by James | Apr 23, 2018 | Uncategorised
Private George Marvin, Bourne, 7th Lincolnshire Regiment
In our second remembrance of today, we commemorate the 101st anniversary of the death of George Marvin of Bourne and also of the 7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, killed this day, 23rd April, St George’s Day, 1917.
We were very privileged to visit his memorial at Arras on the day of his centenary commemoration today.
George Marvin was born in the spring of 1886 in Bourne to John Henry Marvin, a farm labourer born in Morton and his wife Mary Ann Pick, born in Bourne.
John Henry and Mary Ann were married in Bourne in 1870 and had 9 children of which 4 had not survived by 1911.
Henry Marvin, 1871, Bourne
Elizabeth Marvin, 1872, Bourne
Florence Marvin, 1877, Bourne
Emma Marvin, 1882, Bourne
George Marvin, 1886, Bourne
In 1891 George was living with his parents in The Austerby, Bourne. By 1911 he was still with his parents but they were now living in Bedehouse Bank, Bourne and George, now 25, was working as a labourer on a farm.
George married Annie Eliza Rodgers, daughter of Thomas Rodgers and Susannah Faulkner in 1911, the marriage registered in Bourne.
George and Annie Eliza’s daughter, Margaret Marvin, was born in 1912.
George enlisted in the army in Grantham, although the exact date is not yet known. He was posted to the 6th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and then moved to the 7th Battalion.
Information from a newspaper cutting would indicate that he was only sent on overseas service early in 1917.
As George’s army records have not been discovered to date then we can only pick up his story in January 1917, assuming he is now with the 7th Lincolnshires but can only really be certain of his movements in the last month of his life, April 1917.
The 7th Lincs received 100 new replacement troops over the period 18th to 20th January 1917. This was whilst they were in the line at Meaulte near Albert on the Somme.
The reinforced Battalion next saw action on the 29th January when they relieved the 8th South Staffordshire Regiment in the line near Sailly Saillisel. This was probably the first action that George Marvin saw if he was part of this reinforcement.
In February the 7th Lincolns and 8th South Staffords traded the camp and front line at Sailly Saillisel in rotation until on the 21st the Lincolns were withdrawn from the line entrained for Corbie and then on to Bussy for the end of the month.
March started in Bussy for the Battalion but then a series of marches saw them in Herissart, Gezaincourt, Maison Ponthieu, La Broye, Waivens before being billeted at Le Suich and Brevillers a few days before the month ended. The fighting force at the end of the month was 32 officers and 882 other ranks.
1st April 1917 – Le Souich
26 other ranks joined for duty wastage from sickness 11 other ranks
3rd April 1917 – Le Souich
Lieut C S Bott took over command of B company
5th April 1917 – Le Souich
4 other ranks joined for duty. battalion with 51st infantry brigade group, marched to Neuville-Au-Cornrt.
6th April 1917 – Neuville-Au-Cornet
Fighting strength 32 officers, 792 other ranks, wastage from sickness 16 other ranks.
7th April 1917 – Neuville-Au-Cornet
Battalion with 51st infantry brigade group marched to Villers sir Simon
8th April 1917 – Villers Sir Simon
Battalion with 51st infantry brigade group marched to Novellette. battalion under 4 hours notice.
9th April 1917 – Novellette (Fisrt day of battle of Arras)
5.30am – Z day of offensive. The 17th Division held in readiness to support the cavalry corps. The Battalion with 51st infantry Brigade moved towards Arras.
9.30pm -Orders received to close up on leading Battalion and bivouac on side of road about 2 miles from Arras.
10th April 1917 – Arras
Battalion with Brigade Group marched into Arras to billets at one hours notice.
13th April 1917
Battalion moved to Railway Triangle East of Arras behind old German front line.
14th April 1917
Moved to Brown Line H28.a.4.5 to H28.c.5.7 old German 2nd Line
15th April 1917
Working party found by Battalion for front line.
16th April 1917 – Brown Line
Working party found by Battalion for Front Line
17th April 1917 – Brown Line
Enemy shelled our trench with 4.2s during day, very heavy during afternoon, Casualties Lieut C S Bott killed, Lieut G A Wright and 17 other ranks wounded.
