Hi,
I'm trying to help with some further research into the circumstances surrounding the death of 2/LT Edward Hamilton Southcomb, killed 31st July 1917 and commemorated on the Menin Gate. I have already bought a copy of Michael Stedman's book on the Manchester Pals, but needed to try to pin down the information a little more, if possible.
We believe that Southcomb was originally commission into 3rd Bn, which I believe was a Reserve battalion, stationed either at Cleethorpes or on the Humber estuary, but then transferred to 24th Bn, which we know was the pioneer battalion for 7th Division. We suspect that he may have gone out to France in March 1917, was wounded in June, but was killed on the opening day of Third Ypres.
The 7th Division was not involved in the Salient on 31st July,but obviously 30th Division was and there is also a suggestion that Southcomb may have gone on a further attachment to the 17th Bn in time for the attack. There is a suggestion that 24th Bn was active in the Sanctuary Wood area as well, elsewhere on themanahcesters.org, but guess this may be referring to a later period when 7th Div came into the line during October.
There are stories that Southcomb may have been killed by a sniper and that some of his possessions were returned to the family, so wondered whether there might be any mention of his death in the War Diary for 17th Bn on that day? I wonder too, whether there might be any further record of Southcomb relating to his brief months with the 24th Bn in France, particularly perhaps to any mention made of him being wounded in June, perhaps down Bullecourt?
Sorry if this is a long shot, as I suspect that he may have been a pretty ordinary soldier, but the information is really for a group of kids doing a project at my daughter's school,trying to find out as much as possible.
I look forward to hearing from anybody who might possibly be able to help.
