Joseph's Story.
Joseph Gidman was born in Knutsford in 1893, one of five children born to Hugh (a hamper maker) and Elizabeth Hannah Gidman of Bakehouse Yard, Knutsford. Joseph was also a hamper maker.
He joined the 18th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment, becoming Private no. 31382.
Joseph was killed in action on the 30th July 1916.
On that fateful day:
The war diary states:
˜TRONES WOOD
The attack on GUILLEMONT was carried out despite the fact that during the early hours there was a heavy ground frost.
Artillery barrage did not materialise only the 18 pounders.
18th and two companies of the 17th entered village but those that got in were taken prisoner and the majority of the casualties were the missing
Battalion casualties for July 32 officers and 1300 OR killed or missing.
Those who fell in the advance lay where they fell until September 15th - some six weeks later.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.