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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Private Fred Bell 15/11/1918


stevem49

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70912 Private Fred Bell died of wounds on 15/11/1918 and is buried at Cambrai East Military Cemetery.

Fred was born at Sudbrook Linc's and enlisted in Lincoln. At the time he was living at Scothern Linc's.

He joined the South Staffs Regiment, 26914 (Probably 7th Battalion)

He died of wounds sustained at Sebourg on 4/11/1918 and was the last man of the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters to die in France.

We will remember them

sm

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Have to check on him as he is not on the 9th Bn Medal Rolls or SDGW for 9th Bn. It would not be the first man given as 9th when he was not. Or for that matter a man from 9th being listed with another battalion.

I cannot find him on Soldiers died at all - I feel another death certificate coming on!

Thanks for the info though.

sm

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Hello Steve,

I'm afraid I'm not here with any answers but rather some questions, as I am only just beginning my search. But having typed in some keywords into the site I noticed that you had done some research on the battle that took place st Sebourg on the 4th Nov 1918. We are reaerching both the same battle and Sergeant James Cole who died during it. I noticed that you had been to Sebourg on another post and taken some photos. We hope to make the trip sometime in the New Year. If it's ok, I will let you know what we've found out so far. I think we will need to make a trip to kew by the sounds of it. But if you have any ideas or information, that would be great.

James Cole

Sergeant

London Regiment (Queens Westminster Rifles 1st / 16th BN) we are now told this could be the Queens Victoria Rifles

Service No. 565142

Died 4/11/1918 - Killed in action at Sebourg after crossing the Aunelle river

Buried Sebourg Communal cemetary or Sebourg British Cemetary ( we are hoping to make a trip sometime in the new year)

We are looking for details of the battle and if possible information on how to access James' service record, and any other information we can get our hands on.

Also, we believe James' brother David Cole was a sergeant in the same regiment. We now know that he died of spanish flu at home in September 1918 and is buried in Paddington but not much more than that.

If you have any information on either the battle, James or David it would be brilliant.

Thaks for taking time to read this. Simon Ashby

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Hello Simon

Sorry for the delay but I have just got back from Ypres.

The 11th Division and 56th Division fought together in the area.

James is buried at the Communal cemetery (local village one).

The London Regiment -

1/16th (County of London) Battalion, (Queen's Westminster Rifles) based at Queen's hall 58 Buckingham Gate, Westminster at outbreak of war - A Territorial Force battalion.

Part of 169th Brigade , 56th Division, XXII Corps, 1st Army when he died. Battle of Sambre 4th November 1918

Soldiers died in the Great War -

Cole, James, born Westminster London, abode Kensington. 565142, Sgt, killed in action, France and Flanders, 4/11/1918. Formerly 4305 2nd London Regiment.

The first attack on the hills above Sebourg took place without an artillery barrage. Enemy Machine Gunners where hidden on the hills and took a heavy toll on the attacking troops. The Germans sent in a counter attack and it was touch and go for a while. The following morning after a barrage the ridge was taken.

I only have details of the 11th Division but the War Diaries for the 1/16th London will be at Kew. It is worth checking at the NA site online as War Diaries are being added all of the time.

Stevem

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi Steve, thanks for the info. sorry it's taken time to get back to you but I've not been very well of late. Anyway, looks like a trip to Kew is in order, with any luck I'll make a visit early in the new year. Thanks once again.

Simon.

Hello Simon

Sorry for the delay but I have just got back from Ypres.

The 11th Division and 56th Division fought together in the area.

James is buried at the Communal cemetery (local village one).

The London Regiment -

1/16th (County of London) Battalion, (Queen's Westminster Rifles) based at Queen's hall 58 Buckingham Gate, Westminster at outbreak of war - A Territorial Force battalion.

Part of 169th Brigade , 56th Division, XXII Corps, 1st Army when he died. Battle of Sambre 4th November 1918

Soldiers died in the Great War -

Cole, James, born Westminster London, abode Kensington. 565142, Sgt, killed in action, France and Flanders, 4/11/1918. Formerly 4305 2nd London Regiment.

The first attack on the hills above Sebourg took place without an artillery barrage. Enemy Machine Gunners where hidden on the hills and took a heavy toll on the attacking troops. The Germans sent in a counter attack and it was touch and go for a while. The following morning after a barrage the ridge was taken.

I only have details of the 11th Division but the War Diaries for the 1/16th London will be at Kew. It is worth checking at the NA site online as War Diaries are being added all of the time.

Stevem

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