john w. Posted 9 December , 2006 Share Posted 9 December , 2006 Incredible all round... was it ever established how he died, there were a number of possibles, but was it ever narrowed down? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsears Posted 9 December , 2006 Share Posted 9 December , 2006 Incredible all round... was it ever established how he died, there were a number of possibles, but was it ever narrowed down? John This is an inspiring search. As a fairly new member to the forum and starting out on the research for my own G Grandfather who served in the KRRC this goes to show how valuable this forum really is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annestormont Posted 21 January , 2007 Author Share Posted 21 January , 2007 Incredible all round... was it ever established how he died, there were a number of possibles, but was it ever narrowed down? John No. I have not found out exactly how Eric died - is it possible to d'you think? This christmas my family round robin letter contained all the details about Eric Maggs and his bravery - just so that every descendent of George James Drayton will be aware that they owe their existance to him. I continue to be very emotional about all things connected with the Great War - put it down to old age if you like - but I know my life has been deeply affected by this experience - humbled. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian turner Posted 22 January , 2007 Share Posted 22 January , 2007 Anne, Did not your father quote that the officer took the bullet that was meant for your father? IE - he was shot? Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annestormont Posted 25 January , 2007 Author Share Posted 25 January , 2007 Anne, Did not your father quote that the officer took the bullet that was meant for your father? IE - he was shot? Ian Yes Ian. he did say that. So I guess that's it really - I mean it wont be recorded anywhere in any detail will it? It's not mentioned in the diary. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian turner Posted 25 January , 2007 Share Posted 25 January , 2007 Anne, Of course only reading the battalion war diary will asnwer the question. But usually they just state ''killed''. Sometimes it might be possible to deduce the reasons from comments such as: 'suffered heavy shellfire - Mr ... killed plus three O/R....'etc. It may well be that your father's recollections are as near to it as you can get. Unless there were other diaries/memoirs from fellow serving officers. That would involve a lot of searching and luck to uncover. But maybe worth asking elsewhere on this site: "Anyone have any info/memoirs/diaries for the KRRC in August 1918, or something similar. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domwalsh Posted 26 January , 2007 Share Posted 26 January , 2007 Anne, According to the electoral there are 10 people called Eric Maggs living in UK. The first one is an Eric W Maggs, albeit only aged 1! But you never know, one of these might have been named Eric after your father's saviour. Might be worth a speculative letter. Best of luck, Dom Postcode Town Street FY2 9TX BLACKPOOL Calder Road 27 BS22 8UX* WESTON-SUPER-MARE Kingfisher Road 27 BS49 4LQ BRISTOL Claverham Road 142 Claverham CH3 5XJ* CHESTER Coopers Croft 5 Great Boughton GL7 2QR* CIRENCESTER The Waterloo M24 5NS MANCHESTER Windermere Road 91 Middleton SO16 5JY* SOUTHAMPTON Coxford Road 207 LL52 0ES* CRICCIETH Penaber Estate OL9 9PJ OLDHAM Mough Lane 48 Chadderton IM4 7DN* ISLE OF MAN Minorca Hill Laxey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian turner Posted 20 August , 2007 Share Posted 20 August , 2007 Bumping up the thread since today is the 'day of days' for 2nd Lt Eric Maggs. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanhemmings Posted 20 August , 2007 Share Posted 20 August , 2007 This has been one of the best threads I have read for a long long time. It is truly inspiring that everyone in the know could pull together to finally reveal this brave young man. What an inspiration he must have been to his troops. We have see him as a little fellow growing through adolesence to the true hero he died as. Well done everyone. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this. And may Eric rest in peace - he will certainly not be forgotten by us all. What a special man. And, Anne, I think it is a lovely tribute to remember him each year. Susan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annestormont Posted 14 August , 2008 Author Share Posted 14 August , 2008 UPDATE August 08 How quickly time speeds by - once again Eric's memorial day is almost here - 20th August 1918 and I know those of you who recall the story will remember him. During this year I have continued to search for members of his wider family, his own all being dead now. Nothing turned up until a few weeks ago when I found an ancestrial tree with the Maggs family on it - I was so excited and anxious to share Eric's story - the response? a total lack of interest. That's all I'll say - 'cept to say there's nowt as queer as folk!! When the lady who deals with In Memoriums in The Times rang me to confirm the entry she said "I feel sure there is a story in this" So I was a ble to share it all again! She made an interesting suggestion , although I don't know if its possible, she asked if I knew who else was on that particular mission and wouldn't it be great to find out who else was there and their stories? I've never thought of that - is it possible? What do people think? I have to say that I frequently sing the praises of this web site to other people who, like me, are into genealogy I remain so grateful to you for all your interest and kindness. