L/Cpl Bletso

[bts1970]

Hello again, another lad with links to Purton (Village i am researching)

52264 L Cpl BLETSO, Edward Boyekin.

Enlisted 17/08/1916, aged 17 years 8 months.

Address given as 6 Field Road, Reading. NOK listed as Frederick (Father) living in New Road, Purton. Occupation, Hairdresser.

Medals & Awards

BWM , VIC.

03/03/1918 Transferred to Worcestershire Regiment

05/03/1918 Embarked Southampton

07/03/1918 Disembarked Rouen

10/03/1918 Posted 2nd Btn Worcestershire Regt.

16/03/1918 Joined the Battalion “in the field”

14/04/1918 WIA, GSW right ankle.(Wimereux)

14/04/1918 Reported MIA.

19/11/1918 Repatriated to England ex POW.(Calais)

Any help with locations etc for MIA / WIA would be much appreciated

Bob Lloyd

[theloft]

The 2nd Battalion, were apart of the 33rd Division, 100th Bridage...

This link from the long long trail website (left a top of page) will help you a little, battles from April involving 100th Bridage!

http://www.1914-1918.net/bat23.htm

Good luck!

Lisa

[sotonmate]

Bob

2 Worcesters were part of 100 Brigade of 33 Division, XV Corps,engaged from 12-15 April 1918,in the Battle of Hazebrouck,a phase of 4th Ypres. The German's heavy offensive, using recently released troops from the Eastern Front,was a last throw in order to defeat the Allies before the USA could join in. Their inroads almost caused Haig to re-form the front line around St Omer and withdraw from Ypres,so serious was the situation.

The 2 WR War Dairy, at Kew under WO95/2430 (1/16 to 5/19) will offer a day-to-day account of the action.

Sotonmate