Press Reports (C) British Libraries Board Crown All rights reserved
If visitors to the site have any data to add, please leave a comment. Thanks to the Manchesters Forum for all their help.
In the first six months of 1916 2 Officers and 30 men the 17th Battalion lost their lives. The Battalion War Diary records a range of casualties including many men killed during the German bombardment of the billeting area in Suzanne and others died on patrols or in the Maricourt / Vaux trenches. The records for illness or wounds are very limited. Arthur Bell’s III Platoon all survived the period; although it is anticipated some men will have been wounded, other than Ernest Kemmery being shot in the leg during March 1916. Others will have undoubtedly suffered illnesses prevailing from the cold, wet and dirty conditions of the front.
The majority of casualties in the billeting area or close to Eclusier-Vaux were buried in the Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension, where 15 casualties are buried. Two men killed in the Maricourt line were buried at Maricourt Military Cemetery at Caudron Farm. These graves were relocated to Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery in 1924. Padre Balleine is reported to have administered some of the Brigade funerals.
Two men from the Battalion died in this period and have no know grave. They are commemorated on the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL. Further details below.
Further from the front line a group of men died from drowning, wounds or illness in reserve poitions of Casualty Clearing Stations. Five men are buried at CORBIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, with three at CHIPILLY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION. Three men had been evacuated to Base Hospitals and were buried BOIS-GUILLAUME COMMUNAL CEMETERY, ETRETAT CHURCHYARD and ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN.
Apart from casualties from the enemy and illness, the confusion of trench life potentially led to accidents (See 2nd February below). 16th Battalion’s Sergeant Bert Payne (IWM Interview) recounted the humour of shooting at a future Victoria Cross winner and his architect friend. “One night Captain Worthington and Captain Elstob went on visiting rounds…they walked over the top, along the front I shot them. I shot Capt. Worthington through the hat. They said ‘Don’t shoot’ and got down. They said ‘Congratulations Sergeant, on your vigilance. Don’t bloody well do it again.’ “
Lieutenant Nash’s Diary recorded that the dead men were sewn into blankets – paid from the man’s arrears of pay. “This shameful practice was afterwards stopped.” The 16th Manchesters Sergeant Bert Payne recounted a funeral duty soon after his arrival in Suzanne where a firing party shot blank cartridges over the twelve graves.
Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension
The War Diary records the Battalion strength and casualties:-
November 1915
10th – Billets Domquer – All Ranks Strength 1026.
January 1916
8th – Sailly Laurette – Officer Strength 29. Other Ranks 985. Total 1014.
11th – Shelled by the enemy. Casualties 1 Killed, 5 wounded. 6 mules Killed. 8638 Pt John Pownall Holt trained with IX Pln, C Coy and ,may have been transferred to A Company when he was killed, aged 27. He is buried in Suzanne. John had been born in Heywood and enlisted in Manchester on 3rd September 1914, having been a shipping clerk with Manchester Ship Canal Company. He was resident with his mother Frances Ann Holt at 34 College Road, Whalley Range. His brother 8637 James Holt was a bank clerk and trained in the same Platoon. James was wounded by shrapnel in late January (below) and killed in action on 1st July 1916. Younger brother 20795 Benjamin Holt was killed on the same day serving with 22nd Battalion. James and Benjamin have no known resting place and are commemorated at Thiepval.
Pte 8369 Edward Rose Ashworth was one of the wounded on this day and treated in the Field, remaining at duty. Pte 8120 Lance Downing was also seriously wounded to the right arm. He returned to duty and was killed in March 1918, serving with MGC.
12th – 2nd Lt William Tonge – See Maricourt Defences.
A draft of men from 25th Battalion would be joining the Battalion on 20th February from 25th Battalion. They had arrived in France on 25th December 1915 and attached to 2nd Entrenching Battalion in Belgium on 7th January. 9001 Harold Westall was wounded in the leg by a German Bomb on 12th January and evacuated Home. Harold was Discharged and didn’t every join 17th Battalion in the Field.
