Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas and Ann Usherwood. He died of accidental injuries. Thomas was one of four brothers, and was educated at the Wesleyan School in Belvoir Road, Coalville, and was a Sunday school teacher and preacher on trial, and was employed on the office staff with Wootton Brothers. Together with his brother Lawrence he enlisted in early September 1914 into the 1st/5th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. Tom wrote a letter on the 19th April 1915:- “We have been in action for the first time in the frontline, and you cannot imagine what it is like. It’s bullets above, around and everywhere and the large guns fairly deafen you. We are in the thick of the fighting and every man is intent on victory. We have to rough it in many ways, and we are always facing death but we are in good spirits and we are often whistling or singing our favourite songs. The Germans are good shots, but our boys are equal to them. Believe me I don’t know what the country would have done without the Territorials, and out here there are lots of local men, and we have many a good chat with them. Thank you for sending the Coalville Times, it is nice and cheery to read home news. We all hope the war will soon be over so that we can return home, but believe me we will not all come back, but I have good faith that I shall come through all right. I read about the Coalville Cup Final, and I was in the trenches when it took place. It was the first one I’ve missed! I hope Whitwick pull it off in the replay. Remember me to all back home, and Lawrence wishes to be remembered.” Toma also wrote home to tell of his experiences during the Battle of the Hohenzollern Redoubt on the 13th October 1915:- “We left the billets at 2.30pm on October 12th in fighting order, knowing what we were going into. The band played us out of the French village and off we went with light hearts determined to do well. We halted at 6.00pm and had a couple of hours rest and off we went arriving in the trenches at 7.00am on October 13th. Then we had a bit of sleep best we could until daylight. The day dawned rather dull and cold, but as the anxious hours passed the sun broke through the clouds and improved our spirits. All at once the great guns broke forth, and our artillery bellowed forth their shells and caused havoc and destruction wherever they fell. You talk about thunderclouds breaking it is not in it! The German trenches were being battered to nothing and the very earth seemed to be shaking under our feet but no one said a word. For an hour or two this went on then the time for the charge began to draw nearer. Hearts were beating and thoughts wandering and I guess many prayers were being muttered. In our minds we could see our loved ones and our homes – six minutes, five, four, three two, “Charge Boys.” Over the parapet we went, officers and men together. Bayonets glistened in the sun and bombs were flying in all directions, and shells were tearing the earth up. But on we Terrier boys went in ranks of open formation. We reached the first German line and captured it. There was little time for thinking and we breached the second line and cries go up for mercy from them. A struggle then ensues for a redoubt filled with machine guns and we have Lincolns, Tigers, Nottinghamshire and Derby troops with us. Our blood is up and we take the redoubt and we meant to. We advance again but the enemy artillery fire is hellish, words cannot express what it is like. The very earth seems to be going from under our feet. Night came and we held our trenches – to our credit. Thus the Terrier boys have gained a bit more back from the hated Huns. But the sight of it, I cannot tell you words cannot express it. In the night everything is being done, and the wounded are being helped as quickly as possible. Men are out in the open risking their lives carrying our lads back to our trenches. As for myself I was doing the same. My own officer, a braver man has never lived was leading us out when he was hit. Two of us carried him to safety and bound him up but the poor fellow died within minutes. The last words he said were: “I have done my best.” And so the rescue work went on, and the rest were digging for their lives to get under cover. All night long it raged. Next day dawned and we had made our position secure and we held it until we were relieved. We marched back to our billets absolutely exhausted and we did justice to a good meal. There were lots of deeds of heroism and I will tell you them one day, we are just so thankful that God has spared us. Thank you for the Coalville Times, I am always pleased to receive it. Must close now. Remember me to all. Lawrence wishes to be remembered to everyone. We hope you are all quite well. Love, Tom.” Thomas accidentally shot himself and died from the resulting wound. Lieutenant H. S. Simpkin wrote to his bereaved parents:- “It is with deepest sympathy that I have to write to inform you of the death of your son. His death occurred under the most unfortunate circumstances whilst cleaning a revolver. No one was actually with him at the time of the accident and so it is impossible to give you fuller details. To me he was more than a friend and I cannot express my feeling at such a happening. May God help you to bear this terrible loss. I have all his belongings and I will either send them or bring them to you. I am expecting to be home in a very short time and I will make it my duty to call and visit you in Coalville. Again please accept my deepest sympathy. The War Diary for today records. RAINCHEVAL. Orders to move, 2.52pm. Marched independently with Coy’s at 200 yards distance and transport likewise, via ACHBUX, LEALVILLERS, ARQUEVES to RAINCHEVAL. Billets, frost at night.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article, Friday December 4th, 1914:

