Battles of the Somme 1 July to 20 November 1916 including details of Littleborough and Wardle soldiers who fell

In December 1915 tentative plans were laid for a major Somme offensive by the French with close support from the British to breach the German defences and bring to an end the frustrations of trench warfare.

Although the British under General Haig wanted the new offensive to take place in Flanders the French plan was adopted in February 1916.

Less than a week later, the Germans launched an offensive directed towards Verdun.

The net result was that the roles were reversed with the British taking the lead role.

Preparations went ahead with in near full view of the Germans whose front line lay on the high ground to the north and east.

Whilst the objective was to break through the German lines, at the end that was missed as the campaign ground on with increasing loss of life and tragically injured men on both sides.

The 141 days of the Battle of the Somme which commenced on 1 July 1916, lasted until the middle of November 1916.

Battle of Albert, 1–13 July 1916
The Allied preparatory artillery bombardment commenced on 24 June 1916 and the Anglo-French infantry attacked on 1 July 1916 from Foucaucourt south of the Somme and from the Somme north to Gommecourt, 2 miles (3.2 km) beyond Serre.

The French inflicted a considerable defeat on the Germans and the Anglo forces also had success south of the Albert–Bapaume Road.

North thereof to Gommecourt, the British attack was a disaster. Despite days of continuous shelling, when the British soldiers went over the top and walked across ‘no man's land’ the German soldiers, contrary to expectations, came out of their deep bunkers commanding the higher ground and machine gunned many British soldiers before they even reached ‘no man's land’ never mind the German trenches. Some British troops including the Ulstermen did enter the German trenches but lack of support meant they were later given up.

There was more success on the southern parts of the battlefield and pockets elsewhere beyond the Albert – Bapaume Road.

There is evidence that the Germans knew more about the allied plans than was thought and had therefore prepared deeper bunkers for the safety of their men.

However, on the first day of the battle 19,240 British soldiers lost their life and twice as many more were injured.

Haig abandoned the offensive north of the Albert – Bapaume road to reinforce the success in the south largely against the wishes of the French.

Ten Littleborough and Wardle soldiers also fell on the first day with a further five days following.

Their stories are as follows:

Mametz – Saturday 1 July 1916
The heavily fortified village of Mametz located close to the Albert – Peronne Road and the Germans benefitted from excellent observation from well sited enemy trenches and strong points.

The capture of Mametz was a prime objective of the 7th Division which included both the 8th and 9th Battalions of the Devonshire Regiment.

Cptn D L Martin of the 9th Bn was convinced that there was an enemy machine gun position built into a wayside shrine at the cemetery which could wipe out advancing troops.

On leave he made a plastacine model of the battlefield which confirmed his fears. Even after briefing fellow officers no action was taken and when he went over the top he was proved right as the machine gun opened up causing many casualties including himself.

Most of the dead were buried in the trench from which they set out, and a memorial stone now commemorates the wooden memorial erected by their comrades: “The Devonshires held this trench The Devonshires hold it still.”

The Devonshire Cemetery contains the bodies of 160 men of the Devonshire regiment, including five Littleborough soldiers killed in action on the 1 July 1916.

Private Samuel Ashworth - 9th Devonshire Regiment
Samuel was born in the Littleborough area in 1897 and in 1911 the family had moved to 3 Clough House, Wardle.

Before enlisting Samuel attended the Wesleyan Sunday School at Wardle and was employed as a Carrier by Messrs Burrell of Littleborough. He enlisted early on in the war and was at the front for some 15 months but 19-year-old Pte 18740 Ashworth was killed in action and having no known grave is commemorated on pier and face 1c on Thiepval Memorial.

Following his death the Rochdale Observer of 29 June reported that the Wesleyan Sunday School made special references to the sad circumstances of his death.

CWGC advised that he was the son of Thomas Ashworth of 33 Dye House Lane, Smallbridge.

Soldiers died in the Great War showed him as born in Smithy Bridge.

There is an S Ashworth on the Wardle War Memorial.

Private Walter Clayton Calverley 8th Devonshire Regiment
Walter was born in Littleborough in autumn 1894 and in 1911 the family had moved to 2 Oak Terrace, Summit.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in January 1915 he had been employed by Messrs Fothergill and Harvey. He was secretary of the Summit Primitive Methodist Sunday School and a member of the church choir.

