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Tom READ

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Surname: READ

Forename(s): Tom

Place of Birth: Embsay, Yorkshire

Service No: 266952

Rank: Private

Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 'B' Coy 2/6th Battalion

Division: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division

Age: 22

Date of Death: 1917-05-03

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Bay 6.

CWGC Cemetery: ---

CWGC Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: EMBSAY-WITH-EASTBY, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

Tom Read was the son of William Peel and Margaret Read, née Metcalfe and brother of Private Sam Read (28103) (q.v.). Their father was born at Embsay and mother at Ingleton, Yorkshire.

1901 Embsay, Yorkshire Census: Greenbottom - Tom Read, aged 6 years, born Embsay, son of William P. and Margaret Read. [William died later that year.]

1911 Embsay, Yorkshire Census: Greenbottom - Tom Harry Read, aged 16 years, born Embsay, son of Margaret Smith, widow. [Margaret had married William Smith in 1907.]

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Tom Read, 266952, W. Rid. R.

British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Tom Read, 266952, 2/6 W. Rid. R. Pres. dead 3.5.17.

Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Tom Read, 266952, 2/6th Bn W. Riding. Date and Place of Death: On or since 3.5.17. Death pres'd. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother - Mrs. Margaret Smith. £9 11s. 5d.

UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Tom.

Tom was killed in action during the Battle of Bullecourt, 3-17 May 1917.

A short biography of Tom is included in: ‘Though lost to sight to memory ever dear – Embsay-with-Eastby First World War Roll of Honour’ by Jane Lunnon, David Turner, Chris Lunnon (2018).

Data Source: Local War Memorial

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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---

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No photo available for this Soldier
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: READ

Forename(s): Tom

Born:

Residence:

Enlisted: Skipton, Yorks

Number: 266952

Rank: Private

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion: 2/6th Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 03/05/17

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: READ

Forename(s): Tom

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 266952

Rank: Private

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Unit: "B" Coy. 2nd/6th Bn.

Age: 22

Awards:

Died Date: 03/05/1917

Additional Information: Son of Mrs. Margaret Smith, of Rose Ville, Embsay, Skipton, Yorks.

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England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995

1901

READ William Peel of Greenbottom Embsay Skipton Yorkshire died 24 September 1901 Probate London 14 November to Margaret Read widow. Effects £97.

THE HISTORY OF THE 62nd (WEST RIDING) DIVISION 1914-1919 Volume 1, by Everard Wyrall (John Lane the Bodley Head Limited Vigo Street, London, W.)

THE BATTLE OF BULLECOURT:
3rd – 17th May, 1917.

During the three weeks following the first attack on Bullecourt on 11th April, the 62nd Division was engaged in trench warfare, and in preparing for another attack on the Hindenburg Line which had been ordered to take place on various successive dates and subsequently postponed, until it was definitely decided that Bullecourt should again be attacked on the 3rd May…

3rd MAY

In the centre of the Divisional front, the troops of the 186th Infantry Brigade reached their allotted places by 3-30 a.m., though during the evening of the 2nd, the enemy’s artillery had caused considerable trouble – all forward telephone and telegraph wires having been cut and communication interrupted. The Signallers, however, repaired them and communication was re-established. The 2/5th Duke of Wellington’s (Lieut.-Col. F.W. Best) were on the right, the 2/6th (Lieut.-Col. S.W. Ford) on the left: the 2/7th Battalion (Lieut.-Col. F.G.C. Chamberlin) was in rear of the 2/5th and the 2/4th (Lieut.-Col. H.E. Nash) in the rear of 2/6th.

Three Companies of the 2/8th West Yorks. were formed up in rear of the 2/4th and 2/7th Battalions Duke of Wellington’s Regt., the remaining Company of the 2/8th having been detailed as a carrying party was in rear of the three Companies. The 213th Machine Gun Company supported the 186th Brigade.

On the left of the Divisional front, held by the 187th Infantry Brigade, the 2/4th Battalion York and Lancs. Regt. (Lieut.-Col. F. St. J. Blacker) was on the right, the 2/5th King’s Own Yorks. Light Infantry (Lieut.-Col. W. Watson) with two Companies of the 2/4th Battalion (Lieut.-Col. R.E. Power) of the same Regiment in rear of the two front line battalions, and the remaining two Companies of the 2/4th K.O.Y.L.I. were in rear of the 2/5th Battalion, detailed for ‘carrying’ duties. The 208th Machine Gun Company was in support.

