**Names taken from "Soldiers Died in the Great War" and other sources. Squadrons have been "guessed by residence of the soldier (unless stated in originating source). Special thanks to Geoff Sullivan.

In the words of a survivor of Frezenberg 13th May 1915:-

"We came out a broken Regiment,"

But the LY had achieved more than any other regiment in the brigade. Not only had they clung onto their trenches during almost four hours of bombardment and fought off infantry assaults for another seven, they were no longer....

"God's Own"

1st/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry. Territorial Force. 04 Aug 1914 at :

Headquarters - Leicester

A Squadron - Melton Mowbray

B Squadron - Leicester

C Squadron - Loughborough

D Squadron - Lutterworth

in the North Midland Mounted Brigade.

2nd/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry. Territorial Force. Formed in 1914.

Joined the 2/1st North Midland Mounted Brigade.

3rd/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry. Territorial Force. Formed in 1915.

Joined a Reserve Cavalry Regiment.

Grave stone LY cypher.

The Regiment on G.O.C. inspection in October 1914

War Office,
1st January, 1916.

The following despatch has been received by the Secretary of State for War from the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the British Army in France: -
LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY: Martin, Major W. F. (killed). Ricardo, Major W. F. (Major, Reserve of Officers).Johnson, Lieutenant W. S. F.Crowley, Quartermaster and Honorary Captain J. (Riding Master and Honorary Lieutenant, Reserve of Officers).Swain, No. 062 Squadron Serjeant-Major H. A.

War Office,
1st March, 1919.

The following despatch has been received by the Secretary of State for War from the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the British Army in France (Dated 31st May 1915), for Gallant and Distinguished Service : -

LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY: Evans-Freke Lt.Col. Hon P. C. (killed).

RHQ

Colonel. Granbe

CO June 1916 - 1917

Colonel. A H Robinson

(LYPAO) C/O 27th August 1915 - 1916. In October 1915 Abbot Robinson is promoted to Lt.Col. On the 7th of September 1915 Lt. B H Williams becomes his Adjutant. Williams was part of the Reserve of Officers and a 13th Hussar, he was appointed Adjutant on the authority of Cav Corps (2579).

Major B D Fisher DSO

(17th Lancers)  Temp.C/O, LYPAO on the 7th June 1915. He is then promoted to Lt.Col. in August 1915 and is appointed General Staff Officer to 1st Cavalry Division. On the 27th of August he relinquishes command of the PYPAO to Major A H Robinson (LYPAO).

Lt. Col. Percy Cecil Evans-Freke

(photograph taken at Diss, Norfolk, shortly before the Regiment started for France)

Back row: 2/lt TE Brooks, 2/Lt Fielding-Johnson, 2/Lt RA Heath, Lt T W Best, Cpt. C H Martin, 2/Lt G Greaves, Cpt. W S B Blackett, Mjr. JCS Burkitt (RAMC), the Rev. H K Bros, Mjr. TH Hobson (RAVC), Lt. C Peake.

Middle row: Cpt. E R Hanbury, Cpt C N Newton, Mjr. F W Martin, Lt.Col. P C Evans-Freke, Mjr. W Byron, Cpt. J Bailward (Adj), Cpt G R Codrington.

Front row: 2/Lt T W Hay, Cpt. J Crowley (QM), 2/Lt W I F Macdonald, Lt. S P D Thompson

Lt Col. Percy Cecil Evans-Freke. CO. (d.13th May 1915.)

The Hon. Percy Cecil Evans-Freke, Lieutenant Colonel, Leicestershire Yeomanry, born 19 May 1871, St George Hanover Square District, London, Surrey, England.  Percy married Eva KIRWAN 24 Jul 1895. She was the daughter of Charles KIRWAN of Dalgan Park.

He was killed by a sniper on Thursday, 13th May, 1915 (Frezenburg) and is buried in Divisional Cemetery, Dickebusch Road, Ypres. An Etonian and seen his first service in a Light horse regiment in India, he joined the Yeomanry in 1895, he was promoted to Lt. in 1899, Captain in 1903;     Was Captain Leicestershire, I.Y.  Major in 1905; "brevet" Lt. Col. in February 1913; and Lt. Col in December 1913. The Colonels home was Bisbrooke Hall, Rutland.

Mentioned in despatches, 22nd June 1915.

Lt. Col. R B Muir (2nd/1st Leics Yeomanry)

Robert Bunten Muir was born in Glasgow in July 1862 and was educated at Cheltenham College. Appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Leicestershire Yeomanry in January 1890, he was advanced to Captain on the eve of the Boer War. He subsequently served in South Africa for 13 months in No. 65 (Leicester) Company, 17th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. During the Great War Muir attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 2/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry, was mentioned in despatches and awarded the O B.E. (London Gazette 3 June 1919). For many years resident at Kirby Hall, Melton Mowbray, he was a keen huntsman and a J.P. He died in March 1937. War Office, dated 21st October 1914, Lt.Col (Temp) 2nd/1st LY PAO.

Major Ricardo DSO

2nd in Command LY, wounded in the head and arm as OC A Sqn 13th May 1915 (Frezenberg). Pictured here at Diss just prior to deployment. He served for 15 years in the Royal Horse Guards (Blues), a keen huntsman and well known in racing circles. After Frezenberg on recuperation (returned back to the LYPAO on the 30th September 1915) he finished the war as a Lt.Col. in the Royal Horse Guards.

One of the men in A squadrons support trench describes the actions of Major Ricardo to the Grantham Journal dated 22 May 1915:-

One of the men pictured the Major nursing a wounded hand, and at the same time giving directions to the men "Save you're ammunition," the Major said. "If we're attacked, it will only be the German Infantry, and , as everybody knows, they are no good."

Mentioned in Despatches, 1st Jan 1916:-

"For gallantry in going forward in an attack near Ypres on 13th May 1915 to take command of A Squadron in support trenches. Though twice wounded he continued to command and kept his men together until troops came up when he was wounded a third time, severely."

Mentioned in despatches, 4th June 1917:-

Award of the Distinguished Service Order, "For distinguished service in the field".

Major J C S Burkitt (Medical Officer)

John Burkitt was also an International Rugby Union player for Ireland.

(Medals sold for £280.60 July 2008 ebay)

John Colley Smyth Burkitt MD (Born 1/7/1860, Kilkee, Eire). had the following postings.

Lieutenant and Medical Officer Leicestershire Yeomanry 15.5.1908

Captain: 15.11.1911

Major: 25.4.1915

Lt.Colonel: 19.6.1916 whilst commanding a Field Ambulance.

Retired: 17.11.1922

He entered the French theatre of war on: 2.11.1914. His medal index card and medal roll both show the grant of oak leaves for MiD.

Sold with copy of Medal index card, showing original attachment to the Leicestershire Yeomanry and confirming the 1914 Star.

Sold with copy of medal roll.

Lt.Colonel Burkitt died on 23rd November 1926 after a short illness

Mentioned in despatches, 1st Jan 1916:-

Burkitt, Temporary Major. J.C.S., M.D., North Midland Ambulance.

"Displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty in attending wounded under heavy fire near Ypres on the 13th May 1915. Subsequently collected the wounded and took them to a place of safety".

Major. Burkitt is the Officer leading off, GOC inspection day 1914.

Capt. O Kaye (3rd/1st Leics Yeomanry)

Formerly of the 7th Hussars, he was Staff SSM LY and became permanent Staff RSM in 1909. Oliver Kaye landed with the 1st/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry in France on the 2nd November 1914. Possibly after the death of RSM Parker at Frezenberg, Oliver Kaye becomes the acting RSM for the regiment. What is clear is that Oliver Kaye is commissioned into the Leicestershire Yeomanry and becomes a Captain in the 3rd/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry.

Capt. C H Martin

"Charlie" Martin was Major W F Martins cousin, part of RHQ and wounded at Frezenberg.

Capt. C N Newton

He commanded B Squadron after the death of Major Liebert. Major C N Newton is recorded as commanding the "Leicestershire Dismounted Company" (made up of LYPAO men (312) & 6 Officers) from January the 3rd 1916, this was part of the "7th Dismounted Battalion" then commanded (28th Jan 1916) by Lt.Col. Abbot Robinson of the LYPAO. He went on to become a Major in the 2nd Btn The Grenadier Guards.

Lt. W T D Ritchie (Possibly)

This could be a picture of a draft officer Lt. William Thackeray Denis Ritchie who entered France c1916 and ended the war as a Captain. (He is wearing two bronze collar badges, one in his cap and one in his collar).

Capt. D P Tolemache

(7th Queens Own Hussars)

Brigade Major of the 7th Cav Brigade, was with the LY in the midst of Battle at Frezenberg; and led the rest of the LY with 8th Cav Brigade in their final charge. Tolemache shouted:-

"Come on Men, I am not afraid to go into action with brave fellows like you!"

Captain. Adkins

Captain.  J Bailward

Adjutant to the LY from March 1914 on attachment from the 19th Hussars.

Capt (Temp.) W H P Gill

William, gazetted (London), transferred to the Army Service Corps, date 14th January 1916. He was 6ft 9inches tall, invalided back to England with appendicitis.

