlisted in Hanley and in 1911 was serving with the 82nd Battery, RFA and was stationed at Ceylon and India. The Royal Field Artillery was the largest arm of the artillery. It was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into brigades, attached to divisions or higher formations. During the first world war a whole new form of artillery was developed to meet the unusual conditions of war on the Western Front: the trench mortar. The lighter weapons being manned by the infantry, the Royal Field Artillery provided the manpower for the heavier mortars. James died 15th October 1916 at Mesopotamia. age 27. Commemorated at Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery. Iraq (Grave ref Angora Mem 118) In 1914, Baghdad was the headquarters of the Turkish Army in Mesopotamia. It was the ultimate objective of the Indian Expeditionary Force 'D' and the goal of the force besieged and captured at Kut in 1916. The city finally fell in March 1917, but the position was not fully consolidated until the end of April. Nevertheless, it had by that time become the Expeditionary Force's advanced base, with two stationary hospitals and three casualty clearing stations. The North Gate Cemetery was begun In April 1917 and has been greatly enlarged since the end of the First World War by graves brought in from other burial grounds in Baghdad and northern Iraq, and from battlefields and cemeteries in Anatolia where Commonwealth prisoners of war were buried by the Turks. At present, 4,160 Commonwealth casualties of the First World War are commemorated by name in the cemetery, many of them on special memorials. Unidentified burials from this period number 2,729. October 15th 1918 Private 49594 William Charles Ecclestone. 4th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1893 Son of Mr William Thomas Ecclestone.Ecclestone, 38 West Parade, Mount Pleasant In 1911 William was living with his grandfather Charles Ecclestone at 27 Caroline Street, Longton. His occupation was a Boiler Stoker. Called up for service on the 2nd November 1917 into 5th North Staffordshire Regt having previously served in the 1/5th North Staffordhsire Regt (1334) and RFA. In the 19th July he was transferred to the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion. During 1918 The First Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Ypres, The Fifth Battle of Ypres, also called the Advance of Flanders and the Battle of the Peaks of Flanders is an informal name used to identify a series of battles in northern France and southern Belgium from late September through October 1918. In October 1918 William was reported wounded in action and missing on the 15th October and killed in action 15th October 1918, age 25. His body was found at map ref S/28K 29.a.7.7 and was reburied on the 3rd January 1920 at Dadizeele New British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave Ref V.A.7) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 203286 Harold Owen. 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1898 at Fenton Son of John and Eliza Owen of 18 Upper Furlong St, (off Temple St) Fenton and in 1911 was registered as still at school. When enlisted he was living at 25 Brook St, (Rill St, Foley) Fenton with two sisters age 15 and 12. His next of kin in 1920 was recorded as Fiancé Violet Wildsmith of 48 Cambridge Street (now bottom half of Masterson St) Fenton In August 1917 Harold was posted to the 2/5th Bn in France. From 11th December 1917 Harold spent 3 days in War Hospital with gas poisoning (shell). 2nd July 1918 he was posted to the 1st Battalion. On the 15th October 1918 Harold died of his wounds age 20 He is commemorated at Cambrai East Militery Cemetery, Nord, France. (Grave ref I.A.6) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 38064 Frederick Arthur Smith. 1st/6th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1890 at Fenton son John and Annie Smith, of 51 Queen St, Fenton Frederick married Hilda Martha Birks in 1910 at Longton, St John the Baptist. In 1911 they lived at 20 Brocksford St East with Hilda’s parents. Later they moved to 66 Berdmore St, Fenton. His occupation was a Baker. Enlisted into 1/6th Battalion Territorial Force of the Staffordshire regt, Frederick served on the Western Front and during 1918 were engaged in the Battle of the St Quentin canal, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line, The Battle of Cambrai, The Battle of the Selle, The Battle of Sambre. Frederick was killed in action: 15th October 1918 age 28 and is commemorated at the Fresnoy-Le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension. Aisne, France. (Grave A14) Fresnoy-Le-Grand was evacuated by the enemy on the 9th October 1918, and occupied by the 46th (North Midland) and 6th Divisions. The Extension was made and used by the 46th Division in October 1918. There are now over 60, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

17th October 1916 Private 2900 Stephen Lawton. 9th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born 1890 at Caverswall son of Thomas and Mary Jane Lawton. In 1911 the family were living at 26 Herbert St, Fenton, Stoke- on-Trent, England; Stephen married Minnie Simons in 1915 at Longton, St. Mary and St Chad. After Stephen’s death his wife moved to 66, Carlton St, Winnipeg, Canada. Stephen enlisted into the London Regt and as part of the 9th Battalion during 1918 and were engaged in the Battle of Bapaume, The First Battle of Arras, The Battle of Amiens, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Epehy, The Battle of Epehy, The Final Advance in Artois. He was killed in action 17th October 1916 age 26 Stephen’s body found at map ref: 57c.N.20. a.6.6 and was reburied at Bancourt, Pas de Calais, France. (Grave X11. C.15) Bancourt British Cemetery now contains 2,480 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 1,462 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to 43 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

20th October 1918 Gunner 207090 Harry Steele. 122nd Siege Battery. Royal Garrison Artillery Born in 1898 at Fenton son of Mary Elizabeth Steele, of 12, Oldfield St, Fenton. Harry enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery serving in the 122nd Siege Battery in France and Flanders. The Siege Batteries were deployed behind the front line, tasked with destroying enemy artillery, supply routes, railways and stores. The batteries were equipped with heavy guns firing large calibre 6, 8 or 9.2 inch shells in a high trajectory. Harry was killed in action 20th October 1918 age 20 and is commemorated at St Aubert British Cemetery, Nord, France. (Grave ref I.B.3) He is also commemorated on his grandmother’s grave stone in Fenton Cemetery “Elizabeth STEELE, Of Grovenor House, King St, Fenton, 6 Aug 18** (18), 60 Harry STEELE, grandson, KiA in France, 20 Oct 1918, 20. Without warning God called him. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 20th October 1944 Private 5188281 Alfred Sims. 5th Bn Buffs (East Kent Regiment) Born 1916 son of George and Jinny Sims. In 1942 Alfred married Ivy May Colclough at Meir, Holy Trinity. Historical Information. (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Following the fall of Rome to the Allies in June 1944, the German retreat became ordered and successive stands were made on a series of defensive lines. In the northern Appenine mountains the last of these, the Gothic Line, was breached by the Allies during the Autumn campaign and the front inched forward as far as Ravenna in the Adratic sector, but with divisions transferred to support the new offensive in France, and the Germans dug in to a number of key defensive positions, the advance stalled as winter set in. Alfred was killed in action 20th October 1944 age 28 in Italy. He is commemorated at Faenza War Cemetery, Italy. (Grave ref: V1 B 13) Headstone “He sleeps in the arms of Jesus. A British soldier, at rest” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Private 5052171 Edward Wild. 6th Bn Gordon Highlanders. Born 1919 in Stoke-on-Trent The 6th (Banffshire) Battalion: In 1939 the Battalion was part of 153rd Infantry Brigade, 51st Highland Division. 1940: It joined the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division. Having moved forward into Belgium along with the 4th Bn were obliged to fall back on Dunkirk where they were finally evacuated to England. The Battalion fought through the North African and Italian Campaigns Edward died 20th October 1944 age 25 in Italy. He was originally buried at Rosenheim Civil Cemetery. 16 2827 con.Gr.. Coffin was 3rd from left over the coffin of Gunner P Allion. MC. On the 18/3/1948 his body was reburied at Durnbach War Cemetery. Bayern Germany (Grave ref: 3 F 15) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. The site for Durnbach War Cemetery was chosen, shortly after hostilities had ceased, by officers of the British Army and Air Force, in conjunction with officers of the American Occupation Forces in whose zone Durnbach lay. The great majority of those buried here are airmen shot down over Bavaria, Wurtemberg, Austria, Hessen and Thuringia, brought from their scattered graves by the Army Graves Service. The remainder are men who were killed while escaping from prisoner of war camps in the same areas, or who died towards the end of the War on forced marches from the camps to more remote areas. (CWGC)

21st October 1915 Private 10808 Joseph Bould (87) 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1888 at Fenton son of James and Sarah Bould, of 1A, Whieldon Rd., Mount Pleasant, Fenton. In 1911 the family were living at 1 West Parade, Mount Pleaseant. Joseph was working as a Labourer General Iron Works. Enlisted into the 7th (Service Battalion) of the North Staffordshire Regt Joseph served in Malta. In January 1915 the battalion moved to Basingstoke and then Blackdown, Aldershot. Then in June 1915 Embarked for Gallipoli form Avonmouth. July 1915 they landed at Gallipoli and engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including including the Battle of Sari Bair, the Battle of Russell's Top, the Battle of Hill 60. Later in January 01.1916 the battalion were evacuated to Egypt due to heavy casualties from combat, disease and severe weather conditions. Joseph died on the 21st October 1915 age 27 and is commemorated at the Pieta Military Cemetary, Malta (Grave A XV1 3) His headstone bears the words “At Rest” From the spring of 1915, the hospitals and convalescent depots established on the islands of Malta and Gozo dealt with over 135,000 sick and wounded, chiefly from the campaigns in Gallipoli and Salonika, although increased submarine activity in the Mediterranean meant that fewer hospital ships were sent to the island from May 1917. Joseph was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. October 21st 1916 Corporal G/15131 Edwin Chappell Astley 11th Bn Royal Sussex Regiment. Formally North Staffordshire Regiment (22672) Born at Stoke in 1890 son of Joseph A and Emma E Astley. In 1910 Edwin married Ethel Cooper in a Civil marriage at Stoke- on-Trent. In 1911 they were living with his parents at Heathcote St, Hanley, his occupation Potters Caster and lived in Fenton. Edwin enlisted into 11th (Service) Battalion (1st South Down) Royal Sussex Regt and engaged with the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders. During 1916 the battalion were engaged in an attack near Richebourg l'Avoue, The fighting on the Ancre, The Battle of Thiepval Ridge, The Battle of the Ancre heights, The Battle of the Ancre. The Battle of the Ancre Heights 1 October – 11 November 1916, was the continuation of British attacks after the Battle of Thiepval Ridge from 26–28 September, by the Reserve Army (renamed Fifth Army) on 29 October) from Courcelette near the Albert–Bapaume road, west to Thiepval on Bazentin Ridge British possession of the heights would deprive the German 1st Army of observation towards Albert to the south-west and give the British observation north over the Ancre valley to the German positions around Beaumont Hamel, Serre and Beaucourt. The Reserve Army conducted large attacks on 1, 8, 21, 25 October and from 10–11 November. Edwin was reported missing Reported missing and killed in action on the 21st October 1916 age 26 and is commemorated at the Grandcourt War Cemetery, Somme, France (Pier and Face B 52) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private G/15148 Private William Henry Burgess 11th Btn Royal Sussex Regt Born 1896 son of George Burgess 292 Duke St, Fenton, Stoke On Trent and in 1911 was regerstered as still at school. William enlisted into 11th (Service) Battalion (1st South Down into Royal Sussex Regt and engaged with the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders. During 1916 the battalion were engaged in an attack near Richebourg l'Avoue, the fighting on the Ancre, The Battle of Thiepval Ridge, The Battle of the Ancre heights, and The Battle of the Ancre. The Battle of the Ancre Heights 1 October – 11 November 1916, was the continuation of British attacks after the Battle of Thiepval Ridge from 26–28 September, by the Reserve Army (renamed Fifth Army) on 29 October) from Courcelette near the Albert–Bapaume road, west to Thiepval on Bazentin Ridge British possession of the heights would deprive the German 1st Army of observation towards Albert to the south-west and give the British observation north over the Ancre valley to the German positions around Beaumont Hamel, Serre and Beaucourt. The Reserve Army conducted large attacks on 1, 8, 21, 25 October and from 10–11 November. William was killed in action on the 21st October 1916 age 20 and is commemorated at the Grandcourt War Cemetery, Somme, France (Pier and Face 7 C.) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Private 40516 Thomas Edwin Holdcroft. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Born in 1898 at Dresdon son of Edwin and Mary Holdcroft, of 191 King St, Fenton. Later they moved to 118, Victoria Rd, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. When enlisted Thomas was posted to the 3rd/5th Bn (4896) April 1915.He then transferred to 2/5th and was promoted to Lance Corperal. In July he was transferred to the 8th Bn (Territorial Force) of the North Staffs Regt in France and Flanders. In February 1916 Thomas spent some time in hospital in Burma. During 1916 they were engaged on the Somme in the Battle of Albert, The attacks on High Wood, The Battle of Pozieres Ridge, The Battle of the Ancre Heights, The Battle of the Ancre. Thomas was posted to the BEF in France 4/9/1916 and was killed in action sometime between the 21st and 25th October 1916 age 18 and is commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt. Somme France. (Grave D. 73) The cemetery now contains 391 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 108 of the burials are unidentified but there is a special memorial to one casualty known to be buried among them. Thomas was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 21st October 1943 Private 5439204 Albert Kirkland. 1st Bn Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry Born 1918 son of Arthur and Mary Elizabeth Kirkland, of Fenton. Prisoner of War in Italy Rank: P.O.W. Camp number 133, Novara, postal mark number 3100 Service number: Record Office number: 22 Reported to War Office Casualty Section 27/8/1942 Previously shown on Casualty List No.868 as Missing, 05/06/1942. Historical Information (CWGC) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. Initial attempts to breach the western end of the line were unsuccessful. Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until 18 May, when Cassino was finally taken. Albert died 21st October 1943 and is commemorated at Cassino Memorial (Panel 7) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. The site for CASSINO WAR CEMETERY was originally selected in January 1944, but the development of the battle during the first five months of that year made it impossible to use it until after the Germans had withdrawn from Cassino. During these early months of 1944, Cassino saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Italian campaign, the town itself and the dominating Monastery Hill proving the most stubborn obstacles encountered in the advance towards Rome. The majority of those buried in the war cemetery died in the battles during these months. Within the cemetery stands the CASSINO MEMORIAL which commemorates over 4,000 Commonwealth servicemen who took part in the Italian campaign and whose graves are not known. (CWGC)

22nd October 1918 Driver 185382 George Thomas Bradshaw. "D" Battery 51st Brigade Royal Field Artillery Born 1893 at Fenton son of George and Mary T Bradshaw of 73 Edward St, Fenton; In 1914 George married Prudence H Thorley at Longton, St James. And they lived at 23 Temple Street, Fenton George enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery and served in France and Flanders. The Royal Field Artillery provided artillery support for the British Army. It came into being when the Royal Artillery was divided on 1 July 1899. It was reamalgamated back into the Royal Artillery in 1924. The Royal Field Artillery was the largest arm of the artillery. It was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into brigades, attached to divisions or higher formations. During the first world war a whole new form of artillery was developed to meet the unusual conditions of war on the Western Front: the trench mortar. The lighter weapons being manned by the infantry, the Royal Field Artillery provided the manpower for the heavier mortars. George was killed in action 22nd October 1918 age 26 and his body was found at map ref 29 1 35. 9.7. It was reburied in May 1920 at Harlebeke New British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave ref IX. B.10) George was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 42620 William Stubbs Pointon. 9th Bn Norfolk Regt (formerly 61800 Private 5th & 1st/6th Btn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment) Died of wounds: 22/10/1918, age 22 Cemetery/memorial: St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen (Grave S.11.W.14) Born 1896 on of George Henry and Sarah Alice Pointon, of 74 Well St., (now Welby St) Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent From the records of Temple Street Methodists. Compiled by Richard Ellis William was born in Tunstall at Fegg Hayes and enlisted in Fenton. He registered voluntarily for military service under the Lord Derby scheme on 07/12/1915 aged 19 years 9 months. (This was 8 days before the scheme closed. Its purpose was to try to encourage as many men as possible to enlist at a time when the number of volunteers was falling. The idea was to avoid having to introduce conscription.) He described himself as a colliers' time keeper working for the Staffordshire Coal and Iron company, but was described as a colliery labourer (above ground) in 1911, aged 14. The family was living at Colliery Villa, Godley Brook, Dilhorne, Blythe Bridge in 1911. His father was a colliery under manager. He was medically examined again on 13/07/1917 aged 21 years 2 months. He was 5' 3 ¼ " and weighed 94 lbs; his chest measured 31". These measurements were below the Army's minimum requirements. The medical officer described his physical condition as “poor”. He needed dental and treatment from an eye specialist. However, he was still passed fit for service in Class C.1, (i.e. he was free from serious organic diseases, was able to stand service in garrisons at home and was able to march 5 miles, see to shoot with glasses, and hear well), but he was not immediately mobilized. He was examined again at Burslem by the 3rd National Medical Board on 04/04/1918. He was described as a collier now, was 5' 4 ½ " tall and weighed 101 lbs. His complexion was fresh, his eyes hazel and his hair brown. His physical condition was now considered as “good”. He was still below the Army's original physical requirements but was conscripted during the man-power shortage at this time. He was transferred from 1st/6th North Staffordshire Regiment to 9th battalion the Norfolks on 26/09/1918 and joined the battalion on 01/10/1918. He had already gone to France on active service from 24/09/1918. He was wounded during the battles for the Hindenburg Line when he was caught in a gas shell attack on 15/10/1918, as reported by 61 South Midland casualty clearing station the following day. He died of his wounds on 22nd October 1918 aged 22 at no. 6 General Hospital, Rouen and is buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension (Rouen) (Grave S.11.W.14). The family form is signed by Chas. H. Brown Wesleyan Minister, the Wesleyan Manse, Fenton. It gave the following details: he was the son of George and Sarah Alice Pointon of 74 Well Street Fenton Stoke-on-Trent and had a younger brother, Harold aged 15 at the time of his death. Despite his size, William gave his life for his country in what must have been the most distressing circumstances. His family chose the following text for his grave stone: “Duty nobly done for God, his King and Country”. George was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Dulce et Decorum Est Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! --An ecstasy of fumbling Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time, But someone still was yelling out and stumbling And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime. -- Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, As under a green sea, I saw him . In all my dreams before my helpless sight He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin, If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs Bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, -- My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.