14th – Forner Manchester Grammar School boy Sydney Cohen wounded. It is likely this report relates to 6594 Sydney Cohen of 16th Bttn. The War Diary makes no mention of wounded men on this day. MEN reported Ptes 8090 Charles Castledine (Later served 8th S Staffs), 8577 George William Godfrey (Discharged wounds 4/7/1916), 8589 George Ewart Goodbrand (Oldham Rd, MIles Platting) & 8944 H Wilkinson (Holyrood, Heaton Park) on Wounded List with L/Cpl 8637 J Holt of College Road, Whalley Range.
8199 James Robert Johnstone was on the same List as Shell Shock. He was discharged from 25th Bttn in June 1916. Yarbrough Street, Moss Side. XVI Pln.
20th January
1 O.R. Killed – 9110 Pt William Ashworth, aged 25. Husband of Alice Ashworth, of Union Institution, Jericho, Bury, Lancs. He enlisted in Dec 1914 and trained with XI Pln, C Coy. France 08/11/1915. Killed by German shell. William was originally buried in Maricourt Military Cemetery, close to the cross-roads of the Albert-Peronne Road and Longueval Road. His remains were exhumed and relocated to the CERISY-GAILLY MILITARY CEMETERY in 1925. The Register shows William’s Effects were passed to his widow and confirms his death in Maricourt.
23rd – 1 O.R. Wounded.
25th – 1 O.R. Wounded.
28th – Capt. Lloyd Wounded in morning. 2 O.R. Killed. 6 O.R. Wounded including 8559 George Ewart Goodbrand (Oldham Rd, MIles Platting), who has a GSW to hip. George was later transferred to the Labour Corps.
Killed 8050 John Cecil Atkinson & 8432 Pt George Herbert Bagshawe. 8445 Pt Richard Bradshaw died of Wounds.
Yorkshireman John Atkinson’s father, Arthur provided the epitaph for his grave “Blessed are the pure at heart”. Arthur received his sons effects and the Register confirms John was killed in action in Suzanne, aged 21. The son of Arthur Reginald and Mary Susanna Atkinson, of 14, Spencer Place, Leeds. John had enlisted on 02/09/1914 and trained with IX Pln.
George Herbert Bagshaw’s epitaph was provided by his mother Martha “Many waters cannot quench love. Neither can the flood drown it.” Known in the family as Herbert, he had been born & resident in Miles Platting and employed as a warehouseman at Barlow & Jones Ltd when he enlisted on 3rd September 1914. He had been hospitilised for 4 days in January 1915 at Heaton Park with tonsillitis. The Press Report indicates Herbert has been asleep in his billett when he was killed. Martha Bagshaw wrote a book concerning the help she gave to wounded Canadian troops. Maple Leaves in England is dedicated to the 17th Battalion and provides a sad, but positive insight on grieving families. Herbert’s father, George received his effects. MEN of 14/2/1916 records the family address as Albion Street, Miles Platting.
Richard Bradshaw was a cloth porter at Beith, Stevenson Ltd, resident Davies Street, Greengate, Salford who had enlisted on 3rd September 1914. He had married Mary Ann Brown in 1906 and had three daughters. He died from gun shot wounds to the spine in 21st Casualty Clearing Station, Corbie. RIchard had been wounded at Maricourt earlier in the
month and admitted to the CCS on 18th January. Mary Ann received his effects and a widows pension of 20/6. Richard had a clean disciplinary record other than 7 days C.B. awarded for overstaying his leave pass on 18th October 1915. This was probably the last occasion he saw his wife and daughters.
It is not known when 9251 Albert Meakins and J A Neil were wounded. Albert went on to serve as 51258 in the Somerset Light Infantry and then 450298 in the Labour Corps before he was transferred Fit to Reserve in 1919. He was first posted to E Company, suggesting he had enlisted in early 1915. Albert then trained with XIV Platoon of D Company.
