In Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery, France is the Commonwealth War Grave of 30727 Private Herbert Herman Mordecai serving with 1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment who died 10/09/1918.

William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

Herbert was born at Seaham in 1892 the son of William (died 1912) and Elizabeth (nee Henderson). The couple had at least 12 children together including 2 named Letitia, the first child having died. Others included Elizabeth Jane, Letitia, William, Mary Ann, Margaret, Jane, John, Edith Lily, James, Florence Bella and Maud.

The 1901 census shows the family living at 18 Wynyard Street, Silksworth. Father William was a coal miner/hewer. The children were Letitia, James (coal miner aged 12), Florence and Maud.

Herbert married his sweetheart Elizabeth Isabella Brown at Houghton on May 20th 1916. Their only child, James was born the following year on March 21st 1917.

Herbert attested for service on December 12th 1915 but his service reckons from July 12th 1917. His original service number was 46488 when he was probably serving with the 3rd Yorks.

His trade at that time was as an underground pumping engineman

Herbert Hermon Mordecai served with the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment as 30727. He was a small man, only 5 feet 3 inches tall. It was noted his physical development was poor although it was expected that he would develop. His faith was Church of England.

Whilst serving in France he suffered a gunshot wound to the left ear on May 28th 1918, soon after arriving at the front. His wound was bad enough for him to spend some time at the General Hospital no. 39 (12 USA).

Unfortunately after serving only about 4 months he was reported missing September 10th 1918. His widow wrote to the army on 11 August 1919 as she had no news about her husband since he had been reported missing in September 1918. The army reply received on 14 August 1919 was that not further news about Herbert had been received.

However at a later date his personal items were returned to his family. They were 2 discs, letters, photos, 2 wallets, belt and badges, cross guns, mirror, note case, 2 note books, scissors, certificate and cards.

His widow, Elizabeth, was given a pension of 20 shillings 5d for herself and one child with effect from May 12th 1919.

Elizabeth remarried on February 28th 1920 Matthew McLeod. They went on to have several children.

The Sunderland Echo 18/10/1918 reports that Herbert is missing and that his wife is living at 24 Railway Street, Hebburn (late of Silksworth)

Herbert’s son  James fought in WW2 and sadly was killed on September 8th 1943.

Herbert Herman Mordecai is remembered at Silksworth on S111.02 and S111.02 and at Sunderland in S140.048 part 10 page 208.