I am doing some research for a friend and James is her uncle. He was only 15 when he was killed on 30/7/1916 whilst with the King's 17th Battalion. He had joined the army at the age of 14 and his mother had written to the Colonel with the help of a Mr Briggs J.P. but she was unable to stop him going to war. I have been unable to find James on the 1911 census returns. His parents Charles W. J and Ann Thomas are at 5 Ismay Street in 1901 with their children Anne and Florence M. In 1911 his mother Ann is a widow and has returned to live with her parents William and Ann Jackson at 70 Brock Street, Kirkdale. She has her youngest children Anne, Florence M and Charles with her. I think that James Alexander was born September quarter 1901 in West Derby 8b 261 so he would not be on the 1901 census. He is on the CWGC website.
My friend has copies of the telegram sent to his mother and a number of letters that James sent to his mother and photographs including one with my friends father. The last letter is dated 22nd July 1916 just before he was killed. It is believed by the family that the elder children were in the Cottage Homes after the death of their father and James enlisted when he was there.
If anyone can find anything else to help I would be grateful. His name was mentioned on North West tonight when the giants were on as being the youngest casualty in the Pals regiment. Whilst doing the family tree for my friend I have found that James Alexander was named after his Grandfather.
Eileen
James Alex Thomas
James Alex Thomas
Jack, Hennigan, Shields Croft, Canavan, Morris, Tipping, Forshaw,
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hello,
I believe I have been in contact with James's family in the past, possibly at one one of the Museum WW1 open days.
It is likely that I have already passed all of the following information but in case there is anything new (his papers do not appear to have survived) . .
THOMAS, Private, JAMES ALEX, 32485. 17th Battalion. King's Liverpool Regiment. 30th July 1916. Age 15. Son of Ann Thomas of 15, Ismay St. Walton, Liverpool, and the late Charles W. J. Thomas. (Thiepval Memorial - France)
Enlisted 26/10/15.
To France 4/7/16. Posted from 1 KLR and joined 17 KLR 20/7/16. Killed in action 30/7/16.
Baptised James Alexander Thomas on 20/6/01 in St, Mary's Church, Kirkdale. The son of Charles William Thomas and Ann Thomas.
Private James Thomas of the 'Pals' believed to have been wounded, is missing. Any information will be gladly received by his mother at 298 Mill St. (Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 29 August 1916)
There is no obvious trace of the family in the 1911 Census.
James was probably not born when the 1901 Census was taken.
1901 Census
Charles W J Thomas
Age: 30
Address: 5 Ismay St, Walton, Liverpool
Occupation: dock labourer
Estimated birth year: abt 1871
Relation to Head: Head
Spouse: Anne Thomas, 27, b. Liverpool
Birth Place: Liverpool
Anne Thomas 5, b. Liverpool
Florence M Thomas 3, b. Liverpool
He is commemorated on the war memorial that once stood in Christ Church Everton now in Church of St George, Heyworth Street, Everton.
Extracted from 17 KLR War Diary
THE SECOND ATTACK ON GUILLEMONT
Saturday 29/7/16
9pm
Battalion moved up to assembly positions for attack on the German system of trenches from Guillemont exclusive to Falemont Farm inclusive.
Sunday 30/7/16
4.45am
'Zero hour' The Battalion was in support to 19 and 20 Battalions KLR. Two Companies behind 19 and two companies behind 20 battalion. Very thick mist. The attack was pushed home to the objective in places but in the main was held up by machine gun fire from hidden machine guns. Fighting continued all day swaying backwards and forwards until by 6 pm about 300 yards in depth had been gained and consolidated all along our front. Casualties : 2nd Lts ER Porritt, RH Smith, SJ Faris (attd 20 KLR) killed in action and 2nd Lt FE Boundy . The following were wounded A/Captain HN Brinson, Lts BS Thompson, WE Willmer; 2nd Lts JR Blabey, FY Peet, GM Morris, JFW Berry, WH Johnston, T Lanceley, ET Lewis and WS Standring. 56 other ranks were killed, 130 wounded and 95 reported as missing.
Monday 31/7/16
3am Relieved by 4th Battalion King's Own Duke of Lancasters Regt. Relief complete at 5am and the battalion returned to camp at Point 75 North.
