Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Hallam, an engine winder, born 1842 in Mapperley, Derbyshire, and his wife Sarah Clarke Hallam (nee Bretnor, married on the 11th April 1861 in All Saints Church, Kirk Hallam, Derbyshire), born 1841 in Birmingham, Warwkshire, and who was the daughter of Thomas Clarke Bretnor. Owen Bretnor Hallam, a schoolboy, was born in the 1st quarter of 1884 in Hugglescote, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Oscar Ingram, a brickyard labourer, born 1872 in Barlow, Derbyshire, Harold Berthold, a coal miner, born 1874, Edgar Oswald, a brickyard labourer, born 1876, Horace Clarke, a brickyard labourer, born 1878 and Francis Leopold, a schoolboy, born 1880, the latter four siblings were all born in Swannington, Leicestershire, also residing with the family was his nephew, Richard Henry, a schoolboy, born 1887 in Hugglescote, Leicestershire, in April 1891 the family home was at Buxtons Row, Hugglescote and Donington le Heath, Leicestershire. In March 1901 Owen was employed as a coal miner and was residing in the family home at The Green, Hugglescote, together with his father, an engine winder, his mother and niece, Edith Violet Dexter, born 1897 in Ibstock, Leicestershire. In April 1911 Owen was employed as a coal miner and was residing in the family home at 78, The Green, Hugglescote, together with his retired father and mother. Owen had a number of older siblings with whom he had never shared a home these were, Elizabeth Sarah, born 1862 in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and Bernard Thomas, born 1863, the latter two siblings were both born in Nottinghamshire, Maud Beatrice, born 1865, Clarice Flora, born 1867, Edith Violet, born 1870, the latter three siblings were all born in Derbyshire.
Owen attested into the Army on a Short Service engagement of 3 years with the Colours and 9 years in the Reserve on the 30th August 1902 in Leicester. He gave his place of birth as Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire, his age as 18 years and 8 months and his trade or calling as collier. He confirmed that he was unmarried. He gave his father Thomas Hallam and mother, Sarah Hallam of The Green, Hugglescote, Leicestershire, his brothers Thomas Hallam, Oscar Hallam, Edgar Hallam, Horace Hallam and Frank Hallam, his sisters Lizzie Hallam, Clarice Hallam and Maud Hallam as his next of kin. His medical examination recorded that he was 5 foot 6¼ inches in height, weighed 161 pounds and he had a chest measurement of between 37 and 39½ inches. His complexion was described as sallow, his hair colour was brown and he had brown eyes. It was noted that he had lost the tip of his middle finger on his right hand. His physical development was described as good. He gave his religion as Church of England. He was pronounced fit for Army service on the 30th August 1902 in Leicester. His record of service began when he joined the Depot of the Leicestershire Regiment as a Private, service number 6473 on the 30/8/02. Commenced training on the 30/8/02. Transferred to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 26/11/02. Granted Messing Allowance on the 2/3/03. Appointed Lance Corporal on the 9/4/03. Reverted to Private on the 19/5/03. Permitted to extend his service to complete 8 years with the Colours on the 14/10/03. Transferred to the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 27/1/04. Awarded the Army Certificate of Education 3rd Class on the 1/8/04. Transferred to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 16/10/06. Awaiting trial by D.C.M. from the 6/7/07 – 15/7/07. On the 15/7/07 tried by D.C.M. (District Court Martial) and sentenced to detention for 49 days with a -?