Photo: Ken and Pam Linge
Pam and Ken Linge have submitted the following:-
Herbert Little was born in Willington, the son of Joseph and Annie Little (nee Nicholson). Joseph was a coal miner hewer. They had eight children: William (b. 1887), Ada Isabella (b. 1889), George (b. 1891), Herbert (b. 1894), Maurice (b. 1896), Henry (b. 1899), Louisa Plummer (b. 1901) and Joseph (b. 1903).
Herbert enlisted at Durham and joined the Yorkshire Regiment. He went to France on 26th August 1915.
Auckland Chronicle 02/11/1916 reports:-
Pte. H. Little, (Yorkshire Regt.), of Willington, awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery.
Auckland Chronicle 19/07/1917 reports:-
Corporal H. Little’s death
Respecting the death of Corporal H Little, 9th Yorkshire Regiment of Willington who was awarded the MM for showing great coolness and devotion to duty under heavy shell fire after being knocked out by a shell and digging out 2 men who had been buried in a dugout at Bois Grenier on January 27th 1916. Captain W Foster-Greenwood, writing to his parents says he made him a non –commissioned officer in appreciation of his continuous good work and numerous qualifications and capabilities “His death is a very great loss to the machine gun sections of the “C” Company of which I am in command.” The NCO’s and men of “C” Company 9th Battalion Yorks. Regiment joined the captain in his message of sympathy. Company Quarter Master Sergeant W J Jackson writing to Mrs. Little says Corpl. Little was buried by his comrades who put up a cross over their hero. He had been promoted corporal for good work done in France and further honours would have come to him had he lived.
Auckland Chronicle 14/03/1918
Concert and Presentations
The Willington Empire Picture Show was suspended on Friday night and the hall loaned by the proprietors (Messrs Hateley and Co.) to the Willington Distinguished War Heroes’ Fund Committee for a concert and presentation. Coun. Savage presided, and Capt. Howe made the presentations. The first was a silver plate, suitably inscribed to Mr. Joseph (sic) Little, Military Medalist. At Bois Grenier, on 27th January, 1916, Pte. Little showed great coolness and devotion to duty under heavy shell fire, after being knocked over by a shell in digging out two men of the gun detachment (9th Yorkshire Regiment), and was promoted to corporal. He was killed by a sniper in June last on the Somme. “It was a trying position for Corpl. Little’s father to be standing on that platform,” said Capt. Howe “but he could ensure him that Willington was proud of his son, who had given up his life for his country.” On behalf of Messrs. Hateley and Co., Capt. Howe also presented a silver cream basin and silver cream jug to Mr. Little in memory of his son. Mr. Little briefly gave thanks for the gifts.
The next presentation was a gold keyless watch to Sergt. Dennis, King’s Own Royal Rifles, Military Medalist. Capt. Howe said Sergt. Dennis had 17 years' service to his credit, 12 years active service and 5 years with the reserves. He holds the Queen’s South African medal with two clasps, the Military Medal and the Badge of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. In the Battle of Loos having lost all his officers Sergt. Dennis took command and with skill and coolness kept his men well under control. “Is it not something to be proud of” asked Capt. Howe, “to have a record like that of Sergt. Dennis?” On behalf of the proprietors of the Picture Hall, Capt. Howe presented Sergt. Dennis a gold medal. Sergt. Dennis thanked the people for what they had done for him. An excellent musical programme was contributed by Willington Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. J. B. Wright), Miss Nancy Ghiloni (soprano), Miss A. Hope (dancer), Messrs. J. G. Parker (comedian), Crook, G. W. Robinson (tenor), James Harle (bass) and Mr. T. Gallagher (dancer). Special pictures were exhibited by the Hall proprietors.
Recipient of the Military Medal, 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Herbert Little is remembered at Willington on W120.02 and W120.15
