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CSM. Fred Birtwistle DCM & Bar.
British Army 2nd Btn. Rifle Brigade
from:Hollywood, County Down, Northern Ireland
Fred Birtwistle, from Bury, Lancashire, joined the Rifle Brigade to fight at the Boer War in Africa and was awarded medals for South Africa. He was the son of Samuel & Ellen Birtwistle, he was my great-grandfather. He married Margaret (née Bell), from Banbridge, Northern Ireland, whilst at the Palace Barracks in Hollywood, Belfast, 1909. Their first child was my grandmother Ellen. They had other children: Frederick George, Samuel, Isabel and Jeanette.
Fred was awarded a DCM & Bar on 18th of June 1917 and Bar September 22nd 1917. He later received a clasp of roses along with the three WW1 service medals. This was gazetted also for gallantry awards in the field.
Fred was a Company Sergeant Major in the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade. Sadly, Fred died on May 24th 1920 whilst at his barracks at Winchester just after the war. He was aged 38 and is commemorated with a CWWG at Winchester Old Hill Cemetery, England. His DCM & Bar is on display at The Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester, England. Fred's wife died in 1960 at Finlay Street, Ligoniel Village, Belfast, leaving their grandchildren Freddy, Geordie, Isabel, Ellie, Alfie, Ivan, Robert, Reg, Susan, Dinah, and Teddy.
Like so many thousands of brave men that gave their lives for our freedom, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather Fred was a hero and like all who died will be remembered. My mother's sister Susan always remembers the story her mother told her about losing her shoe (a red one) on the way back from India to Liverpool in 1914. Funny how simple things mean so much for memories. I know this story is a personal one but I hope it encourages anyone who reads it.