A COALVILLE TERRITORIAL’S LETTER

GETTING USED TO A SOLDIER’S LIFE

Writing to friends at Coalville, Pte. T. H. Usherwood, of the 5th Battalion, Leicestershire Territorials, one of the “Coalville Fifty” says they had a very busy time while at Luton. He was in perfect health and getting broken in now to a soldier’s life. He goes on to refer to the long march they recently had and which was mentioned in letters published from other Territorials. He says they were fetched out of their billets at 4 am and told to pack everything up ready for going away. By six o’clock they were all ready and started on a journey, with full kit, including all their equipment, 100 rounds of ball ammunition, and blanket and waterproof sheet for bed, altogether weighing about 98 pounds. They had no knowledge then as to their destination. There were about 11,000 of them comprising the North Midland Division which included Leicesters, Staffords, Lincolns, Notts and Derby and all artillery. They marched 27 miles that day, but the Coalville boys stuck to their guns. Naturally they felt the strain of such a march, but were all right again. He understood that the most the regulars had done in a day before was 18 miles. They had a rest the next day and on the following day had a 16 mile march. They had a holiday on the Thursday – the day that Lord Roberts was buried. This was the first day off that they had had. The ultimate destination of the troops was unknown to them. He adds, “We are on active service now and never know what is coming next. We are only 28 miles from the east coast. We have passed through some of the most lovely country I have ever seen and shall not forget. Wherever we go the people are most generous towards us and give us anything. Shall have lots of news to tell you when I get home, but don’t know when that will be.” He expresses thanks for a “Coalville Times,” remarking that it is nice to read the home news.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 30th, 1915

COALVILLE ‘TERRIERS’ CHEERFUL

IN THE TRENCHES WHILE COALVILLE CUP FINAL WAS ON

Writing from the front on April 19th to friends at Coalville, Pte. T. H. Underwood, who was one of the first 50 Territorials to leave Coalville, states: “I am pleased to say that I am going on alright. We have been in action in the first line of trenches and are now out for a rest before going in again. You cannot imagine what it is like in the trenches only when you are here. It’s bullets above, around and everywhere and the large guns fairly deafen you. We are in the very thick of the fighting but of course, cannot say where we are. Every man is intent on victory, although we are having to rough it in many ways. Though we are facing death all the time, yet we are all in good spirits and you would find us whistling and singing favourite tunes. The Germans are good shots. They are soldiers, but the boys are equal to them in any way. I don’t know how we should have fared without the ‘Terriers.’ I have dropped across several old chums and faces from Coalville and had a good long chat with them. Thanks for “Coalville Times” and good wishes. Its so nice and cheery to read home news. We are hoping that the war will soon be finished and that we shall soon be home again. Although up to now we shall not all come back, but I have good faith that I shall come through alright. I was in the trenches when the Coalville Cup final was on and it was the first time I have missed it. I hope Whitwick will pull it off in the re-play. Remember me to all and Lawrence (his brother, who is also at the front) also wishes to be remembered.”

Coalville Times article - Friday June 25th, 1915

COALVILLE BROTHERS IN THE TRENCHES

TWO OF THE FIRST FIFTY

Our photographs are of the brothers Lawrence and Thomas Usherwood, sons of Mr T. Usherwood, M.R. engine driver, who resides in Highfields Street, Coalville. Both are privates in the Leicestershire Territorial Regiment, 5th Battalion, and were among the first batch of fifty to leave Coalville. They have for some time been taking their turn in the trenches and their letters home, some of which have appeared in our column, are of a cheery nature. Both are in Sergt.-Major R. Hill’s Company. The sergeant-major has been on a visit to Coalville this week and says all the men are in wonderfully good spirits. Before the war Lawrence Usherwood was engaged at Messrs. Stableford and Co’s works, and his brother Tom worked in the office of Messrs. Wootton Bros.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 22nd, 1915

Coalville Soldiers in a Bayonet Charge - Two German Trenches Captured

Letters received in Coalville by friends on Tuesday, state that Pte. Cyril Bradshaw (Gutteridge Street), Pte. T. Usherwood and Lance-Corporal Usherwood (Highfields Street) three of the first 50 Territorials who went from Coalville and other local soldiers had just been through a bayonet charge in which they captured two German trenches. They are glad to say they came through all right and are now resting.