23rd October 1918 Private 18012 Walter Hardiman. 1st Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Born in 1897 at Fenton son of Stephen and Elizabeth Hardiman, of 77 Park Rd (now Fenpark Road) In 1911 the family were living at 33 High Street, East (now City Road) Walter was employed as an Apprentice Boiler Maker. Later they moved to 31, Well St (now Welby St) Fenton. Walter enlisted into the Cameronians engaged on the Western Front in France and Flanders. During 1918 the battalion were engaged in many battles including the pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle. After a six- day halt for preparations and artillery bombardments Fourth Army troops attacked at 5.20 a.m. on Thursday 17 October. Infantry and tanks, preceded by a creeping barrage, moved forward on a 10 miles (16 km) front south of Le Cateau. The centre and left of the Fourth Army forced crossings of the river, despite unexpectedly strong German resistance and much uncut barbed wire. Fighting was particularly fierce along the line of the Le Cateau–Wassigny railway. The right of the attack, across the upland watershed of the Selle, made most progress and by nightfall the German defences had been broken and Le Cateau captured. Fighting continued from 18–19 October, by which time Fourth Army, much assisted by the French First Army on its right, advanced over 5 miles (8.0 km), harrying the Germans back towards the Sambre–Oise Canal. The British Third and First Armies, north of the Fourth Army, maintained the offensive pressure the following day. In a surprise joint night attack in the early morning of 20 October, Third Army formations secured the high ground east of the Selle. Following a two-day pause, to bring up heavy artillery, the attack was renewed on 23 October with a major combined assault by Fourth, Third and First Armies; the fighting, which continued into the next day, resulted in further advances. At this stage, the German Army was retreating at a forced but controlled pace. On 24 October, the German Army counterattacked at the Canal de la Dérivation but were repulsed and pushed back by the Belgian Army. Walter was killed in action on the 23rd October 1918, age 21 and is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. (Panel 6) This Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave. Walter was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Lance Bombardier 84701 John Henry Wright. 460th Bty. 15th Bde. Royal Horse Artillery Born in 1890 at Longton son of Isaiah and Mary Wright of 29 High Street East (now City Road) John was employed as Coal Miner and Loader. In 1913 John married Mary Ellen Moore at Longton, St Jjohn the Baptist and went to live at 10, Elgin St., (now Marriot St) Fenton, Staffs. Enlisted into the Royal Horse Artillery John served on the Western Front in France and Flanders. The Brigade in 1918 saw a number of major actions, including the (April, the battles of Estaires, Messines, Hazelbrouck and Bailleul), the Advance to Victory (August and September) and the Final Advance in Flanders (September and October, the Fifthe Battle of Ypres and Battle of Courtrai. John was killed in action 23rd October 1918 age 28. His body, identified by his numerals was found at Map ref: 29 0 3 a 7.5 and was reburied in May 1920 at Harlebeke New British Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. (Grave V.D.11) John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 24th October 1914 Private 5344 Edward Hemmings 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1882 at Fenton son of James and Emily Hemmings. In 1911 the family were living at Nursery St, Boothen. Edwards occupation was a Brick Seller. Edward who enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regt served in the 1st Battalion on the Western Front. In August 1914 the battalion were stationed at Buttevant, Ireland as part of the 17th Brigade of the 6th Division and then move to Cambridge and then on to Newmarket. In September they mobilised for war and landed at St. Nazaire and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the actions on the Aisne heights. Edward Died of wounds 24th October 1914 age 32 and is commemorated at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres. Nord, France (Grave ref IX.A.71) he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 24th October 1942 Sapper 1894193 Herbert Chell. 11th Field company Royal Engineers. Born 1918 son of Albert and Elizabeth Chell, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Herbert served on the Western Desert. Historical Information. (CWGC) The campaign in the Western Desert was fought between the Commonwealth forces (with, later, the addition of two brigades of Free French and one each of Polish and Greek troops) all based in Egypt, and the Axis forces (German and Italian) based in Libya. The battlefield, across which the fighting surged back and forth between 1940 and 1942, was the 1,000 kilometres of desert between Alexandria in Egypt and Benghazi in Libya. It was a campaign of manoeuvre and movement, the objectives being the control of the Mediterranean, the link with the east through the Suez Canal, the Middle East oil supplies and the supply route to Russia through Persia. Herbert died 24th October 1942 in the Middle East. 13/11/1942 it was reported to War Office Casualty Section, Killed in action. He is commemorated at Alamein Memorial, Egypt. (Panel Column 47) Herbert was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star The ALAMEIN MEMORIAL forms the entrance to Alamein War Cemetery. The Land Forces panels commemorate more than 8,500 soldiers of the Commonwealth who died in the campaigns in Egypt and Libya, and in the operations of the Eighth Army in Tunisia up to 19 February 1943, who have no known grave. It also commemorates those who served and died in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Persia. (CWGC)

25th October 1942 Trooper 558105 Albert Richard Stevenson. Staffordshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps, Born 1920 son of Albert and Ethel Stevenson, of Fenton. Historical Information (CWGC) The campaign in the Western Desert was fought between the Commonwealth forces (with, later, the addition of two brigades of Free French and one each of Polish and Greek troops) all based in Egypt, and the Axis forces (German and Italian) based in Libya. The battlefield, across which the fighting surged back and forth between 1940 and 1942, was the 1,000 kilometres of desert between Alexandria in Egypt and Benghazi in Libya. It was a campaign of manoeuvre and movement, the objectives being the control of the Mediterranean, the link with the east through the Suez Canal, the Middle East oil supplies and the supply route to Russia through Persia. Albert died 25th October 1942 age 22 in the Middle East and was originally buried at BGR/SIM/4. After he was identified by his name tag he was reburied on the 1/7/1943 at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt (Grave ref: XXV A 2) Headstone “In this rich soil a richer dust concealed a dust whom England bore. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. El Alamein War Cemetery contains the graves of men who died at all stages of the Western Desert campaigns, brought in from a wide area, but especially those who died in the Battle of El Alamein at the end of October 1942 and in the period immediately before that. The cemetery now contains 7,240 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, of which 815 are unidentified. There are also 102 war graves of other nationalities Marine PO/X 110193 William Edwards. 3rd Bn Royal Marines Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1922 son of John and Lily Edwards, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Date of Death: 25/10/1942 age 20 and is buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke--on-Trent. Headstone “Loves last gift, Remembrance. (Grave Ref: 3666) William was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

26th October 1914 Private 8499 James Stephen Wareham. 10th (Prince of Wales's Own) Royal Hussars Born 1893 at Fenton son of Francis and Jane Wareham of 45 Alma Street, Fenton. James was employed as a Potters Caster. James enlisted into the Royal Hussars. The 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own) was a cavalry regiment of the British Army. In 1914, the regiment was recalled to England and quickly dispatched to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force in 3rd . Whilst it did not see a great deal of action as cavalry, it provided one company of men for an infantry battalion, which served in the front lines. James was killed in Action: 26th October 1914 and is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Panel 5) The Menin Gate is one of four memorials to the missing in Belgian Flanders which cover the area known as the Ypres Salient. Broadly speaking, the Salient stretched from Langemarck in the north to the northern edge in Ploegsteert Wood in the south, but it varied in area and shape throughout the war. The Salient was formed during the First Battle of Ypres in October and November 1914, when a small British Expeditionary Force succeeded in securing the town before the onset of winter, pushing the German forces back to the Passchendaele Ridge. The Menin Gate memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. James was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 26th October 1917 Private Ply/413(S) Arthur Bagnall. Plymouth Bn MEF 6/2/15-1/5/15 BW right shoulder, joined Base Depot 25/7/15, joined 2nd Royal Marine Battalion 16/9/16-26/10/17 Born 1893 at Longton son of the late Samuel & Ellen Bagnall, of 100 Brocksford St, Fenton later to move to 72a Goldenhill Rd., Fenton. His occupation was Apprentice Potters Polisher. Killed in Action as a direct result of enemy action, 26 October 1917 age 24 Discharged Dead. Cemetery/Memorial: Tyn Cot Memorial. West-Vlaanderen, Belguim (Panel 1 and 162A) memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. There was little more significant activity in 1917 when in the Third Battle of Ypres an offensive was mounted by Commonwealth forces to divert German attention from a weakened French front further south. The initial attempt in June to dislodge the Germans from the Messines Ridge was a complete success, but the main assault north-eastward, which began at the end of July, quickly became a dogged struggle against determined opposition and the rapidly deteriorating weather. The campaign finally came to a close in November with the capture of Passchendaele. Arthur was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, Victory & British War Medals Private 11985 Robert Scragg. 65th Field Amb Royal Army Medical Corps Born 1895 at Fenton son of John and Lily Smith of 26 Best St, Fenton. Robert was employed in the pits as a motor driver underground. As a member of the 65th Field ambulance was engaged on the Menoin Road. Units and Field Ambulances were engaged in the area from May 1915 to August 1916, and again to a small extent in 1917 and 1918. Robert died of wounds 26th October 1917, age 22 and is commemorated at the Menin Road South Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (III H 9) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 26th October 1917 Private 41804 Charles Udall 1st Bn South Staffordshire Regt Born 1899 at Caverswall son of George and Alice (d1910) Emily Udall of 38 Oldfield St, Fenton. In 1911 Charles age 12 was still attending school. Charles enlisted into the South Staffordshire Regiment and during 1917 the battalion was engaged in the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Arras offensive, The Battle of Polygon Wood, The Battle of Broodseinde, The Battle of Poelcapelle, The Second Battle of Passchendaele. Charles was killed in action 26th October 1917 age 18 and is commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. West- Vlaanderen, France (Panel 90 to 92 and 162 to 162A) The memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. He was awarded the British War & Victory medals October 26th 1918 Private 74743 Leonard Cutler. M.M. 101st Field Amb Royal Army Medical Corps Leonard was born in 1889 at Burslem. In1911 Census he was a visitor at 31 Temple Street, Fenton. He was employed as a Tailor & Clothier Traveller. Leonard served on the Western Front in France in the RAMC During his service Leonard was the recipient of a Militery Medal. The military decoration was awarded to Leonard Cutler for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery He died 26th October 1918. Age 22 and is commemorated at the Bealulencourt British Cemetery, Ligny-Thilloy. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave ref: 1.C.12) The cemetery was made originally by the 3rd, 4th, 43rd and 58th Casualty Clearing Stations, which were posted in Beaulencourt at different periods after the middle of September 1918 and the burials from these hospitals are in Plot I, Rows A to D. It was greatly enlarged after the Armistice by the concentration of graves from the neighbouring battlefields and from certain other cemeteries, Leonard was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 27th October 1918 Gunner 85935 Frederick Rushton. Royal Garrison Artillery. 236th Siege Bty. Born in 1888 at Fenton son of Thomas and Annie Rushton. He married Ann Jane Smith at the Wesleyon Church, Shelton on the 26th November 1911. Living at 78 High Street, (now City Road) Fenton he was employed as an Insurance Agent. Enlisted at Fenton Town Hall in December 1915 was posted on 23rd May 1916 to the 369th Siege Bty on the 11th April 1917 and then the 236th on the Western Front. From 1914 when the army possessed very little heavy artillery the RGA grew into a very large component of the British forces. It was armed with heavy, large calibre guns and howitzers that were positioned some way behind the front line and had immense destructive power. The Siege Batteries were deployed behind the front line, tasked with destroying enemy artillery, supply routes, railways and stores. Was admitted to hospital on the 25/10/1918 and died of his wounds on the 27th October 1918 age 30. He is commemorated at the Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy, Aisne. France (II.B.27) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 27 October 1939 Sapper 5041637 William Bramwell Hawkins. Royal Engineers. 41 (5th Bn. The North Staffordshire Regt.) A.A. Bn. Born 1890 son of Thomas and Ann Hawkins of Fenton. In 1914 William married Lucy Wild at Hartshill, Holy Trinity, William died 27/10/1939 age 49. Commemorated at Fenton, Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 11239) Headstone “Sorrow vanquished, labour ended, Jordon passed” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. 27th October 1944 Private 5053310 James Timmis. 5th Bn East Yorkshire Regiment. Born 1916 son of James and Alice Timmis of Fenton. In 1939 James married Nancy Dean at Fenton, Christ Church. Historical Information (CWGC) Following the Normandy landings of June 1944, the Allied advance through northern Europe was extraordinarily rapid and on 11 September 1944, the Second Army entered the Netherlands just south of Eindhoven, the first Allied troops to set foot in the country since its fall in May 1940. Their next aim was to cross the Rhine before the Germans had time to reorganise after their recent setbacks, securing crossings over the rivers and canals that stood in their path at Grave, Nijmegen and Arnhem. 'Operation Market Garden' would involve the United States 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the Commonwealth 1st Airborne Division and the Polish Parachute Brigade. On 17 September 1944, the 1st Airborne Division began landing west of Arnhem, but German resistance, bad weather and problems with supplies and reinforcements led to heavy losses, and their objectives were not taken. They were forced to form a perimeter at Oosterbeek which they held stubbornly until 25 September, when it was decided to withdraw the remnants of the division across the lower Rhine. James was killed 27th October 1944 age 28, Western Europe Campaign. His body was found at map ref: SH 6NW MR 7212653 MR15139. On 12/9/1945 he was reburied at Arnhem Oosterbreek War Cemetery, Gelderland, Holland. (Grave ref: 7 B 21) Headstone “He died that we might live” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery contains the graves of most of those killed during the September landings, and many of those killed in later fighting in the area. There are now 1,680 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 244 of the burials are unidentified and two casualties are commemorated by special memorials. There are also 73 Polish, three Dutch and three non-war (former Commission employees) graves in the cemetery.

28th October 1916 Cpl 13210 William Henry Biddle. 8th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment, also serving in the 3rd and 10th (service) battalion Born 1884 at Smethwick, Birmingham. In 1905 he married Elixabeth Arthur at Smethwick, St Mary . They lived no 1 Park Passage, Park Street, Fenton. Enlisted 23rd September 1914 into 10th Battalion North Staffs Regiment. During January 1916 received treatment for frostbite and Pneumonia. He was engaged on the Somme when he died of wounds 28th October 1916 BEF. He is commemorated at Contay British Cemetery, Contay (Grave ref: III.F.14 William was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal The site was chosen in August 1916 for burials from the 49th Casualty Clearing Station, which arrived at Contay at the end of August. It was joined by the 9th CCS in September. All the burials in Plots I to IV and the majority of those in Plots VII and VIII (the plot numbers V and VI were not used) cover the period August 1916 to March 1917. Most of them were made from these two clearing stations. The cemetery was designed by Sir . 28th October 1900 To commemorate the services and patriotism of Fenton townsmen who served their Queen and country in the Boer War 1899 - 1902 and to perpetuate the memory of the non-commissioned officers and men who died of wounds or sickness during the campaign. Private 3240 John Critchlow 2nd North Staffordshire Regiment. (The Prince of Wales’s) Force: South Africa Field Force. Son of Philip and Mary Critchlow of 45 Temple Street. Fenton Memorials: Town Hall. Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire, England Cathedral. Nave north aisle. Plaque 2 bn North Staffordshire Regiment, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England Died of disease 28th October 1900 at Springfontein

29th October 1942 Pte. W.H. Allen: R.I.F. Private QX6913 William Henry Allen. A.I.F. 2/15 Battalion. Australian Infantry Born 1921 in Australia son of Cyril and Ethel Allen, of Stoke-on-Trent. The campaign in the Western Desert was fought between the Commonwealth forces (with, later, the addition of two brigades of Free French and one each of Polish and Greek troops) all based in Egypt, and the Axis forces (German and Italian) based in Libya. The battlefield, across which the fighting surged back and forth between 1940 and 1942, was the 1,000 kilometres of desert between Alexandria in Egypt and Benghazi in Libya. It was a campaign of manoeuvre and movement, the objectives being the control of the Mediterranean, the link with the east through the Suez Canal, the Middle East oil supplies and the supply route to Russia through Persia. (CWGC) William died 29th October 1942 age 21. He was originally buried at 10 D 9. On the 19/3/1945 he was reburied at El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt (Grave ref: A II J 13) Headstone “He died for the country he loved so well” Leonard was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star El Alamein War Cemetery contains the graves of men who died at all stages of the Western Desert campaigns, brought in from a wide area, but especially those who died in the Battle of El Alamein at the end of October 1942 and in the period immediately before that. The cemetery now contains 7,240 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, of which 815 are unidentified. There are also 102 war graves of other nationalities.

30th October 1918 Staff Sergeant (fitter) 313044 Arthur Ravenscroft. He served in the Royal Garrison Artillery. North Midland (Staffordshire) Heavy Bty. Born 1892 son of George and Eliza Ann Ravenscroft of 20 Wheildon Road, Mount Pleasant, Fenton. His occupation was a Mechanic. Arthur died at home: 30th October 1918, age 26 and is commemorated at Hartshill Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 3424) Words on his grave stone ‘Thy Will Be Done’ He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

31st October 1918 Private T/261623 Ernest James Jackson (267) Royal Army Service Corp Born at Stoke-on-Trent 1893 living in Longton Died at home 31st October 1918 and commemorated at Longton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. Grave 124893654 Ernest was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. THE ROLE OF THE RASC. Military Training Pamphlet No 23 Part 1. The role of the RASC in the field falls into two main parts, supply and transport. Supply embraces the provision of food, petrol and lubricants, fuel and light, hospital supplies and disinfectants. Transport is concerned with the conveyance of the above supplies, together with ammunition, engineer stores, ordnance stores and post, from railhead, or from base if no railhead exists, to all units of a field force. In addition RASC units are provided for the carriage of infantry, tanks and heavy bridging equipment. The mechanical transport of medical and certain other units is also found and operated by the RASC. To enable these services to be undertaken effectively, the RASC are responsible for the provision, repair, and maintenance of their own mechanical transport. 31st October 1942 Lance Corporal 2047499 George Staley. 13th Royal . Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1922 son of Thomas and Mary Ann Staley, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Died as a result of an accident: 31/10/1942 Age: 20. (Casualty List No. 981) Buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. Grave 11087. Headstone “To a beautiful life came a sudden end. He died as he lived everyone’s friend” George was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

1st November 1914 Stoker 1st class K/19994 James Coyne. Royal Navy, HMS “Good Hope” Born 1895 at Longton son of James and Mary Elizabeth Coyne of 5 Ernest Place, Fenton. Later the family maoved to no 5 Grove Rd, Heron Cross, Fenton. James occupation was a Pottery Mould Runner. James served in the Royal Navy on HMS Good Hope in the South Atlantic When war was declared in August 1914, HMS Good Hope was ordered to reinforce the 4th Cruiser Squadron and became the flagship of Rear Admiral Christopher Cradock. Cradock moved the available ships of his squadron later that month to the coast of South America to search for German commerce raiders. He was then ordered further south to the Strait of Magellan to block any attempt of the German East Asia Squadron to penetrate into the South Atlantic. He found the German squadron on 1 November off the coast of Chile. The German squadron outnumbered Cradock's force and were individually more powerful; they sank Cradock's two armoured cruisers in the . HMS Good Hope was lost with all hands. (Wikipedia) James was lost at sea off the Chilean Coast on 1st November 1914 age 19 and is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial (Panel 4) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 1st November 1918 Private 9473 John Bradbury. 2nd North Staffs (Prince of Wales) Regiment Born 1891 at Fenton son of Henry and Sarah Jane Bradbury, of 32 Elgin St, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. John was enlisted into the 2nd Bn North Staffordshire Regt who were stationed at Rawal Pindi, India in August 1914 where it remained throughout the war for local defence but was mobilised for action on the North West Frontier on several occasions. In November 1917 the battalion was transferred to 2nd (Nowshera) Brigade in 1st (Peshawar) Division. John died on the 1st November 1918 age 23. He was buried at Lahore Cantonment Cemetery and was removed to the Karachi 1914-1918 War memorial, Pakistan. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

