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- 3rd Division during the Great War -


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

3rd Division



   3rd Division was one of the first British formations to move to France and remained on the Western Front throughout the war. It took part in most of the major actions. It was initially part of II Corps.

1914

  • The Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat, including the the Rearguard action of Solesmes
  • The Battle of Le Cateau
  • The Battle of the Marne
  • The Battle of the Aisne including participation in the Actions on the Aisne heights
  • The Battles of La Bassee and Messines 1914
  • First Battle of Ypres

1915

  • Winter Operations 1914-15
  • The First Attack on Bellewaarde
  • The Actions of Hooge
  • The Second Attack on Bellewaarde (in support of the opening attack in the Battle of Loos)

1916

  • The Actions of the Bluff and St Eloi Craters
  • The Battle of Albert - Somme
  • The Battle of Bazentin - Somme in which the Division helped capture Longueval
  • The Battle of Delville Wood - Somme
  • The Battle of the Ancre - Somme

1917

  • The First Battle of the Scarpe - Arras
  • The Second Battle of the Scarpe - Arras
  • The Battle of Arleux - Arras 1917
  • The Third Battle of the Scarpe - Arras 7 in which the Division helped capture Roeux
  • The Battle of the Menin Road - Third Battle of Ypres
  • The Battle of Polygon Wood - Third Battle of Ypres
  • The Battle of Cambrai 1917

1918

  • The Battle of St Quentin - Somme
  • The Battle of Bapaume - Somme
  • The First Battle of Arras 1918 - Somme
  • The Battle of Estaires - Lys
  • The Battle of Hazebrouck - Lys
  • The Battle of Bethune - Lys
  • The Battle of Albert - Somme
  • The Second Battle of Bapaume - Somme
  • The Battle of the Canal du Nord - Hindenburg Line
  • The Battle of Cambrai 1918 - Hindenburg Line
  • The Battle of the Selle

The Division was selected to advance into Germany and form part of the Occupation Force.

The Units forming the Divisional Order of Battle of the 3rd Division

7th Brigade

  7th Brigade transferred to 25th Division on 18 October 1915

  • 3rd Btn, Worcestershire Regt
  • 2nd Btn, South Lancashire Regt
  • 1st Btn, Wiltshire Regt
  • 2nd Btn, Royal Irish Rifles
  • 1/1st Btn, Honourable Artillery Company joined from 8th Brigade 9 December 1914, left 14 October 1915
  • 1/4th Btn, South Lancashire Regt joined 24 February 1915, left to become Pioneers 12 October 1915

8th Brigade

  • 2nd Btn, Royal Scots
  • 2nd Btn, Royal Irish Regt left 24 October 1914
  • 4th Btn, Middlesex Regt left 13 November 1915
  • 1st Btn, Gordon Highlanders left 12 September 1914, returned 30 September 1914
  • 1st Btn, Devonshire Regt joined 14 September 1914, left 30 September 1914
  • 2nd Btn, Suffolk Regt joined 25 October 1914, left for 76th Brigade 22 October 1915
  • 1/1st Btn, Honourable Artillery Company joined 10 November 1914, left for 7th Brigade 9 Dec 1914
  • 1/4th Btn, Gordon Highlanders joined 27 February 1915, left for 76th Brigade 19 October 1915
  • 13th Btn, King's (Liverpool Regiment) joined 23 October 1915, left for 9th Brigade 4 April 1916
  • 7th Btn, King's Shropshire Light Infantry joined from 76th Brigade 19 October 1915
  • 1/5th Btn, London Regiment joined 25 October 1915, left 10 February 1916
  • 8th Btn, East Yorkshire Regimentt joined 16 November 1915, left 17 February 1918 to form 10th Entrenching Btn with 12th West Yorks
  • 1st Btn, Royal Scots Fusiliers joined from 9th Brigade 5 April 1916
  • 8th Machine Gun Company formed on 22 January 1916, left to move into 3rd MG Battalion 6 March 1918
  • 8th Trench Mortar Battery joined by 18 April 1916

9th Brigade

   9th Brigade temporarily transferred to 28th Division between 17 February and 2 April 1915, exchanged with 85th Brigade.

  • 1st Btn, Northumberland Fusiliers
  • 4th Btn, Royal Fusiliers
  • 1st Btn, Lincolnshire Regiment left 13 November 1915
  • 1st Btn, Royal Scots Fusiliers left for 8th Brigade 5 April 1916
  • 1/10th Btn, King's (Liverpool Regiment) joined 25 November 1914, left 6 January 1916
  • 12th Btn, West Yorkshire Regiment joined 16 November 1915, left February 1918
  • 9th Brigade Machine Gun Company formed on 8 February 1916, left to move into 3rd MG Battalion 6 March 1918
  • 13th Btn, King's (Liverpool Regiment) joined from 8th Brigade 4 April 1916
  • 9th Trench Mortar Battery joined by 1 May 1916

76th Brigade

   76th Brigade was transferred from 25th Division on 18 October 1915 an exchange with 7th Brigade.

  • 8th Btn, King's Own (Lancaster)
  • 10th Btn, Royal Welsh Fusiliers left 15 February 1918 to form 8th Entrenching Btn with 19th RWF
  • 7th Btn, King's Shropshire Light Infantry left 19 October 1915 for 8th Brigade
  • 13th Btn, King's (Liverpool Regiment) left 23 October 1915 for 8th Brigade
  • 1st Btn, Gordon Highlanders joined from 8th Brigade 19 October 1915
  • 2nd Btn, Suffolk Regt joined from 8th Brigade 22 October 1915
  • 76th Brigade Machine Gun Company formed on 13 April 1916, left to move into 3rd MG Battalion 6 March 1918
  • 76th Trench Mortar Battery joined on 1 April 1916 (previously named 43rd TMB)

Divisional Troops under the direct command of Divisional HQ

  • 1/4th Btn, South Lancashire Regiment became Divisional Pioneer Battalion from 7th Brigade 12 October 1915, left 9 January 1916
  • 20th Btn, the King's Royal Rifle Corps joined as Divisional Pioneer Battalion 19 May 1916
  • 233rd Company, Machine Gun Corps joined 18 July 1917, left to move into 3rd MG Battalion 6 March 1918
  • 3rd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps formed 6 March 1918
  • 3rd Divisional Train ASC comprised 15, 21, 22, 29 HT Companies ASC
  • 11th Mobile Veterinary Section AVC
  • 206th Divisional Employment Company joined 31 May 1917 previously named 8th Divisional Employment Company.
  • 3rd Divisional Motor Ambulance Workshop Unit joined by 18 April 1915, transferred to Divisional Supply Column 9 April 1916

Divisional Mounted Troops under the direct command of Divisional HQ

  • B Squadron, 15th (King's) Hussars left 14 April 1915
  • C Sqn, South Irish Horse joined May 1915, left 11 May 1916
  • 3rd Company, Army Cyclist Corps left 31 May 1916

Divisional Artillery

  • XXIII Brigade, RFA left to become an Army Brigade 21 January 1917
  • XL Brigade, RFA
  • XLI Brigade, RFA
  • XXX (Howitzer) Brigade, RFA broken up 14 May 1916
  • 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column
  • 48th Heavy Battery RGA left 19 April 1915
  • No 5 Pom-Pom Section RGA attached 20 September 1914 to December 1914
  • No 5 Mountain Battery RGA attached 14 December 1914 to 3 March 1915
  • V.3 Heavy Trench Mortar Battery RFA formed July 1916, left 6 March 1918
  • X.3, Y.3 and Z.3 Medium Mortar Batteries RFA joined in February 1916; in February 1918, Z broken up and batteries reorganised to have 6 x 6-inch weapons each

Royal Engineers

  • 56th Field Company
  • 57th Field Company left 7 April 1915
  • 438th (1/1st Cheshire) Field Company joined 22 December 1914
  • 529th (1/1st East Riding) Field Company joined 20 September 1915
  • 3rd Divisional Signals Company

Royal Army Medical Corps

  • 7th Field Ambulance
  • 8th Field Ambulance
  • 9th Field Ambulance left for Guards Division 26 August 1915
  • 142nd Field Ambulance joined 26 August 1915
  • 4A Sanitary Section joined 9 January 1915, left 3 April 1917, renamed 5th Sanitary Section in April 1916


 

29th July 1914 Mobilisation Order

30th July 1914 Mobilization Order

4th Aug 1914 40th Brigade RFA mobilise  40th Brigade Royal Field Artillery were at Bulford Camp and at once began to mobilise for war.

