Officers, N.C.O.s and Men of the 1st Battalion, Buried in Audregnies Communal Cemetery
This cemetery contains 40 Commonwealth burials, many of which are from the Cheshire and Norfolk Regiments and all of whom were killed on the 24th August 1914 and originally buried on the battlefields.
The Cemetery contains 5 named soldiers of the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment as well as 14 whose gravestone bears the message “Known Unto God“.
It is more than likely that these men also fell on the defence of the village of Audregnies and so are some of the 44 commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial to the missing.
use this link to get a full list of all Soldiers buried in this Cemetery
Four of the men buried here were from ‘A’ Company of the 1st Battalion (Privates Glynn, Mountford, Williams and York), whilst Private Allman was in ‘C’ Company and Private Lucas in ‘D’ Company.
[N.B. The only other soldiers who have named graves are from the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, who fought alongside the Cheshires at Elouges on 24th August 1914. They are: Pte. 7192 R. Leggett (Grave B.1) and L/Cpl. 8304 Harry West (Grave B.15).
Use the links below to read a little more about each man and see where he is buried. All of the men named below were awarded the 1914 Star (with “clasps and roses“), the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Pte. 7461 George ALLMAN (A.R.) – ‘C’ Company
Grave: B.20. Killed in Action: 24 August 1914 Age: 29
Personal: George Allman was born in Malpas, Cheshire, in 1886, the seventh child of James (Farm Labourer) and Elizabeth (née Cooke-Jennings). His older siblings were Harriett, Mary, Thomas Henry, William, Nellie and Beatrice and he had three younger siblings Alice May, Joseph and Ernest (1891 Census: RG 12/2126).
In 1891 the family lived at Cross o’ Hill, Malpas, Cheshire. In 1901 George was working as a ‘Farm Servant‘ to John Craddock of Ebnal Farm, Malpas. (1901 Census: RG 13/2557)
At the time of his death, aged 29, George’s parents were both deceased and his brothers were listed as next-of-kin. Father, James, had died in the December quarter 1914 and his mother, Elizabeth, in the March quarter.
However, by November 1915 the War Office had received notification that George was married, to Martha, who was living at 32 Russell Street, Hulme, Manchester.
The 1911 Census confirms this (RG 13/21983) at which time George and Martha were living in Birkenhead and George was employed as a ‘metal machinist‘. They had married in 1909. By the time Martha received her War widow’s pension of 10s. (50p – equivalent in value to about £55 today – 2023) a week, effective from 15th March 1916, she was living at 24 Charles Street, Winsford, Cheshire.
Military History: George enlisted at Crewe, Cheshire on 18th March 1904. His terms of service were 3 + 9 (i.e. 3 years active service + 9 years reserve), and was transferred to the Army Reserve list on 28th March 1907.
He received two posting in 1904 and 1905 and earned his Good Conduct badge in 1906. His main deployment was as a Company Cook.
As a reservist he was recalled to the 1st Battalion at the outbreak of War and his Medal Card shows he entered France on 16th August.
He was reported missing on 24th August during the Action at Elouges and evidence of his death in the form of an identity tag was received by his Warrant Officer from “an unofficial source“.
As a member of “C” Company George fought under Captain W.E.L.R. Dugmore in the centre of the line, along the road between Audregnies and Élouges.
In total, including his Auxiliary Reserve service, he had served 10 years 160 days with the Regiment.
Pte. 10278 John Robert GLYNN – ‘A’ Company
Grave: A. 3. Killed in Action: 24 August 1914 Age: 22
Personal: John Glynn was born in Newton, Widnes, Lancashire, on 28th June 1892, the seventh child of Michael (Farm Labourer) and Mary Jane (née Concannon).
His older siblings were Annie, Mary, Francis, Martin, Ellen Maggie and Thomas and he had six younger siblings, Annie, Patrick and Bridget Margaret (1901 Census: RG 13/3514). Then Maggie, James and Harry were added to the family. (1911 Census RG 14/24418). In 1901 the family was living at 4 Ann Square (West), Widnes, Lancs. By 1914 they had moved to 6 Brougham Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire.
