14164 PTE. M. LIVESEY. K.O.R.L.R.

 

Matthew Livesey was born in School Lane, Bamber Bridge, in the second quarter of 1889.  His parents were John Livesey (b. 1865 in Walton Le Dale), a cotton spinner by trade, and Susannah Greenhalgh (b. 1864 in Preston).  John and Susannah were married in 1888 and Matthew was born the following year.   John and Susannah had three children; Matthew’s sisters were Elizabeth Ann (b. 1891) and Martha Hilda (b. 1905).  In 1911 the family was living at Charnley Fold, School Lane.  Matthew was a cotton spinner like his father.

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Matthew joined up at the outbreak of War and was posted to 7Bn King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment).  The Battalion landed in France on 17 July 1915 and formed part of 56th Brigade in 19th (Western) Division.  (56 Brigade also included 7Bn East Lancs, 7Bn L.N.L.R, 7 Bn South Lancs and 4Bn King’s (Liverpool Regt)). They had a supporting role in the Battle of Loos in 1915, but spent most of their time in France in training and preparation for the Battle of the Somme.

 

Matthew was killed on the opening day of the battle.  He was 27 years old.  Only 2 men from 7Bn were killed that day, whereas 1Bn King’s Own, lost more than 120 men and officers. In fact, on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, 19th Division was in reserve, but was quickly called into the line at La Boisselle after 34th Division had run into stiff German opposition.  19th Division took the village on July 4, at the further cost to 7Bn of 17 more lives, relatively little for that phase of the battle.

 

Rank:  Private

Service No:  14164

Date of Death:  01/07/1916

Age:  27

Regiment/Service:  King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), 7th Bn.

Grave Reference: II. D. 4.

Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, AUTHUILLE WOOD

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