4th August 1914 Mobilisation Order

5th August 1914 Mobilization

7th August 1914 Reservists to unit

8th August 1914 Reservists to unit  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Saturday, August 8th, 1914 - Devonport

Second lot of reservists arrived and we are now practically ready and complete to proceed on active service.

war diaries


9th August 1914 Reservists to unit  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Sunday, August 9th, 1914 - Devonport

The final draft of reservists arrived.

Appendix I

Mobilization went off without a hitch, except in the following particulars:

  • 1) No travelling kitchens were available. Their loss was severely felt. They were not issued to the Battalion until 19/11/1914.
  • 2) Difficulty was experienced in obtaining ordinance stores, more especially boots of usual size required
  • 3) The reservists were badly fitted with boots at the Depot. In many cases, also, their serge clothing and caps had to be changed.
  • 4) A mass of correspondence was thrown on Company Officers. Had the Battalion moved on the 8th day, it would have been quite impossible to have completed the documents of the reservists.
    • A: The details in 75% of army books 64 had not been entered correctly. The men had not signed.
    • B: Yellow forms for separation allowance had to be filled in with names of wife and children then signed together - men and Company Officer.
    • C: Almost exactly the same detail had to be taken down in connection with the allotment of pay.
    • D: Wills had not been made.

SE St. Leger, Major - 2/Royal Irish Regiment.

war diaries


10th August 1914 Inspections  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Monday, August 10th, 1914 - 1145 Devonport

The GOC Brigade - General Beauchamp Doran inspected the battalion.

Appendix II

The following officers proceeded with the Battalion

  • Wounded 23/8 Lt. Col. St.J. A. Cox in command
  • Wounded 23/8 Major S. E. St. Leger 2nd in command
  • Missing 23/8 Lt. R. E. G. Phillips Adjutant
  • Captain J. Richings Quartermaster
  • Lt. P.J. Whitty Machine Gun Officer
  • Lt. F.H.L. Rushton Transport Officer
  • Lt. A.M.S. Tandy Signalling Officer
  • Missing 23/8 Lt. A. D. Fraser Scout Officer
  • A Company
  • Killed 8/23 Captain W. Mellor
  • Missing 23/ Captain I.B. George
  • Missing 23/8 2nd Lt. J. D. Shine
  • Missing 23/8 2nd Lt. C. F. T. O’B. Ffrench
  • Wounded 23/8 2nd Lt. E. C. Guinness
  • B Company
  • Major E. H. E. Daniell, D.S.O.
  • Lt. F.G. Ferguson
  • Lt. D. P. Laing
  • 2nd Lt. A. R. Newton-King
  • C Company
  • Killed 23/8 Capt. & Battalion Major E. M. Painter-Downes
  • Missing 23/8 Captain J.S. Fitzgerald
  • Missing 26/8 Lt. A.E.B. Anderson
  • Killed 23/8 Lt. C. B. Gibbons
  • D Company
  • Missing 26/8 Captain G. A. Elliott
  • Missing 23/8 Captain the Honorable F. G. A. Forbes
  • Wounded 26/8 Lt. E. M. Phillips 3/Battalion
  • Missing 26/8 2nd Lt. C. G. Magrath
  • Officers of the Battalion who proceeded with special appointments
  • Battalion Major J. Burke
  • Captain H. C. MacDonnell with Royal Flying Corps
  • Lt. H. D. Harvey-Kelly
  • Captain A.R.G. Gordon Staff Captain 8th Infantry Brigade

war diaries


11th August 1914 Advance Party arrives

12th August 1914 Departure from Devonport

13th August 1914 Embarkation

13th August 1914 Advance Party arrives

14th August 1914 Crossing to France  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Friday, August 14th, 1914 - 0515 Southampton.

Left Southampton. As we commenced to cross the Channel at 1500, an escort of cruisers joined us, 3 on the North of our track and 10 on the South. We arrived at Boulogne about 1800 and marched to a rest camp about 3 miles distance.

war diaries


14th August 1914 Quartering Arrangements Completed

15th August 1914 Further moves  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Saturday, August 15th, 1914 - Boulogne

The Battalion was inspected by the French GOC Line of Command

. Left camp at 1845 and entrained at 2200 for unknown destination.

war diaries


16th August 1914 Move to billets

16th August 1914 Movement Orders

17th Aug 1914 40th Brigade RFA sail for France  40th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, comprising 6th, 23rd and 49th Batteries, marched from Bulford Camp to Amesbury Station and entrained for Southampton. for the crossing to Le Havre, France. They were attached to 3rd Infantry Division with the BEF

17th August 1914 Inspections  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Monday, August 17th, 1914 - Taisnieres Route march under Company arrangements. General Doran inspected out billets.

war diaries


17th August 1914 On the Move

17th Aug 1914  On the Move

18th August 1914 Inspections  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Tuesday, August 18th, 1914 - Taisnieres

Battalion route march of about 7 miles in the morning. Bathing parade and inspection of feet by Companies arrangements in the afternoon. Many men have sore and defective feet. We heard today with great regret of the death of General Grierson, our Army Corps Commander.

war diaries


18th August 1914 On the Move

19th August 1914 Practice manouvres  2nd Battalion - Royal Irish Regiment

Wednesday, August 19th, 1914 - Taisnieres

Companies at disposal of Company Commanders practice of attack. First payments in the field made to Companies. It takes 2 ½ hours to pay out 5 Francs a man and obtain their signature. The system is an impossible one. The Captain’s signature to the whole payment should suffice.

We heard through the ASC that we move to St. Remy and from there do a 24 hour march further forward. Evidently the A.S.C. are as rare a means of giving away information as ever.

war diaries


19th August 1914 Changes in quartering arrangements

19th Aug 1914  On the Move

20th August 1914 New billets

20th August 1914 Changes in quartering arrangements

20th Aug 1914 Route March

20th of August 1914 Preparing to March

20th Aug 1914  Into Camp

21st August 1914 New billets

21st August 1914 Taking up stations in assigned areas.

21st Aug 1914 On the March

21st Aug 1914  On the Move

22nd August 1914 intelligence reports

22nd August 1914 Taking up stations in assigned areas.

22nd Aug 1914 On the March

22nd of August 1914  On the March

22nd Aug 1914  On the March

23rd Aug 1914 40th Brigade RFA go into action  40th Brigade Royal Field Artillery went into action on the Binch to Mons Road. One of the GS wagons received a direct hit near Le Cateau and the original War Diary was lost, it was later reconstructed from officers notes.

