Basil William Bird
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Basil William Bird was born in 1896 he was the son of William and Barbara Lucy Bird née Stephens of Dale Villas, Main Street, Shirebrook. William was the head-teacher of the local school and Barbara was an elementary school teacher. William was born in 1869 at Mansfield, Barbara Lucy Stephens was born in 1871 at Upton on Severn they were married on 14th April 1894 at St John's Church, Mansfield. they had a further child Marjorie Hannah born 1895 at Mansfield. In 1911 the family were living at Dale Villas, Shirebrook. William 42 yrs is a head teacher, he is living with his wife Barbara Lucy 41 yrs an elementary teacher, they are living with their children, Marjorie Hannah 16yrs and Basil William 15 yrs
He was commissioned Second Lieutenant 13th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment, 23rd July 1915. He was posted to the 11th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment and went to France 15th June 1916. He was adjutant in Italy from November 1917. and was promoted Captain 20th August 1918. He suffered severe wounds, 25th October 1918 and died, 24th November 1918, aged 22. in hospital in Rouen, France. Military Cross Citation: "During the advance from Le Catelet to Le Cateau, from 5th to 10th October 1918, inclusive, he showed great courage and ability. During the attack on Guisencourt Farme, when the right flank of the battalion came under very heavy fire and was in danger of being turned, he collected a party of men of various units and established a strong post on the flank, thus greatly assisting the re-establishment of the line. Throughout the operations his work was excellent." Bar to Military Cross: "On 23/10/1918 his movements in the open under intensive fire from the enemy collecting and establishing his men was a fine example to all ranks. He had climbed a tree, in the open and exposed country, to get a better view of the enemy, so as to direct the fire of his men." Croix de Guerre citation: " For conspicuous gallantry and initiative at San Sisto Ridge, Aseigo in Italy- He was of the greatest assistance to his commanding officer after Battalion Head-quarters had been temporarily abandoned. When he organised and led a counter-attack . He showed marked ability in bringing forward troops on the left of the counter-attack, and generally displayed great resources under very trying conditions." The Croix de Guerre was awarded for action on 15/06/1918 and was presented to Basil in the presence of Edward Prince of Wales.
His Final Days: he was badly injured on the 25th October 1918, in the right thigh, left arm and face. Due to the conditions it was not possible for the stretcher bearers to get to him and he lay in the open all night. Eventually he was recovered and sent to Rouen. His parents were able to travel to France and were at his bedside when he died on the 24/11/1918.
