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- 12th Battalion, Kings Regiment (Liverpool) during the Great War -


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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

12th Battalion, Kings Regiment (Liverpool)



   12th (Service) Battalion, The King's Regiment (Liverpool) was raised at Seaforth 1n tSeptember 1914 as part of Kitchener's Second New Army, and joined 20th (Light) Division as Army Troops. After training close to home with little equipment, they moved to Aldershot. In January 1915 the 12th Kings Liverpool joined 61st Brigade, still with 20th (Light) Division. In February 1915 they Division moved to Guildford, then to Salisbury Plain in April for final training and proceeded to France on the 27th of July 1915, landing at Boulogne, the division concentrating in the Saint-Omer area. They moved to the Fleurbaix area for trench familiarisation. In 1916 they were in action at the The Battle of Mount Sorrel, in which the Division, along with the Canadians, recaptured the heights. They were in action on the Somme in The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy. In 1917 they were in action during The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The Battle of Langemarck, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, The Battle of Polygon Wood and The Cambrai Operations. In 1918 they fought in The Battle of St Quentin, The actions at the Somme crossings and The Battle of Rosieres engaging in heavy fighting in each battle, on the 20th of April they were withdrawn to the area south west of Amiensand received many new drafts of men during the summer. They returned to action at The Battle of the Selle and fought in The Battle of Valenciennes, The Battle of the Sambr and the passage of the Grand Honelle. At the Armitice the Division was in the area between Bavay and Maubeuge and later that month the units moved to the Toutencourt-Marieux area. Demobilistion of the Division began in January 1919 and was complete by the end of May.

20th Jul 1915 On the Move  location map

22nd Jul 1915 On the Move  location map

23rd Jul 1915 On the Move  location map

26th Jul 1915 Orders Issued  location map

26th Jul 1915 Vist  location map

1st Jan 1917 Reliefs  location map

4th Jan 1917 Relief  location map

8th Jan 1917 Adjustment  location map

23rd Jan 1917 Orders Received  location map

25th Jan 1917 Relief Completed  location map

25th Jan 1917 Boundary  location map

26th Jan 1917 Orders  location map

27th Jan 1917 Attack Made  location map

28th Jan 1917 Reliefs Complete  location map

29th Jan 1917 In Reserve

1st Feb 1917 Training

2nd Feb 1917 Training

3rd Feb 1917 Training

4th Feb 1917 Training

5th Feb 1917 Training

6th Feb 1917 Training

7th Feb 1917 In Reserve

8th Feb 1917 Moves

9th Feb 1917 Reliefs  location map

16th Feb 1917 Reliefs Complete  location map

19th Feb 1917 Post Captured  location map

24th Feb 1917 Bombardment  location map

1st Mar 1917 Explosions and Fires  location map

3rd Mar 1917 Reorganisation  location map

4th Mar 1917 Reorganisation  location map

5th Mar 1917 Instructions  location map

7th Mar 1917 Reorganisation  location map

8th Mar 1917 Outposts  location map

10th Mar 1917 Orders  location map

11th Mar 1917 Defence Scheme  location map

12th Mar 1917 Reliefs  location map

13th Mar 1917 Instructions  location map

14th Mar 1917 Orders  location map

15th Mar 1917 Evacuation  location map

16th Mar 1917 Quiet  location map

17th Mar 1917 Withdrawal  location map

18th Mar 1917 Withdrawal  location map

19th Mar 1917 Outposts  location map

19th Mar 1917 Orders Received  location map

20th Mar 1917 Orders

20th Mar 1917 Orders  location map

21st Mar 1917 Line Occupied

22nd Mar 1917 Reliefs

23rd Mar 1917 Reliefs

24th Mar 1917 Patrol

25th Mar 1917 Reorganisation  location map

26th Mar 1917 Ground Gained  location map

27th Mar 1917 Advance  location map

28th Mar 1917 Attack  location map

29th Mar 1917 Advance  location map

30th Mar 1917 Advance  location map

31st Mar 1917 Orders  location map

If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.





Want to know more about 12th Battalion, Kings Regiment (Liverpool)?


There are:5287 items tagged 12th Battalion, Kings Regiment (Liverpool) available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.