8776 Joseph Arthur Neil was born 21/3/1895 in Failsworth and enlisted on 3rd September 1914. He had been 19 years old and employed as a warehouseman. In 1911, Joseph had lived with his parents in Coronation Street, Salford. He trained in X Platoon of C Company. Following recovery, Joseph returned to the Manchesters (possibly renumbered 29684) and was Mentioned in Despatches on 25th May 1917 as part of 17th Battalion group. He was later transferred to the Labour Corps 444174. Joseph was also wounded in the left forearm 1918 and still suffering effects when he was discharged Class II in April 1919. His brother George Campbell Neil served as an NCO in the 18th Battalion, enlisting 5/9/1914 and discharged as Lance Sergeant, with SWB due to sickness, on 12/6/1916.
February
1st – 1 O.R. Wounded. Royal Dragon / Vaux Wood / A3
2nd – A3. 2 O.R. Wounded. 8538 Private Henry Eckersall Died of Wounds received while cleaning his rifle on 1st February, in Chipilly Field Ambulance aged 27. See A tragic accident Henry had been born in Heaton Park and employed as a clerk when he enlisted on 3rd September 1914. He had trained with VII Pln and arrived in France on 08/11/1915. He was he son of Thomas and Annie Eckersall of 55 Fylde Street, Gt Leven. Bolton and trained with VII Platoon of B Company. Henry’s Service Record includes the Court of Enquiry report relating to his wounding by accidentally shooting himself with his own rifle on 1st February. Witnesses were 8148 Private R. Goodier and 8427 Private W. Bottomley, both from VII Platoon. Lance Corporal Lowe (Possibly 8709 L/Cpl H Lowe of VIII Pln) attended his wounds before stretcher bearers arrived.
3rd – 8355 Lance Corporal Donald Wolstencroft, Died of Wounds in 21st Casualty Clearing Station in Hospital. He received multiple gun shot wounds in his right arm, back and both thighs the day before at Maricourt. Donald had trained with XVIII Platoon and was still serving with B Company when he died aged 31. His wife Mary Elizabeth provided the epitaph for his grave in Corbie “Not my will but thine O Lord” She then lived at 21 Hartington Street, Moss Side. The couple had married in St James Church Moss Side in August 1915. Donald had been a clerk at J & N Philips and previously served for 3 years with 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Manchester Regiment. He had enlisted on 2nd September 1914, appointed unpaid Lance Corporal on 19th September and paid in the rank on 2nd December. Mary had remarried a Mr Lewis when she received Donald’s medals in 1922.
8228 Private John Seed Mckenna. Died of Wounds in a Rouen Hospital. John was 21 and had trained with IV Platoon of A Company. France 08/11/1915. His widow Dorothy Vene Taylor lived at 51 Parkfield Street, Rusholme and arranged an inscription on John’s grave “From his loving wife and son”. At that time, Dorothy had remarried a Mr Taylor and was resident at 115 Mauldeth Road, Withington.
5th – A3. 1 O.R. Wounded.
6th – A3/Maricourt. 1 O.R. Wounded.
8th – Suzanne. 1 O.R. Wounded.
10th Frebuary- Suzanne.
8301 Private Albert Smith – who trained with XVI Platoon and disembarked 08/11/1915 – was killed by a German shell in Suzazane. Albert was a member of the Signals Section. He had been born in Stalybridge and enlisted in Manchester. Son of Frank and Emma Smith, of 8, Queen’s Terrace, Clarence Rd., Rusholme. Employee of Hamlyn & Co.
Lieutenant Q.M. Yarwood, 2nd Lieutenant Alastair Gregory Cameron & 10 O.R. Wounded. Merchiston Old Boy Lt Cameron was evacuated to England, with wounds to his tibia and gas gangrene. He was treated on the Isle of Wight and later served in Catterick Garrison. Tom Yarwood returned to the Bttn and appointed Adjutant in Feb 1917.