Capt. C. J. Henry

Gazetted (London) on the 5th July 1919.

Lt. Thomas  William  Best

Wounded in the head in the counter-attack charge that the remnants of A Squadron had left with the 8th Cavalry Brigade on 13th May 1915 (Frezenberg). He was attached to the Royal Flying Corps some time after 1915.

Lt Best's MIC:-

Lt. T A Fletcher

TURNER ALAN FLETCHER
Lieutenant Leicestershire Yeomanry 13/05/1915 Age 40: SANCTUARY WOOD II. B. 31.

Lt. B. B. Griffin

Gazetted (London) on the 5th July 1919, attached 7th Squadron MGC.

Lt. C Peake

Colin, KIA 13/05/1915 (Frezenberg) age 25. Son of Ronald and Florence Rebecca Peake, of Howard House, Ashstead, Surrey. OOSTTAVERNE WOOD CEMETERY VIII. G. 3. He joined the Regiment in 1909 and was the Nephew of the late Lt.Col W A Peake, LY.

Lt. R G Sikes

Robert Gordon, Died 22/02/1919 age 30. Attached from the 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars. Son of James Sikes, of Ioa, Dawson St., Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada; husband of Clementina Gwendoline Sikes, of Water Stratford, Buckingham. ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN S. V. M. 12.

Lt.  P M Toulmin

Philip Musgrave, KIA 22/06/1917 age 30. Son of Henry J. Toulmin, J.P., D.L. and E. L. Toulmin, of Kingsbury Lodge, St. Albans. VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY A. 24. He was also Nephew to Colonel Freke's wife.

( 9 graves of the men shown, Lt Toulmin's is in a row  toward the rear).

**On the 22/06/1917, Lt. Toulmin with Sgt. Talbot, Cpl. Knight, Tpr(s) Rhodes, Howard, Lester, Green, Dormer, Huss were all killed in one action, and Tpr. Rowe died of his wounds on the next day. All are buried at the VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY with the exception of Tpr. Rowe who is at TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY.  Here is a letter describing what happened that night at 1:30 a.m.

Extract from :-

"The 10th (POW) Hussars and the Essex Yeomanry during the European War, 1914-18"

" THE BIRD CAGE," 11th June 1917.

On the night of June 20th the Sub-section was taken over by the 7th Brigade, Lt.-Col. Herbert Combe, D.S.O., commanding the Leicestershire Yeomanry, was in command of the party, with Major Tom Gurney, D.S.O., 1st Life Guards, as his 2nd in command. Just as the relief was complete the enemy made a raid on "The Bird Cage," in retaliation for the raid which had been carried out against them a few nights before. The Leicestershire Yeomanry bore the force of the attack and inflicted very heavy losses to the Germans. Many of the enemy were killed whilst getting over the wire entanglement, and many were killed by their own artillery bombardment. A German Officer was killed on entering the trench, 3 prisoners were taken, 2 were severely wounded and died. The result of this attack was a failure to the enemy, who suffered very heavy casualties, and identification was obtained by us. The Leicestershire Yeomanry suffered some casualties. Lt. P. M. Toulmin was killed, also 7 other ranks and 15 wounded. Lt. Toulmin was a very brave and determined officer and his death caused a great loss to his Regiment.

2nd/Lt W E Paget

William, gazetted (London), temporary 2nd/Lt whilst employed as a Recruiting Officer, dated 15th December 1915. William had been a 2nd/Lt before this in the Leicestershire Yeomanry.

3538 A/R.S.M. Parker

George, b. Winsdor, e. Aldershot, r. Eton College, Bucks. Killed in action on 13th May 1915 age 42 (Frezenberg). Formerly of the 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars. Son of George and Lydia Parker, late of Eton Square, Eton, Bucks; husband of Edith Jane Parker (formerly Kingston), of 22, Toothill Rd., Loughborough. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL (Panel. 5). He was shot through the neck in A Squadrons trench.

SSM A Quick

From Somerset, formerly of the 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars and a Boer War Veteran. SSM Quick was posted as Permanent Staff to the Leicestershire Yeomanry on the 26th November 1912, a post he was still holding on the outbreak of the Great War. He went with this Regiment to France on the 1st November, one of the first Yeomanry Regiments to see action, as part of 7th Cavalry Brigade. He served there until 13th April 1915 (Frezenberg), when he returned to England. He was posted to 3/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry on the 3rd July 1915, most likely in a training role. He continued in this position until February 1917 when he was posted to the 3rd Reserve Regiment of Cavalry (which, incidentally, was affiliated with both the Leicestershire Yeomanry and the 19th Hussars), finally being discharged as “No longer physically fit for War Service” on the 8th October 1917.

"A" Sqn

A Squadron at Melton Mowbray (dets at Uppingham, Rearsby, Harby, Oakham (Rutland))

Plaque in Oakham Castle Hall to fallen men of A Squadron in 1914-18.

Major E R Hanbury

Pictured here in 1914 (Captain)

Major Hanbury was wounded at Frezenberg 13/05/15 and invalided back to Britain.

KIA 24/03/18, (MGC, 14th Btn). POZIERES MEMORIAL Panel 6.

Capt. W S B Blackett

CAPTAIN WILLIAM STEWART BURDETT BLACKETT attd. LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY Blackett from Manton in Rutland, died of wounds 24/11/1914, age 41.  Served in the South African Campaign with the 3rd Grenadier Guards.  He was born in 1873, and was the only son of Commander A. S. Blackett, R.N. Captain Blackett was the nephew and heir of his uncle, Colonel Blackett, of Arbigland, Dumfries.

He was educated at Wellington College, and at the R.M.C., Sandhurst, and joined the Grenadier Guards in May, 1895, being promoted Lieutenant in February, 1898, and Captain in May, 1900.

With the 3rd Battalion he served during the whole of the South African War, for which he received the Queen's medal with three clasps, and the King's medal with two clasps.

In the Great War he was attached for service to the Leicestershire Yeomanry, and died on the 24th November, 1914, from wounds received at Ypres on the 20th November.

Captain Blackett was a keen fisherman and cricketer, and fond of hunting and shooting. He was a member of the Guards', Bachelors', and Army and Navy Clubs.

He married Kathleen Prudence Eirene, youngest daughter of B. F. Bagenal, D.L., of Benekerry, Carlow, and left one son, C. W. S. Blackett, born 1908. POPERINGE COMMUNAL CEMETERY (I. B. 1.)

Captain. Codrington

Badly wounded on the 13th May 1915 (Frezenberg). In January 1916, after recovering from being shot through the right lung, Major G R Codrington leaves the Regiment in the field to go to General Headquaters.

London Gazette, 1st Jan 1918:-

Award of Distinguished Service order, "For valuable services rendered in connection with the War".

Major Geoffrey Ronald Codrington

Captain Codrington's Rutland Troop

Lt. T H Simpkin

Wounded in action on 13th May 1915 (Frezenberg), later was attached to the 5th Lancers.

Lt. A F Turner

Alan Fletcher, KIA 12/05/1915 age 40 on the eve of battle by a shell in a dug out whilst on reconnoitre duty. Twice Mentioned in Despatches, son of the late T. V. and Mrs. Turner; husband of R. M. Stella Turner, of Robin Hood's Bay, Yorks. Served in the South African War with the 3rd Yorkshire Hussars, in which unit he was Commissioned. SANCTUARY WOOD CEMETERY II. B. 31. He had been in the Regiment a short time, having joined in December 1914.

Lt. T Wall

was attached to the 5th Lancers post Frezenberg

2/Lt. R B Heading

was attached to the 5th Lancers post Frezenberg

2/Lt. W G Smith

KIA ?

2/Lt. W E Wiggins

William Esmy, Died 18/08/1916 age 23. Son of William and Mary Elizabeth Wiggins, of 45, Hillmorton Rd., Rugby. OXFORD (BOTLEY) CEMETERY, I1. 55.

Sgt. Major Turner

1080 (256502) SQMS F Pepper

Frederick Pepper is sat on the bivouac (best guess), he went over to France in the initial draft on the 2/Nov/1914 and at some point was wounded and invalided back to Britain. Its not clear where he when he was wounded.

The original Postcard (above) was sent to his wife at Harby, Melton Mowbray on the 5th October 1914.

The back of the card reads: My dear wife, thanks for yours of the 3rd Inst. Up to the neck in it, 30 of our squadron inoculated Sat. They are s/o duty's for few days. I am doing duty for Kirk today and night. There are only Kirk and I and it makes me very busy. George Gould broke his leg at the calf on Sunday afternoon, he fell down, (let his wife know). He is going on A.1. gone to hospital at Cambridge today. He could have been made corporal of cooks if he would sign up for foreign service but would not do so. "B" squadron (30) are being inoculated today, "C" Wednesday; my turn about Friday I think. The other side is a bivouac I built on our old camp ground. We, 3 of us, slept in it the last three nights. It is made of tree branches and an old cloth tied together with string. Madge was inside. Love to all, Fred.

