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233841
L/Cpl. Benjamin Newham
British Army 2/5th Btn. Leicestershire Regiment
from:Kegworth
(d.9th April 1917)
Ben Newham was the son of Robert and Rebecca Newham and was born in 1895. He enlisted at Loughborough. He was a sniper and was very proud to serve his King and country.
The battalion had been in Ireland preparing to joining their comrades in France. After embarkation leave they proceeded to France via Southampton, arriving at Le Havre on 24th February 1917. They were sent to the Somme area where the enemy were retreating to the Hindenburg line. They made their first attack on the villages of Hesbecourt and Hevilliers on 31st March 1917, capturing both villages and suffering a number of casualties. Ben was one of the casualties. He died on 9th April 1917 and is buried at Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. He left two brothers and two sisters, all younger than him.