Family :

Service Life:

Campaigns:

• The First World War 1914-1918, World-wide.

The Battle of the Somme 1st July - 18th November 1916 is inevitably characterised by the appalling casualties (60,000) on the first day, July 1st 1916. Having failed to break through the German lines in force, and also failed to maximise opportunities where success was achieved, the battle became a series of attritional assaults on well defended defence in depth. The battle continued officially until 18th November 1916 costing almost 500,000 British casualties. German casualties were about the same, and French about 200,000. The Somme could not be counted a success in terms of ground gained or the cost, but it had a strategic impact as it marked the start of the decline of the German Army. Never again would it be as effective whilst the British Army, learning from its experience eventually grew stronger to become a war winning army. The German High Command recognised that it could never again fight another Somme, a view that advanced the decision to invoke unrestricted submarine warfare in an attempt to starve Britain of food and material, and in doing so accelerated the United States declaration of war thus guaranteeing the eventual outcome. 287 Brethren were killed on the Somme in 1916.

Detail :

His detail of his funeral is reported in the Harrow Observer 22nd December 1916. "MEMORIAL SERVICE AT WEALDSTONE - PTE J.S. DEMMERY. - The death of Pte. J.S. Demmery, who was killed in action in France, was received with the deepest regret in the district, where he was so well known. Pte. Demmery was a teacher at the High-street schools and at the Drill Hall-road schools, where he was held in high esteem, by the masters, and greatly liked by the scholars. A memorial service as held in the Wealdstone Parish Church on Monday, conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. H. Chapman. There was a large gathering, consisting of the boys and girls of the Drill Hall-road School, their masters and teachers, and others present included Mr. A Fillmore, Mr. Pace, Mr. P.G. May, Mr Wyaltt, the Misses Seymour, Miss Tolman, Miss Hore, Miss Larounm, Miss Saunders, Mr. Harding, Mr. Phillips, and several of his old scholars.

Miss Joyner presided at the organ, the hymns sung being "Now the labourer's task is o'er," and "Peace, perfect peace," the children singing in a very impressive manner. The Vicar gave a brief address. He said that Pte. Demmery had for many years taught in the district, first at the High-street school, where he taught only boys, and later at the Drill Hall-road school, where he taught both boys and girls. He was very popular with his fellow teachers and the scholars, because of his genial manner and the great interest he took in the children in school and in their games outside. When war broke out he enlisted in the Forces and became a fine soldier, and although the hard strenuous work played havoc with his health he was always bright and cheeful. A letter written by a comrade spoke of the high esteem in which he was held by his comrades. They at home ought to think of him as one who had given his life for them and try to show their gratitude by helping in the present struggle. They should try not to grumble when things went away, but help those left behind to carry on. The hymn, "Peace, perfect peace, " as sung and the congregation stood while the Dead March in "Saul" was played.

Probate record: DEMMERY, Joseph Samuel of Caincross, Gloucestershire, a Private with the 1/5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment T.F. Died 1st December 1916 in France, killed in action. Administration (with Will) Gloucester, 19th March to Ada Demmery, spinster. Effects £700 6s.

Masonic :

Schoolmaster (1910)

Source :

The project globally acknowledges the following as sources of information for research across the whole database:

• The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• The (UK) National Archives
• Ancestry.co.uk - Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History online
• ugle.org.uk - The records of the United Grand Lodge of England including the Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Additional Source:

• Founder Researchers : Paul Masters & Mike McCarthy
• Researcher : Bruce Littley