Name
Ernest Carter
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
30/10/1917
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
203345
Bedfordshire Regiment
4th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 48/50
Belgium
UK & Other Memorials
Walkern War Memorial
Pre War
Ernest was the son of George and Edith Carter and was to lose his life during the closing stages of the Battle of Passchendaele.
Wartime Service
The offensive had been launched on 31st July 1917 and continued until the fall of Passchendaele village on 6th November. Although it resulted in gains for the Allies it was by no means the breakthrough General Haig intended, and such gains as were made came at great cost in human terms. The area had suffered the heaviest rains it had seen for 30 years and this, combined with intensive shelling from both sides, had turned the ground into a hellish morass. On the 30th October 1917 the Battalion were in the frontline at Ourton when they were ordered to attack an enemy strong-point. The ground was described as being very “boggy” and the Battalion only managed to move forward by 150 yards. However, this slight movement in the line cost the lives of 2 officers and 73 men, one of whom was Ernest Carter. He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zillebeke, Belgium.
Additional Information
www.stevenageatwar.com
Acknowledgments
Paul Johnson