23rd August 1914 Action with enemy

23rd Aug 1914 1st Scots Fusiliers in Action.

23rd August 1914 German attack crosses Canal

23rd Aug 1914 Into Positions

23rd August 1914 Move Orders

23rd Aug 1914  Gun Positions

24th August 1914 Ongoing Action

24th August 1914 Withdrawals

24th Aug 1914 In Action

24th Aug 1914 Entrenching

25th August 1914 Casualties

25th August 1914 Battle of Le Cateau - Phase 2

25th August 1914 Ongoing Retirement

25th Aug 1914  Rear Guard

26th August 1914 Ongoing Action

26th Aug 1914 On the Move

26th August 1914 In Action

26th August 1914 Retirement

26th August 1914 Ongoing Retirement

26th Aug 1914 Heavy Firing

26th of August 1914  Holding Position

26th August 1914 Orders to stand to arms

27th August 1914 Further retreat

27th Aug 1914 Rear Guard

27th August 1914 Continued withdrawals

27th Aug 1914 On the March

27th Aug 1917 Lack of a Map

27th of August 1914 Retirement in the Dark

27th August 1914 On the Move

28th August 1914 Ongoing Action

28th Aug 1914 Rear Guard

28th August 1914 Initial Intelligence Report

28th Aug 1914 On the March

28th Aug 1917 On the March

28th of August 1914 An Exhausting March

29th August 1914 Further retreat

29th August 1914 Ongoing Retirement

29th Aug 1914 On the March

29th Aug 1917 Waiting

29th of August 1914 Sleeping in the Streets

30th August 1914 Continued withdrawals

30th August 1914 Demolitions on withdrawals

30th Aug 1914 On the March

30th Aug 1914 On the March

30th of August 1914 A Hot March

30th August 1914 On the March

31st August 1914 On the Move

31st August 1914 Continued withdrawals

31st Aug 1914 On the March

1st September 1914 Continued withdrawals

1st September 1914 Continued withdrawals

1st of September 1914 A Delayed March

2nd September 1914 Further moves

2nd September 1914 Continued withdrawals

2nd of September 1914 An Early March

3rd September 1914 Continued withdrawals

3rd September 1914 Continued withdrawals

4th September 1914 Further retreat

4th September 1914 Enemy across the Marne

5th September 1914 Renforcements & Medial Attention

5th September 1914 Enemy advance continues

5th of September 1914 March Finished

6th September 1914 General Army Advance

6th September 1914 Attack Made

7th September 1914 Continued Advance

7th September 1914 Attack progressing

8th September 1914 Advanced Guard

8th September 1914 Ongoing Battles

8th Sep 1914 In Reserve

8th of September 1914 An Early March

9th September 1914 Move to billets

9th September 1914 Ongoing Action

9th of September 1914 On the Move

10th September 1914 support positions

10th September 1914 Davance

10th of September 1914 Marching

11th September 1914 Continued Action

11th September 1914 Continued progress

11th of September 1914 Marching

12th September 1914 New billets

12th September 1914 Bad Weather

13th September 1914 Ongoing Action

13th September 1914 Strong Opposition

13th of September 1914 A Showery March

14th September 1914 Ongoing Action

14th September 1914 Further Advance

15th September 1914 Ongoing Action

15th Sep 1914 In Action

15th September 1914 Shelling

15th of September 1914 An Attack Falters

16th September 1914 Ongoing Action

16th September 1914 Difficulties

17th September 1914 Ongoing Action

17th September 1914 Heavy Bombardment

18th September 1914 Standby

18th September 1914 Night Attacks

19th September 1914 Standby

19th September 1914 Attack Repulsed

20th September 1914 Ongoing Action

20th September 1914 Reliefs

21st September 1914 Ongoing Action

21st September 1914 Attacks

22nd September 1914 Standby

22nd September 1914 Reliefs

23rd September 1914 Patrols

24th September 1914 Artillery Exchange

25th September 1914 Shrapnel

25th September 1914 Pontoon Bridge damaged

26th September 1914 Aircraft Assists

27th September 1914 Continuing action around bridges

28th September 1914 Bridges

29th September 1914 Ongoing fighting on all fronts

30th September 1914 September Intelligence Summary

1st October 1914 On the March

1st Oct 1914 On the March

1st October 1914 Commencement of Move

1st Oct 1914 In Action

2nd Oct 1914 On the March

2nd October 1914 Continued reorganisation of front

2nd Oct 1914 Foggy

3rd Oct 1914 On the March

3rd October 1914 Continued reorganisation of front

3rd Oct 1914 Enemy Aircraft

4th Oct 1914 On the March

4th October 1914 Move westwards

4th of October 1914 On the March

4th Oct 1914 On the March

5th October 1914 Further moves

5th Oct 1914 On the Move

5th October 1914 Divisional entrainment westwards

5th Oct 1914 On the March

6th Oct 1914 On the Move

6th October 1914 Divisional entrainment westwards continued

6th Oct 1914 On the March

7th October 1914 Divisional detrainment near Abbeywell

7th Oct 1914 On the Move

8th October 1914 Divisional relocation continuing

8th Oct 1914 At Rest

9th Oct 1914 Holding the Line

9th October 1914 Move

9th Oct 1914 On the March

10th Oct 1914 Holding the Line

10th October 1914 Further Moves by motor Buses via Hesdin

10th Oct 1914 On the March

11th Oct 1914 On the March

11th October 1914 Cavalry cover for further Moves

11th Oct 1914 On the March

12th October 1914 Forward moves

12th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

12th October 1914 Cavalry cover for further Moves

12th Oct 1914 On the March

13th October 1914 Further moves

13th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

13th October 1914 Slow progress in Attack renewal

13th of October 1914 Advance Resumed  location map

13th Oct 1914 On the March

14th October 1914 Advance

14th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

14th October 1914 Continued slow progress in Attack

14th October 1914 Ground Gained

14th Oct 1914 In Position  location map

15th October 1914 Ongoing Action

15th Oct 1914 Advance Continues  location map

15th October 1914 Change in GOC due to casualty

15th of October 1914 Advance Ordered to Continue  location map

15th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

16th October 1914 Ongoing Action

16th Oct 1914 Advance Continues

16th October 1914 Advance in foggy conditions

16th of October 1914 Empty German Trenches  location map

16th Oct 1914 Advance  location map

17th October 1914 Relief action

17th Oct 1914 Advance Continues

17th Oct 1914 Advance

17th October 1914 Advance continued  location map

17th of October 1914 An Advance  location map

17th Oct 1914 Move  location map

18th October 1914 Further Action

18th Oct 1914 Reliefs

18th Oct 1914 Shelling

18th October 1914 Attack meet strong resistance  location map

18th of October 1914 Advance Resumed  location map

18th Oct 1914 Recce  location map

19th Oct 1914 Reliefs

19th October 1914 Attack meets further setbacks.  location map

19th of October 1914  Slow Progress   location map

19th Oct 1914 In Action

20th October 1914 Disaster for Battalion

20th Oct 1914 Holding the Line

20th October 1914 Major German attack  location map

20th of October 1914 A Fluid Front  location map

20th Oct 1914 In Action

21st October 1914 Post mortem investigation

21st October 1914 Continued German attack  location map

21st of October 1914 Some Retirements  location map

21st Oct 1914 Enemy Attacks

22nd October 1914 Relocation

22nd October 1914 Divisional move  location map

22nd of October 1914 Our Line Attacked  location map

22nd Oct 1914 Rounds Fired  location map

23rd October 1914 Divisional move

23rd Oct 1914 Observation  location map

24th October 1914 Further German attacks repulsed

24th Oct 1914 Observation  location map

25th October 1914 Further German attacks repulsed

25th Oct 1914 Enemy Positions  location map

26th October 1914 German front quiet

26th of October 1914 Germans Repulsed  location map

26th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

27th Oct 1914 In Action  location map

27th October 1914 Battle for Neuve Chapelle  location map

27th of October 1914 A Counter Attack  location map

27th Oct 1914 Attack Made  location map

28th Oct 1914 Reliefs  location map

28th October 1914 Ongoing Battle for Neuve Chapelle  location map

28th of October 1914 Counter Attack Falters   location map

28th Oct 1914 New Position  location map

29th October 1914 Relief by other Brigade

29th of October 1914  Determined German Attack  location map

29th Oct 1914 Telephone Lines  location map

30th October 1914 Relief by other Division

30th of October 1914 German Attack Fades  location map

30th Oct 1914 Rounds Fired  location map

31st October 1914 Relief by Indian Corps completed

31st Oct 1914 New Position  location map

1st November 1914 Regroup all fighting troops

1st of November 1914 Dispositions  location map

2nd November 1914 Notification of German Troop locations

3rd November 1914 Notification of German Troop locations

4th November 1914 Little change in situation

5th November 1914 Move to new line

6th November 1914 Attacks on new line positions east of Ypres

7th November 1914 Mixed results in ongoing attacks

8th November 1914 Line readjusted to defend against ongoing attacks

9th November 1914 Ongoing shelling and sniping

10th November 1914 Ongoing shelling and sniping

11th November 1914 Attack

12th November 1914 Ongoing shelling and sniping

13th November 1914 German Attack repelled by Artillery and machine guns

14th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

15th Nov 1914 Counter Attack Suceeds

15th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

15th of November 1914  2nd Corps Reorganise

16th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

16th of November 1914 Reorganisation  location map

17th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

17th of November 1914 Relief  location map

18th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

19th November 1914 Ongoing German Attacks repelled by Artillery and machine guns

20th November 1914 4th Hussar stables destroyed by enemy artillery

20th of November 1914 Artillery in Action  location map

21st November 1914 Divisions relieved by French  location map

21st of November 1914 Regiments Under-strength  location map

22nd Nov 1914 3rd Division at rest  3rd Division arrive in Westouter for four days rest.

Holts Battlefield Guide


22nd November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

22nd of November 1914 In the Line  location map

23rd November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

23rd of November 1914  Germans Digging In  location map

24th November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

24th of November 1914  Our Artillery Effective  location map

25th November 1914 Division to rest in billets in Westoutre

26th November 1914 Division orders back to trenches

26th of November 1914 Quiet and Misty  location map

27th November 1914 3rd Division ordered back to trenches  location map

27th of November 1914 Relief Commences  location map

28th Nov 1914 Attack on Hollandschaeschur Farm

28th November 1914 Division had quiet day in trenches

29th November 1914 Division on night reconnaissance activity

29th of November 1914  Infantry Distribution  location map

30th November 1914 3 Div Brigades relief rota carried out

30th of November 1914 Germans Improve Defences

30th of November 1914   location map

1st December 1914 Limited action poor weather

2nd December 1914 Operations restricted by bad weather

3rd December 1914 Operations restricted by bad weather

3rd December 1914 Visit by H.M. The King.