The taping and forming up operations were carried out without serious casualties and were completed by 3-30 a.m., but Lieut.-Col. F. St. J. Balcker, D.S.O., commanding the Hallamshires, was wounded on the forming up line.

Shortly after two o’clock in the morning the moon disappeared and the night turned to inky blackness, but fifteen minutes before Zero all was ready for the attack. At this period the enemy put down a very heavy barrage on the 185th Infantry Brigade, which gradually spread along the whole front.

At Zero the creeping barrage opened on the enemy’s position and the assaulting troops began to move forward immediately. But now an unexpected difficulty presented itself: the warm weather had baked the ground hard and as the shells fell, churning it up, clouds of dust filled the air, and with smoke from the guns, and the smoke bombs, the objectives were hidden from the advancing troops, and there was much loss of direction.

The 2/5th West Yorks. on the left of the 185th Brigade front speedily captured the enemy’s first line trench, the wire entanglements having been well cut. The 2/6th Battalion, however, was not as fortunate: Colonel Hastings’ Battalion had been met by very heavy machine-gun fire which caused many casualties, and in the smoke and confusion sheared off towards the left, overlapping the right of the 2/5th Battalion. Meanwhile the latter had pushed on towards the centre of the village and had established two posts, one at U.27.b.6.8. and the other at U.21.d.5.0. At this point touch was lost with the 2/6th Battalion, though it was eventually established about the church. A pigeon message timed 5-15 a.m. from an officer of the left Company of the third and fourth waves of the 2/5th Battalion which reached Divisional Headquarters stated that the writer was in the communication trench at U.21.d.5.5. with about forty of his men.

On the left of the 185th Infantry Brigade, the 186th had accomplished only part of its task. The 2/5th Duke of Wellington’s found the wire cut and no difficulty was experienced in reaching the second German trench of the first objective. Here touch was obtained with the left of the 185th Brigade, and maintained for several hours until broken by enfilade machine-gun fire from both flanks. But the 2/6th Duke of Wellington’s found the wire uncut and their attack was held up. Hostile shell-fire and the rear waves closing in on the leading waves, added to the confusion and all that could be done was to occupy some shell holes in front of the enemy’s wire. An attempt was then made to cut the second belt of wire, but again machine-gun fire from the north, and the enemy’s activity with bombs frustrated this endeavour and finally the shell-holes were established as posts.

The 2/5th Duke’s had by this time established themselves in the enemy’s front line trench from U.21.d.1.0. to U.20.d.2.4. and had been reinforced by the 2/8th West Yorks.

Similarly on the left of the 186th Brigade, the 187th had met with success – and failure. The 2/5th York and Lancs. Regt. reached its first objective without difficulty, but the 2/4th Battalion was hung up by the thick wire entanglements which were insufficiently cut. In seeking to find a way through the Battalion moved off to its left and became intermingled with the 2/5th Battalion, whose right flank was ‘in the air.’ At about 4-20 a.m. Lieut.-Col. W. Watson, commanding the 2/5th K.O.Y.L.I. was killed as he was gallantly rallying his men and leading them forward.

For a while no reports from the right flank of the attack were received at Divisional Headquarters, and nothing could be ascertained as to what was taking place in the village of Bullecourt. At 6-50 a.m. the situation was so obscure that the protective barrage was ordered to remain on the second objective until a further advance could be organized. A little later (at 7 a.m.) the situation of the 185th Brigade appears to be as follows: Posts had been established at U.21.d.5.5. with a certain number of men further east along the Support line at U.21.d.5.9., U.27.b.6.8. and at the church (U.28.a.0.9.): the whole of the German front line trench as far east as U.27.b. had been occupied. Touch was maintained with the 2/5th Duke of Wellington’s Regt., on the western side of the village and in the trench running south from the Crucifix. But of the 2/6th West Yorks. little was known, and all attempts to communicate with or reach the probable position of the Battalion, failed. Large numbers of men of the Battalion – dead and wounded – were found in front of the German wire. A Company of the 2/7th West Yorks. was sent forward to try to reach their comrades of the 2/6th, but the men were met by a murderous machine-gun fire which swept the line of the advance and after having suffered heavy casualties the Company withdrew to the Railway Embankment.

