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WW1 In Memoriam / 1st August 1917. Private William Hughes, aged 31; 12 Battalion East Surrey Regt.
« on: Wednesday 30 July 14 17:40 BST (UK) »
Edward was born in 1888 in Hanley, Staffordshire. The son of a Welsh lead miner from Flintshire, Edward himself became a coal miner in North Staffs. He initially joined the Middlesex Regt. before transferring to the Royal Engineers.
The Battle of Mount Sorrel took place between Hill 60 at Zwarteleen and Hooge. The XIII (Wurttemburg) Corps, launched their attack on 2nd June 1916 after a heavy bombardment. Their objective was to capture the British observation point in front of Ypres and to keep as many British units as occupied as possible, preventing re-enforcement of the Somme and Verdun. The Canadian Divisions were holding the line. There was a great deal of hand to hand fighting both on the open ground and trenches and in the tunnels - some of which were blown up by the Germans.
Edward is listed at the Menin Gate and has no known grave; he is probably still buried in one of the tunnels. Edward was still single when he died.
William was born in Hampstead, Middlesex, the son of a Welsh carpenter. He is Edward's cousin and had married Edward's sister in 1914. They had one child. Like Edward he had initially joined the Middlesex Regt. before transferring to the East Surrey (probably at the same time).
Having taken part in the Battle of Messines Ridge, William was killed on the second day of the third battle of Ypres - more commonly known as Passchendale. Although I am not certain how he was killed as it appears that his battalion may have been in reserve (there is no mention of the battalion taking part in the main offensive).
William is also listed on the Menin Gate and remains where he fell.
Ironically, both men died within 5-6 miles of each other.
The Battle of Mount Sorrel took place between Hill 60 at Zwarteleen and Hooge. The XIII (Wurttemburg) Corps, launched their attack on 2nd June 1916 after a heavy bombardment. Their objective was to capture the British observation point in front of Ypres and to keep as many British units as occupied as possible, preventing re-enforcement of the Somme and Verdun. The Canadian Divisions were holding the line. There was a great deal of hand to hand fighting both on the open ground and trenches and in the tunnels - some of which were blown up by the Germans.
Edward is listed at the Menin Gate and has no known grave; he is probably still buried in one of the tunnels. Edward was still single when he died.
William was born in Hampstead, Middlesex, the son of a Welsh carpenter. He is Edward's cousin and had married Edward's sister in 1914. They had one child. Like Edward he had initially joined the Middlesex Regt. before transferring to the East Surrey (probably at the same time).
Having taken part in the Battle of Messines Ridge, William was killed on the second day of the third battle of Ypres - more commonly known as Passchendale. Although I am not certain how he was killed as it appears that his battalion may have been in reserve (there is no mention of the battalion taking part in the main offensive).
William is also listed on the Menin Gate and remains where he fell.
Ironically, both men died within 5-6 miles of each other.