Liverpool Pals Who Died on This Day

Albert Edward Henry Gray was born on the 24th December 1885, in New Ferry, Cheshire, the eldest son of Henry (Harry) Gray and his wife Clara (née Crisp). His parents married in 1883 in the Wirral and had six children.  Albert had an older sister Ada Mary, and younger siblings Lottie Sophia, Charles William, Lilian Florence, and Harry James. He was baptised on 28th February 1886.

The 1911 Census shows Albert living with his family at 35 Winstanley Road, New Ferry. His father, Henry, is aged 56, is a teacher of physical culture, whilst his mother, Clara is aged 45, was born in 1866 in Long Stanton, Cambridgeshire. They have been married for 28 years and have had six children. Four of their children are in the household; Albert aged 25, is a soap cutter, Charlie aged 21, born 1890 is a cotton porter, Lilian aged 15, born 1896 is a scent packer and Harry aged 13, was born in 1898.

Albert married Ellen Buckley on the 03^rd February, 1913 at St Mark’s Church, New Ferry. At his marriage he is shown as Albert Henry. They had a son Robert Douglas born 06^th September, 1913. His son’s baptism record shows Albert’s middle name as Edward. 

He enlisted at St George's Hall, Liverpool on the 01^st September, 1914 joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment. He was aged 27 years and 250 days and gave his occupation as soap-maker. He had been an apprentice at Lever Brothers and this expired in 1905. He was five feet eleven and three quarter inches tall, weighed 170lbs, sallow complexion, brown eyes, brown hair and gave his religion as Church of England.

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

His service record shows the following:

13.03.15: Appointed paid Lance Corporal.

14.03.15: Promoted to Corporal.

31.03.15: Appointed unpaid Lance Sergeant.

07.04.15: Appointed paid Lance Sergeant.

16.10.15: Promoted to Sergeant 

He arrived in France with his Battalion on 07th November 1915.

Albert was serving in the 18th Battalion, as Sergeant when he was wounded in action on 8th July 1916, suffering a gunshot wound to the thigh.  He was admitted to 96th Field Ambulance, then to No.5 Casualty Clearing Station, and to 2nd Stationary Hospital on the 11th.  On the 14th his condition was reported as “not very satisfactory”.  His wife requested permission to see him on the 28th as by then Albert was “dangerously ill”. His wife and father were given travel warrants via Southampton, left Rock Ferry by train on 17th August and visited Albert, by then in No.2 General Hospital, Le Havre, on the 18th.  Albert died of his wounds at 7:50 a.m. on 31st August 1916.

He now rests at St Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France where his headstone reads:

“BELOVED HUSBAND OF ELLEN GRAY NEW FERRY, CHESHIRE”

During the First World War, Le Havre was one of the ports at which the British Expeditionary Force disembarked in August 1914. Except for a short interval during the German advance in 1914, it remained No.1 Base throughout the war and by the end of May 1917, it contained three general and two stationary hospitals, and four convalescent depots.

The first Commonwealth burials took place in Division 14 of Ste Marie Cemetery in mid August 1914. Burials in Divisions 19, 3, 62 and 64 followed successively.

A memorial in Plot 62 marks the graves of 24 casualties from the hospital ship 'Salta' and her patrol boat, sunk by a mine on 10 April 1917. The memorial also commemorates by name the soldiers, nurses and merchant seamen lost from the 'Salta' whose bodies were not recovered, and those lost in the sinking of the hospital ship 'Galeka' (mined on 28 October 1916) and the transport ship 'Normandy' (torpedoed on 25 January 1918), whose graves are not known.

There are now 1,690 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in this cemetery, 8 of which are unidentified.

His wife Ellen was awarded a pension of 16s a week for herself and child from the 05^th March 1917.

He earned his three medals, which Nellie signed for.

We currently have no further information on Albert Edward Gray, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Albert Edward Hollinghurst was born in 1887 in Bootle, the son of William Hollinghurst and his wife Ann (née Pugh). His parents, who were both born in Liverpool, were married at St. George's C.of E. Church, Everton on the 13th April 1873. William was a 22 year old joiner of Everton, his father, Henry, was a joiner, whilst Ann was also aged 22 of Everton, her father, Charles, was a sail maker. Albert Edward was one of eleven children, seven of whom survived into adulthood. His known siblings were; Mary Ellen (born in 1874), Charles Henry (born in 1875), William (born in 1880), Margaret (born in 1882), Annie (born in 1883) Arthur (born in 1892). 

The family lived at 27 Marsh Street, Kirkdale in 1881.

The 1891 Census finds the family living at 1 Humber Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool. His father, William, is a 40 year old joiner, born in Everton, his mother, Ann, is also aged 40 and was born in Liverpool. They have six children in the household; Mary E. is 17, Charles H. is a 16 year old grocer's apprentice, William is 10 and a scholar, as are Margaret aged 8, and Annie aged 7. Albert E. is 3 years of age.   

The family have moved and are living at 24 Euston Street, Walton in 1901. His father is now a 50 year old joiner, his mother is also 50. They have six children in the household; Mary E. aged 27, William aged 20 is an apprentice joiner, Margaret is an 18 year old clerk, Annie aged 18 is a milliner's apprentice, Albert E. is aged 13 and Arthur is aged 9. 

The 1911 Census finds the family are living at 112 Bedford Road, Bootle. His father is now a 60 year old joiner, his mother is also 60. They have been married for 37 years and have had eleven children, seven of whom have survived. There are four children declared in the household; Mary Ellen is a 37 year old assistant, Annie is aged 27 with no occupation listed, Albert Edward is aged 23 and a grocer's asssistant and Arthur is a 19 year old teacher. Also declared is a boarder, William Beevers a 29 year old tailor's manager, born in Huddersfield.   

Previous to enlisting he was employed by MacSymons Stores Ltd. as traveller.

He enlisted with the King's Liverpool Regiment at Bootle. The CWGC list him with the 13th Battalion but Soldiers Died in the Great War say he was with the 18th Battalion as Lance-Corporal No 52419 when he was killed in action on the 31st August 1918, aged 31, during the hundred days offensive which ended the First World War (8^th August-11^th November 1918).  (Also listed as 18th Battalion in Everard Wyrall’s HISTORY OF THE KING'S REGIMENT (LIVERPOOL) 1914-1919). 