4th December 1914 Operations restricted by bad weather

5th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

6th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

7th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

8th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

9th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

10th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

11th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

12th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

12th of December 1914 No Incidents   location map

13th December 1914 Limited action due to bad weather

13th of December 1914 Wire Cut  location map

14th December 1914 Multiple attacks by 3 Div and French

14th of December 1914  French on the Offensive  location map

15th December 1914 Further attacks suspended by 3 Div due to French failure

15th of December 1914  Operations Resumed  location map

16th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

16th December 1914 Congratulations

17th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

18th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

18th of December 1914 No Progress

19th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

19th of December 1914 Demonstration

20th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

21st December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

22nd December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

23rd December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

24th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

24th of December 1914 Heavies Silence Enemy  location map

25th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

26th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

27th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

28th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

29th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

29th of December 1914 Report  location map

30th December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

31st December 1914 Bad weather limiting action again

4th of January 1915 Trench Work  location map

5th of January 1915 Hostile Patrol Engaged  location map

7th of January 1915 Very Wet Weather  location map

11th of January 1915 Six Direct Hits  location map

13th of January 1915  Snipers Active   location map

14th of January 1915 Trenches Drying Out  location map

15th of January 1915 Germans Fire Slowly  location map

17th of January 1915 Quiet Day  location map

19th of January 1915  Thaw Sets In  location map

21st of January 1915 Wulverghem Shelled  location map

22nd of January 1915 Aeroplane-Aided Shelling  location map

24th of January 1915 Machine Gun Silenced  location map

26th of January 1915 Cheshire's Sniping Effective  location map

29th of January 1915  Artillery Intervenes  location map

30th of January 1915 Chateau on Fire   location map

2nd of February 1915  Artillery in Action

2nd of February 1915    location map

3rd of February 1915  Snipers Silenced  location map

7th of February 1915 Sectors Rearranged   location map

10th of February 1915 Message  location map

13th of February 1915 Trenches Maintained  location map

18th Feb 1915 Reorganisation

18th of February 1915 Grenades Cause Confusion  location map

21st of February 1915 8th Howitzers Leave  location map

21st February 1915 Airship seen

22nd of February 1915 Cheering and Rockets  location map

23rd of February 1915 

25th of February 1915  Trench Mortar Explodes  location map

27th Feb 1915 On the March  location map

28th Feb 1915 In Billets  location map

28th of February 1915  Artillery Reorganised  location map

3rd of March 1915 Enemy Fire Silenced  location map

8th of March 1915  Relief  location map

9th of March 1915 Enemy Guns Quiet

10th of March 1915 POW Taken  location map

11th March 1915  Deserter

11th of March 1915 Mortar Shells  location map

12th of March 1915 Operation Postponed

13th of March 1915 Booby Trap  location map

15th of March 1915  Active Artillery   location map

16th of March 1915 No Hostile Patrols  location map

17th of March 1915 Retaliation  location map

18th of March 1915 Quiet Day  location map

19th of March 1915  Patrols  location map

20th of March 1915    location map

21st of March 1915    location map

22nd of March 1915 Quiet Night

26th of March 1915 Enemy Guns Active   location map

27th of March 1915 German Air Activity  location map

28th of March 1915 German Guns Active  location map

29th of March 1915 Quiet Time   location map

31st of March 1915    location map

31st March 1915  Working Parties  location map

31st of March 1915 Orders Issued  location map

31st of March 1915 

1st of April 1915 Situation Normal  location map

5th of April 1915 Quiet Day

7th of April 1915 Mostly Quiet   location map

8th of April 1915 Another Quiet Day

9th of April 1915  Quiet Day  location map

14th of April 1915 Quiet Night   location map

15th of April 1915 Enemy Very Quiet  location map

19th Apr 1915 Reorganisation

20th of April 1915   location map

23rd of April 1915 Quiet Night   location map

25th of April 1915 Reliefs

30th of April 1915 Fairly Quiet Day   location map

1st of May 1915 Gas Casualties  location map

5th of May 1915 A Counter Attack  location map

6th of May 1915 Another Attack Fails  location map

11th of May 1915   No Retirement Planned  location map

12th May 1915 On the March  location map

17th of May 1915 Brisk Sniping   location map

18th of May 1915 Revenge Shelling  location map

20th of May 1915 Gun Destroys Sap  location map

26th of May 1915 Quiet Day, Quieter Night  location map

27th of May 1915 Corps composition

29th of May 1915  A Rumbling Explosion  location map

31st of May 1915 Relief commands

31st of May 1915 "Careful Watch" Kept  location map

1st of June 1915 Letter of Appreciation

1st of June 1915 Preparation for relief

2nd of June 1915 German Aeroplane Down  location map

1915-06-03   location map

3rd of June 1916  Quiet Day  location map

4th of June 1915 Troop Movements  location map

4ht of June 1915   location map

5th of June 1915   location map

6th of June 1915 Artillery assigned