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annestormont Posted 15 August , 2008 Author Share Posted 15 August , 2008 Nudging this up because I don't want those who remember to miss it!! Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droocoo Posted 16 August , 2008 Share Posted 16 August , 2008 an excellent story, worth passing on for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunchy Posted 16 August , 2008 Share Posted 16 August , 2008 This deserves to be a classic thread. Apart from over 6700 views it is an incredible piece of detective work by all involved in it and much more of a quality classic than some of the others that made it through the door. It is an outstanding example of what the members of this forum can do with so little information to work on. One of my favourites. Have asked the Mods to consider giving it the acclamation it deserves. Cheers Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 16 August , 2008 Admin Share Posted 16 August , 2008 Not the best of photos but you will get an idea of where Eric is buried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 16 August , 2008 Admin Share Posted 16 August , 2008 And another general view An absorbing and emotional thread, Rest In Peace Eric Michelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian turner Posted 16 August , 2008 Share Posted 16 August , 2008 Anne, For some reason I am not getting the usual e-mail notification about postings on your thread, so sorry not to have responded earlier. It is the 90th anniversary this year as well, so special remembrance of Eric over these next few days. Researching others who were there and their stories will not be an easy one, a lot of "leg-work" and travel in store for you if you persue this. But then I know your debt of gratitude runs deep.... This forum is the best place to start! Did you read the battalion war diaries? It probably will not name other ranks, maybe just the officers. If you do get names then local newspaper archives from their locale might provide some info? Good luck, and I am glad this is in classic threads. Remembering Eric William Bristowe Maggs 20/8/18 Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanhemmings Posted 16 August , 2008 Share Posted 16 August , 2008 RIP fellow. Remembering you on the 20th Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunchy Posted 17 August , 2008 Share Posted 17 August , 2008 Thank you Mods. Well done Cheers Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annestormont Posted 18 August , 2008 Author Share Posted 18 August , 2008 Thank you all for your responses. I have read through the war diaries for the time Eric was killed, no other names are mentioned. It simply says a patrol was cut off by a strong party of the enemy and the officer in charge, 2nd Lieut.E.W.B Maggs, was killed; his body was brought in and buried at Souchez. Guess we will never know who else was there. apart from my Dad! The photos are lovely, thank you for those. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest geoff501 Posted 20 August , 2008 Share Posted 20 August , 2008 THE TIMES Wednesday August 20 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian turner Posted 20 August , 2008 Share Posted 20 August , 2008 Remembering Eric Maggs today, 20th August 2008 - the 90th anniversary of his death in action in 1918. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annestormont Posted 20 August , 2008 Author Share Posted 20 August , 2008 Remembering you Eric William Bristowe Maggs, 90 years ago today you saved my father's life and granted me mine. "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" I will never forget...... Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Hesketh Posted 20 August , 2008 Share Posted 20 August , 2008 Remembered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Michelle Young Posted 20 August , 2008 Admin Share Posted 20 August , 2008 Not forgotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamakly Posted 10 November , 2008 Share Posted 10 November , 2008 What a wonderful thread, I was compelled to read the whole thing! I only stumbled across it today when checking to see if anything came up about 11th KRRC. My great-uncle Laurence Duxbury was part of the regiment and died of wounds 22/9/17. I wonder if you have seen the photo on Paul Reeds (11th Kings Royal Rifle Battalion photos) thread - there is an officer on the front row that resembles Eric? Remembering all those who gave their lives. Gamakly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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