He now rests at HAC Cemetery, Ecourt-Saint Mein, France. The Inscription on his headstone, which does not contain a Cross reads:

“THY WILL BE DONE”

The enemy positions from Doignies to Henin-sur-Cojeul, including the village of Ecoust, were captured on 2 April 1917, by the 4th Australian and 7th Divisions. This cemetery was begun by the 7th Division after the battle, when 27 of the 2nd H.A.C., who fell (with one exception) on the 31st March or the 1st April, were buried in what is now Plot I, Row A. After the German counter-attack near Lagnicourt on the 15th April, twelve Australian gunners were buried in the same row. Rows B, C and part of D were made in August and September 1918, when the ground had been recaptured by the 3rd Division after five months enemy occupation. The 120 graves thus made were the original H.A.C. Cemetery; but after the Armistice graves were added from the battlefields of Bullecourt and Ecoust and from a number of smaller burial grounds.

There are now nearly 2,000, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, over half are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers from the United Kingdom and 14 from Australia, known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials record the names of 34 soldiers from the United Kingdom, buried in other cemeteries, whose graves were destroyed by shell fire. The cemetery covers an area of 5,801 square metres and is enclosed by a low red brick wall.

He was reported as Missing in the Liverpool Weekly Courier on Saturday 26 October 1918; 

Wounded and Missing. 

Reported wounded and missing August 31 last, Lance-Corporal A. E. Hollinghurst, A Company, 13th K.L.R. Any information thankfully received by his parents at 24 Stanley Road, Bootle. Previous to joining up was employed by MacSymons Ltd. as traveller. 

A request for information concerning his fate appeared in the Liverpool Echo on the 16th December 1918.

Reported wounded and missing August 31 last, Lance-corporal A.E. Hollinghurst, A Company, 13th K.L.R. Any information thankfully received by his parents at 24, Stanley-road, Bootle.

An enquiry was made on 20th November 1918 to the Red Cross as to whether Albert had been taken as a Prisoner of War, his details were given as Lance Corporal 52419 "A" Coy, 1st Platoon, Wounded and Missing 31/8/1918 (France). A negative response was sent on 23rd November 1918 to a J M Hollinghurst at 123 Bedford Road, Bootle.   

Soldiers Effects, Army Pay (two payments of £19 17s 11d and 10s), and War Gratuity of £14 10s went to his father, William. A pension gratuity went to his mother, Annie. One of the Effects records his death incorrectly as 31st January 1918. 

He earned two medals, the British War Medal and Victory Medal which indicates that he did not see service overseas until 1916. 

By 1921 the family have moved to 266 Westminster Road, Kirkdale. His father, William, is aged 70 and retired, Ann is also aged 70, with daughter, Mary Ellen, aged 47 and a grandson. 

His father, William died, aged 71, on the 09th February 1922. 

His death was reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on Tuesday 14 February 1922: 

HOLLINGHURST - February 9, at his residence 266 Westminster Road, Liverpool, WILLIAM, the beloved husband of Ann Hollinghurst. Interment at Anfield Cemetery, today (Tuesday) at 3 p.m. 

Albert's family paid tribute to him in the Liverpool Weekly Courier on Saturday 02 September 1922;  

Roll Of Honour. 

HOLLINGHURST - In loving memory of Lance-Cpl. ALBERT EDWARD HOLLINGHURST, killed in Action Aug. 31, 1918, whilst serving with 13th King's Liverpool Regt., son of the late Wm. Hollinghurst. (Never forgotten by his loving mother and sister Mary, 266, Westminster-road, Kirkdale.)

His mother, Ann, died, aged 83, on the 30th April 1934 in Maghull. 

Her death was reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on Wednesday 02 May 1934; 

HOLLINGHURST— April 30 at 1 Claremont-avenue, Maghull in her 84th year, ANN, the beloved wife of late William Hollinghurst (late Kirkdale). Interment at Anfield Cemetery, to-day (Wednesday), at 3 p.m. (direct to grave)  

Albert Edward is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Bootle Civic Memorial

St Lawrence C of E Church, Kirkdale.

We currently have no further information on Albert Edward Hollinghurst. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Arthur Stanley Myland was born in the last quarter of 1896, the youngest child of Henry Frank Myland and his wife Selina (nee Fox), who married in Greenwich in 1884.  His father was born in Andover, Hampshire, and his mother in Pontesbury, Kent (although one census states Atcham, Shropshire). They had seven children but, sadly, two died in infancy. Stanley was the youngest; his siblings were Kate, Charles, Albert, and Ralph.  All the children were born in Greenwich.  Ralph died in 1899 aged 6. 

In 1901 the family is living at 45 Furzefield Road, Greenwich. His father is a 43 year old milk carrier, his mother is 40 years old. There are three children in the household; Charles is 12 born in Blackheath, as was Albert aged 9,  Stanley is 4 years old.  Also declared are two boarders; Charles and William Flowers both of whom are working in a cartridge factory Arsenal.  

It is not known what brought the family to the Manchester area, but his father Frank died there in 1909. 

The 1911 Census shows his widowed mother Selina, working as a chapel caretaker, is head of household at 5 Macfarran Street, Longsight, Manchester.  His sister Kate, 24, is a waitress, his brothers Charles, 21, and Albert, 19, are engine cleaners, and Stanley, 14, is a grocer’s errand boy. 

His elder brothers Charles and Albert were the bread winners for the family after the fathers death, they had jobs as engine cleaners with the London and North West Railway on 1911 Census and most probably transferred to Manchester with their job.

His mother remarried in 1914 to Edward Marshall. 

Unfortunately, Stanley’s service record has not survived, but it is known that he enlisted in Manchester as Private 5987,  joining the 1/ 8^th  Battalion, King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. He subsequently transferred to 2/7^th K.L.R. with the regimental number 307968.

On 15^th May 1918 a notice in the Manchester Evening News stated that Stanley Myland was in a London hospital with trench fever.  

Stanley's service is subsequently shrouded in doubt. SDGW and The History of The King's Liverpool Regiment both state clearly that he was serving with the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment. However, both the Medal Roll and CWGC state that he was serving with the 13th Battalion K.L.R. It is entirely possible that the differences are the result of different readings of the numbers 13 and 18 upon transcription. Either way Stanley was killed in action on 31st August 1918 aged 21.

His body was not recovered and his name is recorded on the Vis En Artois Memorial in France. 

