HENRY JOHN WAGER
Henry John Wager was born 3 May 1892 in Ebley, the son of Alfred Wager, an Iron Moulder, and his wife Emily Amelia nee Chapman. He was baptised at Cainscross 3 July 1892.
By 1901, the family had moved to Woodchester and were living in Berrymore Cottages. In 1911, their address was Church Road and Henry was a baker.
He enlisted first in the Royal Army Service Corps where his service number of S4/042041 suggests he was engaged in 'Supply' in a labouring capacity - possibly moving stores. He was transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade as a Rifleman. He arrived in France on 28 July 1915 where he may have been part of the draft of 6 officers and 227 'Other Ranks' who joined the battalion at Forceville in the Somme. The new soldiers were much needed as the trenches 'required an enormous amount of work'.
He died of wounds, probably incurred during the Battle of Bethune, on 25 April 1918, aged 25. He is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery.
Medals 1914-15 Star, Victory and British War
Henry is also remembered on the gravestone of his parents and sister, Evelyn May, in St Mary's Churchyard, Woodchester.
Background
The Battle of Bethune began on 18 April. On 22 April, the 1st Bn Rifle Brigade took several losses when they advanced. Those killed in action were buried at Le Vertannoy. The men who died of wounds on that day, were buried at Chocques and Pernes - both near Casualty Clearing Stations. The deaths from wounds later than that appear to be buried at Lapugnoy which suggests that these casualties may have been taken to a hospital.
By 1901, the family had moved to Woodchester and were living in Berrymore Cottages. In 1911, their address was Church Road and Henry was a baker.
He enlisted first in the Royal Army Service Corps where his service number of S4/042041 suggests he was engaged in 'Supply' in a labouring capacity - possibly moving stores. He was transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade as a Rifleman. He arrived in France on 28 July 1915 where he may have been part of the draft of 6 officers and 227 'Other Ranks' who joined the battalion at Forceville in the Somme. The new soldiers were much needed as the trenches 'required an enormous amount of work'.
He died of wounds, probably incurred during the Battle of Bethune, on 25 April 1918, aged 25. He is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery.
Medals 1914-15 Star, Victory and British War
Henry is also remembered on the gravestone of his parents and sister, Evelyn May, in St Mary's Churchyard, Woodchester.
Background
The Battle of Bethune began on 18 April. On 22 April, the 1st Bn Rifle Brigade took several losses when they advanced. Those killed in action were buried at Le Vertannoy. The men who died of wounds on that day, were buried at Chocques and Pernes - both near Casualty Clearing Stations. The deaths from wounds later than that appear to be buried at Lapugnoy which suggests that these casualties may have been taken to a hospital.