Pte Mattew Bromley 2nd Battalion. KIA 03/04/1917

[Bob.NB]

I am researching 29485 Pte Matthew Bromley of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment who was killed in action on 3rd April 1917.
I have his British War Medal and Victory Medal - his full medal entitlement.
I have his MIC details, birth details (born 1888), census details (lived in New Cross & Blackrock Street, Bradford, Manchester), a newspaper article with his photo and announcing his death and a photograph of his grave. I cannot find his papers.
Can anyone tell me from his number when he would have enlisted and when he might have gone to France?
Also, as he was KIA on 3rd April 1917, I am assuming that he was killed during the attack on Francilly-Selency. However I note that he is buried in Fluquieres Communal Cemetery rather that the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Savy, three miles away, where most of the other Manchester casualties of this action are buried. Does anyone know if there was a casualty clearing station at Fluquieres or why else Matthew Bromley might be buried in the communal cemetery here?
Any other information would also be most gratefully received.
Many thanks.
Bob B

[timberman]

Hi Bob

Had a look in the war diaries for the 3rd of April.
The Battalion remained on outpost and during the day there was very little shelling.  The 14th infantry brigade made arrangements for the captured guns to be evacuated at 8pm under the direction of  Major Lumsden DSO of the 32nd Division.
While the guns were being remove they came under intense shelling.
Although work carried on casualties were very slight.
Buried with  Pte Matthew Bromley in the same cemetery is also

Name:   SAXON
Initials:   W E
Nationality:   United Kingdom
Rank:   Private
Regiment/Service:   Manchester Regiment
Unit Text:   2nd Bn.
Date of Death:   03/04/1917
Service No:   19009
Casualty Type:   Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference:   I.

Who died on the same day, I can't find any other Manchester's that died on the 03/04/1917 so can only assume they were buried locally. Also they are buried in the same grave going by the reference number on the CWGC site. Only one other soldier is buried in the cemetery.

Name:   WOOLLIN
Initials:   H
Nationality:   United Kingdom
Rank:   Driver
Regiment/Service:   Royal Field Artillery
Unit Text:   "C" Bty. 168th Bde.
Date of Death:   01/04/1917
Service No:   L/11940
Casualty Type:   Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference:   2.

Timberman

[mack]

hiya bob.
they could be both members of C.coy,who died while moving the captured guns,the CO of the 2nd manchesters isnt likely to hand over his battalions biggest prize to someone else,unless his own men are involved in their removal,i think neils found the answer to the mystery
if pte bromley was one of C.coy,then you have a unique set of medals bob

mack

[Bob.NB]

Guys,
Many thanks for this.
I think you are right.
Matthew Bromley was probably killed by an artillery barrage whilst removing the guns on the evening of 3 April 1917. There were "just" Bromley (KIA) and Saxon (DOW) on 3rd April from the 2nd Battalion and I'm sure the High Command would view these casualties as "slight".
Interestingly both of these men were buried at Fluquieres whereas all the casualties of 2 April 1917 were buried at the Savy Cemetery or are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Any suggestions on an enlistment date from his number - 29485 ? 
Thanks again.
Bob B

[mack]

hiya bob
enlistment date would have been 11th december 1915
mobilised 14-6-16
27th res battalion 15-6-16
france 14-12-16 to the infantry brigade depot

the men on either side of matthews number,all had the above info in their records,they were all a similar age and all married men
pte 29484 william wilkins,enl 11-12-15
pte 29486 george hofton,enl 11-12-15

mack

[Bob.NB]

Mack,
That's brilliant.
Many many thanks.
Bob B