Nigel Atter MSc
@nigatt59
Historian. Publisher Helion & Co. Currently writing about 59th (2nd North Midland) Division 1914/1918. Historical Wargamer.
Lt Brice an only son lies at rest in Bailleul. He was 1/4th Leicesters’ bombing officer. Sadly killed by a grenade. His parents built a communal hall in Leicester and also contributed to the development of Leicester university.
Stumbled across this headstone at Bailleul. Please take a moment to read the text. Clearly this son was very dearly loved.
Paid my respects to my GGF’s commanding officer. He was killed in action at Bailleul April 1918 - very heavily outnumbered they were pretty much annihilated. My GGF was one of the 80 men of 2/5th Lincolns to survive the battle.
Iconic shot at Lille Gate. From here to Hill 60 and return via Menin Gate so many CWGC cemeteries to visit.
49th (West Riding) Division memorial looking resplendent in the morning sun.
Welsh memorial standing proud in front of Mametz Wood. It was a tad warm at 40c!
The headstone of Private Joseph Standing Buffalo grandson of Sitting Bull. He was killed on 29 September 1918, as part of the Hundred Days Offensive. He was 19 years old.
Royal Jersey Militia is, I would think, a reasonably rear cap badge. Lapugnoy CWGC
Paid my respects Jonnie Gough VC. Interesting oversize lettering on the head stone.
I’m rereading Bryn Hammond’s @brynleyh.bsky.social Cambrai 1917 - it’s a wonderful account, really well written, which focusses on ‘the evidence of those who participated’. This vol should be on every FWW historian’s bookshelf.
This is the only item which references the Leicestershire Regiment in Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. Not much for a regiment established in 1688. One might hope that one day the Regimental Museum will be housed within …
Been wading my way through 1918 war diaries. I’ve become fascinated by the WF during the year. I’m surprised more hasn’t been written about 1918, which was deadlier than Loos, the Somme, & Passchendaele. The actions of 59th Division, a second line unit, caught in the eye of the storm were heroic.
Great day in the IWM research room yday. These are always impressive as you approach the steps.
War memorial at Great Glen, Leicestershire. Regular, Territorial and Kitchener units all represented here.
I’ve been reading the war diaries of the 59th Division, brigades and battalions taking part in Battle of the Lys recently and writing up as I go along. Those guys went through hell and back. Here’s the GOC in glorious colour.
Casualties for 178 Brigade (59th [2nd North Midland] Division) 21 March 1918. Just look at those numbers.
War diary for my GGF’s unit 21 March 1918. Somehow he managed to survive, I’m told he didn’t really talk about the war… I’m not surprised!
He was in the same Squadron as my uncle Ernie. Sadly he was KIA over Germany in 1944. He is buried with the rest of his crew in Reichwald Forest CWGC
I’m gradually reading through the WDs of 59th (2nd North Midland) Division at Div, Bde and Bn level. The level of detail is outstanding at Bde and Bn - there is a very clear thread where they are learning. and training/practising accordingly to SS135. Don’t anyone tell me the BEF didn’t learn.
I love my book covers. In part because I had a hand in designing them. Thank you Helion
Trip to Hinckley guided by my friend Greg. The Greyhound is excellent and great VFM. Also these chaps - All from Hinckley … That’s a VC, three DCMs, MC, Croix de Guerre, Belgian Militaire and the best soldier in the Leicestershire Regt amongst them
Remembering the fallen and those who served and returned from my family on this day.
OTD 1914 my GG Uncle Pte John William Ellis was KIA at First Ypres, serving in 1st Leicesters. He is remembered at Plugstreet Memorial. He left a wife and child behind. Your duty Jonny done, RIP.