The following has been transcribed from the Regimental history by Everard Wyrall :
In this attack the 30th Division was again to assault the village, in conjunction with the French on the right and 2nd Division on the left, the latter as far south as Guillemont Station. The 89th Brigade was to attack on the right and the 9oth Brigade on the left, the boundary between the two brigades being a line drawn through Arrow Head Copse and along the southern face of the Guillemont defences (inclusive to the 90th Brigade).
Of the 89th Brigade the 20th King's were to attack on the right and the 19th King's on the left, the former to be responsible for the capture of Wedge Wood, Falfemont Farm and for the German trenches to just north of Oakhanger Wood; the 17th King's were to be in support in trenches running south east from the southern corner of Trônes Wood; the Bedfords in reserve at the southern end of Bernafay Wood.
The general objective of the 89th Brigade was the German second line running south east from Guillemont village, the village itself being allotted to the 90th Brigade. (The 90th Brigade was commanded by Brig. General C. J. Steavenson; he was the first officer of the King's Regiment to command a Brigade in France or Flanders).
The assembly trenches of the 89th Brigade were the Maltz Horn Trenches, south east of Trônes Wood.
"Zero" hour was 4.45 a.m. 30th July.
During the evening of 29th the brigade left bivouacs at "Point 71," north of the Citadel, and moved up to assembly positions. Battalions moved off in the following order: 19th, 20th and 17th King's and 2nd Bedfords.
The night was dark and foggy when the battalions moved off, and the 19th King's (Lieut. Colonel G. Rollo, commanding) when passing south east of the Bricqueterie were heavily shelled, first with H.E. and then with a new kind of asphyxiating gas shell which had curious results; at first it had no nasty effect but about eight hours later men began to fall sick with violent headaches and pains in the stomach. All ranks had to wear their gas helmets, which, in the darkness and mist made the going terribly difficult. It was indeed, wonderful that they were able to reach their assembly positions at all! But they did, and by 2.45 a.m. on the 30th the battalion was assembled, having suffered about thirty casualties on the way up.
The 20th Battalion (Lieut. Colonel H. W. Cobham) was more fortunate in that it arrived in position north of Maltz Horn Farm at about 2.30 a.m. without casualties.
The 17th Battalion (Lieut. Colonel B. C. Fairfax) and the 2nd Bedfords reached their allotted positions without incident, although the C.O. of the former unfortunately got a dose of gas; two companies of the 17th formed up behind the 19th and two behind the 20th Battalions.
The attack about to begin was, for the 89th Brigade, one of enormous difficulty, depending entirely on the success of one or both of the attacks on the flanks. If the French took Maurepas and the German second line running northwest from that village, and the 89th captured its objective, Guillemont must fall into the hands of the 90th Brigade; if the 90th Brigade took and held Guillemont, and the 89th gained its objective, Maurepas would fall to the French. But if both flanking attacks failed, then the 89th Brigade must fall back for the flanks would be open to enfilade fire from north west and south east. On the other hand if the 89th Brigade failed to reach its objective, but the French and 90th Brigades reached theirs, their flanks would be open to attack. Altogether it was a very difficult operation, for the assaulting troops of the 89th would have to cross a wide expanse of bare country.
When "Zero" hour arrived a dense fog covered the battlefield. It was so thick that no one could see more than ten yards ahead. Sheer bad luck! "It was next to impossible to delay the attack - it was much too big an operation - so forward they had to go. It will give some idea when I say that on our flanks we had to go 1,750 yards over big rolling country. Everyone knows what it is like to cross enclosed country which you know really well, and how easy it is to lose your way. Therefore imagine those rolling hills with no landmarks and absolutely unknown to anyone. Is it surprising that people' lost their way and lost touch with those next to them? As a matter of fact it was wonderful the way in which many men found their way right on to the place we wanted them to get to. But as a connected attack - it was absolutely impossible." (Brig. General the Hon. F. C. Stanley, C.M.G., D.S.O.)
On the right front of the 89th Brigade was a trench, covering the remains of a farm (Maltz Horn Farm) held by the enemy. A company of Bedfords attacked this trench from the west, while a company of French attacked from the south; the result was completely successful and from sixty to seventy Germans were killed. This small enterprise enabled the first waves of the attacking troops to go forward without hindrance.
