KNEALE, Fernie

Fernie Knealy was the son of Robert and Annie Kneale of Claughton Road, Dudley. He volunteered for the Warwicks and joined the 16th (3rd Birmingham Pals) Battalion. Who went to the Western Front late in 1915. They fought in the middle period of the 1916 Battle of the Somme and took part in the long struggle to capture the village of Morval in September. A major attack was planned for the 3rd September and the Warwicks occupying Malz Horn Farm were given the preliminary task of taking th notorious Falfemont Farm on an overlooking spur.The weather was hostile and the attack was cancelled after the men had set off. Casualties were high and the attack failed. Private Fernie rnie Kneale was among those killed. He was 30 years of age and is is commemorated on the Thiepval, Dudley and St. John's, Kates Hill, Memorials.