1/5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers 
1915 -Page 1 on to 1915-Page2
The information contained in this document was extracted from the War Diaries of the:
1/5th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers
who were part of the 149th Infantry Brigade, 50th Division , during the Great War , 1914 - 18.
These original handwritten documents are held in the Public records Office, Kew, London under the reference WO95 2828
These diaries record the daily events which the Battalion experienced on the Western Front in World War 1, from the Commanding Officer’s point of view. They are of particular interest to me because my Grandfather, Private 240571 ( formerly 5/2629) William Henderson, served at the front with the Battalion for two periods, the first from:
20th April 1915 until 5th June, 1915, then from 9th October 1915 until 9th June, 1916.
It is these two periods which this document covers, and the content is ,as far as possible, a full and accurate copy of the text contained in the diaries.
Private 240571 ( Formerly 5/2629), William Henderson
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1915 - Page 1
Bolougne The Battalion of 27 officers and 915 other ranks left Blyth between 8.30
20th April and 9.30am., en route for Folkestone. At Folkestone, boarded the
S.S. “Victoria” at 8.45pm and disembarked at Bolougne at 10.30pm.
Proceeded to St. Martin’s Camp, about 3 miles South East from the
landing stage.
Cassel Left St. Martin’s Camp, Bolougne , at 2.30pm and marched to
21st April PONT - DE - BRIQUES. Entrained there at 5pm. Arrived at CASSELL at 10pm.Billeted in a farm at BAVINCHOVE VILLAGE,
adjoiningCassell Station. ( Joined the transport etc. on the train at Pont - De -Briques )
Winnezeele Left BAVINCHOVE at 10am. Marched via CASSELL to
22nd April STEENVOORDE , to billets one an a half miles South East of
WINNEZEELE. Battalion billeted in various farms and camps.
Poperinghe Marched off at 9.30am and proceeded to WINNEZEELE. Halted here
23rd April with 6th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Marched via WATOU to
POPERINGHE and thence to a field one and a half miles South East of
the town. Arrived at 7pm. Bivouaced for the night.
Ypres Remained bivouaced until 7pm then marched off via
24th April VLAMERTINGHE to YPRES , coming under heavy shell fire whilst passingthrough the town, which is much dilapitated.
Five men wounded by shrapnel. Lay in a field just beyond YPRES for 2 hours under heavy shell fire.
Wieltze Moved off at 2am and marched to cross roads half a mile South East
25th April from WIELTZE. Were compelled by heavy shell fire to halt and dig
ourselves in about 400 yards South of WIELTZE. Remainder of day
spent in the dug outs. 22 men were wounded during the day.
St.Julien About 10am, reported that the enemy were breaking through our line.
26th April Battalion ordered out to verify this and, if correct, to make a counter
attack. Arrived in position at 11.40am and ascertained that the report
was not correct. Sent a message to Brigade Major to that effect. Received
answer to retire , or, if that was inadvisable , to entrench. Sent message
“ Battalion being heavily shelled, will entrench.” Retired at dark to
bivouac. The Brigade had made an attack on St.JULIEN during the
afternoon, successful up to a point, but, not being supported, had to
retire. Very Heavy losses. Brigadier General RIDDELL killed, Captain
NASH ‘D’ Company and Lt. BAINBRIDGE (attached R.E.Signal
Company ) were also killed.
Casualties:
Officers: 2 Killed 1 missing
Other Ranks: 9 Killed 68 Wounded 31 missing.
( Research shows that Brigadier General JAMES FOSTER RIDDELL,
was 52 years of age, the son of John Riddell, of the family of Riddell,
formerly of Riddell in Roxburghshire; husband of Margaret C. Riddell
(daughter of the late Sir henry Scott), of Hyde, Churt , Farnham,
Surrey.
He is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke.
Lieutenant THOMAS LINDSAY BAINBRIDGE, was 33 years of age,
son of the late Mr. and Mrs, Thomas Bainbridge, of Eshott Hall, Felton,
Northumberland. He is buried in Birr Cross Roads cemetery, Zillebeke,
Ypres.
