The Somme Remembered – 31st July 1916

The final post, or should I say the Last Post.

Geoffrey Slater who was 21 years old when he was killed in action in July 1916.

Bedfordshire Regiment logo via Bedfordshire Council

Geoffrey had enlisted in Royston, Hertfordshire into the 1st Btn., Bedfordshire Regiment and became Private 14947. The Soldiers who Died in the Great War transcription for Geoffrey tells that he was born in Barley, Hertfordshire. Just incase some of you are unaware of the Soldiers who Died in the Great War 1914 – 1919 it is a fantastic source for initial research when looking for a soldier – the online version is good but the cd’s are easier to search.

Anyway, what is the SWDTGW?  In 1921 his Majesty’s Stationery Office published on behalf of and with permission of the War Office two lists of those who died during the Great War. One volume gave details of nearly 42,000 officers casualties. To list all the ‘other ranks’ 80 volumes were needed.  Each entry gives the following information: name, birthplace, enlistment place, residence, service number, decoration (if any), rank, regiment, battalion, type of casualty, date and place of death and finally, theater of war.

Back to Geoffrey, our 31st man.  Geoffrey was the son of Thomas and Sarah Ann nee Peck – the 1911 census tells that his parents had been married 31 years, with his mother had given birth to 10 children.  Two of Sarah’s children had died before the census was taken.  On census night there were two of the 8 surviving children living with their parents at Smith End, Barley, Royston, Hertfordshire. Geoffrey and his father were both Farm Labourers while Sarah was a dressmaker.  Two other people were in the house, namely Charles Thompson, a carpenter (building) and his wife, Eva.

Medal Card for Geoffrey

The medal card relating to Geoffrey tells that he was originally G Slater – ‘eoffrey’ being written at the side of the capital ‘G’ in a different coloured ink.  The qualifying date for entering France was 12th of May 1915.

What did Geoffrey do in the next 12 months?  What would he endure? Did he manage to have some time of rest and calm before he took part in The Battle of the Somme?

Geoffrey has no known grave and is remembered on The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.