Born in 1889 at New Cross, son of Charles Edwin (Printers Reader) and Rebecca Taylor Silver. 1901: With his parents at 52 Kingsdown Road Cann Hall Leyton. 1911: A 2nd Division Civil Service Clerk with H.M. Stationery Office, living with his family at 55 Lorne Road, Forest Gate. He was educated at Cann Hall School and Birkbeck College, University of London, where he was a member of the Officer Training Corps. He also served with the Royal Naval Reserve London, in the section handling anti aircraft guns. However he was destined for a Commission in the Army which he took up in 1915. He arrived at Gallipoli on 27th September 1915, but was wounded in October 1915 and invalided for a time. Having recovered he was sent to France in November 1916.
He received the Military Cross twice. Firstly awarded on 17th July 1917 after the attack on Nash Alley during 22nd April 1917 in which his Company was held up by machine gun and shell fire: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded his (“D”) company with the utmost skill and courage, and later organised a masterly retreat, inflicting severe losses on the enemy. He set a magnificent example throughout.’ Secondly, awarded on 14th September 19-17 for participating in the “Wearne VC Raid” on Nash Alley on 28th June 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raid. Not only did he train his men with the greatest thoroughness and care, but he set them an example of determination and energy during the operation which had a most marked effect upon its success, as well as upon the spirits of his men. He personally supervised every detail under heavy barrage, seeing to the replenishment of bombs and ammunition as well as to the removal of the wounded from No Man’s Land. He set a magnificent example.’ In a debriefing report, he believed heavy casualties had been incurred during the last 15 minutes, because the raid went on too long, giving the Germans time to react and respond before the attacking force had completed their withdrawal.
In complete contrast, on 9th June 1917 at Stratford Congregational Church, Grove Crescent Road, he had married Josephine Theresa Scholes, the daughter of a cigar maker. It is not clear if they had time to make a home together, but Silvers address in Probate was that of his Parents, 120 Ridley Road, Forest Gate.
The Battle of Cambrai was part of the strategic plan to breach the Hindenburg Line. At 18.00 on 19th November 1917, 11 Essex were moved to assembly points (Capt Silver and “C” Coy. at Beaucamp Switch) with the objective of taking the support trench system behind the line. On 20th November at 06.20 an artillery barrage began, and at 06.50 the entire Battalion advanced behind the tanks of 23 Tank Co. A number of tanks were hit and put out of action, but the Hindenburg Line was breached, and the support line behind Ribecourt was captured without much difficulty during the morning. Casualties were comparatively light - Capt. Silver and 50 Other Ranks being killed.
He is also commemorated on the HMSO Roll of Honour, now at the National Archives, and Leyton Schools Memorial at Leyton Library.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com