Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Herbert Rogers a baker, born 1866 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire and his wife Jane Rogers (nee Barker, married in the 3rd quarter of 1890 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1866 in Thorpe Satchville, Leicestershire. John Arthur was born in the 3rd quarter of 1894 in Melton Mowbray, his siblings were, George Herbert, born 1892, Charles William, born 1894 and Edith Annie, born 1897, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 43, Brook Street, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 John was employed as a grocer’s errand boy and was residing in the family home at 12, Bentley Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his father a pork pie maker and baker, his mother and siblings, George, a builder’s yard labourer, Charles a steel works labourer, Edith, a servant, Gertrude Mary, a schoolgirl, born 1903 and Walter Barker, a schoolboy, born 1904, the latter two siblings were both born in Melton Mowbray, also residing in the family home was his widowed paternal grandfather, William Rogers, born 1841 in Wing, Rutland.
John enlisted into the Territorial Force for an engagement of 4 years on the 3rd September 1912 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. He gave his place of birth as Melton Mowbray, his age as 18 years, and his trade or calling as grocer’s porter, his current employer being Joseph Gill. He gave his home address as 12, Bentley Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. He gave his father, John Rogers of 12, Bentley Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 4½ inches in height and he had a chest measurement of between 32½ and 34½ inches. His physical development was described as good. He was pronounced fit to serve with the Territorial Force. His record of service began when he joined the Leicestershire Regiment (Territorial Force) as a Private, service number 1435 on the 3/9/12. Embodied service with the 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 5/8/14. Embarked to join the British Expeditionary Force at Southampton on the 26/2/15. Disembarked at Le Havre, France on the 27/2/15. Admitted to hospital slightly wounded and returned to duty on the 11/5/15. Killed in action in the field, mine explosion on the 23/7/15. Summary of service: Home Service, 3/9/10 – 27/2/15, 3 years 179 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 28/2/15 – 23/7/15, 146 days. Total service 3 years 325 days. The following information was provided on the 29th September 1920 by John’s brother George on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family). Father of soldier, none. Mother of soldier, none. Full blood brothers of soldier, George H. Rogers, age 29 of 43, Belvoir Street, Melton Mowbray, Charles W. Rogers, age 27 of 30, Sydney Street, Melton Mowbray and Walter Rogers, age 17 of 30 Sydney Street, Melton Mowbray. Full blood sisters of soldier, Mrs G. Rogers, age 29 and Mrs E. Rogers, age 23, both of Clarendon Park Road, Highfields, Leicester.
The War Diary records: 23 Jul-15 - ZILLEBEKE. At 6.55pm small mine exploded under enemy’s gallery opposite A.1. At 7.00pm exploded large mine under enemy’s salient. At 7.01pm artillery opened fire on crater and enemy supports. The redoubt in salient completely destroyed. Enemy’s casualties estimated at 40. At 9.22pm enemy exploded large mine in front of trench 5.B. destroying portions of parapet and inflicting 40 casualties. Enemy trench mortared the crater, thus hindering work of rescue and of linking crater with line of defences. 2nd Lieutenant’s R. C. LAWTON, E. E. WYNNE and N. C. MARRIOTT having arrived from England have been taken on the strength of the Battalion Officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the 17th Division were attached to the Battalion for instruction during the last tour of duty. This remedied to some extent the wastage in the Battalion which at one time contained only 9 Coy officers and 474 trench rifles.
