South Staffordshire War Memorials

Captain Frederick Herbert Emmet

Frederick Herbert Emmet was born at Notting Hill, London in 1890. His father was a clergyman and his mother was the daughter of Rev William Greenstreet who was Vicar of Pattingham during the second half of the 19th century.

Many biographical details are given in the obituary that appeared after Frederick's death:

CAPTAIN EMMET KILLED.-Captain Frederick Herbert Emmet, Leicestershire Regiment, who has been killed in action, was the sixth and youngest son of the Rev. W. E. Emmet, of 161, Woodstock Road, Oxford, formerly vicar of St. Mark's, Notting Hill. He was born in 1890. and educated at Lancing College and Keble College. and was a keen member of the O.T.C. at both places. After taking his decree he was for a short time assistant master at Allen House, Woking. His intention was to proceed to a theological College, with a view to ordination. In August, 1914, he joined the O.T.C. Camp at Aldershot, and shortly afterwards received a commission. In January, 1915, he was promoted to captain and went to the front in the following July. He was killed leading his men. His colonel writes:- He had such a charming personality that we all feel his loss very deeply. He met his death in a most gallant manner. [West London Observer, 28 July 1916]

Frederick was commissioned in the 9th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. He was killed in action during the Battle of Ancre (13-19th November, 1916, a phase of the Battle of the Somme).The circumstances of his death are reported in the Battalion War Diary:

14 July 1916. Battn moved off at 12.15am and moved to S edge of MAMETZ WOOD. Fairly heavy shelling. Reached Reserve position MAMETZ WOOD 500 yds W of front Edge at 3.20 am. just as intense bombardment of German Trenches began and either went into existing trenches or dug in.
At 5.20am B Coy (Capt Anderson) and 1 Platoon of A moved over to BAZENTIN_LE_PETIT Wood to reinforce the 6th Bn. - They finally reached N of wood of Village and as far as possible dug themselves in - They were mixed up with 6, 7 & 8th Bn. Heavy casualties including all Coy officers.
At 6am remainder of A Coy moved to German 1st line trench and started to consolidate it. 2 Platoon C Coy taken to Bde H.Q. for carrying. At 8.15 Lieut Col HAIG with D and 1/2 C moved to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT Wood. Lt Col HAIG had orders to take over defence of NW and W edge of Wood - which was heavily shelled.
....
4pm. Brigadier came and ordered all available men to attack NW edge of wood. Lt Col Haig, Capt Emmet and Lieut Stephens with about 50 men advanced roping in about 100 men of 1st E Yorks as supports. Capt Emmet with 40 men reached N W Edge of wood and killed 4 German observers and attempted to charge German Trench 50 yds from edge of wood. Capt Emmet and 36 men killed by M. G. fire. Meanwhile Lt Col Haig with 1st E Yorks and a few of 9th had reached Railway line and came under enfilade M G fire (Lt Stephens killed). The edge of wood close to village was cleared and a small drive organised towards Capt Emmet's party. - They came under heavy sniping fire and Lieut Hinckley was wounded and most of his men killed or wounded.
...
Casualties during operations 14-17th July 18 off, 394 OR.

Captain Emmet was awarded the Victory and British War Medals and the 1915 Star. He is commemotated on the Thiepval Memorial.