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Those Who Served
Pte. Ernest Edmund Baber . Australian Imperial Forces 33rd Btn. from Batecombe, Shepton Mallet, Somerser, England |
Private Thomas Henry Bache . British Army 2nd Bn. Sherwood Foresters Notts & Derby Rgt from Hull, Yorkshire (d.23rd Jul 1918) This man was my Uncle and died 22 years before I was born.Presently I am researching my family tree,but at the moment I need more information regarding My Uncle Tom,I need to know if he as gassed or died of the flu. |
William Henry Bacon . Australian Imperial Forces D Coy. 33rd Btn. from Dungog, New South Wales (d.7th Jun 1917) William Bacon was killed during the attack in no-man’s-land in front of Plugstreet Wood on 7th June 1917. He has no known grave. |
2nd Lt. James Chester Badgley . British Army 6th Btn. att. 58th Trench Mortar Bty. Wiltshire Regiment (d.7th Jun 1917) James Badgley was, I think, the name of the father of my Godmother. I have his details from the CWGC which state "6th Bn. Wiltshire Regt. attd. 58th Trench Mortar Bty." together with family details. He enlisted in the Canadian Contingent at Quebec in 1914. I have a photograph which again I think is him but only because we found it in her personal effects after her death.
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Pte. Cecil Beaumont Badnall . Australian Imperial Forces 48th Btn. from Liverpool, England (d.2nd Jun 1917) |
Pte. Cecil Beaumont Badnall . Australian Imperial Forces 48th Btn. from Liverpool, England (d.2nd Jun 1917) Corporal John Herbert Whitley Bracken served with the 1st Divisional Ammunition Column Australian Field Artillery. He was was killed in action Belgium 22 July 1917 aged 29, son of Joseph and Harriet Bracken of 16 Stanley Avenue, Wallasey, England. He now rests in the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground nera Ypres, Belgium.
His service record state he was born in Toxteth (Liverpool) and attested 1st September 1914 working as a Teamster. He arrived on the Gallipoli Peninsula 30 April 1915 and landed in France on 2 April 1916. He was wounded in action 22 July 1917 and died of wounds the same day in 55 Field Ambulance. |
Charles Bage . British Army Loyal North Lancashire Regiment from Sheffield Charles Bage, my great great grandfather served from 1895 until at least 1917 in several services. Signing on with the Royal Scots Fusiliers in 1897, he then moved to 3rd Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Regiment. He served in the Boer War at the Relief of Ladysmith and received the South Africa medal. He was then in the reserves until he signed up for ASC Remounts as a nagsman. In 1916 he joined the Loyal North Lancashires. In 1917 his service records stop and I have had great difficulty finding out what happened to him after that, no family members are left to ask, so I am afraid his story probably ends there for me. I would love to have known more about him as I am currently tracing my family history.
He was born in Sheffield in 1878. His service record shows he had a large scar of a burn on the left side of his face, but there is no record of how he received it. I think he may have passed away after the war but cannot be sure as every search I try does not bring his name up.
This entry is in memory of my great great grandfather,I am proud to know that he served his country, and am grateful to him and all the men and women who have given so much to ensure the freedom we enjoy today. |
Pte. William Ewart Gladstone Bagshaw . British Army 2nd Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.16th Apr 1915)
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V.A.D. Cecile Bailey . Voluntary Aid Detachment Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley |
Pte. Charles William Bailey . British Army 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards from Swinton (d.26th Oct 1914) Charles Bailey was my great great grandfather, he served with the 2nd Battalion the Coldstream Guards having enlisted at Wath. He was killed in action on the 26th of October 1914 and is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium, panel 11. |
Pte. Francis William Bailey . British Army 1st Btn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment from Long Lawford Enlistment and training
Francis William Bailey was enlisted as a conscript under the Military Service Act of 1916. This Act deemed all males who reached the age of 18 years to have enlisted. They could choose if they preferred to go into the Royal Navy but
other than that had no choice in the matter of regiment or unit to which they
were assigned. Enlistment was a two stage process. First, the recruit, who was
called up in accordance with details given during a process of National
Registration in 1915, would attend a session where he would be medically
examined and attested for service. He would then be placed on the army
reserve and return home to await a mobilisation notice.
The information already listed provides a context for his early
service. He reached 18 in October 1917 and could have been called for
attestation and then mobilised at any time after that.
The 53rd (Young Soldier) Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment was
created on 27 October 1917 in a reorganisation of the army’s infantry training
structure. The Young Soldier units carried out the 14 week basic training
course, after which the soldier would be passed on to a Graduated Battalion.
