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Jackson, Richard T. D. | Jeffries, Joseph | Jepson, Herbert
8th East Lancashire Regiment, 14917
Private Richard Thomas Davenport Jackson of the 8th East Lancashire Regiment (No. 14917) was killed on 15th July 1916 at Pozieres on the Somme.
Richard was born 5th July 1880 in the Ashton area of Wigan and baptised 26th July 1880 at All Saints, Wigan, the son of William Jackson and Ann (nee Davenport). By 1891, the family had moved to Darwen and were living at 7 Back Bolton Street, Darwen. At this time Richard was working as a “half-time” cotton weaver. Later the family moved to 16 Star Street, Darwen. Richard subsequently was employed as a full-time weaver at Springfield Mill. He attended Holy Trinity Church where he married Betsy Jane Bennett in 1902. They had one child, William Henry, who was born in 1903. They later lived at 35 Essex Street, Darwen.
Richard enlisted by November 1914 when he was living at 35 Queens Street, Darwen and joined the 8th East Lancashire Regiment. The Battalion was formed at Codford, Wiltshire and moved to Pokesdown Bournemouth in November of the same year. It is most likely where Richard joined the Battalion. Towards the end of March 1915, the Battalion had moved to Salisbury Plain and were concentrated at Cholderton. On 25th June, the units were inspected by George V at Sidbury Hill. On 22nd July 1915 the Division began to cross the English Channel, with Richard arriving at Boulogne on 1st August 1915. By 2nd August all units were concentrated near Tilques.
By June 1916, the Battalion was based at Bienvillers on the Somme ready for the “big push.” For some weeks prior to 1st July 1916 the role of the Brigade had been to induce the enemy to expect an attack from the Brigade front. With this object the Battalion’s patrols had been very active in no-man’s land and several raids had been carried out and much ammunition used. On 1st July the role of the Brigade was to form a defensive flank to cover the flank of the 46th Division during its attack on Gommecourt. Between 1st and 14th July the Battalion had suffered heavy losses. At 8am on 15th July the Battalion received orders to attack Pozieres and capture the village. The Battalion again suffered heavy losses and it was here where Richard lost his life.
His widow was informed of the loss a few weeks later and received the following letter from a colleague of her husband’s which published in “The Darwen News”, Saturday August 12th, 1916: “It is with much regret that I write you these few lines to offer you the deepest sympathy of my comrades and myself in conveying to you the news that your husband, Richard, was killed in action on Saturday, July 15th whilst bravely doing his duty. He was a splendid fellow and he will be very much missed in the machine gun section, and by all who knew him. He was quite near to me when he fell, and he did not suffer much pain; he died almost instantaneously. My chums and myself sincerely hope that you will bear up as well as you can in your sad bereavement. We have the consolation that he died bravely fighting for his King and country. So once again we offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your loss.”
Richard Thomas Davenport Jackson has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme Pier and Face 6 C.
Private Joseph Jeffries
East Lancashire Regiment, 6187
Private Joseph Jefferies of the 1st East Lancashire Regiment (No 6187) was killed on 1st July 1916 close to by Redan Ridges on the Somme.
Joseph was born on 19th March 1882 at Catlow Fold, Darwen. He was the son of William Jeffers and Mary (nee Rush). On 29th July 1899 he attested at Preston for the 3rd Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 47th and 81st Foot (No 6454) and gave his age as seventeen years four months. At the time, he was working as a labourer for Mr Shorrock of Darwen. His details were recorded as follows: height 5ft 7½ ins; weight 126lbs; chest 32½ins (with an expansion of 2ins); complexion fresh; eyes grey; hair brown; religion Roman Catholic; scar back of left hand; brown mark right hip. Joseph joined the Regular Army 19th October 1899. Attested: 19th October 1899 East Lancashire Regiment–30th and 59th Foot (No. 6095) and gave his age as eighteen years; occupation labourer. Height 5ft 7¼ ins; weight 122lbs; chest 33½ins (with an expansion of 2ins); complexion fresh; eyes grey; hair brown; religion Roman Catholic; scar back of left hand and left eye brow.
His army record shows that he saw service at home from 19th October 1899 – 27th June 1900. He later saw action in South Africa from 28th June 1900 – 24th April 1902. Further service followed in India 26th April 1902–18th March 1908, and again, 4th September 1908 – 1st November 1911. He was discharged on the completion of 12 years’ service on 4th November 1911. On 13th November 1900, whilst in India, he received a Court Martial for sleeping whilst on duty as a sentry and he was imprisoned for 56 days. Joseph was promoted to Lance-Corporal on 9th November 1903 and then to Corporal on 14th July 1905. He was appointed as Lance-Sergeant on 3rd October 1908 and Sergeant on 20th January 1910.