The Vis en Artois Memorial bears the names of over 9,000 men who fell in the period from 8 August 1918 to the date of the Armistice in the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois, between the Somme and Loos, and who have no known grave.

The memorial was designed by J.R. Truelove, with sculpture by Ernest Gillick. It was unveiled by the Rt. Hon. Thomas Shaw on 4 August 1930.

Stanley’s death was announced in the Manchester Evening News on 26^th September 1918. The article stated that he worked for the ‘Manchester cars’ which means the Tramways. 

Pte A.S. Myland appeared on the Weekly Casualty List on 15^th October 1918. 

His brother Charles died in March 1919, at age 29. Charles and his brother Albert were both firemen.

Stanley’s effects and pension went to his mother Selina, living at No.1 Newton Bank, Longsight, Manchester.

An In Memorium notice was placed in the Manchester Evening News on 31st August 1923, the fifth anniversary of Stanley's death:

MYLAND - In fond memory of my dear brother Private STANLEY ARTHUR MYLAND 307986 K.L.Regt who was killed Aug. 31. 1918.

As years roll on deeper are the thoughts of his brother Bert and and sister in law Amy 

46 Tallis Street, Longsight  

Stanley is commemorated on the Memorial to the Employees of Manchester Corporation Tramways, Cheetham Hill, Greater Manchester.

We currently have no further information on Arthur Stanley Myland, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Robert Norman was born in Bootle on 02nd May 1880, the eldest son of James France Watson and his wife Alice (née Warriner). His father, from Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and his mother, from Wensleydale, Yorkshire, married at St. John The Baptist, Tuebrook in 1876 and had six children.  Robert had an older sister Lilian, and younger siblings William, Ernest, and twins Alice Grace and George.

The 1881 census finds the family living at 5 Malcolm Street, Bootle. His mother is 28, Lillian 3, and Robert 11 months old.  His father is away at sea.

In 1891 his mother Alice, 38, with four children, is living at 7 Naseby Street, Walton.  His father is away at sea, and his aunt Jane Warriner 34, ladies companion, lives with them. Robert is 10.

By 1901 they have moved not far away to 29 Church Road West, Walton, and now have five children. His father is a 49 year old marine engineer, his mother is 48 years old. Lillian M. is aged 23, Robert is 20 years old and a book-keeper for a master porter, Ernest J. is 13, and twins Alice G. and George are 9.

By 1911 they have moved across the Mersey to Liscard, Cheshire, living at 14 Belvidere Road. His father, aged 58, is now retired, and his mother is 57 and they have been married for 34 years and have had 6 children. Just two of their children are declared in the household; Robert is 30, an insurance clerk and Grace, aged 19, has no occupation listed. His brothers Ernest and George have emigrated to Australia, and his brother William is a Mariner, a Master since 1909.

Robert enlisted at St George's Hall in Liverpool on 02nd September 1914 joining the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 15978. He gives his age as 34 years and 122 days, and his occupation as clerk.  He is described as being 5’ 3” tall, weighing 126 lbs, 33” chest, with a brown complexion, and brown hair and eyes.  He gives his religion as C of E and as next of kin his mother Alice in Belvidere Road.

A few days later on 10th September 1914, he married 28 year old Millicent Kempster in Wallasey Parish Church.

The 17th Battalion was billeted at Prescot Watch Factory from 14^th September 1914, he trained there and also at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 17th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

Robert shipped to France with his battalion, disembarking at Boulogne on 07th November 1915.  Robert saw action at the Somme.  His service record survives and shows -

13/8/1916 sick, to Field Ambulance
14/8/1916 rejoined unit
02/9/1916 granted Good Conduct Badge for two years’ service

28/3/1917 sick, to Field Ambulance
02/4/1917 rejoined unit
01/7/1917 received Prof. Pay Class 1
25/7/1917 on leave to U.K.
04/8/1917 returned from leave

The Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) had begun on 31st July and continues until November.  In the New Year the Pals battalions move south and take up positions near St. Quentin.  Robert survives the German Spring Offensive.

13/5/1918 to Transport Depot (Bucquoy?)
15/6/1918 to Abbeville
10/7/1918 rejoined ex A.H.T.D. (Advanced Horse Transport Depot?)

He was posted to 13th K.L.R. on 24th August 1918 and one week later was killed in action.

His service record shows 31st August 1918 wounded in action, then the same date, killed in action.

Thomas PHILP Massey was born on 13th February 1893 (His middle name is a maternal family name and seen as Philip on many records.) He was the youngest son of Thomas Massey and his wife Annie (née Burnett) both born Staffordshire,  and were married on 21st May 1885. Phil had older siblings John Worsley, Elizabeth (Bessie), and Edwin George (known as George), all born in Warwickshire, as well as two younger sisters Harriet and Ellen Brownn (known as Nell) both born in Cheshire.  

Phil was baptised in St. Saviour, Saltley, Warwickshire, on 02nd April 1893, his parents’ residence given as Heath House, Nashwood Heath, near Birmingham.

Soon after Phil’s birth, the family moved north to the Wirral, living at 5 Marine Park, West Kirby. 

The 1901 Census finds the family at 5 Marine Park, Hoylake, with six children and a general servant.  His father, 44, is a blacking/ink manufacturer, and his mother is 34. George is 9, and Phil (listed as Frank), 8.  Living with them are his widowed grandmother Sarah Massey, 76, aunt Mary Massey, 36.  

Their mother, Ann, died of typhoid on 19th September 1903, aged 37, when George was 12 and Phil 10. 

Both Phil and George attended Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby. 

They are still at Marine Park in 1911, with five children at home and a domestic servant. His father, 54, is listed as a blacking maker.  Eldest brother John is 23, a commercial traveller (coffee), George, 19, is a lithographer. Harriet is 16, no occupation listed, and Helen is 13, at school. Their grandmother Sarah Massey, is 86. 

Phil, 18 (his birthplace given as West Kirby, Cheshire) is living with his uncles John and George Burnett, farmers, in a 12-room farmhouse at Home Farm, in Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield.  Also in the household are his uncle William and aunt Agnes, a visitor, a boarder, three servants and another farming student.  

At some point after 1911 the family moved to Ormskirk, where they lived at Linden House, St. Helens Road and were involved in the local Wesleyan church.

Before he enlisted Phil was working on a farm in Ash Parva, Shropshire called "The Twemlows". 

