Trafford

Born during the September quarter 1894 in the Stockport R.D. - ref: 8a/103,
the son of William & Emma Fidler (nee Pollitt).  Baptised at St. Chad P.C.,
Romiley on 25/07/1894.

1901 Census - Wychs Fold, Hyde, Cheshire.  Son - aged: 6 - born: Bosden,
Cheshire.  Head of household - William Fidler - Married - aged: 35 - occ:
Farmer - born: Offerton.   Also - Emma Fidler - Wife - aged: 25 - born:
Romiley.    Plus 2 brothers.

1911 Census - Lower Cliff Farm, Mellor.  Son - aged: 16 - occ: Working on
Farm - born: Bosden, Cheshire.   Head of household - William Fidler -
Married - aged: 45 - occ: Farmer - born: Offerton.  Also - Emma Fidler -
Wife - aged: 36 - born: Romiley.  Plus 6 brothers and 2 sisters..

Colin originally enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters - No. 43531, but it is
not known when he was drafted to the R.I.Rs.

Colin would have witnessed the blowing of the 19 large undeground mines
under Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917.  The two Irish Divisions had
before them one of the strongest sectors of the German front line - the
knoll at Spanbroekmolen and the fortified points, Kruisstraat and Peckham
Farm.   The 10th Battalion R.I.Rs were held up at Pick House bunker,
situated just to the west of the  Wytshaete to Messines Road until some of
them using a captured German machine gun and grenades attacked it and the
Germans surrended the position.  The 16th & 36th Divisions captured
Wytshaete that day.

Colin and six of his comrades were killed on the 26th June, I am guessing
(from their graves) that they were killed by a shell.

A memorial service was held in his memory at St. Luke's Church, Birch Vale
on 26/08/1917.

Colin was buried in the Derry House Cemetery No.2 at Wytshaete.  Locally he
is commemorated on the New Mills Town War Memorial and the Sale &
Ashton-upon-Mersey Town War Memorial, though I have no idea why he should
be commemorated on the Sale memorial.