- of 28 days for striking his superior officer, being in the execution of his office. To Detention Barracks on the 15/7/07. From Detention Barracks on the 1/8/07. To duty on the 2/8/07. Transferred to the Army Reserve on the 28/10/10. Re-engaged with the Army Reserve on the 2/7/14. Mobilized on the 5/8/14. Posted to the 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment on the 5/8/14. Posted to the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment and embarked from Southampton to join the British Expeditionary Force in France on the 12/12/14. Killed in action, place not stated 10-13/3/15. A summary of his service records: Home Service, 30/8/02 – 26/1/04, 1 year 150 days. India, 27/1/04 – 26/10/10, 6 years 273 days. Home Service, 27/10/10 – 11/12/14, 4 years 46 days. British Expeditionary Force, France, 12/12/14 – 13/3/15, 92 days. Total service 12 years 196 days. Owen was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British and Victory medals. The following information was provided by Owen’s father Thomas Hallam on the 29th April 1919, and was witnessed and signed by R. Allen, Official C of E., Coalville, Leicestershire on ARMY FORM W. 5080 (Information on deceased soldier’s family) Father of soldier, Thomas Hallam of 78, The Green, Hugglescote. Mother of soldier, Sarah Hallam of 78, The Green, Hugglescote. Full blood sisters of soldier, Elizabeth Hill, age 57 of Forest -?-, Bardon Hill, Maud Taylor, age 34 of 26, New Walk, Leicester and Clarice Weston, age 33 of Oaklands, Hugglescote Leicestershire. Full blood brothers of soldier, Bernard Hallam, age 36 of 10, North Street, Hugglescote, Leicestershire, Harold Hallam, age 53 of -?-, Coalville, Leicestershire, Edgar Hallam, age 46 of -?- and Horace Hallam, age 41 of 145, Popple Street, Sheffield. Owen’s surviving service documents are in a very poor condition, and much of the finer detail relating to the period of time that he spent in the army, is either illegible or missing, hence the sparse overall description of his military and personal family history.
The War Diary records: 10 Mar-15 - All in position by 5.00am 10th March. At 7.30am the artillery bombardment commenced and at 7.45am C Coy followed by D Coy moved up by communication trench to the northern position of eastern face of PORT ARTHUR. At 8.05am B and C Coys advanced each Coy having two platoons in front line closely supported by the other two platoons in 2nd line. The advance was carried out at a steady double. The first line of enemy’s trenches was carried and the advance was continued over several other enemy’s trenches and communication trenches reaching the final objective (line P.O. to road) at about 5.20am. B Coy occupying that position of German trench extending from P. to the line joining D and 5 and C Coy on their right extending through O. to the road. Two platoons from each A and D Coys had supported B and C Coy in third line. The D Coy platoons occupied the houses about D. and covered C Coys rear and finally moved up on C Coys right joining C Coys to road D.N. Meanwhile owing to the 1st/39th edging off to their right a gap of about 200 yards of the first German trench been unaccounted for and this position was still held by Germans who moved down trench opposite our right. Two parties endeavoured to dislodge them from trench to north of wired house and from wired house opposite our right. One platoon of D Coy from Reserve under Capt ROMILLY succeeded in bombing them back down trench eventually up to within 20 yards of wired house, here a barricade was built and with two reserve platoons of A Coy was held until the SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS advancing from our left took the line. (The Coys in the front line at once commenced improving the German trench and reversed the parapet). About 5.00pm, the enemy endeavoured to retire north eastwards but with the 1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS attacking from the west, the 3rd