Request for images of Northumberland Fusiliers WW1

[genjen]

Hi Martin,

My great uncle, Ernest Cooper Smith ( always known as Cooper), Private 8713 was in the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He is one of the many with no known grave and has his name on the Menin Gate. His date of death was 8th November 1914.

I have photographs of the panel with his name on it - in fact, I left him a poppy just a few weeks ago, when I was visiting Ypres.

But I struggle to find my way around military sites and haven't been able to find any clearer detail as to where he might have been when he died or indeed of any other details of his military service. Being a Smith doesn't help when it comes to searching!

If you are able to shed any light on Cooper, I'd be so grateful. He looks rather suave - totally at odds with what I know to be his very humble family origins.

Thanks in anticipation ,

Jen

[brushbroomstick]

Hi Martin
My husband's grandfather George Neale was in the 22nd Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish). He was awarded the Military Medal and Bar and was killed on 30 Aug 1916 aged 36 in France. He was operating a heavy trench mortar and his gun emplacement was blown up. He was buried in the front line then his grave site was blown up.He is commemorated in the Berkshire cemetary extension near Ypres. We visited Ypres some years ago .
We have his medal with other memorabilia and some photos of him in uniform.He left a wife and 5 children .We are so proud of him .

Irene

[bykerlads]

I am very interested to see that Brushbroomstick's relative served in the Tyneside Scottish.
My husand's grandfather, Joseph West of Byker N/Castle, served with them too, and was one of the few survivors from the Tyneside Scottish at the Battle of the Somme.
Your man must have also survived it , only to fall later in the year.
There is a wonderful memorial to the Tyneside Scottish +Irish at La Boisselle, not far from the Thiepval memorial.
We know almost nothing about Joe's war-time experiences- like most old soldiers, he was reluctant to say much.
Could I ask where your man lived before enlisting?
Do you know if the service records for their battalion still exist?
Any info which might shed light on our Joe's experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[martinc]

Hi Jen

Many thanks for the contact about E Smith. I concur, he looks a real gentleman, as I'm sure he was.
I have had a quick look around and I can tell you that he died at the Battle of Herenthage Chateau. This place was close to Hooge, East of Ypres along the Menin Road.
It was a battle where many shells were used to destroy trenches. Ernest was reported as missing, as he did not attend roll call, as were many, many others. This was quite common due to the nature of this type of battle. He would have been recorded as killed in action at a later date.

I have a copy of the original war diary written at the time and also a narrative of the events that took place over 7th-8th and 9th November 1914. If you can let me have your email address via message, I will send them to you along with anything else I can find.

Regards

Martin

[martinc]

Hi Irene and Bykerlads.

I'm affraid I'm out of my depth with the 22nd, however, it does appear that the two of you will be able to share information

Regards

Martin

[genjen]

Martin,

Thank you so much. I know the area you mean from when I did my trip to Ypres in November. 

I shall send you a PM with my email details.

I'm not normally like this but I feel quite emotional about it. I wish my mother was still alive so that I could tell her what you have found.

Jen

[Michael Dixon]

 War Diaries....

 I recently spent several days in National Archives at Kew reading through WW1 War Diaries for the  24th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers
(Tyneside Irish).

I was disappointed that although actions and events were described, soldiers names were not recorded ( other than officers ).

Michael

[martinc]

Hi Jen

I have sent the details, I hope they give you what you want, let me know?

You are not alone with your feelings! The brave soldiers from WW1 will never be forgoten because people like you will always remember them.

Regards

Martin

[martinc]

In those days Michael, Officers were always mentioned in the way they led the charge with dash, or those who died were mentioned because they led the charge etc. I think the reason for this is because the diary was written by officers.

In some diaries such as the 1st Northumberland, it was traditional to record ALL casualties which was quite rare for the period.

I would suggest checking out some of the books written about regiments and ordering them at your local library. The author has usually researched men and officers and you tend to get a more balanced record.

As you may have read at the begining of this thread, I am building a website and I have taken the time to record ALL men and officers, including the enemy, who died at the Battle of Bellewaarde 16th June 1915 because I feel they all did their bit and therefore they should all get the recognition they deserve.

You may find others who are reserching the same regiment and therefore can help you, at the Great War Forum!

Regards

Martin