At the time of his enlistment John was employed as a labourer in an Iron Works, he was 5′ 6″ tall (1.68 m.), weighed 131 lbs. (9 st. 5lbs.) had a ‘sallow‘ complexion, blue eyes and auburn hair.
According to his Service papers John did not marry. At the time of his death his parents and brothers and sisters were listed as next-of-kin. His mother took possession of his war medals, living at that time at 5 Worthington Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire.
John’s total effects of £1 0s 5d (£1.02 – or about £115 today [2023]) were returned to his father in June 1916, followed by a War Gratuity of £5 (c. £335 today), to his mother, Mary, three years later, after her husband, Michael, had died on 19 November 1917. Mary remained living in Stalybridge, Cheshire, until her death on 10 April 1939.
Military History: John enlisted at Chester on 26th November 1913. He was posted to the 1st Battalion in Ireland on 14th February 1914 and his Medal Card shows he entered France on 16th August.
He was killed in action at Audregnies on 24th August 1914, fighting on the left of the line under Captain A.J.L. Dyer. In all he served just 272 days with the Regiment.
Pte. 8649 Ernest Lionel LUCAS – ‘A’ Company
Grave: B. 18. Killed in Action: 24 August 1914 Age: 28
Personal: Ernest Lionel Lucas was born at 1 Albert Road, New Barnet, London in July 1886, the third child of Alfred (Labourer) and Emily. His older siblings were Alfred and Elsie and he had 4 younger siblings, Sidney, Edith, Ada and Kate (1911 Census RG 14/1150). By 1914 they had moved to 30 New Trinity Road, East Finchley.
At the time of his enlistment he was employed as a ‘nurseryman’, he was 5′ 6″ tall (1.68 m.), weighed 129 lbs. (9 st. 3 lbs.) had a ‘fresh‘ complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was also ‘slightly knock-kneed‘!
Ernest married Catherine Hughes in Belfast on 22nd October 1911 and they had two children, Kathleen, born 24th March 1913, and Ernest James, born 19th June 1914. He was due to be transferred to the Auxiliary Reserve on 6th October 1914 and be employed as a postman in Belfast. He and his family had set up home at Mallagh Lane, Ballygowley, Co. Tyrone, Ireland.
Effective from 26th April 1916 Catherine received a War Widow’s pension of 18s 6d [£0.92] per week for herself and the 2 children. (i.e. equivalent to about £102 today – 2023) Ernest’s total effects of £7 12s 11d (£7.65 – or about £850 today) were returned to her in June 1916, followed by a War Gratuity of £5 (c. £335 today) 3 years later.
Ernest’s Service Papers shows that after the War Catherine and the children continued to live in Ireland at Mallagh Lane, Ballygowley, Tyrone.
Military History: Ernest enlisted (aged 18 years 3 months) at Chester on 7th October 1904. His terms of service were 7 + 5 (i.e. 7 years active service + 5 years reserve). He was posted to the 1st Battalion in Ireland as a Sergeant’s Mess Cook on 5th December 1907 and billeted at Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry.
Ernest was twice promoted to Lance Corporal, on 5th September 1908 and 14th October 1911. His record shows he had gained 1 Good Conduct badge and a 2nd Class School Certificate. He was “very intelligent and reliable“.
Despite this he had been on charge 3 times: (1) Drunk on duty (12th September 1909); (2) Neglect of duty (7th March 1910), and (3) Making an improper reply to an Officer (3rd May 1912). For the last two offences he lost his Lance Corporal stripe on each occasion.
For a fourth offence (9 April 1914), ‘being in receipt of a watch, not his own‘, he received 8 days CB. (“Confined to Barracks“)
His Medal Card shows he entered France on 16th August 1914. He was reported missing on 24th August following the action at Audregnies where he fought on the left of the line under Captain A.J.L. Dyer.
