MERCHILL, Alfred

Alfred Merchill was from Halesowen and worked for T.W. Lench Ltd at Rowley Regis. He enlisted in the Royal Scots and was sent to the 15th Battalion in the 34th Division. In the Autumn of 1917 they were ordered to the front line at Ypres to continue the Battle of Poelcappelle. The conditions were described as 'past speaking about, mud and filth up to the neck' and even assembly on the 21st was near impossible. The Royal Scots led the Division over the top and fought bravely but Private Alfred Merchill was killed in action on the 22nd October. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot, Blackheath, Halesowen and T.W. Lench Ltd Memorials.