Letter of 7th September 1914: 

"My dear father, 

I hope to be home on Friday to enlist along with George. I feel thoroughly ashamed of stopping here whilst the Germans are thrashing our chaps. I have written to Mr. Nunnerley and told him what I intend doing.   

I shall be sorry to leave my job, it has been very useful & instructive to me, the guv'nor and I get on A.1. 

We have finished harvest and are in a pretty good form, grand crops, oats, barley, mangolds, and turnips of the best.   

I will drop Bessie a P.C. and let her know when to expect me.  It may be Saturday before I'm able to come. 

Mr. Nunnerley has been away for quite 2 months on the sick list, I've had the entire management of this place during that time, it's been a grand experience for me. 

Kind regards to all at home

Your loving son,

Phil Massey"

It is not known why he delayed after sending the letter but he did enlist in Liverpool on 14th November 1914 joining the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 21705. He was described as being 21 years and 300 days old, was 5' 11" tall, weighed 181lbs and had a fresh complexion, brown hair and grey eyes. His religion was stated as Wesleyan.

He was billeted in the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. Whilst at Belton Park he was promoted on 05th June 1915 to Lance Corporal (unpaid). Further promotion followed on 27th July 1915 when he was promoted to Corporal.  He remained at Belton Park until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. They remianed here until November 1915 

Phil wrote to his father when travelling to embark for France:

Written Saturday morning on the way to France 

Dear Father, 

I am writing this card in the train just on our way to Southampton, when you receive this card we'll most probably be in France.  You will be glad to hear that we are very fit and in excellent spirits and are looking forward to doing our bit.  We are wonderfully well equipped, everything new and of the best in every detail.  I heard the Brigadier telling our Major that we should cross over tonight if everything was clear. 

Please tell Jack that I've written to Ryd(...?)  twice about the b(..?) but have rec'd no reply yet.  The train rocks terribly, can't write much.  The Batt are coming over tomorrow Sunday and we will join them in about a week's time, they sail from Folkestone.  George joins me in best love to you all, we sincerely hope to see you all again soon but am afraid it won't be at the Christmas dinner this time.  12 months today we went to Knowsley, what changes.  Give my love to (uncle?...?).  Will write you every possible opportunity.

Phil Massey.

If you are sending anything please send tobacco. 

(Jack = brother John) 

Phil arrived in France on 07^th November 1915.

In 1916 Thomas Massey, sold the business he shared with his brother J.W. Massey, and he moved to Linden House, St Helen’s Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire

Phil was granted leave back to the UK from 01st June - 13th June 1916. He returned to France in time to play his part in the capture of Montauban on 01st July 1916. He was also involved in the heavy fighting to clear Trones Wood. Following this action he was further promoted to Lance Serjeant on 13th July 1916. He was promoted again on 03rd April 1917 this time to the rank of Sergeant. 

Whilst home on leave in September 1917 Phil acted as groomsman at the wedding of his eldest sister Bessie (Elizabeth Ann), at Emmanuel Church, Ormskirk. It is believed that whilst home on leave that he became engaged to Frances Kendall. 

He was posted to the 13th Battalion K.L.R. on 24th August 1918 and was killed in action, just a week later, on 31st August 1918. He was 25 years of age.

The Battalion War Diary records: 

August 30 – At night time the battalion moved up in preparation for an attack on Ecoust.

August 31 – the Battalion attacked and were successful in obtaining their objective as also did the 1^st Gordon Highlanders on their Left.  The Battalion on the Right flank, however, did not get their objective and this necessitated a withdrawal temporarily and subsequently the Battalion re-took the objective though suffering heavy casualties. 

Estimated Casualties:  9 Officers, 200 Other Ranks.  

Serjeant 21705 Thomas Philp Massey was one of those killed in action that day. His brother Edwin George also fell on the same day. 

Phil now rests at Ecoust - St. Mein Cemetery in France. This grave is shared with Private 31618 W. Dodd.

Ecoust-St. Mein was captured by the 8th and 9th Devons in a blizzard on 2 April 1917, lost on 21 March 1918, and retaken at the end of the following August by the 3rd Division. The British Cemetery was then made, in continuation of a German Extension (now removed) of the communal cemetery. The cemetery contains 151 burials of the First World War, eight of which are unidentified. The cemetery was designed by W H Cowlishaw.

Edwin George now rests at Queant Road British Cemetery in Buissy, France in plot 4, row H, Grave 1. 

Buissy was reached by the Third Army on 2 September 1918, after the storming of the Drocourt-Queant line, and it was evacuated by the Germans on the following day. Queant Cemetery was made by the 2nd and 57th Casualty Clearing Stations in October and November 1918. It then consisted of 71 graves (now Plot I, Rows A and B), but was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when 2200 graves were brought in from the battlefields of 1917-1918 between Arras and Bapaume.

There are now 2,377 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 1,441 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 56 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials commemorate 26 casualties buried in German cemeteries in the neighbourhood, whose graves could not be found on concentration. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

His father announced Phil’s death in the Ormskirk Advertiser and the Liverpool Echo on 19th September 1918:

 “August 31st, killed in action, Sergt. Thomas Philip (sic) Massey, third son of Thomas Massey, Linden House, Ormskirk. - Deeply mourned.” 

His father advertised in the Liverpool Echo newspaper asking whether anyone knew what happened on the day that both of his sons were killed. He recieved a letter from Pte. C.E Foster of 3, Ridley Grove, West Kirby in response to his advert in the Liverpool Echo:

"Dear Sir,

Just a line regarding your advert in the 'missing and information wanted list' that I saw in the Lpool Echo last night.  I may be able to give you some news that may lead you to hearing something from one who was with your boys on or about the date you mention.

It is a very roundabout way to get this news but any way is better than none in these cases.

I have had 3 years service myself in the M.G.C. and out of that I have had 2 years in France so I quite know your feelings about those whom you enquire about, and I feel it my duty to try and help you as long as it is in my power to do so.  I came home on my second leave from France in Nov last year, and while home I got the Flu, and was sent to a Hospital at Wallasey, Cheshire, and it was there I heard about those you enquire about.  We was sitting in our ward one evening just before Christmas when a man came in with a big book to make enquiries about missing soldiers.  I was able to give information about 2 in my own company who had been killed.  He got down the list to the K.L.R. and read out these names, and a chap named Woods who was in my ward said he knew these names, in fact one was a chum of his.  He knew that Sgt. Massey was killed, and at the time Woods was in the company with the other one, and he left Woods saying that "he didn't care what happened to him now, he was going to try and find his brother".  It was after a raid on the German lines, or after they had "gone over the top" that this happened.  Woods asked this man for their home address but he said he was sorry he was not able to give it him.  He was quite anxious to write to you then, but not being able to get the address it was impossible to do so.  I am sorry I cannot give you this Woods' address but I know he lives in Liverpool, but I will tell you how to get it.  Send a stamped addressed envelope to The Wardmaster (Sgt.), Town Hall Military Hospital, Wallasey, Cheshire, and ask him if he can let you have Woods' home address as he only left there I believe about the last week in January this year.  So I think you will get it alright.  Of course Woods may see your advert himself but I doubt it as he was an express reader.  I must not forget to say that you must ask for Private Woods K.L.R. who used to be in A.B.5 when you ask for his address as there was another Woods in the hospital but he was in the R.E.'s.  I will close now.

Wishing you every success in your enquiries, and I am only too pleased to be able to do something towards it.  I am demobilized 2 weeks ago and I am glad to be able to get back to my wife and family safe again.  I shall be glad to hear if you get any information, and that you get in touch with Woods alright.

I remain,

Yours faithfully,

Pte. C.E. Foster

Subsequently a letter was sent dated Feb 28th 1919 to Nell Brown Massey from A. Woods of 69 Aubrey Street, Liverpool:

Dear N.B.,

Sorry to keep you so long without a reply to your letter of the 25th, this being my first opportunity.  Well I am only too pleased to give you what information I can concerning your two brothers, known to me as Phil and George, who I am pleased to say were great chums of mine.

I suppose you know, only too well, the circumstances which led to us being transferred  from the old 19th K.L.R. to the 13th.  Well I don't want to bore you by a lot of unnecessary writing, still at the same time I don't want you to think I am putting you off at all.  Our first "over the top" came only too soon, hardly had we reached our new Batt. er'r the news reached us that we were for it: we had to take the village of "Ecoust", our objective being about a hundred yards in front of same.  Taking the village itself was what one may term a "walk over", but on going further we walked into a nest of machine guns, Phil on this occasion being our Platoon-Sergeant.  In this stunt we had quite a number of lads, who hadn't seen service before, and who were a draft from England, and I can honestly say it was, while doing his utmost for these, Phil lost his life.  We jumped into shell holes for cover, but these young lads turned round to run away.  I marvelled at Phil, bravest of the brave, standing on top ordering them here and there, to get cover for them, until he fell with a bullet through his back.  I was pretty close at the time, and as far as I could see he was killed instantly.  I will leave it to you to imagine the confusion which followed, the Boche followed us up, and we had to run for it.  What few of us got back to our starting place, were ordered to go over again as half the Batt. who went round the left of the village had gained their objective.  George must have beared to his left going over, because when we reached the rest of the Batt. he was amongst them.  His first words to me were "Have you saw Phil?".  I did not tell him because I thought he was suffering quite enough to have this on his mind.  He seemed to be worrying very much, I think he could read something from my face.  The following day George came to me and asked me to tell him what had happened.  I told him Phil had been hit and would probably be in hospital by then.   He wanted to go out then and search the place for him, but I persuaded him not to.  I was so sorry for him, I couldn't tell him the truth.  I stayed with him all the time because I knew he would go out regardless of his own life if he got the chance.  He was alright that day, but at 6 p.m. we got orders to go over again.  We went over without much opposition, George and I were together and reached the objective just as darkness came upon us.  We were hardly there a few minutes when I missed him, wherever he went to I cannot say, and I am quite positive no one else can.  I can only surmise.  He paid dearly for the love of a good brother.  I can quite understand your feelings concerning this terrible affair, as the tears fill my eyes.  Nothing was ever too hard for them to do, and when the final sacrifice came, they took it without a flinch. 

If I can be of any further use to you, I am at your service, don't forget to drop us a line for the sake of the "pals" I loved.

Sincerely hoping I am causing you no pain by giving you these facts, which you can take as the honest truth, on my honour.

Yours very sincerely,

A. Woods

late officers groom 19th K.L.R

His father received Phil’s Army effects, including a War Gratuity of £21. 

No pension card has been found for either son, indicating that they had no dependents when enlisting or that a claim was not made. 

Probate, showing Phil’s address as Linden House, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, was granted to his father in the amount of £41-10s. 

Their father died in August 1936. His death was reported in the local press on 12th August 1936 under the header:

DEATH OF MR THOMAS MASSEY

The death took place yesterday of Mr Thomas Massey of Linden House, Ormskirk in his 83rd year. Mr Massey, for many years, was well known in Liverpool commercial circles, being, along with his brother, Mr J W Massey, proprietors of Martindale's Limited and he was also a director of Liverpool Caterers Limited. 

Mr Massey was a keen Cricketer and for many years played with the Mosley Club, Birmingham. He was an old member of the Ormskirk Club. Two of his sons played for Ormskirk, one Mr E. G. Massey being a batsman and bowler of some promise. The latter and another brother, T. P. Massey were killed on the same day in the Great War, shortly before the Armistice.   

Mr Massey leaves a grown up family. The funeral will take place tomorrow at West Kirby Parish Church.         

George's sweetheart Frances never married and died in 1943, aged 52. 

George and Phil are commemorated on the following Memorials: 

Calday Grange Grammar School Memorial

Emmanuel Methodist Church, Ormskirk

and on the family headstone in St. Bridget Churchyard, West Kirby, Wirral 

ALSO THE DEARLY BELOVED SONS OF THE ABOVE

PRIVATE EDWIN GEORGE MASSEY

AGED 26 YEARS

AND SERGEANT THOMAS PHILP MASSEY

AGED 25 YEARS

BOTH OF THE 3RD BATTN LIVERPOOL PALS

KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE 31ST AUGUST 1918

Grateful thanks are extended to Rob Freeman and Allison Trimble for permission to use the information provided on their Ancestry Family Tree 

We currently have no further information on Thomas Philp Massey. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

John Edward “Jack” Humphreys was born in Toxteth on 23rd May 1884, the son of William Edward Humphreys and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (nee Thomas) who were married on the 09th May 1883 in St. Michael’s Church, Toxteth. William was a 24 year old carter of Beloe Street, father John a labourer, whilst Sarah was aged 24 of Ivanhoe Road, father David a labourer. Both parents were born in Kinnerley, Oswestry, Shropshire. 

Jack was baptised in St. Cleopas's Church, Toxteth on 25^th June 1884. His parents are living at 27 Tavistock Street, and his father is a labourer. His parents had 10 children, but sadly six died young. John was the eldest of the four surviving children: siblings Thomas, Robert, and Elsie.

At the time of the 1901 Census the family is at 8 Corn Street. His father is a 43 year old railway carter, his mother is 42 years of age. Robert is 8, he has three siblings in the household. His brother John is 16, and working as an errand boy for a spirits store, Thomas H. is 10 and Elsie L. is 4. The paternal grandmother, Martha Humphreys is also in the household, she is a widowed 71 year old, born in Kinnerley, Shropshire.

In 1911 the family is still at 8 Corn Street. Robert is an 18 year old shop assistant with a tailor and is living with his parents and two siblings Thomas Henry a 20 year old carter and Elsie Louisa a scholar aged 14. His father is a 52 year old railway drayman, his mother is 51 years of age. They advise that they have been married for 28 years and have had 10 children of whom four have survived. 

Jack is missing from the 1911 census; as a commercial traveller, he may have been on the road and overlooked.

Jack enlisted as Private 17355 in the 19^th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment at St George's Hall in Liverpool on 03^rd September 1914, on the same day and in the same battalion as his brother Robert (17354), giving his age as 30 years and 87 days and his occupation as commercial traveller/salesman. He was described as being 5’ 6 and a quarter inches tall, weighing 113 lbs, 35" chest with brown eyes and black hair. He gave his next of kin as his father William Humphreys, of 8 Corn Street. 

Formed on 07^th September 1914 the 19^th Battalion trained locally at Sefton Park and remained living at home or in rented accommodation until November 1914. They then moved to the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

He went to France with his battalion on the 07th November 1915

Shortly afterwards, in December 1915, his father died, age 57.

A memoriam to his father was placed in the Liverpool Echo on Monday 17 December 1917: 

HUMPHREYS— In sad but loving memory of William Edward, beloved husband of Sarah E. Humphreys, who died December 15, 1915.  

Two years have gone since that sad day  

When our great sorrow fell;  

Yet in our hearts he liveth still,  

The one we loved so well.  

 - Ever remembered by his loving Wife and Children, 8, Corn-street, Toxteth; also Jack (in France). 

He was granted leave to the U.K. on 03/11/1916 and rejoined his battalion on the 15^th.

Granted Good Conduct Badge on 03/9/1916

Granted Class I Professional Pay on 01/7/1917

Granted 10 days leave to the U.K. on 30/10/1917, and rejoined the battalion on 12/11/1917

To Corps Transfer Depot on 13/6/1918

To Advanced Horse Transport Depot, Abbeville, on 14/6/1918

Posted to the 13^th Bn on 24/8/1918

He was initially reported as wounded in action on 31/8/1918 but on 18/9/1918 a report was received advising that he had been Killed in Action on 31/8/1918. Details of the action were recorded  in the Battalion diary as follows: 

August 30 – At night time the battalion moved up in preparation for an attack on Ecoust.

August 31 – the Battalion attacked and were successful in obtaining their objective as also did the 1^st Gordon Highlanders on their Left. The Battalion on the Right flank, however, did not get their objective and this necessitated a withdrawal temporarily and subsequently the Battalion re-took the objective though suffering heavy casualties. 

Estimated Casualties: 9 Officers, 200 Other Ranks Private 17355 John Edward Humphreys was one of those killed in action that day.   

He now rests at HAC Cemetery in France where his gravestone inscription reads;

“THE SUPREME SACRIFICE”

The enemy positions from Doignies to Henin-sur-Cojeul, including the village of Ecoust, were captured on 2 April 1917, by the 4th Australian and 7th Divisions. This cemetery was begun by the 7th Division after the battle, when 27 of the 2nd H.A.C., who fell (with one exception) on the 31st March or the 1st April, were buried in what is now Plot I, Row A. After the German counter-attack near Lagnicourt on the 15th April, twelve Australian gunners were buried in the same row. Rows B, C and part of D were made in August and September 1918, when the ground had been recaptured by the 3rd Division after five months enemy occupation. The 120 graves thus made were the original H.A.C. Cemetery; but after the Armistice graves were added from the battlefields of Bullecourt and Ecoust and from a number of smaller burial grounds.

There are now nearly 2,000, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, over half are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers from the United Kingdom and 14 from Australia, known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials record the names of 34 soldiers from the United Kingdom, buried in other cemeteries, whose graves were destroyed by shell fire. The cemetery covers an area of 5,801 square metres and is enclosed by a low red brick wall.

On 23^rd September 1918 his mother wrote to Headquarters, 3^rd Echelon:

“Sir, I have just had a letter returned from France marked “Wounded”, addressed to my son the above soldier. Naturally I am extremely anxious to know whether his wound is serious or not. I should feel grateful if you will kindly cause enquiries to be made thru’ your Echelon and please inform me of his present address and condition. Thanking you very much and apologising for my intrusion, Yours faithfully, S.E. Humphreys".

On 27^th September 1918 Major Pearson of Infantry Section No.8, G.H.Q. 3^rd Echelon wrote to Infantry Records Office, Preston, stating

“This man has been reported as K.I.A. 31/8/1918"

His mother signed for his effects on 8^th April 1919: 2 identity discs.

Jack's loss was not the only tragedy that the family had to endure as his brother Robert "Bob", who enlisted alongside Jack also fell in the war. He was serving as Private 17354 with the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment, when he was killed in action on 30th August 1916, aged 23. 

Jack was due to receive a sum of money from the estate of his brother Robert who had been killed in action on 30/07/1916 with the 19th Battalion at Guillemont.

In June 1920 mother Sarah received the 1914-15 Star for each of her sons, John and Robert.

His mother died in 1926, age 66, living with married daughter Elsie in Farm Cottage, Cottage Homes, Fazakerley.

Jack and Bob are commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance, in Liverpool Town Hall. Jack at Panel 56 and Bob at Panel 55 Left.

We currently have no further information on John (Jack) Edward Humphreys. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

We currently have no further information on William Hilton, if you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us. 