The Battalion Diary of the 20th King's thus records the opening of the battle: "At 4.45 a.m. prompt the attack was launched. Unfortunately, a thick mist prevailed and it was impossible to see more than ten yards ahead. This continued until six o'clock, when it lifted slightly, but it was still hazy and impossible to see what was happening 100 yards away. This being so it was not surprising to find that the attacking waves were experiencing great difficulty in maintaining connection."
Battalion Headquarters were in Maltz Horn Trench, and here the C.O. waited anxiously for reports on the progress of his men. The first arrived shortly after 6 a.m. It was from Lieut. R. E. Melly, O.C., No. 1 Company. He stated that he had gained the German Maltz Horn Trench and that he had a few Frenchmen with him, thought to be a party of bombers. The next message, timed 6.30 a.m., was from Second Lieut. C. P. Moore, who reported that he had 150 men with him, four Stokes guns and two Lewis guns, but he was the only officer remaining. He had lost connection in the fog and both his flanks were in the air. His position was about 200 yards east of the first sunken road. At 9.10 a.m. this officer sent back another message: his men had been reduced to seventy five, but he had four Vickers guns, four Stokes guns and two Lewis guns. Two patrols which he had sent out in front had not returned; his flanks were still in the air. Later, however, be did succeed in establishing touch with the French on his right.
Shortly after 10 a.m. a report (untimed) arrived from Second Lieut. T. W. Musker: he stated that he had just over a company under his command, that both his flanks were in the air and that the Germans were enfilading his left flank with machine gun fire. A second message from this officer at 11.30 a.m. was to the same effect, the machine gun fire on his left having in the meantime caused over thirty casualties. All efforts to get into touch with this party failed, for all runners sent out from Battalion Headquarters were either killed or wounded. No further information was received from Lieut. Musker's party until all that remained of it was brought back by Lieut. Worsley (who had with him about 200 men) to Battalion Headquarters at 9.30 p.m. The gallant fellows had held the ground won all day, which had permitted the consolidation of the position won on the Maltz Horn Ridge, with little interference from the enemy.
Of what happened out in the dense fog of the early morning little is known, and of the fighting there are no further details so far as the 20th Battalion is concerned.
At 11a.m. Battalion Headquarters with two companies of the 2nd Bedfords arrived at the captured German trench running north and south through Maltz Horn Farm; one company of Bedfords occupied the trench running south from the farm, and Lieut. Sutton (20th King's) with a party of headquarters personnel, 20th King's, the trench north of it. During the afternoon the other company of Bedfords dug a trench from Lieut. Sutton's left to Arrow Head Copse. Second Lieut, Moore and his party were withdrawn from their position (about 200 yards east of the first sunken road) to reinforce Lieut. Sutton. The Bedfords, south of the farm, later joined up with the French on the right and the position gained on the ridge was held and consolidated.
The narrative of the 19th King's is even less explanatory. Indeed, all that is contained in the Battalion Diary is as follows: "The battalion reached its objective, but suffered heavy losses and had to evacuate its position owing to no reinforcements. At 12 noon the roll call was 7 officers and 43 men."
The brigade report, however, has this paragraph: "It is now known that the two left companies of the 19th K.L.R., (King's Liverpool Regiment its old title) under Capt. Dodd and Capt. Nicholson, advanced in touch with the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers (of the 90th Brigade) on their left, and in good waves, and although they suffered many casualties from oblique machine gun fire, did not encounter many Germans and reached their final objective about the time allotted, beginning at once to dig in south of the orchard on the south-eastern corner of Guillemont (about T.25.b.25 to T.2g.b.43)."
On the left of the 19th King's the Scots Fusiliers most gallantly forced their way through Guillemont to the eastern side of the village, but they were overwhelmed by the enemy and few returned. At 8 a.m., therefore, finding that the village was not held, the two left companies of the 19th King's were forced to fall back, their position being untenable.