He received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasp for Orange Free State, Cape Colony and Transvaal and the King’s South Africa Medal with clasp for 1901 and 1902.
On the outbreak of war he re-enlisted at Blackburn and joined the 1st East Lancashire Regiment (No. 6187). At this time he was living at 35 Exchange Street, Darwen. He was drafted on active service in January 1915. He was with his Battalion at the Second Battle of Ypres. From Ypres the Battalion moved south and in May 1916 they were undergoing intensive training for the forthcoming offensive. Platoon training and musketry took place at Bernaville. On 11th June the Battalion marched to Mailly-Mailett and on 1st July the Battalion was just north of Beaumont-Hamel close by Redan Ridges and, it was here, that Joseph lost his life. It would be almost twelve months before his mother was informed of her son’s death.
“The Darwen News” published his obituary notice on 16th June 1917 and mentioned that a brother had been killed on 21st April 1916. This would have been John who was killed in Iraq and he his remembered on the Basra Memorial.
Joseph Jefferies has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme Pier and Face 6 C. He is also remembered on the War Memorial at Sacred Heart and St. Edward’s.
At the end of the war his mother received Joseph’s war medals-Victory & British War Medals; 1914-1915 Star.
Lance Corporal Herbert Jepson
8th Border Regiment, 16464
Lance-Corporal Herbert Jepson of the 8th Border Regiment (No. 16464) was killed on 5th July 1916 at Aveluy Wood, part of The Battle of Albert.
Herbert was born in Burnley on 1894. He was the son of James Robert Jepson and Mary (nee Jones). His birth was registered under the name of Ebbe Herbert. The family moved into Darwen shortly after 1897 and, by the time the 1901 census was taken, the family were living at 3 Ellen Street, Darwen. He attended Bolton Road Congregational Sunday School and worked as a weaver at Greenfield Mill.
When War was declared Herbert attested 2nd November 1914 at Darwen and was posted into the 8th Border Regiment on 7th November 1914. His army record gives his height as 5ft 8ins, chest 33ins (and an expansion of 2ins), complexion: sallow, eyes: hazel and his religion as Congregationalist.
He received his initial training at Codford at Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. In early 1915, the Battalion moved to Aldershot for Brigade training, where the men learned the arts of soldiering in large formations. Having completed this training it was time for the 8th Border to move for service overseas into the war zone. After a spell of leave at home, the men gathered at Codford Camp and prepared to travel to the Western Front. Whilst at Aldershot, Herbert got a taste of army discipline when on 19th July 1915 he was confined to barracks for ten days for not complying with an order to shave upper lip. On 12th August 1915, he was appointed unpaid Lance-Corporal.
The Battalion left Aldershot on the 25th September 1915, arriving in France on the 27th , at the Port of Boulogne. On arrival in France, they travelled by train to Hazebrouck, marched to Strazeele and took lorries to Nieppe then marched on to Le Bizet where they were billeted. From here, they went into the line at Ploegsteert for the first three months of "acclimatisation", as they learned the 'arts and tricks' of Trench Warfare under the guidance of the 48th Canadian Highlander Battalion.
Once they were trench ready they began trench warfare's cycles of front line, reserve line, rest and fatigues, as and when needed. The Battalion started a period of turn and turnabout with the 10th Cheshires in line at East of Ploegsteert.
The nights of 4th–9th October were full of sniping and machine gun fire from the enemy as the 8th Border tried to repair and reinforce the trenches in their sector. On the 9th they were relieved to billets at Ploeagsteert, exchanging places with the 10th Cheshire’s who went into line, in their place. The 10th-15th October was spent in the second line, doing fatigues and physical drills, followed by bathing. On the 15th October they went back into the front line to relieve the Cheshire’s again. The front line was as active as the first tour and the following gives a flavour of the action.
November and December 1915 were spent in poor weather in this area. Most of the Battalion activity concerned trench repairs and sniping duels. On as lighter note, one of the British snipers bagged a pheasant! Christmas this year was most definitely not a time for fraternisation and although the 8th Border’s were out of line and had Christmas Eve bath and a service on Christmas Day.
