Private 8179 Harry Rogers


Rogers Harry 96 419x600
Harry in 1915 with sisters Joanna (Annie) and Alice, and nephew George Rogers Stallard.
Photo courtesy of Shirley52199, from www.livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk


Killed in Action on Friday, 18th August 1916, age 29.
Commemorated on Pier and Face 6 B of Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

6th Bn., Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. 43rd Brigade of 14th Division.

Son of Emily Rogers, of 10, Redland Rd., Malvern Link, Worcs, and the late James Rogers.
Born: Tipton, Enlisted: Birmingham, Resident: Tipton.

First landed France & Flanders, 26th August 1914.
Medal entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Soldier's Papers at National Archives did not survive.

Commemorated on the St. John's Memorial.
Commemorated here because he appears on a Tipton memorial.

Link to Commonwealth War Graves Site: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/809803/


Genealogical Data

Birth of Harry Rogers registered March Quarter 1887 in Dudley.

1901 Census
7 Churchyard Road, Tipton, Staffs.
James Rogers (54, Painter's Labourer, born West Bromwich), his wife Emily (43, Dress Maker, born Tipton), and their 8 children: William (18, Plater at Bridge & Girder Works, born Tipton), George (15, Range Fitter, born Tipton), Harry (14, Carpenter at Iron Works, born Tipton), Alice (11, born Tipton), Johanna (9, born Tipton), Herbert (7, born Tipton), Florence (5, born Tipton), and Harrold (3, born Tipton).

1911 Census
19 Keelinge Street, Tipton, Staffs.
Emily Rogers (53,Widow, Housekeeper, born Tipton), and 4 of her 8 surviving children of 9: William (27, Range Fitter, born Tipton), George Thomas (25, Range Fitter, born Tipton), Florrie Emily (15, Domestic Servant, born Tipton), and Harold (13, School, born Tipton).

1911 Census
2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry stationed at Harrismith, South Africa.
Private Harry Rogers, age 24, single, born Tipton, Staffs.


Personal Data

Harry was a serving pre-war soldier, and landed in France on 18th August 1914 with the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (DCLI). At some stage Harry transferrred to the 6th Battalion, DCLI, possibly after recovering from wounds or illness. He was serving with the 6th Battalion in August 1916 when he was killed.

After Harry's death, his outstanding army pay and allowances amounted to £2/9/10d (2 pounds, 9 shillings and 10 pence); this was paid to his mother, Emily, in January 1917. His War Gratuity was £11/10/0d (11 pounds and 10 shillings), this was also paid to his mother in March 1920 with the exception of £2/0/0d which was "one share retained for Brother Harold pending his recovery."

Harry's mother, Emily, was awarded a Dependant's Pension of 5/0d (5 shillings) per week, effective from 13th March 1917. Her address at this time was 13 Caddicks Row, Princes End, Tipton.


Action resulting in his death

The 6th Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (6/DCLI) had moved from Arras to the Somme area in early August 1916. They moved to the front-line around Delville Wood on 15th August in preparation for a major attack on 18th August.

On 12th August, the 6/DCLI relieved the 6th Somerset Light Infantry in support at Montauban, regular carrying parties were supplied. On the 15th August, 6/DCLI moved up to Delville Wood, 'B' and 'D' Companies and 2 platoons of 'C' Company were in the front line, 'A' Company in Longueval Alley, and the remaining 2 platoons of 'C' Company were in support in Trones Wood.

The 6/DCLI War Diary for 16th August reports that there was intermittent shelling from both sides during the day. From 7.00pm to 7.30pm, British heavy artillery bombarded the North-East corner of Delville Wood "to assist a minor enterprise directed against an enemy post". Unfortunately, the heavy artillery shells dropped short into the trenches occupied by the raiding party causing 23 casualties. 8 Other Ranks were killed, including Harry Rogers. Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.


Newspaper Cuttings

None.