BOURNE, Sylvanus

Sylvanus Bourne was born at Kingswinford and lived at Wollaston. He volunteered for service in 1914 and enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He joined the 13th (Service) Battalion which was sent to France in September 1915. They were part of the 21st Division and were sent into action almost immediately to take part in the battle of Loos. They were in the second line for the initial attack of the 25th September and were brought forward during the day to attack at 8 p.m. through the village of Loos towards Hill 70. Both communications and conditions were difficult and the Northumberland Fusiliers were caught by an enemy counter attack and shelling. In two days they suffered 396 casualties. Among those killed in action on the 26th September was Private Sylvanus Bourne. He was 24 years of age and is commemorated on the Loos, Stourbridge and Wollaston church Memorials.