BISSELL, CH (Bert)

Bert Bissell was the son of John and Phoebe Bissell of 209 Bumble Hole, Windmill End, Netherton. He enlisted in the Worcesters and joined the 10th (Service) Battalion in the 19th Division. They took part in the 1916 Battle of the Somme from the first day of the 1st July when they were at La Boisselle. They were in the front line on the 3rd and helped to capture La Boisselle with great courage. Notably, Private Turrall was awarded the Divison's first Victoria Cross. They suffered heavily in the attacks on High Wood and were not involved again until November on the Ancre. The battlefield was a sea of mud and the target was Beaucourt. The main attack was on the 13th November and the objective was won at heavy cost. Private Bert Bissell was seriously wounded at some point and taken to the base hospital at Rouen, where he died of wounds. He was 19 years of age and is buried in St. Sever Cemetery (O III N 6) and commemorated on the Brierley Hill, Netherton and Brierley Hill church Memorials.