The two right companies of the 19th Battalion were, on going forward, checked a little at the northern end of a new German trench running north from Maltz Horn Farm towards Arrow Head Copse. After a brief fight, in which a German strong point gave some trouble, this trench was gained. Companies had by now become rather intermingled. On resuming the advance eastwards violent machine gun fire, in enfilade, swept the ranks of the gallant King's men, and few reached the second sunken road. The C.O. (Lieut. Colonel Rollo) having received practically no information during the first forty minutes after the attack started, determined to go forward and find out what was happening. Taking with him Capt. Fraser (Adjutant) and Lieuts. Lloyd and Lewis, he set out at about 5.25 a.m., only to fall wounded almost immediately he left the trench (both the 19th and 20th King's had their Battalion Headquarters in Maltz Horn Trench) in which Battalion Headquarters was situated. Capt. Fraser then took command, but he too fell mortally wounded. Lieut. Lewis was hit about forty-five minutes later. Both the C.O. and Lieut. Lewis were sent back when opportunity occurred, but Capt. Fraser died before he could be evacuated. Lieut. Lloyd was then temporarily in command.
The 17th King's had advanced (two companies each behind the 19th and 20th Battalions) in small columns. They too suffered heavily from machine gun fire and were quickly absorbed into the waves which preceded them. They also shared the gains and losses of that terrible day. "The attack," Colonel Fairfax recorded in his Battalion Diary, "was pushed home to the objective in places, but in the main was held up by machine gun fire from hidden machine guns. Fighting continued all day, swaying backwards and forwards, until by 6 p.m. about 300 yards in depth had been gained and consolidated all along our front."
When darkness fell on the battlefield the 30th Division held a line from the railway on the eastern side of Trônes Wood, southwards and including Arrow Head Copse, to east of Maltz Horn Farm. On this line the division was relieved by the 55th Division during the early hours of the 31st July.
The 18th King's (Lieut. Colonel W. R. Pinwell) of the 21st Brigade, remained in reserve all day. The battalion left Happy Valley at 3.15 a.m. and arrived at bivouacs south west of Caftet Wood at 4.30 a.m. At 10.15 a.m. a move forward was made to the old British trenches east of Talus Boise. Here the King's men remained until the early morning of 31st when they were relieved by the 1/10th King's (Liverpool Scottish) of the 55th Division. The 18th Battalion then marched back to Happy Valley.
Such is the story of the second attempt to capture Guillemont.
I believe I have been in contact with James's family in the past, possibly at one one of the Museum WW1 open days.
It is likely that I have already passed all of the following information but in case there is anything new (his papers do not appear to have survived) . .
THOMAS, Private, JAMES ALEX, 32485. 17th Battalion. King's Liverpool Regiment. 30th July 1916. Age 15. Son of Ann Thomas of 15, Ismay St. Walton, Liverpool, and the late Charles W. J. Thomas. (Thiepval Memorial - France)
Enlisted 26/10/15.
To France 4/7/16. Posted from 1 KLR and joined 17 KLR 20/7/16. Killed in action 30/7/16.
Baptised James Alexander Thomas on 20/6/01 in St, Mary's Church, Kirkdale. The son of Charles William Thomas and Ann Thomas.
Private James Thomas of the 'Pals' believed to have been wounded, is missing. Any information will be gladly received by his mother at 298 Mill St. (Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 29 August 1916)
There is no obvious trace of the family in the 1911 Census.
James was probably not born when the 1901 Census was taken.
1901 Census
Charles W J Thomas
Age: 30
Address: 5 Ismay St, Walton, Liverpool
Occupation: dock labourer
Estimated birth year: abt 1871
Relation to Head: Head
Spouse: Anne Thomas, 27, b. Liverpool
Birth Place: Liverpool
Anne Thomas 5, b. Liverpool
Florence M Thomas 3, b. Liverpool
He is commemorated on the war memorial that once stood in Christ Church Everton now in Church of St George, Heyworth Street, Everton.
Extracted from 17 KLR War Diary
THE SECOND ATTACK ON GUILLEMONT
Saturday 29/7/16
9pm
Battalion moved up to assembly positions for attack on the German system of trenches from Guillemont exclusive to Falemont Farm inclusive.
Sunday 30/7/16
4.45am
'Zero hour' The Battalion was in support to 19 and 20 Battalions KLR. Two Companies behind 19 and two companies behind 20 battalion. Very thick mist. The attack was pushed home to the objective in places but in the main was held up by machine gun fire from hidden machine guns. Fighting continued all day swaying backwards and forwards until by 6 pm about 300 yards in depth had been gained and consolidated all along our front. Casualties : 2nd Lts ER Porritt, RH Smith, SJ Faris (attd 20 KLR) killed in action and 2nd Lt FE Boundy . The following were wounded A/Captain HN Brinson, Lts BS Thompson, WE Willmer; 2nd Lts JR Blabey, FY Peet, GM Morris, JFW Berry, WH Johnston, T Lanceley, ET Lewis and WS Standring. 56 other ranks were killed, 130 wounded and 95 reported as missing.