Repeated attempts by the 186th and 187th Brigades to penetrate the enemy’s positions were frustrated, and at noon the little party of the 2/5th Duke’s and 2/8th West Yorks., were bombed out of their portion of the trench and were forced to take shelter in shell holes south and south-west of Bullecourt. The advance by the 2/5th K.O.Y.L.I., under Major O.C. Watson, at first progressed, but was eventually checked by heavy machine-gun fire and a continuous H.E. barrage.

At mid-day the situation was as follows: about fifty men per battalion of the 186th Infantry Brigade had found shelter on the Railway Line U.26.c. and d., the remainder of the Brigade was in the Sunken Road in U.27.a.5.8. and U.20.d.9.4.: of the 187th Brigade elements were in the Sunken Road in U.20.b. and in shell holes in U.20.c. and d.: the Company of 2/5th West Yorks. (185th Brigade) which had been driven out of the western side of Bullecourt, had also reached the Railway Line, the 2/7th West Yorks. were also at U.27.c. and d., on the Railway Line: but there was still no news of the 2/6th West Yorks.

Just after 5 o’clock in the evening orders from Divisional Headquarters to the three Infantry Brigades contained instructions to the Brigadiers to make every effort to reorganize their battalions on the line of their original fronts, in their own sectors: the 7th Division was to take over the front held by the 185th Infantry Brigade as soon as possible. The same orders stated that the VIIth Corps had taken Chérisy and the 2nd Australian Division (on the right of the 62nd Division) was in occupation of the Hindenburg Line from U.23.c.8.1. to U.22.d.6.3.

The failure of the 62nd Division to capture Bullecourt was due largely to a fault which certainly cannot be charged to the gallant troops who stormed the village and the Hindenburg Line in the vicinity. Neither could the Divisional Staff, which had laboured to make all arrangements as complete as possible, be blamed. It was due principally to an error in tactics which had so often failed in the earlier years of the war – notably at Festubert in 1915. The Australian Division on the right of the 62nd Division did not launch its attack side by side with the 2/6th West Yorks., the flanking battalion of the West Riding Division. There was a gap – a fatal gap – in the line of attack between the Colonials and the Yorkshiremen, the former having decided to attack the first objective frontally, only as far to the left as U.23.d.6.3., and then bomb down the Hindenburg Line westwards to the left boundary where touch was to be gained with the 185th Infantry Brigade. Thus some hundreds of yards of the enemy’s positions (unfortunately that portion which was very strongly defended by machine-guns) was left free to enfilade the 2/6th West Yorks. as that Battalion advanced: which indeed happened. In all justice to the Australian troops it must be noted that they reached their objective, but before they got there the West Yorkshiremen had been cut up and of those brave fellows who had penetrated the village the greater number had either been killed, wounded, or taken prisoner, only a hundred survivors getting back to their own trenches.

The inky blackness of the night, which caused much confusion during the forming-up operations, also contributed to the failure of the assault, many of the troops losing themselves and being entirely ignorant of the direction of the enemy’s trenches.

The enemy was in considerable strength, the 49th Reserve Division and the 27th Division was holding the Hindenburg Line between Fontaine and Riencourt (inclusive). The latter had with it the 1st Musketeen (Automatic Rifle) Battalion.

Many deeds of gallantry were witnessed during that attack, and the Division emerged from its first set battle sorely tried and tested and badly mauled, but with many proofs of its fighting qualities… The casualties of the 62nd (W.R.) Division on the 3rd May were: 116 officers and 2,860 other ranks, killed, wounded and missing…

The 62nd had been ‘Blooded’!

At dusk on the 3rd, the 185th Infantry Brigade was relieved by the 22nd Infantry Brigade (7th Division), only the 2/7th West Yorks. remaining in the line under the command of the General Officer Commanding 7th Division.

4th MAY

The remnants of the 2/5th, 2/6th and 2/8th West Yorks. were withdrawn to caves in Ecoust, to reorganize: on the following day they marched to Ervillers. The 186th and 187th Brigades remained in the line, the 62nd Divisional front now extending from the Mory – Ecoust – Bullecourt Road (inclusive) to the left of the Vth Corps boundary, Judas Farm – Sensee River, to along the road at T.24.a.9.4. – U.14.c.2.9…

12th MAY

The final attack on Bullecourt began on the 12th May when the 185th Infantry Brigade assisted the 7th (British) and 5th (Australian) Divisions, by attacking the enemy’s strong point at the Crucifix.

