Category: WW1

Brierley Hill war memorial names: A to E

Allchurch, William
– Wednesday, October 10, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Godewaersvelde, Departement du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Service number: 12803
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Son of Elijah and Mary Ann Allchurch of 10 Stamford Rd, Amblecote, Brierley Hill, Staffs. Awarded the Military Medal. Age 32

  • Click on the name of the cemetery or memorial for more information about locations and actions.

Allden, John
– Monday, June 24, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Brierley Hill (St Michael) Churchyard

Service number:
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion:

  • Click on name for more information including service records and news cuttings where available.

Allden , Arthur Victor
– Friday, July 26, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Brierley Hill (St Michael) Churchyard

Service number: 2171
Regiment: Household Battalion
Battalion: 2nd L.G.

Thomas and Florence Aliwal Allden of 9 Albion Street, Brierley Hill

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Allen, Ernest George
– Wednesday, March 28, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Arras Memorial

Service number: 21736
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

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Askins, William
– Monday, July 10, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Thiepval Memorial

Service number: 12428
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 8th Service

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Baker, Albert William
– Thursday, February 15, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Thiepval Memorial

Service number: Ply/1162(S)
Regiment: Royal Marine Light Infantry
Battalion: 1st R.M. Bn. R.N.Div

Son of Mrs. Rebecca Jones, of 106, Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Ball, Fred
– Friday, January 07, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Helles Memorial

Service number: 20691
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 9th

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Barker, Joseph
– Thursday, August 29, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Glageon Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord

Service number: 203157
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry
Battalion: 1/5th

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Barnbrook, Harold
– Monday, November 19, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Solferino Farm Cemetery

Service number: 39403
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 8th Service

Grandson of Selina Maley

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Barnsley, William H
– Saturday, November 02, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Brierley Hill (South Street) Baptist Chapel Yard

Service number: 50219
Regiment: Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Battalion: 16th Battalion

Son of Joseph Barnsley, of 36, Derry St., Brierley Hill.

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Bayliss, James
– Friday, October 01, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery

Service number: 13958
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 8th Service

Husband of Agnes Bayliss, of I, B Court, Chapel St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Bell, Harry Russell
– Sunday, July 04, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Cambrin Military Cemetery, Pas De Calais

Service number: 2529
Regiment: The King’s (Liverpool Regiment)
Battalion: 7th

Son of Amy Buckle, of 38, High St., Brierley Hill, Staffs, stepson of William Buckle

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Benton, George Hubert
– Tuesday, April 13, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Nieuwerke (Neuve-Eglise) Churchyard, West-Vlaanderen

Service number: 9088
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1/5th (Territorial Force)

Son of George and Eliza Benton, of 6, William Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Billingham, Wesley
– Wednesday, September 29, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Fouquieres Churchyard Extension

Service number: 12811
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

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Bishop, John Bernard
– Tuesday, October 08, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Beaurevoir British Cemetery

Service number: 59467
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry
Battalion: 13th

Samuel Thomas and Hagar Bishop, of Pear Tree Villa, 6 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Bishop, Joseph
– Friday, November 30, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Camrai Memorial, Louverval

Service number: 27999
Regiment: North Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 2/5 bn

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Bissel, George Herbert
– Sunday, September 29, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: St Aubert British Cemetery

Service number: 317571
Regiment: R.A.F.
Battalion: 22nd Squadron

Son of Mr. H. Bissel, of 105, High St., Amblecote, Stourbridge

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Bowen, James
– Thursday, August 16, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No 3, West Vlaanderen

Service number: 21890
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Son of Elijah and Rachel Bowen; Husband of Amelia Bowen, of Brierley Hill

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Bradley, Joseph
– Monday, October 11, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery

Service number: 13033
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Son of William James and Zipporah Bradley, of Brierley Hill; husband of Edith Maria Bradley, of 5, Little Cottage St., Brierley Hill.

