Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Hatter, a builder and contractor, born on the 24th November 1866 in Thringstone, Leicestershire and his wife Sarah Anne Hatter (nee Rollinson, married on the 26th December 1893 in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Glen Parva and South Wigston, Leicestershire), born on the 13th March 1873 in Leicester. Bernard was born in the 1st quarter of 1895 in Ellistown, Leicestershire and was baptised on the 17th March 1895 in St. John the Baptist Church, Hugglescote, Leicestershire, he had one sibling, Gladys Victoria, born on the 5th June 1897 in Hugglescote and baptised on the 18th July 1897 in St. John the Baptist Church, Hugglescote, also residing with the family was Bernard’s widowed paternal grandmother, Henrietta Hatter, born 1830 in Camberwell, Middlesex, in March 1901 the family home was at Main Street, Hugglescote. In April 1911 Bernard was an apprentice joiner and was residing in the family home at 168, North Street, Hugglescote, together with his father, a builder and contractor, his mother, sister Gladys, a schoolgirl, and his widowed grandmother Henrietta Hatter.
Bernard had been a choir boy at St. John the Baptist Church, and also attended the church school. He was at the annual camp at Bridlington when war was declared, he was graded as an officer cadet and after attending for his officer training, was duly promoted 2nd Lieutenant on the 27th April 1915 and posted to the 2nd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, embarking for France shortly afterwards. After a period of front line action with his Battalion he was posted to the School of Mortars to receive instruction on commanding a battery of trench mortars, he was then posted to the 3rd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment.
The War Diary records: 25 Sept-15 - At 5.30am the Battalion was in positions of readiness in accordance with orders in four lines opposite their objective with bombing parties, sandbag parties and carrying parties all arranged and in position. At 6.00am the first line got over the parapet quickly followed by the second, the left had to right form to get in line with the right as the trench ran back from a salient near the centre. As the first two lines went out the third and fourth filed into the vacant positions in the firing line. The gas affected a number of our men, and the smoke caused a dense fog and direction was difficult. Casualties began at once and the third line was ordered out to fill up gaps. Owing to the thick smoke it seemed likely that gaps would occur on the flanks and at 6.07am the fourth line was sent out with special instructions to maintain touch with the units on either flank. At about 6.10am the left were over the German parapet and our flag was seen flying on their lines. The left went forward with such dash that they outstripped the 2/8th GURKHAS and came in for a lot of fire from rifles and maxim guns from our right. This caused a good many casualties including all the officers and most of the NCO’s of “A” Company which was the extreme left. Undeterred the men went on, got over the uncut wire and reached the road with parties of the 2/8th GURKHAS and gained their objective. In the meantime our right had not fared so well. They went forward in good line under a heavy fire till held up by the German wire. A number of our men here were collected in the ditch in front of the German wire waiting for developments. Officer casualties. Killed Captain F. H. ROMILLY D.S.O., Captain E. C. DEANE, R.A.M.C. Died of wounds 2nd Lieutenant M. W. BROWNE. Wounded Lieutenant Colonel H. GORDON D.S.O., Captain W. C. WILSON, Lieutenant H. H. PHILLIPS, 2nd Lieutenant G. W. TANNER, 2nd Lieutenant H. H. HEMPHILL, 2nd Lieutenant V. E. ELLINGHAM, 2nd Lieutenant C. C. BAILEY, 2nd Lieutenant G. W. GROSSMITH. Slightly wounded Major F. LEWIS, Captain D. L. WEIR. Gassed 2nd Lieutenant W. WILSON. Missing and believed killed Lieutenant W. T. PICKIN, 2nd Lieutenant R. E. S. LODGE. Missing known to have been wounded 2nd Lieutenant C. G. WOODBOURN. Missing and no trace 2nd Lieutenant W. J. WILKINSON, 2nd Lieutenant E. A. WILKINSON, 2nd Lieutenant T. R. LONGCROFT. Rank and file casualties. Killed 72. Wounded 217. Gassed 42. Missing 96. Wounded slightly but did not quit Battalion 3. What was left of the Battalion were relieved from the front line by the 2/39th GARWHAL RIFLES at 6.30pm and moved into support and local reserve just in rear. Before the operations began the Battalion worked for a week in strengthening the front line and preparing the defences behind. Four very strong lines were constructed capable of resisting the enemy’s bombardment.
On Friday, October 1st, 1915 The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. Hugglescote Officer Killed in Action. – Mr. T. Hatter, builder, of Hugglescote, has been officially informed by telegram from the War Office that his only son, Lieutenant Bernard Hatter, 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, was killed in action on September 26th or 27th. Lieutenant Hatter joined the first Coalville party of the 5th Leicestershire Territorial’s formed on the outbreak of the war, and was promoted to corporal, then sergeant, and after about six months service was granted a commission, when he was posted to Loughborough, next to Luton, and later to Hull. His last visit to his parents, when he was hopeful of soon going out to the front, was but a few weeks ago. He wrote only recently, mentioning the probability of a busy time, and that he would not be able to write so frequently. Lieutenant Hatter was at one time a member of the Hugglescote Church Lads’ Brigade, and later of the Coalville Troop of Boy Scouts.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday October 2nd, 1914

COALVILLE TERRITORIALS AND THEIR INSTRUCTOR

PRESENTATION TO SERGT. STONE

An interesting little function took place at the Whitwick gymnasium on Monday night when Sergt-Instructor Stone, who has been instructing the Coalville Territorials, over a hundred strong, was presented with a handsome dressing case.