On Friday July 30th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON TERRITORIALS MINED” – HEAVY LOSSES – FIVE MELTONIANS KILLED. OTHERS WOUNDED AND MISSING. The Melton Territorial’s belonging to the 1/5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment evidently suffered severe losses in an engagement last Friday. The following is an extract of a letter received this week by the parents of a Melton Territorial:- “On Friday night we blew up about 100 yards of the German trenches, and out of spite for that they blew up our trench. The mine was short, but it buried nearly all of us, our platoon suffering the worst. I am afraid there are over a dozen of our platoon killed, and several injured. I was buried about four feet deep, and it took about an hour to get me out. I am now in hospital, having been shaken up a great deal. Luckily Doll that night was with number 8 platoon, so escaped. I think I shall be alright again after about a week. I feel rather stiff all over my body.” The brother of the above writer, in the course of a subsequent letter says:- “I am beastly sorry to say that Jim has been very slightly wounded. Our trench was blown up by German mines, and I am afraid that only a very few of No.5 platoon are alive unhurt. Jim was the last to be got out alive, and he was buried for about two hours. I think he is only badly bruised, but he is still in hospital, though I don’t think it will be long before he comes back to us. We were all pleased to see how plucky he was over it. As soon as he was uncovered he said to Charlie Boulger, who got him out. “What cheer, Jerry: I never remember being buried alive before,” and when the stretcher bearers were taking him down he told them it would be another bar on his medal. We were both very lucky. I was transferred for the time being to another platoon to make it up, and was about 60 yards away when it went up. Jim was very lucky to get off almost unhurt. I am afraid it will be a sad day for Melton when the news gets there, as many were killed, but I won’t mention names, as I dare say their people have not heard yet. We blew their trench up twice, so I think we had the best of it. The night after they trench mortared us, and did some damage to the 4th, and most of yesterday they whizz-banged us, but only knocked the parapet down once, and did no damage. Last night we came out. Yesterday we saw an air duel from our lines, in which the Englishman was successful, and brought his opponent down not far from our headquarters. We saw the machine on the way home last night. I hear Playfair from our school has been killed in an air duel. The Battalion has been congratulated by the General for the way in which the men acted when the mine went up.” Two of the victims were Pte. Arthur Rogers, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Rogers, 12, Bentley Street, Melton Mowbray, and Pte. P. Pennington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pennington, 33, Burton Street. The news was conveyed in a letter which Mr. and Mrs Rogers received from another son in the same company, in which he says:- “I now send you these few lines to let you know that I am still in the best of health, and going on well up to now, but I am sorry that I have got to break this sad news to you: Arthur was killed last night, the 23rd July. He died with several more of his best friends and mates from Melton, but I expect you have received this sad news before you get this letter from me. I expect he will be buried to-night, and I shall go and see him put away. I have made a little cross with various greens and a few wild flowers, but I will let you know more next time I write. I feel very upset to-day, for I shall miss him very much, but I can truly say, he died doing his duty up to the last minute. You can tell George that his pal P. Pennington has gone as well. He was killed the same time as Arthur.” Mr. Pennington has since received the following letter from Officer Commanding the B Company with reference to the death of his son:- “26/7/15. Dear Sir, - It is with the deepest regret that I have to write to inform you of the death of your son Pte. Pennington on Friday last. The loss of your son is a great loss to his company. Both I and his company liked your son, and thought a good deal of him. He was at the time doing his duty in the trenches when the enemy exploded a mine under our trench, and your son was, I believe, killed instantly, and could not have suffered any pain. He was buried behind the firing line by his comrades, and I am sure as long as we are in this district his comrades will look after his grave, which is carefully marked with a cross. The only consolation we have is that he died nobly doing his duty and defending his trench. Kindly accept my sympathy, and also that of the whole of my Company at the loss of your son. Yours Faithfully, J. Griffiths, Captain, O.C. B Company. 5th Leicestershire Regiment.” Mr. and Mrs. Pennington have three other sons serving with the colours – one in France, and two at Stockwood Park, Luton. Similar letters have been received by the relatives of Ptes. W. Ibbotson, A. Pick, and Simpson, all of Melton Mowbray, who lost their lives at the same time.
On Saturday 31st July 1915 The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” - “CASUALTIES IN THE 5th LEICESTER’S.” – Five Melton Men Killed – The parents of five Melton Territorial’s, Privates J. A. Rogers, A. Pick, Simpson, Ibbotson, and P. Pennington, have received letters from the officer commanding B Company 5th Leicester’s announcing that their sons had been killed, and that they had been buried by their comrades behind the firing line.