11th February
8609 Private Harry Hollingsworth. ALIAS TURNAGE. Died of Wounds in Hospital at Corbie, having been treated in No.5 Casualty Clearing Station. Harry had trained with VII Platoon of B Company and arrived in France on 8 November 1915. His widow, Sarah Jane received his effects at Gibbon St, Bradford, Manchester. Harry had been a wall paper packer in 1911. His father is identified as William John Turnage of 74 Butler Street, Bradford.
12th – A3. 1 O.R. Wounded. Pte 8214 Samuel Lomas of I Pln was reported wounded. Princess St, Miles Platting. He later served with 8th LNL.
13th – A3. 1 O.R. Wounded. Pte 8688 John Knight was accidentally shot in the abdomen by Pte L/Cpl 8690 Clarence Edward Kelsall. He was treated in 5th CCS & 2nd Gen Hosp, Rouen, before evacuation Home. John Knight was discharged with a Silver War Badge and died from his wounds on 10th March 1917. He is buried with his parents in Phillips Park, Manchester.
17th Feb
Noted as wounded MEN 17/2/1916
Pte 8056 Bertram Booth, IV Pln of Grove St, Wilmslow. Discharged 22/08/1916.
Pte 8720 Albert Linney XV Pln. Recovered by 1/7/1916. Later served with 21st Bttn and killed on 24/10/1917.
18th – Suzanne. 1 O.R. Wounded. Pte 8428 Harold Bowden was admitted to Hospital in Rouen with a foot & ankle condition. He was subsequently evacuated Home and discharged unfit on 28/9/1916.
19th 9496 Private Thomas Ogden Died of Wounds in Hospital. He had enlisted on 2nd March 1915 and trained with XIX Platoon of E Company before transferring to D Company. His two brothers, W John and Richard were also killed during hostilities serving with the E Lancs and Royal Irish Fusils.
20th – Suzanne. 2nd Lieutenant Cottrell was accidentally wounded. He returned to duty in December 1917 and later won the Military Cross
22nd
Private 8278 Stanley Robinson was reported wounded in MEN 22 February 1916
Private 8877 Joseph Schofield was reported with Shell Shock & wounded 25/2/1916. He returned to duty to serve with Loyal N Lancs and Cheshires. Diggles Farm, Hebers, Middleton.
25th
The Wounded list published in MEN of 25/02/1916 shows men wounded in preceedings days & weeks:-
Pte 8415 Robert Arnison Brown V Pln of Gt Strickland St, Penrith. Worked for Afleck & Brown Department Store. Recovered to serve with 19th & 16th Bttns.
Pte 8141 Charles Martin Farrington XVI Pln of Queens Road, Cheetham. Worked for J & N Philips Ltd. Charles was dicharged 16/10/1917.
Pte 8628 John Hanley XII Pln. Discharged 25/09/1917.
L/Cpl 8153 Walter Edward Hill I Pln. Discharged 13/10/1916. Mentioned in Despatches 15/06/1916.
Pte 8226 Reginald Lowe XVI Pln of Non Sun House, Birch Vale recovered and served with 8th LNL, later commissioned on 25/09/1917.
Pte 9099 Harry Neal IV Pln of Woodland St, Higher Broughton. Discharged 27/05/1916
Pte 8781 Charles Ernest Overton II Pln of Spring Cottage, Newburch, Withington. Returned to the front and award DCM with 2nd Bttn. Commissioned 30/04/1918.
Pte 8817 Arthur Ralston I Pln of Marlborough Road, Hightown. Employed by Kendal Milne Ltd, Department Store. Discharged 18/11/1916.
Pte 8819 John Henry Roberts IV Pln of Barton St, Moss Side. Later served with 1/6th Bttn att TMB.