Those known to have served with

12th Battalion, Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Agnew William. Pte. (d.30th November 1917)
  • Ainslie Montague Forwood. Lt. (d.17th Apr 1916)
  • Anderson James A.. Pte. (d.12th Sep 1916)
  • Ashton John Edward. Pte.
  • Barton Jonathan. Pte. (d.20th November 1917)
  • Bernes James. L/Cpl. (d.17th Aug 1917)
  • Bernes James. L/Cpl. (d.17th Aug 1917)
  • Bridge Isaac Holt. Pte. (d.29th March 1917)
  • Brockbank Andrew. Pte. (d.25th March 1918)
  • Burnett Jonathan. (d.8th Oct 1916)
  • Cohen Abraham. Pte. (d.7th Oct 1916)
  • Collins MM. Albert James. Cpl.
  • Cotter Thomas. Pte. (d.30th November 1917)
  • Cotton John William. Pte. (d.24th Aug 1916)
  • Cotton John William. Pte. (d.24th Aug 1916)
  • Cowap Donald James. Pte. (d.16th Sep 1916)
  • Davidson John. Pte. (d.3rd October 1916)
  • Easthope Harry. Pte. (d.5th October 1918)
  • Gillings William J.. Pte. (d.21st Dec 1917)
  • Halsall Henry Edward. L/Cpl. (d.16th Sep 1916)
  • Harrington Charles Edward. Pte. (d.3rd March 1916)
  • Hibbert Samuel Edward. Sgt. (d.25th Sep 1915)
  • Hilton Peter. Pte. (d.25th Sep 1915)
  • Hogan James. Sgt.
  • Jones VC. David. Sgt. (d.7th Oct 1916)
  • Kearns John Patrick. Pte. (d.16th August 1917)
  • Keeley John. Pte
  • Kelshaw Richard. Pte (d.10 Sep 1916)
  • Latchford Francis Victor. Pte
  • Marchbank Robert Bruce. Pte. (d.19th Aug 1918)
  • Millett George Henry. Pte. (d.11th April 1916)
  • Monks James. L/Cpl.
  • Neill MM Thomas Charles. Pte.
  • Osbaldiston Robert. Pte. (d.3rd October 1916)
  • Parker Arthur. Sgt. (d.1st May 1916)
  • Sumner Albert. Pte. (d.22nd November 1917)
  • Taylor Samuel. Pte. (d.20th Nov 1917)
  • Timbury Frederick John. Pte.
  • Wall Sydney Frith. Pte. (d.27th Aug 1915)
  • Whalley James. L/Cpl. (d.4th Sep 1916)

All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records of 12th Battalion, Kings Regiment (Liverpool) from other sources.


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  Sgt. David Jones VC. 12th Btn. King's (Liverpool Regiment) (d.7th Oct 1916)

David Jones died on the 7th of October 1916, aged 25 and is buried in the Bancourt British Cemetery, France.

An extract from the London Gazette, No. 29802, dated 24th Oct., 1916, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty, and ability displayed in the handling of his platoon. The platoon to which he belonged was ordered to a forward position, and during the advance came under heavy machine gun fire, the officer being killed and the platoon suffering heavy losses Serjt. Jones led-forward the remainder, occupied the position, and held it for two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved. On the second day he drove back three counter-attacks, inflicting heavy losses. His coolness was most praiseworthy. It was due entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence and held their post."

The action for which David Jones received the Victoria Cross took place at Guillemont in the first week of September 1916, he was killed a month later and buried at Bancourt.

s flynn






  Sgt. James Hogan 12th Btn. King's (Liverpool) Regiment

Sgt. James Hogan: Medal index card

James Hogan was my paternal grandfather. He never spoke of his time in the First World War. We have a copy of his Certificate of 'Transfer to Reserve' on demobilization, dated 18/4/1919, which is not fully legible. Family members, who have since passed, have said that my grandfather was escaping the Germans by swimming the river Somme and that he was shot 5 times. He was put in the "Dead Shed" and whilst a dead body was brought in afterwards, it was noticed that he was moving and taken out.

This is the full extent of our knowledge of James Hogan's service in the British Army and we would be obliged if anyone could furnish us with any further information whatsoever. Thank you in advance for anything you may be in a position to let us have.