2nd November 1917 Private 9705 Adam Barker. 1st Bn North Staffordshire Regiment Born in Fenton and living in Fenton Adam enlisted into the 1st Bn North Staffordhsire Regt. During 1914 the battalion were stationed at Buttevant, Ireland as part of the 17th Brigade of the 6th Division and then move to Cambridge and then on to Newmarket. On the 12/09/1914 They mobilised for war and landed at St. Nazaire and engaged in various actions on the actions on the Aisne heights. Died 2nd November 1914 and commemorated at the Ploegsteert Memorial, Hainaut, Belgium. (Panel 8) The memorial commemorates more than 11,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in this sector during the First World War and have no known grave. The memorial serves the area from the line Caestre-Dranoutre-Warneton to the north, to Haverskerque-Estaires-Fournes to the south, including the towns of Hazebrouck, Merville, Bailleul and Armentieres, the Forest of Nieppe, and Ploegsteert Wood. The original intention had been to erect the memorial in Lille. Most of those commemorated by the memorial did not die in major offensives, such as those which took place around Ypres to the north, or Loos to the south. Most were killed in the course of the day-to-day trench warfare which characterised this part of the line, or in small scale set engagements, usually carried out in support of the major attacks taking place elsewhere. Adam was awarded the the 1914/15 star, the British War & Victory medals. Private 15239 Donald Cope. 1st/4th Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers Born 1897 at Fenton son of Lavinia Cope 66 Holly Place, Heron Cross, Fenton. In 1911 Donald’s occupation was a Coal Miner, Labourer above ground. Enlisted into the Royal Scotts Fusiliers and serving in Palestine , begun on 27 October, ended with the capture of the ruined and deserted city on 7 November 1917. The Third Battle of Gaza was fought on the night of 1/2 November 1917 between British and Ottoman forces during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign and came after the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) victory at the Battle of Beersheba had ended the Stalemate in Southern Palestine. The fighting occurred at the beginning of the Southern Palestine Offensive, and together with attacks on Hareira and Sheria on 6–7 November and the continuing Battle of Tel el Khuweilfe which had been launched by General Edmund Allenby on 1 November, it eventually broke the Gaza to Beersheba line defended by the Yildirim Army Group. Donald was killed in action 2nd November 1917, age 21 and is commemorated at the Gaza War Cemetery. Israel and Palestine (including Gaza) (Grave XXX1. B. 2) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 2nd November 1918, Private 55104 Robert Davies. 15th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers. Born 1896 at Hanley, Husband of Mrs. E. C. Davies, of 1, Bottleslow Rd., Victoria Rd., Fenton, Serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders in 1918 the 15th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers were engaged in the First Battle of Arras, The Battle of Amiens, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of Beaurevoir, The Battle of the Sambre. Robert died of Wounds, 2nd November 1918, age 22 in the lead up to the Battle of the Sambre and is commemorated at the British Cemetery. Nord, France (Grave Ref B.6) His headstone bears the words ‘Thy will be done’ and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Private 55029 Leo Stephen Griffiths. 15th Bbn Lancashire Fusiliers. Born 1899 at Fenton son of Richard and Jane Griffiths. 45 Brunswick Street, (now Beville St) Fenton Serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders in 1918, the 15th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers were engaged in the First Battle of Arras, The Battle of Amiens, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of Beaurevoir, The Battle of the Sambre. Leo died of Wounds, 2nd November 1918, age 19 in the lead up to the Battle of the Sambre and is commemorated at the Landrecies British Cemetery. Nord, France (Grave Ref C.6) and was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

3rd November 1918 Sergeant 238144 Harold James Evans. M.M. 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regiment. Formally 3752 North Staffordshire Regiment Son of Emma Walton (formerly Evans), of 2, Bath Terrace, Stoke-on-Trent, and the late Henry Evans. 49 Park Street, Fenton (1911 Census) Harold was employed as a Potters Warehouse Boy. Harold was enlisted into the North Staffordshire Regiment before being transferred to the Lincolnshire Regt. In February 1918 the battalion were transferred to the 62nd Brigade of the 21st Division and were then engaged in the Battle of St Quentin, The First and Second Battle of Bapaume, The Battle of Messines, The Second Battle of Kemmel, The Battle of the Aisne 1918, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Epehy, The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of Cambrai 1918, The Battle of the Selle. Harold was decorated with the military medal for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire or for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Following the battle of the Selle, Harold died of his wounds on the 3rd November 1918 age 19 and is commemorated at the Caudry British Cemetery, Nord, France (Grave ref IV. G. I) His headstone bears the words “Thy will be done” He was awarded the MM, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

4th November 1942 Substantive Sergeant 761644 George Stanley Buttery Royal Artillery. 65 (The Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regt Born 1908 son of George and Gertrude Buttery. In 1933 George married Florence A Goodman at Stoke, St Peter. George served in the Western Desert. Historical Information (CWGC) The campaign in the Western Desert was fought between the Commonwealth forces (with, later, the addition of two brigades of Free French and one each of Polish and Greek troops) all based in Egypt, and the Axis forces (German and Italian) based in Libya. The battlefield, across which the fighting surged back and forth between 1940 and 1942, was the 1,000 kilometres of desert between Alexandria in Egypt and Benghazi in Libya. It was a campaign of manoeuvre and movement, the objectives being the control of the Mediterranean, the link with the east through the Suez Canal, the Middle East oil supplies and the supply route to Russia through Persia George died 4th November 1942 in the Middle East. In December 1942 it was reported to the War Office that George had been killed in action (Casualty List 995) He is commemorated at the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. (Panel: Column 39) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star The ALAMEIN MEMORIAL forms the entrance to Alamein War Cemetery. The Land Forces panels commemorate more than 8,500 soldiers of the Commonwealth who died in the campaigns in Egypt and Libya, and in the operations of the Eighth Army in Tunisia up to 19 February 1943, who have no known grave. It also commemorates those who served and died in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Persia. 5th November 1915 Private 10779 Albert Sutton. "C" Coy. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1897 at Fenton son of William Thomas and Mary Emily Sutton, of 4, Ernest Place, Fenton. Albert was employed as a Potters Mould Runner. Enlisted into 7th (Service) Battalion North Staffordshire. In August 1914 the regiment was formed at Lichfield as part of the First New Army (K1) and joined the 39th Brigade of the 13th Division and moved to Salisbury Plain. In January 1915 they moved to Basingstoke and then Blackdown, Aldershot before embarking in June 1915 for Gallipoli. After landing in Gallipoli and were in various actions against the Turkish forces including; The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top, The Battle of Hill 60. Albert died of wounds at sea on November 5th 1915 age 18. He is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 and 171) The panels also commemorate those who died or were buried at sea in Gallipoli waters. Albert was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 5th November 1916 Rifleman C/415 John Wardle. 16th Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps Born 1895 in Longton son of Joseph and Elixabeth Wardle of 3 Goldenhill Road, Fenton. John was working as a Saucer Maker Lad. John served in France and Flanders in the 16th (Service) Battalion (Church Lads Brigade) of the Royal Rifles. In Novemeber 1915 they were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front ion the Somme In 1916 the engaged in the Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The attacks on High Wood, The capture of Boritska and Dewdrop Trenches. John was killed in action: 5th November, 1916 age 21 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France (Pier and Face 13A. 13B) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. John was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

7th November 1914 Private 8058 Albert Daniels. 2nd Bn Royal Warwickshire Regt Born in Burslem, living in Fenton Albert enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire Regt and stationed at Malta at the outbreak of war in August 1914. In September they returned to England and joined the 22nd Brigade of the 7th Division and moved to Lyndhurst. In October the Regiment mobilised for war and landed in and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the First Battle of Ypres On October 19, a protracted period of fierce combat began, as the Germans opened their Flanders offensive and the Allies steadfastly resisted, while seeking their own chances to go on the attack wherever possible. Fighting continued, with heavy losses on both sides, until November 22, when the arrival of winter weather forced the battle to a halt. The Salient was formed during the First Battle of Ypres in October and November 1914, when a small British Expeditionary Force succeeded in securing the town before the onset of winter, pushing the German forces back to the Passchendaele Ridge. Albert was killed in action 7th November 1914 and is commemorated at the Ypers (Menin Gate) Memorial. (Panel 8) The Memorial now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. Albert was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

8th November 1917 Private 35274 Arthur Critchlow. "C" Coy. 7th Bn. York and Lancaster Regiment. Formally Royal Anglesey RB SR Royal Engineers Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1880 at Burslem son of Arthur and Sarah Ann Critchlow, of 1 Hill (now Derry St) Street, Heron Cross, Fenton, Staffs. Arthur was working as a Builders Wheelwright. Enlisted in 1915 eventually being transferred to the York and Lancaster Regiment on the 13/9/1917. In Mar 1915 7th Bn Service Battalion became a Pioneer Battalion in the 17th Division and then moved to Hursley Park. They were mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front; During 1917 they took part in the Arras Offensive and The Third Battles of Ypres. Meticulously planned the Third Battle of Ypres was launched on 31 July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on 6 November. The offensive resulted in gains for the Allies but was by no means the breakthrough Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. Arthur was admitted to hospital on the 6/11/1917 with gunshot wounds to the head and was transferred to No4, no 47 and no 61 (South Midlands) Casualty Clearing Station. He died of his wounds on the 8th November 1917 age: 37 and is commemorated at the Mendinghem Military Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belguim (Grave III. AA. 30.) His gravestone bears the words “Sadly missed by Mother, brother and sister” Arthur was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 8th November 1918 Private 47430. Wilfred S Seabridge. 9th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers Born 1888 son of Frederick W. and Ellen Seabridge, of 98, Church St., Silverdale. In 1915 Wilfred married Gertrude Johnson at Longton (The Strand) Methodist Church and lived at 82, Brocksford St. Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1918 the battalion were transferred to the 183rd Brigade of the 61st Division and were engaged in the Battle of the Selle, The Battle of . The Battle of Valenciennes was part of the Hundred Days Offensive at the end of World War I. Occurring on 1 and 2 November 1918, it resulted in the capture of Valenciennes from the Germans by Canadian and British forces. Wilfred died of his wounds on the 8th November 1918 age 30 and is buried and commemorated at Longton Cemetery, Stoke-on- Trent (Grave 10019) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

9th November 1914 Private 16920 John Platt. 1st Bn. Grenadier Guards Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born in 1894 at 39 Granville St, (off Old Whieldon Rd, Mount Pleasant Basin) Fenton son of William and Mary A. Platt, of 11, Pump St., Stoke-on-Trent. John was working as a Colliery Labourer. Enlisted into the Grenadier Guards 1st Battalion who in August 1914 were stationed at Warley, London District and then joined the 20th Brigade of the 7th Division and moved to Lyndhurst. In October 1914 the battalion were mobilised for war and landed at Zeebrugge and the Division engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the First Battle of Ypres. On October 19, a protracted period of fierce combat began, as the Germans opened their Flanders offensive and the Allies steadfastly resisted, while seeking their own chances to go on the attack wherever possible. Fighting continued, with heavy losses on both sides, until November 22, when the arrival of winter weather forced the battle to a halt after which only 4 officers and 200 men remained of the Battalion. John died on 9th Novemebr 1914 age:18 and is commemorated at the Brompton Cemetery, London. (N. 172687) His headstone bears the words ‘Thy Will Be Done’ He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 9th November 1916 Corporal G/9787 Charles Spencer Hughes. 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born at Nottingham in 1884 son of William Hughes, 126 Park Road, Fenton Enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers when during 1916 the battalion were engaged in the Actions of the Bluff and St Eloi Craters, The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of the Ancre. The Battle of the Ancre Heights, 1 October – 11 November 1916, was the continuation of British attacks after the Battle of Thiepval Ridge. Charles was killed in action 9th November 1916, age 32 and is commemorated at the Euston Road Cemetery. Collincamps, Somme, France (Grave I. E 21) He was also commemorated on his parent’s gravestone in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 9th November 1918 Private 26903 William Shore. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regt Born 1881 at Haslington, Cheshire son of John and Hannah Shore. William married Elizabeth Thorley at Stoke St, Peter and later living in Fenton Enlisted into the Staffordshire Regt and serving in Mesopotamia. In July 1918 the battalion transferred to the 39th Brigade of the North Persia Force and moved to Baku to protect the oil fields. William died 9th November 1918, age 37 and is commemorated at the Tehran War Cemetery, Iran (Grave V.E.13) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

10th November 1917 Private 201743 Private W Marsh (332) 1st/5th Bn ‘D’ Coy North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1898 at Fenton son of Daniel and Elizabeth Marsh, of 23, Mason St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. William was employed age 13 as Screens Colliery above Ground. He enlisted into the 1st/5th Staffordshire Regiment serving in France and Flanders. During 1917 they were engaged in operations on the Ancre, Occupation of the Gommecourt defences. The attack on Rettemoy Graben, The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The attack on Lievin, The Battle of Hill 70. William was killed in action: 10th November 1917, age 19 and is commemorated at the Loos memorial. Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 to 105) The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. William was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 11th November 1915

Gunner 457 Frederick Hewitt N Midland Btry. Royal Garrison Artillery Born in 1891 stepson of John and Fanny Hewitt of 164 Victoria Rd, Fenton Enlisted August 1914 into the North Midland (Staffordshire) RGA Heavy Battery having previously been in the North Midland RGA The battery, consisting of four 4.7-inch guns, mobilised at the beginning of World War I, and was quartered at Bishop's Stortford with the rest of the North Midland Division. On 31 August 1914 all TF units were authorised to raise 2nd Line units, upon which the parent battery was designated 1/1st North Midland Heavy Battery and the new unit recruiting at Hartshill became the 2/1st Battery. 1/1st North Midland Heavy Battery. The battery went to France with the North Midland Division, landing at Le Havre on 1 March 1915. On arrival in France, the division was designated 46th (North Midland) Division. The battery first went into action on 23 March. However, artillery policy in the British Expeditionary Force was to withdraw heavy batteries from the divisions and allocate them to heavy brigades (later Heavy Artillery Reserve Groups (HAGs)), so on 18 April the battery left 46th Division and after short attachments to other infantry divisions became part of XIII Heavy Brigade, RGA. Frederick died of wounds in France on the 11th November 1915, age 24 and is commemorated at the Hospital Farm Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen Belguim. (Grave C13) Hospital Farm was the name given to a farm building used as a dressing station. The cemetery was used particularly in 1915 and in 1917 by regiments and batteries engaged in the fighting around Ypres. The cemetery contains 115 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and one Belgian war grave. Frederick’s headstone bears the words ‘All honour to those who nobly fell that we might live’. He was also commemorated on his parents gravestone in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 11th November 1917 Gunner 31708 Daniel Cope 17th Bty, 41st Bde. Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery Born 1893 son of Daniel and Eliza Cope, of 39, Albert Rd., (now Manor St) Fenton (originally living at no 3) and was employed as a coal miner. Dan had served in , 13th Cavalry Reg (No 11871) and was discharged medically unfit on the 3rd October 1914 as not likely be for further military service. Para 392 (iii) (C) Kings Rules and regulations. [(iii) Not being likely to become an efficient soldier (c) Recruit within three months of enlistment considered unfit for service]. Middle ear infection with perforation. Dan then re-enlisted in London into the Royal Field Artillery in the 41st Brigade The 41st Brigade was a unit of Britain's pre-war regular army. It is also sometimes shown as 41 Brigade RFA. This brigade was originally comprised of numbers 9, 16 and 17 Batteries RFA and the Brigade Ammunition Column. It was placed under command of the 2nd Division and went to France with it in August 1914. 47 (Howitzer) Battery joined from 44 (Howitzer) Brigade of the same division, on 26 May 1916. Dan died of wounds at the 2nd Corps Man Dressing Station on the 11 November 1917, age 24 and is commemorated at the Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery. West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave 111.B.16) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 11th November 1942. Gunner. 5043999 Arthur Andrew Stone. Royal Artillery. 362 Bty., 41 (5th Bn. The North Staffordshire Regt.) Searchlight Regt. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1907 son of William Charles and Annie Stone, of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1927 Arthur married Ellen Higgins at Fenton Christ Church. Date of Death: 11/11/1942. Age:35. Commemorated Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave 11509) Headstone “In memory of my dear husband. Tears unseen, silent thoughts of days that might have been. His wife and family” Arthur was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

Private 291177 Herbert Nixon 1/8th Battalion Scottish Rifles Born 1894 at Chesterton, son of Herbert and Mary Nixon of 33 Minshall Street, Fenton Stoke-on-Trent. He was employed as a Colliery Waggoner Down the pit. On the 21st August 1914 Herbert joined “D” Coy North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment One week later he was appointed to the 7th Battalion with the regimental number 10925. He was age 21 standing 5ft 10 1/2 inches with brown hair and blue eyes. On the 5th October Herbert was discharged under para 92(iii) C.K.R with a gratuity of £1.10s

At a later date Herbert joined the 8th Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) as Private 291177 and served in Egypt He was killed in action 12th November 1917 during the battles of Wadi El Hesi (8/11/17) and Burqa on the 12th. On 12th November, 156th Infantry Brigade of 52nd (Lowland) Division was given the task of capturing the village of Burqa and Brown Hill, just outside it. The positions were defended by 7th Turkish Division who put up strong resistance, the village eventually falling after a battle of around 5 hours. 4th Royal Scots who had been given the task of attacking Brown Hill faced heavy howitzer fire as they attempted to climb the steep sides, suffering very heavy casualties. It was only the arrival of 2/3rd Gurkha Regiment and 2/5th Hampshire Regiment to assist the survivors that the hill was finally captured. (Forces-War-Records)

Herbert is commemorated at the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza) Panel 23 and 24. JERUSALEM WAR CEMETERY was begun after the occupation of the city, with 270 burials. It was later enlarged to take graves from the battlefields and smaller cemeteries in the neighbourhood. There are now 2,514 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery, 100 of them unidentified. Within the cemetery stands the JERUSALEM MEMORIAL, commemorating 3,300 Commonwealth servicemen who died during the First World War in operations in Egypt or Palestine and who have no known grave. (CWGC) Herbert would have been awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal

