Name
John William Alfred Belchamber
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
26/03/1917
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
TF/201121
Royal Sussex Regiment
4th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
JERUSALEM MEMORIAL
Panels 25 and 26.
Israel and Palestine (including Gaza)
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Walkern War Memorial.
Wartime Service
On the 26th March 1917 the Battalion were at Deir El Belah. They were given an order to move to positions near the El Shelluf Ridge where they were to attack Turkish forces that had entrenched themselves.
There was a heavy mist covering the desert which did not lift until 8.15am, allowing the assaulting troops to see the Turkish positions. The assault began at 1.00pm with a Turkish trench being quickly taken and the attacking troops began to move up a nearby ridge. However, Turkish fire was very heavy and the Battalion attempted to hold its position but this could not be maintained and they were forced back. Soon the Battalion was relieved and were able to re-organise themselves.
The action had resulted in the loss of 4 Officers and 83 Other Ranks either killed or missing, with many more wounded. John has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Additional Information
www.stevenageatwar.com
Acknowledgments
Paul Johnson
