Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Robert Dunham, an agricultural labourer, born in the July quarter of 1854 in Great Ryburgh, Norfolk (son of Robert Dunham, 1820 and Rachel Howman, 1823) and his wife Sarah Ann Dunham (nee Bailey, married in the April quarter of 1879 in the Henstead, Norfolk, district), born on the 6th February 1849 in Wymondham, Norfolk and baptised on the 12th October 1851 in Holy Trinity Church, Wymondham (daughter of James Webster, 1826-1894 and Charlotte Bailey), 1829-1904). Herbert William was born in the January quarter of 1882 in Henstead, his siblings were, Elizabeth Ann, a schoolgirl, born in the April quarter of 1878, Robert, a schoolboy, born on the 9th July 1880, Emma Gertrude, a schoolgirl, born in the October quarter of 1883 and Leah, born in the April quarter of 1889, all his siblings were born in Norfolk, also residing in the family home was Herbert’s widowed maternal grandmother, Charlotte Webster, a nurse, born 1831 in Norfolk and his cousin, John Dunham, an agricultural labourer, born 1869 in Norfolk, in April 1891 the family home was at Near Farm House, Whitlingham Farm, Water Side, Whitlingham, Henstead, Norfolk. Leah died aged 1 year, in the April quarter of 1890 in Henstead, another daughter, named Leah was born in the April quarter of 1891, this is the daughter that is recorded in the April 1891 census return. In March 1901 Herbert was absent from the family home at Whitlingham, Henstead, residing there was his father, a farm teamster, his mother and siblings, Emma and Leah, a schoolgirl, also residing in the family home was Herbert’s widowed maternal grandmother Charlotte Webster, a monthly nurse, meanwhile Herbert was serving as a Private with the 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment and was on active service in South Africa. Herbert’s mother died, aged 52 years, in the July quarter of 1902 in the Norwich, Norfolk district. In April 1911 Herbert remained absent from the family home at 5, Bixley Place, Bixley, Norfolk, residing there was his father, a farm horseman and his step mother, Ellen Dunham (nee Tyce, married in the July quarter of 1903 in the Henstead, Norfolk, district), born 1852 in Kingham, Norfolk. Herbert married Frances Ellen Potter in the July quarter of 1915 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Frances was born on the 18th October 1893 in Melton Mowbray and baptised on the 9th February 1894 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray (daughter of Albert Victor Potter, 1864 and Annie Cook Posnett, 1864). Herbert and Frances had a daughter Olive May, born 19th August 1916 in Melton Mowbray and baptised on the 17th September 1916 in St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray. Herbert’s widow later remarried Archie Sharp in the April quarter of 1919, in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Archie was born on the 3rd February 1889, they resided at 21, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray. In 1939 Frances, Archie, a general labourer and Olive, a shop assistant were residing at 12, Cottesmore Avenue, Melton Mowbray.
FAMILY NOTE: Although thorough research has been undertaken regarding Herbert’s family background, there are some quite considerable questions that arise from relationships, marriages and births, both with his parents and grandparents, what has been recorded is my interpretation of the facts, however I am not entirely convinced that they are a true representation and I therefore remain open to any corrections of my work.
Herbert enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 10th June 1898 in Norwich, and was allotted the regimental service number 4947. He gave his place of birth as Whitlingham, Norfolk and age as 18 years 5 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as labourer.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 18 years 5 months, height 5-feet 4½ inches weight 126 lbs, chest measurement of between 34 and 35½ inches his complexion was described as sallow, he had grey eyes and his hair colour was brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, [none recorded]. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 10th June 1898. Place Norwich.
He gave his next of kin as his father, Robert and elder brother Robert, Whitlingham, Norwich, Norfolk,
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Norwich. 10/6/1898.
Posted. To Depot Norfolk Regt. Pte. 10/6/1898.
Transferred. To 2nd Bn. Norfolk Regt. Pte. 19/10/1898.
Elected to come under Regulations governing issue of messing allowance in accordance with provisions of para 5 Army Order 65 of 1898. 1/6/1899.
In Guard Room. 5/10/1899.
Tried by District Court Martial on 10/10/1899 and sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour for “Using insubordinate language to his superior officer.”
Returned to duty. 7/11/1899.
In Guard Room. 23/2/00.
Tried by District Court Martial at Bloemfontein and sentenced to 28 days Field Punishment No. 1 for absence from Defaulters drill. 26/2/00.
Returns to duty. 22/4/00.
In Guard Room. 20/9/00.
Tried by District Court Martial on the 25/9/00 for disobeying an order and sentenced to 112 days imprisonment with hard labour. Commuted to 56 days Field Punishment No.1.
Returns to duty. 20/11/00.
Tried by Field General Court Martial at Thaba Kelu on 8/1/01 for conduct to the prejudice of and awarded 28 days imprisonment with hard labour.
Returns to duty. 4/2/01.
Tried by Field General Court Martial at Senakel on 3/5/01 for [I] When on active service disobeying a lawful command given by his Superior Officer. [II] When on active service using insubordinate language to his Superior Officer. Sentenced to 1 year’s imprisonment with hard labour. Commuted to 42 days Field Punishment No. 1.
Returns to duty. 17/6/01.