Pte 8873 John Edward Staley, VIII Pln. Employed by Baxendale & Co. Recovered and killed at Trones Wood on 9/7/1916. Son of Mrs. M. A. Staley, of 15, Sudbury St., Queen’s Park, Manchester.
29th February
– Suzanne. 10 O.R. Wounded. 3 Killed during shelling at 15 minute intervals. 8142 Private John Fitzpatrick, 8553 Private Richard Frost and 8512 Private John Charles Davidson are buried alongside each other in Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension.
18 year old John Fitzpatrick from Salford was sheltering in a cellar when a German shell killed him. He had been employed by Tootal Broadhurst & Lee before the war, He enlisted on 02/09/1914, aged 16 and trained with X Platoon of C Company prior to embarking for France on 08/11/1915. Son of Edward and Margaret Fitzpatrick, of 64, Hampson St., Salford,
22 year old Richard Frost was a former cloth salesman at Welsh, Warburton & Co, from Bradford, Manchester. He had trained with V Platoon of B Company and arrived in France on 08/11/1915. Richard was on sentry duty when he was killed in the bombardment. Son of Thomas and Annie Frost, of Openshaw. His effects were left to Richard’s aunt, Mary Ann Crowther of 107 Nelson Street, Bradford.
John Davidson also trained with V Platoon. He been on duty in the guard room. John had been an Empoyee of Central Packing Co and leved at Newton Heath when he had enlisted on 3rd September 1914 and aged 21 years old when he died in the Field Dressing Station. John’s Record shows he survived just nine days of trench warfare, being posted back to the Battalion on 20th February and having arrived in France on Christmas Eve 1915 and served with 2nd Entrenching Bn from 07/01/1916. When the majority of the Battalion left for France, John had been posted to 25th Reserve Battalion until he left England. His next of kin is noted as his brother Fred, when John enlisted. Fred had also been killed when his sisters Agnes and Georgina received John’s medals. They had been the sons of the late Frederick William and Emily Davidson.
Lance Coporal 8328 Percy James Willison was one of the 10 men wounded on 29 February. A former employee of Richard Howarth & Co, Percy had enlisted on 02/09/1914 and trained with VIII Pln prior to arrival in France on 08/11/1915. He was evacuated home and discharged with a Silver War Badge on 01/08/1916.
Records show Pte 9311 Albert Hurst was wounded in late February 1916. He returned to duty and was wounded for a second time at Trones Wood on 09/07/1916.
March
3rd March- Y3 Sub-Sector Maricourt. 1 O.R. Killed (by sniper).
9122 Private Joseph Kirwan was killed by a sniper on 3rd March, aged 24. Joseph had enlisted in Dec 1914 and trained with X Platoon of C Company. which is noted as defending fire trenches 16 & 17. He had arrived in France on 08/11/1915 and is noted as living ar Hill Street, Withington. Originally buried in Maricourt Military Cemetery. His remains were relocated to CERISY-GAILLY MILITARY CEMETERY in 1925. Brother of Mrs. Annie Sheerin, of 9, Collier’s Avenue, Ranelagh, Dublin. Born at Balbriggan. The son of Joseph & Maria Carvin (Kerwin). Percy Ramsden received ankle and leg injuries on 5th March. He was also a member of X Platoon.
6th March- Relieved by 16th Manchesters. Strength 30 Officers & 978 Other Ranks. Total 1,008.
10th – 8298 Corporal Robert Victor Sturgeon is recorded as missing presumed dead. The War Diary makes no reference to his loss when the Battalion were posted to Y3 Sector near Maricourt. Robert had trained with XII Platoon, disembarking 08/111/1915 and ICRC & CWGC records confirm he remained with C Company when he died. John Hartley’s research on K Macardle indicates Robert was lost on a patrol and originally posted as missing near Suzanne. This is confirmed by the RIBA archivist whose April 1916 Journal reported “Missing since 10th March in France; thought to have been captured while on night patrol work.” A later edition confirmed Robert was assumed dead. (Thanks to Cathy Wilson – RIBA).
