Wolverhampton and the Great War

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Men and women of Wolverhampton served in their thousands. Here are three examples of soldiers from the town:

Roland Edward Elcock VC

Roland Edward Elcock VC, Express and Star, 27th December 1918

On 13th October 1918 Acting Corporal Elcock single-handedly attacked an enemy gun position, putting it out of action and capturing five prisoners. Later the same day he attacked an enemy machine-gun single-handed, capturing the crew. For his gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Douglas Morris Harris

Douglas Harris of Pennfields, Wolverhampton, was a wireless telegrapher on board the Italian drifter Floandi. These armed drifters were used to blockade the port of Cattaro (Kotor) to prevent the Austrian Navy's use of the Adriatic.

On the night of the 14th/15th May 1917, the drifters came under attack from three ships of the Austrian Navy, the Helgsland, Saida and the light cruiser Novara.
Harris remained at his post during the battle and was killed: he was just 19 years old. For his bravery he was awarded one of Italy's highest honours.

A memorial to Douglas Morris Harris stands in St Peter's Gardens.

Douglas Morris Harris Memorial (M1/STPE/1)

Jesse Hill

Private Jesse Hill lived with his wife Maggie (Margaret) and their two children, Harold and Jesse, at 13 Peel Street, Wolverhampton. Jesse was a member of the 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers, 13 Platoon, D Company, stationed in France.

Here is a gallery of images, including a letter to his wife, a card to his children, a letter advising Maggie that Jessie had been killed, and a memorial notice:

Click on the image to access the Jesse Hill gallery

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© Copyright. Wolverhampton City Council, 2002