John William Ormerod

Private 7773
"H" Coy, 1st Bn, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

John William Ormerod was the son of Adam and Hannah Ormerod.

He was a professional soldier, and on the 1901 Census is recorded as a Private Soldier, then stationed at Bulford in Wiltshire.

At the time of the 1891 Census, John and his family were living at 6 Slater Terrace, Habergham Eaves, Burnley. Their details are recorded as follows.

At the time of the 1911 Census, John was living with his wife, Ellen (née Dyer), at 402 Back Healey Road, Burnley, and working as a Cotton Weaver.

John was killed on 26 October 1914 during the First Battle of Ypres in Belgium, when 1st Battalion, Black Watch, advanced along the Menin Road in an attack on Kruiseecke.

The 1st Battalion of the Black Watch formed part of 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Division, I Corps at this time.

They had been stationed at Aldershot at the outbreak of war in August 1914, and had embarked for France as part of the initial British Expeditionary Force.

Their movements are described by Ray Westlake in British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914. The entries from the start of the war until the end of October 1914 are shown below.

"AUGUST

Oudenarde Barracks, Aldershot. Part of 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Division. Entrained at Farnborough (13th) Arrived Southampton arid embarked SS Italian Prince. Landed Havre (14th) and to rest camp at Harfleur. Officers - Lieutenant-Colonel A. Grant Duff, CB (Commanding Officer), Major J.T.C. Murray (Second in Command), Captain CT Coppinger (RAMC, Medical Officer), Lieutenants G.B. Rowan-Hamilton (Adjutant), F.G. Chalmer (Machine Gun Officer), F. Anderson (Transport Officer), W. Fowler (Quartermaster); "A" Company - Major Lord George Stewart-Murray, Lieutenants V.M. Fortune, R. C. Anderson, Second-Lieutenants F.E.H, Rollo, R.G. Don; "B" Company - Captains Hon. M.C.A. Drummond, C.A. de G. DaIglish, Lieutenants E.H.H.J. Wilson, L.R Cumming, Second-Lieutenants J.L. Rennie, P.E.A. Blair; "C" Company - Captain W. Green, Lieutenant W.D. Allan, Second-Lieutenants P.K. Campbell, N.J.L Boyd; "D" Company - Captains H.F.S. Amety, A.D.C. Krook, Lieutenant W.E. Anstrutner, Second-Lieutenants K.S. MacRae, G.W. Poison. Other ranks - 1,031. Entrained at Havre for Le Nouvion. Major-General A.G. Waucfrope, CB records in his war history of the Black Watch, that during the journey the train stopped at Arras. A large crowd had gathered especially to see the battalion, which they referred to as "The famous Waterloo Black Watch." Arrived Le Nouvion 1 am (17th) and marched to billets at Boué. At Boué, General Wauchope records, a mess-cart and horse were acquired. The latter being named "Allez-vous-en" and returning home with the battalion after the war having been wounded 3 times. Moved forward to Cartignies (21st) and via Dompierre, Doulers and Maubeuge arrived Grand Reng 1 am (23rd). Took up defensive positions between the 19 and 17 kilometre stones on the Beaumont-Mons road during evening. Ordered to retire (24th). Fell back first to Villers-sire-Nicole then via Bettignies and Feignies to billets at La Longeuville. Continued retreat via Hautmont and Limont Fontaine to Dompierre (25th), Marbaix to La Grand Fayt (26th). Relieved troops of 6th Brigade in defensive line, Later moved to billets at La Petit Cambresis. Took up positions covering retreat of 1st Brigade north of Etreux (27th). Records note each unit passing through, but no sign of 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers. Later withdrew through Etreux, coming under heavy shell and rifle fire on road between village and Iron. Casualties - 7 wounded, 3 missing. Continued march via Iron and Guise to billets in La Jonqueuse. At La Jonqueuse, General Wauchope records, the fate of the Royal Munsters was learnt. Just 1 platoon surviving the battalion’s action that morning near the Sambre-Oise Canal. Marched via Ribemont and La Fere to the St. Gobain Forest (28th). Here, General Wauchope records that one soldier informed the Medical Officer that there was something wrong with his foot and he was unable to march. When his boot was removed, a bullet fell out, the man having been hit the-previous day on the road between Etreux and Iron. He also notes that the men, in order to lighten their loads, were given permission to hand in their greatcoats. These, however, could not be carried on the transport and were burned. Marched via Septvaux and Brancourt to AlIemant (30th), via Soissons to Missy-Aux-Bois (31st).

