TREE Warren Francis

Warren Tree was born in 1888 to Warren William Arrowsmith Tree and his wife Juliana Bevan Tree (nee Brown), he was one of at least 8 children.  He was educated at Warwick Grammar School and became a solicitor in 1909, later becoming a partner with his father.  In September 1914 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment rising to a Lieutenant in 1915.  He returned to England following wounds received at Festubert in October 1915 and spent some months on home service.  He rejoined his regiment in May 1916 and was promoted to Captain in July 1916.

The following information is taken from The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War by Captain H. FitzM. Stacke of the Regiment, 1928.
The night of 21st/22nd July proved very trying for the 10th Worcestershire’s in their trenches at Bazentin.  Several attacks were made on the enemy’s position, all resulting in failure and the loss of men.  Furious at the defeat, yet another attack was arranged by the Battalion.  Artillery support was requested and all arrangements made but communication broke down and orders for the attack did not arrive.  Mistaking their orders, “D” Company of the 10th Worcestershire advanced unsupported only to be driven back by a storm of fire.  A further attack during the evening also failed with heavy losses.  Between 20th to 23rd July 3 officers, including Captain W. Tree, and 18 men, were killed.  Five officers and 71 men were wounded and 64 N.C.O.’s and men were posted missing.

A photograph of Lieutenant W.F. Tree can be found in Berrow’s Worcester Journal Supplement, Saturday 5th August 1916, available at Worcestershire Archives.

Warren Tree has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Thiepval Memorial.