Pte 57654 Ernest Horsman Lupton

• Age: 21
• From: Otley, Yorks
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 9th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Neuville-vitasse Rd Cem
  Panel Ref: A.11

Ernest Horsman Lupton was born on the 21st May 1895 in Otley, Yorkshire and was the only child of Walter Lupton and his wife Hannah (nee Horsman) who married in 1890. He was baptised on the 30th June 1895 at All Saints Church, Otley.

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family were living at 93 Peels Crescent in Otley. Ernest was 5, his father was 41, born in Burley-in-Wharfedale and working as a printers engine fitter, his mother, Hannah, was also aged 41, she was born in Headingley.

The 1911 Census records the family living at 93 Ilkley Road, Otley. Ernest was 15, was working as a cloth weavers apprentice. His father 51, was a wool packer, and his mother was also aged 51. They stated that they had been married for 20 years and had one child. 

Ernest enlisted in Leeds and was serving in the 18th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 57654 when he was killed in action on the 9th April 1917 aged 21 during the Battle of Arras.

Details of the circumstances the 18th Battalion had to contend with on the day are illustrated below:

The battalion formed the left assaulting battalion of the brigade, the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment being on the right, the 19th Manchester Regiment being in support and 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment furnishing “moppers -up” for the two assaulting battalions. The brigade advance was timed to begin at ---- hour after “Zero”, suited to conform with the movements of 56th Division and other divisions on our left further north (near Arras). This battalion’s objective was the front-line system Lion Lane on the left (exclusive) to Panther Lane on right (exclusive). This sector included the strongpoint known as “The Egg”.

The brigade advanced at prearranged time, i.e., 11.38 a.m, from position of assembly trenches south of Neuville Vitasse to German front line. This necessitated an advance across the open of at least 2,000 yards. This area up to Neuville Vitasse- Henin road was crossed in artillery formation; after this, owing to machine-gun fire and considerable resistance from German posts forward in the sunken roads, it was found necessary to deploy. During the whole movement across the open the advancing columns had been under considerable artillery fire from guns of all calibres. On gaining the position immediately in front of German line it was found that the wire was practically uncut; this wire formed two strong belts in front of German trenches. Two small gaps were eventually discovered and Second-Lieut H.F.Merry gallantly led a bombing party through them, but his three remaining men were killed as they reached the German trenches.

From the moment the battalion was “held up” in front of German wire Capt. R. W. Jones, the senior company commander on the spot, at once began the work of consolidating in front of German wire. The battalion held on in this position for the remainder of the day, until relieved by the 16th Manchester Regiment about 3 a.m. on the 10th of April, all the time under intense machine-gun and rifle fire.

Between 9th-10th April, 1917, the 18th King's lost 2 officers 2nd Lt. F. Ashcroft and 2nd Lt. H.G. Ewing and 59 other ranks killed. 8 other officers were wounded.

Ernest now rests at Neuville-Vitasse Road Cemetery, France. The inscription on his headstone reads:

“TILL THE DAY DAWNS”

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Hannah  

His mother died in the June quarter of 1937, aged 77.

His father died in he March quarter of 1947, aged 86.  

We currently have no further information on Ernest Horsman Lupton, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.