HERBERT MELVILLE 

Herbert's Story.

The 1901 Census notes that Herbert's father, William Melville had been born in Scotland and was working locally in Stockport as a carpenter. His mother, Ruth, originated from Somerset and was aged 49. The Census records Herbert, then aged 8, as having been born in Heaton Norris. A number of other people named Melville, similarly born in Heaton Norris, his siblings - Rhoda (23), Agnes (21), George (15) and James (13). Three other Melville’s, all born in Paulton, Somerset, are also listed as living in Stockport - Austen (34), Alice (28) and Emily (26) The 1911 census shows Ruth a widow, she had 11 children two of which had died. The family were living at 47 Huntsman Brow, Stockport, Ruth had four of her children living with her, Alice 37, George 24, James 22, and then Herbert 18, working as an apprentice skip builder.

Herbert enlisted 16^th February 1916 in Stockport he was 5ft 3 ½ inches, his next of kin is listed as his father William and the address given is 47 Huntsman Brow, Stockport.

Herbert’s service file has survived and the statement of relatives document which was signed and dated by his father on the 28^th June 1920 would discount that Ruth was a widow in the 1911 census. William was living in 1920 at 13 Chapel Street, Wall Heath, Dudley. It also lists Austen, George, James, Jessie, Emily, Rhonda and Agnes as his siblings with their addresses unknown. Ruth is listed as dead.

His casualty card shows that he departed from Devonport 4^th September 1916 arriving in Mesopotamia 28^th September, on 3^rd October just a few days later he was admitted to hospital with dysentery, by 28^th January 1917 he was back with his unit. Herbert is listed on the card as killed in action 15^th February however this is then stamped entered in error. It then shows wounded in action GSW (Gun Shot Wound) to the head, seven days later he is listed as dangerously ill, and then 26^th listed as Died of Wounds at the 19^th Causality Clearing station