FOXALL, James Ernest

Ernest Foxall was the son of William and Hannah Foxall of 17 Netherend, Cradley, and volunteered for the Warwicks in 1914. He was sent to the 10th Battalion, which went to France in July 1915. By 1916 it was ready for front line action in the 19th Division and was among the first to attack on the 1st July, the first day of the Somme. At 4 p.m. it advanced into the village of La Boisselle where the original attackers had fallen a few hours earlier. They captured half the village but the enemy held on for three days. The losses were huge and Private Ernest Foxall was killed in action on the 3rd July. He was 20 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Cradley, Halesowen, Lye and Wollescote and Lye church Memorials.