The family remained at that address and on Wednesday 26 July 1916, they had been officially informed that their 22 year old son Private 15522 Walter Clayton Calverley had been killed in action and is buried in the Devonshire Cemetery, Mametz, France in Grave Number B. 2.

Pte Calverley’s name can be seen on Littleborough Cenotaph. Sentiments to his memory were published in the Rochdale Observer of the 30 June from his close family and his Uncle John and Aunt Lydia and in the 29 July 1917 issue also from his family and from his chum Harry, somewhere in France. 

The Rochdale Observer for 2 August 1916 reported that on Sunday night a special service in his memory was held in the Primitive Methodist Church at Summit. There was a fairly large congregation, Rev F L Humphreys was the preacher and the 'Dead March' was played.

Private Fred Edward Cartwright - 9th Devonshire Regiment
The 1901 Census includes Fred Cartwright aged 15 and born in Littleborough around 1886, employed as an errand boy at a cotton mill and living at with his parents at 117 Summit.

In the 1911 census he was listed residing at 5 Centre Vale (Rochdale Observer for 22 July 1916 report No 6) together with his Littleborough born wife Gertrude, daughter Evelyn Gertrude born 1908 and son Ernest born 1912. He was shown as employed as a scourer in a velvet works.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale he was employed at the Littleborough Dyeing Co. Calderbrook.

By weekending Saturday 19 July 1916 Mrs Cartwright, 6 Centre Vale, Todmorden Road had unofficially learned that her husband Private 13370 Fred E.

Cartwright had been killed in action and is buried in the Devonshire Cemetery grave A7, Mametz, France.

His name inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph and the Ebenezer Chapel (Summit) War Memorial.

On Sunday afternoon 6 August 1916 a memorial service in his memory was held in the Ebenezer Chapel.

Lance Corporal Albert Kershaw - 9th Devonshire Regiment
Albert was born in Littleborough in early spring 1890 and in 1911 the family lived at 5 Bare Hill Street with Albert working as a cotton mill weaver.

Even at 76-years-old, his grandfather was still working as a cotton mill mechanic.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in July 1915, Lance Corporal Kershaw had been employed at Messrs Fothergill and Harvey's.

By Saturday 19 July 1916 official information had been received by his grandparents that their 26-year-old Lance Corporal 16158 Albert Kershaw had been killed in action and is buried in the Devonshire Cemetery, Mametz, France grave No A 8.

Lance Corporal Kershaw's name is on Littleborough Cenotaph and on the Holy Trinity War Memorial and there is an A Kershaw on the Littleborough (Durn) Baptist Church War Memorial.

Private Frederick Cheetham Taylor - 9th Devonshire Regiment
Frederick was born late spring 1897 in Littleborough and in 1911 he was recorded in Rochdale Infirmary but the family lived at 3 Gatehouse, Littleborough.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale on 9 March 1915, Frederick was serving his time at Messrs Hollinrake's hairdressers, Seed Hill Buildings, Hare Hill Road, Littleborough and had strong associations with Littleborough (Durn) Baptist Chapel where he was a Sunday School teacher.

Private Taylor embarked for France on 27 July 1915.

He was severely wounded near Loos on 25 September 1915 being invalided home on 1 October 1915 and admitted for admin purposes to West General Hospital, Manchester being initially sent to Hope Hospital, Weaste, Salford.

At a later date he was transferred to Stubbins Vale House Red Cross & St John Hospital, Stubbin near Ramsbottom. He wrote home (details available).

After 16 weeks hospitalisation, Frederick was discharged fit for duty and enjoyed seven days furlough with his family in Littleborough before he returned to his regiment.

In a letter dated the 9 July 1916 forwarded by an army chaplain, Mrs Naomi Taylor, 2 Barnfield, Old Blackstone Edge Road was informed that her 19-year-old son, Private Frederick Cheetham Taylor 15903, had been killed in action and was buried in grave B4 of the Devonshire Cemetery.

His name is recorded on the Littleborough (Durn) Baptist Chapel War Memorial (now in Littleborough Library), Littleborough Central School Memorial and on the Cenotaph in Littleborough.