Major FOUNTAIN OKEY COLBORNE NASH, was 37 years, son of
Joseph Nash, R.I.; husband of Ella H.Nash, of 35, Wheeley’s Road,
Edgbaston, Birmingham. A.M.I.C.E.
George THOMPSON, Lance Corporal 5/1423 is buried in New Irish
Farm Military Cemetery.
Private 5/2356 James CLOSE, 28 years, son of John & Barbara CLOSE,
of Wallsend on Tyne, died of wounds this date and is buried in
Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, grave V111.A.28.
Wieltze Battalion remained in dug outs all day under heavy shell fire.
27th April Complimented on previous days work by G.O.C. Canadian Division.
1915Research shows that the following soldiers died this date, have no known grave
and are commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Panels 8& 12
Private 5/2572 John William ABBOTT.
Private 5/2580 William COATES, 33 years, son of John & Isabella
COATES, of Raskelf, Yorks., husband of Elizabeth Ann COATES,
Private 5/1728 Robert FERGUSON, 18 years, son of Mary Ferguson of
547, Shields Road, Walker Gate, Newcastle on Tyne.
Private 5/2565 William HERON, 23 years, son of Mary Jane HERON,
of 31, Lamb Street, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne.
The following soldier killed this date is buried in New Irish Farm
Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium.
Lance Corporal 5/1423 Goerge THOMPSON, 18 years, son of george &
Sarah THOMPSON, of 18, Bolam Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Wieltze Battalion remained in dug outs until 11pm under shell fire and then
28th April moved up East about half a mile and proceeded to dig trenches. A party
of men were also detailed to collect bodies of men of the Brigade killed
in action on 26th.
Research shows that the following soldier was killed this date. He has no
known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Panels
8 & 12.
Private 5/1755 Robert HENDERSON, 19 years, son of Charles and
Mary HENDERSON, husband of Selina Emily Henderson , of 6, Birch
Terrace, Walker Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne.
The following soldier killed this date is buried in Hazebrouck
Communal Cemetery, Nord, France:
Private 5/2084 Michael Chapman STOKER, 19 years, son of Frederick
J. STOKER, of 12, Mitchel Street, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Zillebeke Finished digging at 4am and occupied trenches. Shelled heavily during
29th April the day. Ammunition boxes at adjoining refilling points being ignited &
the ammunition exploding. Captain NORTH and 10 men wounded by
shrapnel. Retired from trenches at 8pm. and moved about 3 miles South
to an old line of trenches ( previously occupied by British ) near
ZILLEBEKE.
Zillebeke Lay in trenches all day. Shells bursting frequently round and about an
30th April adjoining farm. Paraded at dusk with entrenching tools and marched
North to the neighbourhood of St.JULIEN. In crossing a field, Captain
and Adjutant SOLTAN-SYMONS being severely wounded. Started
digging trenches at 10.30pm.
Zillebeke Finished digging at 2am. These trenches were for use in case of a
1st May retiremant by our forces. Returned to our trenches near ZILLEBEKE.
Rested during the day, shelled heavily. At night, returned to the scene of
the previous nights work and carried the line of trenches about 800
yards further North.
Zillebeke Returned to our trenches about 3.30am. Were shelled heavily all day
2nd May ( Shrapnel and asphyxiating shells ). 5 men were killed and 17 wounded
when a shrapnel shell landed in the trench where they were sleeping.
11.45pm. Battalion moved off under heavy shell fire ( 1 man killed and
4 wounded while marching to the railway South of YPRES.
Research shows that the following soldiers were killed this date and
are buried in Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Zillebeke, Ypres:
Private 5/2539 James BAIN, 20 years, son of James and Agnes BAIN,
of 15, Pottery Bank, St. Anthony’s, Newcatle upon Tyne.
Private 5/2534 T. CUSKERN.
