2nd Btn. Lincs on first day of Somme

[brandon_at_war]

I am trying to find details of men on my hometown war memorial and am having particular problems trying to find anything on one of them.

Albert Victor Carter, 7523, Sergeant, 2nd Lincs, killed 1st July 1916, Somme (according to cwgc)

• Joined army 1905?
• featured on 1911 Census for 1st Battalion Lincs in Aden, Egypt?
• younger brother served with 4th Dragoon Guards and was killed in Oct 1914
• Remembered at Thiepval Memorial

Does anyone have any info on the 2nd Lincs on the opening day of the Somme? I would appreciate any info regarding their movements on this day so I can add a bit of background to the man.

Thank you,

Darren Norton

[brandon_at_war]

I do have this snippet of a letter he wrote home in May 1915 ...

“I am sure you must feel proud of your sons when you think of them all fighting for the rights of their people and country, and although it will cause lamentable losses amongst those we love so dear, we must be of good cheer, and look upon everything that happens as being for the best.

I received a letter from Jack (his brother) to say he was having another try for the Army, and I hope he has been successful this time, as although he may not be able to come out here, his services will be quite useful at home. I have not run across anyone I know yet, but am keeping a good look out, and am looking forward to seeing both Harry (Private Carter, of the Canadians) and Ted (Private E. Carter) in the near future.

We are having some pretty stiff fighting at present, and I don’t think it will be long before the Germans are sorry that they started this game. According to the tricks they have been getting up to just lately, it is about time they were crushed once and for all.

Do not worry as to my safety, as I am still on my same job, and do not get into the danger zone. You seem anxious that this war should finish early. Well for my part, I only hope they will keep at it until our enemies are completely crushed once and for all. It is far better that we should fight to a finish now than to stop half way, and then have to start over again in a year or two’s time.

We are getting some splendid weather here at present, and the country is looking simply grand, and it seems hard at times to realise that fighting is going on so near at hand.”

and his photo from a local newspaper. So I guess I do have something, but nothing of his final movements.

[Ellis1918]

2nd Lincs as part of 25th brigade 8th division were involved in attack on Ovillers on 1st July - Moved into no mans land 7.25am and German front line reached under heavy fire. 200 yards taken by 7.50am . Heavy fighting in German front line trenches then withdrew after 9am . Suffered 470 casualties and only 2 officers left .

[jay dubaya]

Extract from Westlakes' 'Battalions on the Somme'

2nd Battalion. 25th Brigade, 8th Division:

Attack on Ovillers (1/7) - War Diary records - in positions by 3.30 a.m. - wire along whole of front reported cut. Leading waves moved into No Man's Land 7.25 a.m. - German front line reached under heavy fire - 200 yards taken by 7.50 after fierce fighting. Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Bastard records that after 2-3 hours fighting in German front line only he and 1 other officer were left - 'and we had bullet holes in our clothing.' Counter attacks forced withdrawal after 9 a.m. Relieved by 6th Royal West Kent at midnight and to Long Valley. Casualties - 471 . Entrained at Dernancourt for Ailly-sur-Somme (2/7) and from there marched to St. Sauveur. To Fourdrinoy (5/7). Entrained at Longueau for Bethune sector (8/7). Arrived Pont-Remy from Lillers (14/10) and from there marched to Airaines. To Ville in motor buses (16/10) and from there marched to Citadel Camp. Moved forward to Trones Wood (19/10) and from there relieved 8th Bedfordshire in front line trenches near Lesboeufs. Attack on Zenith Trench 2.30 p.m. (23/10) - War Diary notes 'gallant' German officer leading his men down parapet - assault held up by strong rifle fire. Withdrew to Rose Trench in Brigade support. Casualties - 272. To Trones Wood (27/9), Citadel Camp (29/9), Meaulte (3/11), La Briqueterie (8/11). War Diary notes enemy aircraft dropped 2 bombs about 8 p.m. - 3 casualties. Relieved 1st Notts and Derby in trenches near Lesboeufs (9/11). To Guillemont (11/11), front line (14/11), Carnoy (16/11), Sandpit Camp (17/11). Entrained at Edgehill for Airaines (19/11) and from there marched to Heucourt.

[brandon_at_war]

Thank you Ellis1918 and jay dubaya. This info is greatly appreciated.

[shaymen]

Darren

Got the diary if you want it. PM me your email and I'll whizz it over to you

Glyn

[brandon_at_war]

Thank you Glyn. I have PM'd you.