9th of June 1915 Relief discussed

10th of June 1915 Artillery remain in support

10th of June 1915   location map

10th of June 1915   location map

10th of June 1915   location map

11th of June 1915 Howitzers attached

11th of June 1915 Artillery command

11th of June 1915 

11th of June 1915 

12th of June 1915 Howitzers handed to 50th Div.

12th of June 1915   location map

12th Jun 1915 Awards

13th of June 1915 Future operations discussed

13th of June 1915 

14th Jun 1915 Officer Recce

14th of June 1915 Orders  location map

15th Jun 1915 On the March

15th of June 1915 Co-operation

15th of June 1915   location map

15th Jun 1915 Into Position  location map

15th Jun 1915 On the March  location map

16th Jun 1915 Heavy Bombardment

16th Jun 1915 Liverpool Scottish in Action

16th Jun 1915 Rapid Fire

16th Jun 1915 Attack Made

16th of June 1915 Attack underway  location map

16th of June 1915 Attack Made

16th Jun 1915 Attack Made  location map

16th Jun 1915 In Action  location map

16th of June 1915 A Diversion  location map

17th Jun 1915 Division Praised

17th of June 1915 149th relieved

17th of June 1915   location map

17th Jun 1915 Fierce fighting at Bellewaerde  British troops of the 9th and 7th Infantry Brigades assault enemy trenches on Bellewaerde Ridge between the Menin Road and the Ypres-Roulers railway. Their objective, to remove the enemy from the high ground which gae an observation point over most of the Allied ground to the East of Ypres. The bombardment commenced at 02:30 followed by the assault on the German front line at 04:15, which was captured with little resistance and the troops pushed on to occupy the second German line. The enemy launched a counter attack and the British were pushed back to the First German line, which they managed to hold, but the enemy still commanded the ridge.

18th of June 1915   location map

21st Jun 1915 Orders to Attack  location map

21st of June 1915 Situation Normal  location map

22nd of June 1915 3rd Div order to attack

22nd of June 1915 A Minor Operation

27th of June 1915  Quiet Time

30th of June 1915  A Reconnoitre  location map

11th July 1915 Orders postponed

13th of July 1915  Enemy Active on Canal  location map

19th Jul 1915 Mine blown at Hooge  3rd Division blew a mine at Hooge which had been prepared by 175th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. They had constructed a gallery 190 ft long and laid a charge of 3500lbs of ammonal, creating a crater 120ft in diameter and 20ft deep.

Holts Battlefield Guide


19th Jul 1915 Mine Exploded  location map

19th of July 1915  Quiet Night  location map

20th Jul 1915 In Action  location map

21st of July 1915 Relief  location map

22nd of July 1915 Superior Sniping  location map

23rd of July 1915 3rd Div Take Over  location map

25th Jul 1915 Reliefs Completed  location map

25th of July 1915 New Area

30th July 1915 Quiet.

1st of August 1915   location map

4th August 1915   E Battery 3rd Brigade RHA

In reserve near Noordpeene. Lieutenant OS Lund left on promotion to 3rd Infantry Division.

war diaries


9th August 1915 Inspected by C.O.

15th September 1915 G.O.C. 3rd Division Visits

18th September 1915 Bombarment

23rd September 1915 Order

25th Sep 1915 Diversionary Attack

25th Sep 1915 10th Sherwoods and 7th Borders Cover

3rd October 1915 Quiet

17th Oct 1915 Address

27th October 1915 Inspection by His Majesty the King

1st November 1915 Football Match

6th November 1915 Football Final

4th Jan 1916 Reliefs Complete

9th Jan 1916 Hostile Batteries  location map

23rd Jan 1916 Transport  location map

24th January 1916 Rifle Fire  location map

25th January 1916 Orders  location map

27th January 1916 Patrols

2nd February 1916 Cleaning up  location map

4th February 1916 Reliefs  location map

4th February 1916 The rifles of "C" & "D" companies inspected by Armourer Staff Sgt.

6th February 1916 Orders  location map

9th February 1916 Orders  location map

2nd Mar 1916 Attack made

9th of March 1916 Orders  location map

10th of March 1916 Reliefs Completed  location map

13th of March 1916 Aircraft Active  location map

16th of March 1916 Orders  location map

18th of March 1916 Orders  location map

19th of March 1916 Mining  location map

20th of March 1916 Orders  location map

23rd of March 1916 Reliefs  location map

27th Mar 1916 Under Shellfire

27th Mar 1916 In Reserve

27th of March 1916 Assault Made  location map

28th of March 1916 Orders  location map

28th of March 1916 Orders  location map

12th of April 1916 Orders

15th of April 1916 Orders  location map

15th of April 1916 Orders

22nd of April 1916 Gas  location map

23rd Apr 1916 In Reserve

23rd of April 1916 Orders  location map

25th of April 1916 Reliefs  location map

28th Apr 1916 Reliefs

28th of April 1916 Inspection

30th Apr 1916 Gas

30th of April 1916 Stand To

1st of May 1916 Orders

13th of May 1916 Orders

18th of May 1916 Orders

20th of May 1916 Orders  location map

20th of May 1916 Orders  location map

24th of May 1916 Orders

26th of May 1916 Reliefs

27th of May 1916 Reliefs  location map

27th of May 1916 Defences

28th of May 1916 Relief  location map

28th of May 1916 Trench Work  location map

3rd of June 1915 Orders

16th Jun 1915 Preparations  location map

5th Jul 1916 Cavalry Standby

7th Jul 1916 Reliefs Completed

8th Ju1y 1916 "A" Coy. continued digging all day,

18th of July 1916  On Relief  location map

19th of July 1916 Relief Carried Out  location map

20th Jul 1916 In Action  location map

21st Jul 1916 Reliefs  location map

21st of July 1916 Enemy Takes High Wood  location map

22nd of July 1916 Front Adjustment Completed  location map

23rd Jul 1916 Advance  location map

24th Jul 1916 Trench Work  location map

25th Jul 1916 Reliefs Complete  location map

26th Jul 1916 Reliefs

4th August 1916 Address  location map

10th Aug 1916 Reliefs

18th Aug 1916 Attack Made  location map

21st Aug 1916 Attack Made  location map

28th of August 1916 Hostile Fire  location map

30th Aug 1916 Recce

31st Aug 1916 Reliefs

12th September 1916 Working party of 12 Officers and 480 men at night for carrying "RATS" in the Hulluch sector.

