World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
George Usher
Forename(s):
George
Surname:
Usher
Initial(s):
G
Service Number:
10418
Rank:
Private
Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 12th / 13th (Service) Battalion
Died:
28/03/1918
Aged:
28
Buried:
Pozières Memorial (Pozières British Cemetery)
Service History:
Enlisted at Morpeth, Northumberland.
It is uncertain which battalion Usher first served with, but the two battalions fought alongside each other & were amalgamated on 10 August 1917, to form the 12/13th (Service) Battalion.
Usher arrived in France on 9 September 1915 & went into action almost immediately in attacks at Loos. From late 1915 to February 1918 the battalions held various front-line sectors & fought in a variety of actions including a disastrous attack against Fricourt on the Somme, on 1 July 1916, & an advance from Mametz Wood to Bazentin-le-Petit later in that month. In March 1918 they were back on the Somme.
At 09:30hrs on 21 March 1918 the Germans launched the first of a series of massive offensives against Allied lines, 'Operation Michael'. The battalion's right-hand Company was overwhelmed & the 12/13th Battalion Headquarters taken. Over the next four days the battalion fought a series of rear-guard actions as it fell back. 16 officers & 424 other ranks were killed or wounded during this time.
By 28 March the battalion had reached the line of the River Ancre & here defended the village of Ribemount until they were relieved, the following day. Usher was recorded as 'Missing, presumed dead' following this action.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 45)
Background:
Born in 1889, at Brinkburn, near Rothbury, Northumberland, the eldest of twelve children born to John Usher (a Gamekeeper at Eshott), by his wife, Margaret Usher (née Ridley).
Pre-enlistment occupation: Farm Labourer.
The family worshipped at the small Methodist Chapel at Eshott.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 45)
Local Memorial:
Felton War Memorial incorporating Acton, Eshott, Swarland & Thirston