b e f in France

[jim1]

The Battle of Pozieres*
 After short spells at Bus-les-Artois and in the front line at Beaumont Hamel, the Division moved back to the Ovillers area for an operation north and northwest of Pozieres designed to destroy the enemy garrison holding Thiepval. On 3 August, an attack aimed at capturing 4th Avenue Trench was successful and pushed on to Ration Trench next day. German counter attacks including flamethrowers were beaten off over the next few days. An attack on 8 August to finally capture the stubborn enemy Point 77 failed with heavy casualties to 7th Sussex. Severe local fighting continued for five more days, when the Division was relieved and moved to the area of Doullens. Casualties since 28 July amounted to 126 officers and 2739 men.

[Stephanie Hayward]

That is brilliant thank you very much. I know you can't help but love him. My nan adored him, I've heard so many stories about him. Would you have any ideas what part of France he was sent to? Also I do believe he may have also been sent to ireland for a brief time. I hear lots of stories about soldier going awal and being shot for it. Would you perhaps know why this never happened to my grandfather. There always been a rebel streak in my family unfortunately it hit me and both my daughter's lol. Thank you for your help kind regards steph

[Stephanie Hayward]

Sorry I've just seen your second post I'm just going to read to sorry if I've repeated my self

[jim1]

The 6th. Batt. was part of the 37th. Brigade 12 Div. which was involved in the above battle.
If they shot everyone who went awol they'd have to shoot half of the army. It was far more common than you'd think.
There was a difference between failing to return from home leave or going awol while in the UK & (allegedly) deserting while under fire.
Those found guilty of the latter were shot unless there were extenuating circumstances.
Ernest joined pretty much in the first batch of volunteers & like the others joined to fight "the Hun".
Because he was under age he was left kicking his heels in a reserve Batt. He probably became disillusioned & wondered why he was in if he wasn't allowed to fight.
He got his chance with the 6th.
Looking at his record again there is a home posting 20-1-17 to British Command & what looks like an "I" which is probably when he went to Ireland.
2 months later he went awol again & in the August of 1917 posted back to the 3rd. & transferred to the Suffolks.

[macintosh]

For a sentence of 84 days detention in 1916 he was most likely court martialled.

James

[Stephanie Hayward]

Brilliant that's so much info, for him. That's great since all I had no ideA
About his military history. Both his kid's past away too so this with the army might be reason he went awal. Military war diaries, would I have to go to Kew to view them?

[jim1]

Some war diaries are online but you'd have to check their site.
A couple of other things I noticed is that he received 14 days field punishment on his return to the 3rd. Batt. for an unspecified offence 26/12/14.
Also after he was wounded he stayed in France which must have been at a field hospital & embarked for the UK 11/11/16 which is the day he got married.
He must have gone straight from ship to Records Office.

[Stephanie Hayward]

How interesting I've always . Had trouble reading it. Could you tel me please what is a field hospital, and field punishment. Also wHat would he be doing as punishment when he got detention? I know I've so many questions but it's just amazing to ask someone who has lots of experience in this area.million thanks again for your help it is much appreciated.

[jim1]

Field punishment was awarded for lesser offences & was dealt with by the C.O. More serious offences were dealt with by the Courts Martial such as when he went absent.
Field hospitals were set up in the theatres of war but away from the front. Men would be treated there by doctors & surgeons as they would if in the UK. Those fit enough went back to their Units others sent back to the UK.