Hugh's Story.
Son of James and Mary Beatty (nee Mc.Andrew) originally residing at 43 Parry’s Entry, Foregate, Chester, moving to 29 Victor Street in 1901. Hugh was brought up in Boughton with his eleven siblings. He was a keen amateur footballer and played in the local leagues. Before the War he was employed as a Bricklayer working for Messrs. John Mayer and Son of Canal Side, Chester. In September 1902 he married Ada Baxter at Prestwich, Lancashire. They originally lived in Steam Mill Street, Chester and moved to 26 Canal Side, Boughton. They had six children, the eldest, Mary Ann born in 1903 died in 1904.
As part of the 56th (1st London) Division, the Cheshire’s were involved in the fighting to capture Combes, the largest village in that area of the Somme. Hugh was killed whilst working in the area near Leuze Wood, known to the men as Lousy Wood. The 5th Cheshire’s had dug an assault trench named Gropi in honour of the men that had dug it. The 5th Battalion were known by their call-sign ‘Gropi’ as they were Groves Pioneers. “D” company were lining up to march back to their billets after working through the night, they were on a road near to Wedge Wood when a large calibre shell exploded in their midst. Six men died instantly and seven wounded, three of whom died later.
Hugh was one of 3 brothers killed on Active Service. Another brother, James died doing munitions war work. Peter Beatty SS 970 R.N. Died age 30, in an accident when serving at a shore establishment HMS President. He was part of a detachment sent to S.S.Baysarua at anchor in New Orlean’s harbour. Peter fell overboard and was tragically drowned. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans, U.S.A. Richard Michael Beatty Sapper 61st Motor Airline Section, Royal Engineers 172123. Died of disease contracted overseas, age 29. He is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel and Palestine, Grave D40
Researched by Don Rustage