Researching Grandfather LCpl W T Rogers 11866 Salford Pals

[bill1954]

I would  be grateful for any information, advice please. Being named after my grandfather I would like to know more about him in particular what he looked like. I have tried the microfilms at Salford Local History Library, I did manage to get a picture of his platoon, he is listed, but unfortunately in alphabetical order. I have visited his grave twice at Dadizeele New British Cemetery and walked the area where is was killed.

The information I have is:
William Thomas Rogers born 1890 Salford; married to Rose Ann Rogers of 14 Croydon Street Salford.


According to the Battalion Rolls 1915 published in the back of Michael Stedman's book on the Salford Pals William Rogers started out as 11866 Private Rogers W T in Platoon no. XIII of "D" Company the 16th [Service] Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He must, presumably, have been promoted and transferred at some point between 1915 and his death in 1918

The 20th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers were disbanded in early 1918 and the men dispersed between the 17th and 18th Battalions who were in the same Brigade (104th Inf). Both the 17th and 18th LFs took part in the action on 14th Oct 1918 at Dadizeele. The 17th led the attack with the 18th continuing the attack when the 17th's advance had crossed the Menin-Roulers railway.
The 17th suffered 130 casualties whilst the 18th's casualties were described as "light". It is therefore probable that William Thomas Rogers was serving in the 17th

[shred]

Bill,

Welcome to the forum.

The Service medal and Award Rolls confirm that William was serving with the 17th Lancashire Fusiliers.



I will check a few of our resources to see if we can find any further information.

[shred]

Bill,

I have checked all of our resources and I am sorry to say that I have been unable to find any additional information on William. I have checked the Salford Reporter, Eccles Journal and the Manchester Evening News.

The only information that I can add is from his medal card. He was awarded the British and Victory medals and his entry into a theatre of war would have been after December 1915.

[Deleted]

War gratuity paid to his wife Rose A Rogers.

[shred]

Thanks Ben,

That also confirms the 17th Battalion.

[Deleted]

That should be Rose Ann Hammersley formally Rogers nee Richadson of 9 Dixon street, Salford.

Rose Ann Rogers remarried soon after William Thomas Roger's death.

Joseph Hammersley
Birth Year: abt 1895
Age: 24
Marriage Date: 12 Jul 1919
Parish: Salford, St Stephen
Parish as it Appears: Salford
Father's name: William Hammersley
Spouse's Name: Rose Ann Rogers
Spouse's Father's Name: Samuel Richadson


Ben

[bill1954]

Many thanks for the information, in particular which regiment he served in at the time of his death.

I have copied an extract from the diary of Sgt Sydney Barnes of the 17th Lancashire Fusiliers, I suppose I will never know whether my grandfather was killed by enemey or friendly fire.

"Dadizeele 14th October 1918:
Battalion attack. Met McLaughlin with the Northumberland Fusiliers on the Menin Road, east of Gheluvelt. Transport moved forward to billets near Dadizeele. The attack started at 5.35am in a dense mist. The start line for the 17th Battalion, who led the brigade attack. was a line running south west to north east a mile south east of Dadizeele. The objective was the Menin railway 4.500 yards away. 'Y' company was on the right 'W' company on the left with 'Z' company and 'X' company in right and left support. As the attack progressed. a considerable number of German machine gun nests were encountered and over run. At one point a German battery of four field guns manned by fifteen enemy soldiers was encountered. Captain Atkinson and one man made a determined charge which put all to flight and left the guns to be captured. A further twelve Germans were captured by Lt Huntly and two men who encountered them in a trench. The advance was so successful that the British troops went into their own barrage causing considerable casualties. Lt. Col. Jones, the CO.. went to the front to urge caution and was himself mortally wounded. He was a man of tremendous character. having risen from the ranks through sheer merit as a soldier. Captain Atkinson led the Battalion on to its objective on time. consolidating at Slunsehoek, a thousand yards east of the railway at 7.05am. The attack was continued by the 18th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and the 19th Durham Light Infantry. At a cost of 130 casualties the Battalion took 6 held guns. 2 trench mortars and 16 machine guns."

Bill