No.20373, Private, Frederick WELLS
Aged 24
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Frederick Wells was born in Cavendish (Sudbury Q4-1892 4A:673), son of George Cornelius Batterham and Patty WELLS (née BULLOCK). 1901 census...Aged 8, he was at High Street, Cavendish with his father George C Wells [40] agricultural engine driver; brother George W. [11] and sister Ethel A [13]. All were born in Cavendish. His mother has not been found in this census, but she died in Woodbridge in 1903, suggesting she may have been in hospital there at Melton. 1911 census... Aged 18, a jobbing gardener, he was at Houghton Hall, Cavendish with his widower father (now a farm labourer); brother George William (stockman) and sister Ethel Annie [23]. |
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He enlisted in Colchester. He enlisted with Edward WELLS (not a brother) with sequential numbers
see here The war diary has them attacking LONGUEVAL, deployed ready to go at 3 am, the bombardment lifted at 3:35. Heavy mist on the left caused 2nd line of left company to lose direction. M Gun fire heard and reports from wounded and arrival of 5 prisoners created impression that all was going well- no further news arriving. About 4 am 2nd Lt RA Johnson went out and retuned to report that M Guns were in position on our left and about junction of DUKE STREET and PICCADILLY and movement across open was impossible. Lt Platts and 2/Lt Johnson killed in attempt to take M Gun at junction of the above mentioned streets. Continuous shelling all day mostly "whizzbangs". Snipers and MG from NE of DUKE STREET. Major Congreve DSO Bgde Major killed by a sniper while reconnoitring to find out situation. Continuous shelling all day mostly "whizzbangs". Snipers and MG from NE of DUKE STREET. Major Congreve DSO Bgde Major killed by a sniper while reconnoitring to find out situation. 7 pm Lt Kemble, cmdg "Z" Coy killed by a sniper, 2/Lt Wright took command of Coy. 5 prisoners taken by "W" Company, 3 officers killed, 2 wounded and 6 missing. CWGC have the killed as 114 all ranks, of which 88 have no known grave and are named on the Thiepval memorial.
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