Evidence of his death in the form of an identity tag was received by his Warrant Officer from “an unofficial source“. He was entered on Casualty List 14042 (Part III). In total, including his 9 days with the BEF, he had served 6 years 322 days with the Regiment.
Pte. 7317 Thomas MOUNTFORD (A.R.) – ‘A’ Coy.
Grave: A. 9. Killed in Action: 24 August 1914 Age: 33
Personal: Thomas Mountford was born at 36 Bromley Street, Congleton, Cheshire, on 24th November 1881, the second child of Samuel (Fustian Cutter) and Mary (née Hancock).
His older sister was Jane Anne and he had 7 younger siblings, Lillian, Joseph, Amy May, Harry, George, Nellie and Elsie. (1891 and 1901 Censuses). In 1901 Thomas was living with his brother Joseph, as boarders, in Biddulph, Staffordshire, both working as Coal Miners.
At the time of his enlistment in 1903 Thomas was employed as a ‘Fustian Cutter‘. He was 5’ 7″ tall (1.70 m.), had a ‘sallow‘ complexion, grey eyes and light brown hair.
Thomas married Mary Jane Phillips in Congleton on 11th November 1907 and they had four children, Harry (14th February 1908), Alice (21st February 1909), Thomas (1911 – 1912) and Gladys, (19th August 1913) The 1911 Census (RG 14/16632) shows the family living at 17 Congleton Road, Biddulph, and Thomas was employed as a “Forge Labourer“.
Effective from 10th May 1915 Mary (left – in later life) received a War Widow’s pension of £1 0s 6d [£1.02] per week for herself and the 3 children. (i.e. equivalent to about £135 today – 2023) Thomas’ total effects of £3 16s 11d (£3.85 – or about £430 today) were returned to her in March 1916, followed by a War Gratuity of £5 (c. £335 today) 3 years later.
The U.K. Pensions Ledger records that on 27th May 1917 Mary remarried Pt. 5068 George Acton, 58th Training Reserve. “The Remarriage Gratuity of £35 3s 9d [£35.18 – c. £3,125 today] was paid to Mrs Acton.“. They had two children, George, born in 1920, and John Richard, born in 1922. Mary died on 29th July 1949 at Derby Street, Congleton, Cheshire.
about the Mountford family
Military History: Thomas enlisted (aged 21 years 11 months) at Chester on 10th December 1903. His terms of service were 3 + 9 (i.e. 3 years active service + 9 years reserve). He was posted to the 4th Battalion in Chester.
He served in India from 20 September 1904 to January 1907. He was transferred to the Army Reserve list on 26th January 1907.
Thomas’ record shows he had been on charge 4 times: (1) Drunk in Short Street and creating a disturbance (25 June 1904); (2) Drunk in barracks (27 December 1904), and (3) Breaking out of barracks after tattoo until found on the coast road – drunk (14 November 1905). (4) Breaking out of barracks and improperly dressed on Lake Road (8th September 1906). He received various punishments from ‘admonished‘ to 7 days CB. [Confined to Barracks]
As a reservist he was recalled to the 1st Battalion at the outbreak of War and his Medal Card shows he entered France on 16th August 1914. He was reported missing on 24th August following the action at Audregnies where he fought on the left of the line under Captain A.J.L. Dyer.
Evidence of his death in the form of an identity tag was received by his Warrant Officer from “an unofficial source“. In total, including his 9 days with the BEF, he had served 10 years 130 days with the Regiment.
Pte. 7510 Rees WILLIAMS (A.R.) – ‘A’ Company
Grave: A. 4. Killed in Action: 24 August 1914 Age: 29
Personal: Rees Williams was born in Bedwellty, Monmouth, in October 1884, the oldest son of David (Coal Miner) and Elizabeth of 9 Pond Row, Tredegar.
He had two older brothers, Thomas and David Henry, a younger brother, Morgan, and two younger sisters, Agnes (later Northeast) and Beatrice (later Gurmin). (1901 Census for Wales RG 13/3947) By the 1911 Census (RG 14/31850) Elizabeth is widowed and Rees and Thomas are listed as ‘stepsons‘. Probably, therefore, the sons of David by an earlier marriage.