On Friday August 6th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “THE HEAVY TERRITORIAL LOSSES.” – ADDITIONAL CASUALTIES. – FURTHER DETAILS. No official information is yet forthcoming concerning the heavy losses sustained by the Melton Mowbray Territorial’s through the explosion of a mine near the parapet of a trench which they were occupying on Friday, July 23rd, but from further particulars to hand it appears that some 14 of the Terriers, mostly belonging to Melton, lost their lives on that occasion. Mrs. Simpson, of 30, Goodriche Street, Melton Mowbray, whose husband, Private Walter Simpson, was one of those killed, has this week received the following letter from Quartermaster Sergt. W. Wade:- “Dear Mrs. Simpson, - It is with the deepest regret I am writing to inform you of your husband’s death. I expect you have heard before now. It was a sad day for the Melton Company. Walter was a true British soldier; he died doing his duty for his country. I think there were 13 more men got killed at the same time, most of them from Melton. He is very much missed by his pals, also by myself. All of them were in my platoon. I opened the parcel and distributed the contents amongst his pals. I know you would not wish for them to come back. We all sympathise with you in your great loss. I remain, yours sincerely, W. Wade, Quartermaster-Sergt. ‘B’ Coy.” Private Simpson’s father, Mr. William Simpson, 25, Goodriche Street, has received the following letter from the Officer Commanding the “B” Company:- “Dear Sir, It is with the deepest regret that I have to write to inform you of the loss of your son, Pte. Simpson, on Friday night last. The loss of your son is a great blow to his company, both I, and the whole of my company liked him, he was always cheerful and ready to do his duty. He was at the time nobly defending his trench when the enemy exploded a mine under our parapet and your son I believe was killed instantly and could not have suffered pain. He was buried by his comrades behind the firing line, and I am sure as long as we are in this district his grave will be carefully looked after by his comrades. The only consolation we have for his loss is that he died nobly defending his trench. Kindly accept my deep sympathy and also that of the whole of my company at the loss of your son. Yours Faithfully, J. Griffiths, Capt., Commanding ‘B’ Company, 5th Leicestershire Regiment.” Much sympathy will be felt for the bereaved widow and two years old child. On the outbreak of the war Pte. Simpson was employed at the steel works of the Holwell Iron Company. A similar letter was received from Captain Griffiths concerning the death of Pte. Albert Pick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pick, Gas Cottages, Melton Mowbray. Deceased, who was only 19 years of age, formerly worked for Mr. Robert Fendall, builder and contractor. In a letter to Mrs. Ibbetson, 10, Market Place, announcing the death of her son, Corpl. W. Ibbetson, Capt. Griffiths states that he always liked her son, and looked upon his (sic) as one of his best N.C.O.’s. Corpl. Ibbetson was for a number of years in the employ of Mr. R. T. Stevens, tailor, and was well known in the town. He was 26 years of age, and had belonged to the Territorial’s for four years. Pte. George Foister was first reported to be missing, but subsequently the news of his death was conveyed in the following letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Foister, 11, Bayswater Road, Melton Mowbray:- “Dear Sir, - It is with much regret that I have to write to tell you of the loss of your son, Pte. G. Foister, on Friday night last, when the enemy exploded a mine under our parapet, immediately where your son was. Every search has been made for him but unfortunately we have been unable to find him, and I am afraid he will not now be found. We shall erect a cross to his memory at the spot where the explosion occurred. Your son was much liked by his officers and comrades, and he was always a good and cheerful soldier, and he will be much missed. Kindly accept my sympathy and also that of the whole company at your sad bereavement. Yours Faithfully. J. Griffiths, Capt. Commanding ‘B’ Company, 5th Leicestershire Regiment.” A letter from Quartermaster-Sergt. Wade confirmed the sad intelligence. It was as follows:- “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Foister, - it is with the deepest regret I have to tell you that George has been killed in action.. He was out on a listening post when the enemy blew a mine up. Several of his pals were killed at the same time, especially in No.5 platoon. He was a good and willing soldier of whom any parent might be proud. I feel it more because all the boys were in my old platoon. You will know how I felt over George, with working together for so many years. All the men and myself sympathise with you in your great loss. I have taken the liberty to open the parcel you have sent and distributed it amongst his old pals. I know you would not care to have it come back. I remain, yours, W. Wade, Quartermaster-Sergt., ‘B’ Coy. - P.S. - I have just retrieved your last letter and packet of cigarettes, and gave it out. W. W.” Yesterday morning Mr Foister received a further letter from Capt