His parents after the war commissioned a private memorial to his memory which was in Durn chapel until it was demolished, the tablet now being in the possession of the Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society and is located with the Central School Memorial in the History Centre.

Private Taylor's father enlisted at the commencement of hostilities 19 May 1915 and served in the Royal Field Artillery, he survived the war.

Orvillers Spur And Mash Valley – Saturday 1 July 1916
Together with the 2nd Middlesex, the 2nd Devonshires lead the attack up Mash Valley towards Pozieres suffering very heavy casualties from machine gun fire from Ovillers and la Boisselle.

A few men, around 70, managed to get into the German trench but after three hours were driven out.

The division suffered 5,121 casualties and four Littleborough soldiers were killed as a result of this action.

Private Arthur Greenbank - 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment
Arthur was born in Todmorden in early spring/late winter 1896 and in 1901 the family lived in the Coachman’s Hose at Castle Lodge, Todmorden.

Private Greenbank enlisted in February 1916 at Rochdale and was employed at the Littleborough Dyeing Company; his parents came from Todmorden to Littleborough where he lived at the time of his death.

Whilst at Todmorden he attended Cross Stones Church Sunday School.

In 1911, Arthur was a boarder at 34 Red is Cross St, Rochdale and was employed as a telegraph boy.

22-year-old Private 15612 Arthur Greenbank has no known grave and his name is inscribed on Pier and Face IC, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, as well as on Littleborough Cenotaph.

His brother, Herbert Greenbank was serving in a minesweeper at the time of Private Greenbank’s death. (Pte E Heyworth K.I.A. on the same day as Pte Greenbank and with the regimental number 15613 probably enlisted on the same day).

Private Ernest Heyworth - 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment
Born in Littleborough in Autumn 1898 and in 1911 the family lived at 12 Green Vale, Littleborough, with 12-year-old Ernest being a cotton doffer and part time scholar.

Prior to enlisting at Rochdale at the age of 16 Ernest Heyworth was employed at Messrs Fothergill & Harvey’s Rock Nook Mill.

(Pte Heyworth probably enlisted at the same time as Pte A Greenbank, their regimental number being 15613 for Pte Heyworth & 15612 for Pte Greenbank).

In late April 1917, Mr and Mrs H. Heyworth, 13 Green Vale, were officially informed that their year old son Private 15613 Ernest Heyworth, had been killed in action.

Pte Heyworth has no known grave with his name being inscribed on pier and face 1C, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France and on the Cenotaph in Littleborough.

The Rochdale Observer of 19 May 1917 noted that a Memorial Service would be held Sunday evening in Temple Methodist Church for Privates S Fielden and Ernest Heyworth.

Private Joshua Fielden - 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment
Joshua was born in Littleborough in winter 1893 and by 1911 lived at 3 Williams Passage Summit.

Joshua and twin John were employed as labourer operative cotton bobbin carriers and his other brothers were in the cotton trade whereas his father was a dairy farmer.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale soon after the outbreak of war, he had been employed in the slashing department of Fothergill & Harvey.

His parents were informed weekending 3 February 1917 that their son, 22-year-old Private 15591 Joshua Fielden, 2nd Bn. Devonshire Regiment had died on Tuesday 4 July 1916 in the third or 44th Casualty Clearing Station at Puchevillers from wounds he had received during the 'Great Push' of Saturday the 1 July 1916.

Joshua is buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave No I C 2 and his name is inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph and on the Roll of Honour and War Memorial of St. James’s (Calderbrook) Church.

On the family grave in St James’s Churchyard the inscription ‘Pte Joshua Fielden, 2nd Devonshire Regiment, died of wounds received in France 4 July 1916 aged 22 years’.

Private Tom May - 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment 
Tom was born in Walsden (believed to be late 1897), where he continued to live at the time of the 1911 census.

Tom enlisted in Halifax but at the time of his death he was reported as living in Littleborough.

The Rochdale Observer for 15 July 1916 included Private T May within a list of wounded soldiers advising an address at Rock Nook.

Four days later, the edition of 19 July reported him being wounded whilst in the machine gun section of the Devonshire Regiment, adding that he enlisted in January 1915 and went to the front in May.

