THIS week we remember two more soldiers from Redditch who died fighting in the trenches 100 years ago.
William Millward was born in Redditch in 1898, the eldest of two children of Walter, a fish hook make, and Gertrude Millward.
The family lived at 89 Ipsley Street.
William joined 1/7th Battaliion of the Worcestershire Regiment which by April 1917 was advancing towards German positions at the Hindenburg Line.
At 4am on April 13 his unit, together with the 1/4th Gloucestershires, his unit attacked through thick snow and beneath a full moon a ridge near an enemy stronghold known as Malakoff Farm, south east of Basse Boulogne.
The assault, described as ‘a gratifying little success’ in the regimental war diaries, came at some cost – six killed, including Pte Millward – and 30 wounded.
He is remembered today on the St Stephen’s war memorial.
Charles Edward Vale died at home on April 15 and is buried in Plymouth Road cemetery.
He served with the 1/8th Battalion of the Worcestershires, a unit which at this time mirrored the movements of the 1/7th – the two often swapping places between the front line and reserves.
It is not known how he was wounded but it was severe enough for him to be evacuated home.
Charles was one of the two children of John and Kate Vale and was born in Small Heath, Birmingham in 1898.
By 1901 the family were living in 5 Britten Street, Redditch where John was working as a fish hook hardener.
They then moved to Middle House Farm in Redditch and by this time Charles was working too, as an errand boy for a needle making firm.
With thanks to Remembering Redditch’s Fallen Heroes, the Great War Forum, the Regimental Diaries of the Worcestershire Regiment.
LOCAL historian Philip Jarvis is marking the death of Charles Edward Vale with a brief ceremony at his grave at 11am this Saturday, (April 15) exactly 100 years since his death. All are welcome to attend.
