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Gildersome's Fallen Heroes 1914-1918 by Joyce Smith © 2018
(This Remembrance Day marks the centenary of the signing of the armistice between the great powers on 11 Nov 1918. Gildersome's own, Joyce Smith, has put together this collection of brief biographies in order to honour the brave Gildersome men who gave their lives for hearth and home during WWI. The material has been collected from a variety of sources such as family histories, the War Office, the census of England and the Morley Community Archives. If any reader can help to fill in any blanks or has any corrections or additions, please fill out the 'Comments' form at the bottom of this page and someone will respond shortly. Many thanks go out to Joyce for this work and her many other contributions to the history of Gildersome.....ed.)
To read about the War Memorial's 1923 unveiling ceremony, click HERE!
To read about the War Memorial's 1923 unveiling ceremony, click HERE!
As an introduction to the text below which outlines the stories of the servicemen from Gildersome who gave their lives in the First World War, I would first like to thank two colleagues who gave me much help and support in the initiative, these being Chuck Soderlund himself who has provided such a wonderful platform to share the information which I hope may be of interest to others seeking details of the fates of their family members, or indeed anyone with an interest in village history. Chuck also invested much time in formatting the document for web display. I am honoured to be a guest author on his site.
Secondly I would like to thank Andrew Bedford, another guest author on this site, who I knew as a lad back in my village days, and who helped me tremendously in locating the records of some of the more difficult to find names, particularly in the final part of this task.
I myself was brought up in the village, coming from a family where one of the branches can be traced back there to at least 1723.
I was brought up in a house on the Village Green, in full sight of the war memorial over the low stone wall that surrounded our garden, walking past it regularly as I went to visit both my sets of grandparents also living in the village. As a village Brownie and then a Girl Guide I also participated in the parades each Rembrance Sunday. However, at that time, and indeed until recently, I knew little of the men who were actually remembered here.
I did know about the war, one of my Grandfathers had been in the Scots Guards and had served on the Somme and later around Ypres, being wounded and repatriated three times in the various battles there. Each time he was sent back into action after recovery. Fortunately, he survived the war, and didn’t often talk about it, except to say, when anything went wrong at home – ‘It was much worse on the Somme!’. He was so proud of what the village had done for the war effort that he had a large flagpole erected in our garden on the Village Green and flew a Union Jack there on national occasions, at half-mast, of course, on days such as Remembrance Sunday.
Later I myself worked in Ypres with a multi-national European team. I often thought of my grandfather and the soldiers who lost their lives in the area at that time. Who can fail to do so with all one sees around there still!
Having moved to a different part of Belgium, though still going back to my home village when I can, I wondered what I could do to keep that respect alive. I began to research the servicemen whose names were on the Gildersome War Memorial, to see just where they had lived, had served, and what they had done for Europe. The texts below are the results of that research so far.
I can’t claim to be absolutely sure that every serviceman has been correctly identified, though I have taken the information from recognised sources among the abundance of data now available on the internet, together with a smattering of personal or village lore. If there are errors or if someone has information to add about any of the fallen, then I’d be delighted if you would be prepared to share this, so we can make this as complete a tribute to these village lads as it is possible.
Thanks for your help, Joyce!
Secondly I would like to thank Andrew Bedford, another guest author on this site, who I knew as a lad back in my village days, and who helped me tremendously in locating the records of some of the more difficult to find names, particularly in the final part of this task.
I myself was brought up in the village, coming from a family where one of the branches can be traced back there to at least 1723.
I was brought up in a house on the Village Green, in full sight of the war memorial over the low stone wall that surrounded our garden, walking past it regularly as I went to visit both my sets of grandparents also living in the village. As a village Brownie and then a Girl Guide I also participated in the parades each Rembrance Sunday. However, at that time, and indeed until recently, I knew little of the men who were actually remembered here.
I did know about the war, one of my Grandfathers had been in the Scots Guards and had served on the Somme and later around Ypres, being wounded and repatriated three times in the various battles there. Each time he was sent back into action after recovery. Fortunately, he survived the war, and didn’t often talk about it, except to say, when anything went wrong at home – ‘It was much worse on the Somme!’. He was so proud of what the village had done for the war effort that he had a large flagpole erected in our garden on the Village Green and flew a Union Jack there on national occasions, at half-mast, of course, on days such as Remembrance Sunday.