Griffiths as follows:- “2/8/15. Dear Sir, - I am writing to tell you that the body of your son, Pte. G. Foister has now been found, and I am glad to say has been buried by an officer. Although there was never any chance of him being alive it must have been an anxiety to you to know that he was missing. His personal effects are being returned to you later. Yours truly, - J. Griffiths, Captain, 5th Leicestershire Regiment.” Previous to the war breaking out Pte. Foister was in the employ of Messers. Sharman and Bradbury, ironmonger’s and implement manufacturers, as a mechanic. Another victim is Pte. Harry Plowman, son of Mrs. Plowman, 12, Sidney Street, Melton Mowbray. He was severely wounded on Friday week, and died in hospital the following Tuesday. Last Friday Mrs Plowman received the following letter from a nurse at number 10 Casualty Clearing Station, France, as follows:- “I am very sorry to send you the sad news of the death of your son, Pte. H. Plowman, of the 5th Leicester’s. He was severely wounded in the abdomen, and there was practically no hope from the first. The Sister in charge of him got his address, and asked him if he had any message for you. He did not realise that he was going to die, and he sent you is love. He did not suffer any pain, and was quite bright and cheery today (Tuesday). The end came quite suddenly. He became unconscious, and quietly passed away.” A message of condolence was also received from Archdeacon Southwell, the Chaplain. Deceased was in his twenty first year, and only wrote home on Friday - the day of the occurrence - while he was in the trenches. Yesterday week, Mr. H. Wilson, 21½, Beck Mill Street, received an intimation that his son, Pte. E. Wilson, of the 5th Leicester’s, was missing after the explosion of a mine on 23rd July. Yesterday morning the following further letter was received: - “2nd of August, 1915. Dear Sir, - I am writing to tell you that the body of your son, Pte. E. Wilson, has now been found, and has, I am glad to say, been decently buried by an officer. Although there was never any chance of his being alive, it must have been an anxiety to you to know that he was missing. His personal effects will be returned to you. Yours truly, J. N. Griffiths, Captain, 5th Leicestershire Regiment.” Pte. E. Wilson, who was 21 years of age, was employed at the Holwell Iron Company’s steelworks when the war broke out. Much sympathy will be felt for the bereaved mother, who has had more than her share of trouble. She has bought up a family of seven children, her husband having been an invalid for nearly 24 years, and done no work during that time. A brother of deceased, Pte. Chas. Wilson of the 2nd Leicester’s, was killed last November. Two of his stepbrothers are also serving with the Colours, viz., Ptes. Fred and Arthur Sissons, both being out with the first Leicester’s. We regret to learn that another local Territorial was killed last Saturday, viz., Pte. Charles Paling of the 5th Leicester’s, son of Mr. Thomas Paling of Thorpe Arnold Lodge. Prior to the war deceased worked with his father on the farm. In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. “COMRADES SYMPATHY.” - We have received the following letter:- “July 29th. Dear Editor, - the N.C.O.s and men of No.5 Platoon, wish to sympathise through your paper, with the relatives and friends of the Melton men who were killed in action on the 23rd ult. by a mine explosion under the trench they were holding. We can assure them that their loss will be ours, as we were like one big family, and we feel it very much. We think it will help them to bear the loss by knowing that they were killed while doing their duty. Believe us to remain yours sincerely, - N.C.O.s and men No.5 Platoon, B Company. In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. “MORE STORIES BY EYE WITNESSES.” – GRAPHIC DETAILS. A Melton Mowbray Territorial belonging to No.5 Platoon, “B” Company, 5th Battalion Leicestershire Territorial’s, writes the following interesting letter:- “I hope by now you know that I am quite safe. It was awful, but you know we have to expect anything out here. Our Engineers had just blown up two mines, and we had seen sandbags, men, buckets, and other things go up in the air. We were saying we should have something to tell the people in Melton when we get home again when there was the biggest crash I have ever heard. I was the end man of our trench, and there were F. Linnett, P. Underwood, and Jerry Boulger with me. Before I had time to move, the dirt and other things were dropping on me. I thought it would never stop, but when it did I jumped up and got my rifle, and I was ready if anyone came. The other three ran up the trench to see what they could do. Well, I cannot describe to you what the trench looked like. If the mine had been about 6 yards further there would not have been many of the Melton men left. While some of our men were firing the others were digging the men out who were buried. Poor Arthur Rogers was the first man to be got out, but he was dead. Then others followed – Arch. Marston, Syd. Newton, J. Atter, H. Plowman, B. Newton - and I think they are getting on all right. (A subsequent letter from the same writer states that Plowman has since died