SQMS Pepper's MIC:

SWB: B303564 Enlist: 14.5.08 Disch: 10.7.19 Reason: Para 392 (XVIa) K.R. Age: 44 

1464 Sgt. J A BERRY

John Albert, b. Stratford-on-Avon, e. Leicester , r. Oakham, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Educated at King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon. He worked in the Leicester Post Office and served for nine years in the Leicestershire Yeomanry.

Officers and senior NCO's of "A" Squadron c1912-14. Men in this picture would have died at Frezenburg, "A" Squadron fought with great courage in this action. Captain Codrington (centre left) and Major Ricardo (centre right) then Capt. E R Hanbury (with dog).

1640 (255064) Sgt. J A DEWEY

On the eve of battle during the night of the 12th-13th May 1915, Captain Codrington sent Sgt. Dewey and four men up to the C Squadron trench with 20 Shovels and 10 Picks. From Captain Codrington's War Diary:-

"I directed DEWEY as best I could and sent him off. Presently - a long time later, when it was daylight, he came back and dropped into the trench - I asked him to whom he handed the tools and he told me that they had been unable to find the trench and that movement was so difficult owing to the shelling that he had put down the tools and come back - presumably for instructions."

**It must be made clear that A Squadron were not clear as to how far ahead the front line trenches were, as the Regiment had taken up their positions in the dark and not had chance to recce the positions in daylight due to a last minute change of orders from 5th Corps. 

Sgt Dewey's MIC:

1972 Cpl. John GIBSON

A Sqn (Oakham), died 06/02/1916 and buried at VERMELLES BRITISH CEMETERY  II  A  3.

L/Cpl W Scott

Lance Corporal Walter Scott of Uppingham in Rutland, died through injury in 1918 (serving with the Queens Own Oxfordshire Hussars), and buried with full Military honours at Mont Huon.

1890 L/Cpl W STANILAND

William was killed in action date (unknown at the moment)

1922 L/Cpl. J R GAMBLE
John Robert, b. Leicester, e. Melton Mowbray , r. Hungerton, 1992, L/CPL, Killed in action, Frezenberg,13/05/15,  Leicestershire Yeomanry.

Some of the Yeomen are wearing their stable and fatigues scarlet "Bonnet de Police" and waistcoats, Diss Rectory in Norfolk in October 1914.

3612 (256153) Tpr. G W BARKER

George spent the early part of the War at the Remount Depot in Melton Mowbray and then entered France sometime in 1916 or later but definitely before April 1918 as he became part of the Corps of Hussars. George survived the War and went on to become a famous Quorn Huntsmen.

Trooper Barker's MIC:-

2329 (255342) Tpr. B BLOODWORTH

Bertie, Leicestershire Yeomanry attached to the 5th Lancers, Died of wounds 21/04/1918, age 25. Son of Charles and Fanny Bloodworth, of Ufford, Northants. EBBLINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY (II. A. 22.)

1974 Tpr. G O CHESTER

GEORGE OSCAR, KIA 15/05/1915 age 20, Son of George Oscar and Florence Nightingale Chester of Ivy House, Seagrave, Loughborough, Leicestershire. BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION (NORD) I. A. 114.

2167 J W CLEAVER

John William born in 1890, entered France on the 2nd of November 1914 with the Regiment. He survived Frezenberg and was attached to the 5th Lancers with his Sqn, A Sqn LY, his Corps of Hussars number being 255248. His "address for Pay" was 19 Eaton St, Leicester and demobbed on 21 Jan 1919. He is recorded as having one red and five blue chevrons on his demob certificate.

"B" Sqn

OC Major B R Leibert

(formerly of the 7th Hussars, pictured above in early 1914)

Bernard Robert, killed in action 13th May 1915 (Frezenberg) age 50. Son of the late Edmund and Emily Liebert; husband of Violet Mary Woods (formerly Liebert), of 3, Manchester Square, Marylebone, London. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL (Panel. 5) He had joined the Yeomanry (badged) in December 1914 but actually arrived with the Regiment on the 23rd of February 1915 as part of a draught of 6 officers and 83 other ranks, the regiment were stationed at "Labrearde" at the time of his arrival.

Approx 150 men went into the front line from the Squadron, 37 survived Frezenberg.

These are the 37 B Sqn men that survived Frezenberg on the 13th May 1915, pictured here in September 1917. Note also that the cap badge has changed at this time to the "PAO Crest".

B Sqn's Mascot in September 1917, she is a Fawn Lurcher bitch and had just had some pups in this picture. Unfortunately her name was not given on the source picture.

Sgt. Major Swain DCM

Pictured here as a Cpl. c1905 with QSA and bars, he served with the 65th (2nd/LY) Coy, 17th Btn IY.

Mentioned in despatches, 5th Jan 1915:-

Award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

990 Squadron Sergeant Major J P Swain, "For gallant conduct and great coolness on the 13th May 1915, at Ypres, in supporting and rendering valuable assistance to his officer and giving a fine example of devotion to duty to his men."

Mentioned in despatches, 31st May 1916:-

Award of the Military Cross.

"Temp. 2nd Lieutenant (temp. Lieutenant) John Pratt Swain, 2nd Bn. Leics. R. For conspicuous gallantry. As Adjutant of his battalion he rendered invaluable service to hi Battalion commander in action. With great coolness he repeatedly went out under heavy fire, until dangerously wounded, in order to regulate the movement of the attacking companies."

Diary entries for Frezenberg and more:-

*******************************************************

John Pratt Swain

Attested 1908
No: 990. B Squadron.
Resident Barkby, Leicester
TFEM in 1912

BEF 3-11-14
DCM 19-6-15

12th March 1915, Marched through Ypres to trenches north of the Menin road, we were a merry crowd, singing, joking and laughing, little dreaming of what we going to. Ypres burning in ruins an awful weird sight, terrible stench. Took over trenches from Royal Fusiliers at midnight. Crept in on hands and knees after leaving A squadron to dig in as support.

13th May 1915, Bombardment began at daybreak, after 3 hours they attacked. We hung on, left of the line gave way, Huns in the trench and all around us. A terrible day, 188 casualties.

14th May 15, Got poor old staff out of the trench at daybreak, lost the squadron of  3rd Dragoons to whom we were attached in doing so. Crawled back thoroughly exhausted, had 2 hours sleep in a barn. Buried the Colonel at 12 noon, I was a bearer, nearly broke down, I could think of nothing else, felt miserable, though thankful to be alive.

Aug 7th 1915. Went out on patrol at night with a corporal and 1 man to investigate marks on aeroplane photo. Crept to 50 yards off German trenches, turned right for 200 yards, only found shell holes and dead bodies, knees and hands very sore with creeping.

Sept 7th 1915. Patrolled up a ditch in afternoon to 20 yards of German wire, lots of dead Germans, brought in a rifle. At night 6 of us patrol out in open,1 man wounded, dog tired and feeling bad.

Sept 8th 1915. Went out under the wire about 12 o'clock, along a sap, not much good, tried again at 6pm fired at, returned and collapsed. (After this he was sent to a field hospital with another bout of malaria, he didn't return to the regiment until 29th Sept, this may have saved his life as in his absence the battalion was badly mauled on the first day of Loos on the 25th,loosing most of their officers.)

“The London Gazette announced on May 22nd, 1931, that Major J.P. Swain, M.C., D.C.M., ceases to belong to the Reserve of Officers, on attaining the age limit of liability to recall.

Many of the 2nd Battalion who served in France and Mesopotamia will remember this gallant officer. At the outbreak of the War he was a Squadron Sergeant-Major in the Leicestershire Yeomanry, and accompanied that regiment to France on November 3rd, 1914, where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Promoted to Second-Lieutenant for service in the field, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion on July 27th, 1915, and went with that battalion to Mesopotamia, where he was promoted to Captain. He was severely wounded (for the second time) in the disastrous attack on the Dujaila Redoubt, whilst serving as Adjutant, and was awarded the Military Cross. He was never afterwards fit for general service, but did excellent work as Officer Commanding the Agricultural Labour Corps at Glen Parva Barracks.”

*****************************************************

1644 Sgt. H ASPDEN

Harry, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. He was employed by Messrs. Wartnaby, Jeffries and Sons, Solicitor's Office at Market Harborough. He was married shortly before leaving for France.

2672 (255565) Sgt. George Reynolds BROWN

From Ibstock, is the corporal/acting sergeant sitting in the middle with a dog on his knee. He was serving in the Leicestershire Yeomanry and the Corps of Hussars in Flanders and France during WWI...

George Reynolds Brown joined in October 1914 at the Magazine in Leicester, which is now a museum. He was in France by 27th May 1915 and spent the rest of the war there until he was demobbed in 1919

1309 (255004) Sergeant C. E. Valon
[ Medal ] Three: Sergeant Charles. E. Valon, Leicestershire Yeomanry 1914 Star; British War and Victory Medal (1309 Sjt., Late. Yeo.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (255004 Sjt., late. Yeo.), very fine or better 4.
SWB #215,197 1st/1st LY, Para 392 (XVI) Wounds ("seriously" wounded by German sniper fire whilst digging trenches at Zillebeke on the 7/2/1915), Enlist 29.8.08 Disch: 23.6.17 overseas: Yes.