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Bradley, Wiliam
– Thursday, October 04, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial

Service number: 17679
Regiment: East Yorkshire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Husband of Florence May Bradley, of 66, New St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Bridgewater, Arthur Clifford
– Wednesday, May 01, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Body not recovered for Burial

Service number: Bristol Z/10019 (Dev)
Regiment: Royal Navy
Battalion: HMS Blackmorevale

Father: Arthur T, 57 High Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs

Brookes, John Henry
– Wednesday, October 13, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Loos Memorial

Service number: 193
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1/5th (Territorial Force)

Son of Thomas Brookes; husband of Amanda Cecelia Brookes, of 51, Fenton St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Brooks, George Henry
– Saturday, April 20, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Tourcoing (Pont Neuville) Communal Cemetery

Service number: 50792
Regiment: Cheshire Regiment
Battalion: 11th

Prisoner of war.

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Brown, Albert Edward
– Thursday, October 04, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial

Service number: 19235
Regiment: Lincolnshire Regiment
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Frederick James J Brown and Rose Brown of 25, Adelaide St, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Bryce, Frank
– Wednesday, October 13, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Loos Memorial

Service number: 7959
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1/5th (Territorial Force)

Son of Arthur and Lucy Bryce, of 2, Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Bull, Joseph David
– Thursday, October 04, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial

Service number: T/204857
Regiment: Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
Battalion: 3/4th

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bull, of 7, High St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Campion, Thomas George
– Wednesday, December 12, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Favreuil British Cemetery

Service number: 235138
Regiment: King’s (Liverpool) Regiment
Battalion: 13th

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Cartwright, John Thomas
– Friday, July 27, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Boulogne Eastern Cemetery

Service number: 13053
Regiment: Grenadier Guards
Battalion: 3rd Battalion

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Cartwright, William Nebo
– Saturday, May 08, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Efford Cemetery and Crematorium, Plymouth, Devon

Service number: 18155
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 3rd Special Reserve

Husband of Mrs Cartwright of 69 Delph, Brierley Hill

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Cartwright, Thomas
– Thursday, October 15, 1914
Cemetery or memorial: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuincy

Service number: 13169
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 3rd

Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cartwright, of 6, Bell St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Cartwright, Enoch
– Sunday, October 13, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Montigny Communal Cemetery

Service number: 107667
Regiment: Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)
Battalion: 10th

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Cartwright, James
– Friday, November 12, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Prowse Point Military Cemetery

Service number: 11687
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 3rd

Mr F. Cartwright of 6, Bell St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Cartwright, Benjamin
– Friday, October 11, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Wellington Cemetery, Rieux-En-Cambrisis

Service number: 3032127
Regiment: Canadian Infantry
Battalion: 19th

Son of Adelaide Maria Cartwright of Brierley Hill

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Casserley, John Herbert
– Thursday, November 18, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L’Avoue

Service number: 17945
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 10th

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Chamberlain, Bertie
– Monday, March 20, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Corbie Communal Cemetery, Corbie, Deparment de la Some, Picardie

Service number: 8639
Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Son of Alfred and Alice Chamberlain of Brierley Hill, Staffordshire; husband of Lucy Symonds, of 239, Minition Houses, Birmigham Road, Dudley, Worcester

  • Click on name for more information including service records and news cuttings where available.
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Chance, John Percival
– Tuesday, July 18, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L’Abbe

Service number: 9230
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 2nd

  • Click on name for more information including service records and news cuttings where available.
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Clarke, Samuel
– Monday, July 10, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Thiepval Memorial

Service number: 9405
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 8th Service

  • Click on name for more information including service records and news cuttings where available.
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Collins, William Henry
– Wednesday, October 13, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Loos Memorial

Service number: 7995
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1/5th (Territorial Force)

Son of Thomas and Mary Collins, of 28, Trinity St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Cook, Hubert
– Friday, July 19, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Fouquieres Churchyard Extension

Service number: 70494
Regiment: Machine Gun Corps
Battalion: Infantry

Son of James and Amy Cook, of 54, Moor Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Couper, Rex Maxwell
– Monday, August 05, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Wavans British Cemetery

Service number: 361040
Regiment: Royal Engineers
Battalion: Cavalry Corps Signal Sqn

Son of Frederick and Olivia L. Couper, of 28, Wilton Rd., Upper Shirley, Southampton

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Courtney, William
– Saturday, November 18, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Grandcourt Road Cemetery, Grandcourt

Service number: 37226
Regiment: Gloucestershire Regiment
Battalion: 8th Service

Son of Isaac and Mary Courtney, of 75, John St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Cox, William James
– Sunday, September 23, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial

Service number: 241530
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 2/6th (T.F.)