Tredegar Pit, Monmouth, where Rees worked up to August 1914
At the time of his enlistment he was working as a ‘Collier‘, an occupation to which he returned after his initial three years Army Service. He was 5’ 4¼” tall (1.63 m.), weighed 131 lbs. (9 st. 5 lbs.) had a ‘fair‘ complexion, grey eyes and ‘light’ hair. His stated religion was Church of England.
At the time of his death he was unmarried and living in Tredegar, Monmouth, no doubt at the family home at 9 Pond Row.
Rees’ total effects of £5 5s 6d (£5.27 – equivalent to about £590 today – 2023) were returned and shared equally between his 5 brothers and sisters in June 1916, followed by a War Gratuity of £5 (c. £335 today), paid to his sister, Agnes, 3 years later.
Military History: Rees enlisted into the 2nd Battalion at Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan on 18th April 1904, aged 19 years 6 months.
He had previously been enlisted in the 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers, which he joined when aged 17 yrs. 2 mths (Private 7682). His terms of service with the Cheshires were 3 + 9 (i.e. 3 years active service + 9 years reserve).
Rees’ Service Record indicates a Court Martial at Chester Castle on 13th June 1904, but no charges are specified. He was posted to India on 20th September 1904 and was transferred to the Reserve list, under para. 177 King’s Regulations, on 3rd May 1907. He had gained one Good Conduct Badge and a 2nd class musketry certificate.
the 29th September 1904 was the exact same date that Grandad, Pt 7632 Ernest John Conway, sailed for India on HMS Soudan.
their early Military Careers
As a reservist he was recalled to the 1st Battalion at the outbreak of War and mobilised at Chester on 5th August 1914, and posted to join the 1st Battalion in Ireland on the 6th. He subsequently entered France on 16th August 1914. He was reported missing on 24 August following the action at Audregnies where he fought on the left of the line under Captain A.J.L. Dyer. Initially his family were informed that he had been wounded and was in Athena Hospital, Mons, but they wrote to the Army to advise that they had been informed of the wrong soldier and number.
It was not until a Casualty List dated 15th November 1915 that his death was confirmed “on or since 24-8-1914” and his family notified on 1st December. In total, including his 9 days with the BEF, he had served 10 years 129 days with the Regiment.
Pte. 7249 John YORK (A.R.) – ‘A’ Company
Grave: B. 13. Killed in Action: 24 August 1914 Age: 29
Personal: John York was born at 153 Stockwell Street, Glasgow, on 16th May 1886, the oldest son of Richard York (Billposter) and Margaret Stewart (French Polisher). He was, therefore, illegitimate.
John’s Service Record indicates that at the time of his death Richard was living at 89 Commercial Road, Glasgow, and Margaret at 181 Mathieson Street, Glasgow. However, in 1902 the father’s address was recorded as 36 Adelphia Road, Govan, Glasgow.
According to his Service Papers, John was 5′ 4½” tall (1.64 m.), weighed 110 lbs. (7 st. 12 lbs.) had a ‘fresh’ complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. His stated religion was Church of England. At the time of his enlistment his stated occupation was ‘Bill Poster‘.
John married Margaret McFarlane at Hutchestown Parish Church, Glasgow, on 12th November 1909. They lived in Govan Street, Smithside, Glasgow. They had three children, Richard (b. 24th August 1910), Margaret (b. 23rd January 1912) and Williamina. Their last child, christened Williamina McFarlane York, was born 6 months after John’s death, on 26th February 1915, at 181 Mathieson Street, Glasgow. John’s mother’s home.
Margaret was granted a pension of £1 0s 6d (£1.025, or about £135 today [2023]) after John’s death. In December 1915 John’s total effects were returned to his widow, amounting to £2 18s 9d (£2.94 – about £390 today). A War Gratuity of £5 (c. £335 today), was paid to her 3 years later.
