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The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry was formed in 1881 as the county regiment of South Yorkshire.
Battalions during the Great War.
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
- 4th Battalion
- 2/4th Battalion
- 5th Battalion
- 2/5th Battalion
- 6th (Service) Battalion
- 7th (Service) Battalion
- 8th (Service) Battalion
- 9th (Service) Battalion
- 10th (Service) Battalion
- 11th (Service) Battalion
- 12th (Service) (Miners) Battalion (Pioneers)
- 13th (Reserve) Battalion (Pioneers)
- 14th (Home Service) Battalion
- 15th Garrison Battalion
- 16th Garrison Battalion
- 51st (Service) Battalion
- 52nd (Service) Battalion
- 53rd (Service) Battalion
- 1st (Reserve) Garrison Battalion
- 2nd Garrrison Battalion
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Those known to have served with The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry during The Great War
Select a story link or scroll down to browse those stories hosted on this site.
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Pte. Thomas Harold Bentley West Yorkshire Regiment Fantastic website! It has helped me research my maternal grandfather's Army service in WW1. He was Pvt Thomas Harold Bentley who served in the West Yorkshire Regiment, KOYLI, Labour Corps,RF. He served on the Western Front.
Also the site has helped me research my great uncle: Pvt George Eaddie, RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps). He served in Eqypt, Sulva Bay, Dardernelles, and the Western Front.
God Bless you both.
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Private William Senior 1st / 5th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.9th Oct 1917)
Would like to find out the military record of my relation. |
Private Sam Ashton 5th & 3rd Btns Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry This is an enquiry as I have been trying to research my Great Grandfather’s War record (what he did, where he went, did he take part in any battles) for 2 years now and seem to be getting nowhere. I am getting old now and only me in my family seems to be interested in finding out. The following two addresses are the only details I have and I know for sure that my Great Grandfather was in Germany at the end of WW1. E. COY. 3rd K.O.Y.L.I. No 9 Hut HEDEN Racecourse. Nr. HULL and 5th K.O.Y.L.I. No.6 Con CAMP. N. Coy. B.E.F. FRANCE. Please could someone help and tell me some history? I have researched in the National Archive, read books etc, but I still cannot figure the history of these Battallions. There is a family rumour that Sam was a sniper but i am not sure at all about this. |
Private Richard Henry Arnold 2/5th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.3rd May 1917) In Memory of Private Richard Arnold 242164, 2nd/5th Bn, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who died on 03 May 1917 Remembered with honour Arras Memorial. Richard was born in Thurnscoe, Yorkshire on 25 Aug 1895 to parents Richard and Sarah Eleanor Owens, who married in Cardiff on 20 Feb 1892. He had four sisters, Eleanor born in Wales 1887, Elizabeth also born in Wales 1888, Maggie also born in Wales 1891 and Dorothy my grandmother who was born in Thurnscoe, Yorkshire 1894. One brother, Thomas born in Wales 1892. The family lived in Cardiff until around 1893 before relocating to Yorkshire and as can be seen the parents did not marry until 1892. |
Pte. John Greenwood 4th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry My father enlisted Leeds on 21st Sept 1916, serving first with 4th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and posted to Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons (I was told they had no horses so were issued with cycles). Chevrons One B; wound stripe one. He served in France was wounded in action, and received an honourable discharge on 20th December 1918. Discharge Certificate army form B2079, No.2 Infantry records Yorks (serial number 2841). Discharge certificate bears serial number 3748YLI, being no longer physically fit for war service.
He had served 1 year 299 days with the colours and 157 days in army reserve (does the latter indicate the time in hospital care?) Para 392 (XV1) KR.
The name of my parents' house was Neuf Eglise which might signify the area in France where he was wounded.
I was never given details of my father's war service when I was younger but now as I near 80 years of age I have studied the Discharge Certificate and scrap of paper attached to it and would like to know the following. I feel perhaps the Regimental War Diaries will give the places to which the Unit was moved.
When did the Unit go to France?
The Movement of the Unit thereafter and the actions in which they were involved. Would my Father's Unit be involved in action on a certain date in or near Neuf Eglise?
Is there a record of exactly where he was wounded and his movements thereafter. I believe he was eventually in a
hospital at Burton Agnes on the east coast of Yorkshire.
My understanding from Carlisle Military Museum is that Neuf Eglise was a much fought over area in 1914/18. Any information you can give me would be most welcome.
