12th Bn Manchester Regiment.

[Gunner R.A.]

Could anyone please tell me where the 12th Manchester's were and what they were doing on this date, i am researching a soldier KIA on this day.

Any help or advice would be appreciated,

yours,

Peter.

[Johnny S]

Peter.

They were attacking "Orchard Trench" in the Longueval- Bazentin le Petit sector on the Somme.

John.

[John_Hartley]

Peter

Extract from the short history of the Bn:-

"On 1st August, the Bn moved into Brigade support in the old german second line, occupying trenches Longueval-Bazentine La Petit and relieving the 16th Yorkshires. During the nightthere was an intense artillery bombardment by both sides. Orders were received on 3 August for the Bn to attack the enemy line at Orchard trench in conjunction with 9th Northumberlands. Shortly before the Bn left the trenches to launch the attack, the enmy set up a barrage which seriously interfered with the preparations. The order of battle was for "A" and "C" Companies to attack, "D" in support and "B" Company to be in reserve. The Bn bombers to lead the attack. The attack was launched at 12.50am but failed to reach its objective. The Bn was relieved in the afternoon by 10th Lancashire fusiliers and moved into Brigade reserve in Montauban Alley."

Hope this does you.

John

[Gunner R.A.]

Thankyou John and Johnny,

this information is just what i required, much appreciated and thanks for taking the time,

yours,

Peter.

[John_Hartley]

Peter

Out of interest, who is your man?

John

[Gunner R.A.]

Hello John,

MILLER, Arthur, b. Otley, Yorks, e. Manchester, r. Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, 18333, PRIVATE, Killed in action,

France & Flanders, 04/08/16, Manchester Regiment, 12th Battalion.

yours,

Peter.

[John_Hartley]

Peter

Your man appears in the Manchester book of the National Roll of the Great War.

The extract reads:-

"Volunteering in January 1915, he crossed to france in July of the succeeding year but was unhappily killed in action on the Somme, on August 4th, during his first engagement. He was entitled to the General service and Victory medals.

"A valiant soldier, with undaunted heart he breasted life's last hill."

27 February Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock"

John

[Gunner R.A.]

Hello John,

thanks very much for the entry, really appreciated, this is the first time i have seen an entry for a soldier from the National Roll of the Great War,

yours,

Peter.

[John_Hartley]

It's the first I've seen that has some resemblance to fact. The last one I looked up bore little relationship to what I knew for certain from other sources.

As often mentioned on the Forum, don't rely entirely on the entry, which will have be paid for by family or friends (and worded by them).

My original typo in the "inscription" now corrected so it is no loner gibberish.

John