Herbert Graves: A Signaller In The 1st Lincolns.

1914 - 15 Trio. 9746 Pte. H. Graves, 1st Lincolnshire Regiment.

Herbert Graves was born in 1896 in Welbourn, Lincolnshire, one of the seven children born to Charles Graves and his wife, Louisa . Charles died shortly after Herbert's birth and his mother remarried. The 1901 Census records Herbert as a 5 year old living with his family at 16 Hartsholme Cottages, Boultham, Lincolnshire. At some point the family moved to Lincoln, taking up residence at 31 Kingsley Street. Herbert was educated at St Faith's School and was later employed as a welder in the Ruston Works. In October 1913, Herbert joined the Lincolnshire Regiment and on the outbreak of the First World War was with the 1st Battalion in Portsmouth. The 1st Lincolns left for France on 13th August 1914, part of the original British Expeditionary Force, and were in action 10 days later at the Battle of Mons. However, Herbert was not with them; still only 17 years of age, his departure to France was delayed until June 1915. Having been previously trained in signalling and telephone work, once in France, Herbert joined the battalion signallers and did useful work at the front. On one occasion he was recommended for the Military Medal for "having, at great risk, laid telephone wires and opened very vital communications." But, given the choice of the medal or promotion, he chose the latter - probably it was the 3d extra a day paid to Lance Corporals that influenced his decision. Following his promotion, Herbert went to signalling school and gained his certificate in September 1917, rejoining his battalion soon after and taking part in the latter stages of the 3rd Battle of Ypres, more commonly called Passchendaele. From 6th October till 10th November, the Lincolns had "a most unenviable time." Days in the water-logged front line trenches in Polygon Wood alternated with time in reserve, furnishing working parties for digging purposes. The danger from shell-fire was constant and casualties were a daily occurrence. Herbert Graves was severely wounded on 9th November 1917 and died the same day at the 10th Casualty Clearing Station. One newspaper report at the time stated: "A sister from the hospital writes that he was suffering from very severe wounds when taken there, and never recovered sufficiently to speak." Herbert Graves was just 21 years old. He is remembered with honour at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Herbert Graves (seated on the left) photographed with his pal, Francis Frederick "Verdy" Coatsworth, who served with the 7th Lincolns and who died of wounds on 14th October 1917. A good conduct chevron and signaller's insignia can be seen on Herbert's left sleeve. "Verdy" has a similar good conduct chevron and a wound stripe.