John Edward Ashton 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers RIP

[A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy]

This post is in memory of John Edward Ashton, who saved my grandfather’s life more than once, and who died 105 years ago today, only 7 weeks before the end of the war. He was in the 2/5^th Lancashire Fusiliers, and died, aged 37, from the effects of wounds and mustard gas. He is buried at Houchin British Cemetery. The NA copy of the 2/5^th Lancashire Fusiliers’ War Diary is missing the entries for that week, so the exact circumstances and place of death are unclear. A report in the Heywood Advertiser records that he was married, and was before the war employed at Yew Mill, Heywood as a spinner.

Private Ashton enlisted in November 1914, and proceeded to France with the 2/5^th LF on 3 May 1915, as did my grandfather, Norman Hall. He became Norman’s servant in December 1915. In his diary entry for 28 December 1915 Norman wrote: I had now got a new servant … Private John Edward Ashton from Heywood. He was a cotton spinner by trade, rather a rough diamond to start with, but he was very sound, very hard working, and a fine chap. He was thoroughly conscientious and made a very excellent servant.

As well as the routine domestic duties that a servant performed for his officer, Ashton often accompanied Norman when he was on duty as a soldier. In his entry for 1 August 1916, when they were in the Somme area, Norman wrote:

Ashton accompanied me down the Line, and it was fortunate that he did, for at one point a shell burst on the parapet level with me, blew in the trench, and half buried me, so that my arms were pinned. I had been so keen on warning the men of the gas that I hadn’t got my own helmet on, and I couldn’t get at it. The shell was a gas shell. Ashton at once saw my position, managed to get my helmet from its satchel (for it was the PHG296 Type – Glass Goggles with Sponge) and put it on for me, then he got a spade and dug me out. Ashton was a marvel, always with me at the critical moments.

On 9 September 1916 Norman was seriously wounded in the Battle of Ginchy, and Ashton was with him once again. This is what happened as Norman struggled to get up immediately after being hit:

Ashton, my servant, came up behind me – picked me up, and, in a polite way, said, “Now then, Sir – you’re hit – Come on back, I’ll carry you – none of your b----- nonsense.”  … [He] picked me up, put me on his back and carried me over all that awful ground again. We rested in a shell hole – I helped to dress two fellows’ wounds which were very bad. I didn’t like leaving them, but Ashton seemed to be in command, and insisted on me going.

He then carried him two miles back to the regimental aid post, where Norman was treated.

After they parted on that day, Norman saw him once more in Belgium in September 1917, at which point Norman had been sent back to the Western Front to the 1/5^th LF, while Ashton was still with the 2/5^th. I don’t think that Norman knew that John Ashton had been killed, as otherwise I am sure that he would have mentioned it. I only discovered that he had not survived when @brianmorris547 found the notice of his death in the Heywood Advertiser, and so his name is not on the Roll of Honour which I compiled for inclusion in the back of my grandfather’s book, A Lancashire Fusilier’s First World War, from which the above quoted extracts are taken. I therefore wanted to post a belated tribute to him here. RIP

Private John Edward Ashton, 201002,

Courtesy of the Heywood Advertiser,

Bury Archives and Brian Morris

[FROGSMILE]

That is a very fine and touching tribute to a good man and soldier.  Reading your description is a testament to his strength of character and I found it especially evocative of the close relationship that often built up between junior infantry officers and their servants.  Unlike the servants of officers serving at extra-regimental duty (those on the staff, etc.) or at training schools, such battalion men shared dugouts, sometimes prepared food and beverages, and invariably looked after an officer’s personal kit and comforts.  In the advance they often accompanied their officer acting as runner, and in routine defence shared the hazards of regular bombardments and the muddy, unhygienic, and congested living environment of men confined in a stretch of trench. By all accounts they had to be men who got along with their officers and Private Ashton certainly seems to have been an exemplar in that highly important and crucial regard.  Thank you for posting.

Edited 25 September , 2023 by FROGSMILE

[brianmorris547]

Tricia

A fine tribute. 

