2nd curious find of the week

[Chris Boonzaier]

This Bombardier certificate and letter from Bert Jones' sweetheart were mixed amongst a German soldiers group at a show... Not too sure how they got there...

[Tony]

I like that, I like it a lot.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Tony found out he was in the Cheshire regiment when he was killed... during the kaiser schlacht, killed on the 28th March 1918 during the German offensive, no known Grave...He was 19 at the time...

[Tony]

Remembered on the memorial wall at Pozieres cemetery.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Nice one Tony, Thanks!

[Tony]

Today is 100 years since Bert’s official date of death so I thought I'd post a little info about him, if anyone’s interested.

Bert volunteered in 1915 aged just under 18 but gave his age as 18 years 10 months and served in his local unit, the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, until being transferred to the Cheshire’s upon his arrival in France in Oct. 1917.

In March 1918 Bert’s unit moved from the St. Julien/Bixschoote area, catching a train from Roesbrugge (Poperinge) on 23/3/18 via Suzanne to their billets however, on the 24th orders were received to proceed to Maricourt to ‘engage against the great enemy offensive.’

26/3/18 retreat of around 10km to Bray Meaulte Rd.

27/3/18 they were in Buire sur l’Ancre (2km SW of Albert).

The following summery from the war diary will give a better idea of what Bert and his mates went through. The survivors were relieved by 37 Bn. AIF on 31/3/18.

 

Edited March 28, 2018 by Tony

[Tony]

On 13th May 1919 Bertram Jones' death was official, he was presumed to have died on or since 28/3/18. Annie married towards the end of 1920, it looks like she may have waited for Bert.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Fantastic find Tony!.... the letter is heartbreakingly naive....

[Egorka]

Thank you Tony for sharing! Very interesting!