The 2/7th Battalion West Yorks. was detailed for this operation, the 185th Trench Mortar Battery and one Section of the 212th Machine-Gun Company co-operating. Two Companies of the Battalion – B and C – attacked the Crucifix at Zero (3-40 a.m.) pus 26 minutes, but for a while no information of the situation of the attacking troops was obtainable. The 91st Brigade (7th Division) had reached the centre of the village, capturing a few Germans, but here very heavy machine-gun fire held up any further advance. About 6-30 a.m., however, an aeroplane report was received at 62nd Divisional Headquarters which stated that men of the 2/7th could be seen well dug in at the Crucifix. But from this period onwards, throughout the day, nothing could be ascertained, it being impossible to gain touch with the gallant West Yorkshiremen holding the post at the Crucifix. Possibly one of those isolated fights to a finish which were not uncommon in the War, but of which no authentic records are in existence, took place. For at 8 p.m. another aeroplane reported that the Germans once more held the Crucifix. At 10 o’clock that night patrols which attempted to reach the post were driven back, thus confirming the aeroplane report. Subsequently a few odd men returned through the lines of the 1st South Staffords (7th Division), having lost their way, but of the two officers and thirty-one other ranks who were known to be holding the Crucifix none returned nor was any further information gained concerning their fate. Five killed, thirty-one missing and thirty-two wounded were the casualties suffered by the 2/7th West Yorks. in this affair…

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31 May 1918

Private S. Read, Embsay – The Second Son

Great grief was felt in Embsay on Thursday week when it became known that Mrs. Read, Roseville, Embsay, had received an official notification from the War Office of the death of her son, Private Sam Read, from wounds received in action in France on the 18th April last. Private S. Read enlisted on the 14th January 1917, and went into camp at Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, with the Training Reserve. He proceeded to France in May 1917, attached to the Loyal North Lancs. He was badly wounded in the following August and was in hospital at Rouen for over two months. He made splendid recovery, and was home on leave in February last. This is the second son Mrs. Read has lost during the war, as Private Tom Read was killed in action on 3rd May 1917, whilst another brother, Private Willie Read, was badly wounded in November 1917, and is now stationed at Catterick. Private Sam Read, previous to the war, was employed by the Embsay Manufacturing Co. Ltd. a was a regular attender at the Wesleyan Sunday School, and for the twelve months previous to his joining the forces he officiated as organist in the Embsay Wesleyan Chapel. He was also a member of the Embsay Cricket Club. A letter has been received from the Commanding Officer of ‘B’ Company of the Loyal North Lancs. testifying to the esteem in which Private Read was held by his officers and comrades, and how his sacrifice, coupled with that of his fellow soldiers, eventually led to the complete repulse of the German attack. A memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday morning, when the Rev. Joseph Johns made touching reference to the fallen soldier, and his favourite hymns were sung during the service.

18 April 1919

REED – In loving remembrance of our dear boys, Private Sam Read, 1st Loyal North Lancs. Regiment, who was killed in action April 18th, 1918; also Private Tom Read, 2/6th Duke of Wellington’s, reported missing May 3rd, 1917, afterwards presumed killed on that date.

“They laid their richest gift on the altar of Christ – their lives.”

Ever remembered by Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Roseville, Embsay.

READ – In loving remembrance of our dear brothers, Private Sam Read, 1st Loyal North Lancs. Regiment, who was killed in action April 18th, 1918; also Private Tom Read, 2/6th Duke of Wellington’s, reported missing May 3rd, 1917, afterwards presumed killed on that date.

“To know them was to love them.”

From Willie (in Russia) and Nellie.

16 April 1920

READ – In loving remembrance of our dear boys, Pte. Sam Read, 1st Loyal Lancs., killed in action April 18th, 1918. Also Pte. Tom Read, 2/6th West Riding Regt., reported missing May 3rd, 1917, afterwards presumed killed on that date.

Dearly loved and sadly missed by Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Roseville, Embsay.

22 April 1921

READ – In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Sam Read, 1st Loyal North Lancs. Regt., killed in action, April 18th, 1918; also Pte. Tom Read, 2/6th West Riding Regt., reported missing May 3rd, 1917, afterwards presumed killed.

