LOVATT, John A

Jack Lovatt was the son of J.A. Lovatt of Wolverhampton and was in business in Stourbridge with his uncles, G. and R. Lovatt, grocers. He volunteered in February 1916 and joined the Worcester Territorials. He was posted to the 1/8th Battalion in the 48th Division and went to France at the end of August 1916. The Worcesters were very actively involved in the Battle of the Somme and fought at Ovillers in July and the Transloy Ridges in October. In April 1917 they were part of the forces following up the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. On the 4th April they achieved a notable success taking 'The Hill' at Templeux Guerard. After several skirmishes with the enemy their Division was asked to capture Gillemont Farm, a stronghold on a prominent spur near the Line. On the 24th April the 1/8th managed to seize the position but Private Jack Lovatt was killed in the initial attack while attempting to capture a German trench. He was 29 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge and St. Thomas's church Memorials.