South Staffordshire War Memorials

Henry William Wellings

Henry William Wellings was born on 1st July, 1891 at Berwick, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He was the son of Henry Wellings, plasterer, and his wife Margaret who later lived at Station Road, Four Ashes. Henry's older brother Edwin Wellings is also commemorated on the War Memorials at Coven.

Henry was a regular soldier. In 1911 he was serving overseas with the 'Carabiniers', the 6th Dragoon Guards. He appears to have still been serving at the outbreak of war as he was in France by 16th August, 1914. He was awarded the D.C.M. for his bravery at the Battle of Messines in October 1914:

2772 Private H.W. Wellings, 6th Dragoon Guards. For conspicuously gallant conduct on 31st October in removing wounded men of the London Scottish under heavy shell fire, and showing a fine example under trying circumstances. He showed great gallantry on another occasion the same day in a dangerous situation, in resisting the enemy at a range of ten to fifteen yards, in company with his Squadron Commander. [D.C.M. Citations.]

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records state that this bravery led to a commission in the field, but his medal card records suggest that this did not take place until 13th April, 1917. At some point Henry was transferred to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and, later, to the 17th Battalion Machine Gun Company attached to the KSLI. Henry was serving with this latter unit when he died of wounds on 20th June 1918. He is buried in Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France

Second Lieutenant Henry William Wellings D.C.M. (previously 2772 6th Dragoon Guards and 17147 KSLI) was awarded the Victory and British Medals and the 1914 Star. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission he was also awarded the Russian Imperial Cross of St. George (3rd Class).