poihipi Posted 9 May , 2013 Share Posted 9 May , 2013 Hi, my great uncle Private Thomas Vincent is mentioned on the war graves died on 27th March 1916 No 14670 1st Bn Northumberland Fusliliers. I would love a photo of the uniform and any info on how he died. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeClarke Posted 9 May , 2013 Share Posted 9 May , 2013 Hi He is commemorated on the Rushall RoH. This is a book detailing the rolls of honour from Staffordshire, a copy of which is held in the local history centre in Essex Street, Walsall. He is not on any war memorial other than Ypres that I can find. This is what I have on him Thomas was born in Rushall, the only son of John Edward and Jane Maria (nee Little) Vincent of Daw End Lane, Rushall, his father being a coal mine loader. Employed as a miner at Jerome’s Pit, Norton, Thomas enlisted in the Army at Walsall having had previous service in the local Territorials. He has been described as an all round athlete and had won many prizes for his cycling and running proficiency. Drafted to France on Thursday 1 April 1915, he was to serve for one year before his death during an attack on enemy lines near Voormezeele. The War Diary records the attack thus, “26 March 1916 - Battalion left Reninghelst Camp at 7pm. Conveyed by motor buses to R.E. Dump, marched from there to Voormezeele. 27 March 1916 - The battalion was ready to advance at 3.55am. The mines were exploded at 4.15½am and the battalion without waiting the ½ minute advanced in quick time. The parapet was crossed by the ladder as arranged successfully and without checking the advance. The first obstacle met was the enemy’s wire which was untouched by the mine explosions and our artillery fire. It was strong barbed concertina and plain concertina mixed. However nothing could stop the impetus of the advance and the men were over before the enemy’s artillery had dropped on to this point. The enemy heavily barraged our front parapet 40 seconds after the battalion had passed over. Immediately the mines were fired the enemy put up a red light from his second line, up to this point no opposition had been met but then an enemy machine gun opened fire firing wildly and to our left. The battalion was at this time crossing the wire. Lieutenant Holmes and one man with great promptitude rushed out and put the gun out of action. Crossing the wire caused the various lines to become mixed however men who had lost their place were sorted out by the Commanders of all ranks and sent towards their objectives. The advance was carried out with great rapidity and the objective was gained by 4.45am. The rapidity of the movement entirely upset the enemy and little resistance was offered, the enemy surrounded on all sides surrendered in small parties. All prisoners were evacuated by 6am. At 8.15am the enemy launched a counter attack by 2 bombing squads from the trenches on the west. These were unsuccessful and another 30 prisoners surrendered. The enemy also suffered heavy casualties from our bombs. The consolidation of the position proceeded under medium shell fire. At 1pm the enemy commenced a heavy bombardment which continued throughout the night. Our guns replied heavily and no counter attack took place.” Casualties amounted to 1 officer killed, 1 died of wounds, 2 wounded, 2 suffering from shell shock. In other ranks 29 were killed and about 130 wounded. A letter to Thomas’s parents contained the following, “He was killed just after he got out of the German front line and was making for the second line when he fell, shot in the head. I don’t think he suffered any pain.” Thomas was 24 years of age. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial on Panel 8 and 12. I would be grateful for any comments, corrections or, if possible, a photo of him, Regards, Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poihipi Posted 9 May , 2013 Author Share Posted 9 May , 2013 Hi, brilliant than you. I have a photo of him on his bike just before he left and I had been told he was a very keen cyclist. I also believe he was an accomplished trumpeter so wonder whether he might be listed with a brass band. Thank you once again for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeClarke Posted 9 May , 2013 Share Posted 9 May , 2013 Hi (again) Would it be possible to have a copy of the photo for my research, please. I have PMd you my e-mail address, Regards, Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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