Query re First Day of Battle of The Somme

[brushbroomstick]

While researching the Award of the MM and Bar to my husband's Grandfather GEORGE NEALE and the MM to my Uncle WILLIAM EMMERSON METCALFEI have found out the following very interesting information which I think shows that they saw the same action .Could they have known each other?

George Neale 22 /126 was in the 3rd Tyneside Scottish Northumberland Fusiliers. He was in Trench Mortars.
William Emmerson Metcalfe 12/11136 was in the 12th Northumberland Fusiliers attached to the 21st Division - 2nd Tyneside Scottish

Both joined in Sept?1914
Both were at Alnwick Camp in Alnwick Castle in May 1915
Both were sent to France in Jan 1916
Both were in action on the First Day of The Battle of The Somme near the village of La Boiselle where the 2nd followed closely by the 3rd Tyneside Scottish "went over the top" at 7.30 on the morning of 1st July 1916 which was the day George Neale was awarded his MM.
George was awarded the Bar to the MM later the same month and was killed on 30th August 1916 when his trench was blown up.
William was also awarded the MM but I don't know when - presumably late in 1917 - as the London Gazette gives his details in February 1918.He was lucky and survived the war , living into his 70s.
I have both MMs and Wiilliams other medals which I bought last year. Unfortunately George's medals were split up when his widow died and they are now in Canada with the descendants of his only daughter.
Irene

[jds1949]

It is, of course, possible that both men knew each other - but [and it's a big but] you have to remember the numbers we're dealing with here. Well over 100,000 men would have enlisted in September 1914 - well over 100, 000 men went over the top on the first day of the Somme - 60,000 + casualties in the day, and literally hundreds went through Alnwick Camp. So. it's possible - but it's probably the case that they did not know each other.

jds1949

[Thomas G. Tweedy]

I am overjoyed to find this post! I am George Neale's Great-great Grandson currently living in Toronto, Canada. You say your husband's Grand Dad was George Neale which must put him in direct relation to me. George's daughter, Mary Emily (Amy) was my Grandfather's mother.

I would love to share some more information in the future. In the mean time there are two books that you may be interested that certainly shed some light on the Tyneside Scots and even mentions George. The first is called "Tyneside Scottish" by John Sheen. This book has the  letter written home to George's family after his death by the mortar battery commanding officer, Lt. Bowkett which discusses his heroism on duty. My Grand's cousin Bill Neale consulted on this book and provided the information for George's story. The second book is "Story of the Tyneside Scottish" written by Brig-Gen Trevor Ternan and discussed the movements of the trench mortar battery.

Thanks for posting this and I would love to hear back.

Regards,

Thomas George Tweedy

[Thomas G. Tweedy]

Hi Irene,

I have been attempting to reply to your personal message but the site is not letting me. Would it be possible for you to send me your email address.

Best Regards,

Thomas George Tweedy

[jds1949]

Dear Thomas,

You have to post at least three times before the system will allow you to use the Personal Message facility - you have posted twice - reply to this post and then you should be able to PM Irene,

jds1949