The 53rd Battalion was based at Chisledon but moved in early November 1917
to Larkhill, both places being on Salisbury Plain. For Francis to be with the
battalion on 7 February 1918 probably implies that he had not joined the
battalion straight away after his 18th birthday but it was clearly not long after
that.
It was at this time not legally possible to send a conscripted soldier overseas
until he was aged 19. The 18 year-old trainees were held in England, carrying
on training or any other useful duty, once they had completed their basic
training. The young recruits were known as “A4 men”, after a medical category
that defined them as fit in all respects except age. Had these conditions
continued, Francis would not have been in France until late in 1918.
It is possible that he went straight from the 53rd Battalion to France, but more
likely is that he had passed for a brief time to either 51st or 52nd (Graduated)
Battalion. Both moved to Lowestoft in January 1918.
On 21 March 1918, the enemy launched a huge attack against British Fifth and
Third Armies. So great were the losses and so few the reserves that an
emergency act was carried in Parliament which enabled men who were 18½
years or more and who had more than six months training to be sent overseas.
They were hurriedly despatched to France. We believe that Francis was among
them.
Either just before embarkation or on arrival in France, Francis was
renumbered to Private 50854. By examining the records of the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it is certain that men numbered
nearby were in France by late May 1918 although of those posted to 1st
Battalion none lost their lives before August.
Service in France
On arrival in France, Francis was posted to join his regiment’s 1st Battalion.
Later in our report we have provided an outline of the history of the battalion.
It is reasonable to assume that Francis moved with it and took part in its
actions until he was taken prisoner. Unfortunately it is not possible to tell
solely from his number his specific role or which of the four Companies he was
posted to.
It is not easy to discover when Francis arrived or was captured. The war diary
kept by the battalion does not name other ranks. We have checked it
throughout the period March to November 1918.
Small numbers of reinforcements arrived at intervals during late March and
April 1918, and in larger drafts during May. There was a particularly large
draft of 130 men that arrived on 14 May. From June to August, there were
once again small numbers dribbling in.
There are relatively few occasions when men were reported missing. These
figures undoubtedly include some men were later confirmed or presumed
dead, but the remainder will have been taken prisoner:
- 15 April 1918: 13 missing (along with 31 dead and 183 wounded) in desperate
defensive fight near Hinges.
- 11 June 1918: 1 man reported as wounded and missing from a patrol.
- 30 June 1918: 1 man reported missing from a raiding party but believed to
have been taken to a Casualty Clearing Station.
- 1 July 1918: 1 man reported missing. Battalion was bombarded as it was being
relieved and moving to rest.
- 9 August 1918: Second Lieutenant P. Horsley and 9 men missing when their
patrol, advancing near Bobeme, found itself surrounded by the enemy. Three
men escaped back to battalion.
- 30 August 1918: 24 men reported missing after a disorganised attack near
Remy.
- 24 October 1918: 2 men missing after an attack near Verchain. These are the
last to be reported as such before the Armistice.
Given that it appears that men with numbers near to Francis were not with 1st
battalion before May, clearly the most likely times for him to have been
captured were on 9 and 30 August.
Return from POW camp, discharge from the army and after the
war
Although the medals documents give no information, Francis would have been
discharged by being transferred to Class Z Army Reserve some time in 1919.
This was the standard route out of military service for wartime volunteers and
conscripts to the regular army. It meant that the soldier could return to
civilian life but subject to being recalled if required, for twelve months after
discharge. In the event, no Class Z men were recalled and the Class was
abolished on 31 March 1920.
His campaign medals were sent to him automatically. It was not necessary to
claim them. The British War and Victory Medals were usually despatched in
1921. They were to recognise that the soldier had left his native shore and
entered a theatre of war, respectively.
Men could make a claim as to any form of disability or medical problem
arising from their war service and, subject to the approval of a Medical Board,
were usually awarded a pension, the value of which related to their marital
and family status and their degree of disablement. |
J. J. Bailey . Army Durham Light Infantry |
L/Cpl Ronald Spencer Bailey . Australian Imperial Force 37th Btn. from Ballarat, Victoria. Australia (d.8th Jun 1917) |
Pte. Samuel Bailey . Army Durham Light Infantry (d.11 Aug 1915) |
Private William Bainbridge Bailey . Army 13th Durham Light Infantry, Northumberland Fusiliers I have been doing some research into my great-grandfather who fought in the Great War.
