Sjt
Henry John Thrift

Informatie over geboorte

Geboortejaar:
1885
Geboorteplaats:
Ruislip, Middlesex, Engeland, Verenigd Koninkrijk

Algemene Informatie

Beroep:
Arbeider

Informatie legerdienst

Land:
Engeland, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Strijdmacht:
British Expeditionary Force
Rang:
Serjeant
Service nummer:
G/3274
Dienstneming datum:
03/09/1914
Dienstneming plaats:
Uxbridge, Middlesex, Engeland, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Eenheden:
 —  The Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), 12th Bn.  (Laatst gekende eenheid)

Informatie over overlijden

Datum van overlijden:
17/10/1917
Plaats van overlijden:
Poelkapelle Church, België
Doodsoorzaak:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Leeftijd:
32

Gedenkplaats

Tyne Cot Memorial
Paneel: 113

Onderscheidingen en medailles 3

1914-15 Star
Medaille
British War Medal
Medaille — 13/02/1920
Victory Medal
Medaille — 13/02/1920

Points of interest 2

#1 Geboorteplaats
#2 Dienstneming plaats

Mijn verhaal

Serjeant Henry John Thrift served in the Middlesex Regiment 12th Battalion, part of the 54th Brigade, of the 18th (Eastern) Division. The 18th Division participated in the First Battle of Passchendaele (12 October), part of the Third Battle of Ypres.

On the 12th of October 1917 the Division attacked from the Eastern outskirts of the village of Poelkapelle with the 55th and 53rd Brigade. The objective was to capture the entire village of Poelkapelle and the German strongholds at Meunier- and Cameron House. However as soon as the men of the 18th (Eastern) Division passed through Poelkapelle they were enfiladed by machinegun fire from Meunier House and the Brewery. Consequently the attack was checked and a new front line was formed only 100 yards in front of the jumping off line.

On the 16th of October 1917 the 54th Infantry Brigade relieved the 53rd Brigade in the Front Line, with the 11th Royal Fusiliers on the right and the 12th Middlesex on the left. On the 17th the line was withdrawn back to Poelkapelle, running through Poelkapelle Church. This to allow the artillery to shell the Eastern outskirts of the village. During the day the line was frequently shelled by the German artillery. Especially “B” Company on the left was subjected to very heavy shelling, which continued throughout the following day.

Serjeant Henry John Thrift was killed in action on the 17th of October 1917, while the 12th Middlesex Regiment was holding the line near Poelkapelle Church. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial Wall.

Bestanden 1

Bronnen 3

12 Battalion Middlesex Regiment , (The National Archives, KEW (TNA), WO 95/2044/1).
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14303
Verdere verwijzing
McCarthy C., The Third Ypres Passchendaele. The Day-by-Day Account, (London, Arms & Armour Press, 1995), pg. 116-117.
Gebruikte bronnen
Wyrall E., The Die-Hards in the Great War, (London, Harrison & Sons, 1926), pg. 142-143.
Gebruikte bronnen

Meer informatie 3