‘There was not a braver young man on battlefield’

ONLY in the weeks that followed did the tragic, deadly consequences of the Somme hit home.

Many families spent weeks not knowing whether their loved ones had been killed or injured on the horrific offensive's first day, July 1, 1916.

The date is the deadliest in Cumbria's history, with heavy casualties among the county's soldiers serving in all manner of regiments.

The Carlisle-based Border Regiment was heavily hit, with its 11th Battalion - the famous Lonsdale Pals - suffering the heaviest losses as men went over the top.

Of the 800 men of that battalion who went into battle on that fateful first day, 500 were injured or killed.

Related Content: Remembered: Cumbria's dead from the first day of the Battle of the Somme

Details of how many of those men died - and the experiences their comrades endured - were outlined in moving letters home from the frontline.

Many, published in the pages of The Cumberland News, paint graphic pictures of the bullets and shells being fired and how Cumbrians literally fought for their lives, with some amazing tales of courage and heartbreak.

The Cumberland News of July 15, 1916, featured a note from an officer of the Border Regiment, recalling an inspection of troops buy a general a week on from the Somme beginning.

He reported the general, who said the regiment had the most difficult section of the German line to attack, as saying: "In this great fight you have more than pulled your weight and you and your even more glorious comrades who preceded you across the great divide have nobly done your duty.

"That day you showed yourself capable of maintaining your highest traditions. All agree in stating that the various waves of men issued from their trenches and moved to the attack in perfect order, undismayed by the heavy artillery and deadly machine gun fire.

"There were no cowards nor waverers and not a man fell out.

"It was a marvellous display of disciplined courage."

Amid the gallantry was tragedy, as the letters made clear.

Individual communities suffered heartbreaking losses - friends, neighbours and brothers dying in the offensive.

Among the communities that paid a heavy price was Fletchertown, near Aspatria.

That same edition of The Cumberland News reported the death of three comrades from the village - William Moore, William Steele and Joe Rumney.

John Stoddart, writing to Mr Moore's parents, said: "I am very sorry to have to write and tell you about the death of your son, who was killed on July 1 while carrying ammunition up for the machine guns.

"I am sure there was not a braver young man on the battlefield.

"He got his left hand blown off and when we were doing our best to get him in, they opened fire on us and wounded him again.

"I am very sorry to say he was done when we got him in, but he died like a hero.

"I feel so upset that I cannot say what I would like because William Steele and Joe Rumney are also killed. It makes one feel that he hardly knows what he is doing."

He added: "I have seen some sights I don't want to see again. Poor Willie was one of the best lance corporals you could wish to have and did his duty like a hero.

"I would very much like to have got near to him, but I am sorry to say I could not."

The advance made by the Border Regiment was also detailed.

Sergeant Tom Ridley, who was secretary to the Irthing Vale Cricket Club, wrote to Hilda Armstrong, of Beckside, Brampton. Her brother - Corporal Tom Armstrong - was killed in the advance.

"Tom's death occurred during an attack by our battalion on the German trenches.

"The battle was of terrific character and our battalion lost heavily. Tom was hit by a shell and died shortly afterwards in the arms of one of our sergeants.

"Although our men were hit by a withering fire, they never faltered but went forward to their task with bravery and heroism that has won the highest praise - bravery and heroism that has never been surpassed by even more seasoned troops. You may be proud of your brother."

Among the other casualties reported was Private Robert Carr, who was well-known in Wigton as a rugby player. He also died in the "big advance". Sadly he had recently told friends that he intended staying in the Army after the Great War, saying the soldier's life was one for him.

Communications from the frontline were, however, confusing as families waited anxiously to hear how their loved ones were.

A case from Shap highlighted that confusion.

The Cumberland News reported that letters were received in the village that Private James Wilkinson, of the Border Regiment, had been seen by two comrades to be killed.

He, however, wrote to his parents saying that he was wounded and in hospital in southern England "an intimation which naturally greatly delighted his relatives," the report added.

Cumbria's contribution to World War One and the impact of the Somme are highlighted in an exhibition, Voices from the Somme, which is running at Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, Carlisle Castle.