Private 19349 Thomas Brinklow

2nd Bedfordshire Regiment

Killed in Action 3rd July 1916

Ovillers Military Cemetery, VIII. C. 9.

Born: Hemel Hempstead.

Residence: Watford.

Enlisted: Bedford.

On July 1st 1916, at 7:30am, the advance started. Bombardment was seen as successful as there was very little rifle fire resistance from the enemy. At 3pm, the order was issued to send the garrison to strong points west of Glatz Redoubt.  The next day, at 8am, the German 1st line trenches were taken and at 8.28am, battalions assaulted and captured Dublin Trench.

At 12:30, 20th Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment assaulted Briqueterie and 5 men each sectioned an enemy trench, taking 300 prisoners and 4 machine guns.

On July 2nd 1916, at  5pm, orders were received to withdraw 2 companies into the old front line trenches. A new trench was dug by the Battalion running East from German road and Bedford trench.  

On July 3rd 1916, at 2pm, four companies swapped positions allowing the two stationed to recover. At 3pm, orders were received to send the garrison to strong points and dig a communication trench from Dublin trench to Briqueterie road end. It was during this operation, on the 3rd July, that we suspect that Thomas Brinklow was killed.

Source:

• 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment War Diary, Catalogue Reference: WO 95/2333

By Ethan George and Molly MacDonnell

10th July 2018