13th November 1916 Gunner 698 Martin Herward. 3rd Battery Machine Gun Corps (Motors) 698 M.M.G.S. RA (Motor Machine Gun Service Royal. Artillery) Theatre of War Western European. France and Flanders Born 1887. Martin married Emma Slinn in 1910 AT Our Lady and St Peter in Chains, Stoke and lived at 51, Stanier St, Fenton, Martin enlisted into the Royal Artillery before being transferred to the Machine Gun Corp under reorganisation. The MGC was a corps of the British Army, formed in October 1915 in response to the need for more effective use of machine guns on the Western Front in World War I. The Motor Branch was formed by absorbing the MMGS and the armoured car squadrons of the recently disbanded Royal Naval Armoured Car Service. It formed several types of units: motor cycle batteries, light armoured motor batteries (LAMB) and light car patrols. As well as motor cycles, other vehicles used included Rolls-Royce and Ford Model T cars. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. Attacks north and east continued throughout October and into November in increasingly difficult weather conditions. The Battle of the Somme finally ended on 18 November with the onset of winter. Martin was killed in action 13th November 1916 age 29 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Pier and Face 5 C) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Private 30770 John William Salt. 14th Bn Worcestershire Regt Born 1882 son of John and Emma Salt of 15 Bridge Street, (now Ridley St/Ridley Walk) Fenton John enlisted into the 14th (Service) Battalion (Severn Valley Pioneers) In June 1916 the battalion were obilised for war and landed at Havre where they joined the 63rd Division and the Division was engaged in various action on the Western Front including in November 1916 the Battle of the Ancre. The Battle of the Ancre (13– 18 November), was the final large British attack of the Battle of the Somme. John was killed in action 13th November 1916 age 34 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme France. (Pier and Face 5A and 6C) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Private 15749 Albert Edwards 10th Bn Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1884 son of Thomas Edwards, of George St, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1908 Albert married Sarah Ann Copper at Stoke, St Peter and lived at 86, Lime St., Stoke-on-Trent. His occupation was a Loader in the Coal mine. 10th (Service) Battalion of the Yorkshire regt was formed in September 1914 at Pontefract as part of the Third New Army (K3) and then moved to Berkhamsted to join the 64th Brigade of the 21st Division and then moved to Halton Park, Tring. In Sept 1915 Mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front. In 1917 they were engaged in the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The First and third Battle of the Scarpe, The flanking operations around Bullecourt, The Battle of Polygon Wood, The Battle of Broodseinde, The Second Battle of Passchendaele, The Cambrai Operations. Albert died 13th November 1917 and is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery (Grave ref 10330) He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

14th November 1915 Sapper 102219 Fred Stevenson. 175 Tunnelling Coy, Royal Engineers Born 1892 at Hanley son of Rebecca Williams. In 1911 the family lived at 7 Minshall Street, Fenton, On January 26th 1913 Fred married Mary Ann Blundred at Edensor, St Paul and lived at 61, Whieldon Rd., Mount Pleasant. He was employed as a Coal Miner, Jigger, Underground. Previously having served in the Shelton Artillery for 4 years Fred enlisted at Longton 18/11/1914. In January he was appointed to the Royal Garrison Artillery before being transferred as a Sapper to the Royal Engineers, 175 Tunneling Company. The 175th Tunnelling Company was one of the tunnelling companies of the Royal Engineers created by the British Army during World War I. The tunnelling units were occupied in offensive and defensive mining involving the placing and maintaining of mines under enemy lines, as well as other underground work such as the construction of deep dugouts for troop accommodation, the digging of subways, saps (a narrow trench dug to approach enemy trenches), cable trenches and underground chambers for signals and medical services. Fred was killed in action 14th November 1915 age 23 and is commemorated at the Maple Copse Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Sp. Mem. D. 4) The inscription on his headstone reads ‘Rest in Peace’ He was awarded the 1914/1915 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 14th November 1944

Lieutenant Reginald Alfred Hughes. , attd: Queens Royal Regiment (West Sussex)

Born 1913 in Lancashire son of Capt. Bernard Hughes, O.B.E, and Louisa Hughes. In 1913 Reginald married Ethel Tomkinson at Fenton, Christ Church. The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. Commonwealth forces did not return until September 1944, but in the intervening years, many airmen were shot down or crashed in raids on strategic objectives in Belgium, or while returning from missions over Germany. (CWGC) Reginald died 14th November 1944 age 31. He was originally buried at Pago L’Hasselt, Belgium (4040 Sheet 26 and 36 539847) On 15/3/1946 he was reburied at the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Limburg, Belgium (Grave ref:III.E.4) Headstone “To the proud memory of our darling Reg. Death does not part us. Our love is eternal. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. There are about 35 original burials in Leopoldsburg War Cemetery associated with isolated engagements in or near the town in May 1940. Of the remainder, some are burials from a military hospital which was established at Leopoldsburg during the latter part of 1944 and others were brought into the cemetery from the surrounding district.

17th November 1918 Private 35834 W. H. Batkin 3rd Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1896 Died 17 November 1918 age 22 Cemetery/Memorial, Hartshill Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave Reference: 3336.) W.H Batkin was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

18th, 18th/19th November and 19th November 1916. The Battle of the Ancre. The following men of the 8th Battalion North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment took part in The Battle of the Ancre (13–18 November) It was the final large British attack of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. On the 19th November as the winter weather drew in offensive operations were called off. While the 1st/5th Battalion took heavy losses at the Hohenzollern Redoubt it was now the turn of the 8th battalion to take more heavy losses. Many or probably most losses took place on the 18th November but as most were recorded as missing and not found until later their death were recorded as 18th. 19th November. There was a blizzard and the 8th Btn North Staffordshire Regiment used that as cover. The Germans knew of their plan and attacked from behind. 188 officers and men were killed on the last day of the battle of the Somme. 80 were taken prisoner. There bodies if they were found at all were later recovered from the battlefields and reburied at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme which commemorates the missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916. Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme. Grandcourt Road Cemetery was made in the spring of 1917 when the Ancre battlefield was cleared. The cemetery now contains 391 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 108 of the burials are unidentified but there is a special memorial to one casualty known tobe buried among them. The Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme now contains 2,279 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 1,077 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 14 casualties believed to be buried among them. One American airman is also buried in the cemetery. All the men received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. 18th November 1916 Private 21850 Bertram Abberley. 13 8th Battalion the North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1897 at Dresdon son of Richard and Ann Abberley (Widow) of 23 Foley St. Fenton, Stoke On Trent. In 1911 Bertram was working as a shop boy. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in action 18 November 1916 age 19 and Commemorated at Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14 B and 14 C.) Private 10783 Horace Arthur Bryan. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1897 at 4 High St, Fenton. son of Arthur and Sarah Ann Bryan, Later lived at 5 Wesley St, Fenton (now Elsing St) In 1911 Horace worked in the Potts as a mould runner. Enlisted August 1914 to the 7th Bn North Staffs Regt and promoted to Lance Corporal. Horace was admitted to no 3 Post in Gallipoli with tonsillitis before being invalided and returning on HMHS Canada. He then converted back to Private at his own request, April 1915. In January 1916 Horace was posted to the 8th Battalion. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Horace was killed in action 18th November 1916, age 20 and commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial. Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14B and 14C) Private 17331 Arthur Meakin. 322 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regt Born 1891 at Penkhull son of James and Evelyn Meakin. In 1915 Arthur married Edith Lilian Green of 10 Market St, Fenton at Stoke, St Peter’s. (Later lived in Paynter St. Fenton) Arthur was employed as a Potters Polisher. Enlisted March 1915 into the South Stafford’s was soon transferred to the North Staffordshire Regt. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in action, 18th November 1916, age 25 (missing presumed dead 22/12/1917) and commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 14B & 14C) Arthur was a,warded the 1914/15 Star Private 13244 Harry Stonier. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regt Born 1897 at Fenton son of George & Mary F Stonier of 29 Wellington St, (now Standard St) Fenton. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in action 18th November 1916, age 19 and commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 14B & 14C) Private 11820 Arthur Hughes - Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial 8th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in Action 18th November 1916 and commemorated at Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France (Panel 14B and 14C) Second Lieutenant Alan Stuart Hughes. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment He was born in Fenton. “Hazelhurst” 37 Blurton Road, Heron Cross. His father Frederick Stuart Hughes and mother Minnie Hughes lived at Sprinkbank, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent at the time of his death. He had three siblings and was an invoice clerk in a china factory in 1911, aged 16. His father was a pottery manufacturer. He started his service as a private (no. 2760). He went to France & Flanders on 03/03/1915. (He would have been serving in the 46th North Midland Division at this time, possibly in the local Territorial Force 1/5th battalion). His commission was gazetted as 2nd lieutenant (T) on 22/03/1915. He and was killed in action on 18th November 1916 aged 22 serving with the 8th battalion. This was the last day of the battle of the Ancre (Somme). The battalion war diary contains the following “5.00 a.m. formed up in artillery formation preparatory to attack on W outskirts of GRANDCOURT. 6.10 a.m. attack launched. First objective reached and carried. The 10th battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment on our right being partially held up, our flank was in the air. Casualties 12 officers, 263 other ranks.” Thanks to Temple Street Methodists and Richard Eliis. He is buried at Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt (Grave C.61). Lt. Hughes is also commemorated on the Barlaston memorial and the Temple Street Methodist Memorial. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star (as a private) and British War & Victory medals (as 2nd Lt). With thanks to Temple St Methodist and Richard Ellis Private 13676 Thomas Degg - Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1894 at Fenton, son of Feorge and Mary A. Degg of 2 Smiths Square, Fenton. His occupation Potters Plate Maker. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in action 18th November 1916 age 22 and commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14 B and 14 C) Thomas was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals Corporal 12891 Claude Thorneycroft. -Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial "D" Coy. 8th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1894 at Chesterton son of Mary Thorneycroft, of 34, Oldfield St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, and the late George Thorneycroft. In 1911 Claude was living at 40 West Parade, Mount Pleasant, Fenton and employed as a Coal Miner, Motor Driver Underground. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in action 18th November 1916 age 22 and commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. (Pier and Face 14 B and 14 C) 18th/19th November 1916 Sergeant 40414 Ernest Richard Heapy 8th Bn North Staffordshire Regt Born 1890 son of Ernest Samual and Lizzie Heapy of Albert St, Penkhull. In 1911 Ernest married Rahab in a Civil Ceremony at Stoke and lived at 21 Granville St. Fenton They had a daughter Lilian Annie born in 1912. Con-in-law of Mary Ellen Hammonds, of 21, Granville St, (now Clarendon St, Mount Pleasant) Fenton, dealt with the army over Ernest’s death Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders. 1916 above Ernest was Missing presumed killed in action: 18/11/1916 - 19/11/1916, age 26. His body was later found at map ref; 57D R15 and was reburied May 1919 at the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt. (Grave Ref: IX. M. 18)

Grandmother 'would look at dad's name on memorial to feel close to him' Report in the Staffordshire Evening Sentinel. Monday, August 05, 2013 ORPHAN Lilian Heapy was so proud when the name of her father was included on the roll of honour within Fenton Town Hall. Lilian was just two years old when her mother, Rahab Heapy, of Granville Street, Fenton, died from heart failure, at the age of just 24, in early November, 1917 As she lay on her death bed, the family were anxiously awaiting news from the front of Sergeant Ernest Richard Heapy, a 24- year-old soldier serving with the 8th battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment in Ypres. A week later a telegram arrived, informing them that Sgt Heapy had been killed in battle. Now Lilian's granddaughter, Jane Jones, is throwing her weight behind the campaign to save the war memorial within the former Fenton Town Hall. The mother-of-two, aged 48, of Whieldon Road, Fenton, said: "My nana was only two when it all happened. "The heartbreaking story was that Ernest was missing in action, and her mother had a bad heart. She died, and a week later they got the telegram saying her father had died. "She was raised by her grandparents. My nana kept everything, but the only photograph she had of her dad was the one that was in The Sentinel after he died. "She was so proud her dad was in the town hall. She could remember when the cenotaph was unveiled. "The town hall was like a grave to her. She always said she couldn't get to France, so she would go to the town hall and look at his name on the memorial, to feel close to him. "She used to go to the town hall quite a lot to look at it before it became the magistrate’s court." The telegram received by Sgt Heapy's mother-in-law, Mary Hammonds, said: "He was killed in action, or died of his wounds." The War Graves Commission lists his death as November 19, 1916, but the original telegram sent by the War Office said it was uncertain whether he died on that date or the day before. Sgt Heapy was serving with the 8th Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment, which landed in France on July 18, 1915. Private 13663 Thomas Henry Cooke 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1893 son of Isaac and Mary Cooke of 21 Meakins Row, Fenton. Thomas married Gertrude M Stanier in 1915 at Fenton Christ Church and lived at 15, Meakin's Row, Fenton, Enlisted into the North Staffs Reserves in 1914. Posted to the Expeditionary Force in France, August 1915. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Killed in action (Missing presumed dead) 18th/19th November 1916. age 23 commemorated at Grandcourt Road Cemetery. Somme, France (Grave ref C55) Private 40487 Albery Barlow - Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Brother of Mrs. E. Porter, of 70, Adelaide St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Albert was reported presumed dead between 18/11/1916 and 19/11/1916 Commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grancourt (Grave ref C1) Private 40451 George Ford 168 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Grandson of Mr L. Ford, 11 Best St, Fenton Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders 1916 above Missing presumed killed in action 18/19th November 1916 Cemetery/Memorial: Grandcourt Road Cemetery. Somme France (Grave Ref C. 84) Private 11790 John Hill. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1883 at Fenton son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hill, of 36, Best St, Fenton. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Missing presumed killed in action 18/11/1916 - 19/11/1916. age 33 and commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery. Grandcourt, Somme, France (Grave ref: C.49) Private 12547 Albert Davis. 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1885 at Longton son of Arthur and Josephine Davies Resident in Fenton. Albert married Alice and lived at 10 Star Bank, King St, Fenton. Enlisted into the New line Bn. North Staffordshire Regt in September 1914 before being posted to the 8th Battalion. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Missing presumed killed in action 18/11/1916 - 19/11/1916 age 31 and he is commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery. Grancourt, Somme, France (Grave ref: C 62) Private 11165 Bertram Waring 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born 1893 at Fenton son of George and Harriet Waring, of 89, Whieldon Rd., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1911 Bert was working as a Collier, Waggoner, Underground. Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders. 1916 above Missing presumed killed in action 18/11/1916 - 19/11/1916 age 23 and he is commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt. (Grave ref: C.86) Included on his headstone are the words “Not mine, not mine the choice. Known only to God” Private 13696 H Malkin - Not yet included on the World War 1 Memorial 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born at Burslem brother of Mr. R. Malkin, of 68, Oldfield St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. During 1916 served in France and Flanders at the Battle of the Ancre during the Battle of the Somme. Missing presumed killed in action 18/11/1916 - 19/11/1916 age 23 and he is commemorated at the Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt. (Grave ref: C.74) 19th November 1916 Private 17095 Albert Edward Jones . 8th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born 1896 at Fenton, son of Charles and Henrietta Jones of 38 South Street, (now Ainsworth Street, Mount Pleasant) Fenton. Albert was working as a Kiln Labourer in the Potts. Enlisted at Longton on the 7th September 1914 to the 10th battalion before being transferred to the 8th Battalion North Staffordshire Regt. Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders 1916 as above Albert was killed in action 19th November 1916, age 20. His body was found at map ref: 57D. R.24 and was reburied 25/4/1919 at the Regina Trench Cemetery ,Grandcourt. IX.L.10. Regina Trench Cemetery now contains 2,279 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 1,077 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 14 casualties believed to be buried among them. One American airman is also buried in the cemetery. Private 14313 Ernest Richmond. "B" Coy. 8th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet included on the WW1 Memorial. Born 1882 at Longton son of George Richmond, of 4 Cambridge Street (now bottom half of Masterson St) Fenton; Ernest married Sarah Ann Richmond, of 49, Villiers St., Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent in 1906 at Dresdon Resurrection.Ernest was working as a House Painter. Theatre of war: Western European, France and Flanders. 1916 above Ernest was killed in action on the 19th November 1916 age 34. His body was found at map ref; Map 57 D. R24 and was reburied 25/4/1919 at Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme, France (Grave ref: V11 M 19) His headstone reads “And all is right, that seems so wrong if it be his sweet will”

20th November 1917 Lieutenant William Frederick Hughes 10th Btn Royal Irish Fusiliers Born 1891 at Fenton son of John Frederick and Sarah Ann Hughes, of 86, Cambridge St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent and was employed as a Dental Student. Enlisted into the Royal Irish Fusiliers serving on the Western Front William died 20th November 1917, age 26 at Fontaine, France and is commemorated at the Croisilles British Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref ; II.C.14) He is also commemorated on his parents grave in Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. Croisilles British Cemetery now contains 1,171 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 647 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to 14 casualties buried among them. His headstone reads “Greater love hath no man than to lay down in his life for others” William was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

21st November 1917 Rifleman R/6307 William Harding 11th Bn King's Royal Rifle Corps Born 1897 at Fenton son of William and Elizabeth Harding, of 40, Paynter St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. He was employed as a Coal Miner, Water Carter William enlisted into the King Royal Rifles when during 1917 they took part in many battles including the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and the Cambrai Operations. (20th Nov to Dec 7th 1917) "The Battle of Cambrai ranks as one of the most thrilling episodes of the whole war. Tanks at last came into their kingdom. The notion that the Hindenburg Line was impregnable was exploded". Captain Stair Gillon: The Story of the 29th Division: a record of gallant deeds. William was killed in action: 21st November 1917, Age: 21 he is commemorated at the Cambrai Memorial, Louveral Nord, France. (Panel 9) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The Cambria Memorial, commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known. Corporal 202329 William Shelley 2nd/4th Bn Duke Of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) Born 1894 at Longton son of Joseph and Elizabeth Shelley of 77 Oldfield St, Fenton. Enlisted into the West Riding Regt William served with the 2nd/4th Bn who were mobilised for war and landed in France in January 1917. They then engaged in various actions on the Western front including; The Operations on the Ancre, The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the actions on the Hindenburg Line and the Cambrai Operations (20th Nov to Dec 7th 1917) "The Battle of Cambrai ranks as one of the most thrilling episodes of the whole war. Tanks at last came into their kingdom. The notion that the Hindenburg Line was impregnable was exploded". Captain Stair Gillon: The Story of the 29th Division: a record of gallant deeds. William was killed in action 21st November 1917, age 23 and is commemorated at the Cambria Memorial, Louverval Nord, France. (Panel 6 & 7) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The Cambria Memorial, commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known. 21st November 1944 Lance Corporal 14552753 Harold Frederick Walsh. 1st Bn Worcester Regiment. Born 1925 in Stoke-on-Trent son of John Edward and Elisabeth Walsh of Fenton. The new Battalion landed in Normandy in June 1944 and were heavily involved in the Battle of Caen and the advance on the River Seine. On the 16th August they crossed the River under heavy fire - the first unit across. (Forces War records) The Battalion later fought through the and Holland, and the invasion of Germany.Brunssum was liberated in September 1944 by U.S. forces; they were shortly afterwards followed by the British 43rd (Wessex) Division, who made their headquarters in the town, and in turn were succeeded by the 52nd (Lowland) Division. (CWGC) Harold died 21st November 1944 age 19 in Western Europe Campaign age 19. He is commemorated at Brunssum War Cemetery, Limburg, Netherlands. (Grave ref: I 3) Headstone: Happy and smiling, always content. “Loved and respected wherever he went” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

22nd November 1915 Private 10906 Roland Ratcliffe. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born 1894 at Fenton son of Fredrick and Elizabeth Ratcliffe. In 1911 Roland was living with Uncle Ashton John Chell of 24 Duncan Street, Fenton, and was working as a Jug Mould Runner in the Potts Roland was enlisted into the 7th Bn North Staffs Regiment who embarked for Gallipoli and were engaged in several battles in they evacuated in January 1916. It was noted that Roland served in . Roland died in Gibraltar on the 22nd November 1915, age 21 and is commemorated at the Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery, Gibraltar (Grave Ref: C.3190). The cemetery was used throughout the 1914-1918 War for the burial of sailors and soldiers who died on ships passing Gibraltar, or in the Military Hospital. The 1914-1918 War Graves are scattered in the different divisions of the cemetery. Roland was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. 22nd November 1917 Private G/65975 Richard James Pilling 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regiment) Born 1894 at Longton son of Samuel and Mary Pilling of 81 Alma St, Fenton. Richard was working as a Pottery China Saucer Maker. Enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers who wer engaged in various actions on the Western front in 1917including; The Operations on the Ancre, The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the actions on the Hindenburg Line and the Cambrai Operations (20th Nov to Dec 7th 1917) "The Battle of Cambrai ranks as one of the most thrilling episodes of the whole war. Tanks at last came into their kingdom. The notion that the Hindenburg Line was impregnable was exploded". Captain Stair Gillon: The Story of the 29th Division: a record of gallant deeds. Richard was killed in action on the 22nd November 1917, age 23 and is commemorated at the Cambria Memorial, Louverval Nord, France. (Panel 3 & 4) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals. The Cambria Memorial commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known.

