Pte 27340 Hedley Andrew Thomas Boswell

• Age: 19
• From: Hale Bank, Lancashire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Thursday 28th March 1918
• Commemorated at: Pozieres Memorial
  Panel Ref: P21-23

Hedley Andrew Thomas Boswell was born in the September quarter of 1898 in Hale Bank, Lancashire, the son of Arthur Hedley Boswell and his wife Andrewina Sarah (nee Thomas), who were married 1898 in Liverpool.

Hedley enlisted in May, 1915 and previously served as 328 North Midland Divisional Cyclist Company and following a transfer was serving in 3 Company, 9th Platoon of the 18^th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 27340 when he was killed in action on the 28^th March, 1918, aged 19, during the German Spring Offensive.

The Battalion Diary gives an insight into the chaotic events of the day

28^th March

At about 6am the enemy commenced to shell heavily the whole of the forward line and brought Trench Mortars and MACHINE Guns into action.

FOLIES was shelled and the area in the rear of the village as far back as LE QUESNEL.

Rations were received at dawn and parties were organised to carry them to the Companies on the right. Owing to the heavy fire, however, it was not possible to get them up.

Heavy fighting was in progress on the right from soon after dawn and at 8am the enemy was reported to be in possession of BOUCHOIR and progressing towards the BEETROOT FACTORY. About 10am  the 59^th Infy Brigade was notified that it was relieved by the French and the Battalions of that Brigade were at once withdrawn in the direction of LE QUESNEL.

At noon the enemy was bombarding the village and vicinity heavily and reports were received that he was in occupation of WARVILLERS on the left and ARVILLERS on the right.

The front line East of FOLIES continued to resist until about 2pm when the order was received from the 89^th Infy Brigade to the effect that the Battalions were relieved by the French and would withdraw at once to MEZIERES, where the men would be fed. Companies withdrew under some shellingand very heavy M.G. and rifle fire from the left , through K10 -K3 – North side LE QUESNEL to the main ROYE road and reorganised about D.29 c. The march from this point was conducted in good order despite the congested roads.

At MEZIERES it was decided to continue a rearward movement and the march was resumed via VILLERS-MOREUIL – MORISEL – ROUVREL, which village was reached about 7pm and the Battalion billeted. The men had marched 13 miles from the left position in good order and with practically no straggling. They were exhausted on arrival at ROUVREL, but in good heart.

Echelon ‘A’ of the Transport joined the Battalion at this village and the men were fed immediately on arrival. The night passed without incident.  

Hedley was initially declared Missing 21-28 March 1918.

His Mother died in the March quarter of 1960, aged 86. Her death was registered in Caernarvon.

We currently have no further information on Hedley Andrew Thomas Boswell, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.