Alfred James Ormerod

 

Private 15203
8th Bn, King's Own Scottish Borderers

The Commonwealth War Graves Debt of Honour Register records that Alfred was the grandson of Mrs Ormerod of 9 Rigby's Court, Preston, Lancashire, and on his death the Army Registry of Soldiers' Effects notes that his grandmother was Mary Alice Ormerod.

Alfred is believed to be the Alfred James, who, aged 7, was living with his mother, Louisa Ormerod, at 41 Charnby St, Blackburn, at the time of the 1901 Census. Louisa was the daughter of Mary Agnes Ormerod (née Heskin), who was born in Preston, but lived with her husband, John, in Blackburn.

The details from this entry in the census are as follows.

Dwelling:

41 Charnby St

Census Place:

Blackburn, Lancashire

Source:

PRO Ref RG13; Piece 3297; Folio 32; Page 80

Marr

Age

Sex

Birthplace

Martin GROGAN

M

33

M

Lancs Blackburn

Rel:

Occ:

Head

Labourer in Cotton Mill (Worker)

Elizabeth GROGAN

M

31

F

Lancs Blackburn

Rel:

Occ:

Wife

Rover in Cotton Mill (Worker)

John GROGAN

S

11

M

Lancs Blackburn

Rel:

Son

Martin GROGAN

S

9

M

Lancs Blackburn

Rel:

Son

Elizabeth P. GROGAN

S

4

F

Lancs Blackburn

Rel:

Daughter

Winifred GROGAN

S

2

F

Lancs Blackburn

Rel:

Daughter

Louisa A. ORMEROD

 

 

S

24

F

Lancs Blackburn

 

Rel:

Occ:

Boarder

Twister in Cotton Mill (Worker)

 

 

 

 

Alfred J. ORMEROD

 

 

S

7

M

Lancs Preston

 

Rel:

Boarder

 

 

 

 

Jane GREAVES

 

 

M

46

F

Lancs Blackburn

 

Rel:

Occ:

Visitor

Cotton Worker (Worker)

 

 

 

 

The Soldiers Died in the Great War Database records that Alfred was born in Preston and lived in Blackburn, which would also suggest that the Alfred Ormerod, killed in action on 22 August 1915, was the son of Louisa Ormerod.

Alfred is buried in Maroc British Cemetery, France (Grave Ref. III. D. 15). This cemetery is located in the village of Grenay, about 15 kilometres south-east of Béthune.

At the time of his death 8th (Service) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers, formed part of 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division.

The Battalion's War Diary records that they relieved 10th Scottish in Sector W3 (Maroc) on 16 August 1915, and that the relief was completed by 4.30 PM.

On 22 August 1915 the Diary records "No 15203 A.J. ORMEROD B Coy killed on working party. Struck by shell fragment on temple. Buried in ground around MAROC CHURCH by Father Cullen. Exact position of grave. Corner of church grounds. WEST SIDE of ruined church. 4 feet from WEST WALL and 10½ FEET from NORTH WALL. Next grave to that of No 1213 Lance Corporal A.P. BIRD 23rd Battn London Regmt. Grave marked with Regimental wooden cross."

On the night of 22 August 1915 the Battalion were relieved in the line and returned to billets in LES BREBIS in Brigade Reserve.

Alfred's grave in Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay