Pte 235304 Wilfred Sinclair Gregory

• Age: 26
• From: Waterfoot, Lancs
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• D.O.W Friday 3rd August 1917
• Commemorated at: Mendinghem B C Proven
  Panel Ref: III.B.16

Wilfred Sinclair Gregory was born in the September quarter of 1891 at Waterfoot, Lancashire, the son of George Henry and Mary Ann (nee Humpage) who married in 1889.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 22 Tunstead Road, Newchurch. Wilfred Sinclair is aged 9 and lives with his parents and two siblings. His father, George Henry, is aged 36, born in Waterfoot, Lancashire in 1865 is a cardboard box maker, whilst his mother, Mary Ann, is aged 37, born 1864 with no occupation,she was also born in Waterfoot, as were their children, Arthur aged 8 and Alice aged 1.

The 1911 Census shows the family living at 640 Newchurch Road Stacksteads Bacup. Wilfred Sinclair is now aged 19 and is a shop assistant for a furniture broker, living with his parents and two siblings. His father, George Henry, is now aged 46, and is a manager for a cardboard box manufacturer, whilst his mother Annie is aged 47. They advised that they have been married for twenty two years and had three children. His siblings are recorded as; Arthur aged 18, who is a clerk for a cardboard box manufacturer,  and Alice aged 11, is at school. They also have a servant Mary Maden aged 53, in the household.

Wilfred enlisted in Lancaster and originally served as Private 242856 in the Yorkshire Regiment and following a transfer was serving in the 20th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 235304 when he died of wounds on the 03rd August, 1917 aged 26 during the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). 

He now lrests atMendinghem British Cemetery, Belgium where his headstone bears the epitaph:

“HE DIED ON THE PATHWAY OF DUTY THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE”

Mendinghem, like Dozinghem and Bandaghem, were the popular names given by the troops to groups of casualty clearing stations posted to this area during the First World War. In July 1916, the 46th (1st/1st Wessex) Casualty Clearing Station was opened at Proven and this site was chosen for its cemetery. The first burials took place in August 1916. In July 1917, four further clearing stations arrived at Proven in readiness for the forthcoming Allied offensive on this front and three of them, the 46th, 12th and 64th, stayed until 1918. From May to July 1918, while the German offensive was at its height, field ambulances were posted at Proven. The cemetery was closed (except for one later burial) in September 1918. There are now 2,391 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in this cemetery and 52 German war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

Differing reports on Wilfred were posted in the local press:

The Fleetwood Chronicle of 17th August 1917 advised:

PRIVATE W. S. GREGORY

Previously Reported Killed, Now Reported Wounded

After receiving news on Monday that his son, Private Wilfred Sinclair Gregory, of the King's Liverpool Regiment, was killed in action on July 31st. Mr Gregory, of Woodland Grove, Blackpool, received on Wednesday a further letter stating that the earlier news was incorrect, and that his son was in hospital suffering from wounds. At first there seemed no room for doubt that the worst had happened, not only was the news of Private Gregory's death received from his company commander, but a comrade also wrote conveying the sad intelligence. The following letter, dated August 9th, was received by Mr Gregory from Captain E. R. Beaumont:- "It is my painful duty as his company commander to inform you of the death of your son Private Gregory of the King's. Though he had not been with us long, I learned to appreciate his sterling qualities, and during the attack on July 31st, as a company stretcher bearer, he did splendid work in attending to the wounded. It was while fearlessly engaged in this duty that he was killed on that day. I can assure you of the deepest sympathy of the officers of his company with you in your bereavement." On Wednesday night came the following letter, dated August 12th, also from Captain Beaumont:- "I am happy to be able to inform you that the sad news conveyed in my recent letter was incorrect. You will doubtless have heard from your son by now, but in case you have not I can inform you that he was wrongfully reported killed, and was picked up and taken down to the Field Ambulance with a serious head wound. I am afraid his condition is serious, but as far as our information goes, there is no reason to fear the worst. I regret very much that the mistake arose and hope you will soon have news which will free you from all anxiety. Private Gregory, who is 26 years of age, joined up about 14 months ago, being first attached to the Yorkshire Regiment, but afterwards transferred to the King's Liverpool's. He went out to France early in June. Before joining the army he and his brother were in business in partnership at Woodland Grove, Blackpool, as wholesale drapers, smallware dealers and metal polish dealers. Both joined the army, however, the brother being with a cycle corps in France, and the business is being carried on by their father who had retired. Mr Gregory has received many messages of condolence on the reported death of his son, and while he is grateful for these he is naturally delighted to hear that there is still good hope that he may have his son back in Blackpool again.

The Fleetwood Chronicle of 24th August 1917 contained the news of Wilfred's death:

STRETCHER BEARER W. S. GREGORY

DEATH FROM WOUNDS IN FRANCE

The sad news has come to hand that stretcher bearer Wilfred Sinclair Gregory of the King's Liverpool Regiment, son of Mr G. H. Gregory of "Glenville", St Stephen's Avenue, Blackpool, has died of wounds. Private Gregory was reported killed in action on July 31st, but his father afterwards received information that the earlier news was incorrect, and that his son was in hospital suffering from wounds. News came yesterday from the records office, Preston, that Private Gregory succumbed to his wounds on August 3rd. He was suffering from a gunshot wound in the head, and a fractured skull, and was admitted to the 12th Casualty Clearing Station, France, where his death occurred.

Wilfred is commemorated on the Blackpool War Memorial.

Soldiers Effects to father George H, no Pension record found

Probate: GREGORY Wilfred Sinclair Glenville, St. Stephen's Avenue, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, Private 20th King’s Liverpool Regiment died 03 August 1917 in France. Probate London 18 December to George Henry Gregory, clerk. Effects £293.

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