Fred "Pop" Latham

Hi Dave 

Glad to hear you saw the article. Martin passed your details to me as 

I've been researching the Cambs Rgt for 25 years. Here's some info on 

Latham. I haven't reproduced the citation again as you now have it. 


Fred Latham, Wisbech 

Enlisted September 1914 as No 2657. 

Teacher at St Peter’s School, Wisbech. (next of kin, Grantham). 

To Cambridge 7/9/14. placed in Wisbech & District Squad of recruits, 

then into 1/1st btn Cambs Rgt.  To front with 1/1st Cambs on 14-2-15, 

in C (Wisbech and Whittlesey) company. 

Promoted L/Cpl 1-7-15. 

Cpl DCM, LG 11-12-16 (for Schwaben 14-10-16). (see citation).. 

He said.... 

“I lost my officer and both sergeants and so was left in charge of the 

platoon. Anyway I reached my objective, an advanced post, dug my 

platoon, about nine of us, (including L/cpl W Beakley) in under heavy 

fire and hung on for over 30 hours under very heavy artillery fire. 

It’s marvellous how they missed us for they banged them all round us 

many missing by only yards.” 

Sgt, D coy 16 platoon, by Dec 1916. 

In April 1917 all territorial soldiers gained new six-figure numbers. 

He became 325859. 

Sgt, wounded 31-7-17 at St Julien (start of Third Ypres). wounded 

November 1917 in Menin Road area. Missing 21-31-3-18 during German 

Spring Offensive on the Somme. PoW. Repatriated Dec 1918. Disembodied 

28-2-19. 

Picture: Wisbech Stanardd 15-12-16 + 3-5-18. 


Hope this helps 

Cliff