Alfred Ormerod

 

Private 5404
20th (Service) Battalion (3rd Public Schools), Royal Fusiliers

Alfred attended Manchester Grammar School, and graduated (B.A.) from Durham University. He was about to be ordained by the Bishop of Southwell when war broke out, but, with the permission of the Bishop, he enlisted in August 1914.

At the time of the 1901 Census, Alfred was living with his parents and brother at Sandy Wood, Pendlebury. Their details are recorded as follows.

Dwelling:

Sandy Wood

Census Place:

Pendlebury, Lancashire, England

Source:

PRO Ref RG13; Piece 3721; Folio 29; Page 1

Marr

Age

Sex

Birthplace

Benjamin ORMEROD

M

46

M

Lancs Manchester

Rel:

Occ:

Head

Secry to Colliery Company

Cassandra ORMEROD

M

41

F

Yorksh. Wombwell

Rel:

Wife

Alfred ORMEROD

S

17

M

Yorksh. Brampton

Rel:

Son

James B. ORMEROD

S

15

M

Lancs Clifton

Rel:

Son

Lily MURGATROYD

S

18

F

Yorksh. Doncaster

Rel:

Occ:

Servant

General Servant - Domestic

Alfred was killed in action on 24 April 1917 and is buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave Ref. VII. C. 14).

On 24 April 1917 20th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, formed part of 19th Brigade, 33rd Division. At this time it was involved in the Second Battle of the Scarpe, including the capture of Guémappe and Gavrelle.

The Royal Fusiliers in the Great War records that on 23 April 1917:

"The 20th Battalion on the same day [23 April 1917] took over the advanced positions in front of Fontaine les Croisilles, from which the Germans had just retired. An outpost line consisting of ten strong points was organised and patrols were pushed out up to the Sensee."

The Soldiers Died in the Great War Database records that Alfred was born in Rotherham and resided in Glossop. He enlisted in the Army in Manchester.

Alfred's brother, James Brooke Ormerod, was also killed during the First World War, and is buried in Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt.

 Alfred's grave in Wancourt British Cemetery

The area in front of Fontaine les Croisilles (from British Trench Map 20-51BSW-4A-040317-S)