Military History: John enlisted into the 2nd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, at Manchester on 12th October 1903 aged 18 years 8 months. His terms of service with the Cheshires were 3 + 9 (i.e. 3 years active service + 9 years reserve).
Prior to his enlistment with the Cheshires he had enlisted (Private 4409) in the 3rd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, on 4 December 1902.
On 12 November 1904 John was transferred to the 1st Battalion and posted to Chester, and on 26 January 1905 to Lichfield. He was transferred to the Army Reserve at the end of his 3 years Active Service on 7th October 1906. He had gained one Good Conduct Badge.
As a Reservist he was recalled to the 1st Battalion at the outbreak of War and his Medal Index Card shows he entered France, with the Battalion, on 16 August 1914. He was reported missing on 24 August following the action at Audregnies where he fought on the left of the line under Captain A.J.L. Dyer.
On 21 October 1915 he was confirmed “Killed in Action” at ‘a place not specified‘. (W.O.E. 113182/1) Evidence of John’s death was recorded as: ” … received by W.O. from unofficial source (Identity Disc) – Casualty List 14042“.
In total, including his 11 days with the BEF, he had served 10 years 321 days with the Regiment.
Soldiers “Known Unto God”
Audregnies Communal Cemetery contains the bodies of 14 soldiers of the 1st Battalion who were killed in action on 24th August 1914.
Without doubt they are some of the 44 who are commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre.
Thirty-six of those on the Memorial were killed on 24th August 1914 at Audregnies. These 36 are listed below – who knows which are the 14 found in this Cemetery?
(N.B. Lt. Kingdon T. Frost was also killed in action on 24th August and is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial. However his grave has since been identified in Wiheries Communal Cemetery.)
CLICK on a name to go to the Soldier's Personal History Page| Audregnies | 24 August 1914 | |
|---|---|---|
| 'A' Company: | ||
| Pt. 9879 Francis James. HEFFERAN | Pt. 7451 Joseph JONES (A.R.) | Pt. William MASSEY |
| 'B' Company: | ||
| Pt. 6879 Joseph ARNOTT (A.R.) | Pt. 9060 William BYRNE | Pt. 10266 Samuel BURKHILL |
| Pt. 7511 Edward GOOCH (A.R.) | L/Cpl. 10271 Albert HOLT | Pt. 7833 William JONES |
| Pt. 7034 James McDERMOTT (A.R) | Pt. 7805 George T. MORRIS (A.R.) | Pt. 10083 Henry NOLAN (A.R.) |
| Pt. 6986 Thomas PEARSON (A.R.) | Pt. 8720 James UNSWORTH | Pt. 7462 Jeremiah WILKINSON (A.R.) |
| 'C' Company: | ||
| Pt. 6771 William BULLOCK (A.R.) | Pt. 8069 Gerald COPPOCK (A.R.) | Pt. 9156 Edward EATON |
| Pt. 7879 Arthur FROST (A.R.) | Pt. 9507 John HAGGERTY | L/Cpl. 4829 Edward HUGHES |
| Pt. 6360 Arthur Wm. Joseph WALDEN | ||
| 'D' Company: | ||
| Pt. 7091 James BARNES (A.R.) | Pt. 7700 Alfred BELSHAW (A.R.) | Pt. 10088 John BYRNE |
| Pt. 8540 Sidney DALE (A.R.) | Pt. 7831 James DIXON (A.R.) | Pt. 8036 John FEENEY (A.R.) |
| Pt. 7597 Jacob GRIFFITHS (A.R.) | Pt. 7579 George Wm. HOLBROOK (A.R.) | Pt. 7308 Harry HOUGHTON (A.R.) |
| Pt. 10089 William Henry HULL | Pt. 7769 William McCANN (A.R.) | Sgt. 8891 Walter TAYLOR |
| Pt. 7257 Samuel WHITTAKER (A.R.) | Pt. 10169 James Albert WILLIAMSON |
CLICK link on the left to view a document that lists the men of the 1st Battalion who died in the Audregnies area, and goes some way to suggest who those “Known Unto God” might be.