Covered retreat of 4th (Guards) Brigade at Villers Cotterêts (1st). Withdrew later via La Ferté Milon and bivouacked on high ground south of village. To Varreddes (2nd) then bivouacked on high ground near Chambry. Crossed the Marne (3rd) and into billets at La Ferté-sous-Jouarre. To Coulommiers (4th) "A" Company engaged party of 6 Uhlans during night on the Coulommiers-Jouarre road, killing one and taking remainder prisoner. Also captured - one horse who was named "German Jimmy" and remained with the battalion throughout the war. In 1925, General Wauchope records, the animal was alive and well and living in Scotland. Moved via Mauperthuis to Nesles (5th). Began advance (6th), marching through Rozoy to Voinsles. Five men wounded from shell fire. Later moved to positions at Gloise Farm. Marched via Amillis, Chevru and Choisy to bivouacs near Le Temple (7th), via Jouy to Bellot (8th). Came under artillery fire from woods on high ground across the Petit Morin. Advanced through village. Crossed the river and "B" Company, supported by "C" engaged the enemy at Sablonnières. Village cleared and 40 prisoners taken. Captain Dalglish mortally wounded, Lieutenant Wilson killed, 8 other ranks killed, 17 wounded. Continued advance and bivouacked at Hondevillers. Crossed the Marne at Nogent (9th) then marched via Charly-sur-Marne to bivouacs at La Nouette Farm. Moved via La Thiolet, Torcy and Courchamps to Latillv (10th), to Trugnv (11th), via Fère-en-Tardenois and Mont Nôtre Dame to Bazoches (12th), Vauxcéré and Longueval to Bourg (13th). Moved forward in support of 2nd Brigade, taking up positions in the caves on Paissy Ridge. Five men wounded from shell fire during advance. Went forward through Moulins and Vendresse in support of attack (14th). Leading battalions of 1st Brigade - 1st Coldstream and 1st Camerons, came under heavy fire during advance up the Vendresse Ridge. Battalion then split up in order to support. "A" and "C" Companies held position east of the sugar factory on the Chemin Des Dames throughout day. "D" Company moved up the Chivy Valley and were overwhelmed by large numbers of the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel Grant Duff killed during strong counter-attack. Fell back after dark and began to dig in. Casualties in addition to Lieutenant-Colonel Grant Duff - Major Lord Stewart-Murray, Lieutenant Cumming, Second-Lieutenant Don killed, Second-Lieutenant Boyd mortally wounded. Six other officers wounded, 40 other ranks killed, 112 wounded, 35 missing. "C" Company supported by "D" moved forward again (15th). Came under fire and forced to retire. Second-Lieutenant Polson killed. Line held. Relieved (19th) and to billets at Oeuilly. To Vemeuil (21st) and took over trenches near Beaulne in the Chivy Valley. Relieved by 1st Cameron Highlanders (24th) and to Cretonne Farm near Verneuil. To Chivy Valley (28th).

