Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of George Bennett a stone quarry worker, born 1852 in Huncote, Leicestershire and his wife Louisa Bennett (nee Knight, married in the 3rd quarter of 1875 in the Blaby, Leicestershire district), born 1858 in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire. Bertie was born in the 3rd quarter of 1895 in Thurlaston, Leicestershire, his siblings were Thomas, a stone quarry worker, born 1879 and John Henry, a stone quarry worker, born 1880, the latter two siblings were both born in Huncote and Frank, born 1893 in Thurlaston, in March 1901 the family home was at The Grange, Huncote. In April 1911 Bertie was employed as a farm labourer and was residing in the family home in Huncote, together with his father, a farm labourer, his mother and brother Frank, a quarry labourer. Bertie also had the following older siblings, Lydia, born 1882, Harry, born 1885 and Willie, born 1889, the latter three siblings were all born in Huncote.
The Baptist Church Memorial plaque upon which Bertie is commemorated is now located inside the Methodist Church in Huncote, Leicestershire.
Bertie enlisted into the Regular Army on the 8th September 1914 in Leicester, and was allocated the service number 14464. He gave his place of birth as Thurlaston, Leicestershire and age as 19 years 20 days. Marital status as single and his trade or calling as driver.
His medical examination recorded that he was 5 feet 3½ inches in height, weighed 120 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 34 and 36 inches, his complexion was described as fresh, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was light brown, his physical development was described as good, and the following distinctive marks were noted, mole on small of back, he gave his religion as Wesleyan.
He gave his next of kin as his father, George Bennett, Croft View Cottages, Huncote, Leicestershire. Mother, Louisa Bennett, Croft View Cottages, Huncote, Leicestershire. Brothers (5), Sisters (2).
During his period of military service the following events of note occurred:-
Joined. At Leicester. 8/9/14.
Joined. Depot. Leicestershire Regiment. Pte. 8/9/14.
Posted. 9th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. 27/9/14.
Embarked. 29/7/15.
Killed in action. Place not stated. In the Field. 14/7/16.
Summary of Service:
Home Service. 8/9/14 – 28/7/15. 324 days.
British Expeditionary Force, France. 29/7/15 – 14/7/16. 352 days
Total service, 1 year 311 days.
He was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Bertie’s surviving service record amounts to a total of eighteen pages, and these are in poor condition with much of the hand written information relating to his army service in some cases barely legible, damaged or missing entirely, however the content does offer at least a little descriptive insight into the events that took place during his period of military service.
The War Diary records: 14 Jul-16 - FRICOURT. Battalion moved off at 12.15am and moved up to the southern edge of MAMETZ WOOD. Fairly heavy shelling. They reached the reserve position MAMETZ WOOD 500 yards west of the front edge at 3.20am just as intense bombardment of German trenches began, and either went into existing trenches or dug in. At 5.20am “B” Company (Captain ANDERSON) and 1 platoon of “A” Company moved over to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD to reinforce the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT They finally reached the north of the wood of village and as far as possible dug themselves in. They were mixed up with the 6th, 7th and 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Heavy casualties including all Company officers. At 6.00am remainder of “A” Company moved to German 1st line trench and started to consolidate it. 2 platoons of “C” Company taken to Brigade Headquarters for carrying. At 8.15am Lieutenant Colonel HAIG with “D” Company and ½ of “C” Company moved to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG had orders to take over defence on the north western and western edge of the wood which was being heavily shelled. At 8.45am “D” Company (Lieutenant NOLAN) directed on the north western corner of the wood to clear wood and dig in on the edge. 2 platoons of “C” Company in support trench with Battalion Headquarters. Between 9.00am and 12.00 noon “D” Company met with heavy opposition and reached forward support line but failed to clear wood. Lieutenant NOLAN was killed. Lieutenant de LISLE and Lieutenant SMITH were wounded. Between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm Germans threatened counter attack, very heavy shelling of all lines. “A” Company brought to Battalion Headquarters and 2 platoons sent to reinforce 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. At 12.00 noon Colonel KUMME, 2 officers and 30 men captured by “D” Company. Between 4.00pm and 7.00pm Brigadier came and ordered all available men to attack the north western edge of the wood. Lieutenant Colonel HAIG, Captain EMMETT and 2nd Lieutenant STEPHENS with about 50 men advanced roping in about 100 men of 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT as supports. Captain EMMETT with 40 men reached the north western edge of the wood and killed 4 German observers and attempted to charge the German trenches 50 yards from the edge of the wood. Captain EMMETT and 36 men were killed by machine gun fire. Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel HAIG with the 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT and a few of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT had reached the railway line and came under enfilade machine gun fire (Lieutenant STEPHENS was killed). The edge of the wood close to the village was cleared and a small drive was organised towards Captain EMMETT’S party. They came under heavy sniping fire and Lieutenant HINCKLEY was wounded and most of his men killed or wounded. 7.00pm all posts started consolidating where they were. Patrols sent out constantly from the strong posts. Rough positions as below (On the Battalion Diary page a rough sketch shows the positions of the Companies) Between 9.00pm and 11.00pm heavy shelling and enemy rifle fire but no actual organised attack.