KIA 1st Day of the Somme 1/7/1916. Baily. 16th Londons, Westminster Rifles. Bath.

Correctly named 3875 Pte H Baily 16 Lond R

Harold was born in 1879 in Bath to William and Georgina. In 1911, he was living at 98 Woodside, Wimbledon S W and was working as a clerk.

16th Bn London Regiment (Queens Westminster Rifles) He also held the service number 550785 with the London Regiment. He was sent to France in August 1915.

In July 1916, the 16th Bn was a part of 169 Brigade, 56th Division. They were to attack just south of Gommecourt. At 0720 hours, smoke was released from the left of the line and under cover of this, troops formed up in no mans land.

At zero hour 0730, the 169th Brigade attacked and the 16th Bn were in support of other London Battalions. The wire was cut sufficiently to cause little trouble. The first two lines of trenches were taken with comparatively little loss. Nameless Farm however stayed in German hands, and the third line was only gained after a fight.

Bombers of the 16th Bn Londons reached it via the cemetery but were wiped out. The attacking troops and two companies of the 4th & 16th Bn Londons were sent up to support them but were themselves cut off by the German counter barrage on their old front line and no mans land and other carrying parties could not reach them.

By 1600 hours, the second line had fallen. At 2130 hours, the last of the Londoners withdrew having suffered heavy casualties in no mans land.

Harold has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

The medals have original silk ribbons. Sadly missing this British War Medal.