Son of Richard and Menorah Bourne Cox, of The Mount, Brettell Lane, Stourbridge

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Culshaw, David
– Saturday, July 14, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: Bard Cottage Cemetery

Service number: 40969
Regiment: Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Battalion: 1st Battalion

Son of Lewis and Sarah E. Culshaw, of 95, Delph, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Culshaw, William Henry
– Thursday, June 15, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Kemmel Château Military Cemetery

Service number: 147615
Regiment: Corps of Royal Engineers
Battalion: 250th tunneling coy

Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Culshaw, of Brierley Hill; husband of Elsie Culshaw, of 2, Plants Hollow, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Dance, George Edward
– Tuesday, August 05, 1919
Cemetery or memorial:

Service number:
Regiment:
Battalion:

44 Parkes Street, Brierley Hill

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Darby, Joseph
– Friday, April 16, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Bailleul Communal Cemetery

Service number: 8873
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1/5th (Territorial Force)

Son of Sandis and Emma Jane Darby, of Wordsley, Staffs; husband of Phoebe Kemp (formerly Darby), of 8, Fenton St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Davies, George
– Saturday, October 12, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Vis-En-Artois Memorial

Service number: 200672
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 1/5th (Territorial Force)

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Davies, Joseph
– Wednesday, October 21, 1914
Cemetery or memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Service number: 8296
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 2nd

Son of David and Sarah Davies, of The Green, Wordsley; Husband of Lydia Dingley (formerly Davies), of 73, Bank St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

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Dovey, Charles Edward
– Friday, April 12, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Anzac Cemetery, Sailly-Sur-La-Lys

Service number: 35133
Regiment: Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Battalion: 4th

Son of Joseph and Rosannah Dovey, of 35, High St., Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Duncombe, Isaac Henry
– Saturday, June 19, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Cambrin Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais

Service number: 9440
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 2nd

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Dunn, Ernest
– Friday, May 31, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille

Service number: 165529
Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery
Battalion: B Battery, 88th Bde

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Edmunds, Albert
– Thursday, March 21, 1918
Cemetery or memorial: Arras Memorial

Service number: 39873
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 10th

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Edwards, Ernest Osborne
– Wednesday, December 15, 1915
Cemetery or memorial: Azmac Cemetery, Suvla

Service number: 13275
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 7th Service Battalion

Son of John Henry and Jane Edwards, of 22, Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Edwards, William Evan
– Monday, April 23, 1917
Cemetery or memorial: The Arras memorial at Faubourg-D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras

Service number: 12621
Regiment: South Staffordshire Regiment
Battalion: 8th Service

Son of Edgar W. Edwards, of 65, Pearson St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

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Everiss, Charles William
– Thursday, November 30, 1916
Cemetery or memorial: Thiepval Memorial

Service number: 12140
Regiment: Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion: 4th

Son of Charles Everiss, of I, Sutton Rd., Kidderminster, Worcs.

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Second historic WW1 Brierley Hill painting at risk

Christmas 1916. Percy and Kate Warren receive news that their son, William Edward Warren, has been wounded in action and is in hospital in France. Determined to visit his son, who served in the Gloucesters, Percy sets out from his Hill Street, Brierley Hill home and arrives in France in December.

At the military hospital Percy finds his son in a serious condition. He has suffered multiple wounds in his thigh, his back and his body. So bad are Pt Warren’s wounds that this is to be the last visit he receives.

Private W. E. Warren’s painting, a gift to the town and now in a perilous state.
Private W. E. Warren’s painting, a gift to the town and now in a perilous state.

On 28th December Pte Warren dies.

Back at home in Brierley Hill he is mourned. Pte Warren had been a star student at the local Art School and the local Higher Education Committee meet in their Moor Street premises to discuss what can be done to commemorate his life.

They decide to take one of his creations, a pen and ink drawing and have it framed and inscribed. In June 1917 the “splendid work” was hung in the art room. The local paper reported:

Brierley Hill Art School will be permanently enriched by the suspension on its walls of the pen and ink drawing executed by the late Private W. Warren, a student of exceptional promise. It was this gallant soldier’s last art effort, and has been suitably framed by direction of the Higher Education Committee.