The Following have no known grave and are commemorated on the
Menin gate, Ypres, Panel 8 & 12:
Private 5/2508 T. COWEN.
Lance Corporal 5/1363 Thomas HARDY.
Private 5/1229 Robert HESLOP.
Private 5/ 2972 Cecil Davies WOOD, 18 years, son of James and
Margaret S. WOOD, of 606, Welbeck Road, Walker, Newcastle upon
Tyne.
2nd May, The following soldier died this date after being hospitalised and is
1915, cont. buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France,
Private 5/2073 Herbert HEDLEY, 23 years, son of John & Mary Jane
HEDLEY, of 89, Pine Street, Gateshead on Tyne.
Poperinghe Marched South of YPRES via VLAMERTINGHE to POPERINGHE,
3rd May arriving at 3.30am. ( Billeted in the COLLEGE EPISCOPAL). At
7.30pm paraded with the remainder of the Brigade and marched to
WATOU. Battalion billeted one and a half miles West of WATOU ,
just over the French border.
Watou Brigade paraded at 10am in a field near DROGLANDT and were
4th May addressed by Field Marshall SIR J.D.P. FRENCH. Afterwards the
troops were dismissed and rested for the rest of the day in their
respective billets.
Watou Battalion in billets during this period. Occupied during the day with
5th May drill, short route marches. Extra signalers being given instruction. On
to On Sunday, 9th May, stood to all day awaiting orders to move.
9th May,
1915
Brandhoek Reveille 4.30am. Battalion paraded 6.45am. and assembled at the
10th May Headquarters on the DROGLANDT - WATOU road. At 8am.
Battalion moved off in motor buses (25 men / bus ) to a position one
half mile East of POPERINGHE. Machine guns and transport
followed in the rear. Marched to a wood 2 miles East North East from
POPERINGHE and joined the remainder of the Northumbrian
Division. Made ourselves comfortable in the woods. The 5th Border
Regiment came up later in the day, having been attached to the
Northumberland Division.
Brandhoek Battalion spent days in bivouac in woods at BRANDHOEK in glorious
11th May weather. (Research shows that on 12th May, Private WILLIAM
to HENDERSON was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal (unpaid))
12th May
Ypres Battalion paraded at 10am and marched with the rest of the Brigade
13th May to a field about 1 mile South West of YPRES. Constructed dug outs
and bivouacs but were flooded out by heavy rain. At 5pm. moved off
to some huts about a half a mile WEST of YPRES ( huts however were
not exactly watertight.)
Ypres Day spent in hutments. At 8pm., 200 men paraded and proceeded
14th May. North East over the YSER CANAL to dig and repair reserve trenches.
1915 Research shows that the following soldier died this date from wounds,
having been hospitalised:
Sergeant 5/2498 Robert ELLIOTT. 26 years, son of Ann ELLIOTT
of 44, Hillfield Street, Gateshead on Tyne and the late George Elliott.
he is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
Ypres A few shells burst near the huts early in the morning, too far away to do
15th May any damage. Battalion paraded 5pm and marched to VLAMERTINGHE where they
bivouaced in the park adjoining a large chateau, the Headquarters of
4th Division. The Northumbrian Brigade from this date is known as the
149th Brigade and the Northumbrian Division as the 50th Division.
200 men paraded at night to dig trenches near the firing line.
Chateau Brielen
Vlamertinghe Left the Chateau ( residence of Visconte du Parc ) at 2pm. and moved to
16th May some dug outs between VLAMERTINGHE and BRIELEN . 200 men
again paraded to dig and repair trenches. 1 man wounded.
Vlamertinghe Rained heavily for 2 days. Cleared up later, so Companies were taken
17th May on short route marches for exercise.
