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John Bertram
Symonds
1894
Tupsley, Hereford, Herefordshire
23rd July 1918
Killed in action in an attack south of Soissons when the 1st Herefords and 1st/7th Cheshires were ordered to attack through a tall corn field near Tigny-Villemontoire. Heavy machine gunfire and gas shells were used. The Herefords saw gas for the first time. Many of the men were new to the area, no trench systems were in place and they were in support of the French. John Bertram Symonds was killed here amongst the corn.
23
Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, Aisne, France
First World War
Lance Serjeant
1st/1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment
B Company
Military Medal, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Mentioned in Despatches
The attack through that corn field cost the 1st Herefords dear - 8 officers and 230 soldiers. John Bertram Symonds was one of the most decorated men of the regiment. He had been at Suvla Bay, and had been in Palestine. His awards for bravery were given for his actions in Palestine. They lost a great man when they lost Lance Serjeant Symonds that day in July 1918. Ref: Herefordshire Museum https://herefordshirelightinfantrymuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1918-July.pdf