He has no known resting place, being commemorated at Thiepval. Robert had been an Associate of the Royal Institution of British Architects, working alongside Sergeant Percy Amos of III Platoon with Co-Op in Balloon Street. Their names are alongside each other on the Manchester Technical College Memorial. He was the son of the late Samuel Sturgeon, of Whalley Range, Manchester, and of Elizabeth J. Sturgeon, of “Norlands,” Llewelyn Rd., Colwyn Bay. Robert had attended Hulme Grammar School.
11th – Relieved by 16th Manchesters. Strength 28 Officers & 966 Other Ranks. Total 994.
12th – 2nd Lieuts Ilett J.J., Herbert Haslam , Robert M Calvert and Richard.W.L. Wain joined the Battalion.
21 year old 8209 Charles Kerr Son of David and Betsy Kerr, of 8, Cedar St., Hightown, Manchester. Died of Bronchitis and possible pneumonia in the care of British Nurses in Hospital at Etratat. The kiss before dying: Nurse’s poignant farewell to First World War soldier. Nursing Sister Edith Appleton noted Charles had been in their care for 15 days when he died. The War Diary makes no mention of men being hospitilised or withdrawn from the front due to illness. Charles had trained with I Platoon of A Company prior to disembarking in France on 08/11/1915. He had been a Clerk with Morreau, Spiegleberg & Co prior to enlisting. 8156 G Hawkins, 8821 F G Robinson & 8866 G W Smith also joined A Company (IV Platoon) from the same firm. Drummer H. Midwinter had also enlisted and trained with the 17th Bugle Band.
Private 10337 Rowland Atkinson was admitted to 22nd Fd Ambuland on 12th March with a chest condition. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and transferred to 96th Fd Ambulance. Rowland returned to the Battalion and was killed in action on 1st July 1916. Prior to hostilities Rowland had been a cardboard box cutter, resident Chorlton on Medlock. He had been rejected from 7th Bttn on medical grounds before enlisting in 18th Bttn on 4th September and transferring to 17th Bttn on 16th October 1914.
14th March (Suzanne) – Starting at 6pm the village was shelled at intervals of about 20 minutes. The shells fell chiefly round Chateau + in Centre. Casualties 3 O.R. Killed. 1 O.R. wounded since died. 9 O.R. wounded. 8389 James Henry Barlow, 9129 Fred Salt and 31257 Austin Gibbons were the three men killed. They are buried next to each other in Suzanne. Austin Gibbons had originally enlisted 11307 in 18th Battalion, before joining the 17th Battalion on the 2nd of January.
Salford born James Barlow had trained with IV Platoon of A Company. James was an iron founders labourer in 1911 and lived with his mother, Margaret and father Horatio, who was a music hall artist He was the older brother 8374 L/Cpl Arthur Barlow (Promoted unpaid January 1915); who trained with I Platoon with his older brother brother 8375 Charles Frederick. The brothers survived hostilities, although Arthur was severely wounded in the right foot at Montauban and discharged back to his wife Eleanor with a Silver War Badge in April 1917. It is thought all three brothers enlisted on 3rd September. The Register of effects suggests an Albert Barlow as another brother.
9129 Fred Salt was born and resident in Swinton when he enlisted on 9th December 1914. He had previously been employed as a tile dipper and trained with James Barlow in IV Platoon. Fred’s Record confirms he arrived in France on 08/11/1915 and was killed by a shell in Suzanne on 15th March. The son of the late Martha Salt and brother of Sarah Edith Salt of 5 Long Street, Swinton.
15th – Suzanne 2nd Lieut. Jensen C.T. joined the Battalion
Austin Gibbons had been employed as a dyer when he originally enlisted in the 18th Battalion on 19th June 1915. He was posted to the 25th Reserve Battalion on 30th August 1915 and 17th Battalion when he arrived in France on 6th January 1916. Austin’s Records also confirms his death in Suzanne on 15th March resulting from a shell.