18th April 1917 – Brown Line
Battalion moved BNorth along Brown Line close to Railway. Battalion HQ moved to Railway Cutting, Captain E James MC and 1 other ranks joined for duty. Casualties 3 other ranks.
19th April 1917 – Railway Triangle
Provided carrying parties to front line, and afterwards returned to Railway Triangle. Casualties Killed 1 other rank, wounded Captain R Pennington DSO and 2 other ranks wounded slightly at duty. Captain J H Cotter RAMC Medical Officer attached, and 2 other ranks.
21st April 1917 – Railway Triangle
Battalion returned to Brown Line. Casualties 1 other rank.
23rd April 1917 – Monchy-Le-Preux
3am – Battalion took up position from cross roads H.29.d.8.7 to H28.d.4.9 in accordance with plan from general advance of the whole line, the 17th division: working in conjunction with 51st Divisioon on the left bank of River Scarpe and 29th Division: on 17 Division right, the 17th Division being centre Division on right bank of Scarpe.
4.45am – Zero Hour a standing barrage put on enemy lines BayonetTrench and Rifle Trench to life at the rate of 3 minutes per 100 yards.
4.55am – The Battalion moved forward with orders to occupy Bayonet Trench after it had been taken by 8th South Staffs
5.45am – Arrived at Lone Copse H.30.d and found 8th South Staffs digging in as this first attack on Bayonet Trench had failed owing to heavy Machine Gun fire both from the enemy line in our immediate front and from the left bank of the River Scarpe.
6.30am – The 8th South Staffs attacked again at 6.30am with same result as the first attack. It was reported that thick coils of wire was still in front of enemy line, also reported that Border Regiment had captured south end of Bayonet Trench.
7.45am – Received orders to attack Bayonet Trench and a barrage was ordered for that time.
8.20am – The Battalion advanced to attack Bayonet Trench leading waves A company on left, B company on right D company supported A and C supported B.
9am – Leading waves reported to be within 30 yards of Bayonet Trench having crawled there under heavy machine gun fire, trench strongly held. Heavy enfilade fire from North of River Scarpe.
10.5am – Attack having failed the Battalion returned to the assembly trench. Lone Copse holding line H.30.d.2.3 to left towards the Scarpe.
Consolidation commenced at once and awaited orders.
Captain D Roberts, 2 Lieuts H Y Maulkinson, A Crawley, T E Stubbs, R G Rudd killed with 22 other ranks, wounded 98 other ranks, missing 20 other ranks.
During our stay in this position the enemy constantly kept a barrage on our back lines and in the valley below our position.
6pm – 50th Brigade passed through our position to attack Bayonet Trench. Battalions of 51st brigade ordered to stand fast and form close support. Enemy having seen 50th Brigade advancing put a very heavy barrage on our back lines and shortened as the waves approached.
8.30pm – 50th Brigade attack failed. The Dorset regiment returned and took up a position about 100 yards in our front and dug in.
9pm – Enemy put up S.O.S which brought a greater artillery barrage than ever in and about our trench and back lines.
11.30pm – Orders received to return to Railway Triangle East of Arras after being relieved.
24th April
4am – Battalion Arrived at Railway Triangle in an exhausted condition having been in the open for about 20 days.
25th April
Moved by train from Arras to Grand Rullecourt
27th April
Fighting strength, 24 officers, 685 other ranks.
George Marvin was killed in action on the 23rd April during the attack on Bayonet Trench.
The story of the battle for Bayonet Trench which took the life of George Marvin also features in the story of Dunsby man Harry Chamberlain who was killed fighting with the 8th South Staffords. Both George and Harry are commemorated on the Arras memorial for soldiers with no known grave.
Grantham Journal Saturday 5th May 1917
LOCAL CASUALTIES:- Lieut Arthur Wherry was wounded in action last week and on Thursday reached Dover. He is now in Hospital at Wanstead, suffering from a flesh wound in the thigh caused by shrapnel. The wound is not of a serious character and Lieut Wherry is favourably progressing towards recovery. News was received last week that Pte Parker had been killed in action. Pte Parker, up to the time he joined up was employed by Messrs. Foley and Butler and was closely associated with the Wesleyan Church and School being an energetic worker. On Monday, an intimation was received at Bourne that Pre Fred Lloyd of Burghley Street has been killed in action. Pte Lloyd had spent several years in the Army and on the outbreak of was was called up as one of the reserve men. He had been home several times during the intervening period and had not long been out on active service after his last leave. On Wednesday the death in action of another Bourne boy was notified, Pte George Marvin, son of Mr and Mrs Hy Marvin, Bedehouse Bank. He went out with his regiment early in the New Year and leaves a young widow and one child.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In memory of Private George Marvin, 27876, 7th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 23 April 1917.
