2nd Battalion Drafts (Gheluvelt Roll in mind)

[peter]

David,

I don't have any more information than you already have for 6499 Jackson. I did take another look for him but again nothing new. His younger brother Henry served with RE, might be worth looking into (though not a lot to go on).
Regards
Peter

[peter]

David,

Have taken another look for him and believe I have something. Found his older brother James on 1911 census living at 14 Elm Terrace, Bletchley, married (wife named Jane). 1939 register Jane still living at 14 Elm Terrace but widowed. James b. 25th August 1863 son of William Samuel and Sarah Ellen Jackson (nee Powell m. 4th august 1861). Have found 1871 and 1881 census records with john on (b. 30th October 1870). Confusing information from his service records, Attestation papers would suggest born 1877 but SWB gives age 48 suggesting born 1870. Other family members, Sarah Ellen sister and Lucy Ann sister and younger brother Harry (Henry). Mother had died before 1891 (census) and Father had died before 1903. Also have 1891 census record for James (married).Nothing for John for 1891 or 1901 census though.

Regards
Peter

[Glyde]

Peter,

That's a very good start, thank you. I'm currently re-visiting my men so have moved on, probably be next you before I get back to John Jackson so hopefully by then there might be more documents around to be found.

Again thank you a significant find on your part!

All the best,

David

[Trick]

Peter.

I have extended the collection again, a 14 trio & two 14 stars all to the 2nd Btn. I can find little information on all of them unfortunately. Trio to 8886 Frederick Bretherton. Went to France 30/08/14. Wounded 19/07/16 and transferred to Labour Corps. 278879.
Stars to 9624 William Albert Smithers & 11972 Archibald Moss. Both to France 12/08/14. That's it I'm afraid. Question is were they chargers?

Regards, Rich.

Still looking for Chantler Medals.

[peter]

Rich,

I have all 3 men down as ?
Although I have not found any reports regarding wound(s) or sickness for any of them for the period Aug -Dec 1914 I am keeping an open mind regards being present at Gheluvelt. I don't have much information other than the usual for Bretherton or Moss but a little more on Smithers. Born 6th Dec 1886 Guildford son of William and Ellen Smithers. His service number would suggest he enlisted Nov 1905 and according to his marriage details (2nd May 1914) he was a bandsman serving with 2nd Worcestershire Regiment (stationed at Aldershot) aged 26. Married Agnes Kate Lewcock (spinster) aged 19. They had 2 children (Harold 1918 and Joan 1922). He re-married 3rd Oct 1923 aged 36 Ethel Marion Stevens (spinster) aged 34. He married under the name William ALFRED Smithers (bachelor) a bigamous marriage for which he received 3 months (he pleaded guilty). His occupation was butler aged 37 at this time (Jan 1924). 1939 register occupation still butler living with Violet E. Smithers (nee Kemmery, have not found a marriage record although states married) 2 children 1930 and 1933).

Regards

Peter

[Trick]

Thanks Peter.

Again as an optimist, as there is nothing to say they were not there, I will assume they were. Do you have an official number of how many men were actually there?

Regards, Rich.

Still looking for Chantler Medals. (One found to the R.A.)

[peter]

Rich,
Don't know of an official number for Gheluvelt (if only).
Various numbers from 350 to 500+ from different sources but if we take the (possible) total in Stacke's book ''The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War' then we have a total of 561.
The day's fighting had cost the 2nd Worcestershire a third of the Battalion's remaining strength, for 187 of all ranks had been killed or wounded: but their achievement had been worthy of that sacrifice.
It was only 7 days after the Battalion had lost heavily at Polygone Wood on the 24th. Again from Stacke
The casualties of the Battalion in the counter-attack were heavy, about two hundred in all. The figures sent in next day were much under-estimated.
I think that under-estimated says it all, a lack of accurate figures makes it near impossible to put a true figure for either Polygone Wood or Gheluvelt.
Casualty returns from the 5th Infantry Brigade War Diary for 24th and 31st October for 2nd Worcesters
(24th) Killed, Officers 0 OR 6 Wounded, Officers 0 OR 39 Missing, Officers 0 OR 30
(31st) Killed, Officers 0 OR 7 Wounded, Officers 3 OR 112 Missing, Officers 0 OR 35 (all 35 missing were later reported KiA).

Regards
Peter