Vlamertinghe The weather today having improved somewhat, the men were occupied
18th &19th in route marching under their Company Commanders. The battalion
May 1915 having become attached to the 4th Division ( along with the 4th 6th &
7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers ) was ordered to be held in
Divisional Reserve. Brigadier General S.P.FIELDING D.S.O. today
proceeded on 4 days leave and the command of the 149th Brigade
devolved to Colonel A.H. COLES C.M.G. D.S.O., who left the
Battalion for HOSPITAL FARM, Headquarters of the 149th Brigade .
Vlamertinghe The Battalion now being in Divisional Reserve ( 4th Division ) was
20th May ordered to be attached to the 12th Brigade ( 4th Division ) for
instruction in trench work and Companies were detailed to the several
units of this Brigade as follows:
B Company : to 1st Battalion Kings Own Loyal North Lancaster
Regiment
A Company, Headquarters: 1 machine gun and Officer to 2nd
BattalionMonmouth Regiment.
C Company, signallers, Medical Officer and R.A.M.C. : to 2nd
Battalion Essex Regiment.
D Company: 1 machine gun and Officer to 2nd Battalion 18th Royal
Irish.
The Battalions, with the exception of A Company, paraded at 9am and
Companies left for their respective billets.
Vlamertinghe The men of the Companies were separated by Sections and attached
21st May to the various platoons of the units to which they were stationed.
1915 The Monmouths, ( with ‘A’ Company attached ) and the Essex 21st
(with ‘C’Company attached ) were engaged in routine parades. 12
noon, the Kings Own Loyal North Lancs (‘B’ Company attached )
and The Royal Irish (‘D’ Company attached ) moved to the woods
adjoining the Chateau near VLAMERTINGHE. The Kings Own
Loyal North Lancs. moved out at 7pm. to a position 2000 yards
North east of IRISH FARM. At 11pm, they took over first line
trench. Royal Irish at 8pm left the wood and moved up to line of
dugouts over YSER CANAL between 3 and 4 Pontoon Bridges.
‘A’ Company Headquarters were moved into the woods near the
Chateau arriving at 11.45pm.
No casualties in these troop movements.
Dugouts over the Yser canal
Pontoon Bridge No 5 over the Yser canal
Vlamertinghe The Kings Own Loyal North Lancs. and The Royal Irish spent a
22nd May fairly quiet day except for considerable enemy sniping. The Essex
and South Lancs. moved up over the YSER CANAL, the South
Lancs. going into dugouts on the East bank, South of the Royal
Irish.
La Brique The Essex continued their march and moved up to 1st line trench
22nd May, about 2000 yards North East of LA BRIQUE and stretching to
1915 TURKS FARM past a mined estaminet on the cross roads, to a
farm known as CANADIAN FARM. To the left of TURKS FARM,
the lines were held by the French. About midnight, a thunder
storm partially filled the trenches and dugouts and three men were
injured by lightning.
Research shows that the following soldiers were killed this date,
have no known grave and are commemorated on the Menin Gate,
Ypres, Panel 8 & 12
Corporal 5/2328 Thomas HUGHES, 22 years, son of William and Mary Ann HUGHES, of 13, Thames Street West,
Wallsend, Northumberland.
Private 5/2350 Thomas MAVIN, 34 years, husband of Sarah
MAVIN, of 98, Thornboro’ Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.
La Brique ‘B’ Company moving up into the line. 1 man killed and 1 wounded.
23rd May Shortly after midnight heavy bombardment destroyed large
portions of parapet, casualties 1 man killed, seven wounded.In the afternoon the CANAL BANK was shelled, high explosiveand shrapnel killing 1 and wounding 11.
The remainder of the day quiet.
Research shows that the following soldiers were killed this date.
They have no known grave and are commemorated on the Menin
Gate, Ypres, Panel 8 & 12:
Lance Sergeant Robert HARRISON.
Private 5/ 2343John ROWBOTHAM, 26 years, son of Thomas &
Elizabeth ROWBOTHAM, husband of Elizabeth ROWBOTHAM
(nee Campbell) of 3, Ravenworth Street, Willington Quay,
Northumberland.
