Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

Comparison with the photo shows that this was a particularly bad transcription error, it should read
G. BENBOW (MM)

which means he is:

(CWGC)
BENBOW, GEORGE PARKIN
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 1432
Date of Death: 08/08/1916
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 1st/5th Bn.
Awards: M M, Mentioned in Despatches
Panel Reference Pier and Face 1 D 8 B and 8 C.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information: Son of William Henry Benbow, of 72, Gladstone Rd., Edge Hill, Liverpool.

and is recorded in Soldiers Died as:
Name: Charles Parkin BENBOW
Rank: SERGT.
Initials: C P
Birthplace: Liverpool
Place of residence: Liverpool
Enlisted: Liverpool
Regiment, Corps etc.: King's (Liverpool Regiment)
Battalion etc.: 5th Battalion.
Number: 1432
Date died: 8 August 1916
How died: Killed in action
Theatre of war: France & Flanders
Supplementary Notes: M.M.

Liverpool Echo 23 July 1915

SPIRIT 'TERRIFIC'
Corporal A Wallace, 8 Platoon, B company of the 5th Liverpools, writes to us as follows:-
I am writing you these few lines in the trenches to tell you about a very amusing incident which took place in a billet "somewhere in France" on the night of July 12.
On the night of the 11th our platoon had a sham fight with 7th platoon. After bombing them with "bully" beef, biscuits etc etc for half an hour, we were considered the winning party. On the night of the 12th amidst a tremendous uproar on all floors of the barracks, 7th platoon, headed by Sergt. Inham, marched in full ceremony to our room to present our victorious commander Sergt Benbow with the "Grand Order of the Iron Ration" which was composed of an "Iron Cross" made of cheese. After the presentation ceremony Sergt. Benbow gave a grand speech and was marched shoulder high to the tune of "He's a jolly good fellow."
The spirit of the boys is terrific and at times whilst on rest I can assure you we make up for lost time. Your paper is everywhere to be seen out here as Liverpool is well represented. You can go in any dugout and see a pink paper.

Liverpool Echo 11th Jan 1916

"IN DESPATCHES"
brave rescue work by Liverpool Territorial

Sergeant G.P. Benbow, 5th battalion King's Liverpool Regiment, of 72, Gladstone-road, Liverpool, has been "mentioned in despatches" for bravery at the front in France.
On May 16 his company were ordered to attack the enemies trenches but did not meet with success owing to the enemy's stubborn defence and machine gun fire. While under this fire Sergt Benbow brought in a number of wounded men, escaping injuries to himself. Besides being mentioned in despatches he has received a letter of appreciation from his divisional general and commanding officer. Sergeant Benbow also helped Sergeant Cooney of the same regiment to bring in a wounded man; the latter received the D.C.M. for bravery shown on the same day. (photo)

Liverpool Echo 8th Sept 1916

CASUALTIES IN LOCAL BATTALIONS
Acting Company Sergeant-Major G.P. Benbow, K.L.R., whose parents reside at 72 Gladstone-road, Edge-hill, Liverpool, has been killed in action in France. Letters from his comrades say he was an excellent soldier, and died very bravely, doing his duty to the last. He went to France in February 1915 and was present at Neuve Chapelle and Festubert, where he was mentioned in despatches for bravery in bringing in a number of wounded. Prior to his death he was slightly wounded. Previous to the war he was in the employ of Lewis's, Ranelagh-street. He was an ardent worker at St. Mary's Edge-hill, being a second-lieutenant in the C.L.B.

Liverpool Echo 21 April 1917

AN EDGE-HILL MILITARY MEDALLIST

Mr and Mrs Benbow, of 72 Glastone-road, Edge-hill, have received from the War Office the Military Medal awarded to their late son Sergeant G.P. Benbow, KLR who was killed in action on August 8, 1916. Sergeant Benbow was also mentioned in despatches in January 1916 for bringing in wounded comrades under heavy machine-gun fire.

Liverpool Echo 8 Aug 1917

BENBOW - In loving memory of Sergeant George Peter Benbow, M.M. late 1/5 KLR eldest and dearly-loved son of Mr and Mrs W.H. Benbow, 72 Gladstone Road, killed in action at Guillemont. August 8 1916
And with the morn those angel faces smile.
Which I have loved long since and lost awhile.
- sadly missed by Mother, Father and Sister.

BENBOW - In sad but loving memory of George Parkin Benbow, KLR, killed in action in France, August 8 1916 (Ever rememberred by Will, Reg and Harold (in France) also Jack Hughes (brother in law)

BENBOW - In loving memory of Sergeant George P Benbow M.M. who fell in action August 8 1916 aged 22 years (Eternal rest grant unto him, Lord) - Fondly remembered by Annie.

Sjt Benbow's award of the Military Medal was listed in the London Gazette Supplement of 19 Feb 1917, page 1759, along with many other posthumous awards. As was normal, no citation appeared there, but a local newspaper is the best source for details, as given above.
D

Thank you for all those extra posts, gives us an insight into some of the lighter times as well as the sad. After our meeting on Tuesday we know just how many lost their lives at Guillemont, and he was one of them.