Remembered with honour, Arras Memorial.
We will remember them
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today we also commemorate the death of Bourne man, Joseph Morton of the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment.
Joseph was born in early 1893 in Greetham Rutland, the son of Thomas Morton a farm labourer born in Pointon fen, and his wife Elizabeth Holmes born in Witham on the Hill.
Thomas and Elizabeth had a big family
Louisa Morton, 1885, Walcott
Robert Morton, 1886, Walcott
John William Morton, 1888, Walcott
Thomas Morton, 1889, Colsterworth
Sarah Ann Morton, 1891, Colsterworth
Joseph Morton, 1893, Greetham
Mary Elizabeth Morton, 1894, Greetham
Rachel Morton, 1896, Greetham
George Morton, 1898, Greetham
Plus 1 more who had died, whose name is unknown taken from the 1911 census
1901 Joseph was living with his parents in Shepherds Cottage, Greetham Rutland. By 1911 he was working as a Waggoner on a farm and living in Allington, Grantham, with the Burton family.
Joseph enlisted in Grantham but the date is unknown. As he was not eligible for the 1915 star it is possible that he enlisted in late 1915 or 1916.
The 8th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment has the following history, although the exact date of Joseph being posted to them is not known, we can look at where Joseph may have fought and certainly can see his last movements with the Battalion in 1917.
The Battalion trained at Grimsby during August 1914, and then at Halton Park in November. The Battalion moved into billets at Leighton Buzzard for the winter of 1914
In the spring of 1915 the Battalion moved to Halton Park Camp, Wendover and miniature rifle practice commenced. After completing the musketry course and a Review by Lord Kitchener, the Battalion moved to Witley Camp North, marching past His Majesty the King and Lord Kitchener, 12 August 1915.
All the Battalion commanders had been in retirement at the outbreak of war. Of the 21st Division in which the 8th Lincolnshire were attached only 14 officers had any previous experience in the Regular army.
The Battalion entrained for overseas service at Milford Station on 9 September 1915 leaving England the next day, sailing via Folkestone to Boulogne. For a week the Battalion stayed in the Watten area before receiving orders to move to the front.
A long and really arduous march took place which led the Battalion to the front and their first engagement of the war, The Battle of Loos.
During this battle an immediate gain was overturned and the highly inexperienced Battalion suffered tremendous losses.
In their first battle the 8th Battalion lost 22 of their 24 officers. 471 other ranks were killed, wounded or missing that being nearly half of all men in the Battalion.
The next major offensive for the Battalion was during the battle of the Somme in July 1916. The Battalion saw action in Albert, Bazentin Ridge, Fleurs-Courcelette, Morval, Gaudecourt, Transloy Ridge and eventually in November the Battle of The Ancre.
During the spring of 1917 the German Army retreated to the heavily fortified defensive Hindenburg Line.
When the retreat started the 21st Division were at Halloy spending a period out of the line in training exercises.
On the first of April the Battalion attended a voluntary Church Parade at Neuville Au Cornet before the following day being route marched to Denier for an attack on a trench system. Over the next days the Battalion moved to Avesnes-le-Conte, Givenchy-le-Noble, Lattre St Quentin before arriving at Duisans to withdraw equipment ready for their move onto the assembly area at Arras.
The Battalion entered the Battle of Arras at Battery Valley on the 9th April 1917 at 4pm digging in until 8pm.
The Battalion moved east and halted around midnight. At daybreak considerable enemy activity was observed round Monchy-le-Preux, also enemy troops and transport moving north east from Roeux. Artillery was asked for in both cases but there was no response.
At 9am the Battalion prepared to advance to its original objective as soon as the 111th brigade advanced on Monchy.
