ENNIS, John

Jack Ennis was the son of Samson and Alice Ennis of 1 Court, 5 House, Stafford Street, Dudley. He volunteered for the Worcester Territorials and joined the 1/7th battalion who were sent to the Western Front in April 1915. His brother, Albert, was in the same platoon and was killed during a night patrol on the 12th December 1916. At first Jack thought that he was missing and in spite of the dangers with a friend he spent three hours in no mans land searching for him. They found him dead but they had done their duty for a comrade in arms. The Worcesters fought on the Somme from July 1916 with vigour and success but with many casualties. In the Spring of 1917 they were involved in following the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. After the remarkable storming of the 'Mound' at Templeux Guerard early in April the Worcesters went on to attack Guillemont Farm, situated on a spur overlooking the Hindenburg Line. An attack on this important position was undertaken on the 24th April but German resistance was fierce and no territory was gained. The casualties included Lance Corporal Jack Ennis who was killed in action on the 25th April. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and on the Dudley and St. James church Memorials. His three brothers, Albert, Samuel and Samson, were all killed in action.