15th Sep 1916 Trench Raid

19th September 1916 Reliefs

29th of September 1916 Orders  location map

13th Nov 1916 Attack Made

13th December 1916 G.O.C. 3rd Division much pleased

21st of April 1916   location map

13th Apr 1917 Assault Made

13th of April 1917 

13th of April 1917   location map

13th of April 1917 

24th April 1917 Reliefs

1st May 1917 Orders Received  location map

1st May 1917 Operation Order No. 2.  location map

12th May 1917 Attack Made

20th of May 1917 

25th of May 1917 

30th September 1917 Relief

20th Nov 1917 Attack Made

24th Dec 1917 Reorganisation

12th January 1918 Training and Classes of instruction

14th January 1918 Blankets disinfected.

19th of January 1918 Warning of Divisional Relief  location map

21st of January 1918 A Surrender  location map

21st Jan 1918 Course

28th of January 1918 Hostile Bombing

29th of January 1918 Divisional HQ Moves  location map

31st of January 1918 Training  location map

1st of February 1918 Defence Line Work  location map

5th Feb 1918 Course Ends

13th Feb 1918 Personnel

19th Feb 1918 Training Scheme

21st Feb 1918 Reorganisation

26th of February 1918 Corps Commander Visits  location map

27th of February 1918 On the March  location map

1st of March 1918 On the Move  location map

2nd Mar 1918 Reliefs  location map

3rd Mar 1918 Reliefs  location map

21st March 1918 Bombardment  location map

31st of March 1918 Relief Completed  location map

10th of April 1918 Snipers  location map

12th Apr 1918 Heavy Fighting  location map

24th April 1918 Reliefs

1st Aug 1918 Some Shelling  location map

1st Aug 1918 Dispositions  location map

2nd Aug 1918 Hostile Artillery Active  location map

3rd Aug 1918 Quiet

4th Aug 1918 Orders Received

4th Aug 1918 Orders Received

5th Aug 1918 Patrols  location map

5th Aug 1918 Training

6th Aug 1918 Some Shelling

7th Aug 1918 HQ Moves

7th Aug 1918 Reliefs Complete  location map

21st Aug 1918 Attack Made  location map

29th Aug 1918 Message  location map

8th Oct 1918 Attack Made  location map

17th October 1918 Commanding Officers parade

23rd October 1918 Battalion moved to assembly positions, Sunken road between Solesmes and Vertain

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



Want to know more about 3rd Division?


There are:639 items tagged 3rd Division 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

3rd Division

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Blanks Alfred Walter. Pte. 4th Btn (d.16th Jun 1915)
  • Booth James. Pte. 8th Btn. (d.26th Sep 1917)
  • Frank Hatchett W. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.28th Aug 1914)
  • Game David James . Sgt. 6th Btn.
  • Green George. Pte. 2nd Btn. (d.3rd Sep 1916)
  • Hazell Oscar Reginald. Sgt. 11th Btn. (d.19th Apr 1918)
  • Hurt Seymour Frederick Auckland Albert. Capt. 1st Btn. (d.18th Oct 1914)
  • McLaughlin Patrick. CSM. 1st Btn. (d.27th Mar 1916)
  • McLellan William. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.8th Nov 1914)
  • Melville Abert. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.16th Jun 1915)
  • Parkes Alfred. Pte. 2nd Btn.
  • Randall Edward John. Pte. 4th Btn. (d.30th Sep 1915)
  • Riley Michael. Pte. 12th Btn. (d.28th Mar 1916)
  • Roberts Edward. Pte. 8th Btn. (d.27th Sep 1918)
  • Roberts William. Pte. 8th Btn. (d.13th Apr 1917)
  • Rudd Charles Flower. Cpl. 1st Btn. (d.9th Jan 1915)
  • Toman Patrick. Sgt. 2nd Btn.
  • Wallace William. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.16th June 1915)
  • White Nathan. 2/Lt. 29th Btn. (d.1st Jul 1916)
  • Whittaker Henry. Pte. 1st Btn. (d.14th Jan 1917)

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


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1206573

Pte. Edward John Randall 4th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.30th Sep 1915)

Edward Randall served with the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment during WW1 and died on the 30th September 1915. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. I'm just trying to bring loose ends together and find out where this picture was taken. My Grandfather is top right of picture.

Alan Randall




1206425

Sgt. David James Game 6th Btn. South Lancashire Regiment

Sgt. David James Game served with the 1st Battalion South Lancs 1904-1913 [7yrs India], 2nd Battalion South Lancs BEF 1914 [Battle of Mons] and 6th Battalion South Lancs BEF 1915-1919 Gallipoli and Mesopatamia

My grandfather was born 23rd August 1888 in Cambridge, he was one of 9 children, his parents moved to Leamington around 1899, and they lived in Bedford Street. Grandad enlisted with the 1st Battalion South Lancs in 1904 aged 15 years old, he was under age, on his service record he put his DOB as 1886, he served 9 years, 7 of them in India, he left in 1913 to join his brothers in Canada. Unfortunately war broke out and Grandad was back to the UK, he was now with the 2nd Battalion South Lancs as the 1st Battalion served the war in India.

Being in the regular army he was with the BEF [British Expeditionary Force] who were sent out to France whilst the New Army was being trained. I am able to piece together my grandfather’s experiences from himself, his service records and the War Diaries. Having served in France between 5 August and 22 November 1914, Grandad was truly "An Old Contemptible". He was also entitled to wear the clasp & rose to his 1914 Star Medal, awarded to all those who served under fire with the original British Expeditionary Force. By European standards the peacetime British Army was very small, but what it lacked in numbers it made up for in quality. Its Regular soldiers were long-time service professionals, confident in their marksmanship and discipline, and intensely proud of their Regiments. In comparison with the largely conscript continental armies, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) of 1914 was indeed ‘a rapier among scythes’

Grandad took part in, the battles of Aisne and La Bassee, From 12th to 29th October 2nd South Lancashires experienced severe fighting and heavy casualties at the Battle of La Bassée, on the 21st October under cover of the mist, the Germans penetrated the front of the South Lancashires, on this day alone they lost seven officers and over two hundred men , but despite determined German attacks the battered line never broke.

First Battle Ypres: 2nd South Lancashires joined the 1st Loyal North Lancashires in the Ypres fighting, withstanding repeated attacks at Nonne Boschen 11th-13th Nov. The battle swayed back and forth as fresh German divisions were committed and, with ever decreasing numbers, the British Regular Army fought almost literally to the death, constantly attacking , withdrawing and counter attacking. The line held but at a terrible cost, both battalions being reduced to barely company strength. "Although names are given to periods of fighting, it is not possible to describe them as battles. It was a period of continuous, prolonged, ruthless encounter hardly interrupted at night. Our troops had no rest. They were out-numbered, out-gunned and opposed by a determined, skilful and implacable enemy. The fighting was largely individual. The casualties were so heavy that units lost their identity and were roughly grouped under brigades. The troops fought in shallow trenches and shell holes, and in terrible weather conditions. In addition to wound and death casualties, they suffered from frozen feet and knees and from rheumatism. Repulse of German attacks was a daily commonplace. Hourly shelling, to which no reply was possible, owing to shortage of ammunition. Only at night could supplies be brought up and wounded removed. As soon as dusk fell, Ypres was crowded with vehicles passing in and out...