County Express 23rd June 1917

Now, 97 years after the painting was gifted to the Art School and on the centenary of the start of World War 1 the work of art lies in the bottom draw of the maps cabinet in Brierley Hill library. It is torn and forgotten. It is at risk of disappearing altogether.

One painting has already been lost. Surely this unique work of art which has such a tale attached should be put somewhere safe where the public can view it and where it can be appreciated properly.

Council in hunt for ‘priceless’ lost WW1 painting of Brierley Hill hero

Jordan Painting Web

Librarians in Brierley Hill are contacting their colleagues in Archives after a ‘priceless’ Great War Painting disappeared from its collection.

Depicting local Brockmoor hero Sgt William Jordan – a resident of Campbell Street and a former pupil of Brockmoor School – rescuing a wounded comrade in May 1915, the painting was by award winning artist Francis Gibbon and was presented to the council in July 1917.  For   many years it hung in the reading room of the old library in Moor Street.  Sgt Jordan was promoted for distinguished conduct in the field and was mentioned by Sir John French in his final dispatch before relinquishing his office of Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force in 1915.

The picture above was snapped as part of a Great War research project for this blog in July last year.  By September the painting had gone missing and despite requests no-one at the library has managed to locate it.  Now Dudley Archives are being asked if they can solve the mystery.

Given the historical context of the painting it must be viewed as being irreplaceable and therefore priceless.  It would be a tragedy if it was lost for future generation.

 

 

More about Sgt W. J. Jordan

IMG_2877On 25th September 1915 The Country Express published extracts of a letter sent to the head teacher of Brockmoor School by Sgt Hoggart.  Headed ‘Our Position Very Favourable’ the letter said:

I have arrived back in France, and rejoined my regiment in the firing line. This last day or two we have had very cold, wet weather, I am just settling down to my work again, after having a most enjoyable time at home. Thank you very much for your welcome to me and the manner you entertained me it was the time of my life, and I shall never forget it as long as I live. I feel quite proud to belong to Brockmoor.

He added  that the position of the British is very favourable, and:

When I was at home I left some alter flags which are found amongst the ruins of a church in Flanders; if you would care to use them please ask my daughter to bring them to the school.

In a sad twist of fate Sgt Jordan was killed in action on the very day his letter  was published in the newspaper, 25th September 1915, the opening day of the Battle of Loos.

The regimental diary for that fateful day reads:

The first day of the Battle of Loos, north west of Lens. “C” Company led the attack at 6.30am from their trenches at Noyelles and were immediately hit by withering fire from concealed machine guns. The German forward and support trenches were seized along with a series of quarries behind them. No further gains were made following which the troops were heavily shelled in their captured positions. “A” and “B” Companies were pinned down only a matter of yards from their starting positions and were ordered to return to their lines. Casualties amounted to 430 other ranks killed or wounded, out of 729 who attacked, 9 officers killed, 8 wounded (1 died) and 1 gassed of the 21 who went into action.

The War Diary (in part) records,“25 September 1915 – There is very little to describe about the actual assault, but the facts stand out very clearly. The Regiment had to cross a fire zone of about 500 yards exposed to very heavy-gun, machine gun and rifle fire, and storm a powerful line of trenches protected by broad strong lines of thick barbed wire.There was a strong support line behind the front line on higher ground and behind this the famous ‘Quarries’ on still higher ground. The final objective was Cite St. Elie, behind a very powerfully entrenched and wired position.The gallant 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment rose to their feet at 6.28am on 25 September 1915 on the order to ‘advance’ being given, they advanced in extended order at about 3 paces interval between men, and moved steadily forward against this almost impregnable position. They stormed it, took the 2nd or Support Line and what remained of this magnificent old regiment moved on and with other Corps mixed up with them captured the ‘Quarries’ and some of them under the C.O. went on up to within about 50 yards of the German position at Cite St. Elie.”

 

By early 1916 news had arrived home of the death of Sgt Jordan.

The late Sgt WH Jordan

Sgt WH Jordan, of the South Staffordshire Regiment, whose home was at Campbell Street, Brockmoor, and who was killed in France in September, was mentioned (for conspicuous and gallant conduct) in the last dispatch set by Sir John French before his recent relinquishing of the office of Commander-In-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force. Sgt Jordan’s many admirers will regret that this gallant soldier did not live to learn of this signal honour.
County Express 8th January 1916 

Later that year the offer of a painting was made to Brierley Hill Council.