<p>Sgt. James Hogan: Certificate of discharge

Trish Yule






  L/Cpl. Henry Edward Halsall 12th Btn. Kings (Liverpool) Regiment (d.16th Sep 1916)

My great uncle, Henry Halsall was the elder brother of my grandma Mary Pearson nee Halsall who both grew up at Lordsgate Farm in Burscough, which is down the road from the Bull and Dog in Burscough run by their cousins the Edges. Henry joined at the outbreak of the war and prior to enlisting was head gardener at Sefton House Lathom. He was the son of John and Ellen Halsall ne Reynolds and husband of Sarah Ellen Halsall and father of two children.

I believe he was killed on 16th September 1916 at Fleurs-Coulette. If any body knows any more information or a near relative it would be great to hear from them.

<p>

John Nicholls






   Jonathan "Joss" Burnett 12th Btn. Kings Regiment (Liverpool) (d.8th Oct 1916)

Joss Burnett and brother Tom

From his 1914 enlistment papers, Joss Burnett was to be married in October 1916. I have never been able to find the name of his fiancee. Joss's brother Thomas was killed in October 1918 and was with the Australian Army, as the family had decided to emigrate after the death of Joss. Upon the day that he joined, Joss was given the Eagle and Child cap badge, which was given to all who enlisted in Liverpool making up the pals regiments by Lord Derby.

John Fletcher






  Pte John Keeley 12th Btn King's Liverpool Regiment

John Keeley was our paternal grandfather, but sadly died before I was born. He served with the 12th Battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment in WW1. I don't have any photos, but still have his war medals.

Beverley Bamford






  Pte. Donald James Cowap 12th Btn. Kings Regiment (Liverpool) (d.16th Sep 1916)

Donald Cowap was the son of John and Victoria Cowap of Waterloo, Liverpool. He had two brothers Charles Overed Netherton and Arthur Victor Cowap who all served in WW1. Donald joined the 12th Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment on 1st of September 1914 at Seaforth, Liverpool aged 25 years and 60 days. He was posted to Flanders and France. He died of his wounds aged 27 on Saturday 16th of September 1916 and is buried at La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie, Somme, France. His mother received his personal effects on 8th of May 1917.

Sue Higginbotham






  Pte. Abraham Cohen 12th Btn. Kings (Liverpool Regiment) (d.7th Oct 1916)

Abraham Cohen was my great uncle; brother of my maternal grandmother. I knew nothing about him until I discovered his photograph amongst my mother's papers. Written on the back was his name and the words died in the war. My research led me to the regiment and date of his death.

My regret is that we never found the photograph before my grandmother's death and as she never mentioned him we were deprived of knowing more personal details about him. He died aged 19 and like so many others was robbed of a life we so often take for granted.







  Pte. Thomas Cotter 12th Battalion Kings Regiment (Liverpool) (d.30th November 1917)

Thoasm Cotter was killed in the German counter offensive at St Waast, east of Cambrai, on Friday, 30th of November 1917. His body was recovered by the enemy and buried at Fontaine-au-Pire Communal Cemetery 11km south-east of Cambrai.







  Pte. Andrew Brockbank 12th Btn. Kings Regiment (Liverpool) (d.25th March 1918)

Andrew Brockbank served with the 12th Btn. Kings (Liverpool) Regiment and the Cheshire Regiment.







  Cpl. Albert James Collins MM. 12th Btn. Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

Corporal Albert Collins was my Granddad's uncle, unfortunately I have no stories to tell.

Victoria Sizer






  Pte. George Henry Millett 12th Battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment (d.11th April 1916)

George Millett served with the 12th Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment. He earned the Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals







  Pte. William J. Gillings 12th Btn. Kings (Liverpool) Regiment (d.21st Dec 1917)

Will Gillings was married to my paternal Grandmother's cousin, Florence Carne. What information we had suggested that he was in Ireland with The Lancers for his military training. It is only now that I have found his death record from WW1 that I have discovered he was in the Kings (Liverpool Regiment) when he fought in France. He was buried in the Berlin South Western Cemetery. I have yet to find out which battle he was killed in. Before he went off to France, he made a model of an officers cap using an old penny and some copper, which he gave to my Grandmother. I inherited this after my father died.