Later I myself worked in Ypres with a multi-national European team. I often thought of my grandfather and the soldiers who lost their lives in the area at that time. Who can fail to do so with all one sees around there still!
Having moved to a different part of Belgium, though still going back to my home village when I can, I wondered what I could do to keep that respect alive. I began to research the servicemen whose names were on the Gildersome War Memorial, to see just where they had lived, had served, and what they had done for Europe. The texts below are the results of that research so far.
I can’t claim to be absolutely sure that every serviceman has been correctly identified, though I have taken the information from recognised sources among the abundance of data now available on the internet, together with a smattering of personal or village lore. If there are errors or if someone has information to add about any of the fallen, then I’d be delighted if you would be prepared to share this, so we can make this as complete a tribute to these village lads as it is possible.
Thanks for your help, Joyce!
Taken soon after the unveiling
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Dedication South Side
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NOTE: The names are presented in the same order as they appear on the memorial.......... ed.
The east side, starting with A :
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Private William Armitage: 2nd Battalion Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment (Service Number 24459), son of Abraham and Elizabeth Armitage of St Bernard’s. He was born in 1895 in Pudsey. In 1901 he was living at 3 Bradley Lane in Pudsey with his family. In 1911 he had moved to St Bernard’s with his mother and father and brothers and sisters and was a twister at the Woollen Mill, most likely St Bernard’s mill. He was reported wounded in the Leeds Mercury of 5 August 1916. He died 23/10/1916 aged 21. On this day the West Yorkshires were involved in the attack and taking of the Zenith Trench near Le Transloy in France which is not far from Cambrai. William is commemorated at Thiepval and also on the Morley War Memorial.
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2nd Lt. T. Bates
Second Lt. Thomas Oates Holliday Bates: Indian Army Reserve of Officers, second son of William and Sarah Jane Bates of Croft House, 149 Bradford and Wakefield Road, Gildersome Street and grandson of Robert Holliday of East Ardsley and Gildersome Collieries, Born 30 Sept 1884 in Batley and baptised in Gildersome St Peters on 27 Feb 1887 when his father was a Colliery Agent living in Batley. In 1891 he was living with his family at 110 Burwell Lane, Batley and at that time his father was a sewing machine mechanic.
He went to Batley Grammar School and then from 1898 to 1900 to the Central High School in Leeds, In September 1900 he went to the Municipal Technical College in Bradford for two years studying Electrical engineering under Professor Charnock and obtaining a certificate in Practical Draughtsmanship. In 1901 he was living at Croft House, Gildersome with his parents, brothers and sisters and Uncle William Holliday.
He went on to train further as a pupil Electrical Engineer at Morley Corporation Electrical Works, later qualifying as an Assistant Engineer involved in maintaining their electrical plant. In 1909 he joined the staff of Messrs. John Brown and Co. of Rotherham, involved in the electrification of the Rotherham Collieries including Aldewarke Main and Warren House. In 1911 he was boarding with a Thomas Roberts (a Colliery timekeeper) at Canklow House Cottages, Canklow near Rotherham and is shown as an Electrical Engineer.
In 1912 he became Chief Electrical Engineer for the Tata Iron and Steel works (The largest Iron and Steel Operation in the British Empire at the time) in Sakchi, Bengal, India, at first as Assistant Electrical Engineer and later in 1914 as Acting Chief Electrical Engineer.
In Summer 1914 he was released to go on active service and he joined the Indian Expeditionary force with the rank of Lieutenant in the Chota Light Horse. Initially he was involved in border protection in India with the 121st Pioneers.
In Summer 1915 he was sent to the Western Front in France where the Indian corps suffered very heavy losses. In January 1916 he was sent to Mesopotamia and became acting Quartermaster and Machine Gun Officer for operations for the relief of Kut-el-Amara.
He was defending a forward gap in the trenches with a machine gun when he was mortally wounded on 12/04/1916, aged 31, in Basra, Iraq.
A Memorial Service was held at St Peter’s Church Gildersome on Tuesday April 25th, 1916. At Sakchi in India a special fund was set up by his former work colleagues to build an English church which contained a chancel screen dedicated to his memory.