884 Sgt. Archibald Wright

Wounded, May 13th 1915 (Frezenberg). On recovery he was commissioned into the RFA and attached to "Tigers" Howitzer Brigade.

Sgt. Wright's MIC:-

884 Sgt. A Wright and 1 Troop (Leicester Cossacks), B Sqn,at Diss Rectory, Norfolk, just prior to being deployed.

3Troop, B Squadron. The postcard has a Belgian backing.  Written on the reverse is “No.3 Troop, B Squadron, E.K. Knight, 23/5/14”. The cap badges indicate sometime in 1916. 

 

1648 Cpl. F BURTON

Frederick, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,  Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1291 Cpl. R G COX

Robert George, b. Leicester, e. Oakham , r. Leicester, 1291, CPL., Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2648 Cpl B Preston

(Medal sold on eBay June 2008)

The BWM appeared on eBay without a 1914-15 or Victory Medal in May 2008. Trooper "Basil" Preston entered France on the 27/5/1915 and was part of the reinforcement of the Regiment after Frezenberg. He then transferred to the Machine Gun (Cavalry) Corps within a short period of time. His MIC indicates that he was promoted to Corporal within the MGC and all medals are listed as MGC.

 

 

26405 (255247) Cpl. W J Voakes

 SWB: B190694, Enlist date: 24.9.14 Disch: 4.2.19 (Aged 43)

William James Voakes was born in St Margaret’s Leicester, Leicestershire.

A 25 year old Warehouseman he joined the Leicestershire Yeomanry 15 Feb. 1901.

He served in South Africa from March 1901 to 10 October 1901.

Bars to QSA confirmed on his papers home address 11 East Short Street, Leicester.

65th Coy (Leics) Imp Yeo.  QSA 4 Bars Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901

 

2560 L/Cpl. A H De Ville

ARCHIBALD HUGH b. Derbyshire, e. Leicester, r. Leicester :Killed in action 13/05/1915 (Frezenberg) age23 Leicestershire Yeomanry United Kingdom Panel 5. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL.

 

1836 L/Cpl G R Dixon

He was wounded by German sniper fire whilst digging trenches at Zillebeke on the 7/2/1915.

 

1884 L/Cpl. S T HIDDEN

Re Frezenberg 13th may 1915 approx 3:30am, he had a lucky escape:-

"I was quite buried in the earth" he recalled and only a portion of my uniform showed above the ground. It seems that Trooper Rhodes noticed kakhi sticking out of the earth. He said the the Officer accompanying him " look at this poor fellow. " I suppose they thought the "poor fellow" was dead but at any rate they unearthed me and I actually came to my senses after a drink of water".

 

2192 L/Cpl. E HOLMES

Ernest, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 


2578 (255513) Tpr. H W W KNIGHT

Leics Yeo & Corps of Hussars
1914-18 WAR MEDAL

(Medal purchased by PAOY July 2008)

LY attested 19.10.14, In theatre 2.4.15, attached 16th Lancers 4.4.16. Class 1 on 19.10.16. Hospital 6.12.16 to 10.12.16. Re Frezenberg 12th May 1915 approx 23:00, in a letter home: Trooper Harold "Harry" Knight described how:-

"All the time we were getting into Trenches bullets were flying like hail and now and then lights would go up, making everything as clear as day"

 

Trooper Knight is entitled to :-

 

2194 L/Cpl G A LASKEY

 

Militaria ] Leicestershire Yeomanry 1916 Casualty Group. Comprising British War Medal and Victory Medal. Awarded to 2194 Pte. G. Laskey Leic Yeo GC E75-100 Private Geoffrey Arthur Laskey died on the 2 3rd December 1916, whilst serving with A Squadron of the Leicestershire Yeomanry. He is buried on the Ovillers Military Cemetery France.

 

1939 L/Cpl A T POWELL
Arthur Thomas, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

H/65007 Tpr. B W BONNER
(2nd/1st) LY, transf. to (673763) Eastern Command Labour Centre, Labour Corps. KIA 26/11/1918. Husband of Frances Emily Bonner, of 29, Sussex St., Leicester. LEICESTER (WELFORD ROAD) CEMETERY (O. "U." 385.)

2413 Tpr S M BANBURY
Sidney Morris, b. Leicester, e. Leicester, r. Leicester. Died at home 29/12/1914 age 21. Son of John and Ada Banbury, of 7, Down St., Melton Rd., Leicester. LEICESTER (BELGRAVE) CEMETERY (C. 110.) Sydney was killed in the Melton area whilst exercising horses prior to the Regiment going to France.
 
2511 Tpr. G H BARKER
George Harold, b. Leahe West, Leicester, r. Coalville, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.
 
256459 Tpr. A BOURNE
Archibald, b. Walsham, e. leicester, r. Stoke-on-Trent, died at home 27/08/1917 age 19. 2nd/1st LY, Son of Frederick and Avis Bourne. STOKE-ON-TRENT (HARTSHILL) CEMETERY, 11099.
 
1874 Tpr. F P BROWN
Frank Purrant, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.
 
2559 Tpr. E E BUCKLAR
Ernest Edwin, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg,13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.
 
2554 Tpr. H BUNNEY
 Victory medal for sale on ebay 2008.
"Herbert" later joined the Leicestershire Regiment (260051).
 
2979 Tpr. J A CHARLES
JOSEPH ALBERT, KIA 26/01/1916 age 26, Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Charles, of 7, Weymouth St., Leicester. QUARRY CEMETERY, VERMELLES (C. 25.)


2166 Tpr. A H CLARKE
Alfred Herbert of  374, Gladstone Street, Leicester. Died of appendicitis 27.11.15 at No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station, age 27. Son of F. A. and E. A. Clarke, of Upwood, Hunts. AIRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY (I. C. 12.)

2243 Tpr. P O CLARKE
PHILIP OSWALD, KIA 02/06/1916 age 29, Son of John Farmer and Elizabeth Clarke, of Leicester; husband of Frances Louise Clarke, of 88A, St. Peter's Rd., Leicester. HUCQUELIERS CHURCHYARD (Against South hedge.)


2022 Tpr. G H CONQUEST
George Harry, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Hildesborough, 2022, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.


3 Troop, B Sqn in France pre Frezenberg.
Trooper Conquest can be seen on the right with two hands on his shoulders.


Members of B Squadron at Diss, Norfolk, in late summer 1914.


1853 (255232) Tpr. R E CORBETT
(on sale on eBay June 2008)
"Robert" by the end of the war was a Sergeant, as this is the rank on his Victory medal. He was part of the Corps of Hussars later in the War.

3370 (41171) Tpr. G M CRAWFORD
George Max Crawford was KIA12/06/1917, he died as part of the Corps of Hussars and attached to the 16th Lancers. Buried in VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY (A. 12.)


Some of the Yeomen are wearing their stable and fatigues scarlet "Bonnet de Police" and waistcoats. The Yeoman on the far right is wearing his old LIY breeches for stable fatigues, his waistcoat is his own as its patterned. Diss Rectory in Norfolk in October 1914.


1930 Tpr. J DONALDSON
Medals consisting of official replacement 1914 Star, this is correctly named 1930 Pte J Donaldson Leic. Yeo, (Replacement), the British war Medal and  Victory Medal are both correctly named to 1930 Pte. J. Donaldson, Leic. Yeo, comes complete with medal index card confirming the award of medals and that the 1914 Star was issued as a replacement on the 29.09.1960, must have misplaced his first 1914 Star, the other two medals are both first issue ones , landed in France on the 02.11.1914, nice scarce group, also states he served with the 8th Machine Gun Corps Cavalry.

1728 Tpr. A R FEWKES
Trooper Arthur Fewkes was wounded by shrapnel in both arms and was trying to get back to the RAP to be treated. The Colonel , who was on his way to see the front trench found him. Fewkes said:-

"I could just manage to stand, but was so dazed that I could not possibly walk. The Colonel came along , and in the midst of a shower of bullets , he dragged me 200 yards away. After laying me in a ditch, he covered me in his great coat, which I wore home, and is now at the Base hospital. I cannot say how grateful I feel to the late Colonel."

Arthur, after recovering from his wounds, then became part of the Labour Corps (497199)

 

2345 (255355) Tpr. A E GALLOWAY

Albert Edmund, b. Leicester, e. Leicester, r. Leicester, KIA 30/05/1917 age 20. Son of William Edmund Galloway and Ada Galloway, of 60, Biddulph St., Highfields, Leicester. TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY (X. B. 12.)

 

2984 Tpr. C GREEN

Charles, b. Leicester, e. Leicester, r. Leicester, Killed in action 27/08/1916. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL (Pier and Face 1 A.)

 

2532 Tpr. J C LATHBURY

JOHN CYRIL Age: 19, Date of Death: 10/01/1916 KIA, Son of Mrs. A. Lathbury.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 2.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL

 

2468 (255441) Tpr. F W Martin

***Frank William Martin served in France from 27.5.1915 with B Squadron.

 

1765 Tpr. F H Mathews

Frank Herbert, b. Lutterworth e. Lutterworth  r. Gilmorton, Leics. Killed at Frezenberg, 15/05/1915

 

1726 Tpr. J C Morrison

John Claude, b. Spalding, e. Leicester, r. Spalding, "B" Squadron, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Killed in action 13th May 1915 (Freezenburg). Age 27. Born and resident Spalding, enlisted Leicester. Only son of the late Hector Mackay Morrison, J.P., and Emma Morrison, of Argus House, Spalding, Lincs. Educated at the Perse School, Cambridge. Mobilized August, 1914. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 5.

