Daniel's Story.
Daniel Caulfield was born in 1873 in Knutsford, one of seven children born to Patrick (cutlery maker) and Margaret. He married to Sarah Jane Peers in 1897 and had five Children. He was a general labourer and they all lived at 12, Old Market Square, Knutsford.
Daniel joined the Territorial Army in 1908, becoming part of the 3rd V.B. Cheshire. He was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal. On the outbreak of the war he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment and became Private no. 11675.
Daniel arrived in France with his Battalion on the 10th March 1915 and he was killed in action on the 3rd October 1915. The remaining record show that his body was never found as it states Death Assumed.
On that fateful day:
The Battalion War Diary states:
The enemy continued its bombardment throughout the night.
Midnight
The Company supported the Suffork Regiment in an attack on the NORTH WEST FACE of the REDOUBT. Attack failed. Captain Ogden Durhan L.I. and 2/Lt RAIKES were wounded. 2/Lt COLE rejoined Battalion having completed a course on the use of the LEWIS GUN. Two LEWIS GUNS were brought with him into the REDOUBT
7.45a.m.
The enemy delivered a surprise attack on our left with bombs and machine guns and eventually turned it. The Battn. fought well but were driven back. Enemy occupied WEST FACE of HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT.
Major Hill and Capt. Lloyd were killed, 3 Lts wounded + 2 missing.
Casualties since 1st
Officers 5 killed 7 wounded 2 missing
43 killed 153 wounded 166 missing (Daniel was one of them)
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies