15 replies to this topic

[Chris_Baker]

If anyone has the war diary of this unit covering 9-14 April 1917, would they be so kind as to post a transcript here? I have a photocopy but it is almost illegible.

[laughton]

Me too!!!

Hope you find one Chris - and here I thought I had found a buddy researcher!

When I first started on this trek back in 2003, John Sheen hunted down a lot of information for me in exchange for access to my information, sort of a "PALS" arrangement.  He put me in touch with a Richard Barsby who found the 26th NF war diary in the "Newcastle Central Library".  I had more or less forgotten about that until I got your message today and then saw this post.

One of the problems is that there are two (2) "G" Laughton's, thankfully I am the descendant of the one that survived.  There is also a "Claughton" that often turns up in searches as a "GLaughton", but as he was in my grandfather's platoon, I know he did not survive.  I have actually tried to contact his family to pass on copies of the records that I have here in Canada.  The CWGC is working on establishing that contact for me.

Richard Barsby kindly mailed me the records I have, very clear, but not for the dates we are looking for I am afraid.  I did not know enough to ask more in February 2003.  I have no idea if I can still contact Richard Barsby.

Perhaps your question will get some answers and this will lead our search somewhere!!

Richard of Canada

[sandyford]

Chris and Richard

Sorry, just noticed this thread.
I have not got this War Diary, but will be able to get copies of the dates requested, from the film in Newcastle library next time I am in, if you still want it.

Kate

[barrynee]

Hi folks - I'm interested in anything you might be able to find out about John Nee 26/501.  He is listed as a private in some places, but as a lance-corporal on Thiepval memorial.  He was KIA on 01/07/1916 I assume coming down that awful hill into La Boiselle.  I wonder if he might have been a 'battlefield promotion' on the day?   Anything you could find would be hugely appreciated - I've got Sheen's book, medal cards and information from the 'soldiers killed' databse but that's it.

Incidently, was in La Boiselle in March and have some photos if anyone is interested?  Going back in July to be there at 07:30.

[Tom Grieves]

Hi folks - I'm interested in anything you might be able to find out about John Nee 26/501.  He is listed as a private in some places, but as a lance-corporal on Thiepval memorial.  He was KIA on 01/07/1916 I assume coming down that awful hill into La Boiselle.  I wonder if he might have been a 'battlefield promotion' on the day?   Anything you could find would be hugely appreciated - I've got Sheen's book, medal cards and information from the 'soldiers killed' databse but that's it.

Incidently, was in La Boiselle in March and have some photos if anyone is interested?  Going back in July to be there at 07:30.

Greetings All from the Land Downunder,

My Dad Chris Grieves 24/1509 24th Battalion, was wounded at La Boiselle 01 Jul 1916.  I too planto be on the rim of the Lochnagar Crater at 0730 on 01 Jul 2006. Richard Dunning, the owner of the crater has asked me to lay a wreath to the Tyneside Brigade.  I would be delighted to share this honour with others who have Tyneside Brigade connections.  Please get in touch if you are interested.  I saw a recent article that referred to " War Diary of the 24th Northumberland Fusiliers, 1 July 1916 "  Does such a diary exist?  How would I get to view it?

Regards,
Tom Grieves.

Hi folks - I'm interested in anything you might be able to find out about John Nee 26/501.  He is listed as a private in some places, but as a lance-corporal on Thiepval memorial.  He was KIA on 01/07/1916 I assume coming down that awful hill into La Boiselle.  I wonder if he might have been a 'battlefield promotion' on the day?   Anything you could find would be hugely appreciated - I've got Sheen's book, medal cards and information from the 'soldiers killed' databse but that's it.

Incidently, was in La Boiselle in March and have some photos if anyone is interested?  Going back in July to be there at 07:30.

Greetings All from the Land Downunder,

My Dad Chris Grieves 24/1509 24th Battalion, was wounded at La Boiselle 01 Jul 1916.  I too planto be on the rim of the Lochnagar Crater at 0730 on 01 Jul 2006. Richard Dunning, the owner of the crater has asked me to lay a wreath to the Tyneside Brigade.  I would be delighted to share this honour with others who have Tyneside Brigade connections.  Please get in touch if you are interested.  I saw a recent article that referred to " War Diary of the 24th Northumberland Fusiliers, 1 July 1916 "  Does such a diary exist?  How would I get to view it?

Regards,
Tom Grieves.

[barrynee]

Tom

Look forward to seeing you at Lochnagar on the 1st.  Have you been to La Boiselle before?

[Tom Grieves]

Tom

Look forward to seeing you at Lochnagar on the 1st.  Have you been to La Boiselle before?

No Barry, it will be my first visit, its a long way from Australia.  I have found a place to stay in Perrone.  However, as I do not know my way around, I am concerned that getting from Peronne to Lochnagar might be a problem for me at 0730 on 01 Jul 06.  I am hopiong that the roads will not be packed with vehicles. I will be in a car hired from Calais.  I am just hoping all goes well.  If you have any clues for me please let me know.

