Liz M Posted 17 June , 2008 Share Posted 17 June , 2008 Hello I've been diligently researching the history of one of my relatives who died in 1917. This research led me to the National Archives last week and the unearthing of the 47HAG's (193 seige) war diaries. I wanted to know if my James Baskott had been mentioned - he was a rare being, started at gunner, had various promotions and then went to cadet school and became a 2nd Lieut. the diary extract reads thus: Place: Ypres Canal Bank, 10th December 1917. 'While in action 2Lieut. BASKOTT though wounded endeavoured to put out some blazing cartridges which had been hit by an enemy shell, assisted by Sergeant Arrowsmith and Acting Bombardier Tait. Another shell burst near by wounding all three. (Lieut. BASKOTT succumbing to his wounds early next morning). But for the promptitude and devotion to duty shown by this officer and NCO's the fire would have reach a large pile of 80 cartridges.' I am so proud I wanted to share this! Liz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralphjd Posted 17 June , 2008 Share Posted 17 June , 2008 Liz, Consider it shared. Regards Ralph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caroline@linkagecomputing.co.uk Posted 17 June , 2008 Share Posted 17 June , 2008 I think it is great that you have found out so much information Caroline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedCoat Posted 17 June , 2008 Share Posted 17 June , 2008 Did you know he was awarded the MM? Donnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz M Posted 17 June , 2008 Author Share Posted 17 June , 2008 Did you know he was awarded the MM? Donnie Hi Donnie Yes I did, I have his medal card but cannot find out what the MM was awarded for, that's my next challenge! Liz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
per ardua per mare per terram Posted 12 August , 2008 Share Posted 12 August , 2008 Wow what a description! Have you checked the London Gazette to see if it resulted in being taken further, such as a Military Cross or Mention in Despatches? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnr.ktrha Posted 12 August , 2008 Share Posted 12 August , 2008 What a great bit of research, you must be very proud of him. Does the War Diary give you a Map Reference for the battery? If it does, then I am sure a forum member will be able to send you a extract copy of the map, and if you visit Ieper, you will be able to visit the site of his brave action. Regards, Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Johnson Posted 12 August , 2008 Share Posted 12 August , 2008 Here's his M.M. http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.a...amp;all=BASKOTT 10 November 1916 I'm a little surprised he didn't rate a posthumous MiD, unless it's hiding in GazetteLand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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