LONDON REGT. from the south west and the fire of A Coy enfilading them they raised the white flag and surrendered. About 80 prisoners were taken. About 3.40pm orders were received that the left of our advanced line was to swing round to P. to connect with 2nd/3rd GURKHAS this had already been done. At 3.45pm information received that the DEHRA DUN Bde was going to pass through to attack the BOIS DE BIEXZ and that GARWHAL Bde would remain on line T.P.O. and consolidate position. At 5.15pm Front line of I.A. Corps. from left to right 2nd/39th – 2nd/3rd – 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT. – 1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS – 3rd LONDON REGT. – 1st/39th – up to this hour the right flank of forward line by road had been in the air. About midnight 10th/11th March the 2nd/39th were withdrawn and attached to the DEHRA DUN Bde.
The War Diary records: 11 Mar-15 - The DEHRA DUN Bde advanced as far as the BOIS DE BIEZ but before dawn withdrew and dug themselves in. The 2nd/2nd GURKHAS digging a trench 100 yards in front of the 2nd/3rd GURKHAS trench and the 2nd/39th coming into that portion of our line held by C and ½ of D Coys. The trench dug by the 2nd/2nd made 60 yards of trench on my left, which was occupied by B Coy and faced north, of no account as this portion of the trench flanked the line held by the 2nd/3rd GURKHAS. The ½ of A Coy in front line was withdrawn to D. at dusk. During the night 11th/12th March the 2nd/2nd GURKHAS were withdrawn and the trench was left unoccupied.
The War Diary records: 12 Mar-15 - The enemy artillery shelled PORT ARTHUR. On the 12th March at 5.15am the Germans counter attacked and A Coy at D. was called up but this counter attack broke down on the right at 100yards from our trenches. On the left they occupied the trench vacated by the 2nd/2nd GURKHAS and advanced from there direct on the 2nd/3rd GURKHAS. They were received with frontal fire from the GURKHAS and enfiladed by B Coy and one Machine Gun under Capt McINTYRE and few returned to their trench. At 9.00am a white flag was seen in this trench and at 9.30am a Coy of the 1st/4th GURKHAS advanced as there was no further movement by the enemy a party under 2nd Lt McINTYRE under fire from enemy behind white flags rushed to the trench and assisted the GURKHAS in clearing it of the enemy, many of whom were killed or wounded, the remainder surrendering to the 1st HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY further north. Information received at 11.00am the SIRHIND Bde supported by JULLUNDER Bde was going to attack in easterly direction, but no attack took place although troops were formed up behind front line, owing to open nature of ground and lack of cover they suffered somewhat heavily. At 3.37pm received information that GARWHAL Bde would remain in possession of line. At 6.00pm FEROZEPORE Bde came up but by 11.00pm it was decided that attack would not take place. Heavy artillery shelled PORT ARTHUR from 1.00pm to 2.15pm. Battn HQ’s and ½ D Coy moved to D. at 3.00pm. JULLUNDER and FEROZEPORE Bde withdrawn about 11.30pm.
The War Diary records: 13 Mar-15 - Heavy shelling in neighbourhood of D. and NEUVE CHAPELLE during the morning. Snipers very active. At 12.30pm it was reported by a Gunner observing officer that the enemy were collecting on the line of LAYES river S.5.b to M.36.c. Orders were issued by Bde at 5.15pm for relief of line by SIRHIND Bde (Appendix E). Operational orders issued at 6.30pm (Appendix F). At 5.30pm information was received that appearances were in favour of the enemy attacking. Relief completed at midnight 13th/14th March all quiet and Battn marched to L’EPINETTE via F. Bde HQ’s RUE DES BERCEAUX – QUEEN MARY ROAD – LA COUTURE – ZELOBES and LOCON ROAD arriving at billets at 6.00am 14th March.