During the early part of 1916 the 8th Border were in training for the upcoming offensive of the summer months; the British and French planned to break the German lines and win the war. Periods of training were alternated with periods in line and a gradual progression to be in the area of attack in time for the 'Big Push' (The Battle of the Somme). On 26th January 1916 the 8th Border, part of the 75th Brigade, 25th Division moved via La Creche, to Strazeele, where the men had Company Training. General Plumer and Lord Kitchener inspected the Brigade during route marches and some men attended a demonstration of the new German weapon, the Flammenwerfer.
On the 10th March 1916 they left Strazeele and moved to Nedon and Bryas for more training, all in preparation for the upcoming summer offensive. Sir Julian Byng inspected the men on 20th March 1916 and Sir Douglas Haig on the 31st, all while the men were on route marches. Things were beginning to ramp up now, as Wood Fighting in defence and attack, night fighting, bombing, training against the German Flammenwerfer and musketry and Lewis Gun firing was practised.
In early April, training continued for preparation to go in line north of Neuville St Vaast on the 21st April 1916. Whilst in line early in their stint, in the pouring rain, struggling to maintain the trenches, the Germans decided to test the 'new boys'. On 25th and 26th April 1916 the front line was subjected to a set of bombing raids which cost the lives of two men. May 1916 was spent in and out of line in the Neuville area and it was here the 8th Border got its first real taste of two notorious facets of Western Front warfare; mining and gas.
The 8th Border went out of line on the 20th May 1916, but they were harassed in Neuville by gas shells and heavy calibre shelling during their time in billets. They returned to the front line in late May and received a spate of casualties, due to mining bombing and shelling as the enemy sought to make the area as uncomfortable for the troops as they could. Rumours of the build up to the “Big Push” must have been rife on both sides of the line. June 1916 saw the Battalion moving towards the Somme Area, training and exercising as they went. The training was aimed at getting the men into a peak of battle readiness for the Battalion’s part in the Somme Offensive, set for the end of June or early July. On 12th June 1916, Herbert reverted to Private at own request but it is unclear as to when he was appointed as Lance-Corporal.
When the Battle of the Somme commenced, the 8th Battalion was stationed at Forceville, some four miles behind the front lines, but ordered to be ready to move up at short notice, if events required. On the 2nd July 1916, they were marched to Martinsart Wood and the front lines south of Thiepval, to take part in an attack at 6 a.m. on July 3rd, in an area which had resisted attackers the previous day. With no attack taking place either side and severe enfilade fire from these flanks, the attack was costly to the 8th Border. The German trench was only captured for 200 yards in the centre of the attack and this was too badly damaged by shellfire to hold against counter attack. The men had to hold the line for another night as the battered 32nd Division who had attacked on the 1st July in this area, were in greater need of relief due to their higher casualties. The 8th Border were relieved on the night of the 4th July and bivouaced in Aveluy Wood as they and other Division battalions recovered from the failed attack. It was here that Hebert lost his life but his body was never found.
By July 1916 Herbert’s father had been informed that his son was missing but it would be another ten months before his death was confirmed. His family received Herbert’s 1914-14 Star on 21st June 1921 and his Victory & British War Medals on 10th December 1921.
Herbert Jepson, aged twenty-two, has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme 6 A and 7 C. He is also remembered on the Bolton Road United Reformed Church’s War Memorial.
Letter L
Lambert, Andrew | Leach, Jeremiah | Leach, William | Longworth, Eustace C.
Private Andrew Lambert
East Surrey Regiment, 10131
Andrew Lambert was born in 1899. He was the son of William and Jane Lambert. His father died and Jane got married again to Harry Green in 1910 or 11.
Andrew was the only boy amongst five girls, two older and three younger than himself.The 1911 census gives his job as a “Cotton Tenter.”
Andrew was not slow to answer his country’s call. He enlisted in September 1915 a month after the outbreak of war and joined the 1st Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. Andrew was under age being only fifteen or sixteen but what his mother and step father thought of his enlistment is not recorded.
The 1st Battalion, part of the 14th Brigade in the 5th Division, were stationed at Dublin in August 1914. They went to France, landing in Le Harve on the 15th of the same month. It was not until June of the following year that Andrew embarked for France. In late 1915, many of the units were switched for those of 32nd Division, a newly arrived volunteer formation. The idea was to strengthen the inexperienced Division by mixing in some regular troops, by this time many of the regulars had gone and the regular Battalions were often largely composed of new recruits. It is not clear whether Andrew was moved to the 32nd Division. In March 1916 the 5th Division took over a section of the front line between St. Laurent Blangy and the Southern edge of Vimy Ridge, in front of Arass. It was a dangerous place to be with trench raids and snipers. When the battle of the Somme began on the 1st of July 1916, the 5th Division were resting behind the lines but this rest period was soon over.