Through Mr JJ Applebey, the chairman of Brierley Hill Council (Mr Ernest Marsh) has received from Mr Francis Gibbons, Wordsley, an offer of a gift to Brierley Hill of an oil painting depicting the late Sgt Jordan, a local man, in the act of rescuing a wounded comrade. Mr Marsh has formally accepted the gift in the Council’s name, and it is expected the picture will shortly be received and hung in the Council Chamber.
County Express 23rd of June 1917

The action of Mr Ernest Marsh, in accepting on behalf of Brierley Hill the gift of Mr Frank Gibbons of an oil painting depicting a local soldier in the act of rescuing a wounded comrades on the Western front, was officially confirmed on Monday. Arrangements are to be made for the picture to be hung in the Council Chamber.
County Express 7th July 1917

Gift of a Picture
At the General Purposes Committee Mr Marsh produced a letter addressed to him as chairman of the Council, from Mr JJ Applebey, asking on behalf of Mr Frank Gibbons, the Council’s acceptance of a picture painted by the latter gentleman. Mr Marsh said he had accepted the picture on the Council’s behalf, and it was resolved that his action in so doing be approved and confirmed, and the Council’s thanks be conveyed to Mr Applebey and Mr Gibbons for the gift.
The Chairman said the letter from Mr Appleby reached him immediately following the last Council meeting, but he took upon himself to accept the gift, and to thank Mr Gibbons and Mr Appleby most warmly. He asked the council to approve his action.
Mr Smith moved, and Mr Buckle seconded, that the Council cordially approve the chairman’s action, and this was carried.
Mr James said perhaps this acceptable gift would prove an inducement to others to present pictures of local or national interest. If so they would in turn be able to secure a collection if that building were extended, and have an art gallery on a small scale established.
County Express 7th of July 1917.

The oil painting by Mr Frank Gibbons depicting the rescue of a wounded comrade by Sgt Jordan, of Brockmoor, recently presented by the artist to Brierley Hill Council, is to be hung in the Reading Room of the Free Library. A special committee of members of the Council and outside gentlemen (including Mr Frank Gibbons) are deputed to obtain war momentoes from local heroes with a view to securing a permanent collection for the town.
County Express 28th of July 1917

Gift Picture
A letter from Mr F Gibbons was read at the General Purposes Committee, suggesting that his gift picture should be hung in the Library reading room. This was agreed to. A suggestion by him that a collection of mementos of the great war should be glossed together and placed on exhibition, was referred to a special committee consisting of Councillors Fereday, Williams, and Marsh – with power to co-opt members. It was resolved to write and ask Mr Gibbons to accept colour option on the committee.
County Express 18th of August 1917

The picture was duly displayed with the inscription:

A BRIERLEY HILL HERO
Sergt. W. H. Jordan (South Staffs. Regt.) of Brockmoor, Brierley Hill, with great bravery stole out one night in May 1915. ‘somewhere in France’ and brought in a wounded comrade, who for two days had lain in an exposed position in front of our lines.”Sergt. Jordan was subsequently killed in the battle of Loos.”His widow received a letter, written in the name of the King, on recommendation of Field Marshal Sir John French, in praise of her husband’s bravery.

It is very sad that the picture now seems to be lost.

 

More about the artist Francis Gibbons

An obituary published in the Country Express gives more information about Francis Gibbons:

DEATH OF MR FRANCIS GIBBONS.
Artist, Manufacturer, Philanthropist.

It is with very sincere regret, which we know will be widely shared, that we record the death of Mr Francis Gibbons, which occurred at his residence, Cliff House, Wordsley, yesterday evening week.

