Ernest E Bilverstone Middlesex Regt & Charles F Bilverstone MGC

[midshipmanrayley]

Ernest Eddie Bilverstone known mostly as just Eddie, 1899-1918, served as Private G/60130 4th battalion Middlesex Regiment. Died 12th October 1918.

Charles Frederick Bilverstone, 1885-1916, served firstly as Private 7894 Yorkshire Light Infantry before transferring to become Serjeant 14254 182nd company Machine Gun Corps. Killed in action 8th August 1916.

They were cousins and are the only Bilverstone casualties listed on the CWGC website for the First World War and are distantly related to me.

Can any member please help me discover further details of their military service especially regarding the action resulting in their fatalities.

[Colin W Taylor]

Mr Rayley

War diary for 182nd MG Coy states:

'8.8.16 3.30am Enemy exploded a very large mine at M30c 1.5 . 4. Gun emplacements Nos 23 and 22 were blown up in the explosion and the team at no 22 consisting of 1 Sergt and 5 men were wiped out. Enemy bombers after the explosion were dispersed by Lewis Guns. During the night guns were brought up on either side to cover the crater but there was no attack, the night being very quiet. 300 rounds fired at enemy parapet and gaps.'

Kind regards

Colin

[midshipmanrayley]

That is spot on Colin, many thanks indeed.

[little bob]

Four pages of Charles's pre Great War record on Find my Past.

Employed as a labourer by Earl of Wilton, Brandon, Norfolk.

Aged 18 years and 8 months.

Attested 24th August 1903 K Coy., 4th VB Norfolk Regiment.

Kings Yorkshire Light Infantry 19th October 1903.

Height on enlistment 5ft. 5 ins.

Weight 124 lbs. Fresh Complexion.

Blue Eyes

Brown Hair.

Bob

[midshipmanrayley]

Many thanks Bob.

Charles' medal index card.

[midshipmanrayley]

The war diary narrative of the action by 4th battalion Middlesex Regiment on 12th October 1918 has been generously supplied by a member through messaging. Many thanks.