The Division were involved in the action in the High Wood, Delville area. The war Diary for Friday 28th of July reads:
“About 2a.m. orders were received to occupy the North West corner of Delville Wood and Longueval recently won back by the Norfolk’s and Bedford’s, which units had suffered so severely that they were physically unable to hold their gains…the relief which was as trying an ordeal as any Battalion could be called on to face carried out as it were in a very heavily shelled area, was completed at about 6am with comparatively slight loss…The [rest] of the day was spent in consolidating our position. This was done under shell fire which grew in intensity towards evening, and the men had to call out all their power of endurance.”
Andrew was not slow to answer his country’s call. He enlisted in September 1915 a month after the outbreak of war and joined the 1st Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. Andrew was under age being only fifteen or sixteen but what his mother and step father thought of his enlistment is not recorded.
The 1st Battalion, part of the 14th Brigade in the 5th Division, were stationed at Dublin in August 1914. They went to France, landing in Le Harve on the 15th of the same month. It was not until June of the following year that Andrew embarked for France. In late 1915, many of the units were switched for those of 32nd Division, a newly arrived volunteer formation. The idea was to strengthen the inexperienced Division by mixing in some regular troops, by this time many of the regulars had gone and the regular Battalions were often largely composed of new recruits. It is not clear whether Andrew was moved to the 32nd Division. In March 1916 the 5th Division took over a section of the front line between St. Laurent Blangy and the Southern edge of Vimy Ridge, in front of Arass. It was a dangerous place to be with trench raids and snipers. When the battle of the Somme began on the 1st of July 1916, the 5th Division were resting behind the lines but this rest period was soon over.
The Division were involved in the action in the High Wood, Delville area. The war Diary for Friday 28th of July reads:
“About 2a.m. orders were received to occupy the North West corner of Delville Wood and Longueval recently won back by the Norfolk’s and Bedford’s, which units had suffered so severely that they were physically unable to hold their gains…the relief which was as trying an ordeal as any Battalion could be called on to face carried out as it were in a very heavily shelled area, was completed at about 6am with comparatively slight loss…The [rest] of the day was spent in consolidating our position. This was done under shell fire which grew in intensity towards evening, and the men had to call out all their power of endurance.”
Saturday 29th July 1916:
“Heavy shelling by both sides the enemy’s barrage through Longueval made communication well-nigh impossible. Many wounded of several days duration and occupying shell holes in and around the village, it is impossible to get them away or even to provide them with water, which they cry for as one passes. Many attempts were made to get water up through the barrage but much more was actually required than received. About 2p.m. orders to attack two enemy posts North West of Longueval received. Attack carried out about 3,30p.m… Our attack was met with heavy Machine Gun Fire and the few who got forward so pluckily were unable to push forward or backward from the indifferent cover.
Our Losses were heavy, from 12 noon on the 27th to 12 noon the 29th we lost 12 officers and 308 other ranks… The list of other ranks who fell between these dates contained the names of many old stagers who will be hard to replace.”
Andrew Lambert was one of the “Old Stagers,” He lost his life on the 29th of July in this battle.
The Darwen News of Saturday 26th August said:
“It is officially reported that Private Andrew Lambert of 68 Exchange-street was killed on the 29th Ult., whilst in action with the East Surry Regiment. He was eighteen years of age and enlisted in September 1914 when he was only sixteen. He has been at the front since June last year. Before joining the army he was a weaver at Cotton Hall Mill.”
Andrew Lambert has no know grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 B and 6 C.
“Heavy shelling by both sides the enemy’s barrage through Longueval made communication well-nigh impossible. Many wounded of several days duration and occupying shell holes in and around the village, it is impossible to get them away or even to provide them with water, which they cry for as one passes. Many attempts were made to get water up through the barrage but much more was actually required than received. About 2p.m. orders to attack two enemy posts North West of Longueval received. Attack carried out about 3,30p.m… Our attack was met with heavy Machine Gun Fire and the few who got forward so pluckily were unable to push forward or backward from the indifferent cover.
Our Losses were heavy, from 12 noon on the 27th to 12 noon the 29th we lost 12 officers and 308 other ranks… The list of other ranks who fell between these dates contained the names of many old stagers who will be hard to replace.”
Andrew Lambert was one of the “Old Stagers,” He lost his life on the 29th of July in this battle.