 

3520 (47274) Tpr.  E Newby

Elijah lived in Causeway Lane which is in the centre of Leicester and enlisted into the Leics Yeomanry. He transferred to the MGC Cavalry in 1916 (Pictured here in MGC uniform).

 

Tpr Newby's MIC:-

 

2278 Tpr. H HANSON

Harry, b. Corby, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

2591 Tpr. F W HARRIS

Frank William, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

2624 Tpr. L HILL

 Leslie, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

2120 Tpr. G HOLLAND

 Gurth, b. Buckingham, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.


 


2108 Tpr. J H HOPKINS

Joseph Henry (AKA "Harry"), b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry (recorded as "missing in action" and his memorial is on the Menin Gate, Ypres). He was a territorial with the Royal Horse Artillery but resigned due to work commitments prior to the war. When war broke out he was told he couldn't enlist with the RHA and was directed to the Machine Gun Section of the Leicestershire Yeomanry. (This info is subject to confirmation as WW1 Medal Rolls record a John H Hopkins 2108 and a Joseph Hopkins 1922). Photo supplied by "Harry's" Great Niece.

2562 Tpr. E E D JOHNSON

Ernest Edward Daniel, b. Wigstown, e. Leicester , r. Wigstown, Leicester, Killed in action aged 25, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Trooper Johnson, of Newgate End, Wigston Magna, lived with his parents Daniel (Local Council Chairman) and Ada and had left school to start work as a butcher. His name appears on the Ypres Memorial in Belgium, his body was never found.

 

2146 Tpr. R JOHNSON

Robert, b. Stamford, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in Action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

2016 Tpr. T H MADDOCK

Thomas Henry, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg,13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry

1739 Tpr. F M MARTIN

Frank Moir, b. Westminster, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

1732 Tpr. L J MOIR

Leslie John Moir was born in Leicester, and living in Sileby, enlisted at Leicester. Serving with the Leicestershire Yeomanry, he was killed in action, France/Flanders on 13 May 1915. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

2609 Tpr. J J MORLEY

John Joseph, b. Leicester, e. Coalville , r. Whitwick, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

[ Medals ] Pair: Private J. Morley, Leicestershire Yeomanry British War and Victory Medals (2609 Pte., Leic. Yeo.), together with Memorial Plaque (John Joseph Morley) extremely fine (3) E140-180 John Joseph Morley was born in Leicester and living in Whitwick, enlisted at Coalville. Serving in the Leicestershire Yeomanry he was killed in action in the battle of Frezenberg Ridge on 13 May 1915, aged 18 years Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

1726 Tpr. J C MORRISON

John Claude, b. Spalding, e. Leicester , r. Spalding, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,   Leicestershire Yeomanry.

1935 Tpr. C W MURPHY

Cyril Wain, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2641 Tpr. F NEWTON

Frank, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.


2925208 James Henry NUTTER
James was born in 1897 in Westminster, London.
The eldest child and only son of Helen and James Nutter who had eight children in all. Six of these were born in London and on moving to Leicester in 1912 they had a further two daughters.
James joined the Leicestershire Yeomanry in May 1915.
He transferred to the 8th Squadron Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) in October 1916.
He was killed on the 11th April 1917 at Arras in France aged twenty. It was a great loss especially as he had passed to go to University and had a bright future ahead of him.
James Mother had a large portrait of him wearing his uniform which was always displayed wherever she lived.
James name is commemorated by name on the Arras Memorial in France which bears the names of over 35,000 men lost without trace during the battles of Arras.



2195 (256525) Tpr. W REMINGTON

William, pictured above serving in the 7th (LY) Sqn IY in South Africa. SWB# 437117 Enlist: 10.8.14 Disch: 23.8.18 Reason  for Disch: Para (A1) Para 392 (XVI) KR at Age 45 having served in France with the 1st/1st LY. William had a long and experienced Yeomanry service and considering this its surprising that he was still a Trooper on his discharge.


1936 Tpr. M W ROWLEY
Maurice William, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,   Leicestershire Yeomanry.


1983 Tpr. V W SAUNDERS
Victor Walter, b. Newton Abbott, Devon, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

2106 Tpr. E W L SHAW
Eustace William Leslie, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry . He was part of the Machine gun section.

2006 Tpr H SHAW
Of 62 Paget Road Leicester. Listed as missing on the 22nd of  May 1915, he was later found wounded, he was commissioned into the Machine Gun Corps (Cav) on the 21st November 1916 :-
"We went in the trenches about 1o'clockin the morning and at daybreak they started shelling our trenches with massed batteries and rapid fire. Shells were dropped in hundreds some right in the trenches some and others burst in front and behind the parapets, burying men in debris, other being blown to atoms, a terrible sight. When this had been going on for four or 5 hours, the trenches were nearly flat and then the Germans attacked in great numbers. We were at a disadvantage - most of our men out of action. Our Regiment was opposed by about 2,000 Huns. This was so all along the line. I was the only one left at our machine gun, and I mowed them down. This was so all along the line, but they took the trench on our left flank. Up till then we were holding the Germans in front of us and I have never seen chaps fight more bravely than ours did, the ground in front of us was scattered with dead. We then got the order to retire to the reserve trenches, and it was through this we suffered heavily again. I escaped because I tumbled to the game, and kept to the open ground. I was very weak from the loss of blood and sleep, and had nothing to eat for 12 hours. I kept having to rest in "Jack Johnson's" holes, gradually getting away until I cam to the rest, where they were ready to make another stand. I was twice blown over by shells, and well peppered with shrapnel, and a bullet rapped my knuckles of my left hand. I got a piece of shrapnel through my top lip which went into my gums and loosened my front teeth, and another small piece in my shoulder. I think I have got away pretty lucky, and only hope I have have the same luck every time."

Trooper Shaw's MIC:-

2203 Tpr. H SPENCE

Harry, b. Leicester, e. Coalville , r. Markfield, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,

  Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5). He was the "first servant" to Major Martin.

 

255113 Tpr. W SUTTON MM

William enlisted in the Yeomanry on the 24th Feb 1913, he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, at the age of 22. His demob certificate on the 11th March 1919 also lists one red, three blue chevrons and one wounded stripe. His father, Mr W Sutton, of 124, Havelock street, Leicester, was an old volunteer, and served with the Leicesters in the Boer War.

 

Tpr Sutton's MIC:-

 

2097 Tpr. C TATLOW

Charles, b. Chesterfield, e. Leicester, r. Leicester. Killed in action on the 13th May 1915 (Freezenburg) . He is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres (Panel 5). Charles was born in Chesterfield, but was a resident of Leicester.

 

1863 Tpr. A J  TOMLINSON

Alfred James, b. Wigston, e. Lutterworth , r. Wigston Magna, Killed in action, France & Flanders, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

 

1888 (255102) Tpr G.O. Thompson

1914 Star with clasp ( "August-November 1914"), WW1 Medal & Victory Medal. He survived the war and was from Leicester. He wrote to his father, who lived in Kettering, on the 26th of February 1915 that the Leicestershire Yeomanry "Prince Albert's Own Hussars" had been inspected by General French on a dismounted parade on the 27th of January 1915.

[ Medals ] Three: Private G. O. Thompson, Leicestershire Yeomanry 1914 Star, with copy clasp (1888 Pte., Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (1888 Pte., Leic. Yeo.)

 

Trooper Thompson's MIC:-

 

2260 Tpr. J WAGSTAFF

John, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,

  Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

2337 Tpr. "Bert" WARD

Bert, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,

  Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

Bertie Ward was born in Leicester in 1890, the son of John Henry Ward, a shoe finisher, and his wife Annie. During his early childhood Bertie, known in later life as Bert, lived with his parents at 42, Painter street, Leicester. In 1911 Bert Ward married Ethel G. Allison in Leicester.

Bert Ward was a Trooper (Private) in the Leicestershire (Prince Albert's Own) Yeomanry. He arrived in France on the 1st April 1915, and was soon in the front line near Ypres. On the morning of the 13th May 1915, 'B' and 'C' Squadrons of Ward's regiment were subjected to very heavy shelling, and were subsequently attacked in their trenches by German bombing parties.

Trooper, 2337, Bert Ward, of 'B' Squadron, Leicestershire Yeomanry, was amongst those killed during this action, which claimed the lives of six of the regiment's officers, including the commanding officer, and two squadron leaders. By the day's end, of the 267 other ranks of the regiment, 87 were either killed or missing - this brought to an end the Battle of Frezenberg Ridge.

Initially, the Adjutant of the Leicestershire Yeomanry in France reported Bert Ward as missing in action. However, by early June he was confirmed dead. He was 25 years' old. Bert Ward's wife, Ethel, and the couple's three children lived at 18, Reading street, Thurmaston. Trooper Ward's parents lived at 6, Woodboy street, Leicester. His father John Henry Ward, was a shopkeeper and lodging house keeper.