At 10:30 am Major Greatwood was informed that the 8th Somerset Light Infantry were in Monchy and that he must support them. They advanced to teh valley but in this advance they suffered heavy casualties as they had no artillery support.
At 4pm Major Greatwood issued orders to attack Monchy with the 8th Somerset on the right, Lincolns on the left. Again with no artillery support they had to dig in on high ground receiving orders to attack at dusk.
When they had already opened out for the attack, orders arrived from Brigade cancelling the attack and consolidate the position and patrols were posted in front.
By the end of the 10th April the Battalion had 9 officers wounded, 30 other ranks killed, 187 other ranks wounded and 8 missing.
On the 12th the Battalion were withdrawn from the line back initially to Arras and then a day later back to billets in Duisans and the on to Beaufort on the 14th April.
The Battalion did not return to Arras until called into reserve and bussed into the town on the 20th. Next going into the front line in the 23rd April.
It is reasonable to assume that Joseph Morton, official date of death 20th April, was one of the wounded or more likely missing on the 10th April. The fact that he has no know grave and is listed on the Arras Memorial would point to him being one of the missing.
In memory of Private Joseph Morton, 23649, 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment who died on 20 April 1917
Remembered with honour, Arras Memorial.
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today we commemorate the 101st anniversary of the death of John Thomas Ashton of Morton and also of the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.
John Thomas Ashton was born in Morton by Bourne, Lincolnshire.
His birth was registered in Bourne in the December quarter of 1894 indicating a birth between October and December of that year.
John Thomas was the second son of William Ashton an agricultural labourer from Morton and his wife Lizzie.
William Ashton was born in Morton c1866 and married Elizabeth Cox in 1890, she was born c1869 in Stainfield. Elizabeth had a daughter Gertrude Cox b c1888 in Stainfield who was living with them in 1891.
William and Lizzie Ashton had the following children:-
William Edward b c1893, John Thomas b c1894, Albert b c1898 and Doris Cathleen b c1905.
Arthur Ashton, the cousin of Thomas is also mentioned on the Morton Memorial having been killed in action in November 1915.
In 1911 Thomas is listed on the census of Morton with his parents on Hanthorpe Road.
The War office records show John Thomas Ashton’s place of residence as Oakham.
Thomas joined the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment although records indicate a previous territorial service with the Army service Corps.
His service records appear to have been lost in a fire in the blitz and so we can only really see what his movements may have been by looking at the 8th Battalion Diaries.
Again it is unclear if he was with the Battalion from the start although he was awarded the 1915 star for service abroad in 1915 and this is consistent with the date that the 8th Battalion was posted to France.
The Battalion trained at Grimsby during August 1914, and then at Halton Park in November. The Battalion moved into billets at Leighton Buzzard for the winter of 1914
In the spring of 1915 the Battalion moved to Halton Park Camp, Wendover and miniature rifle practice commenced. After completing the musketry course and a Review by Lord Kitchener, the Battalion moved to Witley Camp North, marching past His Majesty the King and Lord Kitchener, 12 August 1915.
All the Battalion commanders had been in retirement at the outbreak of war. Of the 21st Division in which the 8th Lincolnshire were attached only 14 officers had any previous experience in the Regular army.
The Battalion entrained for overseas service at Milford Station on 9 September 1915 leaving England the next day, sailing via Folkestone to Boulogne. For a week the Battalion stayed in the Watten area before receiving orders to move to the front.
A long and really arduous march took place which led the Battalion to the front and their first engagement of the war, The Battle of Loos.
During this battle an immediate gain was overturned and the highly inexperienced Battalion suffered tremendous losses.
In their first battle the 8th Battalion lost 22 of their 24 officers. 471 other ranks were killed, wounded or missing that being nearly half of all men in the Battalion.
The next major offensive for the Battalion was during the battle of the Somme in July 1916. The Battalion saw action in Albert, Bazentin Ridge, Fleurs-Courcelette, Morval, Gaudecourt, Transloy Ridge and eventually in November the Battle of The Ancre.
During the spring of 1917 the German Army retreated to the heavily fortified defensive Hindenburg Line.
When the retreat started the 21st Division were at Halloy spending a period out of the line in training exercises.
