Lieut.William Ellis Gomersall, 22nd Battalion

[HUBERT]

G'day everyone,

I've just joined this board. My Uncle William was in the Manchesters, and he was killed at Mametz on 1st July 1916 on day 1 of the advance. 

I have created a web site dedicated to his memory, at www.gomersall.net.au/UncleWilliam. It contains all the letters he wrote home to his mother, from the trenches.  This is a heart-wrenching testimonial to his courage, and the optimism expressed in most pages shows how he never wished to depress his mother with the grim reality of life in the trenches.

I hope it will be of interest to other members of this forum.

Adelaide, Australia

[Wendi]

Welcome 

Thank you for letting us know about your memorial to William, you have done justice to your families treasured memories.

Kind regards
Wendi 

[tonyrod]

hi hubert, and welcome to the forum, i know how you feel about your website i have my family site also, but do you know we have the 22 bn officers  photo  on site.  not had time yet to go over your site fully, so apologies if you already have it,
link,   http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php?topic=4781.0                                      
                                                                                                enjoy tonyrod
his id courtesy of member grimmy.
Top row, extreme left
Lt William Ellis Gomersall
born Hellifield, Nov 1894
kia 1-7-1916, Mametz

[harribobs]

Hi Hubert

and welcome to the forum

I've just had a quick look at your site and look forward to reading his letters

I'll move this over to the Great War section

cheers

chris

[harribobs]

i think we should see him

[mhargreaves]

Thanks for posting your letters of lt William Ellis Gommersal.

My great grandfather was in the same battalion though in A coy not D coy. and wounded the same day William died.  I'm not sure if they would have known each other? I'm assuming you have the group photo of D coy with William in it? He is identifiable on the front row

I've just read a few months worth of letters: fascinating reading. The use of language we perhaps regard as clichés. "Give the bosch a bashing" "a topping day" and we wont be here long: all interesting to hear used. As the many references to mud.

I don't have any detail regarding my grandfathers war time yes i have his records but your relative's account really puts meat on the bones: the men are staying in a barn tonight and we are in a château with our own room and bed. Highlights what is was like and officer soldier division.

And within the unfamiliar (working parties and mud) so much that is familiar receiving oxo and reading the Guardian.

I really appreciate you taking the time to save and publish these historical accounts.

You mention Manchester Grammar School have you considered sending your site link to their Alumuni association: oldboys@mgs.org ?

Regards,

Matthew Hargreaves