Lives of the First World War

Image from Tempest, E V, History of the Sixth Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, Vol. 1, 1/6th Bn.

(L-R) Pte E. J. Wilkinson DCM, L/Cpl. E. Johnston DCM, Cpl J Sayers DCM, Sergt S Meekosha VC On 19 November 1915 near the Yser, France, Corporal Meekosha was with a platoon of about 20 NCOs and men holding an isolated trench. During a very heavy bombardment six of the platoon were killed and seven wounded, while the rest were more or less buried. When there were no senior NCOs left in action Corporal Meekosha took command, sent for help and in spite of more big shells falling within 20 yards of him, continued to dig out the wounded and buried men in full view of and at close range from the enemy. He was assisted by Privates Johnson, Sayers and Wlkinson who were all awarded the DCM. Their courage saved at least four lives.

With his family