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Key dates over June 1917

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Lives lost on this day: 9

16th June 1917 - PATRIOTIC MARTLEY FAMILY

Rolling casualty count: 6653

War Front:

1st Batt: Batt suffered very heavy artillery fire in the Hooge Trenches.

2nd Batt: In the pm it was HLI Sports at which Pte Denning again won the Mile Race.

3rd batt: The enemy shelled the area near Batt HQ and sent over gas shells. 3 men were killed and 10 wounded.

4th Batt: the 29th Divisional Horse show was held at Berneuil and the Batt won 3rd prize for pack animals and 2nd prize for officers` riding events

10th Batt: Batt consolidating the new front line. 5 men killed and 22 wounded.

11th Batt: Still little activity and few casualties but troops having a trying time. They had been here for over a year with little rest and no leave.

Yeomanry/Cavalry: Plans made to capture enemy patrols or anyone else about at night-Turks or Bedouins.

Home Front:

POWICK PARISH COUNCIL – Opposition to raising of Weir – A local aspect of the Powick Weir controversy was opened up by a resolution moved by Mr Cubberley (who said that he wished to be the biggest obstructor he ever was in his life) strongly protesting against the proposed raising of Powick Weir by the Worcester Electricity Company. He knew that the Severn Fishery Board would support the Council and Lord Beauchamp and Lord Coventry. It would be a most serious thing for Powick if the proposed scheme were carried out. He would pity the whole village. A rise of a foot in the height of the Weir meant a corresponding rise from two to three feet in the village water in flood time. That would cause great damage to the meadows and property and great inconvenience to the residents, who would be “swamped out”.

PATRIOTIC MARTLEY FAMILY – The family of Mr and Mrs J Cooper of Willow Lane have splendidly answered their country’s call and exhibited a noble spirit of patriotism worthy of admiration. Mr Cooper for many years served in the Worcestershire Regiment (29th) and was stationed in India for several years. On the outbreak of War his son Ernest was serving in India in the Worcestershire Regiment. He returned home with his battalion and went through the landing in Gallipoli. After much severe fighting he was badly wounded and finally discharged. The eldest son, Mark, joined the South Staffordshires soon after war commenced. He too went to Gallipoli, gallantly laying down his life on the battlefield. Cpl Charles Cooper joined the A.S.C., and has been in France for upwards of two years. He was home on leave a few months ago and seemed fit and well. Another son, Arthur, joined the Worcestershires and is now serving in India, while still another, Allen, joined the Royal Marines as soon as he became eligible. Mr and Mrs Cooper may well feel proud of such an excellent record.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team