Born in 1898 at Woodford, son of Benjamin (Stockbrokers Agent) and Mary Elizabeth Skelton. 1901: With his family at “Rosebrae” Snakes Lane, Woodford Green. 1911: A boarding Pupil at The Friends School Mount Pleasant Road, Saffron Walden. He had attended St Aubyn’s School. The family home later moved to “Woburn” Epping New Road, and this was the address given in his Probate.
After training he went to Europe on 4th September 1918. The Battalion was involved in the attack on Mount Carmel, a hill over the Landrecies - Englefontaine Road to the east of Cambrai on 26th October 1918. Traversing difficult and confusing terrain, “B” & “C” Companies reached their objectives (other than a strongpoint at the crossroads), but “A” Company did not. This left a gap in the line which was filled by the reserve “D” Company. At 06.00 on 27th October they were subject to heavy German shelling.
During 28th October 1918 it was said that the Germans were withdrawing, and patrols were sent out to observe and gain intelligence. Having gone forward by only some 300 yards, they came under heavy fire and so returned to their positions to hold the existing line. The Battalion was relieved during the night of 29/30 October 1918.
During 28th October 1918 Benjamin Skelton was Wounded in Action and sent back for medical treatment. On 7th November 1918 he died from those wounds in No.2 British Red Cross Hospital at Rouen.
X/R: Second Lieutenant Henry Skelton (Brother).
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
FindmyPast.co.uk
Regimental History