Brian

[Ian Riley]

12 hours ago, A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy said:

<SNIP>

Thank you so much for this post. I have just ordered the book  to add to my background of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division. I understand that the 2/5th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers was the first second line battalion to go overseas and that initially it suffered considerably from lack of training (reflected by your grandfather's initially sketchy knowledge of signalling. When I was laid up some years ago I amused myself by transcribing the 2/5 LF War Diary and noting that the are sections  missing from the TNA papers. I must admit that although only about 30 minutes away I still have not visited the new museum in Bury - although I did visit the old premises and have been to the Drill Hall 

With you avatar showing the 'they Win or Die Who Wear the Rose of Lancaster 55th (West Lancashire) Badge you may be interested in the attached picture of the copy of the  Divisional Flag that is flown on my flagpole on anniversaries  of divisional significance. In the frame is an original in the care of the Royal Artillery in Liverpool 

 

Ian

Private John Edward Ashton, 201002,

Courtesy of the Heywood Advertiser,

Bury Archives and Brian Morris

 

[Ian Riley]

The photo of the ORIGINAL 55th Division Flag is not mine - credit to Peter B if I recall correctly

[Mark Hone]

A very nice tribute. Splendid flag, Ian!

[A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy]

Thank you, all, for your comments, and I am glad that my post has achieved its purpose in bringing the life of Private John Ashton to the remembrance of others.

The two flag photographs are a fitting addition.

And perhaps I should also have included in my post a photograph of John Ashton's headstone, which I visited earlier this year.

 

Edited 10 November , 2023 by A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy

[brianmorris547]

On 25/09/2023 at 10:31, A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy said:

The NA copy of the 2/5^th Lancashire Fusiliers’ War Diary is missing the entries for that week, so the exact circumstances and place of death are unclear. A report in the Heywood Advertiser records that he was married, and was before the war employed at Yew Mill, Heywood as a spinner.

 

Tricia

The annoying thing is that one page of John Ashton's Service Record still exists. It has somehow found it's way into WO 364 (Ancestry Filmstrip ref WO 364 Ash 15888). I feel that other parts of his record may be hiding somewhere in 363 or 364 but I can not find any. The Casualty Form B 103 would probably show the location of  death. I thought that if I could identify the other casualties some would have surviving papers.

As you say the September 1918 War Diary of 2/5 LFs has been reconstituted but does mention the shelling of the Bn HQ on 21/09. The WD of 164 Infantry Brigade (WO 95/2921) has a list of casualties by date. This records that on 21/09 2/5 had 5 k, 5 w and 26 gassed. On 22/09 2/5 had a further 9 gassed.

The WD of 55 Div HQ GS (WO 95/2906) has a List of Dispositions showing the HQ of 2/5 at A 14 a 9 8, a Daily Intelligence Report describing the shelling and a map showing the position of 2/5 (in A 14 a) at 0800 22/09.

I used SDGW and the Register of Soldiers Effects to identify the casualties  of 2/5 and after some research I came up with this:

K in a 21/09 Percy Baynham, Alfred Proctor, Absolom Ridings, Alfred Wilson and James Wright. All are named on War Office Casualty List dated 24/10/1918 under Killed - LFs

D of w between 21/09 and 27/09 John Ashton, James Beresford, James Cain, Abraham Daniels, Arthur Dunn, Joshua Fielden, John Greenwood, Arthur Harling and Raymond Sutton.

All are named on WOCLs between 22/10/1918 and 30/10/1918 under Died of Wounds - LFs

The RSE sometimes identifies a hospital location for d of w but in all cases it just says Wounds, France. There are no surviving Service Records for any of them. All the above are buried at Houchin Brit Mil Cem.

I tried to establish a route of evacuation but the WDs of 55 Div ADMS and the Field Ambulances were of no help so I downloaded the WD of 1 Corps DDMS (WO 95 621/6) and this offered some good clues:

On 04/09/1918 some 55 Div gas cases were moved to the CCS by 12 MAC (Motor Ambulance Convoy) and on 24/09 the DDMs went to 12 SH to see an eye specialist re treatment of mustard gas in the eyes. There was a List of Locations of 12 MAC and the CCSs dated 16/09.

12 MAC, 6 CCS and 15 CCS were at Ruitz and 13 CCS and 22 CCS were at Pernes.

The WD of 12 SH (WO 95/4103/8) records that in September they were at St Pol. No mention of deaths.

The WD of 12 MAC (WO 95/561/3 - 559 Co ASC) records that the Receiving CCS on 21/09 was no 15 and the Receiving CCS on 22/09 was no 6, 23/09 no 15 and 24/09 no 6. Cars were also sent to St Pol, Allouagne and 30 Ambulance Train.

The WD of 6 CCS (WO 95/251/7) shows 29 admissions on 21/09 and 99 admissions on 22/09. The WD of 15 CCS (WO 95/562/3) just shows numbers in hospital.