Monday 31/7/16
3am Relieved by 4th Battalion King's Own Duke of Lancasters Regt. Relief complete at 5am and the battalion returned to camp at Point 75 North.
The following has been transcribed from the Regimental history by Everard Wyrall :
In this attack the 30th Division was again to assault the village, in conjunction with the French on the right and 2nd Division on the left, the latter as far south as Guillemont Station. The 89th Brigade was to attack on the right and the 9oth Brigade on the left, the boundary between the two brigades being a line drawn through Arrow Head Copse and along the southern face of the Guillemont defences (inclusive to the 90th Brigade).
Of the 89th Brigade the 20th King's were to attack on the right and the 19th King's on the left, the former to be responsible for the capture of Wedge Wood, Falfemont Farm and for the German trenches to just north of Oakhanger Wood; the 17th King's were to be in support in trenches running south east from the southern corner of Trônes Wood; the Bedfords in reserve at the southern end of Bernafay Wood.
The general objective of the 89th Brigade was the German second line running south east from Guillemont village, the village itself being allotted to the 90th Brigade. (The 90th Brigade was commanded by Brig. General C. J. Steavenson; he was the first officer of the King's Regiment to command a Brigade in France or Flanders).
The assembly trenches of the 89th Brigade were the Maltz Horn Trenches, south east of Trônes Wood.
"Zero" hour was 4.45 a.m. 30th July.
During the evening of 29th the brigade left bivouacs at "Point 71," north of the Citadel, and moved up to assembly positions. Battalions moved off in the following order: 19th, 20th and 17th King's and 2nd Bedfords.
The night was dark and foggy when the battalions moved off, and the 19th King's (Lieut. Colonel G. Rollo, commanding) when passing south east of the Bricqueterie were heavily shelled, first with H.E. and then with a new kind of asphyxiating gas shell which had curious results; at first it had no nasty effect but about eight hours later men began to fall sick with violent headaches and pains in the stomach. All ranks had to wear their gas helmets, which, in the darkness and mist made the going terribly difficult. It was indeed, wonderful that they were able to reach their assembly positions at all! But they did, and by 2.45 a.m. on the 30th the battalion was assembled, having suffered about thirty casualties on the way up.
The 20th Battalion (Lieut. Colonel H. W. Cobham) was more fortunate in that it arrived in position north of Maltz Horn Farm at about 2.30 a.m. without casualties.
The 17th Battalion (Lieut. Colonel B. C. Fairfax) and the 2nd Bedfords reached their allotted positions without incident, although the C.O. of the former unfortunately got a dose of gas; two companies of the 17th formed up behind the 19th and two behind the 20th Battalions.
The attack about to begin was, for the 89th Brigade, one of enormous difficulty, depending entirely on the success of one or both of the attacks on the flanks. If the French took Maurepas and the German second line running northwest from that village, and the 89th captured its objective, Guillemont must fall into the hands of the 90th Brigade; if the 90th Brigade took and held Guillemont, and the 89th gained its objective, Maurepas would fall to the French. But if both flanking attacks failed, then the 89th Brigade must fall back for the flanks would be open to enfilade fire from north west and south east. On the other hand if the 89th Brigade failed to reach its objective, but the French and 90th Brigades reached theirs, their flanks would be open to attack. Altogether it was a very difficult operation, for the assaulting troops of the 89th would have to cross a wide expanse of bare country.
When "Zero" hour arrived a dense fog covered the battlefield. It was so thick that no one could see more than ten yards ahead. Sheer bad luck! "It was next to impossible to delay the attack - it was much too big an operation - so forward they had to go. It will give some idea when I say that on our flanks we had to go 1,750 yards over big rolling country. Everyone knows what it is like to cross enclosed country which you know really well, and how easy it is to lose your way. Therefore imagine those rolling hills with no landmarks and absolutely unknown to anyone. Is it surprising that people' lost their way and lost touch with those next to them? As a matter of fact it was wonderful the way in which many men found their way right on to the place we wanted them to get to. But as a connected attack - it was absolutely impossible." (Brig. General the Hon. F. C. Stanley, C.M.G., D.S.O.)
