Sidney James Day

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

DAY Sidney James. ( Reg. No. 316)

Corporal. 11th Battalion the Suffolk Regiment (Norwich)

London Gazetted on 17th October 1917 Born on the 3rd of July 1891.in Norwich Died on the 17th July 1959 Memoria: He is buried in Milton Road Cemetery, Portsmouth, Hampshire Digest of Citation reads: On 26th August 1917, east of Hargicourt, France, Corporal Day was in command of a bombing section detailed to clear a maze of trenches held by the enemy; this he did, killing two machine gunners and taking four prisoners. Immediately after he returned to his section a stick bomb fell into a trench occupied by five men, one badly wounded. The Corporal seized the bomb and threw it over the trench where it immediately exploded. He afterwards completed the clearing of the trench and established himself in an advanced position, remaining for 66 hours at his post which came under intense fire.

Additional information: He served in the European War (World War 1) This following is the actual wording for his recommendation for the VC from his regiment: Corporal Day was in command of a bombing section detailed to clear a maze of trenches still held by the enemy; this he did killing two machine-gunners and taking four prisoners. On reaching a point where the trench had been levelled, he went alone and bombed his way through to the left, in order to gain touch with the neighbouring troops. Immediately on return to his section a stick bomb fell into a trench occupied by two officers, one of whom was badly wounded, and three other ranks. Corporal Day seized the bomb and threw it over the trench, where it immediately exploded. This prompt action undoubtedly saved the lives of those in the trench. He afterwards completed the clearing of the trench, and establishing himself in an advanced position, remained for 66 hours at his post, which came under intense hostile shell and rifle-grenade fire. Throughout the whole operations, his conduct was an inspiration to all. He lived, as a child, at ?? St Annes' Lane, Norwich, Norfolk. We are still searching for anything on the life of Corp. Day.