Bert Ward has no known grave. He is commemorated on panel 5 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, and on the war memorial at Thurmaston.

For his service in the Great War he was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal.

 

41191 Tpr. A Warner

 Tpr. Arthur Warner, who was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Warner, of The Bank, was only 29 years of age. He was born at Kibworth and educated at Kibworth Grammar School. Prior to joining the colours he was employed as a traveller by Messrs. Carr & Co., of West Bromwich. Pte. Warner joined up on December 13th 1915, in the Leicestershire Yeomanry, being subsequently attached to the 5th Lancers. He went to France in March, 1916, and saw plenty of fierce fighting. Deceased was killed on April 18th, although a report that he was wounded did not reach deceased’s parents until May 1st.  A letter dated May 22nd, from Capt. R.A. Heath, stated that deceased died in hospital a few hours after he was hit by a shell while on patrol. Capt. Heath says, “I feel most deeply for you, as I am sure he was a good son to you. He was in my squadron, and I always found him everything that an English soldier should be.”

    The greatest sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Warner in their sad loss. (

Market Harborough Advertiser.   11th June 1918.)

 

2353 Tpr. F B WATTS

Frank Branson, b. Brackley, e. Leicester , r. Brackley, Killed in action, Frezenberg,

13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

1704 (255068) Tpr. W H WALKER

Part of the initial deployment to France on the 2/11/1914, he survived the war and was from Market Harborough. He lived on Church Square in Market Harborough and would be part of D Squadron pre War. An extract from a letter home after the Frezenberg battle.

 

Trooper Walker's MIC:-

 

41191 Tpr. A WARNER

[ Militaria ] Leicester Yeomanry Great War casualty group and plaque. Awarded to '41191 Pte. A. Warner Leic Yeo'. Comprising: British War Medal, Victory Medal, Bronze Memorial Plaque 'Arthur Warner' These are accompanied by a 1917 3rd Cavalry Division Rifle Meet bronze medal named to Pte Warner of the 'LY'. GC. E150-200 Private Arthur Warner died on the 18th April 1918 and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial Belgium. He came from Beauchamp Leicester.

 

"C" Sqn

 

Major W F Martin

Killed in action on 13th May 1915, Frezenberg. He joined the ranks of the Yeomanry in 1897. In the following year he was promoted to 2/Lt; in 1903 he was made Lt.; in 1904 he was made Captain, and in 1911 became a Major in command of C (Loughborough) Squadron. He served as a Lt. in the 7th Company LIY during the South African war, and received the Queen's medal with four clasps.

 

Killed in the same trench as Major Martin were, Major Leibert, Lt. Brooks, Lt. Peake, Troopers Hickling and Adams, and Sgt. Burton.

 

Mentioned in despatches, 1st Jan 1916:-

Martin, Major W. F., (Killed)

 

Major F W Martin is seen here leading off C Squadron, in Loughborough, on mobilization in 1914.

 

Lt. S P D Thomson

Samual Pestel Donald, KIA 12/05/1915 the night before the battle by a shell in a dug out whilst on reconnoitre duty. Son of Samuel Marshall Thomson and Edith Mary Thomson, of Grey Lodge. Groby, Leicester. SANCTUARY WOOD CEMETERY II. B. 32. He joined the Regiment in 1911.

Medals [Auction at Christies]A Very Rare Leicestershire Hussars 1914 Trio to Lieutenant S.P.D. Thomson, 1914 Star and Bar (Lieut. Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medal, extremely fine, with photograph (3) (realized £575 in 1995) NotesINDENT Lieutenant Samuel Pestell Donald Thomson, born 1888, Glasgow, educated at Uppingham and Pembroke College, Cambridge, received a commission in the Leicestershire Hussars and became Lieutenant November 1913. He arrived with his Regiment in France 13 November 1914 and on the 13 May 1915 was killed by a shell bursting in his dug-out when the Leicestershire Yeomanry were holding an area on the Menin-Ypres Road; he is buried in Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, Zillebeke, Belgium


 

Lt. T E Brooks

THOMAS EDWARD, C Sqn, killed by sniper, 13th May 1915 (Frezenberg). OOSTTAVERNE WOOD CEMETERY (VI. H. 24.) He lived in Queniborough Grange and joined the Regiment in August 1914, having previously served in the 11th (PAO) Hussars and also served with the Yeomanry briefly in 1907-08. Formerly a resident at Rothley Temple, he was very well known in Hunting circles, and had ridden with much success at steeplechase meetings, where his colours, straw jacket and Tartan cap were very popular. He displayed a keen interest in Boxing and was himself a keen exponent of the art.

 

Lt. E W S M P de Lisle

Lt Edward William Stebbings March Phillipps de Lisle joined the Regiment on the 12th Nov 1914 and was in France c1916. He was wounded on 27.11.1917 and was hospitalised in Scotland until his recovery.

 

215 Sqn Sgt-Major. J H GREEN

On the day of the Frezenberg battle SSM Green had been responsible for the horses and as a result of his duty he was mentioned in despatches in the London Gazette of 27th June 1915, by Field Marshal J D P French. SSM Joseph H Green was a farmer at Springbarrow lodge, Swannamote Road, Whitwick and lived there with his sister Katherine. He was very involved with the LY from around 1910. He was commissioned into the 2nd/1st Staffordshire Yeomanry in December 1915.

 

1914 Star (Clasp & Rose), Great War Medal, Victory Medal (Oak Leaf)

 

SSM Green's MIC:-

 

Sgt. J GARNER

Jack survived the war, he was the son of Mr & Mrs J Garner of Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough. An extract of a letter by jack to his parents, dated 16th May 1915.

 

1342 (255217) Sgt. P T Pegg

(1885-1942). He joined the Yeomanry in 1908 going to France in November 1914 until demobilization in 1919. When the Regiment was split up in 1918 he served with the 4th Hussars. In addition to his British medals, he received the Belgian military decoration the Croix de Guerre.

 

Sgt Pegg's MIC:-

The War Cross 1914-1918 WITH VOLUNTEER LION ON THE RIBBON Awarded to military personnel for an act of bravery against the enemy. This bronze cross was instituted on 25 October 1915 and was also awarded to foreign military personnel. Except for bravery, it could also be awarded in a number of other cases, e.g. to military personnel with at least 5 front stripes (3 years of frontline duty) for good conduct, to volunteers either over 40 years or under 16 years old with at least 18 months of service in a combat unit, for escaped military personnel who re-entered the army or for military personnel who, through severe war wounds, were invalided out. Emblems could be worn on the ribbon when mentioned in the Order of the Day : a mention on Army level was recognized by a bronze palm with the letter "A" (King Albert I), five mentions on Army level by a similar but silver palm while 5 silver palms were replaced by a gold one, a mention on regimental, brigade or divisional level was recognized by bronze, silver or gilt lions. Also a small version of the Belgian Orders' Fourragère can be worn on the ribbon as e.g. the Order of Leopold I Fourragère. The obverse of the cross, which has crossed swords between the arms, shows a rampant lion in its central medallion. The reverse is identical but for the replacement of the lion by the royal cyper "A". The ribbon is red with five green stripes.

 

255139 Sgt. Robert PERKINS

Wounded 13/05/1915 at Frezenberg, from Barrow-On-Soar, Leicestershire.

 

1580 Sgt. H P KEALEY

Henry Percy, b. Kettering, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Henry was also brother-in-law to L/Cpl Bertie Diggle who was killed in action  on the same day.

 

Sgt Kealey's MIC:-

 

1478 L/Sgt J PARKER

John, b. Whitwick, e. Oakham , r. Shepshed, Killed in action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Son of Joseph and Annie Parker of Longcliffe Lodge, Shepshed.
 


1752 (255177) Sgt A Roe
[Featured on BBC East Midlands "Inside Out" program about "Thankful Villages" by his son, Tony Roe. Last broadcast on Monday, 19:30 7/11/11 on BBC One]

Albert Roe is pictured above, as a boy, before the Great War. He is wearing General Service uniform. He joined military service at the age of 11 and was one of the young Leicestershire Yeoman that landed in France in November 1914. He survived "Frezenberg" and was part of C squadron in the front line that day, he was wounded needing hospital treatment twice throughout the war. He returned to his fathers farm in Saxeby, near Melton Mowbray at the end of the war and lived on until his passing in 1978. Pictured below are his medals and his medal index card. 


 

1261 Sgt. C STUCHBURY

Clarence, b. Leicester, e. Oakham , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,  Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

C Squadron, Leicestershire Yeomanry, photographed in the Bull's Head Stable Yard, Loughborough on 6th August 1914. Tpr. Thirlby Hack, second from left on the third row from the front, looks at the camera. Sergeant Major Diggle, with five TF efficiency stars on his right arm, stands at the end of the second row. His son, 1760 Lance-Corporal Bertie Diggle (who must have joined up at about the same time as Thirlby) was killed in action on 13th May 1915 and is commemorated on panel 5 of the Menin Gate.
 