in hospital). Some of the others got out themselves, and either started firing or digging. It was marvellous to see how the men behaved, and it has been noticed and appreciated by the General. We got other men out, poor fellows they were dead, Sgt. Bunn, from Uppingham, leaves six children, and poor Walter Simpson leaves a widow and one child, the others were Cpl. W. Ibbetson, and Ptes. Pennington Foister, Pick, Wilson and Rogers from Melton, and Ptes. Hall, Gray, Buswell, Andrews from Coalville and district. Of course there were others who had to go out of the trench suffering from shock. It was our Platoon who caught it, and out of about 40 who went to the trenches nine of us marched out again. Aaron Sharp and J. Ruddle got blown up in the air, and dropped in a trench at the back. Aaron says he thinks Jimmy Ruddle started first up in the air, but he doesn't know who dropped first. Jimmy Atter was buried for three hours, and when G. Boulger got him out he said: ‘Hello Jerry! I never remember being buried alive before.’ When they took him away he said: ‘I should think this means another bar on my medal.’ I think we had sixteen killed this time in, and I don’t know how many wounded. One thing we are still smiling, and looking forward to better times. I am enclosing a copy of a letter which we had sent to us by the Officer Commanding. I want you to keep smiling, and don't get downhearted, for, as you know, it might have been worse. You will hear all about it in the papers. What I am pleased about is that we never left the trench, and what Germans came soon went back who were not shot. Thanks so much for the box you sent. The contents were lovely and they were a treat. I divided them among the chaps who were left in our platoon. I know you will not mind, for you know how the chaps felt. I had a double box of Tangerine oranges, box of tomatoes, one of apples, and fifteen hundred Woodbines, and three pounds of Gold Flake tobacco. Walter came to our place, but I was in the trenches. I expect he will come again. Don't forget to tell everyone I know that I am still smiling. If anyone wants a bit of excitement tell them to join the army. I'm having the time of my life and it will take more than this to upset me.” In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – WESLEYAN ROLL OF HONOUR. The Melton Mowbray Wesleyan Roll of Honour was read at the evening service last Sunday. The Rev. A. E. Hutchinson officiated, and expressed sympathy with the families of those Territorials on the Roll who fell in the trenches on July 23rd, viz., Walter Ibbetson, Arthur Rogers, Albert Laxton Pick, Walter Simpson, and Harry Plowman. The following names of been added to the role during the past month: Ernest Edward Cragg, William Thomas Elliott, George Harry Pearson, James Travil, and Walter Barker Brown.
On Friday July 21st 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – ROGERS.- In loving memory of my dear brother. Pte. J. Arthur Rogers, of the 5th Leicesters, who was killed in action July 23rd 1915. Sad and oft do my thoughts wander. To a grave so far away; Where they laid my dearest brother. Just a year ago today. From his loving sister Edith.
On Friday July 28th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. – ROGERS. – In memory of Private A. J. Rogers, killed in action July 23rd, 1915. He fought for his King and Country. He died for his native land. It was the Lord’s wish to take him. Into a better land. From father, mother, brothers and sisters.
On Friday July 27th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. ROGERS.- In ever loving memory of my dear brother Pte. J. Arthur Rogers, 5th Leicester’s, who was killed in action July 23rd 1915. Too good a brother and dearly loved. To ever be forgotten. From his loving sister Edith. Leicester.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday August 6th, 1915

TERRITORIALS MINED

FIVE MELTON MEN KILLED


By the explosion of a mine B. Company 5th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment (Territorials) has sustained 38 casualties in killed, wounded and missing. They were defending an important position within 300 yards of the German firing line, and exploded two mines which blew up 100 yards of the enemy’s trenches. “In revenge for that,” writes a Melton Territorial, “they blew up our trench. The mine was short, but it buried nearly all of us, our platoon suffering the worst. I am afraid there are over a dozen of our platoon killed and several injured. I was buried about four feet, and it took over an hour to get me out. I am now in hospital, having been shaken up a great deal.”

The parents of five Melton Territorials – Privates J. A. Rogers, A. Pick, Simpson, Ibbotson, and P. Pennington – have received letters from an officer commanding B. Company, announcing that their sons have been killed, and they were buried behind the firing line.

Another letter states that the battalion were heartily congratulated by the general on the way in which the men acted when the mine exploded. The men worked their hardest to release their comrades who were buried beneath the debris, and also held the position until supports came to their assistance.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 7/10/2017