10/06/2026
Many men who served at Gallipoli went to the Somme in 1916. Bert Griffiths had already served in France before going to Suvla but did not survive his return there.
Pte. Bert Griffiths, 'D' Company, 17th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Welbeck Rangers), was killed on 5th October 1916 after accidentally kicking a dud shell.
His family received the news from comrades in the battalion. The first was from Second Lieutenant William Galpin Lilley.
“17th Sherwood Foresters,
“B.E.F., France,
“October 6th, 1916.
“Madame, It is with the deepest regret that I have to report the loss of your son Corporal Griffiths, who was killed in action yesterday, the 5th inst. Since I have been his platoon officer, I have always noticed that your son has set a splendid example to his men. He did not know what fear was. Also, it might interest you to know that I had recommended your son for his sergeant's stripes. When I come back to England I will certainly call on you. Allow me to join you and yours in your sad bereavement. The loss of your son is a great loss to D Company. Believe me, yours sincerely, W. G. LILLEY.” [1]
A man who worked with him at the pit, Pte. Ernest Copley, [2] wrote to Ernest Griffith's brother, Ernest.
“17th Sherwood Foresters,
“B.E.F., France,
“October 13th, 1916.
“Dear Ernest, You will no doubt be surprised to have a letter from me, as it is the first time I have written you since I have been a soldier. Well, I am sorry to say I've some very bad news to tell you, and hope you will take it all right. Your dear brother Bert was killed on October 5th. We were just going into action at the time, and I can assure you it was absolutely a pure accident. Very seldom anything happens like it. He was walking over some capture[d] ground from the Germans, and there were a few shells here and there which had failed to explode. If we happen to touch any of them, they explode without warning. He was walking along, and he happened to kick one by accident, with the result that it exploded and killed him instantly. He suffered no pain, and I saw him a few seconds after it was done, being only just behind him. He joined our battalion on September 6th, and when he came wit a draft I was surprised to see him. We were the best of chums the short time he has been with us, and I shall miss him very much, being a Hucknall lad. I knew him so well by working with him in the pit. I expect you knew he had been made a full corporal. He looked well, and was making a fine big fellow. It's hard lines, after being out here all that time. He has seen some hard fighting, and it was a pity for him to be killed like that. No doubt, you would like to know how I got your address. When we were coming out of action I saw Joe Skidmore, [3] who lives near you, and he told me he was in the Royal Field Artillery. He looked very downhearted when I told him about your Bert, as he was expecting to see him, having got to know we were up there. He told me to let you know as soon as possible, which I have done. Well, Ernest, give your mother and dad my deepest sympathy, and I hope they will bear up in their bereavement. He died like a brave British soldier. If anyone has done his bit it was poor Bert. Although I have been in some hot corners, I am quite well myself, and in the best of spirits. Keeping a good heart is everything out here. With deepest sympathy to you and all at home, from your old pal, E. COPLEY.” [4]
One of the first Hucknall men to enlist, he landed in France on 27th December 1914 as a reinforcement to the 1st Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, Wounded at Aubers Ridge on 9th May 1915, after recovering, he was sent as a reinforcement to the 9th Battalion at Suvla. Falling ill, as so many did at Gallipoli, he was transferred again, this time to the 17th Battalion.
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, the former miner was the son of Joseph and Mary Jane Griffiths, living at 46 Portland Road, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, in 1911.
[1] 'Hucknall Dispatch,' 26th October 1916.
[2] Ernest Copley, one of the battalion signallers, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 31st July 1917. His official citation was published in the 'London Gazette' on 22nd October 1917:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 31st July 1917, in the Hill Top Sector, Ypres, when Battalion linesman. He worked for five days between Battalion and Brigade Headquarters, maintaining the line under frequent heavy shell fire and the most trying climatic conditions, and although suffering from the effects of gas. He went out on three particular occasions on his own initiative under an intense enemy barrage to mend the line, which he succeeded in doing. On a fourth occasion, however, he was severely wounded – having set an example of fearlessness and devotion to duty which could not be surpassed.”
Losing the sight in his right eye, he was eventually discharged due to his wounds on 13th December 1918.
[3] Former miner, Joseph Skidmore, of 50 Portland Road, enlisted at Nottingham on 22nd August 1914. Posted to 'D' Battery, 85th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, he was awarded the Military Medal for his service on the Western Front. This was presented to him at a meeting of the Hucknall Urban District Council on 8th December 1919.
[4] 'Hucknall Dispatch,' 26th October 1916.
Image: Bert Griffiths, 'Hucknall Dispatch,' 26th October 1916.