He was a weaver in Sladen Mill.

These reports perhaps gave the wrong impression in-as-much as Private 15520 Tom May, 2nd Bn, Devonshire Regiment died of wounds in a hospital in Boulogne on Thursday 13 July 1916 with his body being interred in Grave Number VIII D 112 Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

Pte May’s name is commemorated on the Littleborough Cenotaph and Holy Trinity War Memorial.

The Rochdale Observer for 26 July 1916 reported that a service was held on Sunday Eve in the Holy Trinity Church, conducted by Rev A F Gaskell for Privates Roland Gaukroger, Frank Ridings, Tom May, and William Clement Marsh. The ‘Dead March’ and the ‘Last Post’ was played by the Church Lad's Brigade.

La Boisselle 1 July 1916
Two mines were exploded two minutes before zero hour at Lochnagar (62,000lbs) and YSap (40,600lbs) but there was no surprise and 10 minutes after zero 80% of the men in the leading battalion were casualties.

The 15th Royal Scots were in ‘no man’s land’ some 200 yards from the German front line at zero hour and were forced to the right by machine-gun fire from Sausage Valley and La Boisselle. The Scots reached Birch Tree Wood and then veered back to correct their drift.

One Littleborough soldier fell in the attack.

Private Arthur Clarke Hill – 15th Bn Royal Scots 
Arthur was born Littleborough in 1894 and in 1911 the family lived at Heather Cottages, Whittaker with Arthur employed as a Fulling Miller (his attestation papers show him as a Tenterer).

He enlisted in Manchester on 30 December 1914 and embarked from Southampton.

He was killed in action and having no known grave he is remembered on Pier and Face 6D & 7D, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

Arthur was a regular correspondent with the Rev Oakley and when his letters stopped the Rev Oakley wrote to Private Hill’s chaplain who replied saying: “He was killed in action and buried on the battlefield. His body was not buried in one of the recognised cemeteries, but it is some consolation to know that it was found and definitely laid to rest, and where better, after all, than where he fell?"

He is also remembered on Littleborough Cenotaph, Holy Trinity, St Andrew’s Memorial Card and War Memorial, the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – State Section and also on the family grave in St James Churchyard, the headstone inscribed with the sentiment: 'Killed On The Field In France In The Great Advance.'

The Rochdale Observer for 3 August 1918 reported that a memorial service to be held tomorrow, Sunday 4 August would include the dedication of the choir cross (presented by the choir in memory of former choristers).

On 16 August the paper included sentiments from his widowed mother and family as well as from his brother Charlie and Alice of 4 Barnfield, Littleborough.

Beaumont Hamel 1 July 1916
As elsewhere, the German defences were strategically located on the high ground.

These included Hawthorn redoubt. A large mine blown under the redoubt at 07:20, a full 10 minutes before the battle started.

Sections of 1st Bn Lancashire Fusiliers were in a sunken lane opposite the redoubt whereas others were at the British front line.

Although all of the Battalion advanced none made the German front line.

One Wardle soldier was seriously injured in the attack.

Private Gerald Holt – 1st Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
Gerald was born in Wardle in Autumn 1894 and he lived at Vineyard Cottage, Wardle with his family.

In 1911 he was employed as a Cotton warehouseman.

Gerald was connected to Wardle Wesleyan Sunday School and used to work at Shore Mill, Littleborough but may have left before the outbreak of war.

After joining the Lancashire Fusiliers some months earlier it was reported that his proficiency as a shot rapidly gained distinction for him and he succeeded in winning his regimental prize.

The Rochdale Observer 22 July 1916 reported that his mother had received news that her son, 21-year-old Pte G Holt 29395, had died of wounds on 3 July 1916.

He is buried in Grave B36 Beauval Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.

In the Roll of Honour of the Rochdale Observer for 29 July 1916 his family left their sentiments and thanked those who offered their kind expressions of sympathy.

The ‘In Memoriam’ column in the Rochdale Observer for 7 July 1917 included sentiments from the family at home and abroad, Vineyard Cottage, Wardle.

He is remembered on the Wardle War Memorial and on the Shore Mills war memorial.

