Pte William Claypole 6th Northamptonshire Regt - Died 15th November 19

[Will O'Brien]

As per CWGC

Name: CLAYPOLE, WILLIAM

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Northamptonshire Regiment

Unit Text: 6th Bn.

Age: 29

Date of Death: 15/11/1917

Service No: 20553

Additional information: Husband of Mary Claypole, of Cottingham, Market Harborough.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: XIII. C. 16.

Cemetery: DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

& the cemetery info

Cemetery: DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

Country: Belgium

Visiting Information: The track leading to the cemetery is suitable for vehicles in dry weather. Wheelchair access to the cemetery is possible via main entrance. For further information regarding wheelchair access, please contact our Enquiries Section on telephone number 01628 507200.

Location Information: The cemetery is located to the north-west of Poperinge near Krombeke. From Ieper follow the directions to Poperinge along the by-pass. At the end of the by-pass at the traffic lights turn right into Oostlaan. Follow Oostlaan over the roundabout to the end of the road. Turn left into Veurnestraat and follow along here to the first turning on the right. (From Poperinge centre, follow the directions to Veurne along the Veurnestraat to the second turning on the left.) Turn into Sint-Bertinusstraat and follow this road up the rise and round a left hand bend. After the bend, take the right hand turning in the direction of Krombeke along the Krombeekseweg. Follow the Krombeekseweg past the "De Lovie" centre where the road name changes to Leeuwerikstraat and then past a cafe on the left. Approximately 500 meters after the cafe on the left, you will see a sign for the cemetery pointing to a track on the right into the woods. The cemetery is along here at the end of the track.

Historical Information: Westvleteren was outside the front held by Commonwealth forces in Belgium during the First World War, but in July 1917, in readiness for the forthcoming offensive, groups of casualty clearing stations were placed at three positions called by the troops Mendinghem, Dozinghem and Bandaghem. The 4th, 47th and 61st Casualty Clearing Stations were posted at Dozinghem and the military cemetery was used by them until early in 1918. There are now 3,174 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in the cemetery and 65 German war graves from this period. The cemetery also contains 73 Second World War burials dating from the Allied withdrawal to Dunkirk in May 1940. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

No. of Identified Casualties: 3306

[Stebie9173]

Private William Claypole joined the Northamptonshire Regiment around August 1915.

He was recorded as Wounded in the Times of 13th March 1917, which I believe to have occurred with 6th Battalion at Boom Ravine, on or around 17th February 1917.

Died of wounds with 6th Northamptons on 15th November 1917, age 29.

The 6th Northamptons had taken over the line between Turrene Crossing to Colombo House, with HQ at Egypt House, from the 8th Norfolks on 10th November 1917. Their occupation of the line included two night patrols of 10 men and an officer (on the evenings of the 11th and 12th November) and heavy artillery fire from the Germans during the afternoons of the 12th and 13th November. The battalion was relieved by the 12th Middlesex Regiment on the evening of the 13th.

During their 3 days in the line, the battalion suffered 1 officer Missing, Believed Killed [2nd Lt. Gordon Henry Walker], 8 ORS Killed, 3 officers wounded, 13 ORs wounded &/or gassed, and 9 ORs missing.

It is likely that William Claypole received his fatal wounds in this period, as they had not been in the front areas since 20th October 1917.

William Claypole is buried at Grave XIII. C. 16., DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY.

William Claypole was born and enlisted at Cottingham, per SDGW.

Husband of Mary Claypole, of Cottingham, Market Harborough.

Believed to be born in 1887, the son John and Mary Claypole, farmers, of Blind Lane, Cottingham (as of 1901). Siblings as of 1901 : John Henry (b.1878), Arthur (b.1880), Stephen Tansley (b.1889).

Steve.

[Will O'Brien]

I think I found 2 of William's brothers on the Medal Roll Index

Clp Arthur Claypole 200918 Northamptonshire Regt & Pte Stephen Claypole 201319 Northamptonshire Regt.

[Stebie9173]

Assuming that the above Claypoles are the right family, Stephen Claypole's Records are on Ancestry's WO364 Collection:

Summary of Stephen Claypole's service below,

Next of Kin: John Claypole, The Nook, Cottingham, Market Harborough.

Born at Cottingham.

Enlisted at Leicester on 19-5-1913, age 22 years, 8 months.

A farm labourer prior to enlisting. 5' 5 5/8" tall, 128lbs.

Leicestershire Regiment, 1/9705.

Embarked to France on 9-9-1914. Arrived at St Nazaire, 12-9-1914.

Joined 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, 1-11-1914.

Fell ill with influenza, 13-3-1915. Admitted to 17 FA, 13-3-1915. Admitted to Canadian General Hospital, 17-3-1915

Discharged back to 1st Leicesters, 31-3-1915

Attached to 177th Tunnelling Company, 24-10-1915.

