Name
Louis Belshaw
1892
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
06/10/1917
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
27783
Bedfordshire Regiment
1st.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 48 to 50 and 162A
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
N/A
UK & Other Memorials
Redbourn War Memorial, St Mary’s Church Memorial, Redbourn, Redbourn Roll of Honour, Not on the Watford memorials
Pre War
Louis Belshaw was born in 1892 to John and Ann Belshaw (nee WHITE) who lived at Fish Street, Redbourn.
His parent’s marriage is proving elusive. Ann died 1917 in St Alban’s, Herts, aged 72, and was buried 21 November at St Mary’s, Redbourn, Herts; John died 1921 in Redbourn aged 78, and was buried 8 October, also at St Mary’s.
On the 1891 Census, a scholar aged 9 he lived in Redbourn, with his parents and six siblings. On the 1901 Census, a butcher aged 19, he still lived in Redbourn, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1911 Census, a carter aged 29, he lived in Watford.
Officially recorded as born in Redbourn and was living in Watford when he enlisted in Bedford.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Bedford; was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action.
The War Diary for the 1st Bedfordshire Regiment records that on 5th October 1917 they were in the front line near Veldhoek. “Battalion relieved 1st Royal West Kents in Front line from J.21.d.8.9 on Road to junction of THICK COPSE & the SCHERRIABEEK. 9 Oct. Killed in action."
Additional Information
Soldier's Effects register shows War Gratuity of £6-10-0 to Ellen M Fowler. Sole legatee.
Acknowledgments
Gareth Hughes
Gareth Hughes, www.bedfordregiment.org.uk Malcolm Lennox, Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