On the first of April the Battalion attended a voluntary Church Parade at Neuville Au Cornet before the following day being route marched to Denier for an attack on a trench system. Over the next days the Battalion moved to Avesnes-le-Conte, Givenchy-le-Noble, Lattre St Quentin before arriving at Duisans to withdraw equipment ready for their move onto the assembly area at Arras.
The Battalion entered the Battle of Arras at Battery Valley on the 9th April 1917 at 4pm digging in until 8pm.
The Battalion moved east and halted around midnight. At daybreak considerable enemy activity was observed round Monchy-le-Preux, also enemy troops and transport moving north east from Roeux. Artillery was asked for in both cases but there was no response.
At 9am the Battalion prepared to advance to its original objective as soon as the 111th brigade advanced on Monchy.
At 10:30 am Major Greatwood was informed that the 8th Somerset Light Infantry were in Monchy and that he must support them. They advanced to teh valley but in this advance they suffered heavy casualties as they had no artillery support.
At 4pm Major Greatwood issued orders to attack Monchy with the 8th Somerset on the right, Lincolns on the left. Again with no artillery support they had to dig in on high ground receiving orders to attack at dusk.
When they had already opened out for the attack, orders arrived from Brigade cancelling the attack and consolidate the position and patrols were posted in front.
By the end of the 10th April the Battalion had 9 officers wounded, 30 other ranks killed, 187 other ranks wounded and 8 missing.
On the 12 the Battalion were withdrawn from the line back initially to Arras and then a day later back to billets in Duisans and the on to Beaufort on the 14th April.
The Battalion did not return to Arras until called into reserve and bussed into the town on the 20th. Next going into the front line in the 23rd April.
It is reasonable to assume that Thomas Ashton, official date of death 20th April, was one of the wounded or more likely missing on the 10th April. The fact that he has no know grave and is listed on the Arras Memorial would point to him being one of the missing.
Private Thomas Ashton 43328, 8th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, was eligible for the following medals:-
Victory Medal
The British Medal
The 1915 Star.
Memorial
Private John Thomas (Thomas) Ashton 43328, 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, is remembered with honour on the Arras Memorial.
Panel Ref: Bay 3 and 4.
He is also remembered on the Morton War Memorial.
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
On 20th April we remember Morton man, John Thomas Ashton who was killed this day in 1917.
John Thomas Ashton was born in Morton, Lincolnshire in c 1894.
His birth was registered in Bourne in the December quarter of 1894 indicating a birth between October and December of that year.
John was the second child of William Ashton an agricultural labourer from Morton and his wife Lizzie Cox.
John’s father, William, was born in Morton c1866. He married Elizabeth Cox in 1890, she was born in Stainfield c1869. This marriage was registered in the Bourne District but it is likely that this could have taken place in Morton. Elizabeth had a daughter Gertrude Cox b c1888 in Stainfield who was living with them in 1891.
The children of William and Lizzie are:
William Edward c1893,
John Thomas 1894 (WW1; 8th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment)
Albert c1898
Doris Cathleen c1905
Arthur Ashton, the cousin of John Thomas is also mentioned on the Morton Memorial having been killed in action in November 1915.
On the 1911 census John Thomas was living on Hanthorpe Road, Morton aged 16 with his parents.
John is next mentioned in a clipping from the Grantham Journal from 3rd October 1914 listing all the men who volunteered in Morton and Haconby.
The Soldiers Died in the Great War records show John’s place of residence as Morton Lincolnshire.
Other comments on the CWGC records show that John was the Son of William and Lizzie Ashton, of Hanthorpe, Morton, Bourne, Lincolnshire.
Military History
Although his full name is John Thomas Ashton, all war office records show a name of Thomas Ashton. There is no doubt that this is the same person as reference is made to his parent’s names on the CWGC records.
The War office records allude to the fact that Thomas Ashton was formerly T/2/11246 of the Army Service Corps.
Thomas entered into France, his first theatre of action, on the 9th of May 1915.
Currently we are unable to track down the war office records for Thomas Ashton and so his movements within France between May 1915 and April 1917 are unknown.
It is known that Thomas Ashton Died on the 20th April 1917, age 21. This date falls between the 1st battle of The Scarpe (A river just to the north of Arras) 9th -14th April and the Second Battle of The Scarpe 23rd & 24th April 1917. Both of these battles saw heavy action for the 8th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment and it has to be assumed that Thomas died as a result of action in the first battle.