Kindest Regards,
Tom Grieves.

[barrynee]

Hi Tom

I think it's great that you're coming all the way from Oz.  I went to La Boiselle for the first time this year, it's a pretty unremarkable place on the face of it and interestingly hasn't actually spread all that far beyond where it was before the great war... it's good to go even if just to get a feeling for the topography of the place.

My mate and I are going to drive down to La Boiselle from Calais late on Friday night.  Our plan is to bring a tent but we'll probably just sleep in the car so that we're definitely at Lochnagar on time.  Not really used to 'roughing it', but in the circumstances am happy to make an exception!

Saw an interesting point on the forum recently that said the British army worked on UK time when in France - so not sure whether the ceremony is due to start at 07:30 Uk time or 07:30 French time.  I suppose the former would be more appropriate.   We're planning to be up very early anyway, so hopefully should make it.

Not sure how long it will take from Peronne, but I guess the earlier you leave the better.  There are rumours that the roads will be shut on the saturday with a park and ride service in operation from Albert - so worth keeping an eye on the forum and maybe getting some advice from Mr. Dunning.

It would be interesting to know if any of the Northumberland Fusiliers buffs (Graham Stewart etc) are planning to make the trip as well?

Best of luck with the travel plans
Cheers
Barry

[Tom Grieves]

Barry,

Richard Dunning sent me this:
There will be a lot of congestion in La Boisselle. Leave an extra 30 mins to walk up to the Crater as they are resurfacing the road.   Aim for at least 6.45am as this year is an unknown quantity.

I am pretty sure they will be working on 'French Time"  I leave for UK in 2 days, but do not have a contact telephone in UK as yet.  If you can send a email with a contact phone number for you, I'll contact you when I get to UK.  As I will have limited Internet access, please send you number to my email grievest@bigpond.net.au  I think I'll be wearing a slouch hat at the service so if we don't get to make contact again, please look for me at the Lochnagar Crater.  I look forward to meeting you.

Kindest Regards,
Tom Grieves

[laughton]

Chris and Richard

Sorry, just noticed this thread.
I have not got this War Diary, but will be able to get copies of the dates requested, from the film in Newcastle library next time I am in, if you still want it.

Kate

YES KATE ---- I am in Canada so do not come here as much now.  I really do need that part of the war diary.  That is the most important date and the only page that I can not read in the war diary from Chris's report.



You would be my hero!!!

[laughton]

Thanks to Kate I got the missing information for the 26th NF war diary.



Another fine example of the Great War Forum friends.

[Tynesider]

Chris, I have all the TI war diary's, which part of the 9th onwards can't you read ? I could transcibe it or send you a scan ?

Martin

[gnr.ktrha]

Hello,
            A lady I do gardening for had a relative in the Tyneside Irish. His name was Fred Cessford. He served as 6-4106. As you will not he started with the 6th Bn. Kate found him in the 6th War diary, he went sick on the 26th March 1916. I have been told, but have not yet see his medal roll entry, but it states he served with the 1/4th 26th and 25th battalions.
        It would make her day if anyone had come across anything else relating to him.
  Heres hoping.
   Regards,
       Stewart

[Nigel M]

Martin

My great grandfather Charles Henry James Meek served with the 4th Tyneside Irish, was wounded during the Somme and apparently transfered to the 2nd Tyneside Irish. I appreciate your interest is with the 3rd however could you suggest where I could  continue my research. Any help would be appreciated

regards
Nigel

[laughton]

Stewart & Nigel:

My grandfather served with the 3rd Tyneside Irish (26th Northumberland Fusiliers) and I have all his information on his web site:


George Van Wyck Laughton, M.C.

George was Canadian and started in the CEF but took an Officer's position with the BEF and ended up in the Tyneside Irish. I started my research here on this forum some time ago, and even had the pleasure of having Chris Baker do the work for me after I reached a road block.

I have Sheen's book on the Tyneside Irish and anything else I could find (all are listed on the web site) and I looked up the two names. Here are the results:

Fred Cessford:
- no records

Charles Henry James Meek:
- Private
- from Esther Pit Cottages, Burnhopefield
- 27th Battalion
- #513 D Company
- discharged April 12, 1918
- transfer to 25th, new number 204612
- born Drybrook, Glouccs
- Died April 12, 1918 at age 36

From that I found C H J Meek on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

MEEK, C H J at QWGC

Son of Beriah and Jane Meek, of 9, Bloomfield Terrace, Blackwood, Mon.; husband of Lily Meek, of 5, Chapel Row, Teams, Gateshead-on-Tyne

That is all I have from here in Canada,

Richard

[laughton]

Chris and Richard
Sorry, just noticed this thread.
I have not got this War Diary, but will be able to get copies of the dates requested, from the film in Newcastle library next time I am in, if you still want it.
Kate

Sorry I did not post these earlier, but I did "clean up the pages" for my relatives that are going to the Vimy Re-dedication in April 2007 and so I have added those to Grandfather Laughton's web site.  Others may want to recover these missing pages.

26th NF War Diaries Recovered, April 1917