On the right front of the 89th Brigade was a trench, covering the remains of a farm (Maltz Horn Farm) held by the enemy. A company of Bedfords attacked this trench from the west, while a company of French attacked from the south; the result was completely successful and from sixty to seventy Germans were killed. This small enterprise enabled the first waves of the attacking troops to go forward without hindrance.
The Battalion Diary of the 20th King's thus records the opening of the battle: "At 4.45 a.m. prompt the attack was launched. Unfortunately, a thick mist prevailed and it was impossible to see more than ten yards ahead. This continued until six o'clock, when it lifted slightly, but it was still hazy and impossible to see what was happening 100 yards away. This being so it was not surprising to find that the attacking waves were experiencing great difficulty in maintaining connection."
Battalion Headquarters were in Maltz Horn Trench, and here the C.O. waited anxiously for reports on the progress of his men. The first arrived shortly after 6 a.m. It was from Lieut. R. E. Melly, O.C., No. 1 Company. He stated that he had gained the German Maltz Horn Trench and that he had a few Frenchmen with him, thought to be a party of bombers. The next message, timed 6.30 a.m., was from Second Lieut. C. P. Moore, who reported that he had 150 men with him, four Stokes guns and two Lewis guns, but he was the only officer remaining. He had lost connection in the fog and both his flanks were in the air. His position was about 200 yards east of the first sunken road. At 9.10 a.m. this officer sent back another message: his men had been reduced to seventy five, but he had four Vickers guns, four Stokes guns and two Lewis guns. Two patrols which he had sent out in front had not returned; his flanks were still in the air. Later, however, be did succeed in establishing touch with the French on his right.
Shortly after 10 a.m. a report (untimed) arrived from Second Lieut. T. W. Musker: he stated that he had just over a company under his command, that both his flanks were in the air and that the Germans were enfilading his left flank with machine gun fire. A second message from this officer at 11.30 a.m. was to the same effect, the machine gun fire on his left having in the meantime caused over thirty casualties. All efforts to get into touch with this party failed, for all runners sent out from Battalion Headquarters were either killed or wounded. No further information was received from Lieut. Musker's party until all that remained of it was brought back by Lieut. Worsley (who had with him about 200 men) to Battalion Headquarters at 9.30 p.m. The gallant fellows had held the ground won all day, which had permitted the consolidation of the position won on the Maltz Horn Ridge, with little interference from the enemy.
Of what happened out in the dense fog of the early morning little is known, and of the fighting there are no further details so far as the 20th Battalion is concerned.
At 11a.m. Battalion Headquarters with two companies of the 2nd Bedfords arrived at the captured German trench running north and south through Maltz Horn Farm; one company of Bedfords occupied the trench running south from the farm, and Lieut. Sutton (20th King's) with a party of headquarters personnel, 20th King's, the trench north of it. During the afternoon the other company of Bedfords dug a trench from Lieut. Sutton's left to Arrow Head Copse. Second Lieut, Moore and his party were withdrawn from their position (about 200 yards east of the first sunken road) to reinforce Lieut. Sutton. The Bedfords, south of the farm, later joined up with the French on the right and the position gained on the ridge was held and consolidated.
The narrative of the 19th King's is even less explanatory. Indeed, all that is contained in the Battalion Diary is as follows: "The battalion reached its objective, but suffered heavy losses and had to evacuate its position owing to no reinforcements. At 12 noon the roll call was 7 officers and 43 men."
The brigade report, however, has this paragraph: "It is now known that the two left companies of the 19th K.L.R., (King's Liverpool Regiment its old title) under Capt. Dodd and Capt. Nicholson, advanced in touch with the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers (of the 90th Brigade) on their left, and in good waves, and although they suffered many casualties from oblique machine gun fire, did not encounter many Germans and reached their final objective about the time allotted, beginning at once to dig in south of the orchard on the south-eastern corner of Guillemont (about T.25.b.25 to T.2g.b.43)."