.26324 George Levison Cartlidge was the man to have died of wounds after the bombardment. George was the a cotton goods warehouseman when he enlisted and reident of Chorlton on Medlock. George’s Medal Index Card also implies that he arrived in France after 1915. George’s brother Vincent had been in the Territorial RAMC and continued service through hostilities.
17th – Y3 Sector 1 O.R. Wounded. The Service Record for Pte 9233 Arthur William Jenkinson shows he was wounded on 17th March. Arthur was treated in 96th Field Ambulance and returned to duty.
18th – Y 3 Sector 1 O.R. Wounded. Strength 33 Officers. 977 Other Ranks. Total 1,003. Relieved by Buffs and withdrawn from front.
April
May
3rd
Thomas Henry Marsh Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension Private 8744, who died on 03 May 1916 Age 25. Husband of Agnes B. Marsh, of 47A, New Lane, Patricroft, Manchester. He was second XII Pln casualty in the Somme defences and worked in CWS Boot Depts. His cousin was XII Platoon’s Private 8626 Willian Leslie Hadcock, who was also a CWS employee. Contemporary information from Pte Hadcock, known as Leslie; is provided by his grandson. This indicates Thomas was killed by friendly fire on a night patrol into no mans land. C Coy were posted in the Vaux area and it is likely the incident took place in the marshes or Trafford Park. Thomas was 25 years old and his body was recovered to be buried near his CWS colleague, John Sumner (above) in Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension. His cousin, Leslie, will have been present for his funeral service, representing the family. Thomas had written home five days before his death, describing his perilous scouting expeditions “I will not say it is not a bad game, a bit risky patrolling, and it’s a long two hours’ walk from one end to the other, having a word with each post, which consists of a few men, who have not the slightest bit of cover. The only trouble is shrapnel and getting collared…” Referring to the open meander of Trafford Park, Thomas had further described the open nature of the southern Somme defences “…There is a nice great flat field, a champion place-the same place a crowd of about 150 came across and were sent back again (well some of them) by fourteen on this side, and they chased them back with bayonet. They brought one back as a souvenir….“
5th February
Harry Foden Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension Private 17/8563, XV Pln “D” Coy, who died on 05 May 1916 Age 28. Son of John and Esther Foden, of 61 Grey More Lane, Bradford, Manchester. Employee of Horrockses, Crewdson & Co. Enlisted Sept 1914, trained XV. France 08/11/1915. Killed in action by a shell while on sentry duty.
Grave Registration Harry Foden (C) Andy Foden 
arry Foden’s Original Timber Cross (c) Andy Foden 
Harry Foden No 2 Camp, Devizes from May 1910 Courtesy Andy Foden
Lance Corporal Oscar Michael Hetherington of XV Pln and three Other Ranks were also wounded on 5th May, probably including John Farrow (below).
John Worthington Farrow Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension Serjeant 8138, who died on 05 May 1916 Age 22. Son of Edwin and Louisa E. A. Farrow, of Twyford, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire. Educated at Epworth College, Rhyl, and afterwards in the employ of Richard Haworth & Co., Ltd., Manchester. Enlisted 2 Sept.1914. Trianed XVI Pln. France 08/11/1915. Died of wounds. His brother Edwin Percy also fell.
10th
13th May
2/Lt Cyril Thornton Jensen was killed by shell fire, near Vaux, attached to “T” Howitzer Battery, or 90/1 Trench Mortar Battery, as specified in the War Diary. Cyril had enlisted in 28th London Regiment (Artists Rifles) in March 1915 and commissioned in 18th Bttn on 19/7/1815. He left a widow Winifred who remarried and lived in India. He had disembarked in France on 4/3/1916 posted to 25th Bttn and attached to 17th Bttn on 15th March. Cyril had been born on Trindad in the Caribbean on 4/9/1885. His parents were Carl and Stephanie Jensen. After spending part of his childhood in India, he joined Dulwich College in May 1897. After leaving school in 1900 Cyril worked for Eastern Telegraph Company. Cyril had been a clerk when he married Winifred in 1909. The couple lived in Sutton in 1914.
