2193 PTE H.J.ANNIS LEIC.YEO.
Henry James Annis
Born Saltby Heath, Leicestershire 13/1/1885
Educated by Rev T.E. Ewbank at Sedgebrook Rectory, Lincs
To France 2/11/14 with 1/1st P.A.O. Leicestershire Yeomanry
Note: Shortly after the 1/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry landed in France on 2/11/14 they fought in the Battle of Nonne Bosschen 11/11/14. Six months later, on 13/5/15, the 1/1st Leicestershire Yeomanry were in the front line trenches on Frezenburg Ridge, Ypres Salient. A heavy enemy bombardment commenced at 3.30am & at 6.00am the Germans fought their way into our forward trenches. The British were heavily outnumbered & the fighting, much of it hand-to-hand, then raged for 7 hours with no respite. At great cost the desperate & severely depleted Leicestershire Yeomanry was the only unit holding the line for several hours. These brave men held on heroically & prevented the Germans from breaking through to Ypres. At 2.30pm the British artillery opened fire on the German lines & an hour later the 8th Cavalry Brigade launched a counter-attack. This charge, led by the 10th Royal Hussars, went forward with such a splendid dash that at the sight of them the gallant Leicestershire Yeomanry, reduced in numbers as they were, could not restrain themselves, but tumbled out of their trenches and joined in the rush. Of the 281 Leicestershire Yeomen who went into action 94 lost their lives, 93 were wounded & 94 came through unscathed.
Later 670949 Private, Labour Corps
Discharged 6/4/19
Lived at Croxton Kerrial, Grantham, Lincs
Married Marjorie Manners 25/4/23
In Sept 1939 he was a Poultry Farmer living at Warren Farm, Trunch, near North Walsham, Norfolk
Died North Walsham, Norfolk 1959
With copy of his Medal Index Card, plus War Pension Card, 1939 Register & supporting research details
Condition: Lightly discoloured on a sun-faded silk ribbon, NEF