On the left of the 19th King's the Scots Fusiliers most gallantly forced their way through Guillemont to the eastern side of the village, but they were overwhelmed by the enemy and few returned. At 8 a.m., therefore, finding that the village was not held, the two left companies of the 19th King's were forced to fall back, their position being untenable.
The two right companies of the 19th Battalion were, on going forward, checked a little at the northern end of a new German trench running north from Maltz Horn Farm towards Arrow Head Copse. After a brief fight, in which a German strong point gave some trouble, this trench was gained. Companies had by now become rather intermingled. On resuming the advance eastwards violent machine gun fire, in enfilade, swept the ranks of the gallant King's men, and few reached the second sunken road. The C.O. (Lieut. Colonel Rollo) having received practically no information during the first forty minutes after the attack started, determined to go forward and find out what was happening. Taking with him Capt. Fraser (Adjutant) and Lieuts. Lloyd and Lewis, he set out at about 5.25 a.m., only to fall wounded almost immediately he left the trench (both the 19th and 20th King's had their Battalion Headquarters in Maltz Horn Trench) in which Battalion Headquarters was situated. Capt. Fraser then took command, but he too fell mortally wounded. Lieut. Lewis was hit about forty-five minutes later. Both the C.O. and Lieut. Lewis were sent back when opportunity occurred, but Capt. Fraser died before he could be evacuated. Lieut. Lloyd was then temporarily in command.
The 17th King's had advanced (two companies each behind the 19th and 20th Battalions) in small columns. They too suffered heavily from machine gun fire and were quickly absorbed into the waves which preceded them. They also shared the gains and losses of that terrible day. "The attack," Colonel Fairfax recorded in his Battalion Diary, "was pushed home to the objective in places, but in the main was held up by machine gun fire from hidden machine guns. Fighting continued all day, swaying backwards and forwards, until by 6 p.m. about 300 yards in depth had been gained and consolidated all along our front."
When darkness fell on the battlefield the 30th Division held a line from the railway on the eastern side of Trônes Wood, southwards and including Arrow Head Copse, to east of Maltz Horn Farm. On this line the division was relieved by the 55th Division during the early hours of the 31st July.
The 18th King's (Lieut. Colonel W. R. Pinwell) of the 21st Brigade, remained in reserve all day. The battalion left Happy Valley at 3.15 a.m. and arrived at bivouacs south west of Caftet Wood at 4.30 a.m. At 10.15 a.m. a move forward was made to the old British trenches east of Talus Boise. Here the King's men remained until the early morning of 31st when they were relieved by the 1/10th King's (Liverpool Scottish) of the 55th Division. The 18th Battalion then marched back to Happy Valley.
Such is the story of the second attempt to capture Guillemont.
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hi Joe
Thank you so much for all the information, I did have a lot of it already from my own research but the details of the War diary and the memorial in St George's Everton was new to me. I don't think you have spoken to the relative that I am doing the research for but she and her brother are the children of Charles Thomas who was the younger brother of James Alexander.
As I mentioned she has a photograph of James in uniform and another with Charles, still in uniform probably taken on his last leave before he was killed. His letters were all written in pencil so did not copy well but if you are interested in them I could e-mail you copies if you want.
Tony Wainwright has been in touch with my friend and she has also given him the information and has invited her to the unveiling of the Pals memorial. I know that she and her brother and another cousin will be delighted for the extra information you have given me, so Thank You most sincerely for this.
Eileen
Thank you so much for all the information, I did have a lot of it already from my own research but the details of the War diary and the memorial in St George's Everton was new to me. I don't think you have spoken to the relative that I am doing the research for but she and her brother are the children of Charles Thomas who was the younger brother of James Alexander.
As I mentioned she has a photograph of James in uniform and another with Charles, still in uniform probably taken on his last leave before he was killed. His letters were all written in pencil so did not copy well but if you are interested in them I could e-mail you copies if you want.
Tony Wainwright has been in touch with my friend and she has also given him the information and has invited her to the unveiling of the Pals memorial. I know that she and her brother and another cousin will be delighted for the extra information you have given me, so Thank You most sincerely for this.
Eileen
Jack, Hennigan, Shields Croft, Canavan, Morris, Tipping, Forshaw,
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hi Eileen,
Now I remember- I do so many queries!
