C.S.M. Ernest Leeke

[gilbo139]

In April I am making another short trip to parts of the Western Front once again visiting the grave of my Great Grandfather at Grove Town Cemetery( Worcs Regt). I have lots of info ref. the Worcs Regiment and numerous books about The First World War in general however on this occassion one of the men in our small patry is visiting the grave of his relative, buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery near passchendaele. Whilst we are there I thought it would be fitting to find out where his ancestor may have been deployed but i have not had much luck in tracing the movements from my limited supply of reference books. Can anyone give me any information on the 1st batallion Royal Welch Fusilliers movements in October 1917..... and if they were involved in tthe Battle of the Somme. The soldier I am researching for my friend was acting Colour Sergeant Major Ernest Leeke 10929 1st Batallion RWF killed in action October 28th 1917, possibly near Gheluvelt aged 22years and born I believe in Ludlow . Thanks

[Baconwallah]

What I have:

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Born in Ludlow. Landed 07/10/1914. Wounded 21/10/1914. Re-joined Bn. Wounded 16/05/1915. Re-joined Bn. KiA (A/CSM) 28/10/1917, age 22. Buried Tyne Cot Cemetery.

1 RWF, until then holding the line W of the Menin Road, was relieved by 1/1 Herts on 28/10/1917 and marched to Shrapnel Corner for transport by bus, departing about 8 p.m. The War Diary notes "Other Ranks 3 killed, 15 wounded, 2 missing". Presumably they were shelled during the day.

1 RWF were involved in the Battle of the Somme. For details see the Regimental Records of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, vol III. It can be bought from the Regimental Museum or obtained on loan from your local library - it's a bit much to copy it all here.

John

PS Any additional information your friend might have would be most welcome. A photo would be tops!

[ap1]

A/CSM at 22!!! very impressive. Even in those days that must have been unusual.

[Baconwallah]

That's a quick reaction, Al! Kudos!

Yes, he must have been a man with leadership qualities. What a waste.

John

[gilbo139]

Baconwallah..... I'm new to using a forum and have no military background so i hope I,m abiding by the correct protocol.....Thanks very much for the useful information you have povided .I don't see my friend that often now but I will visit the library and see the 1st Batallions location on the somme as we will spend a couple of days there, possibly Mametz wood may feature in the actions. It will be his first visit to Tyne Cot to see the grave and when he first rang me with the name he did say the family wondered how he had made C S M by 22yrs Thanks again

[Hywyn]

His papers do not seem to have survived.

However, luckily he was a 1st Bn man and therefore his time in and out of the battalion can be tracked as per Johns' post 2. This is not so easy for many men.

The War Diary for the 1st Bn can be downloaded for a mere £3.50 from the National Archives

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8199338&queryType=1&resultcount=9


and you/your friend can plot his whole war in conjunction with reading the aforementioned Regimental Records. (Be sure to download all 5 pdfs)

Soldiers Died Great War= Born Ludlow, enlisted Wrexham, reside Aston on Clun. KIA 28 10 1917

Hywyn

[ap1]

Excellent, I never realised they were available On-line. I wonder if there would be any copyright issues, if I was to download and publish within the vault?

[Hywyn]

Al

Here's the relevant page re Copyright
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/legal/copyright.htm

I haven' read it!

Here are the RWF ones available. Value for money at £3.50 a go. Many will have paid more for a months worth before this came along!

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=scope%3droyal%20welsh&catid=31&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*


Hywyn

[gilbo139]

Glad there are people around to point me and perhaps others in the right direction. colin

[gilbo139]

Just downloaded the 5pdf's.....read a couple of pages...absolutely incredible to be able to read the actual War diaries...years ago when I started researching my own Great grandad I had to make a special journey to the Regimenal H Q and could onle take notes of what the diaries contained .... now in a couple of minutes you can access the complete diaries , incredible what technology has achieved

[Hywyn]

They're not all available unfortunately Colin. What Battalion was he with. I'll have a look if you want/haven't now got them.
I'm assuming you have checked to see if any records exist. If not fire away with the name and number.

Hywyn

[gilbo139]

Hywyn,
Looks like his service records were destroyed in the Blitz but have got his medal record . My greatgrandad was with the 4th Worcesters and now you have enlightened me to what is available online from Kew after I have read the 1st battalion R W F diaries I might see what else I can find... thanks
Colin

[Hywyn]

If his medal card indicates he attended Gallipoli in 1915 then the diary is available.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8199374&queryType=1&resultcount=7

Hywyn