Tried by Field General Court Martial at Bloemfontein on 12/3/01. Offence. Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. Sentenced to 56 days imprisonment with hard labour. 14 days remitted.
Returns to duty. 22/4/01.
Tried by Field General Court Martial at Karree Poort Drift on the 8/9/01 for. When on active service using in subordinate language to his Superior Officer and sentenced to 9 months imprisonment with hard labour.
Returns to duty. 7/6/02.
Discharged with ignominy. 11/3/02.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 10/6/1898 – 31/1/00. 1 year 208 days.
South Africa. 4/1/00 – 31/10/01. 1 year 301 days.
Home Service. 1/11/10 - 11/3/02. 162 days.
Total Service. 3 years 305 days.
Herbert’s army service enlistment documents do not survive, therefore the currently available information pertaining to his military service has been obtained from the following sources: - 1921 HMSO Publication, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914 - 1919, WW1 Service Medal and Award Rolls, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Registers.
Enlisted/Attested in Leicester into the Regular Army. Date not known.
Joined. At Leicester. Date not known.
Posted. To King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Pte. Date not known.
Allotted the Regimental Service number 27280.
Posted. To 6th (Service) Bn. King’s Own Scottish Borderer’s. Pte. Date not known.
First entered the theatre of war in France after the 31st December 1915.
Promoted. To Lance Corporal. Date not known.
Promoted. Corporal (Acting). In the Field. Date not known.
Killed in action. In the Field. 20-23/9/17.
Buried in the field. Date not known.
Body recovered and exhumed from map reference: J.1.a.2.5 and identified by means of an identity disc. Following exhumation, the disc was forwarded to Base.
Reburied in White House Cemetery, St. Jean-les-Ypres, West Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
In the event of his death, Herbert nominated his wife, Frances as his sole legatee.
On the 27th March 1918, Herbert’s widow Frances, of 21, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of eighteen shillings and nine pence for herself and her daughter, commensurate on the 22nd April 1918.
The War Diary records: 20 Sep-17 – About midnight the rain cleared and the Battalion reached the forming up position in front of KIT and KAT about 3.00am. There were fewer tapes than had been arranged for, but the forming up was completed expeditiously without trouble. Headquarters were established in a shell hole a few yards in front of front line. At Zero 5.40am the whole Battalion proceeded forward, keeping close on the Barrage. “C” Company attacked on the Right and was supported by “A” Company, “D” Company attacked on Left and was supported by “B” Company. The Barrage was so arranged that while “C” Company attacked MANABEKE Wood from the front. “D” Company was able to get round to the rear of the wood. These tactics combined with the excellent Barrage which prevented the enemy from using Machine Guns to any effect, resulted in the speedy capture of the Wood about 6.15am. Reorganisation speedily took place, “A” and “B” Companies formed up for the advance on the final objective – ZONNEBEKE REDOUBT and a Company of the 11th ROYAL SCOTS was ordered to support the left flank where there was a gap between the Battalion and the 9th SCOTTISH RIFLES. The second advance began at 7.08am and went smoothly. The Redoubt Line was captured without any difficulty and the work of consolidation and reorganisation was immediately begun. The Battalion formed a line just in front of the ZONNEBEKE REDOUBT. “D” Company on Right (and in touch with AUSTRALIANS), “B” Company in centre, “A” Company on Left (and in touch with 9th SCOTTISH RIFLES), “C” Company was in Support about 50 yards behind the Redoubt Line. At first Battalion Headquarters was established in Redoubt Line. The enemy aeroplanes proved troublesome and both front and support lines were subjected to heavy shelling. Our guns put up a heavy barrage in response to an S.O.S. on Right – from 5.00pm to 8.00pm and prevented the enemy from carrying through a counter-attack. The enemy had many killed and at least 80 prisoners.
The War Diary records: 21 Sep-17 – At dawn both sides put up a fairly heavy barrage. Battalion Headquarters was removed, first to Support Line and then to HANABEKE Wood. Work consisted of consolidation and -?-. In the afternoon there was more heavy shelling from both sides. Enemy aeroplanes were very active and one dropped 7 bombs near the Support Line.
The War Diary records: 22 Sep-17 – Guides were got ready for the 1st NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS who were to relieve the Battalion. The day was fairly quiet and the relief was carried through expeditiously.
The War Diary records: 23 Sep-17 – On relief Battalion proceeded to camp in BRANDHOEK area. Casualties Officers wounded 8. Other ranks, killed 26, wounded 200, missing 37.
On Friday October 19th 1917, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MELTON SOLDIER KILLED. Mrs Dunham, 21, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, was informed a fortnight ago that her husband, Lce-Corpl. H. Dunham of K.O.S. Borderers, had been wounded. On Wednesday morning she received an official notification that he was killed in action on the 20th to the 23rd September, or shortly afterwards. Deceased who was 34 years of age, joined up last November, and went out to France in January. For a number of years, he was employed at the local Army Remount Depot and latterly at Holwell Works.
On Friday September 27th 1918, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. DUNHAM. – In ever loving memory of my dear husband, Lance Corporal Herbert Dunham, who was killed in action Sept. 23rd, 1917.
Thy will be done
From his still sorrowing wife and little daughter Olive.
[recognitum X-III-MMXXIII]