The WD of 13 CCS (WO 95/562/1) does name deaths, including on 19/09 204196 L/Cpl W Hardman 2/5 LFs and on 20/09, 21/09 and 22/09 3 men from 9 Black Watch and 13 Scottish Rifles. All are buried at Pernes Brit Mil Cem. The WD of 22 CCS (WO 95/253/1) does not record deaths.

I think that it is reasonable to assume that the 2/5 gassed on 21/09 and 22/09 were probably taken by 12 MAC to no 6 CCS and no 15 CCS, since those who died are all buried at Houchin. Ruitz is only 2 km from Houchin. Those named in 13 CCS are buried at Pernes, where the CCS was based.

I checked the local papers for any mentions and found, in addition to John Ashton, reports regarding J Beresford, A Daniels, J Greenwod and A Ridings in the Rochdale Observer, J Fielden in the Burnley Express and A Harling in the Bury Guardian.

This picture and report of James Beresford from the Rochdale Observer 12/10/1918 shows that he died in a CCS.         Courtesy FMP/BNA.

I have full details of all the above casualties so if any are named in Norman's papers I can forward them on. 

I will try and identify the other 2/5 wounded to see if any Service Records exist

Brian

 

Edited 5 October , 2023 by brianmorris547
typo

[Mark Hone]

Great work, Brian. To try to fill in more details, I consulted the account Lt. T.H. Floyd wrote about the final advance as a follow-up to his 'At Ypres With Best Dunkley'. Floyd was actually on a detached working party on 21st September 1918 so did not witness the shelling at first hand but quotes the account in the 'Lancashire Fusiliers Annual':

'After a period at Vaudricourt the Battalion again went into the line on the 20th and on the early morning of the 21st the enemy bombarded Battalion HQ with mustard gas and HE. Direct hits blew in BOR and HQ Runners' dug-out and serious casualties were suffered, a number of officers and ORs being gassed while extracting the men who had been buried. Major J.H. Evans MC, temporarily commanding, Captain A.H.G Griggs MC, Adjutant, 2nd Lieut. B.E. Cridland M.C., Signal Officer and Lieut S. Goldman USMC, the MO, together with 26 ORs (four of whom died later) were wounded (gas). 

Captain K.T. Blamey MC came from Brigade HQ and took command until the return of Lt. Col. G.S.Brighten DSO on the 30th.'

Floyd expected Evans, who had directed rescue operations 'with conspicuous courage' to get a Bar to his MC but he and Captain Griggs did not return to the Battalion. Interesting that 2/5th LF had a US Marine Corps Medical Officer at this stage of the war. 

Edited 5 October , 2023 by Mark Hone

[Buffnut453]

I don’t have anything to add on this particular topic but do want to express my gratitude to all for the insights, as well as the diligent research so freely shared.  This is EXACTLY why I love coming to the GWF.  I learn something new EVERY day from good folk like you who continue to Remember Them.  THANK YOU ALL!!!’

[brianmorris547]

On 05/10/2023 at 09:43, Mark Hone said:

Floyd expected Evans, who had directed rescue operations 'with conspicuous courage' to get a Bar to his MC but he and Captain Griggs did not return to the Battalion. Interesting that 2/5th LF had a US Marine Corps Medical Officer at this stage of the war. 

Mark

The WD of 1 Corps DDMS records that on 06/09/1918 30 American Div arrived at 1 Corps and it mentions a visit by the US Divisional Surgeon Col Whaley. It gives a brief description of the US Field Ambulances and locations. The US 30 Div left 1 Corps area on 16/09/1918.

I have identified some 2/5 wounded on WOCLs 30/10/1918 and I am working on the names to see if any Service Records exist and if they identify which CCS they were taken to.  Had a near miss with this one on the list of 30/10 - Lord, 200110 J (Heywood). It confirms wounded, gas on 21/09 but does not show a location. Will keep trying.

B 103 courtesy FMP

EDIT There is a brief report in the Heywood Advertiser 04/10/1918 under "In Hospital" -  Mrs Lord of 8 Vale St Heywood has received a letter from her son Private John Lord stating that he is in East Leeds War Hospital. He has been gassed and for over a week was blind, but he is now able to see.

Brian

Edited 10 October , 2023 by brianmorris547
additional info

[A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy]

This additional information is all extremely interesting, and thank you for your meticulous further research, Brian; also, Mark for the quote from Floyd/the Lancashire Fusiliers' Annual.

