|
360071 98th Field Company, Royal Engineers
Maurice Blythe (registered as Morris) was born in Sudbury in 1888, one of eight children of Joseph and Sarah Blythe. His father was a master butcher and Maurice like his older brother William followed his father into the trade as a butcher’s assistant. The family lived in Church Street, Sudbury.
His army records show that he was living at home when he enlisted in Peterborough on 15 April 1915 at the age of 27, to serve with the Army Service Corps (formerly 1549). He was 5ft 8 ins in height with a full chest measurement of 36½ ins and had a good physical development. Maurice was promoted to Corporal in July 1915. He transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment in July 1917 and went across to France with them in the October before being transferred to the 98th Field Company, Royal Engineers in March 1918.
The 98th Field Company was attached to the 21st Division and in March 1918 they saw action at the Battle of St Quentin when the Germans began their Spring Offensive (21–23 March). The Allies were forced back as the enemy advanced deep into the allied held territory. On 28 September the Division found itself back by the St Quentin Canal when the Allies began the final advance towards victory.
Maurice died of influenza on 1 November 1918 just ten days before the Armistice and lies buried in Awoingt British Cemetery, Nord, France. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
A Cross of Remembrance was laid by his grave in October 2012. Maurice was a member of the Sudbury Conservative Club; his name was listed on their Roll of Honour.
In 1918 the influenza pandemic spread quickly through thousands of soldiers who had survived the fighting. It is believed to have killed at least 20 million people across the world over the course of two years; more than all the casualties on both sides from four years of fighting.
Back to Roll of Honour
|