On Saturday March 27th 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – LEICESTERS IN THE CASUALTY LISTS. Pte. Walter Noon, of C Company, 2nd Leicesters, writing to his father, Mr. George Noon, 84, Wilkin’s Lane, Hugglescote, under date 19th March, said he had just left the trenches, after being there a week. He mentions that Owen Hallam was killed. Pte. Owen Hallam referred to by Noon, was also in C Company. He was called up as a reservist when the war broke out, and his aged parents reside at Hugglescote. Another brother, (Francis) fought throughout the South African war in the 1st Leicesters, and died at the house of his parents. Owen was a miner working at Ibstock Colliery, and was a member of the Coalville Swifts Football Club. He had but a month or so to serve in the Reserve to complete his Army engagement on the outbreak of the war, and had been home from India about four years.
On Saturday April 3rd 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL CASUALTIES. HUGGLESCOTE SOLDIER KILLED. Mr. and Mrs. Hallam, of The Green, Hugglescote, have been officially notified that their son, Private Owen Hallam, 2nd Leicesters, has been killed in action at a place not stated. The deceased was a playing member of the Coalville Swifts Football Club.
On Friday April 16th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HEAVY LEICESTERSHIRE CASUALTIES.” – MEN WHO FELL AT NEUVE CHAPPELLE. – OFFICIAL LISTS. – The official lists of casualties published during the past week contain the names of numerous representatives of the Leicestershire Regiment, several of whom will be recognised as belonging to Melton Mowbray and district. Reported from the base, 24th March.
KILLED.
Ball (11054), Private A., Barker (10872), Private A., Bates (12314), Private W., Betteridge (9239), Lance Corporal T., Bishop (11078), Private J. H., Bosher (9534), Private H., Bradley (6131), Lance Corporal A., Bradley (11776), Corporal G. J., Branson (9838), Private F., Brooks (12142), Private B., Brown (11185), Private H., Brown (8631), Private S. W., Carter (11125), Private W., Congreve (8282), Private F., Conway (5393), Private A., Cooke (9898), Private E. A., Corby (8485), Private W. H., Cornish (10358), Sergeant J., Cousins (6007), Private C. E., Cox (8829), Lance Corporal F. J., Croucher (8854), Private L., Cunnington (12090), Private H., Davis (9923), Private F., Elson (7096), Lance Corporal F. A., Emery (8269), Private W., Ferguson (9277), Private R. E., Garton (9939), Private E., Green (11801), Private G., Hall (12041), Private E., Hallam (6473), Private O., Hayes (8740), Drummer D., Helsdon (6021), Lance Corporal W., Hicks (10718), Private E., Hinckley (9160), Private L. J., Holt (11718), Private C. H., Holt (12093), Private W., Hopkinson (12383), Private J., Hyde (8199), Private J. W., Lake (9242), Private H., Latham (12468), Private W. S., Lee (11330), Private E. H., Lees (5329), Sergeant E., Littlejohn (8708), Private T., Locks (8961), Private L., McHugh (12700), Private A., Mansfield (9034), Private H., Morgan (8412), Private A., Morre (5661), Private F., Neat (5342), Sergeant J., Needham (6400), Private H. S., Peacock (11043), Private G., Potterton (8959), Private W., Poyser (12070), Private J. G., Randle (6164), Private L., Reynolds (10162), Private J. S., Robinson (8732), Private P., Rowley (9863), Private W., Sanders (9225), Private U., Sheffield (12078), Corporal J. D., Shipsides (6396), Private E., Skelcey (8825), Private R., Soden (11262). Private W. A., Tansley (7898), Lance Corporal W. J., Taylor (12412), Private F. W., Towndrow (5708), Lance Corporal E., Twigg (7466), Sergeant J., Vine (10426), Private W., Ward (10951), Private W. R., Wardle (6399), Private W., Wareham (12045), Private H., Warner (9285), Private A. H., Warner (9864), Private O., Watson (11669), Private J., White (9522), Private A., Woodford (9045), Private A. F

