1st South Wales Borderer

[John Garnett]

15489 Pte David Bessant's Medal Card shows he first went to France on 14/4/15 and joined 1st South Wales Borderers. Although his Medal Card states he died on 9/5/16, his CWGC and Soldiers Died state that he died on 9/5/15. I guess this would put him at Aubers Ridge. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.

The War Diary for the Battalion shows three drafts of men between 14/4/15 and 9/5/15. Is there any way of telling which of these he was part of?

Thanks,

John

[River97]

John,

SDGW has the following details: note the 1915 date of death.

Name: David Bessant

Birth Place: Trinant, Mon

Residence: Newport, Mon

Death Date: 9 May 1915

Rank: Private

Regiment: South Wales Borderers

Battalion: 1st Battalion.

Number: 15489

Type of Casualty: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France and Flanders

I'm afraid that seem to be about it, no service records, no roll, nothing else.

Cheers Andy.

[John Garnett]

Thanks Andy. It does look like the Medal Card is showing the wrong date.

Pte Bessant is a relative of a work colleague. He said he was a Welsh Fusilier and fought near "somewhere called Hill 60 or 61 or something". I said I was going to Hill 60 and would look him out. Now it seems I have a bit of a detour to do!

John