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Key dates over August 1916

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Lives lost on this day: 7

10th August 1916 - Sgt Mansell presented with Distinguished Conduct Medal for coolness and fearlessness in the face of enemy fire

At the Front:

1st Batt: A, B and C Coys in front line with C Coy in Support.

2nd Batt: batt relieved by 16th KRRC and took up reserve position in Mametz Wood.

4th Batt: German aeroplanes active over Ypres. Large working parties at night with 260 men preparing the new X line crossing West Lane.

10th Batt: Batt relieved the 10th Royal Warwicks in the right sector. A and B Coys in front line and C in Piccadilly and Fort Edward.

Yeomanry/Cavalry: Worcs Squad camped at Ohgratina. Turks burned and destroyed all stores and then withdrew.

On the Home Front:

Worcester Railwayman’s Theft – Sugar Haul on Sunday Afternoon – At the City Police Court this morning William Jones, gas liquor distiller, 1 Lowesmoor Place, was charged with stealing from the goods yard of the G.W.R. Co, Sheriff Street, 100lbs of sugar and a canvas bag, value £2.4s., and Alfred Berry, goods porter, Wood Green, Warndon, was charged with the larceny, being a servant of the same. Both defendants pleaded guilty, both had good characters and had been in the employ of the company for 13 and 11 years. Each defendant was fined £5, they were allowed a month in which to pay.

Another Rescue from the Severn – Rescuer Gripped by the Throat –On Monday driver William Billing, R.F.A., was standing on the stage of the Corporation Swimming Baths when he heard cries coming from below the baths. He could see a young girls struggling in the water. He immediately swam towards her, and, when he gripped her, she caught hold of him by the throat, pulling both under the water. She had already been under twice before. With some difficulty he got her to the side, and successfully applied artificial respiration. The girl was Lilian Watkins (16). It appears she was in a rowing boat, and when near a house-boat she caught hold of the rail to see what was inside, when the rowing boat went from under her, throwing her into the water.

10th Worcestershire Soldier Honoured – Presented with D.C.M. and Russian Cross – An interesting ceremony took place this afternoon on the parade ground at Norton Barracks, when General Townley presented medals to Sergt. Mansell of the Worcestershire Regt. The whole of the officers and men were on parade, together with a number of recruits who had only just come in. General Townley said he was very glad to come down to present the medal for distinguished conduct in the field to a Sargeant of the Regiment. It was not necessary for him to talk of the good work done by Worcestershires. Everyone knew it. The medal had been granted to Sergt. Mansell for distinguished and gallant conduct in the field. He went out alone under heavy fire and shot a number of Germans. By his action Sergt. Mansell prevented any further advance by the Germans. Not content with that on another occasion he was the first to enter the German trench in the attack. He exhibited coolness and fearlessness in cutting the enemy’s wire. He then brought back a message to headquarters and although wounded in three places, he went back again to the recaptured trench and assisted in defending it. General Townley added that Sergt Mansell would be recommended for the Victoria Cross.

Information researched by the WWW100 team.