His name was William Bainbridge Bailey. Rank: Private. He fought with the 13th Durham Light Infantry at Contalmaison on the Somme and also with the Northumberland Fusiliers in many fronts, including the Third Battle of Ypres.
There is some confusion with the Battle of Contalmaison; his war diary (now in the University of Leeds) says he fought on the 4th August 1916. However the websites I have researched show the Battles of Contalmaison were in July 1916. If anyone has any information on this I would be grateful. I would also love to hear about any connections with my grandfather.
Main Events from 1915 – 1917
Joined the Royal Fusiliers on November 1915, aged 19. Transferred to Northumberland Fusiliers June 24th (part of Tyneside Scottish Regiment). Arrived in France July 15th. Transferred to 13th Durham Light Infantry in Franvilliers. Fought at Albert in front line 28th July. Said there were very heavy casualties. August 1st was deployed to Contalmaison (part of the Somme front). 4th August attacked Contalmaison at dusk (hit by machine gun bullet in right thigh and lay in no-man’s land for three days). 7th August crawled back to trenches. Sent home to England for treatment 13th August.
Served in reserve Northumberland Fusiliers four miles from Hull. Transferred to Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) 9th January 1917. Deployed to Armentiers. 11th February went on bombing raid at Armentiers. Not injured although the battalion suffered heavy casualties.13th February came back to battalion at Gadewelde. 9th April (Easter Monday) went over top at Arras. 24th April left Arras reserve and went to front line. Had a rough time taking position and Battalion suffered heavy casualties. 30th April, just one hour before being relieved, the unit was shelled heavily. Had a very narrow escape, five men killed next to him and two wounded.
After being in and out of hospital with a skin disease, he returned to Northumberland Fusiliers. 5th July left for front lines at Peronne. 8th July went to front for four days. Said it was ‘very hot’ with no let up at all. Went over the top just East of Hardecourt. Captured 600 yards of enemy trench.
7th October deployed to Ypres. 16th October was sent to Ypres front line (Passchendaele). Night of 16th October was hit with shrapnel in both legs and right arm. Sent to Number 2 Canadian General Hospital, had three operations and left leg was amputated just above knee. Left for England, or in his words, ‘Back to Blighty.’
Overview
- Trained with Royal Fusiliers
- Fought for Durham Light Infantry at Albert and Contalmaison (The Somme).
- Fought for Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) at: Armentiers, Arras, Peronne, Hardecourt and Ypres. (Passchendaele).
War Reminiscences
“Enough of War”
“I realized how close God always is to us, one always feels a little reserved about one’s own experience, suffering and hardships. Never boast. And your never alone in trouble.”
Main Reminiscences
- Laying alone in no-man’s land.
- Crossing channel for third time in a paddleboat when he encountered a mine. Suffered worst sea-sickness but said, “Navy, good work.”
- Etaples, never ending stream of men.
- Doing gas guard.
His Lucky and Unlucky Fridays
- Born on Good Friday April 3rd 1896.
- Sworn into the army Friday November 19th 1915.
- Left England for France Friday July 14th 1916.
- Wounded at Contalmaison Friday August 4th 1916
- Home on sick furlough Friday October 1916.
- Left leg amputated Friday November 12th 1917. |
Spr. Richard Patrick Baillie . Australian Imperial Forces 1st Australian Tunnelling Coy. |
Capt. H. D. Baines . British Army 7th Btn. London Regiment from (d. ) Can anyone help me find out about a Captain H.D.Baines of the 7th Battalion City of London Regiment? I found an old book in a junk shop and his name was written in ink inside as if the book belonged to him also printed is Captain. 7th Battalion City of London Regiment and stamped date for August 20 1908. I would very much like to find out about this man and if possible return the book to his relatives if he has any, after all it is a very long time ago now. The book is called Old Time Paris, A plain guide to it's chief survivals by George F.Edwards M.D. It would appear to be an early edition as the pages have been cut by hand and similar on A.B.E. Books site all seem to date from the 1920's. |
Pte. William Bartle Baines . Army 5th Btn. Durham Light Infantry from Hurworth, Co Durham My Grandfather, William Bartle Baines served with the 5th Battalion of the DLI. I dont know much about the rest of the men in the picture I am trying to find out more about the 5th battalion.
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Pte. Joseph Bainton . Army 1st btn Lincolnshire Regt My father served in the Great war with the Lincolnshire Regt.