Coalville Times article - Friday October 29th, 1915

The Charge of the 5th Leicesters - Coalville Soldier's Thrilling Experiences - How two German Trenches were taken - Dying Officer's Last Words

Writing to friends at Coalville, Pte. T. Usherwood, of the 5th Leicestershire Territorials, son of Mr T. Usherwood, Midland Railway engine driver, of Highfields Street, gives some interesting details of the great charge in which the Leicestershire Territorials, and particularly the 5th battalion took such a prominent part.

He says; “We left the billets at 2.30 pm, on October 12th in fighting order, knowing what we are going into. The band played us out of the village and off we went with light hearts fully determined to do our best. We halted at 6 o’clock at night and had a couple of hours rest and then off we went again and arrived in the trenches at 7 o’clock on the morning of October 13th. Then we had a bit of a sleep best we could till daylight. The day dawned rather dull and cold. But as the anxious hours passed by the sun broke through the clouds giving us better spirits. All at once the great guns broke forth, and our artillery bellowed forth their shells which caused havoc and destruction wherever they went. You talk about thunder clouds breaking, it’s not in it. The German trenches were being battered to nothing, the very earth seemed to be shaking under our feet and not a word between one another could be heard. For an hour or two this went on and then the time came for the charge began to draw nearer. Hearts were beating, and thoughts wandering, and I guess, whispered prayers being muttered. We could see our homes and our loved ones. But away with thoughts, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute – “Charge, Boys!” and over the parapets we went with the best of luck, officers and men together. Bayonets glistening in the sun, bombs flying in all directions, coal boxes, shells of all descriptions tearing the earth up. But on the terrier boys go, in ranks of open formation. The first German line trench is reached and captured. But there’s no time for thinking and off again we go till the Hun’s second lines are reached. Cries of mercy go up from them. That is captured, a struggle ensues for a fortified redoubt which is filled with machine guns and Germans, a stiff struggle in which are engaged the Lincolns and Leicesters (Tigers), Notts. & Derbys. The blood up, on we go, the redoubt is taken and mastered and the khaki boys are winning and mean to. We go again but the artillery fire is hellish, words cannot express what it is like. The very earth seemed to be going under our feet.

Night has come and we have got the two lines of trenches and the redoubt to our credit and have held them. Thus the terrier boys have gained a bit more back from the hated Huns. But the sight of it all I cannot tell you, words cannot express it. In the night everything is being done and the wounded are being got in as fast as possible. Men are out in the open risking their lives carrying wounded into the trenches. As for myself, I was doing the same. My own officer – a braver man never lived – was leading us out when he was shot. Two of us carried him in to safety and bound him up. But poor fellow, he died in a few minutes with the last words on his lips, “I have done my best.” And so the rescue work went on. And the rest were digging for their lives to get under cover. All night long it raged. Next day dawned and we had made our position secure and held it. At night we were relieved and marched back to billets utterly exhausted, and we did justice to a good meal. Thus we struck one more blow into the hated Huns. There are funny incidents and deeds of heroism that I witnessed and will tell you later. We live thanking God that we are spared. Thanks be “Coalville Times” I am always glad to get it. Must close now. Remember me to all. Lawrence (another son of Mr Usherwood in the trenches) wishes to be remembered. Hoping you are all quite well.”

Coalville Times article - Friday May 12th, 1916

DO YOU KNOW THAT

Private T. Usherwood, of the 5th Leicesters, son of Mr T. Usherwood, of Highfields, Coalville, one of the Coalville first fifty Territorials to leave for France, where he has been on active service for about 15 months, is at home on leave this week?

