Harry Cuthbert Todd

A Lance Corporal with the 7th Battalion, Harry died on 12th of October 1916 at the age of 23. 

Harry was born at Kirkley on 23 February 1893, a son of Robert Charles and Amelia Todd. His given names were Cuthbert Harry, but in many records, including military ones, he is shown as Harry Cuthbert. He was baptised at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley, on 9 April 1893. In 1901 his family lived at 389 London Road. In 1911 they were still living at 389 London Road and Harry was a bricklayer, possibly working with his father.  

Harry volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft in 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, service number 1075, and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. Harry was posted to the 4th Battalion in France, and was then posted to the 7th Battalion, with service number 43006.  

The War Diary for the 7th Battalion has:

10 October 1916

Relieved 11th Middlesex in Bulls Runs, near Flers, four companies in front line.

12 October 1916

Attack to be made on Bayonet Trench and Luisenhoff Farm. Morning very quiet.
5 a.m. Battalion lying in shell holes in front ready.
10 a.m. Major Henty went forward to advance Battalion Headquarters in Grass Street to receive reports.
2 p.m. Zero. Attack started. German barrage very intense. Battalion proceeded in four waves, each company with a platoon front.
No definite report until 6 p.m. when Battalion was back in front line having failed to attain objective.
B and D Companies gained objective, but were driven out by superior numbers.
1st Essex on right gained objective but were unable to hold it, finally and they managed to keep part of it.
Battalion withdrew to reserve in Flers Trench. 

Colonel Murphy, in history of the Suffolk Regiment, felt that the attack failed because the enemy wire had only partially been destroyed and that the British barrage was ineffective.

All fifteen officers that went over the top became casualties: eleven killed and four wounded. Ninety two other ranks were killed and, in total, the Battalion had over 500 casualties.  

Harry was reported missing and later presumed to have died on or since 12 October.