Sidney's Story.
Sidney Burgess was born in High Legh in 1897, one of nine children born to James (a concrete maker) and Mary Ann Burgess of Kirkmans Green, High Legh. Sidney was a labourer.
Sidney joined the army on reaching 19 and became Private no. 23905 of the 8th Battalion of the Kings (Shropshire Light Infantry).
Sidney was killed in action on the 25th April 1917.
On that fateful day:
The war diary states:
24.4.17
01.00 hrs.
The Liaison Officer from 11th Worcesters Regt. On right of B Company reported that Batt had encountered very serious opposition & required urgent support. Orders were sent to the two platoons in support in Green Ravine to proceed without delay in accordance with the pre-arranged plan to reinforce the left flank of the 11th Worcester Regt. Under difficulties & (a) message was dispatched to the 66th Infantry Bde requesting 2 additional platoons to support B Company on Hill 380.
01.38 hrs
B Company (right) estimated its casualties at about 20 including Capt. L. Profit killed.
02.45 hrs
A Bulgarian prisoner was brought in from D Coy (centre) & reports received that number of enemy wounded were lying on MAMELON WORKS
02.53 hrs.
Heavy rifle fire was reported on PETIT COURONNE.
04.00 hrs
A Bulgarian prisoner was brought in. M.O. Captain BOWELL proceeded to JACKSON Ravine in front of MAMELON
04.05 hrs
One platoon South Lancs arrived from Bde Reserve & another platoon was also sent from Bde Reserve to Green Ravine.
04.45 hrs
2/Lt Austin reported that 11th Worcesters owing to very heavy losses had withdrawn to their original trench line and for that reason the right flank of HILL 380 was exposed.
05.00 hrs
Three Bulgarian prisoners were brought in.
05.30 hrs
C Coy (left) reported that enemy counter attack launched about 05.00 hrs and had been repulsed.
09.25 hrs
Another Bulgarian prisoner brought in. From this time forward with the exception of intermittent shelling of our trenches by the enemy no incident occurred worthy of record.
20.00 hrs
Red and green lights were sent up on PETIT COURONNE & at 20.40 hrs the centre Coy D reported that the enemy were advancing to the attack. The barrage signal was accordingly sent up from Bn. H.Qrs and from the left Coy C, simultaneously with this a report was received that HILL 380 was being heavily shelled. Our barrage opened and at the same time that of the enemy was directed against out trench line. Two platoons under 2/Lt Fairer (A Coy) were ordered to reinforce the centre company.
21.00 hrs
Our barrage with that of the enemy died down & enemy counter-attack was easily driven off, only a few of their attacking party reaching our new wire. D Coy (Centre) detailed a bombing party which was sent forward and succeeded in driving the enemy out of a ravine in front of JACKSON Ravine.
21.35 hrs
Lt Lloyd who was wounded reported at H.Qrs & brought information concerning the recent enemy counter-attack
21.45 hrs
Two platoons from Bde reserve were detailed in Reserve.
23.35 hrs
Searchlights were operating on HILL 380.
The diary makes no mention of casualties but the attacks by the enemy continued throughout the following day.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.