Born at Oaksey in 1852, the son of the late Mr James Gibbons, who removed to Cirencester in 1853, Mr Gibbons was the fourth son in a family, each member of which achieved remarkable success in the artistic and literary world. He spent his youth and early manhood in Cirencester, where he commenced training in art at the classes conducted in Dyer Street by Mr J Miller. He soon showed promise of high-capacity, and eventually obtained a training scholarship at the South Kensington Royal College of Art, where he studied under the talented Mr Moody for two years. On finishing his training he obtained a position as art director at Messrs Doulton’s Royal Pottery at Lambeth, where he designed many of their world renowned ceramic productions. He left Doulton’s to take the place of his brother Edward during his illness, as an art master at the Edinburgh School of Art. He relinquished this position on the latter’s return, and for experience sake he acted for a short time as artist at the Devon Where Factory at Torquay, and was also for a period manager of Messrs Allen’s Pottery in Broseley, Shropshire.

Local Work.

In 1885, in connection with his brother Owen, and brother-in-law, Mr WJ Hinton, he started a decorative tile factory at Brierley Hill, Staffordshire. Meeting with the greatest difficulty at the commencement, he with his partners, by dint of strenuous labour and artistic and technological merit made the name of the firm Gibbons, Hinton and co-, Ltd, widely known in the home and in the colonial markets. Mr Gibbons introduced many improvements in the declaration and mechanical production of tiles, and was an acknowledged expert in pottery chemistry on both empirical and scientific lines.

The variety of his capacities was only excelled by his own wearying perseverance. In art he won many highly coveted rewards. Among them the Goldsmiths travelling scholarship, the Plasterers Company prize in open competition £50 awarded annually for the best design in plaster, the South Kensington gold medal (three times), and many silver and bronze medals. He was particularly expert in oil and watercolour paintings, and had exhibited at the Royal Academy. An expert amateur photography – his productions were as perfect technically as they were artistic composition. He was an enthusiastic amateur gardener and botanist, and had an intense love of music, several of his compositions having being accepted and published by prominent London music publishers.

Varied Interests.

He was president of the Wordsley Liberal Club, a member of the Wordsley Committee of Our School Managers, and of the managers of the Wordsley Church of England Schools, the Brierley Hill Temperance Council, and Brierley Hill Congregational Church.

Of almost puritanical upbringing, he was a staunch Liberal and Nonconformist, and a lifelong abstainer, but he was remarkable for his broadness of mind and generous judgement. The soul of benevolence – only his most intimate friends had any inkling of the extent of his subscription list to deserving cases and causes. Notwithstanding his high talents and merited successes he was modest and unassuming to a high degree. He never married, he devoted his energies to the alleviation of the cares of others. He was a valued and frequent contributor to these columns on a great variety of subjects.

At His Brother’s Funeral.

His illness was a very brief one. He attended the funeral of his brother Edward at Cirencester on September 26, and travelling to and from Cirencester caught a cold which accentuated chronic bronchial trouble from which he died.

Public References.

At the Temperance Hall. Brierley Hill, on a Sunday evening Mr C Wilkes (President of the Temperance Council), made reference to the loss the temperance cause have sustained to the death of Mr Gibbons, who was a trustee of the hall, and a very good worker and supporter of the temperance movement.

The Funeral.

The funeral took place at Wordsley extension churchyard on Thursday afternoon.

County Express 12th of October 1918

How Stanley Harley won his DCM in 1917

On being honoured by Brierley Hill District Council in September 1917, Lance Corporal Stanley Harley modestly accepted a gift of a watch.  He didn’t give a full story of his achievements though – this would have been a breech of duty given the secretive nature of war.

 
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Following the war a book “The Worcestershire Regiment in The Great War” by H. Fitm. Stacke was published. The volume is available to view in the reference library in Stourbridge. It gives details of the “Action of Bouchavesnes” on 4th March 1917 where Harley won his medal.

As dawn broke (5.30 a.m.) on March 4th the British artillery opened a barrage fire. The opening crash of the bombardment served as signal (This was a variant on the usual method of synchronised watches) to the battalions detailed for the attack, and all along the front of the British trenches troops swarmed out and poured forward in a series of waves. The 1st Worcestershire were in the centre of the attacking line, with the 2nd Northamptonshire on the left. The right flank of the Worcestershire was on the road from Bouchavesnes to Moislains; south of the road the 2nd Royal Berkshire continued the front of attack.

The attack was immediately successful.

The German front line,”Pallas Trench,” was easily overrun and the attackers swept onward to their further objective, “Fritz Trench,” the German second line.

