HARRY DOBBIN (1885 – 1918)

45249 Rifleman H. Dobbin, 1/5^th London Regiment, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own) was killed in action 27 September 1918, is buried in Chapel Corner Cemetry, Sauchy-Lestree, France [1] and is commemorated on the St. Helens Colliery Memorial Cottages.  He was 32 years old, married to Nora and they had at least 2 children, Ethel and Mathew.

Family Details

Harry Dobbin was born 1885[2], the son of Henry Dobbin and Mary (nee Walker)[3] in Leeds, Yorkshire.  There were at least 4 siblings:  [4]

• Isabel born c.1880 at Leeds
• Elizabeth born c.1882 at Leeds
• Harry born 1885 at Leeds
• James born c.1888 at Leeds

By 1901 Henry was a widower and the family lived at Whessoe Lane, Cockerton, Darlington, Co. Durham and he worked as a general labourer.  His son Harry then aged 15 also worked as a labourer.[5]  Harry married Nora Hull 17 December 1906 in the Auckland registry area.[6]  By 1911, Harry and Nora lived at 1 Maude Terrace, St. Helen’s Auckland and they had 2 children:

• Ethel Annie aged 3 born at Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland
• Mathew Henry aged 8 months born at St. Helen’s Auckland

Harry was employed as a colliery fireman.[7]

Service Record

The service record of Rifleman Harry Dobbin has not been traced and the War Diary of the 1/5^th London Regiment, Rifle Brigade has not been researched.  The date he enlisted is unknown.  He originally served with the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) being issued the regimental number 35976 [8] thus was transferred to the Rifle Brigade later in his army career and given the new regimental number 45249 [9] (at a date not yet researched).  It seems likely that he did not enter France until after 31 December 1915 since he was not awarded the 1915 Star. [10]

From 10 February 1916, the 1/5^th London Regiment served with 169 Brigade, 56^th (London) Division, [11] 22^nd Corps, Third Army [12] together with the 2^nd Londons and the 16^th Londons. [13]

The date of Rifleman H. Dobbin’s death coincides with the start of the Battle of the Canal du Nord (27 September – 1 October 1918) which was a phase of the Battle of the Hindenburg Line.[14]  The assault position was along the inter-army boundary between the British First and Third Armies. Both Armies were tasked with continuing the advance started with the Battle of Drocourt-Queant Line, Battle of Havrincourt and the Battle of Epehy.  The British First Army’s objective was to secure the northern flank of the British Third Army by crossing the Canal du Nord.  The Third Army was tasked with securing the Escaut (Scheldt) Canal so to be in a position to support the British Fourth Army during the Battle of St. Quentin Canal.  The Third Army was able to occupy the towns of Queant and Pronville without any fighting as the Germans fell back.[15]  The Canal du Nord was crossed 27 September 1918.  The 56^th Division was in reserve but several units went forward to assist the Canadians and advanced on the Canal de la Sensee where it dug in. [16]

There were 2 casualties from the 1/5^th London Regiment on 27 September 1918, Rifleman H. Dobbin and 45142 Rifleman Albert Baxter (formerly 32/871 Northumberland Fusiliers). They are both buried at Chapel Corner Cemetery, Sauchy-Lestree.  Sauchy-Lestre was captured by the 56^th (London) Division 27 September 1918. [17]

Rifleman H. Dobbin was awarded the British War and Victory medals. [18]

Burial

Rifleman H. Dobbin is buried at grave reference B.6. Chapel Corner Cemetery, Sauchy-Lestree, Pas-de-Calais.  The village is to the north of the Arras to Cambrai road and the cemetery contains 178 First World War burials. [19]

References:

[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[2] England & Wales Birth Index July, August & September 1885 p144

[3] 1881 census

[4] 1891 & 1901 census

[5] 1901 census

[6] England & Wales Marriage Index

[7] 1911 census

[8] Soldiers Died in the Great War

[9] Soldiers Died in the Great War

[10] Medal Roll card index

[11] http://www.1914-1918.net/london.htm

[12] http://www.warpath.orbat.com/battles_ff/1918_pt2.htm

[13] Battlefields1418.50megs.com/56division.htm

[14] www.1914-1918.net/56div.htm  “Short History of the London Rifle Brigade” Naval & Military Press may give further details

[15] En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the-Canal_du_Nord

[16] Battlefields1418.50megs.com/56division.htm

[17] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[18] Medal Roll card index

[19] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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