The 8th Battalion diary entry for this period offers the following:-
9/4/17 Bn moved into ARRAS to assembly area 12 noon – Battery Valley see appendix marked .1.
10/4/17 Bn attacked commanded by Major Greatwood
Casualties, Officers wounded 9, other ranks killed 30, wounded 187, missing 8.
12/4/17 Bn withdrawn from line and moved into ARRAS.
13/4/17 Bn moved to DUISANS and billeted there one night.
14.4.17 Bn moved to billets in BEAUFORT.
It is reasonable to assume that John Thomas Ashton was one of the wounded or more likely missing on the 10th April. The fact that he has no know grave and is listed on the Arras Memorial would point to him being one of the missing.
Private Thomas Ashton 43328, 8th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, was eligible for the following medals:-
Victory Medal
The British Medal
The 1915 Star.
From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission we know that John was serving in the 8th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, when he was killed on 17th April 1917
Memorial
Private John Thomas (Thomas) Ashton 43328, 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, is remembered with honour on the Arras Memorial.
Panel Ref: Bay 3 and 4.
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
Today sees us commemorate the 101st anniversary of another of our local soldiers. William James Barron of Morton and of the Royal Horse Artillery who died 101 years ago on this day, 20th April 1917.
William was born early in 1894 to Edward Barron Landlord of the Lord Nelson, Morton, and his second wife Eliza Wadsley of Morton.
His father Edward Barron was born in Barnack c1846 and worked as a Gamekeeper. Following the death of his first wife Elizabeth, Edward married his second wife Eliza Wadsley in 1889. Eliza was born c1867 in Morton and died in 1895. Edward was married in 1896 to his third wife Jane Alford.
In 1900 Edward and Jane had a son Edward John Barron who was born in Morton.
In 1911 Jane and her son Edward are still living in Morton, following the death of her husband in 1908.
William by now was working as a garden boy in Tadmor, Sunbury on Thames and living in the household of Annie Horatia Jones. Also in the household was the Gardener John Halford and his wife, who were originally also from Morton.
William attested in Hounslow Middlesex and was listed as a resident of Houndslow at the same time. Although It is not known exactly when William joined the Army he was eligible for the 1915 star and clasp showing that he must have been posted abroad before the end of 1915 and possibly in 1914, a newspaper article also suggests he had been in France since 1914.
William James Barron married Helen Mulley of Ipswich in 1915 and the marriage was registered at Bourne.
An article from the 1st January 1916 in the Grantham Journal described the wedding.
Military Wedding – a very pretty wedding was solemnised At the parish church of St John the Baptist, The contracting parties being Gunner William J Barron, Son of Mrs Jane Barron The genial proprietress of the Nelson Hotel Morton, and Miss Helen Mulley of Ipswich. The bride who was given away by Mr John Halford, Uncle of the bridegroom, looked charming in a neat cream costume. The bridesmaids were missed Ruthie Clark (niece of the bride) and Miss Tompkins (friend of the bride), Who will wore pretty dresses and black velvet picture hats to match, and gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr Edward J Barron, brother, The best man.
The ceremony was performed by the vicar the Rev J H Boldero and the reception was held at the Nelson hotel which is to be the brides future home for the time, and where the wedding breakfast took place. Going W Baron after leaving school took up gardening for an occupation at first under Major Pearson Hanthorpe House, afterwards under his uncle Mr John Halford in Middlesex. Soon afterwards gardening was exchanged for a career of a soldier and the Royal Horse Artillery was his choice. Gunnar W Barron has been 13 months in France and his visit to Morton has long been expected. However on Tuesday week he suddenly arrived with a week’s leave and last Tuesday he rejoined the regiment. The newly married couple have been the recipients of many useful presents.
William and Helen had a son born in early 1917, William F Barron who was registered in Suffolk.
William Barron died of wounds on 20 April 1917. Due to the date and location of his memorial, it would be most likely that he died in one of the early phases in the Battle of Arras. It is possible that it may have been part of the Battle of the Scarpe where the 32nd Brigade fought as part of the 4th Division.
