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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 23, 2011 3:51:59 GMT
I decided to research my great Uncle George of 3 Salfords this recent Nov. 11 when I recalled my Gran had referred to the loss of her brother about 40 years ago. Imagine my astonishment when I learned about the Salfords and the first day of the Somme. Then by amazing coincidence I found a last letter home posted by the descendent of one his mates - the recipient of that letter. So now I need to find out more about the Somme, about the Salfords and about George.
Colin
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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 23, 2011 4:05:26 GMT
The letter referred to was written 7 days before my uncle died of wounds. He was from Rochdale. The letter is written to his mate Alf Plater and the letter describes the first day on the Somme on July 1. The text is as follows: July 8, 1916 Dear Alf Excuse me being so long in writing to you. I am in the pink and best of spirits. Charlie told me you had been inquiring about me so I thought I should write when I had the chance. Things have been pretty hot here lately. We went over the top last week and I shall never forget it. I lost a good many of my chums and it was heartbreaking to see some of the wounded men. There were many German helmets to be got but they would be in the way. We have quite suffficent to carry. The German bayonets are awful things one edge is like a razor and the other like a double saw. The sight of them makes you ratty. Well Alf I hope you don't have to come up. How many more have listed at Thortons. I have nothing more to write about so I will close wishing you the best of luck. George L. Ingham Attachments:
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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 23, 2011 4:16:08 GMT
This is George's grave. His CWGC entry reads: Name: INGHAM Initials: G L Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers Unit Text: 19th Bn. Age: 19 Date of Death: 15/07/1916 Service No: 25262 Additional information: Son of George and Emma Ingham, of 58, Grouse St., Rochdale, Lancs. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: III. E. 24. Cemetery: WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION The burial site is about 15 kms behind the lines and as George died of wounds, I expect he was evacuated to a casualty clearing station. Hopefully he didn't suffer much. Colin Attachments:
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tonyrod
Second Lieutenant
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Post by tonyrod on Nov 23, 2011 8:06:50 GMT
hi colin, this could help you out , 19th (Service) Battalion (3rd Salford) (Pioneers) Formed in Salford, 15 January 1915, by Mr Montague Barlow MP and the Salford Brigade Committee. Moved in March 1915 to Conway and on 21 June 1915 to Catterick. 21 June 1915 : attached to 96th Brigade, 32nd Division. Landed at Le Havre 22 November 1915. 5 January 1916 : transferred to 14th Brigade in same Division. 29 July 1916 : transferred to GHQ and converted to Pioneer Battalion. 7 August 1916 : transferred to 49th (West Riding) Division.The 49th (West Riding) Division in 1914-1918 www.1914-1918.net/49div.htmDivisional Troops 1/3rd Bn, the Monmouthshire Regiment joined as Divisional Pioneer Bn April 1915, left August 1916 19th Bn, the Lancashire Fusiliers joined as Divisional Pioneer Bn August 7th 1916 199th Machine Gun Company joined 19 December 1916, left 29 October 1917 254th Machine Gun Company joined 26 Nov 1917, moved to 49th Bn MGC 1 March 1918 49th Battalion MGC formed 1 March 1918 |
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mack
Second Lieutenant
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Post by mack on Nov 23, 2011 16:35:20 GMT
i think the plater family were living at 20 halifax rd,rochdale at the time.alfs younger brother thomas,was discharged from the kings liverpool regt with TB.
mack
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Post by shred on Nov 23, 2011 21:29:06 GMT
Welcome to the forum. I have attached a picture of a page from the Lancashire Fusiliers WW1 roll of honour which shows George's. I looked at the Lancashire Fusiliers, Salford Brigade book of honour which contains photographs of each platoon and a list of names. Unfortunately George is not on any of the pictures which may suggest that he moved from one of the other Lancashire battalions into the 19th. Attachments:
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Post by shred on Nov 23, 2011 22:39:52 GMT
George's name is also on the Salford Pals scrolls which are displayed at Sacred Trinity Church. Attachments:
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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 24, 2011 1:20:27 GMT
Thanks for the help so far....very generous. Can anyone suggest a likely avenue to find a photo of George, perhaps in a period Rochdale newspaper. Did area papers often show photos of casualties?
Cheers
Colin
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mack
Second Lieutenant
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Post by mack on Nov 24, 2011 1:34:54 GMT
george would have come from the 21st reserve battalion,this battalion were the reserves for the 15th,16th and 19th battalions
mack
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Post by shred on Nov 24, 2011 22:03:47 GMT
Thanks for the help so far....very generous. Can anyone suggest a likely avenue to find a photo of George, perhaps in a period Rochdale newspaper. Did area papers often show photos of casualties? Cheers Colin Colin, Yes, the local Rochdale paper of the time would be the place to look for a photo. Do you still live near Rochdale? If not do a Google and find where the microfilms of the Rochdale Observer are kept and telephone with George's date of death, they may do a look up for you and send a copy by post, email or fax. Check out the website here |
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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 25, 2011 1:25:44 GMT
Thanks Shred - very useful...except for the part where I visit given I am here in Canada  . I will try to hunt down a microfilm of the Rochdale observer at long range and if I find something will post it here. I have emailed the site you provided as well as the Rochdale library service. Colin |
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Post by shred on Nov 25, 2011 12:48:50 GMT
Colin,
if you do not have any luck give me a shout near Christmas and I will try and get to the Rochdale library for you.
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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 25, 2011 13:48:19 GMT
A very generous offer and much appreciated. I will keep you in the loop on what I find out in the next few weeks. Thanks very much for adding another possible avenue of getting a picture.
The main reason I want a pic is that for a hobby, I sculpt and paint scale model portraits of historical military personalities. I would love to do a portrait of George but I need somewhere to begin.
Cheers
Colin
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Post by Spitfire on Nov 27, 2011 15:03:03 GMT
Hi Colin, I may have to make a trip over to Bury in the not too distant future and Rochdale is not far from there so I would be happy to visit the library for you...just give me a shout if you need me  |
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Post by Colin Fraser on Nov 27, 2011 16:24:35 GMT
Very kind & thanks. I will let you know when I hear back from the library.
But much appreciated.
Colin
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. I will try to hunt down a microfilm of the Rochdale observer at long range and if I find something will post it here. I have emailed the site you provided as well as the Rochdale library service.
