Thanks for all your kind replies concerning my book, Birmingham Pals
Yes he was an original volunteer to the 2nd Birmingham Battalion (15th Royal Warwicks). Fortunately his service records survive on Ancestry UK.
He served in C Company, No.11 Platoon.
He was wounded twice. The second time was the most severe and ended his military service.
The first date entered was 31 July 1916. This must have been a slight wound because he was back in action again in September.
On 31 July 1916, the 14th Warwicks were in action attacking Wood Lane near High Wood and the 15th Warwicks were in reserve near Caterpillar Wood (near Montauban) this area was very heavily shelled continuously 24/7 by German artillery as it was the area all our reserves, stores artillery lines etc was situated. Whilst in reserve around 450 men of the battalion were used to carry rations and water up to the front line troops near the village of Longueval. So I can only suggest a shrapnel wound.
The second wound took place on 23 September 1916, this was prior to the attack on the German lines around the village of Morval.
The 15th Warwicks War Diary, states that on this day the battalion was in reserve at a place known as "Quadrilateral" (a former German strongpoint near the village of Ginchy) The diary states that there was "Nothing to report" apart from the casualties. 7 other ranks wounded 1 missing. This has to be the result of German shellfire. In fact his records state that he received a GSW to the left Thigh. Gun Shot Wound which probably mean he was hit by shrapnel or shell shards.
He was dishcharged in 1918 and it seems he died in February 1919.
Let me know if I can help any more. I am going over to the Somme in July.
Terry
Below.. Some men of the 2nd Birmingham Battalion (15th Royal Warwicks) being inspected by Birmingham Lord Mayor, Neville Chamberlain, a couple of days before leaving for France on 21 November, 1915.