1756 (255184) Cpl. Henry Thirlby HACK

(Pictured here just after the war as a Sergeant)

The Quornian - Volume II, No 7, September 1915
Pages 29-32 give an account of ‘Our Yeomanry And The Second Battle of Ypres’
Pp32-33
“…We must not conclude this article, however, without some notice of the two Quorn Grammar School heroes, Sergt W Moore and Cpl H T Hack, of whom we have hitherto made no mention…

Cpl. Thirlby Hack was wounded in the left thigh, but the bullet fortunately damaged no bone, and by the merest fraction of an inch missed the femoral artery. Near him, as he fell, lay Sgt. Robert Perkins of Barrow-on-Soar, wounded in the knee and unable to rise. But, in spite of his own wound, and of the repeated protests of Sgt. Perkins, who begged Thirlby to leave him and look after himself, the brave lad got his comrade on his back, and attempted to carry him to shelter. Time after time he was forced to put him down; but, though under a storm of high explosive shells, shrapnel and rifle fire, he took him up again, and by slow and painful stages he succeeded in reaching the cover of a ditch beside the railway embankment. There the two remained till nightfall, when Hack again took up his burden, and after a slow and agonising journey he at last reached a field hospital about a mile in the rear of the advanced line. Both reached England and their wounds are fortunately healed. To the infinite credit of both these heroes, Sergt Perkins is no less loud in praise of his preserver than Thirlby is silent about a deed, which, in any ordinary war, would have undoubtedly earned him the Victoria Cross.

 

Thirlby Hack recovering (in the wheel chair) somewhere in England in 1915.

“He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit I’ the centre and enjoy bright day.”

and Thirlby is quite contented to have earned the gratitude of his companion, and to feel within him the happy consciousness of a trial bravely borne and a worthy end accomplished. We, however, his old masters and school fellows, still hope that if these lines should come under the notice of anyone having interest in high military quarters, we may some day see on our hero’s breast some tangible mark of distinction to remind us of his devotion. May he soon get it, and may he live long to wear it.”

 

Sgt. Hack is thought to have the Military Medal for his actions above but his MIC does not indicate this.

 

Sgt Hack's MICs:-




 

1471 Cpl. W E CORAH

William Ernest, b. Loughborough, e. Oakham , r. Loughborough, 1471, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

"C" Sqn, LY in Loughborough on mobilisation Aug 13th 1914. Major W F Martin and Lt. C Peake can be seen walking up the road.

 

C" Sqn, LY in Loughborough on mobilisation Aug 13th 1914.

 

Some men of C Squadron dated 8th Oct 1914 at Diss Rectory, Norfolk.

 

3384 L/Cpl. H E COX

HERBERT EDWARD, KIA 15/07/1916 age 35, Son of Herbert Edwin Cox, of Castle Gresley, Burton-on-Trent; husband of Anna E. Cox, of 103, Riverview Gardens, Barnes, London. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL (Pier and Face 1 A.)

 

1760 L/Cpl. B Diggle

 Bertie, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough, r. Loughborough, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry was killed at the Battle of Frezenberg Ridge in May 13th 1915 . Bertie's father, Sergeant George Davis Diggle, fought with the Leicestershire Yeomanry in the Boer War and was mentioned in dispatches for capturing several Boers single-handed - reference is in 'Rhodesia and After'.

 

L/Cpl Diggle's MIC:-

 

 

1860 Trumpeter A G ALDRIDGE

Alfred George, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough, r. Loughborough. KIA 07/01/1915 age 20 (whilst digging trenches at Zillebeke on the 7/2/1915, he was shot in the head by German sniper fire). Son of George and Emma Louisa Aldridge, of 21, Broad St., Loughborough. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL (Panel. 5)

 

Diss Rectory, Norfolk, November 1914.

 

1589 L/Cpl. W F KENT

William Francis, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2684 L/Cpl. W T KEITH

L/Cpl William Keith entered the theatre of war on the 27/5/1915 shortly after the battle of Frezenberg. He was also awarded the Silver War Badge (SWB).

Private W. T. Keith, Leicestershire Yeomanry. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals all

named to 2684 Lance Corporal W.T. Keith, Leicestershire Yeomanry. (3) Good very fine £195-245

 

L/Cpl Keith's MIC:-

 

 

The Whitwick Troop of C Squadron in 1914.

 

2145 Tpr C H ADAMS

 Charles Harold, b. Thornton, Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Quorn, Killed in action, France &

Flanders, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1904 Tpr. T BROOKS

Thomas, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, 1904, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2122 Tpr H BRAMLEY

Harold, b. Manchester, e. Lutterworth , r. Ashby-De-La-Zouch, 2122, PRIVATE, Killed in action, France &Flanders, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

Tpr. W H CAIN

He was wounded at Frezenberg, he was the son of Mr. Cain of the Hind Hotel in Market Harborough.

 

1974 Tpr G O CHESTER

George Oscar, b. Loughborough, e. Mountsorrel, r. Loughborough, Died of wounds, France
& Flanders, 15/05/15 (Frezenberg).

 

1995 Tpr. G CLOWES

George, b. Guisley, e. Whitwell , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg,13/05/15,  Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

256050 Tpr. R DORMER

Reginald, b. Rothley, e. Leicester, r. Rothley, KIA 22/06/1917. Son of John and Ruth Dormer, of Main St., Rothley, Leicester. VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY (c.30)

The War Diary entry for the 22nd June 1917 records:
SOUTH EAST OF EPEHY. At 1.30am. The Germans attempted a raid on the BIRDCAGE , intending to block the communications trench by bombing and to raid the garrison. The plan was frustrated by rifle fire and 10 Germans were left on the wire of the communications trench, 3 being brought in wounded, all of whom subsequently died. Lt. P.M.TOULMIN , who was out on a patrol towards a German sap, returned hurriedly just before the bombardment, having evidently seen some Germans massing. He was caught in the barrage, and killed, 9 other ranks killed and 10 other ranks wounded.
The War Diary entry for the 30th June records:
Casualties during the month. Killed in action Lt. P.M.TOULMIN and 9 other ranks. Died of wounds, 1 other rank. Wounded in action, 16 other ranks.

 

255653 Tpr. A G DRAPER

Alfred George, b. Leicester, e. Leicester, r. Leicester, Died of wounds 12/04/1917 age 27. Son of George and Ellen Draper, of Leicester. ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY (XXII. G. 24.)

 

2324 Tpr. J FOYSTER

John, b. Melton Mowbray, e. melton Mowbray, r. Melton Mowbray, Died at home, 26/02/1916 age 27. Son of Joseph Foyster. FREEBY (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD.

 

255519 Tpr. A GREEN

Alfred, b. Lichfield, e. Leicester, r. Loughborough, Killed in action 22/06/1917 age 22. Son of Annie Green, of 33, Clarence St., Loughborough, and the late George Green. Born at Lichfield, Staffs. VILLERS-FAUCON COMMUNAL CEMETERY (C. 36.)

 

1754 Tpr. H A GRUDGINGS

Henry Arthur, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,  Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1978 Tpr. G E HAWKER

Gilbert Edwin, b. Darlington, e. Barrow , r. Loughborough, 1978, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2589 Tpr. M H HICKLING

Matthew Henry, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Quorn, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,

Age 21, C Squadron 1st/1st LY (PAO)
Son of the late Matthew and Mary Blanche Hickling, of Syston, Leicester.
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Panel 5

Trooper Hickling's MIC:-


 

1920 Tpr. P JONES

Percy, b. Birmingham, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2426 Tpr. W KITCHEN

[ Medals ] Three: Private W. Kitchen, Leicestershire Yeomanry 1914- 15 Star (2426 Pte., Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (2426 Pte., Leic. Yeo.) extremely fine (3)

 

1843 Tpr. J J LUCAS

John Jesson, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1996 Tpr H V MASON

Henry Victor b. Loughborough, e. Whitwell , r. Normanton-on-Soar, Trooper, Died of wounds, Frezenberg, 24/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1678 Tpr. D MOORE

Daniel, b. Nottingham, e. Loughborough , r. Quorn, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

Tpr Dan Moore had been detailed as "Pack leader" to take the horses out of the firing line, but he swapped places with another so that he could remain with his brother, "Billy", a decision that cost him his life.

 

1845 Tpr. W MOORE

William "Billy", b. Quorn, e. Loughborough , r. Quorn, 1845, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. He was also slightly wounded in January 1915 by German sniper fire (recorded in the Regimental War Diary as Reg No: 1545).

 

3154 (100733) Tpr. A PRIESTLEY

Albert joined the Yeomanry on the 10th of May 1915, learning of the Colonels death 3 days after his enlistment. Albert went out to France 5 months later and into the trenches at Hohenzollern Redoubt, a relic of the Battle of Loos. The Yeomanry then joined the rest of the Cavalry at Corbie-sur-Somme, ready for the "Big Push". In 1917 Albert transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (Cav) and went to Egypt. He survived the War and became a special constable in Lougborough.

 

1844 Tpr. C E PRITCHARD

Charles Edgar, b. Loughborough, e. Loughborough , r. Loughborough, 1844, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

256462 Tpr F PROCTER
Leicestershire Yeomanry , Age 18.
Son of Mrs. Mary Procter of 4 Charles St. Cobridge St. Stoke-on-Trent
Died 31st May 1917, buried in Fort Pitt, Military Cemetery, Chatham.

