Panic! F Brocklesby, 6th Lincolns

[DaveBrigg]

It's a long shot I know, but...

One of the students departing for the Somme tomorrow evening has just discovered that her Great Grandfather is buried on th Somme. He is Private Frederick Brocklesby of the 6th Lincolns, No 18274, who died on 28th November 1916, aged 33. He is buried at Hamel Cemetery.

I know the 6th Lincolns saw action at Gallipoli, but can anyone let me know what they were doing on the Somme in Noember 1916? I'll check this before we leave on Thursday evening, so any ideas gratefully received.

Dave

[withcall]

I've read the Regimental History, and it looks as though the 6th were in action in front of Stuff Redoubt at the end of September, losing 1 officer and 14 ORs killed, 71 wounded. It says they then marched to billets in Hedauville on the 30th. The 2nd Bttn. were involved in late October, then the 8th fought during the final days of the Battle of the Ancre. My guess, unless I've missed something, is that your man d.o.w. The 6th aren't mentioned again until the 1917 chapters of the book.

[stevem49]

It's a long shot I know, but...

One of the students departing for the Somme tomorrow evening has just discovered that her Great Grandfather is buried on th Somme. He is Private Frederick Brocklesby of the 6th Lincolns, No 18274, who died on 28th November 1916, aged 33. He is buried at Hamel Cemetery.

I know the 6th Lincolns saw action at Gallipoli, but can anyone let me know what they were doing on the Somme in Noember 1916? I'll check this before we leave on Thursday evening, so any ideas gratefully received.

Dave

The 6th Lincoln's were part of 33rd Brigade,, 11th Division which just happens to be the same Brigade, my 9th Bn Sherwood Foresters were in.

The brigade were holding the front line N.E. of Beaumont Hamel from the River Ancre. The 9th SF relieved the 6 Borders on 25th and remained in front line until 30th. I presume the 6th Lincolns relieved the 7th South Staffs on the same day. Basically they were holding the front line throughout the winter. In the area St Pierre Divion - Beaumont Hamel. Whilst in reserve they were at or near Martinsart and then into dugouts in Thiepval Wood near Paisley Dump. Obviously the whole Brigade would not in one location but the 6th Lincolns would not be far away. When resting they were at Englebelmer.

Seven of the 9th Bn SF men were killed on 24th November and are in Hamel Cemetery. Whilst in reserve dugouts at Thiepval the battalions would be sent out on working parties between the River Ancre and Beaumont and the 9th's men were caught in shelling and had 11 killed.

Without having the Lincoln's war diary I cannot be sure but he would have been in the area I mention and either holding the front line or on a working party. I would go for the former considering the change over. This was always a dangerous time.

The Brigade trained at Belton House, Grantham before going to Godalming in early 1915. In July they went to Lemnos and from there the Suvla landings on 6th August 1915. After Gallipoli they spent 6 months in Egypt on the Suez Canal, recovering from the losses. They moved to France via Marseilles to Arras, training and holding trenches there before taking part in Somme battle 25/6/7th September. Then more training until the weather broke. Moving back to the Somme front from the rear areas November 18th 1916.

Hope that helps.

I also have SDGW details if you want them

If you require any other info on your return, let me know.

Regards

Steve

morse.steve@btinternet.com

www.ypressalient.co.uk

[stevem49]

It's a long shot I know, but...

One of the students departing for the Somme tomorrow evening has just discovered that her Great Grandfather is buried on th Somme. He is Private Frederick Brocklesby of the 6th Lincolns, No 18274, who died on 28th November 1916, aged 33. He is buried at Hamel Cemetery.

I know the 6th Lincolns saw action at Gallipoli, but can anyone let me know what they were doing on the Somme in Noember 1916? I'll check this before we leave on Thursday evening, so any ideas gratefully received.

Dave

Just checked and he was killed in action

SDGW - Brocklesby Frederick, born Louth, Lincs, enlisted Scunthorpe,Lincs, (abode - Glentham Lincs) 18272, Private, killed in action, France and Flanders, 28/11/16.

steve

[DaveBrigg]

That's brilliant Steve and 'Withcall'. We will have some quite detailed maps of the area, so the girl in question can spot the places, and from the cemetery we'll try to work out roughly where he was when he died.

The details about the early days of the 6th Lincs were useful too, because the school secretary's Gt Grandfather was an early recruit, sadly dying during the attack on Scimitar Hill. I'll pass on this info to her, and we'll look out for the SF men at Hamel.

Hope the weather stays dry (ish)

Dave

[jim_davies]

Dave,

Either June or July 1915 volunteer. I would guess if he served in Gallipoli it would be as an Nov entrant.

Jim

[DaveBrigg]

The grave was found, and from the cemetery it was possible to look across to Thiepval Wood. We found the Sherwood Foresters too - they were 'neighbours' of Fred. Thanks to all for making this a special occasion.

[stevem49]

The grave was found, and from the cemetery it was possible to look across to Thiepval Wood. We found the Sherwood Foresters too - they were 'neighbours' of Fred. Thanks to all for making this a special occasion.

Pleased that she found his grave and could pay her respects. My chaps were caught in shelling on 24th and so far I have found 18 kia or dow. One of the officers was 19 2/Lt Crowther and had been in France only a few weeks.

stevem