I have had a look in Norman's diary to see if he refers to any of the other men mentioned in these additional posts. 

I think that he may refer to James Wright, as he mentions an occasion on 15 September 1917 when he was in the 1/5th LF when he met some men from the 2/5th LF at Goldfish Chateau, including John Ashton and "Wright (Jim) Z Coy Cook". Both Norman and John Ashton were in Z Coy when the latter was Norman's servant, and, assuming that both John and Jim Wright remained in the same company, it is quite likely that they might have been together on 21 September 1918.

He may also refer to John Greenwood, who is buried next to John Ashton in Houchin cemetery (Private 202759 J.R. Greenwood). as on 1 January 1916 he refers to "two of my fellows, Clare and Greenwood, ... having a competition to see who could get in the most rounds" in welcoming in the new year. Clare was definitely in Z Company, and I think that "my fellows" probably means that Greenwood was also, which again might make it likely that he was in close proximity to John Ashton on 21 September 1918.

Norman also refers to a Private 2522 Greenwood who was keen on volunteering for patrols/raids in No Man's Land, and saved the day while training for a raid in June 1916 by picking up and throwing away a malfunctioning or mis-thrown bomb, but I think that this was probably a different Greenwood as he was X Company.

[brianmorris547]

Tricia

James Wright was 201095 and a record exists in PIN 82/181/84 which shows that he married in 1909 and enlisted on 10/11/1914. His widow Elizabeth lived at 27 Barrett St, Bury. He was pictured in the Bury Guardian 12/10/1918 and the BG on 19/10 in a brief biography and in the Family Notices mentioned that he was a HQ cook and he was known as Jim.

John Robert Greenwood 202759 died as a result of gas poisoning according to the Rochdale Observer 12/10/1918. I did not notice a photograph but will check to see if I may have missed it. EDIT The Rochdale Times 12/10/1918 mentions that he was 40 years old, enlisted in March 1916 and went to France after three months training. No photo. His brother George reported his death to the papers. He, George, lived at 1122 Manchester Rd, Castleton.

Photo James Wright courtesy FMP/BNL

In the meantime I will check the wounded in the WOCLs 29/10 and 30/10 to see if I can identify a CCS.

Brian

Edited 6 October , 2023 by brianmorris547

[A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy]

Thank you once again, Brian.

So John Robert Greenwood is neither of the Greenwoods whom my GF mentioned, as he did not enlist until March 1916, though my GF may have known him if he had three months' training, and then went across to France in about June or July 1916.

James Wright is definitely the man mentioned by my GF, whom he saw for the last time, in the company of John Ashton, at Goldfish Chateau on 15 September 1917. Thank you for posting the photograph of him. I have had a look at his MIC, and, rather to my surprise, there is no indication that he went across to France with the 2/5th on 3 May 1915. But neither is there any indication that he was KIA.

[Mark Hone]

Just a bit more information on two of those who, like John Ashton, died following the bombardment of 21st September and an officer of Armenian descent also buried at Houchin, from later on in T.H. Floyd's account. They were probably not known to Tricia's grandfather.

‘ On September the 23^rd I said in my letter home: …Cain the Battalion runner has been killed. (This happened, of course, in the affair related in the last chapter). He was a nice boy and very smart. He always used to accompany Captain Griggs about the line. I am awfully sorry he has gone west. He looked so bright and cheerful the last time he brought me a message on parade the other day. He came out with Norman Turner and, like Turner, came from Heywood. He has been buried in a cemetery a mile from here-the same cemetery in which Manoukian and so many other 2/5^th officers and other ranks are buried. One N.C.O and six men were sent from here to be present at it. Daniels, another Battalion runner, was buried at the same time.  

The men mentioned in this paragraph, are as follows. Cain and Daniels are cited in Brian’s earlier posts:

Private James Cain, died 22^nd September 1918 aged 19. Son of Elizabeth Cain of 84 Herchell Street, Everton Liverpool (Houchin Cemetery III.D.4)

Private Norman Turner DCM: Floyd's servant. He survived the war. He is mentioned on numerous occasions by Floyd in his account and, as with John Ashton, there seems to have been a close bond between officer and servant. Floyd recommended him (unsuccessfully) for a Bar to his DCM after the fighting in Canteleux Trench in mid-September 1918.

