Page 13 - Local Heroes - Silk

Local Heroes Redditch Heritage

On the 22nd July the Battallion went into action. The records described what happened:

"The 5th Division had taken over a position before Montauban on July 20,
the 95th Brigade being in the trenches and the 15th Brigade in reserve. Soon
after nightfall on July 22 " A " and " B " companies of the 14th Royal
Warwickshire attacked on the left, but were met with a fire of such violence
that Colonel Murray at once formed the opinion that nothing could live
against it. The attacking companies were immediately cut to pieces, and
those few who got within distance were met by a regular curtain-fire of
bombs. Another company was sent forward, and two companies of the 15th
Royal Warwickshire were brought up in support. But it was presently clear
that success was impossible, and all available details had to be collected to
reorganise the original line against counter-attacks. The 14th had 4 officers
killed, besides 10 who were wounded or missing, and a total of 469
casualties in other ranks. One company of the 15th had also suffered
severely through machine-gun fire from High Wood. The other two battalions
of the brigade had fared no better, and in the morn-ing they were relieved
by the 15th Brigade. On July 27 a fresh attack was made by the latter
brigade on the north part of Longueval and west edge of Delville Wood."

Bernard like so many others simply disappeared and his remains were either never
found or never identified.

Back in Redditch Millie received the news while she was at work. She was not the only
person working at Terry's to have received such devastating news. Mr Terry, as he had
for others, personally drove her home in her car.

The depth of their relationship was shown by the fact that in September Millie went away
with the Silk family to the Savoy Hydro, Blackpool to convalesce.

A letter sent to her by her mother hints at other losses and worries within the family
but also how everyday life went on.

After the war my Gran went on to meet my grandad - Douglas Turner and for many
years ran the family shop, which became known as the Bon Bon in Evesham Street.

They had a long and happy marriage but I am sure that every November she remem-
bered and said a silent prayer for Bernard.

As I reflect on the events 100 years ago I wish that war had never happened. But, if
Bernard had lived, then I would probably never have been born. What a strange
thought, how random is history?

I would love to hear from anyone who has any information on the Silk family or their
coal business. In the summer I hope to make another visit to The Thiepval Memorial to
the lost.

Bernard will continue to be remembered.

Richard Turner

© DJC & JMC 2016 Page: 13