23rd November 1915 Private 21028 Edward Barker 6th Bn York and Lancaster Regiment Born 1876 at Potefract son of the late Charles Henry and Elizabeth Barker. Edward married Sarah Maria Doody on 25th May 1896 at Fenton, Christ Church. He was working as a Heating Engineer. In 1911 living at 6a, Queen St., Fenton, they had six children Florence age 13, Harry age 11, Albert 7, Harold 4, John 2 and Gladys 2 months. Enlisted in Stoke November 1914 into the 11th Bn York and Lancaster Regt having previously been in the (Longton) Voluntary North Staffs AC. He was transferred to the 3rd Bn before serving in the Expeditionary Force and then transferred to the 6th Bn in September 1915. In July 1915 the regiment mobilised for war and embarked for Gallipoli from Liverpool via Mudros. In August they landed at Sulvla Bay and engaged in various actions against the Ottoman Empire including; The and attack on Hill 60. Edward died of dysentery on the 23rd November 1915, age 40 at Mudros and is commemorated at the Portianos Military Cemetery (Grave ref; V.A.76) During December 1915 the Battalion were evacuated to Mudros due to serve casualties from combat and disease. Edward was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. 23rd November 1942 Gunner 1725591 Eric Dwyne. 15 Bty. 6 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment. Royal Artillery. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1914 son of John Henry and Mary Jane Dwyne. In 1936 Eric married Ethel Mayer in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. Historical Information (CWGC) Before 1939 the Kranji area was a military camp and at the time of the Japanese invasion of Malaya, it was the site of a large ammunition magazine. On 8 February 1942, the Japanese crossed the Johore Straits in strength, landing at the mouth of the Kranji River within two miles of the place where the war cemetery now stands. On the evening of 9 February, they launched an attack between the river and the causeway. During the next few days fierce fighting ensued, in many cases hand to hand, until their greatly superior numbers and air strength necessitated a withdrawal. After the fall of the island, the Japanese established a prisoner of war camp at Kranji and eventually a hospital was organised nearby at Woodlands. Reported missing 4/9/1942 and was the declared dead: 23/11/1942 age, 28 at Malaya and commemorated at Singapore Memorial (Panel ref: Panel Column 17) Eric was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star. After the reoccupation of Singapore, Kranji War Cemetery was developed from a small cemetery started by the prisoners at Kranji, by the Army Graves Service. Within Kranji War Cemetery stands the SINGAPORE MEMORIAL, bearing the names of over 24,000 casualties of the Commonwealth land and air forces who have no known grave. Many of these have no known date of death and are accorded within our records the date or period from when they were known to be missing or captured. The land forces commemorated by the memorial died during the campaigns in Malaya and Indonesia or in subsequent captivity, many of them during the construction of the Burma-Thailand railway, or at sea while being transported into imprisonment elsewhere. The memorial also commemorates airmen who died during operations over the whole of southern and eastern Asia and the surrounding seas and oceans.

24 November 1916 Private 16027 William Tingle. “C” Coy. 6th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial.

Born (Hanley) 1889 son of William Tingle, of 27, Packet St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Mrs. G. E. Eggleston (formerly Tingle), of 12, Belper St. Ilkeston, Derby. Served on the Somme, France Died of his wounds. 24/11/1916 age 27 and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Pier and Face 1.C.

25th November 1915

Rifleman R/12292 Joseph Williams 2nd Bn King’s Royal Rifle Corps Son of Mr Edward and Mrs Ann Jane Williams, together with 7 other children were living at 97 Park Rd, Fenton Joseph was employed as a Collier. Enlisted at Stoke, April 1915 into the 14th Bn Kings Royal Rifles. Before transferring to the 2nd Battalion in October 1915 on landing in France and was engaed in the Battle of Loos. He was wounded in action on the 24/11/1915. And died of wounds: 25th November 1915, age 18.at the 114th Field ambulance dressing station. His body was buried in grave number 3 Row 0 map ref: G20.a.5.8.05. He was reburied in Feb 1920 and is commemorated at the British Cemetery Philosophe, Mazingarbe. Pas de Calais, France (Grave III.O.3) He is also commemorated at Fenton cemetery on his parent’s headstone “Edward WILLIAMS, Of Fenton, 22 June 1917, 56. Ann Jane, w, 11 March 1955, 92 Joseph, s, Killed in France, 25 Nov 1916, 18” Joseph was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals 25th November 1917 Private 32371 Herbert Simpkins 8th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment Born 1881 at Longton son of Herbert and Jane Simpkin. In 1901 Herbert married Mary Amy Lavick of 74, Goldenhill Rd., Fenton in a Civil Marriage at Stoke In 1911 Herbert was living at 44 May Place, Fenton with his wife and 6 yr old son George Herbert. He was employed as a Glost Placer in the Potts. Enlisted into the 8th (Service) Battalion North Staffordshire Regt. During 1917 they were engaged in the First and Second Battles of the Scarpe, The Capture of Roeux, The First and Second Battles of Passchendaele. The Second Battle of Passchendaele was the culminating attack during the Third Battle of Ypres. The battle took place in the Ypres Salient area of the Western Front in and around the Belgian town of Passchendaele between 26 October and 10 November 1917. Herbert died at home on the 25th November 1917 age 36. He is commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 8773) Words used on Herbert’s headstone “Blest are the pure of heart, they shall see their God” He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals November 25th 1918 Rifleman R/10977 Henry Thomas Pardoe 4th Bn Kings Royal Rifles Born 1898 at Longton son of Henry Thomas and Catherine Ann Pardoe, of 91, Albert Rd, (now Manor Street) Fenton, Stoke-on- Trent. Enlited into the Royal Rfles Henry embarked with the battalion in June 1918 for France arriving in Serqueux early July and transferred to the 151st Brigade of the 50th Division and once again engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line, The Battle of Cambrai 1918, The pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle, The Battle of Valenciennes. Henry Died of wounds 25/11/1918, age 20 and is commemorated at the St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen. Seine-Maritime, France. (Grave S.III.B.5) His headstone bears the words “Not my will, by thine O Lord be done” He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals

26th November 1916 Wilkinson A.J. Lance Corporal 7941 Alfred James Wilkinson 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1886 at Longton son of Samuel and Elizabeth Wilkinson of 10 May Place, Fenton. In 1911 Alfred was registered with the 1st Bn North Staffordshire Regt and stationed in India. As part of the regular battalion Alfred was engaged during 1916 in the German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont. Alfred was killed in Action: 26th November 1916, age 30 and is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France (Panel 103 to 105) The Loos Memorial commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. Alfred was He was awarded the British War & Victory medals Sergeant 11307 George Williams 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1887 son of Mary Ann Lavelle (formerly Williams), of 37, China St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. As part of the regular battalion Alfred was engaged during 1916 in the German gas attack at Wulverghem, The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont. George was killed in Action: 26th November 1916, age 29 and is commemorated at the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. The cemetery was started in August 1915. In 1916 it was taken over by the 16th (Irish) Division, who held the Loos Salient at the time, and many of their dead were brought back to the cemetery from the front line. Succeeding divisions used the cemetery until October 1918, and men of the same Division, and often the same battalion, were buried side by side. George was He was awarded the British War & Victory medals Private 228450 Arthur Wildsmith 1st City of London Royal Fusiliers posted to 20th Bn. Royal Fusiliers. Formally Formerly 203252, North Staffs Regt. Born 1885 at Fenton son of Henry and Ann Wildsmith of 96 Raglon Street, Fenton. In 1907 Arthur married Emma Elizabeth Clarke in a Civil marriage at Stoke. And lived at 71 Raglon St, Fenton. He was employed as an Insurance Salesman. Arthur enlisted into the North Staffs Regt befor being posted to the London Regiment and transferred to the 20th Bn. Royal Fusiliers serving in France and Flanders He was killed in Action: 26th November 1917, age 32. His body was found in grave 27, row E map ref: 28 NE D16 d and was reburied on the 21/1019 by the 21st Co Labourers at the Dochy Farm New British Cemetery West-Vlaanderen, Belgium (V111. E.27) Husband of Elizabeth Wildsmith, of 63, Bethesda St., Hanley Words on Arthur’s headstone reads “Loving hearts remember you” The cemetery now contains 1,439 burials and commemorations of the First World War. 958 of the burials are unidentified but special memorials commemorate two casualties believed to be buried among them. Arthur was awarded the British War & Victory medals

27th November 1918 Private 35032 Arthur Brian 13th Bn Leicestershire Regiment transferred to (11479) 780th Area Employment Coy. Labour Corps Son of Thomas and Mary Anne Brian. 4 High Street, (now City Road) Fenton Arthur served in the Western European Theatre in France and Flanders Arthur was killed in action 27th November 1918, age 22 and is commemorated at the Terlincthun, British Cemetery, Wimille. Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref. 5X1. E. 28) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals 27th November 1942 Ordinary Seaman Sydney Mathers. Merchant Navy. S.S. Blairatholl (Glasgow) Born 1921 son of Sydney and Ellen Matthers. In 1941 Sidney married Hilda Lawton at Fenton, Christ Church. SS Blairatholl was in collision with the Norwegian Ship SS John Blake and sank when on route from New London for the Tyne with a cargo of Steel and Lumber on the 26th /27 November 1942 and sank at position 51.25N 48.30W.. (www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?135713) Sydney died on the 27th November 1942 is commemorated at Memorial. London (Panel 17) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star. In the Second World War, losses were again considerable in the early years, reaching a peak in 1942. The heaviest losses were suffered in the Atlantic, but convoys making their way to Russia around the North Cape, and those supplying Malta in the Mediterranean were also particularly vulnerable to attack. In all, 4,786 merchant ships were lost during the war with a total of 32,000 lives. More than one quarter of this total were lost in home waters. The Second World War extension, which commemorates almost 24,000 casualties, was designed by Sir , with sculpture by Charles Wheeler. It was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on 5 November 1955. (CWGC) Trooper 322915 Archibald Shipley. Staffordshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1917 son of Edward William and Sarah Shipley, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Historical Information On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year.

The Royal Palace at Caserta served as headquarters for the Allied armies in Italy for the greater part of the duration of the Italian campaign and the 2nd General Hospital was at Caserta from December 1943 until September 1945. Some of those buried here died in the hospital, others as prisoners of war (there was a POW Hospital at Caserta) before the Allied invasion. There are also a few burials from the October 1943 fighting on the River Volturno, which lies not far away to the north.

Died in the Middle East 27/11/1942 Age: 25. Previously buried at Caserta Civil Cemetery On 18/11/42 was reburied and commemorated at Caserta War Cemetery. (Grave Ref: III, C, 15) Headstone “He died that we might live” Archibald was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

28th November 1915 Private 3012 Charles Henry Stephens "C" Coy. 1st/5th Bn. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial. Born 1891 at Fenton son of John Stephens, of 1 Bermore St, Fenton, husband of Elizabeth Stephens, of 41, Thomas St., Glascote, Tamworth. His occupation was an Analyst. Enlisted Charles served in the 5th battalion in France and Flanders. During 1915 engaged During in the German liquid fire attack at Hooge and the attack at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. Charles was killed in action on the 28th November 1915 age 24. And is commemorated at St Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue, Pas de Calais. France. (Grave ref: II.E.11) During the in May 1915, British soldiers began burying their fallen comrades in an old orchard near a forward dressing station which was located at the terminus of a trench tramway between the hamlet of Richebourg St. Vaast and La Croix Barbet. The cemetery was used by fighting units serving in the front-line and field ambulances until July 1917. Charles was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. Charles is also commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. The headstone reads “Pte Charles Henry STEPHENS, 5th North Staffs Regt, s/o John & Elizabeth, of 1 Berdford St, Fenton, KiA in France, 28 Nov 1915, 24” 28th November 1943 Fusilier. 6095136 Arthur Bailey. 1st Bn. Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) Not yet included on the WW2 Memorial. Born 1921 son of Emma Bailey, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent.

Historical Information (CWGW) On 3 September 1943 the Allies invaded the Italian mainland, the invasion coinciding with an armistice made with the Italians who then re-entered the war on the Allied side. Allied objectives were to draw German troops from the Russian front and more particularly from France, where an offensive was planned for the following year.

Progress through southern Italy was rapid despite stiff resistance, but by the end of October, the Allies were facing the German winter defensive position known as the Gustav Line, which stretched from the river Garigliano in the west to the Sangro in the east. By 4 November, the Allied force that had fought its way up the Adriatic coast was preparing to attack the Sangro river positions. A bridgehead had been established by the 24th and by nightfall on the 30th, the whole ridge overlooking the river was in Allied hands.

Date of Death: 28/11/1943 Age: 22 at Italy. Arthur was previously buried at 11CR/CKF/2068. On the 2/5/1944 he was reburied at Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy. (Grave Ref: XI. E. 30) Headstone “Remembrance, a golden chain binds us till we meet again. Mother, brothers, sister, Charlie and Sheila”. He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

The site of Sangro River War Cemetery was selected by the and into it were brought the graves of men who had died in the fierce fighting on the Adriatic sector of the front in November-December 1943, and during the static period that followed. In addition, the cemetery contains the graves of a number of escaped prisoners of war who died while trying to reach the Allied lines. The cemetery contains 2,617 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War.

29th November 1917 Private 35288 Edwin Arthur Alcock (3) 4th Battalion. North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment. Born 1898 son of Samuel and Sarah Ann Alcock, of 205 King St, Fenton Later the family moved to 20 Park Lane, Fenton. Occupation: Wagonner at Great Fenton Colliery. Enlisted at Fenton Town Hall January 1916 into the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion. North Staffordshire Regt. In October 1917 Edwin was part of the British European Force where they were mobilised for war landing at Havre and transferred to the 167th Brigade of the 56th Division. On 15th November the battalion was transferred to the 106th Brigade of the 35th Division near Ypres and engaged in various actions on the Western Front Died of his wounds received in action, 29 November 1917 age 19 and is commemorated at Minty Farm Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave ref 11.A.7) Minty Farm (the name was probably adopted during its occupation by a Wiltshire unit) was at one time used as a German and in 1917, as a company headquarters for Commonwealth forces. The cemetery was begun in October 1917 and used until April 1918 by units fighting on that front. More than a third of the graves are of officers and men of the Royal Artillery. Minty Farm Cemetery contains 192 First World War burials. Edwin was awarded the the British War & Victory medals. Private 202300 Arthur Ball (34) 2nd/4th Duke of Wellington (West Riding Rgt) Born 1894 at Fenton son of John and Sarah Ball. Brunswick House, Brunswick Cottage, Cemetery Rd, Fenton. His occupation was Pottery Warehouseman. Enlisted into the 2/4th Battalion Territorial Force of the North Staffordshire Regt. In January 1917 they mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western front including the actions on the Hindenburg Line, The Cambrai Operations. Arthur was killed in action 29th November 1917 age 23 and is commemorated at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen Seine- Maritime, France (Grave ref: P.V.E.4B) Arthur was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Bombardier 89164 William Aaron Mellor (313) 161ST Siege Bty, Royal Garrison Artillery. Born 1880 son of Hannah Mellor of Fenton. William married Lucy Jackson in September 1907 at Normacot church, Longton. They had two children Kathleen Constance (May 1909) and Stanley Alfred July 1913; Williams occupation was a Publican at George Canning Hotel Market, St (now King St) Fenton Enlisted in June 1915 into the RGA serving on the Western Front in France and Flanders. Siege Batteries RGA were equipped with heavy howitzers, sending large calibre high explosive shells in high trajectory, plunging fire.The usual armaments were 6 inch, 8 inch and 9.2 inch howitzers, although some had huge railway- or road-mounted 12 inch howitzers. As British artillery tactics developed, the Siege Batteries were most often employed in destroying or neutralising the enemy artillery, as well as putting destructive fire down on strongpoints, dumps, store, roads and railways behind enemy lines. The armaments of each battery will be given as details are added. William was killed in action: 29th November 1917 age 37 and is commemorated at Croonaert Chapel Cemetery. West- Vlaanderen, Belgium (Grave ref: C 17} Croonaert Chapel was a shrine in a hamlet on the Wytschaete-Voormezeele road, and was in No Man's Land before the Battle of Messines 1917. The cemetery was begun by the 19th Division Burial Officer in June 1917, and used until the following November. Two further burials were made in April 1918 and January 1919. William was entitled to the the British War & Victory medals.