Edwin George was born in Washwood Heath, Birmingham (see service record) on the 12th October 1891. He was known as George to his family and was the son of Thomas Massey and his wife Ann (Annie) (nee Burnett). They were married on 21st May 1885 and had a total of six children; John Worsley, born in 1887, Elizabeth Ann, born in 1890, Edwin George, born in 1891, Thomas Philp, born in 1893, Harriet Burnett, born in 1894 and Ellen Brown, born in 1898 (known as Nell). The first four children were born in Warwickshire. 

By 1894 the family was living on the Wirral, where his father was a Blacking Manufacturer, in partnership with his brother, and living at 5 Marine Park in West Kirby, Wirral, Cheshire.   

In 1911 his brother Phil was a farming student living with his uncle, John Burnett, at Home Farm, Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire. 

George was a keen sportsman playing football and cricket, he was described as a good all round cricketer. He was a member of the Marlborough Old Boys football team that won the I Zingari Challenge Cup in 1914.

George left school at 16 and served a 6 year apprenticeship with Brown & Rawcliffe, of Pall Mall, Liverpool. They were a firm of Chrome Lithographers. He was employed by J. Howitt & Son, Chromo & Photo Lithographers & Printers, Alfred Street Mills, Nottingham when he wrote to his father on letterheaded paper on 08th September 1914:

My dear father,

Your letter to hand for which I thank you very much.

Business has become very slack with us, only one order yesterday and one today. I have made up my mind to come back and join some corps as soon as I hear from my friend Cyril Newport. It is only right that every young chap should do what little he can and I am quite willing to do my share. I shall be sorry to leave Nottingham, everyone here has shown me kindness and consideration and the guvnor himself is one of the best. I had a talk to Mr Howitt Jnr about going, but will have a word with the old gentleman when I get the opportunity.

I have no doubt whatever, that he will keep my place open for me; they have lost about eight men out of the works and he has promised to reinstate them all if they come back.

Tell Uncle I had a very enjoyable game of Golf on Saturday afternoon, it was a very "sporty" course. 18 holes. 

Give my love to all at home and kindest regards to yourself and Uncle John.

I remain,

Your loving son

George       

He attested in Liverpool on 14th September 1914, joining the 19th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 17655.  When he completed his Attestation papers he stated that he had served with the Territorial Army for four years, with the Liverpool Scottish, and served a 6 year apprenticeship with Brown and Rawcliffe, Pall Mall, Liverpool. He was described as being 6 feet tall, weighed 164 lbs, 39” chest, and had a fresh complexion with green eyes and brown hair. He gave his age as 22 years and 332 days old, religion Wesleyan, and as next of kin, his father Thomas,  of Linden House. 

Formed on 07^th September 1914 the 19^th Battalion trained locally at Sefton Park and remained living at home or in rented accommodation until November 1914. They then moved to the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

On the 19th September, he was appointed Lance Corporal. On the 03rd March 1915 he was promoted to Corporal, but on the 18th June 1915 he requested that he be allowed to return to the rank of Private. 

On the 14th of September 1916 he received a Good Conduct badge and professional pay class 1.

He was granted leave to the UK on the 27th August 1917 and rejoined his unit on the 11th of September 1917.

On the 24th August 1918, George was posted to the 13th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment. He was killed in action just a week later on 31st August 1918.

The Battalion War Diary records: 

August 30 – At night time the battalion moved up in preparation for an attack on Ecoust.

August 31 – the Battalion attacked and were successful in obtaining their objective as also did the 1st Gordon Highlanders on their Left.  The Battalion on the Right flank, however, did not get their objective and this necessitated a withdrawal temporarily and subsequently the Battalion re-took the objective though suffering heavy casualties. 

Estimated Casualties:  9 Officers, 200 Other Ranks.  

Private 17655 Edwin George Massey was one of those killed in action that day. 

Edwin George now rests at Queant Road British Cemetery in Buissy, France in plot 4, row H, Grave 1. 

Buissy was reached by the Third Army on 2 September 1918, after the storming of the Drocourt-Queant line, and it was evacuated by the Germans on the following day. Queant Cemetery was made by the 2nd and 57th Casualty Clearing Stations in October and November 1918. It then consisted of 71 graves (now Plot I, Rows A and B), but was greatly enlarged after the Armistice when 2200 graves were brought in from the battlefields of 1917-1918 between Arras and Bapaume.

There are now 2,377 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 1,441 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 56 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials commemorate 26 casualties buried in German cemeteries in the neighbourhood, whose graves could not be found on concentration. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

His younger brother Thomas Philp Massey was killed in action on the very same day. He now rests at Ecoust-St.Mein Cemetery in France. 

Ecoust-St. Mein was captured by the 8th and 9th Devons in a blizzard on 2 April 1917, lost on 21 March 1918, and retaken at the end of the following August by the 3rd Division. The British Cemetery was then made, in continuation of a German Extension (now removed) of the communal cemetery. The cemetery contains 151 burials of the First World War, eight of which are unidentified. The cemetery was designed by W H Cowlishaw.

Of the 143 identified casualties in this small cemetery 59 are K.L.R., all but 9 of whom are from the 13th battalion, lost in action on 31st August and 1st September in the successful attack on Ecoust.

His father advertised in the Liverpool Echo newspaper asking whether anyone knew what happened on the day that both of his sons were killed. He received a letter from Pte. C.E Foster of 3, Ridley Grove, West Kirby in response to his advert in the Liverpool Echo:

Subsequently a letter was sent dated Feb 28th 1919 to Nell Brown Massey from A. Woods of 69 Aubrey Street, Liverpool:

Their father died in August 1936. His death was reported in the local press on 12th August 1936 under the header:

DEATH OF MR THOMAS MASSEY

The death took place yesterday of Mr Thomas Massey of Linden House, Ormskirk in his 83rd year. Mr Massey, for many years, was well known in Liverpool commercial circles, being, along with his brother, Mr J W Massey, proprietors of Martindale's Limited and he was also a director of Liverpool Caterers Limited. 

Mr Massey was a keen Cricketer and for many years played with the Mosley Club, Birmingham. He was an old member of the Ormskirk Club. Two of his sons played for Ormskirk, one Mr E. G. Massey being a batsman and bowler of some promise. The latter and another brother, T. P. Massey were killed on the same day in the Great War, shortly before the Armistice.   

Mr Massey leaves a grown up family. The funeral will take place tomorrow at West Kirby Parish Church.    