Second Lieutenant Zaven Manoukian, died 3^rd September 1918 aged 19. The son of Armenian parents from Constantinople, he was born in West Didsbury, Manchester and educated at Repton School.  According to Floyd, his nickname was 'Snooky'. He was killed by a sniper. A photograph of Lt. Manoukian can be found on the website of the Centre for Armenian Information and Advice. (III.G.31)

Private Abraham Daniels, died 23^rd September 1918 aged 28. Son of William and Margaret Daniels of 20 Stratford Avenue, Rochdale. (III.D.8)

Edited 9 October , 2023 by Mark Hone

[Mark Hone]

In a letter written to his parents on 11th September 1918, Lt. T.H. Floyd says:

'Quarter-Master Sergeant Taylor has just been up with rations. For some time he has been trying to get me a copy of the 1916 Lancashire Fusiliers Annual. He says that Private Ashton, who is on leave in Middleton, will try and get it. So he will be calling to see you before he goes back. He will leave the book with you and you can keep it at home'. 

It may of course be a different Private Ashton and he is identified as being from Middleton (which is, however, next door to Heywood) but if it is 'our' Ashton it would indicate that he had been on home leave shortly before his death. 

 

Edited 7 October , 2023 by Mark Hone

[A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy]

Excellent additional information from Floyd, Mark, and I do hope that it is the same John Ashton, and that he therefore had had some home leave shortly before he died.

[brianmorris547]

The report and Family Notices in the Heywood Advertiser 11/10/1918 make no mention of him being recently at home on leave, nor does the report with his photograph on 18/10/1918. There is a Fred Ashton 202863 of Middleton who has papers. He was wounded in 1918. There is also a Joseph Ashton 204302 of Middleton but he only served in the UK.

I finally found a name in the WOCL 30/10/1918 under Wounded - LFs. Nield 30562 A (Ashton under Lyne). SMARs show 2/5. This is Albert Nield ex 17 Bn Manchester Regt. His B 103 shows Wounded (gas) 21/09 and removed to 15 CCS. This confirms my initial post about the evacuation route, assuming 12 MAC were involved.

So I am sure that if John Ashton had been evacuated on 21/09 he would have gone to the Receiving CCS, which was no 15, or if gassed on 22/09 to No 6 CCS.

Brian

B 103 courtesy FMP

 

 

[Matlock1418]

On 25/09/2023 at 10:31, A Lancashire Fusilier by Proxy said:

A report in the Heywood Advertiser records that he was married, and was before the war employed at Yew Mill, Heywood as a spinner.

John Edward ASHTON, 201002, Lanc Fus.

From pension index cards and pension ledger pages at WFA/Fold3

His widow, Ellen. b.18.11.82, 20 Smith St, Heywood, applied for a widow's pension and was awarded 13/9 pw from 14.4.19 [standard Widow's Pension <45y]

She applied for/was then awarded an Alternative Pension Widow's from that date [APW - would be based on her late husband's proven pre-war earnings].

Her APW was 22/11 pw [which I think backcalculates to her late husband previously earning 34/4 pw - being a Private would have meant a significant reduction in income]

She also received a standard £5 grant for incidental expenses associated with her husband's death

M

Edited 9 October , 2023 by Matlock1418

[Mark Hone]

Brian, I was wondering if John Ashton's obituary might have mentioned that. To be honest, I didn't think it was the same chap. Floyd doesn't mention Private Ashton as one of the killed on 21st September and you might have thought he would have done so if this was the person who had recently been to his parents' house with Floyd's copy of the 1916 LF Annual.

By the way, have you come across any mention in the Heywood Advertiser of Floyd's redoubtable batman, Norman Turner? I'd be interested to learn the circumstances in which he won his DCM. 

Edited 9 October , 2023 by Mark Hone

[Matlock1418]

On 06/10/2023 at 07:44, brianmorris547 said:

James Wright was 201095 and a record exists in PIN 82/181/84 which shows that he married in 1909 and enlisted on 10/11/1914. His widow Elizabeth lived at 27 Barrett St, Bury.

James WRIGHT, 201095, Lanc Fus.

From pension index cards at WFA/Fold3

His widow, Eliza. b.30.10.82, 28 Barratt St, Bury, applied for a widow's pension and was awarded 13/9 pw from 7.4.19 [standard Widow's Pension <45y]

She applied for/was then awarded an Alternative Pension Widow's from that date [APW - would be based on her late husband's proven pre-war earnings].