Near La Brique At 2.30am. the Germans mounted an attack with gas, high
24th May explosives and heavy shrapnel. Much of the first line trench was
demolished.The Essex attempted to disperse the gas with rapid fire
with little effect but it saved many lives, the men were upright. If
they had lain in the trench they would have been asphyxiated.
Directly the bombardment started the company of Essex in
support advanced to the front line losing many men in the advance.
Two Companies of the South Lancs. were moved up into the second
line . The Kings Own Loyal North Lancs. succeeded in holding
their line although suffering heavily from the gas and
accompanying shell fire, large numbers of men being overcome
before they could take steps to combat the gas. The Germans
delivered an attack on the Royal Irish and enfiladed their trench,
causing a large number of killed and wounded. The Irish
evacuated the trench leaving largenumbers of men suffering from
gas poisoning. These men were eitherkilled by the enemy or taken
prisoner. From the trench abandoned by the Royal Irish, the
enemy directed his attack against the Kings Own, this was
repulsed losing several Officers and men. Company Sergeant
Major ALLAN and Private J. SCOTT showed conspicuous
bravery in defending a barricade in the trench. C.S.M.
ALLAN was mortally wounded in the back with a hand grenade.
Heavy artillery fire was maintained by both sides until 5pm.
At 8pm. a counter attack was launched by the Kings Own Loyal
North Lancs. and the Royal Irish to no avail. They were ordered
back to the canal bank at 11pm. The Royal Irish who had been
held in reserve were retired to IRISH FARM with heavy
casualties.The following casualties in the 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers occurred today :
‘A’ Company : Other ranks - 3 killed , 18 wounded 12 missing
‘B’ Company : Captain LAWSON and 2nd Lt. RICHMOND
killed. Other Ranks - 5 killed, 31 wounded 13 missing.
‘C’ Company : Other Ranks - 5 killed, 15 wounded 13 missing
Numbers of men reported missing are probably in hospital suffering from gas poisoning.
‘D’ Company casualties : 2nd Lt. STEEL R.K. killed in action.
Captain FORRET to Hospital - Gas
2nd Lt. SAUNDERS S. to Hospital -Gas
2nd Lt. BEVAN E. to Hospital - Gas
2nd Lt. WINFIELD F. Missing - died of wounds whilst P.O.W.
2nd Lt. HILL M.C. - Missing
2nd Lt. PATTERSON C.A. - Missing
Other Ranks : 5 killed, 11 wounded , 123 missing 10 Gas Poisoned.
There has also been a number of men died in hospital from gas
poisoning who had previously been reported missing. The machine
gun section of ‘D’ Company lost their gun. Casualties 3 killed, 2
wounded 9 missing.
( Research has shown that the following soldiers killed on this date
are buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Ypres:
Captain FREDERICK HENRY LAWSON, 28 years, son of
Frederick Lawson, of Field House, Dalton, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Robert FOSTER, Private 5/2666.
The following are buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery, Nord,
France.
Private 5/2044 John DUFFY, 19 years, son of James & Catherine
DUFFY, of Osborne Place, Palmersville, Forest Hall, Newcastle
upon Tyne.
Private 5/2273 M. HINDSON.
The following is buried in Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery,
Nord, France.
Private S. FREEMAN.
The following is buried in Brandhoek Military Cemetery,
Vlamertinghe, Ypres:
Private 5/2278 W. ROUTLEDGE, 27 years, son of the late John
and Margaret ROUTLEDGE, of Morpeth, Northumberland.
The following soldiers have no known grave and are commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial,Ypres, Panel 8 and 12.
Lieutenant ROBERT KINGSLEY STEEL, 27 years, son of
John T. and Alice Maria Steel , of Cranford, Stocksfield,
Northumberland.
Second Lieutenant CUTHBERT LAWRENCE RICHMOND,
25 years, son of Richard frederick and Fanny Richmond, of The
Laurels, Belaugh , Wroxham , Norfolk , educated at St.Dunstan’s
College, Catford, London.
