An Excellent, 1st DAY OF THE SOMME "CASUALTY"
1914-15 Trio & Plaque:

To:
17639 Pte E.T WESCOMBE,
8th Somerset Light Infantry.

A native of West Bagborough, Taunton.

KILLED IN ACTION 1st JULY 1916. Age 22.

[BIOGRAPHY]
Edgar Thomas Wescombe was born in West Bagborough near Taunton in 1894. He was the son of the late Jacob Wescombe and Anne Wescombe of Marshway, Currey Mallet, Taunton. Edgar was a K3 volunteer and joined the newly formed unit at Taunton in October-November 1914 and came under the command of 63rd Brigade, 21st Division. The Battalion's first arrivals in France were ashore a year later at Le Havre on 10th September 1915. Edgar's M.I.C. confirms that he joined his unit in France three weeks later on 6th October 1915.

[7:30am Saturday 1st JULY 1916, FRICOURT]
One of the tasks of the 8th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry on 1st July 1916 was to assist in the capture of Lozenge Alley and clearing part of Lozenge Wood from German occupation. The Lozenge Alley trench ran due east from the 8th Bn positions in the British front line which was just to the north west of Fricourt, and continued all the way to Lozenge Farm which itself was a short distance to the north of Fricourt village. Private Wescombe was killed just north of Fricourt on Saturday 1st July.

Unusually for a 1st July casualty, Edgar's body was recovered from the battle field and was buried at Gordon Dump cemetery just on the outskirts of La Boiselle. He is still commemorated there in eternal honour.










A Classic 1st July 1916, First Day of The Somme Casualty.

Medals, & Plaque are Practically Mint ....with Mint Original Ribbons. Complete With Royal Condolence Letter.

(SOLD )