Beaumont Hamel – Y Ravine 1 July 1916
When the 87 Brigade of the 29th Division attacked Y Ravine they found the wire uncut and three machine guns delivering murderous fire.

At 08:05 the 1st Bn Border Regiment attacked but met a similar fate.

One Littleborough soldier died in the attack.

Sergeant Percy Kershaw – 1st Border Regiment
Percy was born in Middleton in late winter 1893.

Later living at Milnrow but by 1911 the family had moved to 1 Moss Cottage, Smithy Bridge. Percy was a groom and his father continued his role on the railway.

Prior to enlisting at Bury he lived with his parents at Moss Cottages, Fletcher's Road, Smithy Bridge and had been employed as assistant coachman to Dr George MacGill, Hollingbrook House, Littleborough.

He served in Belgium where he was wounded requiring a stay at Brand Lodge Hospital, Malvern, from where he wrote a long letter home (details available).

He later served in Gallipoli and later returned to France.

24-year-old Sergeant 10358 Percy Kershaw was killed in action in France and is buried in Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No 2 Auchonvillers, Somme, France Grave Number A 2.

His name is on St Andrew's Memorial Card and also their War Memorial as a former member of their Bible Guild. He is also listed on the Littleborough Cenotaph.

The Rochdale Observer for 3 August 1918 reported that a Memorial Service to be held tomorrow, Sunday 4 August, would include the dedication of the choir cross (presented by the choir in memory of former choristers).

Between Beaumont Hamel and Serre 1 July 1916
Further north, the Kings Own reached the German positions and progressed to Munich Trench and Pendant Copse but counter attacks forced them back to the Quadrilateral.

One Littleborough soldier fell in that attempt.

Private Joseph Gledhill - 1st Bn Kings Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
Joseph was born in Littleborough in late spring 1888 and by 1911 lived at 83 Featherstone Road, his father was a Lamplighter and Joseph was a Flannelette Sewer.

Joseph was a member of Durn Baptist Chapel and choir, a member of their football team in the Rochdale and District Football League and sang in the Littleborough Male Glee Club.

He enlisted in Bury in September 1915 and went to the front in December 1915.

Weekending Saturday 4 April 1917 Mr & Mrs Gledhill, 126 Stubley Brow, were officially informed that their 28-year-old son Private 20918 Joseph Gledhill. had been killed in action.

As he has no known grave his name is inscribed on Pier and Face 5D & 12B Thiepval Memorial, Somme France, Littleborough Baptist Chapel War Memorial, Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre) and Littleborough Cenotaph. He is also included on the St Andrews Memorial Card.

Five days after receiving confirmation of his son’s death, J. W. Gledhill, aged 56, died at his home. His brother, William Arthur Gledhill was also killed during WW1 and Gladstone Gledhill suffered a compound fracture of the right thigh whilst serving.

Contalmaison 7 July 1916
Unsuccessful attack and although some reached the ruined village the Germans successfully counter attacked.

One Littleborough solder fell in the attack and it is believed two further soldiers were injured.

Private Fred Butterworth - 10th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers 
Fred was born Smallbridge in 1891 and later moved to Littleborough living with his family at 15 Newall St in 1901 and later in 1911 at 38 Elim Terrace.

Prior to his enlistment in Rochdale on 2 January 1915, Fred was employed by Messrs E. Taylor & Co. Ebor Street, joiners and builders as a labourer.

He went to the front on 17 February 1916 and fought in the Somme Campaign and was reported missing.

In the Rochdale Observer of 6 August 1916 it was still being reported that Private Fred Butterworth, previously reported missing was wounded but letters and parcels sent to him were being returned endorsed 'present location unknown'.

By week ending 1 July 1917 it was officially confirmed that Private 14568 Fred Butterworth, who had been posted missing since Friday 7 July 1916, was presumed killed on that date.

He has no known grave and he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, Pier and Face 3C and 3D as well as on the Littleborough Cenotaph, the Victoria Street Congregational Church Memorial, the Littleborough Central School Memorial and on the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – State Section (both now in the History Centre).

Private Fred Butterworth was one of the three sons of Mr and Mrs Butterworth who all lost their lives during the war.

Corporal William Clement Marsh - 10th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
William was born in Manchester in 1894 and by the time of the 1911 Census he was living with his family at 2 Pyke House Cottages, Littleborough.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale, William Clement was employed at the Littleborough Dyeing Company, Calderbrook.

