Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Bolesworth, a gardener, born in the April quarter of 1839 in Hinckley, Leicestershire (son of William Bolesworth, 1808-1876 and Elizabeth Pincher, 1816-1891) and his wife Jane Ann Bolesworth (nee Stevens, married in the October quarter of 1870 in the Hinckley, Leicestershire district), a stocking maker, born 1851 in Desford, Leicestershire (daughter of Thomas Stephens and Mary Maria Hewins). Sydney was born in the October quarter of 1888 in Hinckley, his siblings were Mary Jane, a hosiery trade worker, born in the July quarter of 1871, Harriet, a hosiery trade worker, born on the 24th April 1874, Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born in the January quarter of 1878, William, a schoolboy, born in the April quarter of 1879, Florence, a schoolgirl, born on the 8th November 1880, John (Jack), a schoolboy, born on the 20th June 1884, James, born in the October quarter of 1885 and George, born in the January quarter of 1887 all his siblings were born in Hinckley, in April 1891 the family home was at 6, Workhouse Yard, Stockwell Head, Hinckley. In March 1901 Sydney was employed as a hosiery warehouse boy and was residing in the family home at 1, Druid Street, Hinckley, together with his father a journeyman gardener, his mother and siblings, Florence, a hosiery trade winder, Jack a hosiery trade machinist, James, a hosiery trade cotton carrier, Rachael Ann, born in the April quarter of 1892 and Walter, born on the 20th May 1899, the latter two siblings were both born in Hinckley. In April 1911 Sydney was absent from the family home at 1, Druid Street, Hinckley, residing there was his father, a gardener, his mother and siblings, James, a framework knitter, Rachael, a hosiery trade winder and Walter a framework knitter, also residing with the family was Sydney’s paternal nephew, Tom Bolesworth, born 1911 in Hinckley, meanwhile Sydney was serving as a Private with the 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regiment and was stationed in Fort Saint George, Madras, India. Sydney’s father died aged 73 years on the 29th September 1912 in Hinckley. Sydney’s also lost two older brothers during the war, James fell in action on the 15th September 1916 and William died on the 13th May 1915 from wounds received in action.
FAMILY NOTE: Sydney also had the following older siblings, Thomas, born in the January quarter of 1872 and Adeliza, born in the January quarter of 1876, both siblings were born in Hinckley.
Sydney enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 13th December 1905 in Hinckley, and was allotted the regimental service number 7832. He gave his place of birth as Hinckley, Leicestershire and age as 19 years 11 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as miner.
He confirmed that he was presently serving with the 1st Volunteer Battalion Leicestershire Regiment.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 13th December 1905 and recorded his birthplace as Hinckley, Leicestershire, declared age as 19 years 11 months, trade or occupation as miner, that he was 5-feet 7¼ inches in height, weighed 148½ lbs, had a chest measurement of between 35 and 39½ inches and his physical development was described as good. Enlisted at Hinckley on the 12th December 1905. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 19 years 11 months, height 5-feet 7¼ inches weight 148½ lbs, chest measurement of between 35 and 39½ inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had brown eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, scar about 1-inch-long left upper eye lid. Tattoo left forearm sword and snake, cross and flags, clasped hands and heart, other extensive marks on right forearm. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 13th December 1905. Place Leicester.
After six months service and gymnastic course his height was 5-foot 7½ inches, his weight was 150 lbs and had a chest measurement of between 36 inches and 39½ inches.
He gave his next of kin as his father, William, mother Ann, Lower Druid Street, Hinckley. Brother (y) Walter. Sisters (o) Florence, (y) Rachel.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester 13/12/05.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 13/12/05.
Awarded. 3rd Class Certificate of Education. 28/2/06.
Transferred. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt., Colchester. Pte. 24/4/06.
Granted. Service Pay Class II @ 4d. 12/6/06.
Granted. Messing Allowance. 12/6/06.
Embarked. To India per S.S. Dongola. 21/9/06.
Posted. To Belgaum. 13/10/06.
Posted. To Madras. 13/2/11.
I agree to be transferred to the Army Reserve at any time after my arrival in the United Kingdom, in accordance with the terms of War Office letter No.115/A. R./General Number 676, dated the 6th June 1912.
Signature: Sydney Bolesworth. Place: Madras. Date: 29/10/12.
Embarked. To England per H.T. Dongola. 20/12/12.
Transferred to Army Reserve on the expiration of his Army Service. Brought home prematurely from “India” under authority of War Office letter No.115 A.R./General No./676, (A.G.2.b.) dated 6/6/1912. 14/1/13.
Mobilized. At Leicester. 5/8/14.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 5/8/14.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (paid). Fort Purbrook. 8/9/14.
Posted. To No.6 Infantry Brigade Depot, St. Nazaire. 3/10/14.
