jayde Posted 29 November , 2011 Share Posted 29 November , 2011 Hi All, I'm looking to find out some further information on the West Yorkshire Regiment 11th Btn that my Great Great Grandfather served. I know some information about him and the regiment but any further info anybody may have would be greatly appreciated. Private John William Marples (11537) died 04/07/1916 I believe from info already provided by a gent of a member on the British Medal forum that he served with the 11th Btn. West Yorkshire Regiment, 69th Brigade, 23rd Division Many thanks, John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin kenf48 Posted 29 November , 2011 Admin Share Posted 29 November , 2011 Welcome to the forum Enlisted Sheffield all records confirm 11th Bn Went overseas 26 August 1915 landed at Le Havre. Killed in action no known grave recoded on the Thiepval Memorial http://www.cwgc.org/...casualty=804629 Battalion moved into line South East of La Boisselle 3/7/1916. Attack on Horseshoe Trench 4/7 objective reached but forced to withdraw after counter attack. Attack renewed 6.45 a.m.following morning fighting continued until 10 a.m. when most of ground gained was lost. (Roy Westlake Tracing Bns on Somme) No doubt someone will be along with the war diary soon. 1914-15 Star BWM and Victory Medal. Service record apparently not survived. See also parent site http://www.1914-1918.net/23div.htm and http://www.1914-1918...dad/grandad.htm Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonmate Posted 30 November , 2011 Share Posted 30 November , 2011 John The War Diary is digital and downloadable online from the National Archives Catalogue. The reference is WO95/2184. It costs 3.50 and runs from arrival of the unit in France in 1915 through to when it left for Italy in Nov 1917. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue Sotonmate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin kenf48 Posted 30 November , 2011 Admin Share Posted 30 November , 2011 told you someone would be along soon! The fighting around Horseshoe Trench is the stuff of legend not least because 2nd Lieut Bell a professional footballer serving with the Green Howards (and previously with the West Yorkshire) won a VC on the 5th July which was sold last year to the PFA for over £250,000. To give you a flavour this link http://www.spink.com...ia%20Cross2.asp has a vivid account of the fighting The position was to the South West of the village of Contalmaison where there is a memorial to 2nd Lieut Bell erected in 2000. It would be fairly easy to 'walk the ground' with a bit more preparation. You should also be aware in the circumstances of the fighting the casualty returns are not always accurate he may have died in the initial attack, or the following day. The diary is unlikely to mention him by name. Now we need someone to come along with a trench map Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayde Posted 30 November , 2011 Author Share Posted 30 November , 2011 Gents, This info is very much appreciated, I can't thank you enough. We are planning to take my Grandma over to France next year to visit the Thiepval Memorial and see were her Grandfather fought in battle. Many, many, many thanks to you all. Cheers, John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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