Led by Captain N. H. Stone, Lieutenant R. A. O’Donovan and 2/Lieut. J. A. Smithin the Worcestershire platoons charged “Fritz Trench.” These three officers were awarded the M.C.

There was a short but desperate struggle. The enemy resisted to the last, but the attackers were not to be denied.

For a few minutes a German machine-gun held up the onslaught, but the gun was rushed and captured by a party headed by Sergeant T. Guest. Sergeant Guest was awarded the D.C.M. for his actions.

Within a quarter of an hour from the start “Fritz Trench” had been secured.

In many places the trench had been so battered as to be unrecognisable; the attackers passed over it and pushed on down the slope to “Bremen Trench,” the enemy’s third line.

There they bombed dugouts and roped in prisoners until it was realised that our own shells were falling closely around. Recognising from this that they had gone too far, those foremost of the victors fell back and rejoined the main body of the Battalion, who were busily working to prepare the captured positions for defence, under the personal direction of Colonel Grogan.

The Colonel was everywhere, controlling the dispositions and the entrenchment, inspiring all by his own cheerfulness and courage. Colonel Grogan was awarded the D.S.O. for his gallant leadership.

From “Fritz Trench” good observation could be obtained over the whole of the Moislains Valley. The captured position was in fact very important, and the whole weight of the enemy’s artillery and infantry was at once thrown in to regain it.

The work of consolidation was continued under an ever increasing bombardment from all directions, and soon the enemy commenced a series of violent counter-attacks. Most of those counter-attacks were made against the flanking Battalions and a fierce bombing struggle raged all the morning around “Fritz Cut,” immediately to the left of the Worcestershire line; but presently the enemy began to dash forward in increasing numbers up the open slopes.

The Worcestershire platoons opened a hot fire. Lance-Corporal F. H. S. Harley, in particular, did notable execution with his Lewis-gun, and the remnant of the attacking enemy were driven to cover. L/Cpl. Harley was awarded the D.C.M.

All day the enemy’s shells beat against their lost trenches, but by nightfall “Fritz Trench” was securely in our hands and the firing died away.

Later the 2nd West Yorkshire came up to take over the captured ground, and the 1st Worcestershire, weary but triumphant, tramped back to “Asquith Flats.”

The casualties, nearly all due to the enemy’s shell-fire, had been very heavy—over 200, including ten officers. Killed, 6 officers (Capt. R. P. Birtles, Lieut. R. M. Ross, 2/Lts. W. E. Deakin, F. M. Marrs, A. P. Rosling and W. Ward) and 44 men. Wounded 4 officers and 358 other ranks. Missing 11.

Further details can be found at http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/bat_1_1917.php

StanHarleyBattle

Stanley Harley – the man on top of Brierley Hill War Memorial – a town honours its hero

StanleyHarleyDCM

Following the end of World War One residents in Brierley Hill wished to erect a war memorial. A design was chosen and the ex-servicemen’s association was asked who should model for photographs from which the sculpture was designed.

They chose Stanley Harvey, the first Brierley Hill man to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the war.

The London Gazette, 11th May 1917, announced Harley’s award.  Its citation read:

“16370 Pte, (acting L./Cpl.) F.H.S. Harley, Worcs. R.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  He opened fire with his machine gun at a critical time and defeated all enemy attempts to counter attach.  Later, he carried two machine guns out of action through a heavy hostile barrage.”

As the first local man to win such a high military honour the town was greatly excited.  The local newspaper wrote:

Brierley Hill DCM

Amongst those mentioned in last Friday’s “London Gazette” as having been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal is Lt Cpl F.H. Stanley Harley, Worcestershire Regiment, son of Mrs Murray,  and stepson of Mr Charles Murray, 9, Hill Street, Brierley Hill. we understand the act of gallantry which gained Lance Cpl Harley the honour occurred in our attack on March 12 last. He was in charge of two guns. Upon the battalion reaching their objective all his team were wounded, and he was left alone; but though under very heavy German shellfire, he succeeded in bringing the guns safely through. The lance Cpl is an old boy of Bent Street Council Schools. He enlisted on September 2, 1914, when only 16 years of age, and will not be 19 until next July. He expects to come home shortly, and we understand arrangements are being made to publicly recognise the honour he has brought to his native town.  Before joining the colours he was employed at the Earl of Dudley’s Round Oak Works.