Sapper Alfred Bedford: Royal Engineers, Service Number 139022, formerly Royal Scots, Service Number 16157. Born 1893 in Morley, son of Matthew Bedford who was born and brought up in Gildersome and Lizzy (Annie Elizabeth) Bedford (née Graham) of Normanton, husband of Jane Bedford (née Doyle) of 16 Thorpe Lane View, Tingley, Wakefield. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 4 Gilroyd Place, Morley. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 10 Baraclava Terrace, Tingley, West Ardsley, Near Wakefield and working as a roper underground in a coal mine. On 27 March 1916 he married Jayne Doyle at Woodkirk St. Mary’s Church, Morley. At the time he was a miner living in Woodkirk. He died 14 March 1919. Buried in Morley Cemetery. Also commemorated on Morley War Memorial.
He went to Batley Grammar School and then from 1898 to 1900 to the Central High School in Leeds, In September 1900 he went to the Municipal Technical College in Bradford for two years studying Electrical engineering under Professor Charnock and obtaining a certificate in Practical Draughtsmanship. In 1901 he was living at Croft House, Gildersome with his parents, brothers and sisters and Uncle William Holliday.
He went on to train further as a pupil Electrical Engineer at Morley Corporation Electrical Works, later qualifying as an Assistant Engineer involved in maintaining their electrical plant. In 1909 he joined the staff of Messrs. John Brown and Co. of Rotherham, involved in the electrification of the Rotherham Collieries including Aldewarke Main and Warren House. In 1911 he was boarding with a Thomas Roberts (a Colliery timekeeper) at Canklow House Cottages, Canklow near Rotherham and is shown as an Electrical Engineer.
In 1912 he became Chief Electrical Engineer for the Tata Iron and Steel works (The largest Iron and Steel Operation in the British Empire at the time) in Sakchi, Bengal, India, at first as Assistant Electrical Engineer and later in 1914 as Acting Chief Electrical Engineer.
In Summer 1914 he was released to go on active service and he joined the Indian Expeditionary force with the rank of Lieutenant in the Chota Light Horse. Initially he was involved in border protection in India with the 121st Pioneers.
In Summer 1915 he was sent to the Western Front in France where the Indian corps suffered very heavy losses. In January 1916 he was sent to Mesopotamia and became acting Quartermaster and Machine Gun Officer for operations for the relief of Kut-el-Amara.
He was defending a forward gap in the trenches with a machine gun when he was mortally wounded on 12/04/1916, aged 31, in Basra, Iraq.
A Memorial Service was held at St Peter’s Church Gildersome on Tuesday April 25th, 1916. At Sakchi in India a special fund was set up by his former work colleagues to build an English church which contained a chancel screen dedicated to his memory.
Sapper Alfred Bedford: Royal Engineers, Service Number 139022, formerly Royal Scots, Service Number 16157. Born 1893 in Morley, son of Matthew Bedford who was born and brought up in Gildersome and Lizzy (Annie Elizabeth) Bedford (née Graham) of Normanton, husband of Jane Bedford (née Doyle) of 16 Thorpe Lane View, Tingley, Wakefield. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 4 Gilroyd Place, Morley. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 10 Baraclava Terrace, Tingley, West Ardsley, Near Wakefield and working as a roper underground in a coal mine. On 27 March 1916 he married Jayne Doyle at Woodkirk St. Mary’s Church, Morley. At the time he was a miner living in Woodkirk. He died 14 March 1919. Buried in Morley Cemetery. Also commemorated on Morley War Memorial.
William Beever
Rifleman William Beever(s): There is a possibility that this should actually read William Beever. Group member Janet Holmes’s mother told her that her grandmother, who was married to William Beever’s brother Abraham, believed this name appears in commemoration of her brother-in-law William and had been quite angry that the name had been spelled incorrectly with the addition of a final S. She had asked for this to be altered but it was not done. William is Janet’s Great Uncle.
William Beever was a soldier in the Prince of Wales’s Own West Yorkshire Regiment 1st 8th Battalion. Service No 3932. He was born 1884 in West Ardsley. His father came from Holmfirth and was a coal miner. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers and sisters at Milner’s Buildings, Wakefield Road, Woodkirk, Morley and was a coal hurrier in a pit. On 18 April 1908 he married Mabel Elizabeth Girling, from East Dereham, in Woodkirk St Mary’s Church. In 1911 he was living with his wife at 7 Milner’s Building, Wakefield Road, Morley, a place he described as being Tingley Common. He was then a hewer in a coal mine. He was killed in action on the Somme on 13/08/1916 age 33. His legacy was paid out to his widow Mabel Elizabeth Beever on 6 Oct 1919. He received the Victory and the British War Medal.