He was Pte J. Bainton 9540 1/Lincs.He was wounded in his arm and leg.The wounds got him home where he recovered in Royal Victoria Boscombe hospital,Bournemouth.He liked Bournemouth so much that after the war Mum & Dad moved here from Scunthorpe.
We have a photo of Dad in a basket wheel chair near the beach at Boscombe.
The whole family would like to know which battle Dad was wounded.He never spoke of the war at all.
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Pte. James Baird . British Army 11th Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (d.1st Jul 1916) |
Spr. Norman Baird . Australian Imperial Forces 1st Australian Tunnelling Coy. |
Pte. Albert Baker . British Army 7th Btn. South Staffordhire Regiment from 31, Burlington St., Aston. Birmingham (d.7th Jun 1917) |
Lt. Cecil Avery "Muddy" Baker MC.. British Army 1st Battalion Soy=uth Wales Borderers from I never met my great grandfather, Cecil Baker, as he died the year I was born. But the whole family talk about what a great man he was. He went out with the B.E.F. in August 1914, he kept a scrap book full of newspaper clippings of his time in the Army, mainly his rugby career, where he raised and trained the battlion rugby team, winning the army cup on four consecutive years, in 1913 he became the first gentleman cadet from Sandhurst to play for the army. |
Pte. E. J. Baker . Australian Imperial Force 42nd Btn. (d.11th Jun 1917) |
Pte. Edward Felix Baker . British Army 2nd Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers (d.22nd Feb 1915) |
Spr. George Alexander Baker . Australian Imperial Forces 1st Australian Tunnelling Coy. |
Pte. Harry Baker . from 73 Elm St, Aberbargoed (d.9th Oct 1918) Harry Baker was my great uncle and as he was single, not much is known of him. He was only posted to France very shortly before he died, and the war ended shortly after, so its a great shame. He served with the South Wales Borderers and the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He is buried in Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt. One day I'd like to be able to pay my respects there. |
Capt. Chaplain. Percy Baker . Australian Imperial Forces 1st Australian Tunnelling Coy. Percy Baker was born in Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. He graduated from Cambridge University with a Batchelor of Arts Degree and during his time there gained military experience with the Officers Training Corps. He then became a Church of England minister. In 1915 he was a Clerk in Holy Orders at St Peter’s Church, Forbes Street, Sydney, N.S.W. and he enlisted with the Chaplain’s Department for service abroad. His height is recorded as 5ft 7½ins, weight 146lbs with a chest measurement 33 and he had good eyesight. His next-of-kin was given as his mother Mrs Henrietta Baker of 29 Sefton Park Road, Bristol, England.
He left Sydney aboard the troopship HMAT A35 Berrima on December 17, 1915 arriving on January 23, 1916 at the port of Suez. Where Chaplain Baker was allotted to No 1 Australian Casualty Clearing Station. On March 9, 1916 transferred from No 1 Australian General Hospital to the A.I.F. Base Camp at Giza then was taken on strength at Ras-el-Tin Convalescent Camp, Seraphim on March 21. On March 27, 1916 Chap Baker proceeded to Alexandria to embark on transport Corsican heading for Marseilles, France and then the Western Front.
Chaplain Baker remained with the 1 Australian C.C.S. until October 18, 1916 when he proceeded to join the 14th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in the field, remaining until A.I.F. orders were received to return to England on February 22, 1917.
On March 1, 1917 the Chaplain, at his own expense, took leave of absence and returned to Australia per transport S.S. Mongara arriving on May 10, 1917. Returning to Sydney, N.S.W. he married Alice G. Stephen and on the 14th of June 1917 he embarked onboard HMAT A20 Hororata to return to duty. The ship docked at Liverpool, England on the 26th of August 1917.
On the 24th of October Chaplain Baker proceeded overseas to France via Southampton marching in two days later at the Australian General Base Depot at Havre.
Captain Chaplain Baker marched out to join the 1st Tunnelling Company reporting for duty on 31st of October 1917. He was granted a promotion to the rank of 3rd Class Chaplain (without extra pay) on the 1st of December 1917.
Captain Chaplain Baker returned to Australia on the transport H.T. City of Exeter embarking from England on the 15th of January 1919 and his appointment was terminated on the 20th of April 1919.
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Bosun Samuel Baker DSC & M d'oro. Royal Navy from Devonport As he was my Gt Grandfather I know nothing about him except for his life in the Royal Navy which I am researching at the moment. He was awarded the The Army Long Service & Good Conduct medal |
Rfm. W. J. Baker . British Army 9th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles from London. England. (d.7th Jun 1917) |
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