Missing for two years then Prisoner

[Ian C]

Hi John

A soldier on the war memorial in Fenny Stratford, Francis John Vasey, fought in the Australian army and was reported missing on 25 July 1916 around Pozieres, Following a Court of Enquiry held on 20 June 1917 he was officially declared as having been KIA on 25/7/16, so in his case ity was 11 months from missing to dead.

Regards

IanC

[old-ted]

Mick,

Iv'e followed the retreat as recorded in the war diary from Conde to Le Cateau

24-8-14 2 a.m.

Received orders to retire at once. Very lucky to get out of this position as to do so hard to march 1 mile & ½ along enemy's front.

Moved off at Dawn, successfully.

Marched to Gop for location (?) where heavy firing was taking place. Eventually retired to JENLAN. N.C.Os & men turning very foot sore and tired.

In afternoon entrenched & the Brigade Staff expressed satisfaction at the way this was carried out.

25-8-14 JENLAIN 2 a.m.

Ordered to retire. Did so at dawn & marched to HAUSSY. Cavalry Division engaged all round & the Battn supported them. Came under shrapnel fire for the first time.

Retired to LE CATEAU and went into Billets at Goods Station.

LE CATEAU 26-8-18

6 a.m. to 10pm.

Moved off. Food scarce. Shortly after leaving the town the Battle commenced.

The19th Bde were in support on the right.

Received orders to move to the left. Did so.

Received orders to move to MONTIGNY.

Received orders to move to BERTRY

Received orders to act as rear guard towards MARETZ

Left MARETZ as rear guard. No pursuit by enemy. Marched all night to ST. QUENTIN.

There is much more to research.

Ian, thanks for your comments and sugestions.

Regards

John

[old-ted]

Hello again.

From the Sunderland Daily Echo. Saturday April 14th 1917. "Local Casualties. Killed. Mr & Mrs Pearson of Windlestone, late of Wynyard St Dawdon have received official intimation that their son, Pte Harry Pearson, missing since July 1st 1916 is now presumed Killed in Action on that date."

The famly had been notified that Harry was missing in November 1916.

He was in fact Pte 20/1352 Henry Pearson. 20th Btn NF (1st Tyneside Scottish).

So; family notified that he was missing 4 months after 1st July and of his presumed death a further 5 months later.

Regards

John