PARTRIDGE, Rupert

Rupert Partridge was the son of Louisa Partridge of 15 Ethel Street, Langley, and in 1914 was living with his wife, Emily, at 16 Park Street, Blackheath, and employed at Messrs Chance and Hunt's works at Oldbury. He enlisted in the Worcesters and went to the 1st Battalion in October 1916. They had fought in the later stages of the 1916 Battle of the Somme and were then exposed to the worst winter for decades. The German forces retired slowly to their new Hindenburg Line and in March the Worcesters attacked at Bouchavesnes on the 4th March to speed their departure. It was a fine victory but the Germans shelled their old lines and Private Rupert Partridge was one of those who died in the shelling. He was 36 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Blackheath and Halesowen Memorials.