Her APW was 26/11 pw [which I think backcalculates to her late husband previously earning 40/4 pw - being a Private/Unpaid Lance Corporal would have meant a significant reduction in income]

She also received a standard £5 grant for incidental expenses associated with her husband's death

[brianmorris547]

2 hours ago, Mark Hone said:

By the way, have you come across any mention in the Heywood Advertiser of Floyd's redoubtable batman, Norman Turner? I'd be interested to learn the circumstances in which he won his DCM. 

The Heywood Advertiser 03/05/1918 p 3 under Men in Hospital reports "Private Norman Turner Lancashire Fusiliers 28 Wild St Heywood is in a Base Hospital wounded in the head".

and 05/07/1918 p under A Heywood DCM reports "Private Norman Turner Lancashire Fus of 28 Wild St Heywood has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery during a bombing raid on April 26th"

No photographs. His DCM card (Service number 53453) shows LG 03/10/1918.

His Citation does not show a date of the action but 26/04 is covered in detail in the Unit WD and in the WD of 164 IB, where you will find 164 IB Order 177 dated 25/04/1918 giving the objective as A 9 d 34 55 to A 9 b 15 43 (K Sap). In the August WD of 164 IB there is a map showing K Sap in A 9 b.

Brian

 

[Mark Hone]

Thanks very much for this information, Brian. Floyd wasn't present for what was arguably 55th Division's finest hour, in the April 1918 fighting on the Lys, and Norman Turner only became his servant in September, so I'm not expecting to come across a detailed account of Norman's DCM amongst Floyd's papers. It's a pity that there's no photograph of him in the Heywood Advertiser. 

Edited 11 October , 2023 by Mark Hone

[brianmorris547]

Mark

I'm still going through the WOCL 30/10/1918 as I would like to find another record which shows 15 CCS on 21/09/1918 in order to corroborate the B 103 of Albert Nield. I have just done the names beginning with S. 

Stanley 2138 J (Bolton) is on the list and the SMARs confirm 2/5 James Stanley. He has papers and his Military History Sheet confirms gassed on 21/09/1918. No B 103 though. I will see if there is anything in the Bolton Evening News next time I go to the library. 

Summersall 200232 B (Heywood) is also on the list and SMARs show 2/5 Benjamin Summersall. No papers but he is mentioned in the Heywood Advertiser 04/10/1918 under "In Hospital" - Private B Summersall Lancashire Fusiliers son of Mr W Summersall of 76 Brunswick St, Heywood is in hospital in France suffering from severe mustard gas poisoning. In April last he had his right arm and shoulder crushed during a German attack

Underneath was a report about Private John Lord, whose B 103 I posted last week. I have put an edit on that post.

So far I have identified 17 wounded men of 2/5 on the WOCL 30/10/1918.

Brian 

[brianmorris547]

I have worked my way through the Wounded - LFs in the WOCL 30/10/1918 and have found a total of 23 names for which the SMARs show 2/5 Bn. Since I have named the Killed and Died of Wounds these are the names:

William J Blaybrough 40528 (Hulme) SMARs as Blagbrough, William S Bowmer 45529 (Nottingham), Walter Bream 52556 (Norwich), Fred Forshaw 201754 (Bury), Frederick Garricks 48262 (Whalley) SMARs as Gerricks, Lawrence Greenwood 201031 (Radcliffe), Willie Hunt 57529 (Newton), Walter Jenkinson 204013 MM (Blackburn), Norman T Jones 203695 (Salford), Albert Lomas 280990 (Salford), John Lord 200110 (Heywood) - see B 105 posted above, James Moran 41571 (Stretford), Albert Nield 30562 (Ashton under Lyne) - see B 105 above, Samuel Schofield 201087 (Radcliffe), John E Seales 204273 (Rochdale), James Stanley 2138 (Bolton), Benjamin Summersall 200232 (Heywood) - see above post, Frederick Taylor 38705 (Earl Shilton), Thomas Vaux 282407 (Stockport), James Walker 204103 (Hebden Bridge), George Ward 37752 (Salford), Richard Woods 1990 (Bolton) and lastly Arthur Wrench 307473 (Knutsford).

Arthur Wrench has papers in WO 364 and his B 103 shows W gas 21/09 and 15 CCS so that corroborates the B 103 of Albert Nield.

TNA/Ancestry WO 364.

Some of the above have papers but no B 103s. Frederick Taylor and Richard Woods show gassed 21/09 list C 1707 (which we do not have on the Casualty List thread).

Albert Nield and Arthur Wrench went to hospitals on 23/09 32 SH and 55 GH. These were in Wimereux and Boulogne.

Brian