It was at Nonne Boschen on the 13th Nov my granddad was wounded, he was returned home to England. In July 1915 he was with the BEF attached to the 6th Battalion South Lancs on his way to Gallipoli, they sailed from Avonmouth in June 1915, landed at Cape Helles (Gallipoli) 7-31 July, then moved to Mudros. Landed at Anzac Beach 4 August 1915. They were in action in The Battle of Sari Bair, The Battle of Russell's Top and The Battle of Hill 60, at ANZAC. It was here in Gallipoli he was promoted to Sergeant. They were evacuated from Gallipoli and went to Egypt via Mudros.

February 1916 he was on his way to Mesopotamia, the 6th Battalions of the East Lancashires, South Lancashires and Loyal North Lancashires, veterans of Gallipoli, were sent to Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) . They landed at Basra in March 1916. They formed part of the 38th (Lancashire) Infantry Brigade of the 13th (Western) Division of Kitchener’s New Army Here they had to acclimatize into the extreme weather conditions. Even so, with temperatures regularly exceeding 50 deg.C, death and illness from heat-stroke were common and dysentery, malaria and other tropical diseases were endemic. Grandad was used to the high temperatures, from his time spent in India, he partook in the battles here, and he finally returned home in March 1919. He was so very lucky to have survived all this, to come home, due probably to his expert pre war training.

He married Ellen Donald in 1920. On his return home from the Great War to a home fit for heroes, he found 2 1/2 days a fortnight work, digging trenches" for pipes. In 1923 - 1926 he joined the East Lancs as a private. Re-enlistment was encouraged by the short-term offer of a considerable financial incentive, this enabled my grandparents to eventually buy their home in Coventry. I believe he was truly a remarkable man.

Pat Evans




1206320

Pte. George "Dodger" Green 2nd Btn. South Lancashire Regiment (d.3rd Sep 1916)

Letter informing his wife Sarah of his injury

George Green was a private who had previously fought in the Boer war. He was still on the reserve list and received call up papers on the day war was declared. He fought with the BEF and was injured in his right arm during an assault in the Richbourg area.

He was admitted to the hospital on 15th October 1914. It is not know when he rejoined his company. He died on the 3rd September 1916 on the Somme near Thiepval where his company were trying to take the Liepsig Redoubt. The picture of him was taken on a ward at the hospital and his wife Sarah wore it around her neck in a locket all her life. She never re married.

Locket Picture

Paul Green




1206280

Sgt. Patrick Toman 2nd Btn. Royal Irish Rifles

My Grandfather Partick Toman joined the army reserves (5th battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles) in 1906 when he was 18 years old. He was a labourer in the Barbour Linen Mill in Hilden.

Upon the outbreak of war in 1914 he was called up to regular service and the battalion went to Belfast to act as a training unit. My grandad was an instructor but on the 25th of December 1914 he was sent to the front with the 2nd battalion of the RIR because of the high losses suffered they needed more experienced men. He left behind his wife Catherine (Nee McCormick) and his three sons Richard, Patrick and John. John had been born in September of 1914 and his other sons were two and four years old.

He fought in 15 major battles while in France. He was wounded by shell fragments in 1916 during the Somme offensive. This happened on the 14th of July 1916 after his battalion had been in action at Ovilliers. He returned to his unit 30th of November 1916 and took part in the battle of Messines Ridge, the 1917 campaigns in Flanders, the tank battle at Cambrai, and the German Spring offensives of March 1918.

His battalion (the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles) was wiped out almost to the last man on the 24th of March 1918 as it fought desperate rear guard actions to allow the remnants of the 36th Ulster division to escape the German avalanche. Survivors continued to fight with various units until the end of March when the battalion was moved to reserve and the task of rebuilding it began.

Pat Toman was part of the re-built battalion until the 2nd of June 1918 when he was wounded while on a night patrol in the Ypres area. During this patrol Major Herbert Musgrave from Corps Intelligence was killed. My Grandad was shot in the thigh by a machine gun bullet but made it back to friendly lines alive. It was thought he might have to lose the leg but it was saved.

My granddad made a life after the war but suffered PTSD which he dealt with by prayer, solitude, and by swearing off alcohol. He died in 1952 (15 years before I was born) but I grew up on legends and tales about him all my life and we all love him several generations on. We respect the effort he made to give us the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

I was able to visit the battle fields in Belgium, where he fought for so long, in 2007. I was able to walk along the very road where he was wounded for the last time in 1918 and to visit the grave of his patrol mate Herbert Musgrave.





1206213

Pte. Alfred Parkes 2nd Btn. Suffolk Regiment

Alfred Parkes at 16

Alfred Parkes was a Boy Soldier. He was only just 16 years old when he was volunteering in August 1915. He was drafted three months later to the Western Front where he was engaged in several sectors and took part in the Battle of the Somme, the Battle at Arras, the Battle at Cambrai and finally the Battle of St Quentin. During these engagements he was wounded and afterwards returning home he was discharged in November 1918. He holds the 1914 - 1915 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

alfred parkes wedding day

Simon Long




1205765

Pte. Hatchett W Frank 1st Btn. Lincolnshire Regiment (d.28th Aug 1914)

Frank Hatchett enlisted in the Queens Regiment in July 1908 and then enlisted in April 1910 as 8878 Private Edward Locke in the 1st Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment under which name he served during WW1. He died on the 28th August 1914 and is buried in St Quentin Northern Community Cemetery.

Mrs T Ford




218694

Sgt. Oscar Reginald Hazell MM. 11th Btn. Suffolk Regiment (d.19th Apr 1918)

Oscar Hazell served with the 2nd Battalion, Suffolk Regiment during WW1 and was killed in action on the 19th April 1918, aged 22. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. We believe he died during the Lys Offensive, holding the right flank between Gris Pot and Bois Grenier. The line was just behind Hollebeque Farm.

S Flynn




218665

Pte. James Booth 8th Btn. Kings Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment (d.26th Sep 1917)

James Booth served with the 8th Battalion, Kings Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) during WW1. He was killed in action 26th September 1917 and is buried in Perth Cemetery (China Wall) in Belgium.

There is a memorial to him in the Burnley Town Cemetery. The memorial stands on top of the family grave within Burnley Town Cemetery, the soldier is in full pack and standing in a relaxed pose with one foot slightly in front of the other, his rifle is in his right hand, the rifle has snapped in half over the passing years. The memorial is white in colour and very life like, although it is not known if it is actually based on James Booth himself.

The headstone has the names of his parents and the words - Also Private James Booth, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Killed in action in France 26/09/1917. Ever remembered. Although the inscription states that he was killed in France, James Booth is buried near Ypres in Belgium.

S Flynn




216481

CSM. Patrick McLaughlin 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.27th Mar 1916)

Patrick McLaughlin, Company Sergeant Major served in "X" Coy. 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in action age 33 on the 27th March 1916. He is remembered at Palmer Cenotaph, St Paul's Church and on the Ypres(Menin Gate)Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Patrick was born and enlisted in Jarrow, son of Michael and Mary McLaughlin (nee Costella) of 32 Stanley Street Jarrow. He was married to Helena McLaughlin (nee McKenna) of 1 James Street Hebburn.

