2/Lt Arthur Lionel Benns London Rifle Brigade Kia 1-7-16

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi All,

I would be very grateful for any information on 2/Lt Arthur Lionel Benns 5th Battalion City of London Rifle Brigade. Killed in Action 1-7-16.

Cheers

Tim.

[Promenade]

Tim,

Can you share your interest in this man with us while I pull together some information for you?

Promenade

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi Promenade,

I have a framed certificate to him from Haberdashers Askes Hatchem School. I can't scan it as it is framed and my digital camera is on holiday until Sunday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It says:-

OBEYING HIS COUNTRYS CALL SERVING HUMANITY

Arthur Lionel Benns 2nd Lieut. London Rifle Brigade

GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE CAUSE OF TRUTH OF JUSTICE & FREEDOM IN THE GREAT WAR

CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS

Henry ????????

HEADMASTER [ acting ]

John Lees

DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI

His name is written in ink as is all the lower case print I have copied also I'm not sure on the Governors name except Henry !! All high case writing is a standard print.

Cheers

Tim.

[Promenade]

Tim,

I have sent you a PM.

Promenade

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi Promenade,

That information you sent me, was beyond my wildest dreams !! I am extremely grateful and can assure you that I will use it to try and add to my research of him.

Very many thanks once again

Tim.

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi Promenade,

As soon as my family get back from their holiday, I'll send you a photo, If that is ok ?

Cheers

Tim.

[chrrip]

Hi Promenade,

That information you sent me, was beyond my wildest dreams !! I am extremely grateful and can assure you that I will use it to try and add to my research of him.

Very many thanks once again

Tim.

hi Tim I am a keen researcher into the LRB and the 'Chyebassa' men in particular - ie the original 1st Bttn who went to france in Nov 1914. i have a service outline of all 851 of them including Benns, and over 200 photos of individuals; obviously more info the better so would love a copy photo

thanks Chris

[chrrip]

please see profile; note i do not have a pic; served France 4.11.14 - 15.5.15 and back out post commission 5.3.16

Benns Arthur Lionel

9148 L/Corp 12.05.15 Wounded 2nd Ypres 3.15; Commissioned 3/5 London R. 27.9.15; Posted ‘C’ Coy 1/5 5.3.16; KIA 1.7.16 Gommecourt; Commemorated Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 9D; ( ed: Christ’s Hospital and Aske’s Schools; enlisted 1909 )

[bmac]

That information you sent me, was beyond my wildest dreams !! I am extremely grateful and can assure you that I will use it to try and add to my research of him.

Tim,

Wouldn't mind a copy of the photo if possible. I would like to add it to the 'Fallen of the 56th Division' gallery on my Gommecourt web site (http://www.gommecourt.co.uk/fallen2.htm).

Cheers

Bill

[chrrip]

Hi again

Checked my records and now confirm Benns enlisted on 28.4.1910 into P Company; lived 45 Brusfield Rd, New Cross now london SE14; source LRB subscription Rolls ct 1914 Cheers

[chrrip]

Tim,

Wouldn't mind a copy of the photo if possible. I would like to add it to the 'Fallen of the 56th Division' gallery on my Gommecourt web site (http://www.gommecourt.co.uk/fallen2.htm).

Cheers

Bill

Will have to check out my photos; very nice site

[chrrip]

Tim,

Wouldn't mind a copy of the photo if possible. I would like to add it to the 'Fallen of the 56th Division' gallery on my Gommecourt web site (http://www.gommecourt.co.uk/fallen2.htm).

Cheers

Bill

Bill Have photos of another 14 LRB men, couple are IWM copyright and another in group photo in book; not a web buff but could put onto disc and send when I have the odd moment; Chris

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi Bill,

I'll be happy to let you have a photo of the certificate.

Cheers

Tim.

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi Chris,

Many thanks for the information. I'll send you a photo too.

Out of interest, I don't suppose you have a photo of 4217 Pte John Reeve 1st Rifle Brigade Kia 16-11-14 ?

Also I wonder if these photos are of any interest to you ?

Cheers

Tim

[chrrip]

Tim regret no photo of Reeve, and thank you for the pics of Higgs who was originally reported as missing; where's the memorial?

chris

[SOMMESOLDIER]

Hi Chris,

The memorial, is the family grave in St Philips Churchyard, Penn, Wolverhampton. He was from just down the road from there !

Cheers

Tim.