May the heavenly winds blow softly
O’er that sweet and hallowed spot;
Though the sea divides their graves from us
They’ll never be forgot.

Willie and Nellie.

06 May 1921

READ – In loving memory of our dear boys, Pte Tom Read, 2/6th West Riding Regt., missing May 3rd, 1917; also Pte Sam Read, 1st Loyal North Lancs., killed in action, April 18th, 1918.

No morning dawns, no night returns,
But what we think of them.

Ever remembered by Mother and All, Roseville, Embsay.

READ – In loving memory of our dear brothers, Pte Tom Read, 2/6th West Riding Regt., missing May 3rd, 1917; also Pte Sam Read, 1st Loyal North Lancs., killed in action, April 18th, 1918.

“Memory clings with silent thoughts.”

From Eva and Willie, Ivy Cottage, Embsay.

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18 May 1917

EMBSAY

OUR WOUNDED SOLDIERS – A letter has bean received by Mrs. Smith, Main Street, Embsay, informing her that her son, Pte. Tom Read, has been wounded, and is now reported as missing. The letter, which was written by the corporal, states that he was with Pte. Read when he was wounded, but that after making him as comfortable as possible the writer had to leave him in the general advance. The letter further states that it is quite possible that Pte. Read has been found by an ambulance corps, and taken to some other dressing station. The corporal sympathises with the family in their suspense and testifies to the good work done by the missing soldier, whose cheerful and willing disposition made him very popular with his comrades. – Pte. Fred Mallinder Phillip, who was wounded recently, is now convalescent in a rest camp in France, and has made so good a recovery that he anticipates an early return to duty. Pte. George Edward Phillip is reported to be making most satisfactory progress, and is at present in Norwich Hospital.

29 June 1917

SKIPTON SOLDIERS MISSING

The following Skipton men are officially reported as missing – Corporal A. Hebden, Private H. Lambert, Private T. Read, Private E. Robinson. Sergeant A. C. Smith, and Private R. Barker, all of whom are attached to the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment.

02 November 1917

EMBSAY

WOUNDED SOLDIER – On Friday evening lest, Mrs. W. Read, Main Street, Embsay, received a wire from the Record Office, York, informing her that her husband, Pte. Willie P. Read, had been dangerously wounded. From information since received from Rev. C. J. Horsley Smith, chaplain, it is now known that he was conveyed to No. 7 Casualty Clearing Station, France, and though suffering from a severe wound in the back, it was anticipated that he was progressing favourably. Pte. Willie Read was in the employ of Mr. Arthur Davy, provision merchant, Embsay, previous to enlisting in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He is brother of Pte. Tom Read, who was reported missing some months ago.

31 May 1918

CRAVEN AND THE WAR

Embsay Soldier Dies of Wounds

Great grief was felt in the village on Thursday of last week when it became known that Mrs. Read, Roseville, Embsay, had received official notification from the War Office of the death of her son, Pte. Sam Read, from wounds received in action in France on April 18th last. Pte. S. Read enlisted on Jan. 14th, 1917, and went into camp at Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, with the Training Reserve. He proceeded to France in May, 1917, attached to the Loyal North Lancashires. He was badly wounded in the following August, and was in hospital at Rouen for over two months. He made a splendid recovery, and was home on leave in February last. This is the second son Mrs. Read has lost during the war, as Pte Tom Read was killed in action on May 3rd, 1917; whilst another brother, Pte. Willie Read, was badly wounded in November, 1917, and is now stationed at Catterick. Pte. Sam Read, previous to the war, was employed by the Embsay Manufacturing Co., Ltd. He was a regular attender at the Wesleyan Sunday-school, and for the 12 months previous to his joining the forces he officiated as organist in the Embsay Wesleyan Chapel. He was also a member of the Embsay Cricket Club. A letter has been received from the Commanding Officer of ‘B’ Company of the Loyal North Lancashires testifying to the esteem in which Pte. S. Reed was held by his officers and comrades, and how that his sacrifice, coupled with that of his fellow soldiers, eventually led to the complete repulse of the German attack. A memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday morning, when Rev. Joseph Johns made touching reference to the fallen soldier, and his favourite hymns were sung during the service.

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