Harry Copsey Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension Private 17/8487, who died on 13 May 1916 Age 32. Husband of Annie Copsey, of 12, Crosscliffe St., Moss Side, Manchester. Son of Harriet Copsey of 56 Cheetwood Lane, Cheetham. Harry had trained with IX Platoon of C Company. He had enlisted, on 03/09/1914, with a large group of fellow employees from Barlow & Jones, where Harry had been a Packer. He had been hospitilised for 3 days in March 1915, suffering from Influenza. Harry disembarked in France on 08/11/1915 and trained in the Sanitary section. C Company had taken over the line in Vaux Wood on 9th May and Harry was killed while sleeping in a dugout near Vaux.
Private 8236 Herbert Mercer was killed in action, aged 21 and is buried in Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension. Employed by Thomas Collier & Co. His parents, William and Rose Mercer lived at 11 Harding Street, Pendleton.Another son, Fred had died on 29/01/1916 with Scottish Rifles. France 08/11/1915. Herbert had trained with Harry Copsey in IX Platoon and it is quite likely they were in the same dugout in Vaux Wood that received a direct hit from a German shell.
Nine members of 18th Bttn were killed on the same day. 4 Other Ranks from 17th Bttn were also wounded on 13th May, with 2 further wounded the next day.
15th May
Ernest Jones, Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension Private 8681, who died on 15 May 1916 Age 25. Son of William and Jane Jones, of 4, Coleman Street, Ardwick, Manchester. Clerk at Ashton Brothers Ltd, enlisted 3rd Sept 1914. 25th Bn 09/11/1915. France 25/12/1915. 2nd Entrenching Bn 07/01/196. Joined 17th Bn in Field 20/02/1916. Trained as Bomber. Wounded by shell Vaux, 14/05/1916. Died of GSW / shrapnel to Abdomen No 5 CCS.
Private 9520 Percy Robert Green Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension Private 9520, who died on 29 May 1916 Age 31. Son of Edward and Dinah Green. Native of London. Handicraft Instructor, Cheshire County Council. Resident 28, Great Suffolk St London, he was killed by machine gun fire while on outpost duty at Vaux. A teacher. Formerly served in 2nd/1st East Lancs field company, Royal Engineers. (MRF)
June
2nd
Frederick Whatmough Chipilly Communal Cemetery Extension Private
17/8959, 17th Bn., Manchester Regiment who died on 02 June 1916 Age 19
Son of Frederick Walter and Ellen Whatmough, of 9, St. Paul’s St., Stockport. Employed by Peel Watson & Co, enlisted Sept 1914. Trained VI Pln. Signaller. France 08/11/1915. Drowned while bathing.
17th
8369 Edward Rose Ashworth of IX Pln, C Coy, received a Gun Shot Wound to the right buttock at Maricourt. He was admitted to Hospital in Abeville and evacuated Home for recovery on board HS Salta. He was later Commissioned in the Machine Gun Corps and killed in Action on 28/3/1918. See Edward Ashworth RBS and Didsbury Manchester Pals
On 20th June 8449 Paul Backhouse returned Home and was discharged due to sickness on 26/9/1916, resident 29 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle. Paul had been an insurance clerk before he enlisted on 3/9/1914. His house was named Maricourt when Paul died in June 1943.
17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme 
Pingback: Maple Leaves in England – Dedicated to 17th Bttn Manchester Regiment | 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme
Pingback: 8209 Charles Kerr, Died in France 12th March 1916 under loving care of Edith Appleton | 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme