Cpl
Bertie Henry Crick

Information about birth

Date of birth:
13/04/1890
Place of birth:
Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

General information

Last known residence:
32, Orlando Street, Walsall, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
Profession:
Bediende Gieterij - Clerk Foundry
Religion:
Church of England

Army information

Country:
England, United Kingdom
Force:
British Expeditionary Force
Rank:
Corporal
Service number:
9362
Enlistment place:
Walsall, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom
Units:
 —  South Staffordshire Regiment, 7th Bn.  (Last known unit)

Information about death

Date of death:
17/07/1917
Place of death:
Boundary Road, St Jan, Belgium
Cause of death:
Died of wounds (D.O.W.)
Age:
27

Cemetery

La Brique Military Cemetery No. 2
Plot: 1
Row: W
Grave: 5

Distinctions and medals 3

Points of interest 3

#1 Place of birth
#2 Enlistment place
#3 Place of death (approximate)

My story

Bertie Circk, a former clerk at a foundry, was born on 13 April 1890 in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England. He was the third son of John Henry en Bertha Elizabeth Cruden. Circk married Edith Sarah Meek on 26 December 1913, with whom he had 2 daughters. On 14 August 1914 he enlisted at Walsall, Staffordshire, England. Bertie served as a corporal in the 7th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, part of the 33rd Brigade, of the 11th Division.

With his regiment, he takes part in the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915 and in early 1916 he stays in Egypt. The regiment moves to France and takes part in several battles including the Battle of Thiepval Ridge. In 1917, his unit is moved to Flanders to take part in the Battle of Messines in June 1917.

On 15 July 1917, the 7th Battalion relieves the 4th/5th Battalion Black Watch in the trenches north of Ypres where they must hold the position in preparation for the arrival of the 51st Division, which had an important role in the Battle of Passchendaele on 31 July 1917.

Bertie Circk, aged 27, was killed in action on July 17, 1917. He is buried at La Brique Military Cemetery No.2, plot I, row W, grave 5.

Sources 7

7 South Staffordshire Regiment (The National Archives, KEW (TNA), WO 95/1816/2).
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Sources used
British Army World War I Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 (The National Archives, Kew (TNA), WO 372).
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Sources used
British Army World War I Service Medal and Awards Rolls, 1914-1920 (The National Archives, Kew (TNA), WO 329).
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Sources used
Census Returns of England and Wales, 1891 (The National Archives, Kew (TNA), RG12).
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Sources used
Census Returns of England and Wales, 1901 (The National Archives, Kew (TNA), RG13).
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Sources used
Mark Cooper, (grandson): article in "The Wartime Memories Project - The Great War"
Sources used
Soldier' Effects Records (National Army Museum, Chelsea (NAM) 1901-60; NAM Accession Number: 1991-02-333).
https://www.nam.ac.uk/
Sources used

More information 3