Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Arthur Faulks, a shoe trade riveter, born 1873 in Earl Shilton, Leics., and his wife Mary Ann Faulks (nee Swinfield), a shoe trade machinist, born 1873 in Earl Shilton, Leics. Neville was born in 1895 in Earl Shilton, Leics., his siblings were, Hilda, born 1897, Grace, born 1899 and Albert, born 1901, all his siblings were born in Earl Shilton, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at 38, New Street, Earl Shilton, Leics. In April 1911 Neville was employed as a boot trade finisher and was residing in the family home at 38, New Street, Earl Shilton, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Hilda, an apprentice boot trade machinist, Grace, a schoolgirl, Sydney Thomas, a schoolboy, born 1902, Sarah Ann, a schoolgirl, born 1904, Edna, born 1907 and Florence Emily, born 1908, the latter four siblings were all born in Earl Shilton, Leics. His sister’s Grace, aged 16 and Sarah Ann, aged 10 both died during 1915. On Saturday March 10th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “THE ROLL OF HONOUR” - “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” – Mr and Mrs A. Faulkes, of New Street, Earl Shilton, have been informed that their son, Private Neville Faulkes, who was reported missing in July last, was killed in action on July 14th. Deceased was 21 years of age, and before the war was employed at the factory of Messrs. Hurst and Cotton. He was prominently connected with Earl Shilton Primitive Methodist Church, and was a member of the Social Institute Prize Choir. His father who is in feeble health in consequence of a serious bicycle accident some years ago, has now lost three children within 18 months. The War Diary entry for the 14th July 1916 records. FRICOURT. Battalion moved off at 12.15am and moved up to the southern edge of MAMETZ WOOD. Fairly heavy shelling. They reached the reserve position MAMETZ WOOD 500 yards west of the front edge at 3.20am just as intense bombardment of German trenches began, and either went into existing trenches or dug in. At 5.20am “B” Company (Captain ANDERSON) and 1 platoon of “A” Company moved over to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD to reinforce the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT. They finally reached the north of the wood of village and as far as possible dug themselves in. They were mixed up with the 6th, 7th and 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT. Heavy casualties including all Company officers. At 6.00am remainder of “A” Company moved to German 1st line trench and started to consolidate it. 2 platoons of “C” Company taken to Brigade HQ for carrying. At 8.15am Lt. Col. HAIG with “D” Company and ½ of “C” Company moved to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD. Lt. Col. HAIG had orders to take over defence on the north western and western edge of the wood which was being heavily shelled. At 8.45am “D” Company (Lt. NOLAN) directed on the north western corner of the wood to clear wood and dig in on the edge. 2 platoons of “C” Company in support trench with Battalion HQ. Between 9.00am and 12.00 noon “D” Company met with heavy opposition and reached forward support line but failed to clear wood. Lt. NOLAN was killed. Lt. de LISLE and Lt. SMITH were wounded. Between 12.00 noon and 3.00pm Germans threatened counter attack, very heavy shelling of all lines. “A” Company brought to Battalion HQ and 2 platoons sent to reinforce 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT. At 12.00 noon Col. KUMME, 2 officers and 30 men captured by “D” Company. Between 4.00pm and 7.00pm Brigadier came and ordered all available men to attack the north western edge of the wood. Lt. Col. HAIG, Captain EMMETT and 2nd Lt. STEPHENS with about 50 men advanced roping in about 100 men of 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGT as supports. Captain EMMETT with 40 men reached the north western edge of the wood and killed 4 German observers and attempted to charge the German trenches 50 yards from the edge of the wood. Captain EMMETT and 36 men were killed by machine gun fire. Meanwhile Lt. Col. HAIG with the 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGT and a few of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT had reached the railway line and came under enfilade machine gun fire (Lt. STEPHENS was killed). The edge of the wood close to the village was cleared and a small drive was organised towards Captain EMMETTS party. They came under heavy sniping fire and Lt. HINCKLEY was wounded and most of his men killed or wounded. 7.00pm All posts started consolidating where they were. Patrols sent out constantly from the strong posts. Rough positions as below (On the Battalion Diary page a rough sketch shows the positions of the Companies) Between 9.00pm and 11.00pm heavy shelling and enemy rifle fire but no actual organised attack.