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Pte. Harry Atkinson 8th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.1st July 1916) My Great Uncle Harry Atkinson was killed in action on the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme. |
Pte John Pearcy 6th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry My Grandfather,John Pearcy served on the Western Front from 1916 with the 6th batt. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, in early 1918 this battalion was disbanded and Grandfather was posted to the 16th Entrenching battalion. Shortly after this the Germans launched their spring offensive and grandfather was then posted to the 3rd London Regt. and went back into front line actions.
On the 8th August 1918 the 3rd London's went into action on the first day of the battle of Amiens, their jumping off point was on the green line near Malard Wood, on exiting the wood they came under heavy fire from the German positions on Chipily ridge and Grandfather was wounded in the chest with shrapnel. After being taken to a Casualty Clearing Station, Grandfather was moved out of the line to the Australian General Hospital at Rouen.
On the 17th October 1918 Grandfather returned to his unit and went into action in the final advance in Artois and Flanders. In the early hours of the 31st October 1918 the 3rd Londons were trying to establish a series of posts between the lines near the village of Bleharies in Belgium when they came under shellfire, Grandfather was badly wounded and had a leg amputated on the battlefield before being moved to hospital in Boulogne.
Later that month grandfather returned to the UK on board the hospital ship St David and spent time in several hospitals in Kent, having a re-amputation before being moved nearer home to the Leeds War Hospital in Yorkshire where he was fitted with an artificial leg but it was to be 1920 before he was discharged from hospital and returned to his family.
Grandfather became an active member of his local British Legion branch and led several remembrance day parades in his home village, Grandfather passed away in 1947. |
Mjr. John Johnson Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry John Johnson was my paternal grandfather whom I never met but have only heard of through other family members. I believe that he was a career soldier. |
Pte. James North Hinch 9th Btn. King`s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.1st Jul 1916) James Hinch was my Great Uncle, he died at the age of 40, and is remembered along with his brother George, on the Thiepval Memorial, sons of John Milton Hinch and Anice Cossy Hinch, James was the husband of Georgina Hinch of 41 Faraden Road, Attercliffe, Sheffield. |
Pte. George Harry Lawson 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (d.21st Aug 1918) George Harry Lawson was my uncle and the first son of George & Martha Lawson and my father's only brother. I discovered the whereabouts of his grave in Queen's Cemetery, Bucquoy on the CWGC webite and visited it for the first time in 2004. The visit was an intensely moving experience especially as it was very likely that I was the first family member ever to have visited it in almost 90 years. I visited the National Records Office in Kew in the hope of finging his service records but came away dissappointed. I believe that George was initially enlisted in the KOYLI and must have been transferred to the Lincolnshire Regiment. It seems that he was killed during the Allied offensive in the Acre Valley north of Albert |
Pte. Joseph Henry Oxby 8th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.7th Jun 1917) Joseph Henry Oxby was my great Uncle. I have post cards sent from him to
my relatives from the front. All I know is that he was killed at Messines
and he was never found. I have found his name on the Menin Gate,
and on the memorial in Canwick.
On the otherside of my Grandparents, my Grand mother's father was killed
near Tyne cot with the 5th koyli. A book has been published by Malcom Johnson
about him called "Surely we are winning" I have spoken to Malcom Johnson
about my interest in doing a follow up to his book, with myself cycling the
places where he was. I would like to find any more info about Joseph,
and also a cousin of his called Joseph, and brother Robert.
All were killed in action. There is also a Harold Oxby killed 23rd Oct 1917
whilst with the Royal Field Artillery, buried at Buffs Road Cemetery.
It seems my family made a large sacrifice in the Ypres area. |
Sjt. Walter Gordon MacDonald MID. 12th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.12th May 1917) Walter McDonald was my great grandfather. I have been researching him for some time but have come to a dead end. He was mentioned in dispatches, but as of yet I cannot find out why. I have contacted the regimental HQ who helpfully sent me a copy of the war diary for this period, but alas Walter is not mentioned. I have acquired 2 differing copies of his Medal card, one with the Great war trio on and the other with just his MID. Any advice of avenues to follow would be gratefully received. |
Capt. Herbert William Mottley M.C. 1st Btn Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry This was my grandfather, Herbert William Mottley. I have only now learned his story (or part of it). The Supplement to the London Gazette, 30 July, 1919 gives the outline of the engagement that earned him the M.C. At that time he was T./Lt. (Acting Captain) 1st Batt York Light Infantry. It reads: "For conspicuous gallantry during the attack on Prospect Hill in front of Le Catelet on Oct 3rd, 1918. In face of many difficulties and strong opposition he showed great skill and determination in gaining the objective which he suceeded in holding throughout the day. Again on the night of Oct 8th, when his company attacked Villers Farm near Villers Outreaux, he carried out a critical operation with extreme coolness under heavy machine-gun fire."
