No. 329200, Private, Sidney Herbert WORDLEY
Aged 19
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Sidney Herbert WORDLEY was born at 8 Duddery Hill, Haverhill on 7th August 1897 (Risbridge Q3-1897 4A:765), baptised in St Mary's Haverhill on
24th September 1897, son of Hezekiah and Sarah Ella WORDLEY (née NUNN)
1901 census...Aged 3, he was at 20 Mill Road, Haverhill with his father Hezekiah WORDLEY [22] (no occupation given but a weaver on baptismal records), born Glemsford; his mother Ella [22] silk weaver and sister Grace Ella Gladys [1]; grandmother Adelaide WORDLEY (recorded as mother in law of Hezekiah). All except his father were born in Haverhill. 1911 census...Aged 13, waiter in confectionery shop, he was at 67 High Street, Haverhill with his widowed mother( now recorded as Sarah); sisters Grace and Olive Joyce [4]. His mother had lost one of her four children (George 1902-1902). His father had died in 1908 aged 29. The South West Suffolk Echo of 28th July 1917 reported that:- "Official news has been received that Pte. Sidney Wordley, of the Cambridgeshire Regt., has been killed in action in France. The deceased was only 19 years of age, and had been at the Front for about six months, having joined up some ten months since. Pte. Wordley was the only son of his widowed mother, Mrs. E. Wordley, who, until a few weeks ago, resided in Croft Row, Haverhill, and left to work in munitions at Luton. Much sympathy will be extended to her in her great loss. Pte. Wordley was of a quite disposition, and prior to enlistment was employed in the hair-drawing department of Messrs. Gurteen & Sons Factory. The following letter has been received from the 2nd. Lieut:- "It is with great regret and deep sympathy that am writing to tell you that your son, N0.329200, Pte. Wordley was killed on 7th. July whilst in the execution of his duty. Your son was a good soldier, and I am extremely sorry to lose him. He was in my Platoon, and was always willing to do anything cheerfully. He was in the line and a shell landed a few yards away and he was instantly killed. You may find some comfort in knowing that your son died answering the call of his King and Country, and that he suffered no pain. He is being buried in a Cemetery, and everything will be carried out efficiently as circumstances will permit. All things belonging to him have been taken care of, and in due time will be sent to you. If there is anything further you would wish to know, if you will write to me I will do my utmost to answer any queries. With deepest sympathy to you and your family in your great loss." |
He enlisted in Haverhill. The war diary has :- " Ypres Hill Top sector - 8-7-17 - Between midnight and 1 am the covering party in front of HORNBY TRENCH observed a strong force of the enemy approaching. Estimates put the force at about 40-50 strong.At the same time a heavy barrage was put round 5 post in BELLINGHAM TRENCH. (?) of the covering party withdrew but the remainder opened a strong fire on the enemy and succeeded in drawing fire away. It was obviously an attempt at a raid on our trench.Casualties 4 killed, 8 wounded. Battalion was relieved by 1/1 Herts Regt and proceeded into reserve at CANAL BANK. Relief was completed at 1:40 am on 9th". CWGC figures show the four killed, all buried side by side at Brandhoek. |
approx position of action
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details