30th November 1915 Private G/13834 William Plant. 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers (London Regt) Born 1868 at Norton son of William and Elizabeth Plant. In 1895 William married Minnie Mary Ann Burndred at Christ Church, Fenton In 1911 theyresided at “Pinberrow House,” 4 Albert Rd, Fenton with children, Job (1898), Elizabeth Annie(1901) and William James Bettaney (1906) Ocupation: Colliery Under Manager. Enlisted into the Royal Fusiliers William was posted to Gallipoli with the 2nd battalion. They were mobilised for war and embarked for Gallipoli at Avonmouth via Alexandria and Lemnos. Landed at Gallipoli on the 24th April were engaged in actions at the Battles for Krithia and the Achi Baba heights on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Dardanelles Campaign which took place on the Gallipoli peninsula (Gelibolu in modern Turkey) in the Ottoman Empire between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916. The peninsula forms the northern bank of the Dardanelles, a strait that provided a sea route to the , one of the Allied powers during the war. Intending to secure it, Russia's allies Britain and France launched a naval attack followed by an amphibious landing on the peninsula, with the aim of capturing the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (modern Istanbul). The naval attack was repelled and after eight months' fighting, with many casualties on both sides, the land campaign was abandoned and the invasion force was withdrawn to Egypt. A gale smashed landing piers at Helles and Anzac. Captain Pawson, the Military Landing Officer at Helles, wrote: All along the beach above the roar of the waves could be heard the crash of the great barges as the sea hurled them again and again against the shore. On the 22/11/1915 Lord Kitchener advised that Gallipoli should be evacuated. This would involve taking off more than 93,000 troops, 200 guns and more than 5,000 animals as well as vast quantities of stores and ammunition. On 27 and 28 November, severe rain and thunderstorms, which turned into blizzards lasting 3 days, hit Gallipoli. More than 280 men died and there were 16,000 cases of frostbite and exposure. William was one of those who lost his life on the 30 November 1915 age 47. He is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 37-41 or 328) The Helles Memorial serves the dual function of Commonwealth battle memorial for the whole Gallipoli campaign and place of commemoration for many of those Commonwealth servicemen who died there and have no known grave. The United Kingdom and Indian forces named on the memorial died in operations throughout the peninsula, the Australians at Helles. There are also panels for those who died or were buried at sea in Gallipoli waters. The memorial bears more than 21,000 names. William He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals 30th November 1917 Private 49920 Private Edward Boon. 6th Bn King’s (Liverpool Regiment). Formally North Staffordshire Regiment 35810 In 1909 Edward married Agnes Boon at a Civil marriage at Stoke and living at 53 Foley Street, Fenton. He was employed as a China Saucer Jollier Enlisted into 1/6th (Rifle) Battalion Territorial Forces. During 1917 they were engaged in various actions on the Western front including;The Third Battles of the Ypres, and Phases of the Cambrai Operations. Edward was killed in action 30 November 1917 age 31and is commemorated at the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France (panel 4) The memorial commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known. Edward was awarded the British War & Victory medals Corporal 46637 Harry Booth. 4th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born in 1898 son of Joseph and Martha Booth of 69 Well Street, (now Watkin St) Fenton. In October 1917 they mobilised for war landing at Havre and transferred to the 167th Brigade of the 56th Division. 15.11.1917 Transferred to the 106th Brigade of the 35th Division near Ypres and engaged in various actions on the Western Front.. Harry died of wounds: 30th November 1917 age 19 and is commemorated at the Mendinghem Military Cemetery, , West-Vlaanderen. Belgium. (Grave ref I.G. 38) His headstone bears the words “To dearly loved to be forgotten” Harry was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals Gunner 876 Harold Parker. 4th Bty Machine Gun Corps (Motor Branch) Born 1897 at Asley, Staffordshire son of John and Jane Parker. Living at 35 Whieldon Road, Fenton (1911 Census) Recorded as carter with coal merchant. The Motor Machine Gun Service was a unit of the British Army in the Great War consisting of batteries of motorcycle/sidecar combinations carrying Vickers machine guns. It was formed in 1914 Operating on the Western Front by Spring 1915 and incorporated into the Machine Gun Corps in 1915 as the Machine Gun Corps (Motors). Harold was killed in action 30th November 1917. Age 24 and commemorated at the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France (panel 13) The memorial commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known. Edward was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. (panel 13)

1st December 1914 Private 8770 Frederick Hill. D Coy 1st South Staffordshire Regt Son of the late Richard and Mary Hill of 6 William St, Fenton. In 1911 together with his brother Frank were boarding at Penkhull. His occupation was Pottery Presser. In August 1914 the 1st Battalion stationed at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa at the outbreak of war. They Embarked for England from Capetown landing at Southampton and joining the 22nd Brigade of the 7th Division and moved to Lyndhurst. In October the battalion were mobilised for war and landed at Zeebrugge and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The First Battle of Ypres Frederick died 1st December 1914 age 24, and is commemorated at Ploegsteert Memorial. Hainaut, Belgium (Panel 6) The memorial commemorates more than 11,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in this sector during the First World War and have no known grave. Frederick was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals Private 18008 George Pugh. 8th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Born 1896 at Fenton son of Joseph and Martha Pugh of 4 Malkins Yard, Park St, Fenton, Stoke On Trent Enlisted into the Royal Welch Fusiliers George was posted to Gallipoli with the 8th (Service) battalion. The battalion was formed at Wrexham in August 1914 as part of the First New Army (K1) then moved to Salisbury Plain to join the 40th Brigade of the 13th Division and then moved to Chisledon. In July 1915 the battalion were deployed to Mudros. Later in the month they were at Helles and then back to Mudros. In August they landed at Anzac and engaged in various actions against the Turkish army including; The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top, The Battle of Hill 60. The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Dardanelles Campaign which took place on the Gallipoli peninsula (Gelibolu in modern Turkey) in the Ottoman Empire between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916. The peninsula forms the northern bank of the Dardanelles, a strait that provided a sea route to the Russian Empire, one of the Allied powers during the war. Intending to secure it, Russia's allies Britain and France launched a naval attack followed by an amphibious landing on the peninsula, with the aim of capturing the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (modern Istanbul). The naval attack was repelled and after eight months' fighting, with many casualties on both sides, the land campaign was abandoned and the invasion force was withdrawn to Egypt. A gale smashed landing piers at Helles and Anzac. Captain Pawson, the Military Landing Officer at Helles, wrote: All along the beach above the roar of the waves could be heard the crash of the great barges as the sea hurled them again and again against the shore. On the 22/11/1915 Lord Kitchener advised that Gallipoli should be evacuated. This would involve taking off more than 93,000 troops, 200 guns and more than 5,000 animals as well as vast quantities of stores and ammunition. On 27 and 28 November, severe rain and thunderstorms, which turned into blizzards lasting 3 days, hit Gallipoli. More than 280 men died and there were 16,000 cases of frostbite and exposure. William was one of those who lost his life on the 1st December 1915 age 19. He is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 77 to 80) The Helles Memorial serves the dual function of Commonwealth battle memorial for the whole Gallipoli campaign and place of commemoration for many of those Commonwealth servicemen who died there and have no known grave. The United Kingdom and Indian forces named on the memorial died in operations throughout the peninsula, the Australians at Helles. There are also panels for those who died or were buried at sea in Gallipoli waters. The memorial bears more than 21,000 names. George was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals

2nd December 1918 Private M/S 12851 Private MS/12851 Richmond Deaville . Served as WEBB). 282nd M.T. Coy. Royal Army Service Corps Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial Born 1882 son of James and Eleanor Deaville of Longton. In 1903 Richmond married Florence Horwell of 97, Oldfield St in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. Served in the Royal Army Service Corps. Richmond died at home 2nd December 1918 age 36 and is buried and commemorated at Longton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave ref: 1226) He was awarded the British War & Victory medals 2nd December 1942 Stoker 1st class P/KX95439 Dennis Rowlands. 86 Royal Navy. HMS Quentin. (G78) HMS Quentin was a Q-class destroyer laid down by J. Samuel White and Company, Limited, at Cowes on the Isle of Wight on 25 September 1940, launched on 5 November 1941 and commissioned on 15 April 1942. She saw service during the Second World War before being sunk in 1942 by German aircraft off North Africa. Quentin attacked and sank the German submarine U-162 with the aid of destroyers Vimy and Pathfinder in the Caribbean Sea near Trinidad on 3 September 1942. Quentin and the Australian destroyer HMAS Quiberon depth charged and sank the Italian submarine Dessie off Algeria on 28 November 1942. Quentin was torpedoed by German aircraft and sank off North Africa on 2 December 1942, only hours after her participation on the successful battle of Skerki Bank. Dennis died 2nd December 1942 and is commemorated at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire, (Panel 68, Column 3) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star

3rd December 1916, Private 13257 Edward Wilde. 9th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1890 at Longton son of the late Henry and Kate Wilde. In 1911 Edward was living at 74 Goldenhill Road, Fenton (adopted son of George Joseph and Sarah Jane Lavick) and was working as a Pottery Glost Placer. Posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion (Pioneers) Edward together with the battalion were mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including in 1916 the Battle of the Ancre. Died of Wounds: 3rd December 1916, age 26 and commemorated at the Couin British Cemtery, Pas de Calais, France (VI.B.21) This cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the field ambulances of the 48th (South Midland) Division, and was used by units and field ambulances during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. It was closed at the end of January 1917 because further extension was not possible, and now contains 401 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and three German graves. Edward was awarded the British War & Victory medals 3rd December 1944 Private 5057012 Edward Swann. Pioneer Corps. Born 1920 son of George and Gertrude Swann, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent German forces returned to Belgium in May 1940, and occupied until its liberation by the Allies on 4 September 1944. The town and port were secured, but it was some weeks further before the approaches from the North Sea could be cleared of German resistance. Edward died 3rd December 1944 and is commemorated at Schoonselhof Cemetery, Antwerpen, Belgium. (Grave ref: I B 31) Headstone “May we be worthy of his supreme sacrifice” He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

4th December 1918 Lance Cpl 7495 William Rhyles 1st North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Born 1888 at Star Bank, Fenton son of William and Hannah Rhyles. In 1908 he married May Archer in a civil marriage at Stoke. In 1904 he enlisted into the North Staffs Regt at Lichfield age 15. He was 5’ 4 ¾” tall and weighed 111lbs. On his papers he was recorded as working in the pottery kilns. In 1906 he serving as Private Rhyles and then promoted in the September to Lance Corporal. In May 1907 was dscharged unfit and transferred to army reserve. On the 5th May 1914 was mobilized to 1st North Staffs regt and was posted to the Expeditionary Force in France. On the 4th December 1914 William was discharged as unfit with tuberculosis of the lungs. He died December 1914. (Cant pinpoint date other than 4th qtr)

Private 14308 Thomas Parkinson. 6th Btn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1891 son of Charles and Sarah Parkinson. In 1911 Thomas married Annie Roberts in a Civil Marriage at Stoke-on-Trent. Following the death of Thomas, remarried becoming Annie Overton (formerly Parkinson), of 34, Pugh Rd., Aston, Birmingham. Thomas died 4th December 1918 age 27 and is buried and commemorated at Ripon Cemetery, Yorkshire (Grave D.712) and was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

5th December 1918 Private 4614 John T. Stanley. 14th (King's) Hussars Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial. John was born in 1884 at Fenton. He married Lily Agnes Banks in 1913 at St John the Baptist church, Longton and lived at 40, Berdmore St., Fenton. His occupation: Coal Miner. The 14th King’s Hussars was a cavalry regiment which during WW1 served in Tigris 1916, Kut al Amara 1917, Baghdad, Mesopotamia 1915-18, Persia 1918. John died on the 5th December 1918 age 34 and is commemorated at Longton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent (Grave 1023) Headstone “Duty Bravely Born” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 5th December 1941 Lance Corporal 782699 William James Ackley 2nd Bn Leicestershire Regiment Born 1910 son of Florence Ann Ackley, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. William served in Egypt He was reported missing at sea and was presumed killed in action 5th December 1941, age 31 He is commemorated at Alamein Memorial, Egypt (Panel Column 59) Received the War Medal 1932-1945 and 1939-45 Star The battlefield, across which the fighting surged back and forth between 1940 and 1942, was the 1,000 kilometres of desert between Alexandria in Egypt and Benghazi in Libya. It was a campaign of manoeuvre and movement, the objectives being the control of the Mediterranean, the link with the east through the Suez Canal, the Middle East oil supplies and the supply route to Russia through Persia. Gunner 1636584 Norman Carter. 84 Battery, 49 Lt. A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery. Born 1908 son of Edmund Richard and Sarah Ann Carter, of Stoke-on-Trent. In 1939 Norman married Ellen Jones at Milton, St Philip and St James. Historical Information (CWGC) In May 1943, the war in North Africa came to an end in Tunisia with the defeat of the Axis powers by a combined Allied force. The campaign began on 8 November 1942, when Commonwealth and American troops made a series of landings in Algeria and Morocco. The Germans responded immediately by sending a force from Sicily to northern Tunisia, which checked the Allied advance east in early December. In the south, the Axis forces defeated at El Alamein withdrew into Tunisia along the coast through Libya, pursued by the Allied Eighth Army. By mid April 1943, the combined Axis force was hemmed into a small corner of north-eastern Tunisia and the Allies were grouped for their final offensive. Medjez-el-Bab was at the limit of the Allied advance in December 1942 and remained on the front line until the decisive Allied advances of April and May 1943. Norman died 5th December 1942 in the Middle East and was buried at 296/GR (A) 18/2/44. His body was exhumed and reburied 21/8/1944 at Medjez El Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. Headstone “In God’s own time we will meet again” Norman was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939 -45 Star

7th December 1917 Private 20562 Thomas Johnson 1st Bn Coldstream Guards Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial. Born 1888 at Fenton, then in 1910 Thomas married Maria Salt at Christ Church, Fenton. In 1911 Thomas was living with his wife and parents at 33 Kent Street, Fenton and was working as a Coal Miner Roadman Underground, Later Maria lived at 51, Frederick St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1917 the 1st Bn Coldstream Guards was engaged in the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Second Battle of Passchendaele. Thomas died of his wounds on the 7th December 1917 age 29 and is commemorated at the Tincourt New British Cemetery, Somme, France. (Grave ref: IV. A. 30) Headstone “Peace, perfect peace” The villages of Tincourt and Boucly were occupied by British troops in March 1917, during the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. Thomas was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

8th December 1915 Private 1167 J Bromfield. 16th Bn Middlesex Regimen Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial. Foster-son of Mrs. Anne Vyse, of 9, Cross St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In August 1915 the War Office takes over Command of Battalion then on the 7th November the battalion was mobilised for war and landed at Boulogne. J. Bromfield died on the 8th December 1915 and is commemorated at the Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (IV. G. 29) The Cemetery contains 3,004 Commonwealth burials of the First World War, 11 being unidentified. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals.

9th December 1915 Private 16621 Herbert Parkes. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1894 in Fenton the son of Herbert and Ann Parkes, of 98, Botteslow St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Later 16 Harley St, Hanley. In 1911 Herbert was working as a Warehouse Boy. In 1912 Herbert married Florence Hill at Stoke, St Peters. 7th (Service) Battalion were formed in August 1914 at Lichfield as part of the First New Army (K1) and joined the 39th Brigade of the 13th Division and moved to Salisbury Plain. In January 1915 they moved to Basingstoke and then Blackdown, Aldershot after which they embarked for Gallipoli in June 1915. After landing in Gallipoli in July they engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including; The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top, The Battle of Hill 60. The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Dardanelles Campaign, the Battle of Gallipoli or the Battle of Çanakkale that took place on the Gallipoli peninsula in the Ottoman Empire between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916. The peninsula forms the northern bank of the Dardanelles a strait that provided a sea route to the Russian Empire, one of the Allied powers during the war. Intending to secure it, Russia's allies Britain and France launched a naval attack followed by an amphibious landing on the peninsula, with the aim of capturing the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (modern Istanbul). The naval attack was repelled and after eight months' fighting, with many casualties on both sides, the land campaign was abandoned and the invasion force was withdrawn to Egypt. Died 9th December 1915 in Malta, age 21 and is commemorated at the Malta (Capaccini) Naval Cemetery (Grave: Plot 289) Headstone “Duty Done” Herbert was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. From the spring of 1915, the hospitals and convalescent depots established on the islands of Malta and Gozo dealt with over 135,000 sick and wounded, chiefly from the campaigns in Gallipoli and Salonika, although increased submarine activity in the Mediterranean meant that fewer hospital ships were sent to the island from May 1917.

10th December 1915 Sergeant 8567 James Frederick Bates. 7th Bn North Staffordshire Regiment Born 1880 at Fenton. James married Florence Bentley at Caverswall, St Peter’s in 1908. In 1911 James and Florence together with 2yr old daughter Florence Pricilla lived at 8 Carron Street, Fenton. James was employed as a Potters Turner. He enlisted into the 7th (Service) Battalion North Staffs regiment which was formed in 1914 at Lichfield. In June 1915 they embarked for Gallipoli form Avonmouth and landed in July. The battalion engaged in various actions against the Turkish forces including; The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top, The Battle of Hill 60. The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Dardanelles Campaign which took place on the Gallipoli peninsula (Gelibolu in modern Turkey) in the Ottoman Empire between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916. The peninsula forms the northern bank of the Dardanelles, a strait that provided a sea route to the Russian Empire, one of the Allied powers during the war. Intending to secure it, Russia's allies Britain and France launched a naval attack followed by an amphibious landing on the peninsula, with the aim of capturing the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (modern Istanbul). The naval attack was repelled and after eight months' fighting, with many casualties on both sides, the land campaign was abandoned and the invasion force was withdrawn to Egypt. A gale smashed landing piers at Helles and Anzac. Captain Pawson, the Military Landing Officer at Helles, wrote: All along the beach above the roar of the waves could be heard the crash of the great barges as the sea hurled them again and again against the shore. On the 22/11/1915 Lord Kitchener advised that Gallipoli should be evacuated. This would involve taking off more than 93,000 troops, 200 guns and more than 5,000 animals as well as vast quantities of stores and ammunition. On 27 and 28 November, severe rain and thunderstorms, which turned into blizzards lasting 3 days, hit Gallipoli. More than 280 men died and there were 16,000 cases of frostbite and exposure. James was one of those who lost his life on the 10th December 1915 age 19. He is commemorated at the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) (Panel 170 and 171) The Helles Memorial serves the dual function of Commonwealth battle memorial for the whole Gallipoli campaign and place of commemoration for many of those Commonwealth servicemen who died there and have no known grave. The United Kingdom and Indian forces named on the memorial died in operations throughout the peninsula, the Australians at Helles. There are also panels for those who died or were buried at sea in Gallipoli waters. The memorial bears more than 21,000 names. James was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals 10th December 1918 Driver 34686 Albert Allic Hawthorn. 9th Field Coy Royal Engineers Born 1899 son of William and Rachel Hawthorn of 56 Bridge (now Ridley St, Ridley Walk) Street later moving to 40 West Parade, Mount Pleasant, Fenton From October 1916 the Royal Engineers had been working underground, constructing tunnels for the troops in preparation for the Battle of Arras in 1917. Beneath Arras itself there is a vast network of caverns called the boves, consisting of underground quarries and sewage tunnels. The engineers came up with a plan to add new tunnels to this network so that troops could arrive at the battlefield in secrecy and in safety. The size of the excavation was immense. In one sector alone four Tunnel Companies of 500 men each worked around the clock in 18-hour shifts for two months. In 1917 they were at Arras, in action during the The First and Third Battles of the Scarpe, before heading north for the Third Battle of Ypres, where they fought in The Battle of Polygon Wood, The Battle of Broodseinde, The Battle of Poelcapelle and The First Battle of Passchendaele. Albert died 10th December 1918 age 20 and is commemorated at Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery. France (II A 16) Headstone: “Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away” Albert was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

11 December 1944 Able Seaman C/JX 277075 James Thomas Hawkins. Royal Navy. HMS Casandra. (R62) Born 1910 son of James Thomas and Mary Jane Hawkins of 142 Fenton Road, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1940 James married Mildred Julia Hawkins at Hanley, Church of the Sacred Heart. HMS Cassandra (R62) was a C-class destroyer of the Royal Navy, ordered in February 1942 from . She was originally to be named HMS Tourmaline but this was changed to Cassandra in November 1942 to fit her revised class name. After her commissioning, she served primarily in Northern waters, escorting Russian convoys and was engaged in the search for the German Tirpitz. On 11 December 1944, she was hit by a torpedo from the U-boat U-365 under the command of Oberleutnant zur. 62 men died in the attack and she was towed, first by the Bahamas and then by a Soviet Navy tugboat to Kola Inlet U-365 was sunk with all hands two days later by a Fairey Swordfish launched from the aircraft carrier Campania (Wikipedia) James was one of those killed 11/12/1944 age 34 and commemorated at Chatham Naval Memorial, (panel 75, 2) He was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945, and 1939 -45 Star.