The Darwen News of Saturday 26th August said:
“It is officially reported that Private Andrew Lambert of 68 Exchange-street was killed on the 29th Ult., whilst in action with the East Surry Regiment. He was eighteen years of age and enlisted in September 1914 when he was only sixteen. He has been at the front since June last year. Before joining the army he was a weaver at Cotton Hall Mill.”
Andrew Lambert has no know grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 B and 6 C.
Private Jeremiah Leach
2nd Royal Irish Regiment, 846
Jeremiah Leach was born in 1890 to Thomas and Jane Leach of 35 Carr Street, Darwen. Jeremiah had an older brother, George, and, by 1911, he was an apprentice joiner. He was also married, to Edith Eccles.
Jeremiah enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry at the outbreak of war, although was quickly transferred to the 2nd Royal Irish Regiment, in time for training for the Gallipoli Campaign. He took part in the historic landing at Suvla Bay but was wounded and sent home. He recovered in enough time to return the Battalion, which had moved to France.
In July 1916 the Royal Irish Regiment were transferred to 7th Division, and took part in the Battle of Bazentin Ridge.
On their right of the ridge was the 7th Division which, having been faced with over 1,000 yards (910m) of no-man's land to cross, had crept its assaulting Battalions within 100 yards (91m) of the German wire when the bombardment lifted. The 7th Division were faced with a complex of German trenches — Flatiron Trench, Marlboro Trench and The Snout, beyond which lay Bazentin le Grand Wood but they reached all their objectives. By mid-morning these two XV Corps divisions had captured the village of Bazentin le Petit.
It was here that Jeremiah was killed. Sources differ on the date, although officially killed on the 14th July 1916. He had two photographs in his hand when he died, one of them being his wife. His body was never found.
Jeremiah Leach is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme Pier and Face 3 A.
Private William Leach
8th East Lancashire Regiment, 24622
William was the second son of James and Hannah Leach of Hoddlesden, Darwen. A healthy family, his mother had 6 children all of whom survived infancy. The family would spend their working life as labourers, whilst William worked as a “Rover” in a cotton mill.
William enlisted into the 8th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment in 1915. Leaving for France in early 1916, William arrived just in time for the Somme Offensive, where the Battalion was engaged throughout the summer.
It was November 16th, however, when William was killed. The war diary reads:
At 1.30a.m. the battalion proceeded to the trenches north east of Beaumont Hamel arriving in trenches about 7.45a.m. in a thick fog. At 8.30a.m. after a preliminary bombardment the battalion advanced in two waves.
It advanced a considerable distance (200 yards) in the fog before the enemy knew the attack was in progress. As soon as the enemy observed the attachment, he opened a heavy machine gun and rifle fire. The forward wave got up to within 50 yards of Munich trench when our filed gun barrage commenced. It was owing to this barrage being short, the thick fog and the wire in front of our trench being uncut that the main attack failed.
The casualties during this attack were very severe. By 10.00a.m. the attack had ceased. The rest of the day was occupied in consolidating a position.
On 16th/17th the battalion was relieved by one company of a border regiment.
William’s date of death is given as 16th November but it would appear likely that he was actually injured on the 15th and subsequently died of his wounds. He has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme Pier and Face 6 C.
Lancashire Fusiliers, 24622
Eustace was born in 1889 in Whalley and he was son of Arthur Longworth and Susan Margaret Peterkin. His father, Arthur, of Clerk Hill, Whalley was the Chairman of the Darwen Division Conservative Association.
He was a student at university when war broke out in 1914. Given his advanced learning, it is unsurprising that he received his Captain’s Commission quite quickly in 1915. He enlisted into the 9th Lancashire Fusiliers, just in time to join the Battalion as it set of for the Gallipoli Campaign.
On 17th July 1915 the Lancashire Fusiliers arrived in Alexandria and then moved to Imbros. They finally landed at Sulva Bay, Gallipoli on 6th August and then the Division engaged in various actions including the Battle of Scimitar Hill and attack on Hill 60.
They were evacuated to Mudros in December 1915 due to the severe casualties from combat, disease and harsh weather.
After six months in Egypt defending the Suez Canel, the Battalion moved to France landing at Marseilles and then engaged in various actions on the Western Front including the capture of the Wundt-Werk (Wonder Work) and The Battle of Flers-Courcelette. It was at Flers-Courcelette that Captain Longworth was killed.
Captain E. C. Longworth, aged twenty-seven years, was killed in action on 26th September 1916 and he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D.
His name is also recorded on Mostyn House School War Memorial and at Manchester University.