 

255525 Tpr L SHARP

Leonard Sharp was born at Thurmaston in about 1888, the son of Joseph Sharp, a bricklayer's labourer, and his wife Emma. He was the younger brother of Ernest Sharp (qv). On the 7th November 1914 Leonard Sharp joined the Leicestershire Yeomanry, at which time he was a serving police officer. He was drafted during March 1915; and during 1916, when on leave, he was sent to hospital. He served at the Regimental Headquarters of the Yeomanry from October 1917. The following year from the 4th April 1918, the Regimental Headquarters of the Yeomanary ceased to exist. The Leicestershire Yeomanry was spilt up. Leonard Sharp became attached to the 4th Hussars, along with "C" Squadron of his regiment. All three squadrons of the regiment became part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade. By the time of the Armistice in November 1918, Trooper, 255525, Leonard Sharp, of 28, Reading Street, Thurmaston, was still serving with the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, which returned to England in the spring of 1919.

 


2646 Tpr. T J SHERIFF
Thomas Joseph, b. Grantham, e. Leicester , r. Leicester, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

Tpr. TJ Sheriff is seen here on the front row (2nd from right), this picture was taken on mobilisation. The Trooper sitting 3rd from the right is from A Sqn, and was in the Oakham Troop.

 

1967 Tpr. A SMITH

Arthur, b. Mountsorrel, e. Mountsorrel , r. Mountsorrel, 1967, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15,   Leicestershire Yeomanry. His mother lived in Newcombe Street, Market Harborough

 

C Squadron in Loughborough on mobilisation.

 

1990 Tpr S H A SILVESTER.

Of Sykefield-Avenue, Hinkley.

 

In a letter to his Parents:-

"It all happened on Thursday, 13th. We went into the first line of trenches in the evening of Wednesday 12th and about two o'clock the next morning they began to shell us. The Germans attacked all day long. Several charges were made. It was the worst time I have ever had. The Cavalry suffered terribly. The line was held by Cavalry. We have lost as far as I know about 250men killed and wounded. I have been shot through the knee. I lay in a "Jack Johnson" hole from 3.30 till 10:30 at night, and dare not move. Then I managed to crawl out. I saw the wounded trying to get through. Thank goodness I managed to do it"

 

2144 Tpr. W J STEER

William John, b. Leicester, e. Leicester , r. Quorn,  Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

255965 Tpr B W Sturgis

Benjamin William Sturgis, Quorn Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. He died on 19/8/1918 at 5 General Hospital, Rouen, France (Died of wounds while serving as a Trooper in the Leicestershire Yeomanry (Rgtl. No. 255965)). He was buried after 19/8/1918 at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France (Grave/Memorial Reference: R. III. F. 17 - Regiment 18th (Queen Marys own) Hussars).

 

2708 Tpr. B S TOMLIN

Benjamin Stephen, b. Castle Donnington, e. Melton Mowbray , r. Shepshed, 2708, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

2657 Tpr. P WACKS

[ Medals ] Three: Private P. Wacks, Leicestershire Yeomanry 1914-15 Star (2657 Pte., Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (2657 Pte , Leic. Yeo.), mounted as worn, good very fine (3) E140-180 Philip Wacks entered the France/Flanders theatre of war as a Private in the Leicestershire Yeomanry. Later appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Hussars, he was disembodied on 26 February 1919. Sold with two photographs of an Army hospital ward.

 

1859 Tpr. H WILLIAMS

Horace, b. Ashby-De-La-Zouch, e. Whitwell , r. Ashby-De-La-Zouch, 1859, PRIVATE, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

2081 Tpr. F C White

Frank Cuthbert White was killed in action 13/05/15 at Frezenberg, from Quorn in Leics. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5)

"D" Sqn

D squadron would have been absorbed by the other three squadrons on deployment to France.

 

Lt. John Logan (Temp OC D Sqn)

John Logan was born in Market Harborough in 1883, went to Cambridge and then was a Railway Contractor before being commissioned into the Leicestershire Yeomanry on 15th October 1914, 01/08/15 temporary Major (possibly as a result of Frezenberg), 30/07/16 reverted to Lieutenant and finished the war as Staff Captain (Department of Director general Movements and Railways). Son of Maud A. Logan and the late John W. Logan; husband of Phyllis Logan, of "Tresco", Hewlett Rd., Cheltenham, Glos. Born at East Langton, Market Harborough.

 

Lt. Hugh Logan

Died on the  24/02/19 aged 33. Brother of John (above) and Son of Maud A. Logan and the late John W. Logan; husband of Phyllis Logan, of "Tresco", Hewlett Rd., Cheltenham, Glos. Born at East Langton, Market Harborough. TOURNAI COMMUNAL CEMETERY ALLIED EXTENSION (IV. G. 10.)

 

1779 L/Cpl. F W THOMPSON

Francis William, b. Leicester, e. Market Bosworth , r. Barton, Killed in action, France &

Flanders, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. He was a Secretary at the Barton Fabis Y.P.S. for several years.

 

Men of "D" Squadron, Market Harborough, Leics, on mobilisation.

 

1774 Tpr. P E BOWEN

Percy Edgar, b. Hinckley, e. Hinckley , r. Hinckley, Died of wounds, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2062 Tpr. H CLAPCOTT

Henry, b. Christchurch, Hampshire, e. Market Harborough , r. Blandford, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

255343 Tpr. G W COOPER

GEORGE WILLIAM, KIA 13/08/1918 age 26. Son of Mrs. E. Cooper, of Gumley, Market Harborough, and the late John Cooper. Born at Gaddesby, Leicester. CAIX BRITISH CEMETERY (II. B. 20.) 255343 Private George William Cooper was born and enlisted Melton Mowbray and lived Loughborough he was killed in action, France 13 August 1918. Aged 26 he was the son of Mrs E Cooper of Gumley. Market Harborough and the late John Cooper.

 

1411 Tpr J DALBY

John, b. Hinkley, e. Burley Camp , r. Hinkley, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1765 Tpr. F H MATHEWS

Frank Herbert, b. Lutterworth, e. Lutterworth , r. Gilmorton, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

1927 Tpr. J ROBERTS

John, b. Hinckley, e. Lutterworth , r. Hinckley, Killed in action, Frezenberg 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry.

 

2027 Tpr. W SMITH

William, b. Leamington, e. Lutterworth , r. Lutterworth, Killed in action, Frezenberg, 13/05/15, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

1912 Tpr. J  WILLIAMSON

John, b. Market Harborough, e. Market Harborough , r. Kibworth, 1912, PRIVATE, Killed in action,

Frezenberg, 13/05/15,  Leicestershire Yeomanry. Menin Gate memorial in Ypres (Panel 5).

 

 

Names not identified with a Squadron


 

Sgt. Bailey

 

2162 Cpl Frank Kennell

Walter Rudolph Howard

 

1776 Tpr. W Kibby

1914 Star, with clasp (1776 Pte., Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (1775 Pte., Leic. Yeo.)

 

Private P. Wacks, Leicestershire Yeomanry

1914-15 Star (2657 Pte., Leic. Yeo.); British War and Victory Medals (2657 Pte., Leic. Yeo.), mounted as worn, good very fine (3) £140-180 Philip Wacks entered the France/Flanders theatre of war as a Private in the Leicestershire Yeomanry. Later appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Hussars, he was disembodied on 26 February 1919. Sold with two photographs of an Army hospital ward.

 

2344 Acting Corporal M. D. McGregor

Leicester Yeomanry, late Leicestershire Regiment, 1914-15 Star (2344 Pte. A.-Cpl., Leic. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2344 A. Cpl., Leic. Yeo.)

 

3511 Tpr C Grant

 

256109 Tpr Cecil James Harrison

 

3472 Tpr A Pickard

 

256079 Tpr G Farmer

 

Tpr Martin E Wigg

 

2416 Tpr J A Duglass

 

3537 Tpr R J Simmonds

 

 2188 Tpr THOMAS Y GIMSON

LEICESTER YEOMANRY, WW1; BWM; He is entitled to a S.W.Badge, with card index.

 

Arthur Wood

, Svc No. 2367 (commissioned in the field)

 

1979 L/Cpl. J A POTTER, LEIC YEO YEOMANRY 1914 AUG/NOV STAR	2090 Tpr. J HEARNE, LEIC YEO 1914-18 WAR MEDAL



Unknown LY Trooper c1914, possibly taken in Aldershot.


Unknown LY Farrier c1914, his buttons are of the general service pattern.

Medals: Groups & Single Decorations for Gallantry A fine Great War `Western Front' M.C. group of four awarded to Second Lieutenant F. Burt, Warwickshire Yeomanry, attached 20th Hussars, formerly 2094 Saddler Leicestershire Yeomanry Military C

Footnote

3143 (255840) Tpr D BROOKE

Douglas Brook served in the Leicestershire Yeomanry. His Medal Index Card shows that he landed in France on 27th October 1915. He later served as number 255840 in the Corps of Hussars. 

He survived the War and was disembodied on 14th March 1919.