16th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

[shazlou456]

Im interested in the ww1 diary for 16 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers as my grandfather Sgt Arthur Smith 12019 was awarded the military medal & mentioned in despatches for rescuing 4 men after a mine explosion on 19th Dec 1915 and also after saving another man named William Beards at some point. I wondered if anyone had access to this war diary and if there would be any mention of my grandfather?

[archangel9]

The War Diary is available for £3.50 here if no one has access -

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8199409&queryType=1&resultcount=1

32 DIVISION, 96 INFANTRY BRIGADE: 2 Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1916 Jan. - 1918 Jan. / 2 Battalion Manchester Regiment 1918 Feb. - 1919 Mar. / 15 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers 1915 Sept. - 1919 Oct. / 16 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers 1915 Nov. - 1919 Oct.

John

[shazlou456]

Yes i noticed that but another member on here recommended asking if anyone had access first before i ordered it.

If he was a Sgt would he be mentioned in the diary and what sort of info is usually included in the diary as i dont know much about these things as you can probably tell!

[Drummy]

I am researching the 16th Battalion, with a particular emphasis on the Eccles Company (B Company), 1914 up to 1st July 1916 with the intention of completing a book in the next couple of years, I have the war diaries, detailed nominal rolls etc. I have other bits on Sgt. Smith but haven't time to post tonight. Here's some info to start with:

Sunday 19th December: 'Our guns bombarded La Boiselle - Enemy blew mine at 3.15 - Blew in Duhollo St., and 3 of our posts killing 2 men, Not much damage underground but 5 miners buried. Wounded were caused by shrapnel (2) & sniper (1).'

SMITH, Arthur. Sgt 12019 . B Company.

MM For rescuing four men after mine explosion opposite Boiselle (19/12/15), and for gallant effort to bring in a wounded man on the same occasion. He went out under heavy fire more than once, the last time with a rope attached to him. The night after he, with the help of another man, covered the man up, who was dead and could not be moved. LG 03/06/16.

In January 1916 in response to a letter from Mr H. J Albrow, who had written to Sgt Smith on behalf of the comforts fund, Sgt Smith wrote I beg to thank you for your generous appreciation of what I consider to be my duty as a soldier and I assure you any member of my company would have done exactly as I did, and I am rather afraid the affair has been exaggerated. Although not an Eccles man, I consider it to be an honour to belong to B Company, whose officers, N.C.Os and men possess their full share of that grit which is peculiarly British. If Eccles folk could have seen how their mens courage and endurance were put to the test during the period in which the unfortunate casualties occurred they would thrill with pride. It seemed almost impossible that human nature could stand the strain, but they were splendid and possess just that kind of pluck that will bring ultimate victory SMITH went onto explain that he hailed from the West of England but considered himself a naturalized Lancashire lad.

Arthur had previous service with the Somerset Light Infantry at the turn of the century and rejoined the Army in 1914 with the intention of avenging the death of his brother, RSM 4352 G F Smith, who had been killed on August 26th 1914, age 36. In an article it was reported RSM Smith was listed missing but there was reason to believe that he was clubbed to death by Germans whilst lying wounded on the ground. RSM Smith served with the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and was the husband of Elizabeth J. Smith, of 1, Watcombe Terrace, Rowbarton, Taunton, Somerset. He was awarded the Medal Militaire and now lies buried in Fontaine-au-Pire Communal Cemetery, near Cambrai, France.

It is known that another of Arthurs brothers was killed in the war, but further details are not known.

Salford City Reporter 15/01/16 and 21/01/16 with Photo.

I can email you scans of articles etc but I am off on holiday this weekend (including some 16th Bn research on the Somme) so cannot assist until I get back

Hope you find the above of interest.

Neil

[Drummy]

RSM SMITH: George Frederick Smith, It is highly likely, as Battalion RSM that details of his death will be mentioned in some Regt publication or history and possibly the Battalion War Diary. For this you will need to seek help from any SLI specialists.

[shazlou456]

Thanks for your help, i have sent you a personal messga ewith my e mail address when you can could you scan me the articles. Thanks again for the info you have given me its much appreciated.