Wigan Album

I'm supposing that the wounds he received - 'SW thighs leg L' translates as Shrapnel Wounds to Left thigh - which means he was wounded by shelling, rather than gunfire. There were three days, 13th, 14th, and 17th July, when the Battalion Diary states men were killed or wounded by shellfire. He died at the 55th Field Ambulance Clearing Station.
I looked up the last word on the telegram - Proelicas - and it appears to be a Telegraph address for a message sent from the battlefield (from the Latin).

Every little bit counts Reverend. I have often wondered what the ‘sw’ meant. He died the next day then after being wounded with shrapnel. I also looked up the Latin meaning and
‘ battle’ came up. It doesn’t bear thinking about the suffering. I am so glad I went to his grave.
Thank you.

How very sad, Veronica. I had an uncle with the name Catterall, as you know. When I was a child he lived in Hindley but I don't know if he was originally from there, or perhaps Ince? I must try to find out.

My Catterall’s did move to Ince Irene from Scholes ( they must have gone up in the world!) . At the time William died his parents lived at 25 and 27 Caroline St. I know they were a large family of 10 ‘children’ but it could be that one house was a shop as Levi the father was a ‘fish’ dealer. I would love for you to find out who was the father/ grandfather Irene of your uncle. My grandfather’s brother was called Frank he lived until the early 60’s.

Veronica, I have contacted my cousin George's wife, (we are facebook friends), to ask if my cousin George can tell me where his Dad came from and what his Dad's father and grandfather were called and I am waiting for a reply. If you and I end up related, we will be like "Mary Norton and that rich, over-made-up cousin of hers" that Laura bumped into in the posh restaurant in Brief Encounter....bags me being the one with all the dosh!! Lol. xxxxx

Veronica, I'd always wanted to visit my Great Uncle's resting place after a family tree search threw up he was killed in WW1. The info said he died of wounds in October 1917, aged 20. I wasn't aware of anyone in the family who had been out to the Military Cemetary in Belgium where he was buried, so we made arrangements to travel out and be at the Cemetary on October 2017, on the exact date 100 years after he died. We visited quite a few places on the day, including the Clearing Station he was probably held in after being wounded. After arriving at 9 Elms British Cemetary and finding his grave, I met a Gentleman who put me right as to whether I was the only one in the family who had been able to visit. He is a half Cousin and was making his 2nd visit to Belgium that day, only by complete coincidence had we met as both our timetables changed completely on the day. We'd never met before and are still in touch today. Unbelievable !!

WN Standisher.....how amazing! I am so pleased for you.

Irene I wouldn’t be surprised at all if there’s a connection with such a large family involved.
Standisher that was truly amazing what happened in your case and to think two generations on we still have thoughts of those brave young lads. When I went to the cemetery it was October and his grave in a line of about 20 was the only one with one red rose blooming. It really touched me - especially because I can’t think of anybody in his family having gone to visit but I might be wrong. I would like to go again one day. It was only a small cemetery a bit off the beaten track. I went with another couple who were looking for a relative of theirs and shared a taxi. I still have the photographs of that day.

Irene, Veronica. We had initially planned to finish the day at Dunkirk as my Wife's Grandad swum away from the beach during the evacuations in WW2 with a comrade who couldn't swim and helped him onto one of the fishing boats. Instead we went there first then 9 Elms last which allowed us to meet. After the 2017 trip, we decided to return the next year for the 100 years armistice at Ypres. My Wife booked everything nice and early. We were in the square at 11:00 for the parade with people from all over the World. It was amazing. After the last post sounded, we walked up to the Gate again to look at the wreaths, then went for lunch and spent the afternoon with a couple from Canada, who had come to visit Vimy Ridge, an area of major conflict for Canadians. All in all, a very moving and unforgettable experience. We,ve discussed going back one more time before we get too old for it. Bless you for making the journey to pay your respects Veronica.

Thankyou for telling us about that, Standisher....I have been to Vimy Ridge and Thiepval as well at The Menin Gate. All a long time ago but never forgotten. I do hope you are able to make another visit.

Thanks Standisher it was no problem to me. I have a soft spot for my Grt Uncle. On his Army photo he has a twinkle in his eye which you don’t normally see on old Army photos. I went to the Menin Gate as well it’s so emotional how they care so much for the forgotten who gave their lives in such a destructive war. I will try to go again this year if possible.
Ps if you look on the Catterall family category you can see a photo of him with his other brothers.