2273 Sergeant
10th Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 27th Infantry Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division
Age: 36
Date of Death: 14.11.15
Buried: Sanctuary Wood Cemetery II.H.7
Family history: Husband of Lilian May Hulme, Old Temperance Hall, Bonnybridge. They had four children. Son of Arthur and Bridget Hulme, Port Glasgow. He had two sisters. Prior to enlisting on 24 August 1914, he was a labourer.
The action leading to his death
The 27th Infantry Brigade took over the front line trenches east of Sanctuary Wood, which at that time still resembled a wood and was full of thick undergrowth. At one point on the front the trenches were only 20 yards apart and the enemy occupied a position known as the ‘Birdcage’. It had a wooden framework with wire netting and a trapdoor on top. The enemy would open this and throw a bomb (grenade) at the British lines.
(Linesman Map)
(War Diary sketch of trench positions)
The trenches were in a poor condition and were ankle deep in water; pumps were used but they but they gave only a temporary relief as there was no place that the water could be drained. Long thigh gumboots were issued to the men and these helped to keep their feet dry but not warm. Many, despite whale oil and anti-frostbite grease, suffered from frost bite and trench foot and many were evacuated to hospital. Want of sleep, cold, filthy conditions and raining all the time were the features of trench life. It was impossible for the men to keep warm despite being issued with goat skin coats.
There is no mention of casualties in the War Diary therefore, we can only conclude that David was a victim of trench wastage a casualty of a sniper, artillery or trench mortar that was not recorded.
Medals Awarded
1915 Star, The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