Bian Brooks






  Pte. John William Cotton 12th Btn. King's (Liverpool) Regiment (d.24th Aug 1916)

John Cotton was born in Salford Manchester in 1888. He married Georgina Wilkes in 1906 and they had three children before he went off to war, they were John William born 14th Oct 1908, Isabella born 12th Aug 1911 and Gladys born 14th Sep 1914. Whilst doing his army training he was put on a charge for being drunk in charge of government property, this earned him 10 days confined to barracks. He embarked for France on 24th of July 1915 I am uncertain of his whereabouts after that but on 24th of August 1916, he was wounded. He died of his wounds the same day. His widow Georgina received twenty shillings and six pence a week widows pension.

David Edwards






  L/Cpl. James Bernes 12th Btn. King's (Liverpool) Regiment (d.17th Aug 1917)

Lance Corporal James Bernes, of the 12th Battalion, King's Regiment(Liverpool) died on the 17th of August 1917, aged 28. He was the son of Mrs Margaret Hamilton (formerly Bernes) of 48 St Georges Hill, Everton, Liverpool. James is memorialized at Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke in Belgium. His body was never recovered.

Jeffrey A Williams






  Sgt. Samuel Edward Hibbert 12th Btn. King's Liverpool Regiment (d.25th Sep 1915)

Sam Hibbert served with 12th Btn. King's Liverpool Regiment

Simon Roberts






  Lt. Montague Forwood Ainslie 12th Btn. Kings (Liverpool) Regiment (d.17th Apr 1916)

Montague Forwood Ainslie

Lieutenant Montague Forwood Ainslie was the son of Richard M. Ainslie and Mabel Bower Forwood, and brother of Dorothy, Margaret and Ruth Ainslie, of Childwall Vicarage, Liverpool. Before the war he worked as a bank clerk. He died aged 23 in Boesinghe, Belgium, as a result of amputation due to grenade splinters in his leg. He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. He is also commemorated on a cross in Windermere burial ground erected by his officers; is named on the Childwall Church, Sedbergh School and Martins Bank war memorials, and on a panel in the Liverpool Town Hall of Remembrance.

Kate Forwood






  L/Cpl. James Bernes 12th Btn. Kings Rgt. (Liverpool) (d.17th Aug 1917)

Lance Corporal James Bernes served with the 12th Battalion, the Kings (Liverpool) Regiment and died on 17th August 1917, age 28. He was the son of Mrs M Hamilton (formerly Bernes) of 48, St. George's Hill, Everton, Liverpool.

Jeffrey A. Williams






  Pte. Sydney Frith Wall 12th Btn. King's Liverpool Regiment (d.27th Aug 1915)

Sydney Frith Wall was my wife's great uncle. He was a hairdresser in civilian life. He was killed at Laventie on 27th of August 1915, having been in France for a month. I can find no report of any action on that date. It is stated he died of wounds but he has no known grave, and is commemorated on the "Plug Street" memorial. He was 25.

Arthur Stuttard






  Pte Richard Kelshaw 12th Btn. King's Liverpool Regt (d.10 Sep 1916)

Richard Kelshaw was born in 1884 in Hulme, Manchester. He enlisted in 1901 into the 6th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers. On the 5th September 1914 he was mobilised at Seaforth into the 12th Bn King's Liverpool Regiment. He had a wife, Beatrice, and 4 children, Beatrice, Edith, Edna and John who was born just before he departed for France. His Military Record shows that in order to be present at his Son's birth he was absent without leave.

After his Regiment moved to France, he was wounded in action (gunshot to arm) at Trodes Wood between the 3rd and 5th September 1916 and was hospitilised in Rouen. His wife was notified that he was seriously ill and was issued with a Railway Warrant to travel to France and visit him. He died on the 10th September, a day before his wife received the Warrant. A sad Postscript, his youngest Son John died of Penumonia on Christmas Eve 1916, a few months after he died.

<p>Pte Richard Kelshaw Death Notification

<p>Pte Richard Kelshaw Warrant Cancellation

Ian Hudson






  Pte. Isaac Holt Bridge 12th Battalion King's Regiment (Liverpool) King's Regiment (Li (d.29th March 1917)

Isaac Bridge is my great uncle who was killed in action on the 29th Mar 1917 in France. He lies buried in Lebucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension in Pas de Calais, Northern France. We visited his grave in May 2012 to pay our respect and gratitude.

David Wellings






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