At the weekending of Saturday 19 July 1916 his family were officially informed that their 22-year-old son Corporal 13683 William Clement Marsh “had died of wounds on Friday 14 July 1916 in a hospital in France and is buried in Grave Number V G 8 Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.

(War Graves Commission gives 6 Vale Cottages where his family had presumably moved).

Corporal Marsh is commemorated on Holy Trinity War Memorial, St. James, Calderbrook Church Roll of Honour and War Memorial and his name is inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph.

The Rochdale Observer for 26 July 1916 reported that a service was held on Sunday Eve in the Holy Trinity church for Privates Roland Gaukroger, Frank Ridings, Tom May, and William Clement Marsh, conducted by Rev A F Gaskell. The ‘Dead March’ and the ‘Last Post’ was played by the Church Lad's Brigade.

Corporal Harry Bailey - 2nd Bn East Lancashire Regiment
Harry was born in Littleborough in autumn/winter 1890 fourth quarter and in 1891 was living at 2, Maden Square, Todmorden Road, Littleborough with his parents William and Elizabeth Ann Bailey, who came from Cheshire.

By 1901 the family had moved to 32a, Pott Street, Manchester with William employed as a market porter.

By 1911 Harry had been married for one year to Ada and was living at 12 Vivian Street, Ancoats, Manchester, with their 10 month old daughter and was employed as a packer.

Prior to enlisting in Manchester, Harry was employed by Messrs McConnell of Droylesden.

His wife was later living at 30 Broughton Street, Ancoats.

28-year-old Corporal 19389 Harry Bailey died of wounds on Friday 4 August 1916 received “during a bombing raid during the attack on Contalmaison”.

His body is interred in Grave Number V H 2 Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

Cpl Bailey was remembered within the Roll of Honour of the Manchester Evening News for 29 August 1916 by his parents William and Elizabeth

Ovilllers 7 – 10 July 1916
Attacks and counter attacks at Ovillers – likely that one Wardle soldier was wounded in these attacks.

Private John Barker - 11th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
John was born in Wardle around 1880 and lived with his family at 125 Ramsden Road.

Whilst in Wardle he attended the Wesleyan Sunday School and Day School.

In 1912 Private Barker went to live with his brother in Railway Street, Littleborough.

He was formerly employed at Messrs John Bright's Mills, Rochdale.

Mr James Barker, 13 Railway Street, received a letter prior to weekending 19 July 1916 from a hospital in France informing him that his 36-year-old brother, Private 9806 John Barker had died of wounds on Tuesday 11 July 1916 with his body interred in Grave Number II A 67 Heilly Station Cemetery, Somme, France.

Three Casualty Clearing Stations were based at Heilly, in April 1916 the 36th CCS, which was joined in May 1916 by the 38th CCS and then in July 1916 by the 2/2 London CCS.

In the Roll of Honour of the Rochdale Observer of 29 July 1916 a sentiment was included from his brothers and sister.

Private Barker’s name is also inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph and there is a J Barker on the Wardle Memorial.

The Battle Of The Bazentin Ridge, 14 – 17 JULY 1916
By 13 July the British advance had taken it to a point where it was now facing the second German defensive system.

A well planned and novel night attack on 14 July took British troops through that system in the area of Bazentin. There was a lost opportunity to capture High Wood beyond it.

Pozieres From Contalmaison 15 JULY 1916
The 8th East Lancs started their 1,300 yard advance at 09:20 but some 300 yards from Pozieres were largely brought to a halt by machine gun fire. A

t 18:00hrs after another hour’s bombardment they continued making a little more ground. The Bn suffered the loss of a third of its fighting strength.

One Littleborough soldier fell during the attacks.

Sergeant George Christopher Abbott 8th Bn East Lancashire Regiment
According to the 1911 Census, a George Abbott (born Burnley around 1896) was boarding with his brother at 215a Manchester Rd, Hollinwood, Oldham, in the household of a Mr Reynolds.

George was recorded as a Calico Weaver.

Prior to enlisting he was employed at Shore Mills and attended St Mary’s Catholic Church Featherstall.