Arthur Simpson was born on Christmas Eve in 1892, the son of David Simpson and Elizabeth Adelaide (nee McNeight), and known as Lizzie) who were married, probably in Dublin, in about 1889.  Arthur was baptised in St. Leonard’s Church, Bootle, on the 15^th February 1893, his parents living at 1 Peel Road, and his father’s occupation given as plumber.

His father was born in Bootle and his mother in Dublin. They had seven children, one of whom died young. Their first child, Edward, was born in Dublin, and by 1901 the couple had moved to England, and were living at 1 Peel Road, Bootle, with son Edward, 3, who sadly died a couple of months later.  

After the births of Andrew, born 1891, and Arthur, the family moved to Waterloo, where four more children were born:  Janet (1895), Herbert Stanley (1897), James (1900), and Robert in 1910.

In 1901 the family is living at 20 St. John’s Road, Waterloo, with five children.  His father is a self-employed plumber, and Arthur is 8.

By 1911 they have moved to 53 Argo Road, Waterloo. His father is a plumber, Andrew, 20, and Arthur, 18, are painters, Janet is a dressmaker, Stanley and James are at school, and Robert is 10 months old.

Arthur enlisted on the 06th November 1914 at Liverpool as Private 22533 in the 20th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment, giving his age as 21 years and 11 months, and his occupation as painter.  He is described as being 5’ 8 and a half inches tall, weighing 132 lbs, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair.  His medical record shows he had ‘hammer toe both feet’. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 
He embarked for France with his battalion on 7^th November 1915, disembarking at Boulogne. 

In the new year the Pals battalions take up position in the south of the Somme line near Carnoy.  Arthur was admitted to 98^th Field Ambulance on 21st February 1916 with myalgia, and was discharged to duty on the 24^th.

By May 1916, the 20^th Battalion is in the front line at Maricourt. Arthur was appointed unpaid Lance Corporal on the 05th May 1916.

Three days later, on 08th May 1916 he was wounded in action, suffering a chest wound and was admitted to 4^th General Hospital the next day with a gunshot wound to the upper left lung and evacuated to England on 04th June 1916 on the Belgian hospital ship ‘Stad Antwerpen’, a converted Channel ferry.

Arthur was admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital, Southmead, in Bristol.  After 44 days in hospital, he was discharged on 17th July 1916.  Whilst in the UK recuperating, he was transferred to the 3rd Garrison Battalion K.L.R.

Arthur returned to France, embarking at Folkestone and disembarking at Boulogne on 26th September 1917 and was posted to the 19^th Battalion K.L.R. from 24^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples. On 29th September 1917 he was transferred to the 13^th Battalion K.L.R.

On 27/5/1918 Arthur was sent to 7^th Field Ambulance with fever of unknown origin, and to a Casualty Receiving Station the next day, and rejoined his unit on 10/6/1918.

One week later, on 17/6/1918, Arthur was again sent, with fever of unknown origin, to 7^th Field Ambulance, rejoining his unit on the 20^th. 

Arthur was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, the award being published in the London Gazette on 16/7/18.

Six weeks later, on 31^st August 1918, Arthur was killed in action.  He was 26 years old and engaged to be married. Details of the action in which Arthur lost his life are recorded in the Battalion diary.

August 30 – At night time the battalion moved up in preparation for an attack on Ecoust.

August 31 – the Battalion attacked and were successful in obtaining their objective as also did the 1^st Gordon Highlanders on their Left.  The Battalion on the Right flank, however, did not get their objective and this necessitated a withdrawal temporarily and subsequently the Battalion re-took the objective though suffering heavy casualties. 

Estimated Casualties:  9 Officers, 200 Other Ranks.  

Arthur is buried at HAC cemetery in France where his headstone bears the epitaph:

"GONE FROM OUR HOME BUT LEAVING MEMORIES DEATH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY"

The enemy positions from Doignies to Henin-sur-Cojeul, including the village of Ecoust, were captured on 2 April 1917, by the 4th Australian and 7th Divisions. This cemetery was begun by the 7th Division after the battle, when 27 of the 2nd H.A.C., who fell (with one exception) on the 31st March or the 1st April, were buried in what is now Plot I, Row A. After the German counter-attack near Lagnicourt on the 15th April, twelve Australian gunners were buried in the same row. Rows B, C and part of D were made in August and September 1918, when the ground had been recaptured by the 3rd Division after five months enemy occupation. The 120 graves thus made were the original H.A.C. Cemetery; but after the Armistice graves were added from the battlefields of Bullecourt and Ecoust and from a number of smaller burial grounds.

There are now nearly 2,000, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, over half are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers from the United Kingdom and 14 from Australia, known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials record the names of 34 soldiers from the United Kingdom, buried in other cemeteries, whose graves were destroyed by shell fire. The cemetery covers an area of 5,801 square metres and is enclosed by a low red brick wall.

His family placed a notice in the Liverpool Echo on 20^th Sept 1918: 

“Killed in action, August 31, Arthur Simpson, M.M., the beloved second son of David and Elizabeth Simpson, 53, Argo Road, Waterloo. – Sadly missed by his sorrowing Father, Mother, Sister, and Brothers (Stanley in France); also Alice, his fiancée.

“Gone from home, how I miss you,

Never shall his memory fade;

While life lasts shall I forget him,

Dear is the place where he is laid.”

Arthur earned his three medals.  

His personal effects were sent to his parents in February 1919:  Photographs, postcards, 1 greeting(?) card, 1 identity disc and chain.  His father responded:  “I know they were on him. There was a pocket book and cigarette case not accounted for. Please look into the matter.” It is not recorded whether his father recieved the items he had requested.

His older brother Andrew enlisted in February 1916 in the 9^th K.L.R., served in France with various battalions, including the 17^th (Pals).  He survived the war.  His younger brother (Herbert) Stanley also served in France, regiment unknown.

Arthur is commemorated on the Waterloo with Seaforth Civic Memorial.

Soldiers Effects to his father David and pension to his mother Elizabeth Adelaide.

We currently have no further information on Arthur Simpson, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Given his age and his father’s name from CWGC, Henry Cooper appears to be this man, born in Liverpool in the September quarter of 1887, the eldest son of William Henry Cooper and his wife Margaret (née Ritchie), who married in 1884. He had an older sister Caroline born in 1885;  both her and Henry’s birth registration give the mother’s maiden name as Richards. He had younger siblings John, born in 1889, Thomas 1891, and William 1893, all with mother Ritchie.  A daughter Margaret was born in the December quarter of 1895, mother Richie (sic).