1891 census Jarrow

  • 33 Stanley Street Jarrow
  • Michael McLauglin age 23 born Glasgow Labourer
  • Mary wife age 21 born Newcastle
  • Roseanna daughter age 2 born Jarrow
  • Margaret daughter age 2 months born Jarrow

1891 census Jarrow

  • 30 to 36 Stanley Street Jarrow Lodging House
  • Michael McLaughlin age 32 born Scotland Lodging House owner
  • Mary wife age 30 born Newcastle Northumberland
  • Rose Ann daughter age 11 born Jarrow Scholar
  • Margaret daughter age 10 born Jarrow Scholar
  • Patrick McLaughlin son age 8 born Jarrow Scholar
  • Mary daughter age 4 born Blyth Northumberland

1901 census Jarrow

  • 28 to 38 Stanley Street Jarrow Lodging House
  • Michael McLaughlin age 42 born Scotland Lodging House owner
  • Mary wife age 40 born Newcastle Northumberland
  • Rose Ann daughter age 21 born Jarrow
  • Margaret daughter age 20 born Jarrow
  • Mary daughter age 14 born Blyth Northumberland
  • Elizabeth daughter age 7 born Jarrow
  • Ellen daughter age 4 born Jarrow
  • Michael McLaughlin son age 8 months born Jarrow

1901 census Bradford

Patrick Mclaughlen age 19 born Jarrow Soldier

1910 ratepayers

  • Michael McLaughlin occupier of 30 to 36 Stanley Street Jarrow Lodging House owner
  • Michael McLaughlin owner of 26 to 36 Stanley Street Jarrow
  • Patrick McLaughlin occupier of 28 Stanley Street Jarrow

Vin Mullen




216476

Pte. William McLellan 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.8th Nov 1914)

William McLellan served in the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and died age 29 on the 8th November 1914. He is remembered at St. Paul's Church and is buried in Hagle Dump Cemetery. His medal card shows the award of the 1914 Star, War and Victory Medals.

William was born in Jarrow 1885, husband of Margaret McLellan nee Thompson. In the 1911 census they are living at 122 Woodhorn Road, Hirst Ashington with William(25) a miner stoneman (below ground) and his wife of 3 years Margaret(22). They have one daughter, Isabella who is 111 months old. Also living there is his brother Neil(23) same work as his older brother.

Vin Mullen




216431

Pte. Abert Melville 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.16th Jun 1915)

Albert Melville enlisted in Newcastle and served with the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He died age 28 on the 16th June 1915 and is remembered at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. His medal card shows the award of the 1914 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Albert was born in East Jarrow 1884(?). Am unable to find family with brothers in Jarrow. Nearest fit is family in Wallsend with mother Mary(35) born in Kenton Dumbartonshire, (husband not on form must be away that day), James(14) born in Kenton, Dumbartonshire, an office boy, Albert(10) born in Byker, David (5) born in Wallsend and Janet (1) born in Wallsend. His older brother James was also one of the fallen.

Vin Mullen




216258

Pte. William Wallace 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.16th June 1915)

William Wallace, Private 4491, served in the 1st Battalion the Northumberland Fusiliers and died on the 16th June 1915. He is remembered at St. Paul's Church and Ypres(Menin Gate) Memorial. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

William was born in Wallsend 1879 son of William and Mary Wallace of 26 Benton Way (1881 census address). In the 1901 census the family is living at 113b Benton Way, Wallsend with William(46) a ships rivetter and Mary(46) his wife. They have 7 children living at this address. William(22) is a caulker, John(20) is a painter, Mary Burdon(17) is a dressmaker and Margaret(14) is a milliner. The 3 younger childre at school are Henry(12), Miles(10) and Vincent is 7 years old. In the 1911 census William (32) is married and living at 56b Sedley Street Wallsend with his wife Margaret (29). He is a Prudential Insurance Agent. They have no children at that date.

Vin Mullen




216138

Pte. Henry Whittaker 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.14th Jan 1917)

Henry Whittaker enlisted at Jarrow and served in X Company 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He died on the 14th January 1917 and is remembered at Newcastle upon Tyne (St Andrew's and Jesmond) Cemetery. His medal card shows the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Henry was born in Jarrow 1881, son of John and Sarah Whittaker of Hartlepool. He was married to Ada Annie Whittaker of 14 Powell's Cottages, Carr's Hill, Gateshead.

Vin Mullen




216134

2/Lt. Nathan White 29th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.1st Jul 1916)

Nathan White, a Second Lieutenant, served with the 29th and 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Battalions, Northumberland Fusiliers and died age 31 on the 1st July 1916. He is remembered at St. Paul's Church and on the Thiepval Memorial. His medal card records the award of the War and Victory Medals shows his mother as next of kin.

Nathan was born in Jarrow 1885, son of Martha and the late Joseph White. In the 1911 census the family is living at Palmers Gasworks where Nathan(26) is the manager. His widowed mother Martha(73) and his two sisters, Lilian(32) a dressmaker and Dora(30). Nephew Nathan Keau(12) and Niece Edna Keau(9) complete the family.

Vin Mullen




215672

Pte. William Roberts 8th Btn. East Yorkshire Regiment (d.13th Apr 1917)

William Roberts, Private 16491, served in the 8th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment and died between the 9th and 13th April 1917. He is remembered at St. Paul's Church, Jarrow and Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains, Ronville Military Cemetery, Memorial 10. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medal. He was born and lived in Jarrow.

Vin Mullen




215648

Cpl. Charles Flower Rudd 1st Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.9th Jan 1915)

Charles Flowers Rudd, Corporal 8215 enlisted in North Shields and served with the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. He was killed in action age 31 on the 9th January 1915 and is remembered at St. Paul's Church and the Ypres(Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 8 and 12. His medal card records that he was killed in action and the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals.

Charles was born in Newcastle 1883, son of Charles and Margaret Rudd. He was married to Ada Eleanor Rudd nee Angus of 18 Birch Street, Jarrow. in the 1911 census he is living at 2 Addycombe Cottages, Rothbury, age(27) a Postman with Ada, age(29)married for 5 years and no children.

Vin Mullen




215631

Pte. Edward Roberts 8th Btn. Kings Own (Royal Lancaster) Regt. (d.27th Sep 1918)

Edward Grattan Roberts, Private 48843, enlisted at Barrow and served in the 8th Battalion Kings Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He died on the 27th September 1918 and is remembered at Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Pane 3. His medal card records the award of the War and Victory Medals.

Edward was born in Jarrow 1897, son of Elizabeth Ann Roberts nee Porter of 23 Argyll Place, Barrow and the late Edward Roberts. In the 1911 census Elizabeth Ann, born in Flintshire, (40) widow, is living at that address, and is a cleaner at a pulp works. Her son Edward Grattan Roberts (13) is a government telegraph messanger and her two daughters Mary Elizabeth,born in Jarrow, (12) and Gwendoline, born in Barrow in Furness, (6) are both attending school.

Vin Mullen




215589

Pte. Michael Riley 12th Btn. West Yorkshire Regiment (d.28th Mar 1916)

Michael Riley, Private 17339, enlisted at Jarrow and, after previous service in the East Yorkshire Regiment (Service No.15325), served in the 12th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. He was killed in action age 20 on the 28th March 1916. He is remembered at Elzenwalle Brasserie Cemetery. VI.B.4. His medal card records the award of the 1915 Star, War and Victory Medals also that he was killed in action.

Michael was born in Boldon 1896, son of Anthony and Catherine Riley nee Gilfoy of Jarrow. An Ancestry search of census records for 1911 shows the family living at Gillespies Building, Bolden Colliery, Durham with Catherine(43) a widow, described as a washerwoman. she had beeen married for 20 years having 10 children, 7 of whom survived. There are 5 children, all born in Boldon Colliery, recorded at this address, 3 sons and 2 daughters all of school age except Michael who is 15 and working as a screener coal miner above ground.

Vin Mullen








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