No.47637, Rifleman, John Harry DANIELS
Aged 31
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John Harry Daniels was born in Bungay in 1886 (Wangford Q3-1886 4A:891), baptised in Bungay on 12th September 1886, son of Andy and Harriet DANIELS
(née WATTS)
1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Hall Road, Earsham, Depwade, Norfolk with his father Andy DANIELS [26] blacksmith's assistant, born Ellingham, Norfolk; his mother Harriet [28] born Bungay; sisters Doras J. [2] and Emily May [10 months] both born in Earlsham. 1901 census...Aged 14 he was at Church Lane, Cheveley with his parents, sisters Doras and Emily, brothers Charles [8] born Earlsham and William [4] and Bertie [11 months] both born in Cheveley. 1911 census...Aged 24, single, a baker, he was at Church Lane, Cheveley with his parents, brothers Charles (stablestaff), William, (farm lad), Bertie and Bernard [4] born Cheveley and niece Doras DANIELS [2] born London. Record shows 6 children for Harriet and all surviving The paretns of baby Doras are not kown. On the pension card his mother was still at Church Lane, Cheveley |
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He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds The Somme Crossings battle in March 1918 saw the early days of the German Spring offensive, Operation Michael or The Kaiserschlacht. This was very nearly a war ending victory for the Germans. In a few days they overran many British positions. From Fall's "First Seven Battalions" we learn that:- The 2nd Royal Irish Rifles were surrounded and overwhelmed near Cugny. Orders to withdrawn failed to get through as the runners were all killed. In any event the CO, realised that to withdraw across open ground with machines gun firing on them from both flanks would lead to certain annihilation. so instead they attacked. Of the 150 or so men, well over 100 were killed or wounded. In fact, on that day, of the 94 recorded killed by CWGC, John was one of only 12 RIR men who have a known grave. Since his medal card gives "OPDead" (Officially Presumed Dead) his body was recovered at ref 66c.A.27.a.2.7., identified by his identity disc and removed to Savy. Such was the speed of the German advance at that time that it seems the Germans must have buried John near Seracourt le Grande, by which time the survivors of his battalion were pushed back north of Bapaume.
John's body was taken from here to Savy Cemetery when the cemetery concentrations took place after the war. photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