12th December 1920 Private 3830 William Alexander Beardmore. 2/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. Transferred to Labour Corp, transferred to 249th Div. Employment Company Not yet commemorated on the memorial Born 1889 at Fenton son of William and Elizabeth Beardmore of 20 Water Street, Fenton Williams occupation was House Painter. Mrs Beardmore later moved to 29 Crawford St, Fenton. Was enlisted into the 2nd/5th Battalion Territorial Force before being transferred to (281354) 249th Div. Employment Coy. Labour Corps. Although the army in France and Flanders was able to use some railways, steam engines and tracked vehicles for haulage, the immense effort of building and maintaining the huge network of roads, railways, canals, buildings, camps, stores, dumps, telegraph and telephone systems, etc, and also for moving stores, relied on horse, mule and human. In the Middle Eastern theatres, camels were also used. In August 1914 there was no formed body of troops specifically designed for these tasks. In the infantry, manual work near the front lines was carried out by the Pioneer Battalions which were added to each Division. Some infantry regiments formed labour companies and works battalions for work on the lines of communication and at home, but the organisation of manpower was haphazard until the formation of the Labour Corps. William died 12th December 1920, age 31 and buried and commemorated at Fenton Cemetery, Stoke-on-Trent. (Grave Ref: ) Headstone “Rest in peace. Amen” He was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

13 December 1917 Private 46966 Arthur Mollart. Royal Army Medical Corps. 62nd Gen Hosp Born in 1874 Arthur married Ada Smith in 1905 at Fenton. Christ Church. On Forces War Records Arthur was recorded as living at Chester while his daughter Phyllis (as N of K) was living at 34, Regent Rd, (now Smithpool Rd) Fenton Died: 13 December 1917, age 43 and is commemorated at the Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamara. Greece. (Grave Ref 184) Headstone: “Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh” Arthur was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

15th December 1918 Private 49094 Thomas Henry Abbots 2nd/5th North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment Son of Mary Ellen Abbotts, and the late Thomas Abbots of 19 George St, Fenton, later 46, Clarence St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Thomas in 1911 age 12 was recorded as still at school. 2/5th Battalion Territorial Force was formed at Hanley in 1914. In February 1917 they were mobilised for war and landed in France and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; The pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, The Battle of Polygon Wood, The capture of Bourlon Wood. Died of his wounds, 15th December 1918 age 18 and commemorated at the Ribecourt Road Cemetery, Trescault. Pas de Calais, France. (Grave Ref: I.C.21) Headstone “Sweetly Resting” Thomas was awarded the British War & Victory medals. Ribecourt was taken on the 20/11/1917 by the 6th Division, but at the conclusion of the Battle of Cambrai it remained practically on the British front line; it was lost in March 1918 and recaptured the following 27th September. In Ribecourt Road Cemetery, Rows B, C and D in Plot I contain graves of November 1917 to February 1918, chiefly of the 51st (Highland) and 59th (North Midland) Divisions; but the remainder of the cemetery was made in October 1918, almost entirely by the 42nd Division (who called it the Divisional Cemetery, Trescault). There are now over 250, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified. Boer war Memorial 15th December 1899

Corporal 3482 Thomas Lowe (Initials T/F) 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Force: Natal Field Force Killed: 15th December 1899 at Colenso Memorials: St Stephen's Green. Arch. Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Dublin, Eire Town Hall Plaque. CTV, Fenton, Staffordshire. Arch. Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Notes: Initial 'F' The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Relief of Ladysmith. Gazetteer: [2828:2844-2950] a village in Natal Colony (Estcourt district; KwaZulu-Natal), 21 km south of Ladysmith. The town commanded a strategically important crossing by road and rail between northern Natal and the Natal Midlands. After the British retreat to Ladysmith*, the town was garrisoned by the 2nd The Royal Dublin Fusiliers and several locally recruited units as well as the Natal Naval Volunteers with two 9-pounder guns. The arrival of Boer artillery on the heights to the north of the river which command the town caused the evacuation of the garrison to Estcourt on 2/3 November 1899. Boer commandos crossed the river on to the plain surrounding the town on 14 November. On 15 December the Natal Army under Gen Sir R.H. Buller mounted an assault on the crossing, Maj-Gen A.F. Hart's 5th infantry brigade ordered to cross the river at Bridle Drift (1)* and then move eastwards towards the town whilst Maj-Gen H.J.T. Hildyard's 2nd infantry brigade was to make a frontal assualt after a preliminary artillery bombardment. Hart's brigade failed to find the crossing and was withdrawn under heavy Boer fire; Col C.J. Long, RHA, positioned his guns too close to the well-hidden Boer front lines, was severel shelled and shot at and forced to abandon them; Hildyard's brigade was used to cover the retreat of these units. Five companies of the 2nd The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) regiment occupied Colenso before being ordered to withdraw. For gallantry in treating the wounded under heavy fire during this operation, Maj W. Babtie, RAMC, was awarded the Victoria Cross. For attempting to retrieve the abandoned guns of the 14th and 66th batteries Royal Field Artillery under heavy fire, Capt H.N. Schofield, Royal Field Artillery, Capt W.N. Congreve, Rifle Brigade, Lt the Hon F.H.S. Roberts, King's Royal Rifle Corps, Capt H.L. Reed, Royal Field Artillery, Cpl G.E. Nurse, Royal Field Artillery, and Pte C. Ravenhill, Royal Scots Fusiliers, were each awarded the Victoria Cross. After a sequence of reverses upstream, Buller attempted to force the Thukela crossing downstream with a deserted Colenso village on his left flank. Preparatory to the main attack on 21 February 1900 against Boer positions based on Hlangwane*, the 2nd The Royal Dublin Fusiliers entered the village on 20 February followed by Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry; the latter unit crossed the river soon after daybreak on the following day when a pont was brought to the village. By 22 February Hart's brigade was positioned in Colenso ready to advance and the village was once again in British control. It was the location of a white concentration refugee camp. HMG I pp.262, 264, 267 and 345-375 (map nos. 15 and 15(a)), II pp.460-461, 468-469 and 533 (map nos.30(a) and 30(b)), IV pp.669 and 700; Times II pp.427-459 (map facing p.456), III pp.507 and 513-542 (map facing p.542); Breytenbach III pp.448- 449 (map facing p.558); Wilson I pp.87-109 (map on p.95), II pp.458-462 (photographs and map on p.473); Trichardt pp.128-133 (map facing p. 119); Duxbury; Cd.819; Barnard cap.3 (map on pp.44-45); Griffith pp.177-209 (map on p.179). A Gazetteer of the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. HM & MGM Jones (Military Press, Milton Keynes 1999) 18th December 1914 Private 10957 George Ernest Copple Smith Rymer. 7th Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment Born 1890 at Clay Cross Derbyshire and living at 1 Minshall Street, Fenton (Mrs Smith) Died at home on 18th December 1914 and is commemorated at Tidworth Military Cemetery, Wiltshire (Grave C.120) George was awarded the 1914 Star, the British War & Victory medals.

20th December 1914 Private 5864 William Henry Wheawall (490) 1st Bn North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales's) Regiment In August 1914 the 1st Battalion were stationed at Buttevant, Ireland as part of the 17th Brigade of the 6th Division and then move to Cambridge and then on to Newmarket. In September 1914 they mobilised for war and landed at St. Nazaire and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the actions on the Aisne heights. William was killed in Action 20th December1914, age 32 and is commemorated at the Ploegsteert Memorial, Hainaut, Belgium (Panel 8) He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War & Victory medals. The memorial commemorates more than 11,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in this sector during the First World War and have no known grave. The memorial serves the area from the line Caestre-Dranoutre- Warneton to the north, to Haverskerque-Estaires-Fournes to the south, including the towns of Hazebrouck, Merville, Bailleul and Armentieres, the Forest of Nieppe, and Ploegsteert Wood. The original intention had been to erect the memorial in Lille. Most of those commemorated by the memorial did not die in major offensives, such as those which took place around Ypres to the north, or Loos to the south. Most were killed in the course of the day-to-day trench warfare which characterised this part of the line, or in small scale set engagements, usually carried out in support of the major attacks taking place elsewhere.

24th December 1916. Private 25239 Samuel Frost (174) 1st Bn Cheshire Regiment Born in Burslem and living in Longton, son of Mrs S Frost, 28 Raglon Street, Fenton The 1st Cheshire Regt were mobilised for war in August 1914 and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including. In 1916 they were engaged in the Attacks on High Wood, The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Flers- Courcelette, The Battle of Morval, The Battle of Le Transloy as part of Battle of the Somme Samuel was killed in action 24th December 1916. Age 45 and is commemorated at the Gorre British and Indian Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France (Grave ref 111.D.20)The chateau at Gorre was occupied early in the war by troops serving with the British Expeditionary Force and the Indian Corps, and the cemeteries, located in the south-east corner of original the chateau grounds, were begun in the autumn of 1914. Samuel was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

26th December 1917 Able Seaman R/5181 John Palmer. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Nelson Bn R.N. Div Born 1st January 1895 at Kilmark, Scotland son of Mrs. Matilda Palmer, of 35, Park St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Army Reserve 7/12/15; Entered 13/7/17; Draft for BEF 12/11/17, joined Nelson Battalion 24/11/17-26/12/17 Discharged Dead. Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action on the 26th December 1917 age 22 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 1.A MR21) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. John was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

27th December 1914 Private 10914 Isaac Colclough 1st Bn Not yet commemorated on the WW1 Memorial.

Born 1895 at Longton son of Edward Colclough, of 15, Foley St., Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, and the late Lucy Colclough. In 1904 Edward remarried Rachel Seckerson at a Civil Ceremony at Stoke-on-Trent and the family remained at 15th Foley Street. Isaac was employed as a Potters Earthenware Handler. 1st Battalion SWB in August 1914 were stationed at Bordon as part of the of the , mobilised for war and landed at Havre and engaged in various actions on the Western Front including; 1914 The Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, First Battle of Ypres. Isaac died of Wounds 27th December 1914 age 19 in No 10 Stationary Hospital (St Omer) and is commemorated at the Longuenesse (St Hoer) Souvinir Cemetery. Pas de Calais, France I.A.29 He was awarded the British War & Victory medals.

29th December 1916 Private 40719 John Francis Stanyer. 12th Bn (Prince of Wales’s Own) West Yorkshire Regiment. Formerly 5557, 3/5Th North Staffs Regt Born 1896 at Fenton son of Letitia and the late William Stanyer, of 29A, Park Lane, Fenton In 1911 John was boarding at Bedlington, Northhumberland being employed as a Farm Labourer. 12th (Service) Battalion formed in 1914 as part of the Third New Army (K3) and moved to Halton Park, as part of the 63rd Brigade of the 21st Division and then moved to Leighton Buzzard area. In September 1915 they were mobilised for war and landed at Havre. In 1916 they were engaged in the Actions of the Bluff and St Eloi Craters, the Battle of Albert, the Battle of Bazentin, the Battle of Delville Wood, the Battle of the Ancre. John died of wounds 29th December 1916 age 20 and is commemorated at Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, Seine- Maritime, France ( Grave ref: II.J.12) Headstone: “Thy will be done” There are now 2,128 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery and seven from the Second World War. The cemetery also contains more than 200 German war graves. John was awarded the British War & Victory medals. 29th December 1940

Civilian. John Thomas Nicklin. Civilian War Dead. Not yet commemorated on the WW2 Memorial.

Son of Mrs A Nicklin. 20 High Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Son of Mrs. A. Nicklin. Date of Death: 29/12/1940. Age: 20 at Rolles Royce Works. Commemorated at Crewe Municipal Borough, Cheshire. John was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945 and 1939-45 Star.

WW1: North Staffords savage hand to hand fighting at 'Devil's Wood' during the Battle of the Somme

By RichardAult | Posted: September 05, 2016

0 COMMENTS 1 SHARES image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/Article/images/29668754/15332128-large.jpg

The fighting was savage at Delville Wood

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THERE was a reason Delville Wood earned its nickname, 'Devil's wood' – "for no-one fortunate to escape from this hell can think of it without recalling hours of suffering and the names of many good comrades now no more."

Those words were written after the end of the First World War by Sidney John Worsley, one of the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment's officers during the Battle of the Somme.

The 1st North Staffords had not been called to go over the top on the opening day of the so-called, 'Big Push', when almost 20,000 British troops were killed.

They had been kept largely in reserve throughout July, before being called to dig trenches under heavy fire during August.

But finally, the battalion began it's biggest test on the Somme, when the officers of C and D companies, including Second Lieutenant Sidney Worsley, went to Delville Wood to reconnoitre the terrain, followed the next day by Major Arthur Conway, the officers of A and B companies, and the signal sergeants.

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Historian Richard Ellis, of Dresden – who has researched the role of the North Staffordshire battalions at the Somme, including the 1st North – said: "The next night they began a tour which, according to the writer of the battalion history, 'no one who took part in it is likely to forget'. "Delville Wood formed practically a salient angle on which the British front line facing east, swung back to face north.

"After the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, the British tried to advance on both flanks to straighten the salient here in order to reach good jumping off positions for a general attack.

"The Germans tried to eliminate the salient and to retain the ground, which shielded them from view and overlooked British positions.

"The wood had been captured after the most brutal fighting by the South African Brigade on July 15, ever since the Germans had counter attacked to retake it." image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc- images/276370/binaries/German_trench_Delville_Wood_September_1916.jpg

An abandoned German trench at Delville Wood, pictured in September, 1916

It was dark and raining when the North Staffords moved up to their new positions on the edge of the wood. As they moved forward, they were shelled by the enemy and their guides lost their way in the ever-changing lunar landscape. It took them three hours to reach their place in the trenches.

Lt Worsley was from Padstow in Cornwall, but for the course of the war he was a North Stafford, in charge of a platoon of ex- miners, tough men forged deep underground in collieries like Hanley Deep Pit and Sneyd Colliery.

Lt Worsley described the march to those trenches on that first night: "Every semblance of a trench seemed full of dead-sodden, squelchy, swollen bodies. Fortunately the blackening faces were invisible except when Verey lights lit up the indescribable scene. Not a tree stood whole in that wood.

"The weary tramp in single file went on for about three hours. Men carried heavy loads of equipment, bombs, rifle ammunition, Lewis guns, petrol tins of water, gas helmets, and so on. How they cursed as they one after the other collided with some obstacle or fell flat on a dead body. 'Pass it along when you're all up', 'mind the wire', 'Mind the hole on the left' – interspersed with humorous though trite remarks as to the first five years being the worst."

Six men were killed during the journey to the front line, including Private Alfred Atkins of Fenton, Pte John Birks, of Paradise Street, Longton, Pte Christopher Woolam from Hanley, and Pte Alfred Mountford, a miner who lived with his wife and two children at 25 Bold Street, Sandford Hill – and who was a new arrival to the Western Front, having enlisted the year before.

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C Company, which included 2nd Lt Worsley and his men, found themselves in a shallow and incomplete depression known as 'Edge Trench'. To their left was D Company, and to their immediate right was 'Ale Alley', occupied by the 1st South Staffordshire Regiment.

B company was in 'Devil's Trench' and A Company in reserve in 'York Avenue'.

But the two C Company officers decided they were in a precarious position, in a shallow trench so close to the wood – a position which was sure to be targeted by German artillery.

They decided to move forward, to get the skilled miners in their company to dig a trench 50 to 100 yards further forward, to avoid the anticipated shell fire. They didn't get chance. The shells began falling at 9am on August 31. At noon the Germans attacked the South Staffords based in Ale Alley, but were repelled – partly thanks to a Lewis machine gun they had borrowed from their neighbours in Edge Trench.

A second attack followed at 7pm when the enemy succeeded in capturing part of Ale Alley, including the trench's strongest point, where the Lewis gun had been abandoned by the South Staffords.

Mr Ellis, a retired history teacher at Longton High School, said: "In all, between 30 and 40 yards of trench was captured and the whole flank was in the air.

The battalion war diary is quite blunt about this. The writer claims that the attack was, 'more easily successful than it should otherwise have been'. "There was now the danger that the whole position could be turned and part of the wood lost." image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/RichardEllis.JPG

Historian Richard Ellis

C Company's position had also been attacked. They had repelled the enemy with machine gun fire. but Lt Worsley was given the news that the company commander had been wounded and was out of action, while his fellow had been killed, leaving him in command.

The German's capture of Ale Alley to their right meant the North Staffords now effectively shared a trench with the enemy, with only a hastily built barrier separating them.

Company headquarters, where C Company's greatcoats, food and orders were stored, was on the other side of the barrier, now occupied by the Germans.

That left Lt Worsley and about 50 or 60 of his men, isolated and cut off, Germans all around them. Most of the men, including Lt Worsley, were suffering from dysentery, or were wounded. They were short on food and ammunition.

He wrote: "The only thing to do was to strengthen the barrier as best we could and lie low. There would probably be dirty work at that barrier later on.

"The day was, in fact, uneventful; but as evening drew on we again prepared for the fray. It was not to be supposed that the success of the enemy would not be pushed home, and, as far as we could tell, only two weak companies stood between them and the possession of Delville Wood. "Sure enough, the attack began at dusk and again it lasted for three hours. This time it was no frontal attack across the open but a determined push down the shared trench and behind in the shelter of the stumps of trees.

"It is difficult, and even a week later it was difficult, to recall those three hours.

"It is only on Armistice Day that I can live them again; but I don't want tell anyone about it. There was hand-to-hand fighting with knives, bombs, and bayonets; cursing and brutality on both sides such as men can be responsible for when it is a question of. 'your life or mine'; mud and filthy stench; dysentery and unattended wounds; shortage of food and water and ammunition.

"The fighting ceased and a curiously fitful peace settled over the scene. In some ways fighting was preferable – one's mind was distracted. Inactivity in such surroundings was harder than risking one's life. For an hour or two that night I lay on a board in a bay of the trench and slept.

