Herbert Godbert Senior

[Wendi]

What a result Allan,

Where from? and it only took 8 days!

Wendi

[Allan Senior]

Thanks Wendi and the other contributors, the blanks are gradually being filled.
My uncle, Herbert’s nephew, knew there was a picture and where to find it. It was in a huge chest of family albums from first half of 20th c. Trouble is, when he started looking for it many other, long forgotten photos were rediscovered. I dare say this photo (touched in as was the fashion then) hasn’t seen the light of day since 1930s and not much before that as the emotions were too much to bear for those that were close.
Next, I await to see of the National Archive has anything.
Allan.

[Allan Senior]

National Archive has 11 pages available.
They're to be dispatched by 7.12.
will post accordingly. 

[Allan Senior]

The National Archive have sent me his Medical records.
Unsure if appropriate to post so just his movement across the channel attached for the time being.
If it is OK to share (if anyone is interested other than me) please advise.

Thank you for everyone's help getting so far.

[Allan Senior]

The 2nd Royal Berkshires were part of 25th Brigade of the 8th Division, together with the 2nd East Lancs. and the 2nd Rifle Brigade.   After the terrific battles of March and April 1918, the British Army transferred some divisions to the Chemin des Dames front for rest, training and absorption of reinforcements, becoming part of lX Corps attached to the French 6th Army of the Aisne.

Deemed a quiet area, it was soon apparent that this was not to be the case, for the German Army went on the offensive on the 27th May 1918, pushing the Allies back to the Chateau Thierry area.     At one o'clock on the morning of the 27th May a tremendous German bombardment took place.   The Royal Berks. were holding the line north of Berry-au-Bac with the 2nd Rifle Brigade on their right flank with the 2nd East Lancs. in support.

It was apparent from a "pigeon message" received by Divisional HQ., that despite trying to hold on, the battalion was being attacked on all sides by an overwhelming number of the enemy, including some tanks.     It must have been during this period that Lt.Senior was wounded and subsequently died.  PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

Allan,

Thank you for that information.   PhilipG.

[Allan Senior]

Herbery Godbert also took a GSW to the thigh and upper arm at Ypres 2.9.17. He was given leave until 21.12.17 thus missing Passchendaele.
From the records I've found so far, there was no battle at Ypres on that day.

[charlie]

Allan,
Thanks for posting the records. I would think it was more than likely that he was wounded during the abortive attempt by two Platoons of D Coy to rush Hill 25. The attempt was made at 11pm on 1st September.

Charlie

[Allan Senior]

The report of his falling states 'shot through the heart and died instantly'. (see attachment)

Is this an eye witness from Private Jenkins or a generic statement to ease next of kin?

[charlie]

Just my opinion, it would seem like Pte Jenkins‘ or officaldom modified his statement to ease the NoK.

[PhilipG]

Allan,
The Official History indicates that a pursuit by German forces had reached the outskirts of Montigny on the morning of the 28th May.    As regards your question.     The report by the soldier is certainly detailed - heart, machine gun bullet etc and could suggest even, that he had some regard for his officer.    But whether or not the circumstances are as he described we will never know.

The Official History describes the emphasis put upon the German troops by their commanders to continue the pursuit.    However, it would appear that such orders were being ignored and there are accounts of drunkenness by enemy troops and the plundering of Allied dumps taking place - a reminder of what took place during the German advance of March 1918.  PhilipG.