I do not have any details of this engagement or indeed others in which he was engaged or any photographs of his time in the army. Unfortunately I did not know him as he died when I was one year old, but I would like to pay tribute to him and his comrades. |
Pte. William Henry Langford 8th Btn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.1st Jul 1916) My mother was 2 days from her first birthday when her father was killed. He had come from Storridge in Worcestershire with his brother George Ernest, when the coal mines in Wales closed down and they wanted and found work in the West Yorkshire coal fields, living in Normanton W Yorkshire and marrying 2 cousins there.
My mother knew little of her father because her mother told her he was blown to pieces and never found, and she, mother, married again but died when my mother was just 14, in Normanton W Yorkshire leaving mum to leave school to look after 5 children - her step brothers and sisters.
It wasn't until I began researching my family tree that I found a photo of 'grandad' and also that he had a grave near ALbert in N France, being killed on July 1st 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
I always promised mum I would take her there but sadly she died before I managed it................ BUT
On June 27th this year, I am going across with a trip arranged by the British legion, to stay in the Somme area/Albert and to visit the graveyard where grandad is buried and see his grave.I'll stay in the Union Jack Hotel in Waterloo London at each end of my trip.
I cannot wait - it will be very emotional and I will only visit once - mum will be with me in spirit and I can add my visit to my Family Tree, with pride and thanks.
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Pte. Sidney Haigh 8th Btn Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.8th Jun 1917) Sidney Haigh was 19 years old, married and had one daughter. He lost his life on the 8th of June 1917, he has no known grave and is remembered on the Menin Gate in Ypres. |
Pte. James Comer 9th Btn. Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (d.1st July 1916) James Died on the 1st day of The Battle of The Somme. His memorial is at Thiepval Memorial, pier and face 11C and 12A |
Sgt. Enoch "Knocker" Nash MM. 10th Btn Kings own Yorkshire Light Infantry My grandfather, Enoch Nash served in the KOYLI during WW1 from 1914 until demobbed in February 1919 in the 10th Battalion. He was awarded the military medal for bravery which I have in my possession, along with his 1914/15 star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. I believe he was awarded the Military Medal for bringing in his wounded captain (Capt. W. M. Penny) although he very rarely spoke of his war "it being too terrible". I don't have the citation for the medal and have had no luck trying to trace it. |
Pte. James Comer 9th Battalion (d.1st July 1916) James Cormer was born in Ryhill, Yorkshire in 1895. We have his medals and the letter from the King to his parents when he died. Unfortunatley we have no photograph of James, but a relative from America sent us a photograph of another soldier on it who served with James being a corporal and physical instructer with the 9th Battalion same as James. James died the first day of the Battle of The Somme but has no known grave. He is remembered on the War Memorial at Thiepval. We visited The Somme this summer and we went to Thiepval and many of the very well kept cemeteries there. We found one where some of the soldiers of his battalion are buried and placed a poppy cross on one of the graves of an unknown soldier who died on that day. It was so sad to see all the people who died serving their countries. God Bless them all |
BENEATH HILL 60 tells the extraordinary true story of Oliver Woodward, the legendary Australian metal scientist. In 1916, Woodward faced the most difficult decision, ultimately having to separate from his new young love for the deadly carnage of the Western Front. On treacherous territory, behind the German enemy lines, Woodward and his secret platoon of Australian tunnelers face a suicidal battle to defend a leaking, tunnel system. A tunnel packed with enough high explosives to change the course of the War.
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Hill 60: Ypres (Battleground Europe) Nigel Cave
The shell-ravaged landscape of Hill 60, some three miles south east of Ypres, conceals a labyrinth of tu nnels and underground workings. This book offers a guide to the memorials, cemeteries and museums at the site '
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Beneath Hill 60 [Paperback] Will Davies
'Ten seconds, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one - fire! Down goes the firing switch. At first, nothing. Then from deep down there comes a low rumble, and it as if the world is spliting apart...' On 7th June 1917, nineteen massive mines exploded beneath Messines Ridge near Ypres. The largest man-made explosion in history up until that point shattered the landscape and smashed open the German lines. Ten thousand German soldiers died. Two of the mines - at Hill 60 and the Caterpillar - were fired by men of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, comprising miners and engineers rather than parade-ground soldiers. Drawing on the diaries of one of the key combatants, "Benealth Hill 60" tells the little-known, devastatingly brutal true story of this subterranean war waged beneath the Western Front - a stygian battle-ground where men drowned in viscous chalk, suffocated in the blue gray clay, choked on poisonous air or died in the darkness, caught up up in vicious hand-to-han
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