Company Sergeant Major JAMES ALLAN, 5/2258 , 38 years,
son of David and Margaret Allan, husband of Jenny Charlton
Allan, of 20, Appletree gardens, Walkerville, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Private 5/2644 George John Anderson
Lance Corporal 5/1437 Robert Edward BELL, 20 years, son
of Robert Edward and Mary Bell, of 1, Ford Terrace, Wallsend,
Northumberland.
Private 5/2659 James Summers CALVERT, 22 years, son of
George & Hannah Elizabeth Summers CALVERT, of 11, Chapel
Place, Seaton Burn, Dudley, Northumberland
Private 5/2431 James Floyd COLLINS, Foster son of Michael &
Agnes Giloran, 1, Bede Crescent, Holy Cross, Willington Quay,
Northumberland.
Private 5/2440 Frederick GALLOWAY.
Private 5/1490 George GIBSON, 18 years, son of William & Rebecca GIBSON,of 169, Station Road, Wallsend.
Private 5/2946 John James GUYMER, 28 years, son of Albert
and Ann GUYMER, of 4, Blue Row, Bigges Main, Wallsend,
husband of Annie Phillips Guymer, of 1, Coble Landing, South
Shields
Private 5/2673 Robert William HARTFORD.
Private 5/1991 Norman HEDLEY.
Private 5/1284 Robert HELLENS, husband of Mary HELLENS,
of 28, River View, Low Walker, Newvcastle upon Tyne
Private 5/1436 george JOBE,
Sergeant 5/1977 Robert Douglass JOHNSTON, 23 years, son of
Dorothy Ann Johnston, of 174, Heaton Park Road, Heaton,
Newcastle upon Tyne and the late Mr, William Johnston.
Private 5/2966 Anthony Mc MILLAN,
Corporal 5/1966 William NATTRESS, 22 years, son of Ralph &
Jessie Stewart Nattress, of 110, Addison Road, Heaton, Newcastle
upon Tyne.
Private 5/2658 William NELSON
Private 5/2635 George Hetherington NIXON
Private 5/1856 Cornelius NOBLE, 19 years, son of Mrs. Alice
NOBLE, of 310, Church Street, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Private 5/3212 Frank ORR
Sergeant 5/1485 Jonas Binns ROWNTREE, 30 years, son of
Eleanor Isabella ROWNTREE, of 51, Woodbine Avenue,
Wallsend, Northumberland and the late James ROWNTREE.
Lance Corporal 5/1927 Charles John SIMPSON, 20 years, son of
Susan SIMPSON, of 7, Matten Street, St Peter’s, Byker,
Newcastle upon Tyne and the late Company Sergeant Major
C. SIMPSON. The third son born in the Regiment.
Private 5/2035 Andrew SPROATE, 26 years, son of the late
William and Isabel SPROATE, husband of Eizabeth SPROATE,
(nee Whalley) of 4, Single Row, Dinnington Colliery, Dudley,
Northumberland.
Sergeant 5/166 Charles STODDART, 33 years, husband ofFlorence STODDART, of 1327, Walker Road, St. Anthony’s,
Newcastle upon Tyne.
Private 5/ 2653 Edward TAIT, 22 years, son of Michael and Ann
TAIT, of 5, Park Terrace, West Moor, Forest Hall, Northumberland.
Private 5/2303 daniel TUCKER, 28 years, son of James & Agnes
TUCKER, of 63, Thames Street East, Wallsend, Northumberland.
Private 5/2627 Peter WELSH
Sergeant 5/1602 James Henry WHITE, 35 years, son of the late
Andrew & Jane WHITE, husband of Phoebe WHITE, of
4, Crossley Terrace, Palmersville, Forest Hall, Newcastle uponTyne. Served seven years with the Durham Light Infantry.
Private 5/1106 Samuel WHITE, 19 years, son of Mary WHITE,
of 30, Pine Street , Newcastle upon Tyne and the late Henry