Appointed. Acting Corporal. 3/10/14.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. L/Cpl. 14/11/15.
Reverts. To Private on joining 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 14/11/14.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (unpaid). 9/4/15
Appointed. Lance Corporal (paid) (vice Brewin). 9/6/15.
Wounded in action. In the Field, gunshot wound left thigh (severe). ?/8/15.
Ceases to draw pay as Lance Corporal on admission to hospital. 10/8/15.
Admitted. To 18th general Hospital. 12/8/15.
Transferred. To England. 22/8/15.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. L/Cpl. 22/8/15.
Deprived of Lance stripe for misconduct. 21/9/15.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 25/9/15.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 28/9/15.
Forfeits pay for absence (12 days) from 9/10/15 to 20/10/15.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 9/11/15.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (unpaid). 7/2/16.
Embarked. At Southampton. 12/4/16.
Landed. Joined 6th Infantry Brigade Depot. 13/4/16.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 13/4/16.
Joined. No.8 Entrenching Battalion. 23/4/16.
Joined. 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field. 15/5/16.
Awarded. 14 days Field Punishment No.1 for misconduct. ?/?/16.
Admitted. To 17th Field Ambulance, myalgia. 11/12/16.
Re-joined. Battalion. In the Field. 15/12/16.
Awaiting Trial by Field General Court Martial. 11/3/17.
Tried by Field General Court Martial and sentenced to 2 months Field Punishment No.1 for when on active service drunkenness. 18/3/17.
Sentence confirmed by General Officer Commanding 71st Infantry Brigade. 20/3/17.
Wounded in action. In the Field. 11/4/17.
Admitted. To 18th Field Ambulance, gunshot wound, buttock. In the Field. 12/4/17.
Transferred. To 1st Casualty Clearing Station. In the Field. 12/4/17.
Transferred. To England per H.S. St. Patrick. 18/4/17.
Admitted. Canterbury Military Hospital. 18/4/17.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 18/4/17.
Discharged. From Canterbury Military Hospital. 15/5/17.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 20/5/17.
Forfeits pay for absence. 4/?/17.
Posted. To 12th Infantry Brigade Depot, B.E.F. 11/?/17.
Embarked. From Folkestone. 10/6/17.
Posted. To 8th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 11/6/17.
Posted. To 9th Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 1/7/17.
Killed in action. In the Field. 1/10/17.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 13/12/05 – 20/9/06. 282 days.
India. 21/9/06 – 10/1/13. 6 years 112 days.
Home Service. 11/1/13 – 19/9/14. 1 years 252 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 20/9/14 – 21/8/15.
Home Service. 22/8/15 – 12/4/16. 235 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 13/4/16 – 17/4/17. 1 year 4 days.
Home Service. 18/4/17 – 10/6/17. 54 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 11/6/17 – 1/10/17. 113 days.
Total Service. 11 years 292 days.
He was awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp & Rose, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
The Citation for the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal appeared in the London Gazette dated 11th March 1916, and read as follows. For conspicuous gallantry. He was in charge of a picket, and was wounded by a shell in both legs and severely bruised by falling timber. He stuck to his post until relieved, collapsing after reporting to his Company Commander.
On Tuesday, December 21st, 1915, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page seven, under the heading. – Leicester Soldier’s Tragic Death. – At Withernsea Police Court, yesterday afternoon, Sydney Bolesworth, a private in the 3rd Leicester’s, was charged with the manslaughter of another soldier of the same regiment named George Spencer.
From the evidence it appeared that prisoner struck Spencer with his fist on Saturday night, on their return to camp after exchanging a few words. Spencer, who fell with his head on the road, was assisted to camp, but was found dead next morning. Bolesworth was committed to the next Assizes, reserving his defence.
On Friday, January 14th, 1916, The Leicester Mail published the following article on page 5, under the heading. – PRIVATE S. BOLESWORTH. – Private Sidney Bolesworth belongs to Hinckley, and is better known as “Togo” Bolesworth, the well-known Army boxer. He was a champion boxer at his weight while with the 1st Leicester’s in India. His mother has four sons and five grandsons serving with the colours.
On Friday March 3rd 1916, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – GALLANT LEICESTERS. AWARDED FRENCH DECORATIONS. A supplement to Thursday night’s “London Gazette” contained the announcement that 7832, Private Sidney Bolesworth, 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment (formerly 1st Battalion), has had the decoration Croix de Guerre bestowed upon him by the President of the French Republic, in recognition of distinguished service during the campaign, and 1713 Private Arthur Horatio Townend, Leicestershire Yeomanry received the Medaille Militaire for similar service.
