Pte
Harry Sutton
Information about birth
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Year of birth: 1892 |
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Place of birth: Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom |
General information
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Profession: Assistent Baker |
Army information
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Country: England, United Kingdom |
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Force: British Expeditionary Force |
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Rank: Private |
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Service number: 40548 |
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Enlistment place: Leicester, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom |
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Units: — West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own), 12th Bn. (Last known unit) |
Information about death
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Date of death: 26/09/1917 |
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Place of death: Bostin Farm, Zonnebeke, Belgium |
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Cause of death: Killed in action (K.I.A.) |
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Age: 25 |
Memorial
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Tyne Cot Memorial Panel: 46 |
Distinctions and medals 2
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British War Medal Medal |
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Victory Medal Medal |
Points of interest 3
| #1 | Place of birth | ||
| #2 | Enlistment place | ||
| #3 | Place of death (approximate) |
My story
Private Harry Sutton served in West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own), 12th Battalion, part of the 9th Brigade, of the 3rd Division. On the 26th of September 1917, the 3rd Division participated in the Battle of Polygon Wood, a phase in the Third Battle of Ypres.
During the battle, the 12th Battalion would support the 8th Brigade while it advanced on Hill 40. On the 26th of September 1917, the 12th Battalion was positioned near the frontline. At 2.30 am, they were relieved by the 8th Brigade. The latter moved into position and prepared for the attack which was to begin at 5.30 am.
At zero hour, the 8th Brigade advanced and moved along the Ypres-Roulers Railroad, in the direction of Zonnebeke, with the 12th Battalion waiting in the Grey Ruin area for support. The attacking battalions managed to consolidate their objectives and even took the western slopes of Hill 40.
At 6.30 pm, the 8th Brigade advanced once again with the objective of taking Hill 40. The Germans consequently opened fire and a heavy barrage fell on the support battalions, including the 12th, which were stationed near the original frontline. The attack failed and the British troops were forced back. Eventually, the 8th Brigade together with the 12th Battalion succeeded in taking back nearly all lost ground.
Private Harry Sutton was killed in action on the 26th of September 1917 near Bostin Farm. He could have died either during the heavy German shelling of the support battalion or during the final stages of the battle while reinforcing the front line. His remains were never identified. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
During the battle, the 12th Battalion would support the 8th Brigade while it advanced on Hill 40. On the 26th of September 1917, the 12th Battalion was positioned near the frontline. At 2.30 am, they were relieved by the 8th Brigade. The latter moved into position and prepared for the attack which was to begin at 5.30 am.
At zero hour, the 8th Brigade advanced and moved along the Ypres-Roulers Railroad, in the direction of Zonnebeke, with the 12th Battalion waiting in the Grey Ruin area for support. The attacking battalions managed to consolidate their objectives and even took the western slopes of Hill 40.
At 6.30 pm, the 8th Brigade advanced once again with the objective of taking Hill 40. The Germans consequently opened fire and a heavy barrage fell on the support battalions, including the 12th, which were stationed near the original frontline. The attack failed and the British troops were forced back. Eventually, the 8th Brigade together with the 12th Battalion succeeded in taking back nearly all lost ground.
Private Harry Sutton was killed in action on the 26th of September 1917 near Bostin Farm. He could have died either during the heavy German shelling of the support battalion or during the final stages of the battle while reinforcing the front line. His remains were never identified. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Sources 2
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12 Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment , (The National Archives, KEW (TNA), WO 95/1432/2). https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14303 Further reference |
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McCarthy C., The Third Ypres Passchendaele. The Day-by-Day Account, (London, Arms & Armour Press, 1995), pg. 89-92. Sources used |
More information 3
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Commonwealth War Graves Commission Database https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/826804 |
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Namenlijst (In Flanders Fields Museum) https://namenlijst.org/publicsearch/#/person/_id=3dddb687-ce3c-4a35-813e-49668ce44dfa |
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Lives of the First World War (Imperial War Museum) https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/4326683 |