Pte. Bernard Hatter made the presentation on behalf of the company, and said how sorry they were to know, that Sergt-Instructor Stone was to leave them shortly. The recruits highly appreciated his services and extended their best wishes to him as to his future career.

Sergt-Instructor Stone, who was quite taken by surprise, expressed his thanks and congratulated the men on the splendid progress they had made in such a short time. He had heard many people remark how smart they looked and he agreed and assured them that any regiment would be proud of them.

The Sergeant is returning to his regiment, the Seaforth Highlanders, on orders from the War Office and expected to leave Whitwick to-day (Friday). As is well known, Sergeant-Instructor Stone has for the last few years been in charge at the Whitwick and District Gymnasium and School of Arms, founded by the Right Hon. Charles Booth.

Coalville Times article - Friday March 12th, 1915

DO YOU KNOW

That Mr Bernard Hatter, of Hugglescote, (5th Battalion Leicestershire Territorials) has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant?

Coalville Times - Friday October 8th, 1915

Memorial Service at Hugglescote Church

The Parish Church at Hugglescote was packed on Sunday evening on the occasion of a memorial service for late Lieut. Bernard Hatter, Hugglescote, and who was formerly a chorister at the church and a member of the Church Lad’s Brigade, the present members of which, in uniform, marched to church headed by their bugle band.

The service was conducted by the Rev. R. P. Farrow (curate) who preached from the text Matt. 11c. 6v., “Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me.” In the course of his sermon, the preacher said they had a tremendous and most heart-felt sympathy towards the men who were giving their lives for their country in this war and the greatest sympathy was perhaps shown by saying the least.

The pulpit was draped in black crepe and shrouded with the Union Jack. Two of the members of the Church Lad’s Brigade, Bugler’s Palmer and Mathieson, sounded a bugle call and the organist, Miss Wells, at the close effectively played the Dead March.

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Coalville Times article - Friday October 22nd, 1915

Hugglescote Officer's Noble Death - "Come on Boys!" - How Lieut. B. Hatter Died

Mr and Mrs T. Hatter, of North Street, Hugglescote, have just received a touching letter from a brother officer of their only son, 2nd Lieut. Bernard Hatter, recently killed in the action, describing how the sad event took place. The letter is as follows:

“62nd Trench Mortar Battery, 1st Corps, 7th Division.

Mrs T. Hatter, My dear Madam – I must say how awfully grieved I was when I heard of your son’s death. He and I were together at the School of Mortars. I have just seen the man who acted as servant to him, and he has given me the following account. The attack took place on September 25th. He and Lieut. James had orders to advance with the guns. A few minutes after they started the advance, Lieut. James was shot and, of course your son had to take our command. As soon as he realised his position he said “Come on boys, let us make the most of it.” He advanced until within a few yards of the German parapet, when he was shot right through the heart. He muttered, “Oh God,” and fell over the parapet into the German trench. Death was instantaneous. He suffered no pain. All the men in the battery say your son died a noble death. They all worshipped him and I am sure they miss him very much. He left no message, as there was no time. Your son was full of optimism. Even while at school and before the attack he said that he should not be shot and that he would see England again. He died a noble death madam. You have my sympathy and condolence. I miss him terribly, as he was a good friend of mine. I believe his kit has been sent on. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know and I will do it with a good will – I am yours faithfully.”

A. V. Nicholson. Lieut.

A similar letter has also been received by Mrs Hatter from Gunner R. Mercer, R.G.A., who states that he acted as the deceased’s servant after he arrived in France. He expressed deep regret at Lieut. Hatter’s death, and states that he covered the body over after the fatal shot and then had to take refuge in a shell hole until he was relieved.

Coalville Times article - Friday March 10th, 1916

Mr and Mrs T. Hatter, have presented to the Hugglescote Church Lad’s Brigade, a framed portrait of their only son, the late Lieut. B. Hatter (killed in action), who was an old member of the Brigade?

Coalville Times article - Friday September 20th, 1918

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Lieutenant Bernard Hatter, Leicestershire Regiment, who fell in action at Loos, 1915.

Coalville Times article - Friday September 26th, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

“Eternal rest give unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

“R.I.P.”

In undying memory of my pal, Bernard Hatter, Lieutenant, Leicestershire Regiment, who fell at Loos, September 25/26, 1915.

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 09/09/2017