Coalville Times article - Friday April 13th, 1917

COALVILLE SOLDIER’S SAD DEATH

ACCIDENTALLY SHOT

In connection with the sad death of Private T. H. Usherwood, in France, briefly recorded in our last issue, the following is a copy of a letter received by the bereaved parents, Mr and Mrs T. Usherwood, of Highfields, Coalville, from Lieutenant H. S. Simpkin. “It is with the deepest sympathy that I have to inform you of the death of your son. His death occurred under the most unfortunate circumstances while cleaning a revolver. No one was actually with him at the time of the accident, and it is impossible for me to give you fuller details. As no doubt he may possibly have informed you, he was my servant. To me, he was more than a friend, and I cannot express my feeling at such a happening. May God help you to bear this terrible loss. I have all his personal belongings, and will be sending them to you. I am expecting to be over home in a very short time, and I will make it my duty to call and see you at Coalville. Again, accept my deepest sympathy.”

Private T. H. Usherwood, who was 22 years of age, joined the Leicestershire Territorials soon after the outbreak of war and was one of the first fifty to leave Coalville. He had been at the Front over two years, and after having participated in several charges on the German trenches and experienced a great deal of active service, it is particularly sad that he should have met with his death as the result of an accident, and much sympathy is felt for his parents. Before the war, Private Usherwood was on the office staff of Messrs. Wootton Bros. engineers, Coalville, and he was a member of the Highfields Wesleyan Church, and a teacher in the Sunday School, being also on the Wesleyan plan as a local preacher on trial.

Mr T. Usherwood, deceased’s father, is a Midland Railway engine driver, and has three other sons serving in the forces.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 20th, 1917

IN MEMORIAM

Mr and Mrs T. Usherwood and family of Highfields, Coalville, and the fiancée of the late Private T. Usherwood, Leicestershire Territorial Regiment (one of the first Coalville Fifty), accidentally killed in France, desire to thank most sincerely all friends for the many kind letters and tokens of sympathy received in their great bereavement.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 14th, 1919

PROPOSED MEMORIAL AND THANKSGIVING FUND

Meetings are being held throughout the Ashby Wesleyan Circuit, to consider the inauguration of a war memorial and thanksgiving fund, and there was a gathering for this purpose in the Coalville Wesleyan Chapel on Saturday night, when Mr C. H. March presided over a fairly good attendance.

The details of the scheme are set forth in a circular which is being issued, and of which the following is a copy.

“To celebrate the end of the ‘great war’ and the coming of ‘peace’ the quarterly meeting of the Circuit decided by a unanimous vote to inaugurate a great ‘Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund.’ The nation in the hours of danger has not counted any sacrifice of blood or treasure too great to hasten the time when all that we hold dear should be made secure from an unscrupulous foe. That end has been achieved. The victory is ours. In token of our gratitude to Almighty God, we desire to raise this ‘Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund’ to enable the churches in this Circuit more efficiently to carry on, and extend the Kingdom of God. We suggest that contributions may be given as a thank-offering for loved ones spared, or in memory of dear ones who have laid down their lives for us. There are also large numbers in the Circuit, who, because of the importance of their work, have escaped the horrors of the battlefield, and will be able to give substantially in thankful recognition of their privileges. Everyone, indeed, has received great blessing through the ministry of our church, and the debt we owe to our beloved Methodism is greater than we can tell. Therefore, we earnestly appeal to all our people to give hearty and generous support to the ‘Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund’. The first claim upon the income of the fund will be the clearing of the debt upon the Circuit houses, which amounts to £1,000, thus saving £44 per year in interest. The remainder of the income will be held at the disposal of the Circuit quarterly meeting for the benefit of the work of God in the Circuit. – William Hooper, William H. Wardle, B.A., and William Solomon (ministers), J. P. Adcock, J. P. (treasurer); W. J. Plowright and C. H. March (secretaries).”

During the meeting, Mr T. Frith read the Roll of Honour, which contained 99 names formerly connected with the church and Sunday School. Two have won the D.C.M. – Harry Beard and Edwin Collier – and four the Military Medal, these being Tom Palmer, Tom Wood, George Wildgoose and Walter Lewis.

Twenty had made the supreme sacrifice – Cecil A. Bradshaw, Ernest Batho, Geo. Beale, Sydney Dodds, Walter Fantom, John Hall, Horace Hall, Jess Jones, Wilfred Jones, Fred Hart, Arthur Johnson, Walter Lewis, M.M., Harry Lewis, William Setchell, Sam Smith, Tom Usherwood, Willie Wells, Alf Wood, Albert Essex and Tom Wild.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby, September 2017.