County Express 19 May 1917

Lance Corporal Harley returned on leave to Brierley Hill in September 1917.  The town council, meeting in the old Technical Institute building on Moor Street, honoured him with a presentation:

“A Hero Indeed.”

Brierley Hill DC medallist

Publicly Honoured by District Council

L-Cpl Stanley Harley, son of Mrs Murray, and stepson of Mr Charles Murray, of Hill Street, Brierley Hill, was the first Brierley Hill man to receive the DCM decoration. 
He arrived home last weekend on a 10 days leave, and as the time was too short to enable the town authority to arrange for a public reception, they decided to invite the soldier to Monday’s meeting of the Urban Council, so that the chairman (Mr AE Marsh) might, in the name of the town, congratulate him upon the distinguished honour he had won. 

L-Cpl Harvey was accompanied by Mr Murray, and on entering the Council Chamber received a very hearty welcome.

Brave, Brilliant, and Gallant.

The Chairman said he had a very pleasant duty to perform. 

They were met to congratulate L-Cpl Stanley Harley, of the Worcestershire Regiment, who had recently received the DCM for a very brave, brilliant, and gallant episode, of which he was the hero, and which occurred on March 4th  last-(hear, hear). 
Although all the men who were with him were killed, Harley, at great personal risk, took charge of two Lewis guns and brought them out of action safely-(hear, hear). It was a very brave and courageous act, and well merited the signal honour which has been conferred upon him-(hear, hear). 

Harley, he believed, was the first Brierley Hill man who had received the DCM decoration, and it was felt that such a distinguished honour reflected credit on the town itself, and should be publicly recognised. As chairman of the Council he congratulated L-Cpl Stanley Harley, and at the same time asked him to accept a little present-a silver luminous wrist watch-as a small token of the gratitude of the town for his noble action-(hear, hear). In handing to the hero gift the Chairman said: “We are all very proud of you, and I have very great pleasure in welcoming you to this Council meeting tonight.”

A Hero Indeed.

Mr G Fred James (vice chairman) said he would like to associate himself with the appreciate reading remarks from the chair. 

L-Cpl Harley was a hero indeed-(hear, hear). Few of them three years ago thought the war would be on now. During that time anxiety is had crowded upon them. Many of the people of Brierley Hill has lost their dearest and best.  The papers has been almost daily filled with the stories of horrors perpetrated by a faux unequalled insanitary in the history of the world. 

But although they had had their terrible happenings, they had on the other hand read  of actions which had gladdened their hearts. The bravery of our men was worthy of the most distinguished honours; they were heroes indeed. And what has pleased their most was the fact that Brierley Hill boys were among them – (hear, hear). 

The Staffords and the Worcester’s has distinguished themselves on many occasions, and he hopes that the time was not far distant when the town might welcome back all those brave lads who have so faithfully fought our cause in foreign lands-(hear, hear).

Although many have distinguished themselves, perhaps when the records of the regiments came to be written they would hear something about individual doings. In the meantime we all prayed that the war might be quickly over, so that we might have the pleasure of welcoming back our brave lads. Perhaps when the proper time pain they would be able to give their heroes are more public welcome-(hear, hear).

The Town Pride.

Mr T Williams said he has known Harley’s family for many years. Brierley Hill was very proud of him-(hear, hear). Many other Brierley Hill lads had won distinctions. Several have been decorated with Militarily Medals, and he thought it was up to the Council and the town to see that these heroes were properly recognised. He thought steps should be taken almost immediately to show that the town appreciated the honours which the men had brought to it-(hear, hear).

A Modest Reply.

L-Cpl Harley, who was warmly received, thanked the Council for their congratulation, and the chairman of his very nice present. The lads of the Black Country were all doing their bit to bring glory to their native towns-(hear, hear). He was unable to give his experiences publicly, but he would be glad and proud to tell the story of how he won the DCM to any of the members of the Council should they care to hear it-(hear, hear). As to the probable length of the war, he thought that the next three years would see the finish of it -(laughter).

The Chairman said he would very much like to hear Harley related his experiences. He added that there had not been time to have an inscription engraved on the watch, but this would be done later. 

County Express 8th September 1917