Sergeant Abbott enlisted Burnley on 7 August 1914 and went to France about twelve months later, it is probable that he went abroad with the 8th Bn when they embarked at Folkestone on the 31 July 1915 and disembarked at Boulogne.

During week ending Saturday 18 November 1916 Mrs Reynolds, 32 Deanhead Villas, Summit, was officially informed that her Burnley born 21-year-old son, Sergeant 5813 George Christopher Abbott, who had been reported (Rochdale Observer 18/11/1916) as badly wounded and missing since Saturday 15 July 1916 is now presumed killed on that date.

His name inscribed on Shore Mills War Memorial and Littleborough Cenotaph and on Pier and Face 6C Thiepval Memorial, Somme France.

(Sergeant Abbott had an uncle and four cousins who have been killed in the war, his brother Private Thomas Abbott, Lancashire Fusiliers age 19 was wounded.)

Ovillers 15 July 1916
The 11th Lancashire Fusiliers were in the front line trenches and took part in an attack at Ovillers.

One Littleborough soldier fell during the attack and possibly another died of wounds.

Private Edwin Alletson - 11th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers 
Edwin was born in Littleborough around 1895 and in 1901 he was living with his grandfather and his servant Susan Crabtree together with his sister at 1 Railway Street, whereas his parents lived around the corner at 47 Peel Street with another brother and sister as well as a boarder.

His grandfather was a Master Wheelwright and Smith and his father was a blacksmith for a wheelwright so it would appear that the two worked for the family firm.

By 1911 his parents had moved to 1 Railway Street with two daughters and a son but Edwin remained living with Susan Crabtree who by now was shown as a widow and they lived at 2 Hudson’s Passage, Littleborough.

He was employed as a warehouseman.

He enlisted in Rochdale.

21-year-old Private 28057 Edwin Alletson was killed in action but has no known grave and is remembered on Pier and Face 3C and 3D Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

Private Alletson’s name is also inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph, Holy Trinity War Memorial, the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – Voluntary Section and on the family grave in St James Churchyard.

The ‘In Memoriam’ column of the Rochdale Observer for 14 July 1917 included entries from his grandma, sister Gerty and brother–in-law Teddy (in France).

The family also included an entry in the Rochdale Observer of 13 July 1918.

Private Richard Holt - 11th Batt Lancashire Fusiliers
Richard was born in Hindley in winter/spring 1891.

Sometime after 1901 he was a hoist tenter in the Britannia Mill, Bacup and came to live in Littleborough in 1910 where he became a fire beater at the Croft Head Mill.

By 1911, the family were living at 22 Turf Terrace, Shore.

Richard, like his father was also employed as a general labourer and as with his sisters they worked in a Cotton Spinning Mill.

Private Holt enlisted in Rochdale in November 1914 and in May 1915 he returned home from France on furlough and married Amy Rhodes in the Littleborough Parish Church, Rev Gaskell officiating at the ceremony.

In September 1915 he returned to France and in July 1916 he was badly wounded in the back by a bomb probably during the many attacks on Ovillers. His wound subsequently became the cause of his death on Sunday 30 July 1916 in a hospital at Guilford, Surrey.

During the week the body of 25-year-old Private 9610 Richard Holt, 11th Batt Lancashire Fusiliers was brought home to his wife living at 9 Bare Hill Street and on Tuesday afternoon 3 August 1916 he was buried in Dearnley Churchyard, grave number V. 54 with full military honours.

His name is on Littleborough Cenotaph, Holy Trinity War Memorial and there is an R Holt inscribed on the St Barnabas War Memorial at Shore, which is believed to be Robert as an R Holt was listed in the St Barnabas Parish Newsletter for December 1914 as serving King and Country and on the headstone on the nearby family grave.

On Saturday evening 12 August 1916 a memorial service to his memory and Private John Cryer was held in the Holy Trinity Church, the Last Post was played.

The Roll of Honour in the Rochdale Observer of 12 August 1916 included sentiments from his sorrowing wife and close family: 'Died in hospital as a result of severe wounds received - Somme in July 1916'.

Private Joseph Pickersgill - 115th Coy Machine Gun Corp
Joseph was born in Dearnley in late 1893 and by 1911 he was living with his family at 34 New Road, Dearnley.