I gave all of the information above to Tony W. about two weeks ago to pass on to Pte Thomas's great niece, although it seems I have worked with other members of the family in the past. As I share my database with the Museum of Liverpool they have asked that I do not include the details of people who are known to be alive and thus there are no longer any references to emails or the names of enquirers.
I currently live in the USA and will be flying over for the unveiling of the Pals memorial. It is planned that I will have a desk in St George's Hall where I will be signing copies of 'A Singular Day on the Somme' (all proceeds as ever to the Pals Memorial Fund) and will also have my database with me to do WW1 KLR 'look ups' - the database now stands at almost 82,000 entries with the locations of 6148 named photos. So if she has time ask Thomas's great niece to find me and say 'hello'!
Regards
Now I remember- I do so many queries!
I gave all of the information above to Tony W. about two weeks ago to pass on to Pte Thomas's great niece, although it seems I have worked with other members of the family in the past. As I share my database with the Museum of Liverpool they have asked that I do not include the details of people who are known to be alive and thus there are no longer any references to emails or the names of enquirers.
I currently live in the USA and will be flying over for the unveiling of the Pals memorial. It is planned that I will have a desk in St George's Hall where I will be signing copies of 'A Singular Day on the Somme' (all proceeds as ever to the Pals Memorial Fund) and will also have my database with me to do WW1 KLR 'look ups' - the database now stands at almost 82,000 entries with the locations of 6148 named photos. So if she has time ask Thomas's great niece to find me and say 'hello'!
Regards
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hi Eileen
I am new to the Forum and read with great interest your post on Private James Thomas. Every November (now 36th consecutive year) I take a group over to the battlefields for Remembrance Day. This year we leave Ypres on 12th and go down to the Somme. One of the stories I have written up for us to follow is that of Private Thomas.
I wondered if it would be at all possible to have a copy of the letters and photograph you have so that I can read them out when at Thiepval. If it were possible, my direct email is wpf1958 [at] btinternet.com
I fully understand if the family would not wish to share them.
Kind regards
Wilhelm
email address amended to prevent spamming, change the [at] to @ to use. MA
I am new to the Forum and read with great interest your post on Private James Thomas. Every November (now 36th consecutive year) I take a group over to the battlefields for Remembrance Day. This year we leave Ypres on 12th and go down to the Somme. One of the stories I have written up for us to follow is that of Private Thomas.
I wondered if it would be at all possible to have a copy of the letters and photograph you have so that I can read them out when at Thiepval. If it were possible, my direct email is wpf1958 [at] btinternet.com
I fully understand if the family would not wish to share them.
Kind regards
Wilhelm
email address amended to prevent spamming, change the [at] to @ to use. MA
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hi and welcome to the forum. I hope Eileen has notifications turned on for this post and comes along soon to answer your offer.
MaryA
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
Our Facebook Page
Names - Lunt, Hall, Kent, Ayre, Forshaw, Parle, Lawrenson, Longford, Ennis, Bayley, Russell, Longworth, Baile
Any census info in this post is Crown Copyright, from National Archives
Re: James Alex Thomas
Thanks for your advice and help. Much appreciated.
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hello Wilhelm
I have spoken to my friend who is James Alexander Thomas's niece and she is delighted that you wish to tell the story of James. I went with her last year to the Thiepval memorial but unfortunately at that time it was all scaffolded out and a few days before our visit someone had been injured by the scaffolding falling and we where not allowed to access the site only view it from a distance. I am getting the photos and letters sorted for you and will send them off to you shortly.
Eileen
I have spoken to my friend who is James Alexander Thomas's niece and she is delighted that you wish to tell the story of James. I went with her last year to the Thiepval memorial but unfortunately at that time it was all scaffolded out and a few days before our visit someone had been injured by the scaffolding falling and we where not allowed to access the site only view it from a distance. I am getting the photos and letters sorted for you and will send them off to you shortly.
Eileen
Jack, Hennigan, Shields Croft, Canavan, Morris, Tipping, Forshaw,
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Also Simpson, Curran, Turner, Howard, Shacklady
Any census/bmd information within this post is Crown Copyright from http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Re: James Alex Thomas
Hi Eileen
Thanks again for your help, the letters are tremendous and so moving.
Wilhelm
Thanks again for your help, the letters are tremendous and so moving.
Wilhelm