GRAZIER, Ernest C

Ernest Grazier was the son of Isaac and Sebra Grazier of 170 Moor Street, Brierley Hill, and a pre-war regular soldier serving in the 1st Battalion of the South Staffords. They were soon mobilised and sent to join the BEF as part of the 7th Division. They crossed to Belgium on the 4th October, moved towards Ghent but were soon ordered to the crucial defence of Ypres. Ypres was saved at great cost but the enemy remained close to the city. In early 1915 the Staffords moved to Artois where the first British attacks of the war were to be made on the German lines. In March they fought at Neuve Chapelle and a second attack was made at Festubert. The Staffords were in support for the attack of the 16th May and advanced courageously on the 17th, only to be pinned down in a forward position under heavy fire. Casualties were very heavy and among then was Private Ernest Grazier who was killed in action on the 18th May. He was 21 years of age and is commemorated on the Le Touret, Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials. His brother, George, was killed on the 13th November 1916.