Admitted to 18th F.A. suffering from Myalgia, 17-11-1915. To 13 Gen. Hospital, 27-11-1915. To England, 5-12-1915.

Embarked to Egypt, 18-1-1916.

Joined 1/4th Northamptonshire Regiment at Sidi Bishr, 31-1-1916

Northamptonshire Regiment, Numbered 23232, ???? and 201319

Admitted to 18 Stationary Hospital, Egypt, Suez, 6-9-1916. Admitted to Military Hospital, Choubra suffering Enteric Fever, 21-9-1916

To Convalescent Hospital, Abbassia, Egypt, 5-12-1916

To Eastern Base Depot, Mustapha, Egypt, 11-1-1917

Rejoined unit at Suez, 19-1-1917

Admitted to 2/1 East Anglian Field Ambulance, and to 24 Stationary Hospital, Kantara, 5-2-1917. To 31st Gen. Hospital, Port Said, 8-2-1917. To 27 Stat. Hospital, Abbassia, 21-2-1917.

To Eastern Base Depot, Mustapha, Egypt, 8-3-1917.

Transferred to 1st Garrison Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, 27-3-1917

Admitted to 47 Stationary Hospital, Gaza with Tonsilitis, 29-8-1918. To Convalsecent Depot, Mustapha, 10-9-1918. Rejoined 1st Garr. Bn, 28-9-1918

Admitted to 36 Stationary Hospital, Gaza, with Rheumatism, 3-10-1918.

Embarked to Salonika with 1st Garrision Battalion, 26-10-1918. Arrived in Salonika, 31-10-1918.

Embarked back to the UK, 18-1-1919

Attached to 1st Dispersal Unit, Ripon, 1919.

Admitted to Military Hospital, Ripon suffering from a malaria attack, 2-8-1919 to 8-10-1919.

To Gosport with ?????, 17-3-1920.

Numbered 11114, Northamptonshire Regiment, at time of discharge.

Transferred to Class "B" Reserve 29-5-1920.

Steve.

[Will O'Brien]

Nice one Steve.........The NOK would suggest that this Stephen Claypole is William's brother.

[Stebie9173]

Assuming I have attached William to the correct family!

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

The 200918 Arthur Claypole in the Northamptons was Arthur James Claypole, of 23 Sharman Road, St. James, Northampton. He was born in 1897 and is not the other brother. He was formerly of the 3/4th Battalion (hence the T.F. number) and had a younger brother Sydney J Claypole in the 7th Lincolns and Bedfordshire Regiment. Arthur was instrumental (ducks for cover) in the formation of the band of the 3/4th Northamptons. He held the rank of Sergeant-Drummer prior to going to France, resigning his rank to join the 2nd Battalion in France.

Name: CLAYPOLE

Initials: A

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Corporal

Regiment/Service: Northamptonshire Regiment

Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 24/04/1918

Service No: 200918

Additional information: Son of John and Fanny Claypole, of 23, Shurman Rd., Northampton.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. G. 21.

Cemetery: ADELAIDE CEMETERY, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

Name: CLAYPOLE, Arthur

Regiment, Corps etc.: Northamptonshire Regiment

Battalion etc.: 2nd Battalion.

Last name: Claypole

First name(s): Arthur

Initials: A

Birthplace:

Enlisted: Northampton

Residence:

Rank: CPL.

Number: 200918

Date died: 25 April 1918

How died: Killed in action

Theatre of war: France & Flanders

Supplementary Notes:

Steve.

[Will O'Brien]

The 200918 Arthur Claypole in the Northamptons was Arthur James Claypole, of 23 Sharman Street, St. James, Northampton. He was born in 1897 and is not the other brother. He waas formerly of the 3/4th Battalion (hence the T.F. number) and had a younger brother Sydney J Claypole in the 7th Lincolns and Bedfordshire Regiment. Arthur was instrumental (ducks for cover) in the formation of the band of the 3/4th Northamptons. He held the rank of Sergeant-Drummer prior to going to France, resigning his rank to join the 2nd Battalion in France.

Name: CLAYPOLE

Initials: A

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Corporal

Regiment/Service: Northamptonshire Regiment

Unit Text: 2nd Bn.

Age: 21

Date of Death: 24/04/1918

Service No: 200918

Additional information: Son of John and Fanny Claypole, of 23, Shurman Rd., Northampton.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. G. 21.

Cemetery: ADELAIDE CEMETERY, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

Name: CLAYPOLE, Arthur

Regiment, Corps etc.: Northamptonshire Regiment

Battalion etc.: 2nd Battalion.

