13th Essex

[AGWR]

Yet another query, in relation to the 13th Essex!

Does anyone have a copy of the Battalion war diary between 2nd-10th January 1916? I am trying to establish the identity of the Essex goalkeeper during their match against the 1st Herts. A long shot, I know, but worth a try.

Regards,

AGWR

[Ross Bannister]

Yet another query, in relation to the 13th Essex!

Does anyone have a copy of the Battalion war diary between 2nd-10th January 1916? I am trying to establish the identity of the Essex goalkeeper during their match against the 1st Herts. A long shot, I know, but worth a try.

Regards,

AGWR

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi AGWR,

I have a copy of the War Diary of the Service Battalions, The Essex Regiment but I'm afraid there is no mention of a goalkeeper or indeed a football match at that time for the 13th!

Sorry

Ross

[AGWR]

Ross,

Thanks a lot for checking this for me.

Regards,

AGWR

[At Home Dad]

Only reference I have is that "C" Coy played "B" Coy at West Ham park -

quoting from Brian Belton, 'War Hammers', ISBN978 0 7524 4155 9

"This match ended in a victory for "C" Company by 3-2. Playing with a strong wind,

"C" Coy tried hard to score, but all their efforts were futile, largely through the fact

that the ball was practyically uncontrollable by the violent wind. Half time arrived with no score.

The second half opened with a smart attack on "B" Coy's goal, which was largely repulsed

but eventually a nice opening was afforded 2nd Lt Page, who shot feebly, but sufficiently

hard to register the first goal for "C" Coy. This seemed to serve as a stimulant to B"B Coy

and from the kick off "C" Coys back miskicked and Humphries fastened one on the leather

and scored an equalising goal.

Within five minutes of this success a melee in front of goal provided an opportunity for Webb

who gave "B" Coy the lead.

Following this reverse"C" Coy kept up a prolonged attack and the goalkeeperallowed a shot from

Winter to pass through his hands. This success followed by another as Gillman with a splendid

drive registered the winning goal for "C" Coy.

"C" Company: Pte Turner, Pte Buffett, Pte Wickers, Pte Gillman (or 'Gillmann'), Pte Dutton,

2nd Lt Holthusen, Pte Hemmings, Pte Plesants, 2nd Lt Page, Pte Winter, Pte Giess."

If that teamsheet follows convention, then Pte Turner was the keeper.

I think it was Holthusen who organised these games (I can remember

one other mention of sports organised by him in the WD), I'll check which one

as two Holthusen brothers served in the 13th, one as OC Sigs and the other OC Medic.

Both from Forest Gate and 'Originals', there from the start.

As Holthusen organised the football matches, I'd suggest he took the best players

I'd further suggest that this game in West ham park took place somewhere

between Feb 1915 and prior to going to Wanstead Flats in May 1915.

Sadly Brian Belton doesn't list his source.

I really hope that helps!

Kind regards

[At Home Dad]

one possible is 17358 Private E H TURNER

13th Bn., Essex Regiment who died on 01 July 1916

Remembered with honour

ZOUAVE VALLEY CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_detail...casualty=561967

Lt Alan W Holthusen (b. 1886?) RAMC was OC medic, Lt Leonard C Hotlhusen (b. 1887?) was OC Sigs.

Still checking for details of the inter-Coy games, but it was more boxing

than football, if I remember right, so it may be early 1917ish when your

17th Middx man Carter was in charge. He was the one ordering disciplinery night

marches, so obviously felt he had to toughen them up after the caning they took

in July/August and the intermittant command of Papillon during Sept-Oct.

Both Holthusens survived the War, I believe.

It looks like Alan was married in 1911 at West Ham,

judging from a quick peek at Ancestry

[AGWR]

Elliott,

Thanks for your posts. It is such a shame that it has not proved possible to identify the 13th Essex goalie. By all accounts he played an absolute blinder against the 17th Middlesex in one match. At the final whistle, he was roundly applauded by players and spectators alike.

Regards,

AGWR

[CROONAERT]

Nothing in Burrows' history either, I'm afraid. Also, the period between 27th Dec 1915 and 11th January 1916 appears to be missing from the war diary available from the NA (typical!).

dave.

[At Home Dad]

Fingers crossed, maybe his gtGrandson will one

day get in touch via the Hammers Pals website!

I only realised the date of your

initial post after I had replied!

All the best

[At Home Dad]

I had asked the question before, I wonder what followup could

be made to look in which archive other than where the War Diary

is held? Looks like destroyed prior to embarkation

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...war+diary+essex

Kind regards

Thanks for looking though, Dave

[At Home Dad]

AGWR - I came across this on my searches

http://www.superbian.co.uk/id14.html

"contributions to an album by patients at Leckhampton Court Red Cross Hospital 1914 - 1918"

they have a poem from a 13th Bn guy

BUT they also have a whole bunch of images

of Pte. Charles E. Jones, who served with the

17th Middlesex Regiment and was in Hospital

between 3rd March and 25th June 1917

Perhaps you havent seen them?

kind regards

[AGWR]

Thanks for posting the link. I did find this site a few months ago, but it was too late!

It would be good to know his service number.

Regards,

AGWR

[CROONAERT]

ILooks like destroyed prior to embarkation

Just a case of a missing page this time though.

Dave.