The 32nd Brigade Diary has the following to offer:
1-3/4/17
Normal trench warfare
4/4/17
V day preliminary bombardment started
9/4/17
Z day 9th division attacked on the front from St Laurent Blangy-Giza at 5:30 AM in conjunction with III corps, remainder of 17th corps and Canadian corps. By 1:30 PM Brown line (pont du jour t- Athies) I’ve been captured and that 2 PM p.m. 32nd second Brigade commenced to move forward by batteries two positions about age 13 meanwhile fourth division had passed through the 9th division by 5 PM had captured a line from Fampoux- Hyderabad worx. at 3:45 PM orders are received to 32nd Brigade to move further forward.
10/4/17
Consolidated Positions
11/4/17
4th Division endeavoured to advance at 12 noon but were unsuccessful, cavalry could not get through.
12/4/17
9th Division endeavoured to advance at 5pm but were unsuccessful owing to hostile macjine guns
13/4/17
Quiet day, enemy bombarded H15 and H16 from 11:30pm until 3am 14th/9/17 with Gas shells
1 officer killed, 2 suffering from gas poisoning and evacuated, 3 other ranks wounded.
14/4/17 – 21/4/17
Normal holding the line. Enemy kept up an intermittent bombardment of H15 during the night and day.
Grantham Journal 5th May 1917 – Morton
Bad News – On Monday morning Mrs Baron of the Nelson in had a letter from the Colonel’s wife whose husband has sent word that Gunner William Barron had been seriously wounded in both legs and chest by the bursting of a shell while packing sandbags in front of gun-pit. On the same morning Mrs James Handford learned that her eldest son Lance Corporal J F Handford had been wounded in action. On Wednesday Mrs Baron was the recipient of the sad news that William Barron had died his legs having been blown off. Mrs Handford heard that Fisher had arrived in England and was now in hospital the deepest sympathy on all sides is felt for Mrs Barron and family in their sudden terrible bereavement Gunner Barron had been in France since 1914.
Grantham Journal, 12th May 1917;
Gunnar Wm J Barron of Morton – Gunnar William J Barron stepson of Mrs Jane Barron of the Lord Nelson Hotel, Morton, Bourne, who received mortal wounds in action on April 20th, was the elder son of the late Mr Edward Barron of Morton (Formerly “Whitewater” Stamford), and grandson of the late Mr and Mrs James Barron, quarry owners, Barnack.
A native of Morton, after leaving school, he took up gardening for an occupation, under Major Pearson, Hanthorpe House, afterwards under his uncle, Mr John Halford, in Middlesex. Soon , However, gardening was exchanged for the career of a soldier, and the royal Horse Artillery was his choice. Tall and of robust physique, he was a fine type of the British soldier, and he has served abroad with the R.H.A. He married, immediately before Christmas, 1915, Miss Helen Mulley, of Ipswich, who is left with an infant son, four months old. Deceased was much respected, and deep sympathy is felt with all members of the bereaved family.
Grantham Journal, 19th May 1917
Gunner William James Barron Of Morton. On Sunday evening last a service was held in the Morton parish church in memory of gun that William James BarronWho was killed in action on April 20th. The Rev JH Boldero (Vicar) conducted the service making reference to the dead soldier during his address. Suitable hymns were sung and a portion of the burial service was read. Connor Barron was one of the first choirboys in Morton church When the surpliced choir was introduced by the late vicar the Rev N C Marris. A muffled Peel was wrong on the bells during the week.
Other comments on the CWGC records show that William was the husband of Helen Dibbin (Formerly Barron) of The Police Station, Mistley, Essex. This shows that the widowed Helen remarried before the Commonwealth War Grave Commission records were compiled.
Gunner William James Barron 68821, Royal Horse Artillery attached to 32nd Brigade HQ Royal Field Artillery, was eligible for the following medals:-
Victory Medal
The British Medal
The 1915 Star with clasp.
Gunner William James Barron 68821, Royal Horse Artillery attached to 32nd Brigade HQ Royal Field Artillery, is remembered with honour at the Haute-Avesnes British Cemetery. Grave Ref: C. 22.
by James | Apr 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
On this day we remember Pte John Thomas Ashton of the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire regiment.
Commemorated on the Morton war memorial and also the Arras Memorial, France.
Died 20th April 1917.
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