No.27227, Private, Stanley FARRANT
Aged 20
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Stanley FARRANT was born in Haverhill at 11 Bull Lane, Camps Road on 19th October 1896 (Risbridge Q4-1896 4A:756), baptised on 7th January
1897 in St Mary's, Haverhill, son of Arthur and Harriet FARRANT (née SALTER). 1901 census...Aged 4, he was at 33 Burton End, Haverhill with his father Arthur FARRANT [25] hair cloth weaver; his mother Harriet [23] and brother Arthur Edward [1]. All were born in Haverhill. 1911 census...Aged 14, a baker's assistant, he was at 58 Crowland Road, Haverhill with his parents; brothers Arthur, Albert [9], Charles [5], John [3] and William [1]; sister Nellie [6] and widower great grandfather Timothy FARRANT [94]. All born in Haverhill. His mother had lost one child. His father died in Q1-1917 and brother Arthur died in France in the Royal Fusiliers in 1918. see here |
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Stanley must have served in the Territorials as he was awarded the Territorial Forces War Medal. This medal was awarded to members of the
Territorial Force and Territorial Force Nursing Service who were: a) Members of the Territorial Force on the 4th August 1914 OR b) Members who had completed four years or more service prior to the 4th August 1914, and rejoined prior to 30th September 1914 AND 1) volunteered prior to the 30th September 1914 to serve outside the United Kingdom. 2) actually served outside the United Kingdom between 4th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. 3) were not eligible for the 1914 Star or 1914-1915 Star. He enlisted in Haverhill. |
The 2nd R.Warwicks were part of the 22nd Brigade, 7th Division, tasked with taking JUDGE COPSE on the right flank of the battle of Poelcappelle.
The Warwick's war diary is too long for here, but taken from pages 418 - 421 of "The
Seventh Division", by C.T. Atkinson:-
" Zero " at 5.20 a.m. on October 9th and started well up to time. Within half an hour green lights along the line of the objective indicated
that it had been taken ; but it was some time before any accurate or detailed information came back from the front. Then the H.A.C. reported
that they had driven the enemy from Reutel, shooting many down as they made off, and had secured part of the cemetery East of Reutel but
were being held up short of Juniper Cottage by heavy fire from machine-guns, and had lost heavily, especially in officers. Next it became
clear that there was a gap in the Royal Warwickshires' line near Judge Copse, from which a considerable fire was being maintained. A platoon
of the reserve company tried to clear Judge Copse, but without success. A company of the 9th Devons was then sent forward, which obtained
touch with the left party of the Royal Warwickshires, N.E. of the Copse ; but not till dusk was the position finally made good by another
company of the 9th Devons, who attacked Judge Copse from the S.E. and cleared it, thereby completing the capture of the Blue Line."
According to CWGC, of the 2nd Royal Warwicks 81 killed, only 7 have known graves. Reutel is now usually known as Poezelhoek, between Polygon
Wood and Beselare. Judge Copse is just NW of Beselare.
The South West Suffolk Echo on 3rd November 1917 read:-
"It is with great regret that we have to add another name to the long list of Haverhill boys who have given their lives for their King and
Country. Mrs. A. Farrant of 68 Burton End, Haverhill, (formerly of 58, Crowland Road) received official information yesterday (Thursday) that her eldest son, Pte Stanley Farrant, of the Royal Warwickshire Regt., had been killed in action in France on October 9th. The deceased soldier
was only 21 years of age, and had been at the front about fourteen months. Prior to the outbreak of war he was a member of the local Territorials
and was called up with them. After serving two years in England he was drafted to France and afterwards transferred to the Royal Warwicks. For
several years he was a member of the local troop of Boy Scouts, and assisted with organisation in the football matches. Pte.Farrant was employed
by Messrs.Vanner and Fennell prior to being called up. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Farrant who, during the past nine months, has lost her husband,
baby and son. The following letter has been received by Mrs.Farrant from Pte.C.E.Mann:-
"Just a line to sympathise with you in the loss of your son Stanley. I hope you will bear the shock as well as you can as I know full well
the burden you will have to bear. Well, Stan was one of my Section but I cannot state how he was killed as I was left behind and I only
know from what the few that came out told me, and they say he was a good chap, and I know that, as he always kept us alive when in the rest billets
with his cheery spirit. I am returning photo found among the mail and opened by the Officer.I feel deeply for you and all in your great loss
and bereavement."
"
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details