MALLEN, Jonathan William

Jonathan Mallen is recorded on both Brierley Hill Memorials but there is no J W Mallen in the usual sources. The name might represent Jonathan William Mallen who was born and living in neighbouring Stambermill, Lye, and whose name does not appear on the Lye and Wollescote Memorial. He served in the 2nd Battalion of the Worcesters, probably fighting in the 1915 Artois battles of Festubert and Loos. In 1916 the Worcesters came to the Somme for the struggle around High Wood in July. In August they moved to Delville Wood, taking the front line in the attack of the 24th August which made a considerable advance towards Flers. Finally, they were involved in the attacks on the Transloy Ridges and beside the Ancre. On the 1st November heavy rain frustrated their attack; on the 4th they tried a different angle of attack and failed again. On the 5th at 11 a.m., led on by the super-human efforts of Lieutenant E.P. Bennett, who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the target was won. The cost was high and included Lance Corporal Jonathan Mallen who was killed in action and commemorated on the Thiepval and, probably, the Brierley Hill Memorials.