Pte Frank Radcliffe k.i.a. 14/05/1916

[janeb]

I am searching for details of Frank Radcliffe's death. He served as a stretcher bearer in the Kings Liverpool Regiment and was 24 when he was killed. He is buried in the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cambrin. I have his death certificate, the CWGC certificate and have visited his grave in France.
I would really like to know what his regiment was doing around this time in WW1. He served in the 4th Battalion and his number was 14506.
Are there any war diaries for this battalion that anyone knows or any other means of finding information?

Many thanks
Jane

[daggers]

Jane
Are you in or near Liverpool? There is a special event at the new Museum of Liverpool, by the Pier Head, on Saturday 24 March, when King's Regiment material will be on open access, including war diaries and much other material, along with advice from some of our Forum stalwarts and others from the Museum and the Regiment.

From my limited knowledge I can say that 4th Battalion KLR was classed as 'Extra Reserve' in 1914, but after training it went to France in March 1915. In 1916 it was part of 98th Brigade, in 33rd Division.

A book by Captain EA James: 'A Record of Battles and Engagements...' lists all the officially designated battles and actions thoughout the war, with dates, and with the divisions which took part. May 1916 seems to be a quiet period, with few listed, and none involving 33rd Division. It could be that Frank's death occurred as a result of routine shellfire or small arms fire between trenches, and not as a result of an 'over the top' attack. The battalion's war diary is unlikely to name individual casualties, but should include an account of where they were and what they were doing at the relevant time. This period was probably one of training for many who would become involved in the start of the operations on the Somme , starting on 1st July.

Do you know you can get a copy of Frank's Medal Index Card, either from Ancestry, free, or from the National Archives Documents Online for £2 by card. This will show his entitlement to war medals and perhaps have other details, though this is unlikely. There are two KLR men with the same names listed, so look out for his regimental number.
Hope this helps.
Daggers

[janeb]

Thanks

Unfortunately I shall not be anywhere near Liverpool this weekend - that would have been very interesting.
Thanks however for your advice and information. I have obtained his medal roll card as you suggested but as you guessed there is no more information on it.

He was my grandmother's favourite brother so i wanted to find out a bit more for the family.

[daggers]

Jane
I was able to spend a little time at the family history/King's Regiment event this morning and looked at the War Diary of the 4th Battalion KLR.
This is an extract, covering 14th May 1916 when part of the unit was at Cuinchy:
"Dull. In trenches. 6.15 pm. Enemy Mine blown 100 yds to our right in 4/Suffolk line. 2/Lt Rees to Divisional School. 1 man to hospital - 6 men wounded - 4 men killed by heavy T.M. bombardment of Right Company."

In this typed acount, part of a volume covering the whole period of the battalion's time in France & Flanders, the names of non-officers are absent, as is usual with most war diaries.
'Dull' is the weather on the day. 'T.M.' is trench mortar and 'Right Company' means the part of the battalion positioned on its right flank, not a particular company title as they were usually designated A, B, C etc.
I think it highly likely that Frank was one of those four men killed.

This link should take you to a page about Cuinchy and Cambrin:
http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/others/cuinchy.html

There was a good deal of interest at the event with members of the public lining up to ask a dozen
or more experts about their WW1 relations, plus information desks from this Society and other organisations.

Daggers

[janeb]

You are so kind - this is fantastic information.
It makes sense that he would have been one of those 4 men. He was a stretcher bearer so I had always imagined that he had been killed whilst carrying someone - it appears nothing so glamorous.
I shall have to make the trip to Liverpool to read more of the 4th and its actions up to that date.
I shall be able to tell my mother and her sister what happened to their uncle so thank you very much

Jane

[daggers]

Glad to help. I think that the war diaries of the KLR are normally kept in the archives section of the Merseyside Maritime Museum, close beside the Albert Dock and the new Museum of Liverpool.

The opening pages cover the battalion's departure from Edinburgh, crossing to France and then rapid involvement in action. Very graphic, if not literature.
Enjoy your visit!

D

[Katie]

I can give you the names of two soldiers who were killed on the same day who were with the 4th Battalion
King's Liverpool Regiment
Gledhill
21322
George W
Private
Garston
14th May 1916
Killed
http://www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-dead ... L,%20G%20W

King's Liverpool Regiment
Humphreys
11888
John W
Private
Warrington
14th May 1916
Killed
http://www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-dead ... S,%20J%20W

[janeb]

Thanks again to Daggers and Katie. This information is all most useful
J