Last name: Claypole

First name(s): Arthur

Initials: A

Birthplace:

Enlisted: Northampton

Residence:

Rank: CPL.

Number: 200918

Date died: 25 April 1918

How died: Killed in action

Theatre of war: France & Flanders

Supplementary Notes:

Steve.

Oh B**ger..........well 1 out of 2 isn't bad.

[AlanCrax]

Hi

I was delighted to find this thread - and hope it isn't too old to make suitable additions to.

William Claypole was my first cousin twice removed. I have carried out an extensive mapping of the Claypole family line for our own genealogy studies. I can confirm what is recorded here: that Stephen was his brother. Arthur Claypole was his second cousin once removed.

We are currently looking to put together an article on William, including his war record, for our web based magazine. We have a photograph of his next-of-kin memorial plaque.

There are a couple of issues that I would be grateful for some clarification of. His medal card shows the code K1/101 B10 My reading of this doesn't square with the 6th Northamptons being a K2 organisation.

I have read around the likelihood of where William met his death (somewhere near to Koekuit, just south west of Houthulst Forest) but wondered whether you had any more localised details as to where the Turrene Crossing and the Egypt House HQ were (I am aware that Egypr House was in fact a well fortified pill box)

Many thanks

Alan

[Stebie9173]

The K1/101 B10 reference is a medal roll book indentifier and the "K1" part is merely coincidental. "K" is a medal office identifier for medals issued by the Warley district (the Northamptons, Bedfords, Suffolks, Essex, Norfolks, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire Regiments).

I shall try to double check locations tomorrow.

Steve.

[AlanCrax]

I haven't been able to find any evidence of William Claypole's service record on Ancestry and did wonder whether there were any more localised references with the Northamptonshire Regiment. I saw above the note that he enlisted "sometime in 1915". However, the family still has, apparently, his Princess Mary brass Christmas box (We are having a family reunion next motn so I shall get a chance to examine it any any contents). I wondered, too, whether there would be any record of injury leave - as suggested in February 1917 (I can't find it in The Times through my British Library subscription)

I did manage to find a series of map overlays which when pieced together showed the position of Turenne Crossing, Egypt House and Colombo House. Is there a Northamptonshire Regimental War Diary which notes their activities in the week around his death? I have been reading the accounts in the volumne "The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ypres and the Battles of Ypres" which seems to suggest that the "clearing of Ypres" and the advance to Passchendaele and the capture of the villages in the lea of the Houthulst Forest were complete by November 6th and the rest of the winter of 1917 the front was "relatively quiet".

Alan

[Stebie9173]

His enlistment date is likely to be between 30th August 1915 (when 20548 George Alfred Tarry enlisted) and 4th September 1915 (when 20556 Frank Herbert Linnell enlisted). William Claypole does not have the 1914 or 1914-15 Star per the official documents (Medal Card and Rolls) so did not serve overseas before 1st January 1916.

I would suspect that the "Mary Tin" may belong to Stephen rather than WIlliam - Stephen was definitely in France by Christmas 1914.

Once you have 5 posts on the forum you can access the PM (Personal Message) system, or e-mail me via my Forum profile and I can send you some details on the movements of the 6th Battalion.

The reason you can't find the reference to his wounding in the Times of 13-3-1917 is because some idiot (ME!) has posted the wrong date - it should be the Times of 21-3-1917.

Steve.

[AlanCrax]

His enlistment date is likely to be between 30th August 1915 (when 20548 George Alfred Tarry enlisted) and 4th September 1915 (when 20556 Frank Herbert Linnell enlisted). William Claypole does not have the 1914 or 1914-15 Star per the official documents (Medal Card and Rolls) so did not serve overseas before 1st January 1916.

I would suspect that the "Mary Tin" may belong to Stephen rather than WIlliam - Stephen was definitely in France by Christmas 1914.

Once you have 5 posts on the forum you can access the PM (Personal Message) system, or e-mail me via my Forum profile and I can send you some details on the movements of the 6th Battalion.

The reason you can't find the reference to his wounding in the Times of 13-3-1917 is because some idiot (ME!) has posted the wrong date - it should be the Times of 21-3-1917.

Steve.

Many thanks

I am aware that Stephen Claypole lived into the 1960s and there are still people in the village who remember him. The general history surrounding this family is, to say the least, pretty "involved".

I will be taking all this information with me on a forthcoming visit so hope to iron out a lot of detail

Alan

[Kate Wills]

Additional information: Son of John and Fanny Claypole, of 23, Shurman Rd., Northampton.

I think that should be Sharman Road, which is in the St James (Jimmy's End) area of Northampton.

[warproject]

Alan I have found the topic. Yippee.

Thank you for telling me where it was.

I now have the information I asked for on Rootschat which

was not forthcoming.

Greatly appreciated.

Sandy