Relieved (15th) and via Bourg to Blanzy. Marched to Fismes (17th) and entrained for Hazebrouck. To Poperinghe (20th) and via Elverdinghe and Boesinghe to Brigade Reserve positions at Pilkem (21st). Three companies moved forward during afternoon (22nd) to assist 1st Coldstream under attack at Korteeker Inn. "A", "B" and "D" Companies reaching the line of the Steenbeek and holding off any further advance by the enemy. Machine guns, War Diary records, inflicted high losses on the enemy from a windmill on the Langemarck-Bixschoote road, Moved to positions at Remi Farm and held off further enemy attacks (23rd-24th). Captain E.F.M. Urquhart and Lieutenant C.L.C. Bowes-Lyon killed. Relieved and via St. Jean, Zillebeke to Verbranden Molen. Casualties - 2 officers killed, 5 wounded, 29 other ranks killed, 40 wounded, 3 missing. Moved forward along Menin road (26th) and took part in attack on Kruiseecke. Retired to Gheluvelt but at 4 pm moved forward again. Digging in on line along the Zandvoorde-Gheluvelt road, "A" Company in front line heavily shelled (27th) - over half becoming casualties. Battalion relieved by 2nd Bedfordshire during evening. Headquarters with "A" and "D" Companies marching via Gheluvelt and relieving 2nd Grenadier Guards in trenches near Polderhoek Château. "B" and "C" taking up line 1 mile east of Gheluvelt with right on the Menin road. Enemy attacked "B" and "C" Companies early morning (29th). Survivors, mostly wounded, fell back and joined Headquarters. "A" and "D" Companies repulsed attack during the day. Line now held running through Gheluvelt. Positions held at south-west corner of Polygon Wood (31st). Battalion Headquarters at Verbeek Farm. Casualties (26th-3lst) - Captain P.L. Moubray, Lieutenant A.C.R.S. Macnaughton, Second-Lieutenants D.S.S. Smurthwaite and P.E.A. Blair killed, Captain Sir B. Stewart-Richardson mortally wounded, 4 officers wounded, 1 missing, 71 other ranks killed, 18 wounded, 71 missing."

John has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial (Panel 37).

The Soldiers Died in the Great War Database records that John was born in Burnley, and also enlisted in the Army there.

The following articles appeared in the Burnley Express following John's death in 1914.

"BURNLEY SOLDIER MISSING (Burnley Express 30/01/1915)

A Burnley soldier named John William Ormerod, who is in the Black Watch Regiment, and lives at 23 Marlborough-street, is reported as missing. Several times have his people written to the war office, but have not been able to get any definite information beyond the fact that he has been missing since October 27th. He has a wife and two children, and they received the last communication from him on November 17th.
Pte. Ormerod was called up as a reservist on August 5th, and journeyed with the Expeditionary Force to France in September.
A returned soldier, who has been home wounded stated that a big battle occurred on the 27th October, and out of 800 Black Watch men engaged, only 110 answered the roll call on the following day.
Pte. Ormerod is a native of Burnley and well known in the town. Previous to the war he was a weaver at Belle Vue Mill. He enlisted in the army in 1900, and served seven years with the colours. He went through the South African War, and holds the medal with four bars."

"IN THE BLACK WATCH
BURNLEY SOLDIER REPORTED DEAD
MISSING EIGHTEEN MONTHS (Burnley Express 19/04/1916)

The War Office have now officially reported as killed, Pte. John William Ormerod, of the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch), who before the war lived with his wife and children at 23 Marlborough-street, Burnley. Since he went to the front, Mrs Ormerod has removed to 21, Engine-street. to be nearer her mother. Pte. Ormerod has been officially reported as missing since the 27th of October 1914, and his wife has had no further news during the last eighteen months.
Pte. Ormerod was called up as a reservist on August 5th 1914, and journeyed with the Expeditionary Force to France in September. A returned soldier, who has been home wounded stated that a big battle occurred on the 27th October, and out of 800 Black Watch men engaged, only 110 answered the roll call on the following day.
Pte. Ormerod was a native of Burnley and well known in the town. Previous to the war he was a weaver at Belle Vue Mill. He enlisted in the army in 1900, and served seven years with the colours. He went through the South African War, and holds the medal with four bars. Pte Ormerod was 33 years old when he was reported missing and apparently killed. He leaves a widow and two children. The photo given herewith was taken several years ago."

The following article was published in the Burnley News on 15 April 1916:

"MISSING SIXTEEN MONTHS

BURNLEY SOLDIER'S DEATH PRESUMED (Burnley News 15/04/16)

The War Office now presumes the death of 7,773 Pte. John Wm. Ormerod, Royal Highlanders, Black Watch, whose home address was 21, Engine-street, Burnley. Pte. Ormerod was in the deadly fighting around Mons, and since October 26th, 1914, nothing has come to light about him. He was on the Reserve when war broke out, and was immediately sent for. He fought in the Boer War. In civil life the late Pte. Ormerod was a weaver at Belle Vue Shed, Westgate. He was 35 years old, and leaves a widow and two children."