Joseph was a cotton worker being a scavenger in the spinning room of Messrs Jacksons, Hurstead Mill and had been connected with the Dearnley Methodist Church.

The Rochdale Observer noted on 19 July 1916 that Joseph Pickersgill had sent a postcard to his parents informing them that he had been injured and was in hospital. The paper also reported that his brother had been discharged due to losing three inches of his left foot to frostbite.

However, 23-year-old Private 27217 Joseph Pickersgill must have recovered because he was in action on 21 July 1916 when he received shrapnel wounds and was invalided home to England where he died at a hospital in Chatham on 8 October 1916.

His body was brought home and he was buried on Thursday the 11 October in the cemetery (grave number W. 54.) adjoining St Andrew's Churchyard, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone over his grave. Inscribed on a headstone is the sentiment “The Supreme Sacrifice His Life”. There was a large gathering at the funeral.

His name is on St Andrew's Church Memorial Card (though incorrectly shown as Joseph Pickering) and War Memorial, Dearnley Wesleyan Chapel War Memorial and also on Littleborough Cenotaph.

His brother Fred also served but was discharged through injury. He was badly wounded before Christmas 1915 whilst serving with the Devonshire Regiment, due to these wounds he was discharged from the army).

The St Andrew’s newsletter for November 1916 recorded his death noting that he was old guild boy.

The Rochdale Observer for 1 August 1917 reported on an afternoon service for those fallen in the third year of the war and at evensong memorial plates were placed on the guild alter in memory of George Ashton, Fred Mills, Harold Percival and Joe Pickersgill.

The In Memoriam column of the Rochdale Observer for 12 October 1918 included sentiments from family and friends.

The Battle of Delville Wood, 15 July – 3 September 1916
Delville Wood was fought over countless times and became a charnel house, choked with the dead of both sides.

It is perhaps most remembered for the sustained attack made by the South African Brigade of the 9th (Scottish) Division, a formation which was to all intents and purposes destroyed during its valiant efforts.

Longueval and Delville Wood 26 July 1916
Support operations undertaken by the 1st Devonshire Regiment resulted in the death of one Littleborough soldier.

Private Thomas Hodgson 1st Devonshire Regiment
Thomas was born in Manchester around 1885 and later came to Littleborough.

He served in the Boar War later re-enlisting in Rochdale during September 1915 prior to which he was employed as a joiner at Messrs Alfred England's on Victoria Street, Littleborough.

Whilst on home leave in February 1916, Thomas buried his father.

Mrs Hodgson of 6 Molesworth Passage, Calderbrook Road was informed weekending 12 August 1916 that of her husband, 35-year-old Private 20462 Thomas Hodgson, had been killed in action.

He left a widow and two children, one two years and the other two months.

His name is inscribed on the Cenotaph in Littleborough and on Pier and Face 1C Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

The ‘In Memoriam’ column of the Rochdale Observer for 26 August 1916 included sentiments from mother Lizzie and Harold.

Trench activity on the front line Beaumont Hamel 29 July 1916
The 11th Lancashire Fusiliers were on the front line in the Beaumont Hamel sector during which time one Wardle soldier fell in action.

Private James Robert Rothwell - 11th Batt Lancashire Fusiliers
James was born in Rochdale during autumn/winter 1893 and later (1911) lived at 572 Halifax Road with his family. James was a Cotton Piecer and his father a Cotton Dyer.

He was of a friendly disposition and had many local friends.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale, James worked at Hurstead Mill and attended the Wesleyan chapel at Dearnley.

22-year-old Private James Robert Rothwell 28479 was killed in action and is buried in Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, France in grave II F 15.

The CWGC advises that he is the son of James Rothwell of 3 Wilbutts Lane, Rochdale, which runs up the side of St Clements church and Rochdale Football Ground.

He is named on the Wardle War Memorial as well as that outside St John’s Church and is also included on the Memorial of Dearnley Wesleyan Church.

Battle information
Details of the various battles were sourced from the Long, Long, Trail and Wikimedia websites with details of relevant actions from ‘The Somme – The Day-by-Day Account’ by Chris McCarthy and ‘British Battalions on the Somme’ by Ray Westlake.