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article- Friday September 25th, 1914

Local Chit Chat

According to a message received by us on Saturday from one of the wounded soldiers who have returned from the front, three of the soldiers from this locality who are in the fighting were quite well when their pal left and send greetings to all their old friends in Coalville and district. One was Owen Hallam, the Coalville Swifts’ footballer, and the others, Sergt. Pepper from Bagworth, and “Snap” Reed from Bardon.

Coalville Times article - Friday February 26th, 1915

Another batch of letters and postcards have been received by Capt. Stevenson at the Coalville Recruiting Office from men at the front, expressing thanks for gifts which were provided from funds raised at two concerts at the Olympia in December. Appended are extracts from a few of them.

Thanks for gift of clothing, which was most acceptable on account of being wet through from one week to another. A change is always very welcome if only one a month.

Pte. Owen Hallam

Coalville Times article - Friday March 26th, 1915

HUGGLESCOTE FOOTBALLER REPORTED KILLED

MAIN SUPPORT OF HIS AGED PARENTS

Mr and Mrs Thomas Hallam, who reside near the Corner Pin at Donington-le-Heath, have had an intimation, though not official, that their son, Owen Hallam had been killed during the recent fighting in France.

The news was conveyed in a letter from another Hugglescote soldier to his parents residing in Wilkin’s Lane, who was in the same company as Hallam – the C Company of the 2nd Leicesters. Mrs Hallam informed our representative on Wednesday that acting on the advice of Canon Broughton, she wrote to the War Office for information, but had received no reply.

Pte. Owen Hallam was well-known as a local footballer, being a member of the Coalville Swifts team and formerly of Hugglescote United. He was called up as a reservist when the war broke out, being then engaged at the Ibstock Colliery. His father, Thomas Hallam, was for many years driver of the winding engine at Ellistown Colliery and both he and Mrs Hallam are old age pensioners, this now being their only source of income. They have had six sons and five daughters, Owen being the youngest. He was the only son at home and the main support of his aged parents before the war. Another son, Francis was in the South African War, being in Ladysmith during the siege, and he died from disease on the way home.

Owen Hallam had but a month or two to serve in the reserve when the war broke out. He had been home from India about four years.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 2nd, 1915

HUGGLESCOTE SOLDIER KILLED

PARENTS OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED

The report in our last issue of the death in France of Pte. Owen Hallam, of Donington-le-Heath, was officially confirmed on Tuesday, when his aged parents received a notification from the military authorities to the effect that Hallam had been killed in action at a place not stated. Deceased was a playing member of the Coalville Swifts Football Club and formerly of Hugglescote United. He was the main support of his parents, two old age pensioners who live near the Corner Pin.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 2nd, 1920

WAR MEMORIAL AT HUGGLESCOTE CHURCH

UNVEILED BY COL. R. E. MARTIN

A tablet which has been placed in Hugglescote Parish Church, to the memory of men from the parish who fell in the war, was unveiled by Lt.-Colonel R. E. Martin, C.M.G., on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation.

The tablet is of excellent design, in keeping with the handsome edifice, and is of a permanent character, the names of 101 men being inscribed on Swithland slate, set in a frame of Ketton stone, surmounted by a cross and crown encircled in a carved laurel wreath, with similar carvings on either side. The inscription runs as follows:

“Their name liveth for evermore.”

“To the Glory of God, and in imperishable memory of the men of the parish who fell in the great war, 1914 – 1918.”

The names of the men inscribed on the tablet are as follows:-

H. A. Attwood, C. T. Beadman, J. Brooks, W. Baker, J. E. Briggs, H. G. Blackham, J. T. Bishop, J. Barrs, G. Barrs, R. Beadman, E. Bonser, G. Beale, J. G. Bennett, E. S. Boot, W. Berrisford, F. J. Betteridge, F. P. Benistone, J. W. Cawley, F. Chamberlain, J. A. Crookes, R. A. Cross, L. Cross, J. Cox, P. Cliff, J. W. F. Collier, C. Drewett, H. B. Drewett, S. Dodds, A. Elkin, H. C. Elkin, J. Farn, H. Fletcher, H. Finch, L. Finch, G. Firban, G. Gadsby, A. Gamble, S. F. Gamble, W. Gray, W. O. Hoden, O. Hallam, B. Hatter, J. Haywood, W. Hill, F. Hill, J. E. Hibbert, G. Hart, G. H. Highfield, E. Harper, J. W. Harper, H. Hall, J. E. Holmes, J. Jones, W. Jones, F. J. Kirby, I. V. Kelham, H. Lewis, W. Lewis, W. Massey, H. O. Moseley, T. Marriott, G. Martin, J. A. Moult, J. Maunders, J. Moon, I. Mycroft, W. Newbold, O. H. Pratt, J. A. Pegg, F. Pink, E. H. Palmer, W. Riley, A. T. Richardson, W. Rogers, C. Simmons, E. A. Stinchcombe, J. Summers, S. Summers, C. Shilton, G. Slatter, J. Smith, J. C. Shaw, S. Smith, G. Spencer, S. C. Smith, J. W. Setchell, W. Statham, A. G. Tovell, S. T. Timson, J. Tebbatt, F. Whitmore, E. Willett, B. Walker, H. Watson, C. H. Walker, J. Woods, T. Willett, A. Wright, A. Wood, J. Young and W. Young.