"But an hour before dawn we were at it again, getting ready for the expected onslaught at daybreak. Why this did not come I have never been able to make out. There was no reason at all why the wood should not have been recaptured completely, especially as, on looking through our supplies, we could not muster more than 500 rounds of rifle ammunition and thirty bombs."

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It was a senior sergeant, 'very much alive and as aggressive as ever', who suggested a party should be sent to try to recapture the company headquarters, in the German side of the trench.

So Lt Worsley, his sergeant and four volunteers crept out into the German-occupied section of the trench in a brazen attempt to recapture their lost food.

"Before dawn was far advanced we peeped carefully over the barrier half-expecting something unpleasant," wrote Lt Worsley.

"One German was asleep on a fire-step five or six yards from us, and there was not a sign of activity. In these circumstances we agreed to risk it. I, being armed with a revolver, was to act as a sort of advanced guard while the others were to trail behind with bombs and bayonets to deal with any opposition.

"The essential factor for success was quietness – no bomb throwing or shooting except as a last resource. Nothing but a bayonet was in fact necessary, much to our amazement. Some half-dozen weary and comatose Germans were quietly and expeditiously removed from the active list, and Company Headquarters was gained in safety."

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It seemed the trench had been all but abandoned by the Germans, apart from the sleeping enemy soldiers who were quietly put to death. The company maps and orders, which had all been carefully packed up by the Germans, were retrieved.

Still, it was impossible for Worsley and his men to get back, so they waited at their posts, expecting the Germans to return in force at any moment.

Finally, at 4pm, on what was now September 1, 1916, a British aeroplane appeared overhead, flying a reconnaissance mission to discover which sections of the line were still held by British troops.

C Company fired flares to show they were still in position. An hour later – using instructions carefully relayed by the airman – a brigade of infantry, supported by artillery fire moved forward to recapture the line – and C Company was able to slip away.

Lt Worsley said: "I have always wanted to thank that airman. He must have taped us out with great accuracy, because when an hour later our own guns opened fire and put a box barrage round us, not a single shell fell in our lines.

"This bombardment meant that an attack was being launched in order to get us out and at dusk the attack came. A whole brigade of infantry, well supported by artillery, had been put in to restore the line, and they did it splendidly despite the heavy shelling of the enemy, especially on the thick areas through which they had advanced.

"Gradually we were able to slip away. I had now pronounced dysentery and was helped by two men. We were all so far gone and so tired that we never hesitated to rest when and where we felt inclined, shelling or no shelling. I called at Battalion Headquarters and reported as best I could what had happened. The 'powers-that-be' were most complimentary on the work of the company and the adjutant's, 'Well done, C Company'! made up for a good deal." image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/MilitaryCross1.JPG

The Military Cross

Lt Worsley had already received the Military Cross in the King's Birthday Honours, but he received a bar to the medal – effectively a second MC – for his actions Delville Wood. He was later promoted to captain and served with the 4th Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment. He was awarded a second bar to his MC in 1918, for his conduct during a retreat and for carrying out a, 'daring reconnaissance', on a motorbike.

He was then awarded the Distinguished Service Order for leading his company in capturing an enemy field gun. The next day, September 29, 1918, he was shot in the chest while leading an attack against heavy machine gun fire, the bullet passing through both lungs. He was aged just 23.

Yet Capt Worsley, as he was then, survived the war. But when he came to write his recollections of the Great War – which were first published in Everyman at War (1930) edited by CB Purdom, it was his experience at 'Devil's Wood', rather that was foremost in his mind.

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DID YOU KNOW: The Battle of Delville Wood started on July 15, 1916, when the South African 1st Infantry Brigade was ordered to take the wood, 'at all costs'. The wood was finally cleared of Germans by September 3, 1916. By that time not a single tree had survived unscathed and what had become a barren wasteland was littered with the shattered stumps of broken trees. The Germans retook the wood in March 1918, during the Spring Offensive.

2,536 – How many casualties suffered by the South Africans at Delville Wood. At the start of the attack the South African 1st Infantry had a strength of 3,155 men.

7,000 – The strength of the German force defending Delville Wood at the start of the battle.

105 – How many officers and men of the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment were killed in action, or died of wounds on the Somme.

Read more at http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/ww1-north-staffords-savage-hand-to-hand-fighting-at-devil-s-wood-during-the- battle-of-the-somme/story-29668754-detail/story.html#zQRtDpYUhtly0AXt.99 WW1: No escape from 'Devil's Wood' at the Somme for these 15 North Staffordshire Regiment soldiers

By RichardAult | Posted: September 11, 2016

0 COMMENTS 2 SHARES image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/Article/images/29694417/15398480-large.jpg

British troops about to go over the top during the Battle of the Somme

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PRIVATE Edward Elkin couldn't believe his ill fortune.

One moment he was basking in the glow of relief, at having survived the fighting at Delville Wood. Grief for his fallen comrades could come later, all he wanted to do was to get out of the trenches and get away from the front lines for a few days of well earned rest.

But his ordeal was not over. By the cruel hand of fate, he was picked as one of a handful of men with orders to make one more attack on the German positions.

Just 15 unlucky souls were selected for what would be a virtual suicide mission, commanded by Second Lieutenant Harold Buchanan Ryley, one of three officers all educated at Emanuel School in Battersea, London, and adopted by the men of the Potteries who made up the 1st Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment.

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Private Elkin, a former gardener who had also worked at shoemakers E. Bostock & Son in Stone before the war, was one of the men chosen to go with him. The 34-year-old from Stone had been with the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment since 1908, and had been mobilised four days after the start of the war, joining the British Expeditionary Force on November 11, 1914. He had been fighting with the 1st North Staffords since then. He was an experienced soldier who had witnessed all the horrors the Western Front had to offer up. He'd seen close friends killed in front of him, he'd watched men who could take no more succumb to shell shock, and he'd felt the pain of a gunshot wound personally, when he was hit in the back on April 17, 1915.

That wound had bought him a ticket home to Blighty. But he had recovered and was back with his regiment in time for the Battle of the Somme. The 1st North Staffords had taken a back seat during the early phases of the 'Big Push'. But in late August and early September, they had more than done their share.

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The savage hand-to-hand fighting they had been embroiled in at Delville Wood, so-called 'Devil's Wood', was among the fiercest the regiment saw during the whole of the campaign.

As Private Elkin moved up to Devil's Trench, he could be forgiven for casting an envious eye at those comrades who were being relieved and sent back to the reserve positions.

But Private Elkin, a 34-year-old soldier from Stone, was not alone in his misfortune that day.

With him were Arnold Willis Wright, a 20-year-old from Friars Wood Road, Newcastle, Private Leonard Johnson, a 34-year-old Longton soldier, and Sergeant Miles Little, an 'old sweat' of 34, and a respected leader, who actually came from Birmingham but was enmeshed in the North Staffordshire battalion.

In all two platoons of B Company – some 15 men – were moved up to Devil's Trench, led by Lt Ryley, with the rest of B Company nearby in York trench. image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/LtHaroldRyley.jpg

Second Lieutenant Harold Buchanan Ryley

Lt Ryley had been instructed by his commanding officer to prevent the Germans working round the rear of Edge Trench. Although the men of B Company no doubt groaned and complained at the soldier's lot, it was a necessary job. At least it meant they would remain in a defensive position in their trench, while the worst of the fighting had already passed – or so they thought. Instead an officer, sergeant and lance corporal of the 2nd Queen's Regiment came into Devil's Trench, demanding to speak to the commander. The 2nd Queen's officer was senior to Lt Riley and he ordered the young officer to co-operate with a counter attack which was being launched by his battalion.

The attack was scheduled to take place within 30 minutes, giving Lt Ryley no time to report back to his own battalion HQ. In that moment his fate was sealed, along with the 15 men of the two platoons he commanded in Devil's Trench.

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Lt Ryley gave the order to fix bayonets. The men looked at each other, all exhausted, fearful, and fatalistic given the task ahead of them – yet determined to do their duty.

At the appropriate time ordered by the 2nd Queen's officer, Lt Ryley led his men over the top of Devil's Trench. Shouting their battle cries, they charged across No Man's Land, a small team of the men carrying a Lewis Gun with them which would be used in a rapid fire support to the attack.

No sooner had they stepped over the parapet that heavy machine gun fire poured into the men from the German lines. The North Staffords were attacking through Delville Wood, but the stunted remains of trees that had long since been shattered by bombs and bullets offered scant cover. Artillery fire opened up and the Lewis gun was knocked out by a shell.

Leading the attack, Lt Ryley was killed almost immediately, cut down by machine gun fire. His men fared little better. Sgt Little, that experienced old sweat from Birmingham, led a handful of men to within bombing range of the enemy, but none managed to get into the trench. They were nearly all killed by machine gun fire.

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Among the 1st North Staffords' who were died that day were Lance Corporal T Bailey, Pte WC Taylor, Pte Edward Morris, aged 23, Pte Henry Thomas Bond, and Pte William Williamson, a 34-year-old Tamworth man.

Lt Ryley, Sgt Little, Pte Wright and Pte Johnson were also among the dead.

Lying nearby, close to where his old comrades fell, the body of Pte Edward Elkins, the former gardener from Stone, lay in the mud. His body was recovered after the battle and buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, in Longueval, France. He lies there to this day, just a few plots away from Sgt Little.

The remains of Lt Ryley were never recovered, nor were those of Pte Wright or Pte Johnson. Their names are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/BT%20somme5.JPG

British troops leaving a trench at the Somme

Historian Richard Ellis, of Dresden – who has researched the role of the North Staffordshire Regiment in the Battle of the Somme – said: "After the battle, Major General Capper, the 24th Divisional commander, asked for a report on this incident.

"In his reply, the North Staffordshire's commanding officer was clearly very annoyed about how this junior officer's life had been needlessly sacrificed. He commented that the action of the 2nd Queen's could have been disastrous for the whole British position in the wood."

Brigadier General Mitford, who commanded the 72nd Infantry Brigade within the 24th Division – of which the 1st North Staffords were part – responded to Major General Capper, repeatedly criticising the 2nd Queen's and the lack of communication throughout the action. His report, which is preserved within the battalion's war diary, says: "The action of the 2nd Queen's.... might have led to disaster and the loss of our whole front line.

"The O.C. (officer commanding) 2nd Queen's never once communicated with me and it was only by accident I heard of that battalion being in the neighbourhood."

It is clear General Mitford was very bitter about the needless death of Lt Ryley and his men.

Just five months after he died, Lt Ryley's elder and only brother, Donald Arthur George Buchanan Ryley, a full lieutenant also serving with the North Staffordshire Regiment, was killed on February 11, 1917. Like his younger brother, his body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.

That same year, on December 15, 1917, their father, Lieutenant Harold Buchanan Ryley senior died fighting with the Sussex Regiment in Palestine. He is buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery.

On September 6, 1916, the survivors of the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment finally left Devil's Wood, moving to Dernancourt.

All the men had lost close friends and lived through an horrific experience of the horrors of war which they would relive in their nightmares.

As the battalion history states of that time at Delville Wood: "No-one who took part in it is likely to forget." image: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276370/binaries/LtFrankGodfrey.jpg

Second Lieutenant Frank William Godfrey

DID YOU KNOW? Among five officers of the 1st North Staffords killed, three were second lieutenants, all educated at Emanuel School in Battersea, London. Ivor Austin While, who had been elected captain of the school's rugby team in 1913, was killed on August 31, 1916, leading a bombing attack in Edge Trench. Frank William Godfrey was killed by shell fire on September 3, and Harold Buchanan Ryley died two days later leading a bayonet charge. It is a mystery how three London-educated officers with no ties to North Staffordshire ended up in the county's battalion. Perhaps a teacher or instructor had served with the North Staffords in the past and recommended them, or perhaps they simply chose to join a regiment where they could all stay together.

50 – How many men of the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment were killed at Delville Wood. That figure includes five officers and 45 other ranks.

155 – The number of 1st North Staffords who were wounded in the fighting. There were also nine men who were classed as 'missing'.

105 – The total number of 1st North Staffords who were killed in action or died of their wounds in fighting during the Battle of the Somme.

Read more at http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/ww1-no-escape-from-devil-s-wood-at-the-somme-for-these-15-north-staffordshire- regiment-soldiers/story-29694417-detail/story.html#tueS0sBMbIERpXsq.99

WW1: An 'almost suicidal' order for Staffords By The Sentinel | Posted: June 20, 2014

137th (Staffordshire) Brigade (46th North Midland Division) being addressed by Brigadier Campbell on the enemy bank of the St. Quentin Canal, having carried out a brilliant assault on the Hindenburg Line on September 29, 1918. Comments (0) OVERHEAD the mammoth Allied artillery shells carved giant arcs to the German lines and in the trenches below men ate their biscuits and smoked their pipes, and hoped for one more sunrise. Zero hour for the third Battle of Ypres was fixed for 03.50 on the morning of July 31, 1917 – almost a year after the cruel struggle for the Somme. But this was to be different. The intense, mind-pounding barrage that was ripping apart the night sky was to blast a huge gap in the German defences. Among the tensed divisions staring out into the darkness and waiting for the first flush of dawn were 11 battalions from the North and South Staffordshire regiments They knew that the aim of the push was to secure part of the Ypres Salient ridge in the Passchendaele village area. It was only 150 feet high – but from it the Germans had been observing and shelling exposed positions in the flat wasteland behind the Allied lines. Afterwards, the battle, which, like the Somme, developed into a slogging series of separate operations spreading over a period of four months, was to be seen, by military historians, as yet another expensive blood-bath. Encouraged by over-optimistic intelligence reports that the Germans would crack with one big push, the Allied war leaders threw division after division into the assault. But seconds after fixing bayonets and charging over the top, the massed troops sensed that something had gone wrong. The further they progressed into the tangled wilderness of a no man's land that was 1,000 yards wide in parts, the more intense grew German machine-gunning. Struggling through mud and barbed wire with up to 801b of equipment strapped to their backs, the Allies fell like mown wheat. Halfway across no man's land the 1st North Staffords had lost almost all of C and B companies. By the time they reached their objective – the German front line in the area of Hill 60 known ironically as Jehovah's Trench – only two officers remained in D company and the battalion's three forward units. Miraculously, the Staffords captured their trench, dug in ahead of it, and hung on sleepless and foodless. They had lost 11 officers and 258 other ranks — almost half their strength, and won two MCs, three DCMs, five MMs and one bar to an MM. As the struggle for Passchendaele ground on from day to aching day, the other Staffordshire battalions showed equal stubbornness and paid the price. The 7th South and the 9th North captured a VC each, the 1st South fought unyieldingly in the battle for Polygon Wood at the end of September, the 9th North carried out vital pioneer work under intense shell fire, and the 2/5th and the 2/6th plunged beyond the Menin road and hit deeply into the German defences. But each day faces that had that morning smiled at a friend or cursed the enemy were left frozen in death. By the end of the third, Ypres losses for both North and South Staffordshire Regiments were approaching 10,000 – a staggeringly high proportion of the men they had been able to put into the field. And further disaster, further glory, was to come. When the was completely overrun at the beginning of a major German counter-offensive in 1918, the 1st North were left with 42 survivors out of 600 men. As the war dragged to a close, two more bitter blows were to hit the regiment thousands of miles apart. Part of the 46th (North Midland), the first Terriers to land in France, the 1/6th had already suffered heavily with the 1/5th at Hohenzollern and on the Somme. Now the 6th, with units from the South Staffords, were given an almost suicidal order – to break the German's heavily fortified Hindenburg Line at one of its strongest points on the St Quentin Canal. Higher Command knew the defences were so strong that the most they hoped for from the initial attack was to pin down enemy reserves. But after a containing action, the Staffords, on the morning of September 28, cursing thick mist which hid the ground beneath them but later proved valuable camouflage, went over the top and down a long slope towards the German trenches. Less than three hours after starting the attack, they had overrun the advance enemy positions, crossed 2,000 yards of open ground and a canal, smashed through one of the best trench systems on the Western Front, cleared a village and taken more than 2,000 prisoners. Their casualties – 25 officers and 555 men. Afterwards, a military historian was to write: "This has gone down as one of the most magnificent feats of World War I." And then there was Baku. For the 7th North Staffords, Mesopotamia and the Turks had been hell on earth. But in September of 1918, they had a change of scene, though the enemy was the same. They were moved into North Persia to defend Baku's rich oilfields, left exposed by a Russia torn by the internal conflict of the revolution. The Staffords, singing in the sunshine and 'much impressed with the Russian women after the heavily-veiled Arabs,' marched into the city unopposed. They settled down to a cosy occupation and their only constant complaint was the abundance of Russian caviar, which they disgustedly called 'fish's eyes' and happily swapped for jam. Then the Turks struck with an instant power and savagery that swept aside the defending garrison. More than half the 7th fell in a hurried evacuation. Many of them were only wounded – but the Turks rarely cared for wounded soldiers and none of them were seen again. Dozens more, without proper food or rest or medical care, died from what would normally have been minor wounds – and from an outbreak of Spanish 'flu. To their horror, the beaten garrison were told that without reinforcements they were to attempt to storm the city against an enemy that, for all their cruelty and laziness, were among the world's finest fighters. And then the Turks looked over their shoulders and saw the end of the war in sight – and sought a truce. For the 7th, as for their comrades in Europe, peace was on the way. On November 11, the following priority-urgent signal went out to all Allied troops: "Hostilities will cease at 11 hours today, November 11. Troops will stand fast on line reached at that hour which will be reported by wire to Advance Army HQ. Defensive precautions will be maintained. "There will be no intercourse of any description with the enemy until receipt of instructions from Army HQ. Further instructions follow."

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Albert and Thiepval part in the Battle of Albert (1–13 July 1916), comprised the first two weeks of Anglo-French offensive operations in the Battle of the Somme. On 1 July 1916, supported by a French attack to the south, thirteen divisions of Commonwealth forces launched an offensive on a line from north of Gommecourt to Maricourt. Despite a preliminary bombardment lasting seven days, the German defences were barely touched and the attack met unexpectedly fierce resistance. Losses were catastrophic and with only minimal advances on the southern flank, the initial attack was a failure. In the following weeks, huge resources of manpower and equipment were deployed in an attempt to exploit the modest successes of the first day. However, the German Army resisted tenaciously and repeated attacks and counter attacks meant a major battle for every village, copse and farmhouse gained. At the end of September, Thiepval was finally captured. The village had been an original objective of 1 July. commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 14B and 14C.) Cyril was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

Acknowledgments

The Long, Long Road. http://www.1914-1918.net/bat30.htm CWGC Battle of the Somme War Illistrated www.firstworldwar.com/onthisday/1918 www.1914-1918.net http://www.1914-1918.net/ http://www.1914-1918.net http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/rfaLXXVIIIBrigade.php http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-battle-of-ypres www.thepotteries.org/local_history/013.htm