On Friday March 17th 1916, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “GALLANT LEICESTER.” – HOW THEY GAINED THE D.C.M. – MELTONIANS HONOURED. A supplement to Saturday’s “London Gazette” states that with reference to the announcement of the award of Distinguished Conduct Medals in the Honours Supplement in the “London Gazette,” dated 11th January 1916, the following are the acts of gallantry for which the decorations have been awarded: -
7832 Private S. BOLESWORTH, 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. For conspicuous gallantry. He was in charge of a picket, and was wounded by a shell in both legs and severely bruised by falling timber. He stuck to his post until relieved, collapsing after reporting to his Company Commander.
The War Diary records: 1 Oct-17 TRENCHES IN FRONT OF POLYGON WOOD, J.16.a.7.9 to J.10.c.7.6. At 4.00 am Situation reported normal by Companies. At 5.25 am enemy put down a heavy barrage on front Company and POLYGON WOOD, and at the same time put up a smoke screen all along the Battalion front. At 5.27 am the enemy attacked through the smoke screen. S.O.S. sent up. First wave of the enemy were driven off by “A” Company by Lewis Gun and rifle fire. Captain A. A. D. LEE M.C. killed. At 5.30 am the enemy second wave driven off on our front, but enemy attack on Battalion of right flank successful. Right flank of “A” Company (front line Company) threatened. At 5.40 am 2 platoons of “D” Company (who were in reserve from J.10.c.1.3 to J.10.c.1.1) under Lieutenant Colonel P. E. BENT, D.S.O. and “B” Company (who were in support from J.10.c.6.4 to J.10.c.6.0) under Lieutenant BURN immediately counter-attacked enemy. Counter-attack was entirely successful and drove enemy from our front. Lieutenant Colonel BENT killed whilst leading the charge. At 5.45 am the enemy continued to make headway on our right flank in J.16.a and launched his 3rd wave against our front. Two platoons of “C” Company sent up to counter-attack enemy on our right flank. Lieutenant BURN killed. At 6.00 am “C” Company counter-attack reported to have stopped enemy advance. 2 platoons of “C” Company sent up to reinforce and to get in touch with troops on right flank who had been driven back some distance. Enemy attacking troops driven off but owing to heavy casualties in front Company, a defensive line was organised approximately 100 yards in rear of our front line, along the Eastern edge of POLYGON WOOD. Enemy shelling in POLYGON WOOD extremely heavy, causing many casualties. 2nd Lieutenant BARRATT killed. 2nd Lieutenant’s. FAULKNER, SCOTT and HALLAM wounded. “C” Company established a defensive flank from J.10.c.6.0 in front of CAMERON HOUSE to J.16.a.2.7. Full report sent to Brigade and reinforcements asked for. Enemy repeatedly attempted to advance but was driven back by our Lewis Gun and rifle fire, and the line was held against further attack. Touch with the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was maintained throughout on our left, but touch could not be kept with the troops on our right. At 9.30 am reinforcements from the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT commenced to arrive, 2 platoons sent up to reinforce front line and right flank. Enemy continued to shell extremely heavily, particularly the western edge of POLYGON WOOD - GLENCORSE WOOD – BLACK WATCH CORNER track. The Companies of the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT who had suffered heavy casualties in the barrage and were approximately 70 strong in all arrived as reinforcements. One Company sent to the defensive flank in J.16.a and one Company sent to form a second line in J.10.c central, 100 yards inside the Eastern edge of POLYGON WOOD. Enemy shelling extremely heavy. Enemy aeroplanes were also very aggressive. One enemy plane flying 200 feet above our trenches was shot down by Corporal OUTHWAITE and landed in “no man’s land” where it was destroyed by shell fire. At 10.50 am no further enemy attack. Shelling still heavy. Many enemy stretcher bearers seen carrying Boche wounded. Enemy casualties appear to be very heavy. At 12.00 noon Major HOWITT, Officer Commanding 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT arrived at Battalion Headquarters J.10.c.1.2 with one Company of 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT Major HOWITT took command of the sector. Enemy prisoners state that another attack will take place at dusk, all arrangements made accordingly. Consolidation and improvement of positions carried on throughout the afternoon. Movement extremely difficulty on account of snipers and Machine Gun fire. At 1.15 pm the enemy again commenced to shell heavily but did not attack. At 4.30 pm the enemy reported by front Company to be massing in CAMERON COVERT and coming over the slope J.10.b. These parties were dispersed by our fire. At 5.30 pm enemy shelling increased. At 7.00 pm S.O.S. from Brigade on our right. Our barrage came down almost at once and continued for an hour. No enemy movement seen after our barrage stopped. At 11.00 pm S.O.S. again reported on left and right. No enemy action on our front. Enemy fired thousands of Very lights during our bombardment but did not shell heavily. Night passed comparatively quietly after this.
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