As the congregation passed into the church, members of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, with the ex-Sergt.-Major W. Hill in charge, lined up on either side of the entrance and two of the Brigade with bowed heads and leaning on reversed rifles, stood by the memorial, covered with the Union Jack.

The service, which was very impressive, was conducted by the Rev. Canon Broughton (vicar) and opened with the hymn, “Stand up for Jesus.” Then followed prayers and collects. Psalm 130, and a lesson read by the Rev. J. C. Wallace, after which the clergy and choir proceeded to the memorial, led by the churchwardens, Messrs. W. E. Canner and J. W. Fletcher.

In unveiling the tablet, Colonel Martin said “To the glory of God and in imperishable memory of the men of this parish who fell in the great war 1914 – 1918, I unveil this tablet, which has been erected by their fellow parishioners in grateful recognition of their self-sacrifice.”

The “Last Post” having been sounded by buglers of the Church Lads’ Brigade, the choir and clergy returned to their places and Colonel Martin gave an address from the chancel steps.

He spoke of the memorable days in August 1914, when the principles on which our national life is based were being assailed, and it was the part of every true man to stand in defence of them. They had tangible proof that the spirit which was then evoked in the nation was the same spirit as that shown by their forefathers who went out to fight country’s enemies. He would never forget the day about the end of August, 1914, when the North Midland Territorial Division, which had been mobilised about three weeks, was told to fill up its ranks for service abroad. It fell to him, among others, to come back into Leicestershire to try and explain to the people what they were up against, and he remembered what a splendid response they gave. In the North Midland Division, between 80 and 90 per cent of the men said they were prepared to go anywhere, though many of them were married men who had never experienced Army service before. Many things have happened since – much self-seeking, a desire to get rich quickly, many apparent inequalities of justice and self-sacrifice – but he was sure they could all take comfort from the fact that there was tangible proof given in those days that the nation was sound at heart and could be trusted to do the right thing when the crisis really arose. And what happened when the armies got overseas and began their real work? He ventured to say that no one had the privilege of serving in a better battalion. The men from that district – Coalville men they always called them – were a splendid lot of men filled with genuine enthusiasm for fitting themselves for the part which they had to play, and who on getting across the water, proved themselves as good as the best. He went on to speak of evidences of practical Christianity displayed by the men, and of deeds of heroism which came to his notice. One instance he recalled was when they were between Hill 60 and Ypres. When the Brigadier realised that he had in the ranks men accustomed to mining, he formed a number of Coalville men into a mining section, whose duty it was to construct projecting galleries in front of the trenches, to find out if the Germans were under-mining. One day a member of the party came across a German mine filled with German explosives in large quantities, and it would have been a very natural thing for him to want to get away from it as soon as possible, but instead of that, he crawled over the top and disconnected the mine and came back and reported it to his commanding officer. This man, whose name was Starbuck, had no thought for his own safety, but first took steps to safeguard his comrades.

Proceeding, Col. Martin said his services came to an end in October, 1915, but he had always felt ever since then that the war had been worth while, if for nothing else than for the fine spirit it brought out, and if the same spirit could be shown in regard to present day problems, it would go a long way towards reaching a solution. He was not one of those who said this country ought to have stood aside and have taken advantage of the trade while other countries were fighting. The people, who said that, he thought, were wrong. He thought that what the people of this country did when they found what they were up against should be an example and pattern to them now. If the war had done nothing else, with all the misery, self-sacrifice and sorrow, he believed they were worth while because they afforded the opportunity which was taken by so many of showing a truly Christian spirit. He believed that experience had not been lost, but would help them to get through present day difficulties with credit to themselves.

The closing hymn was 11, “For all the saints,” and a collection was taken for St. Dunstan’s Hostel for Blind Soldiers and Sailors. As the congregation were leaving the church, Mr F. Baxter (organist) played, “O, rest in the Lord.” Before and after the service, peals were rung with the bells half-muffled.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from the Coalville Times) by Andy Murby, 2017.