Janet has visited the Thiepval Memorial in France and seen his name recorded there as William Beever.
There is however still some uncertainty over whether this actually commemorates William Beever for whom we have as yet found no direct connection with Gildersome.
Nevertheless, whether this is a commemoration of William Beever or a different William Beevers from Gildersome we should not forget the struggles and bravery of the many soldiers including William Beever who died on the Somme.
Private Horace Best: There is a Private H. Best from Gildersome in The Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment (28798) reported wounded in the Leeds Mercury 19 Sep 1916. He was born in Farnley. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Wentworth Cottage, Wentworth Farm, Whitehall Road, Farnley and was a cloth cutter. He was in the 11th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment and went on to be killed in action on 20th September 1917 being buried at the Hooge Crater Cemetery in West Flanders. His effects were subsequently paid out to his mother Mary Jane Best, his sisters J Handley, Mary Rowbottham and Beatrice between 1918 and 1920. Erica Best from the group is interested in military casualties from the family and may be related to him.
Private Edward Blythe: Private E(dward) Blyth(e), 1st Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Service Number 24874, and formerly of the West Riding Regiment, Service Number 3/20036. He was born on 20 Feb 1891 in Clayton, Bradford, son of Edward and Susannah Blythe. His father was from North Creake in Norfolk and his mother from Eastby in Yorkshire. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at Broadfold, Clayton. The family surname is spelt Blyth on this census. He was baptised at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Clayton on 21 November 1891. In 1901 he was living with his mother Susannah and siblings at Park Terrace, Park Place, Gildersome. His father was not at home on the census date. In 1904 there was an Edward Blythe living at Park Place, Nook, Gildersome in the Register of Electors. In 1908 there is an Edward Blythe at Green Terrace, Gildersome in the Register of Electors. This is a terrace off Finkle Lane close to the Green. In 1911 he is living with his now widowed mother Susannah and siblings at 94 Tong Street, Dudley Hill, Bradford and working as a stuff warehouseman for a woollen merchant. The family name is spelt Blyth on this census. On 28 Aug 1915 he married Annie Langstreth Walker a draper from Gildersome, at Gildersome St Peter’s Church. He was living in Dudley Hill at the time and was a warehouseman. The banns were also read at Tong Church. In 1918 there was an Edward Blythe registered to vote at Grove Park View, Gildersome. He was killed in action on 8 Oct 1918, aged 27 and buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, Somme, France. His effects were paid out on 23/3/1919 to his widow Annie L Blyth.
William Beever was a soldier in the Prince of Wales’s Own West Yorkshire Regiment 1st 8th Battalion. Service No 3932. He was born 1884 in West Ardsley. His father came from Holmfirth and was a coal miner. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers and sisters at Milner’s Buildings, Wakefield Road, Woodkirk, Morley and was a coal hurrier in a pit. On 18 April 1908 he married Mabel Elizabeth Girling, from East Dereham, in Woodkirk St Mary’s Church. In 1911 he was living with his wife at 7 Milner’s Building, Wakefield Road, Morley, a place he described as being Tingley Common. He was then a hewer in a coal mine. He was killed in action on the Somme on 13/08/1916 age 33. His legacy was paid out to his widow Mabel Elizabeth Beever on 6 Oct 1919. He received the Victory and the British War Medal.
Janet has visited the Thiepval Memorial in France and seen his name recorded there as William Beever.
There is however still some uncertainty over whether this actually commemorates William Beever for whom we have as yet found no direct connection with Gildersome.
Nevertheless, whether this is a commemoration of William Beever or a different William Beevers from Gildersome we should not forget the struggles and bravery of the many soldiers including William Beever who died on the Somme.
Private Horace Best: There is a Private H. Best from Gildersome in The Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment (28798) reported wounded in the Leeds Mercury 19 Sep 1916. He was born in Farnley. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Wentworth Cottage, Wentworth Farm, Whitehall Road, Farnley and was a cloth cutter. He was in the 11th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment and went on to be killed in action on 20th September 1917 being buried at the Hooge Crater Cemetery in West Flanders. His effects were subsequently paid out to his mother Mary Jane Best, his sisters J Handley, Mary Rowbottham and Beatrice between 1918 and 1920. Erica Best from the group is interested in military casualties from the family and may be related to him.
Private Edward Blythe: Private E(dward) Blyth(e), 1st Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Service Number 24874, and formerly of the West Riding Regiment, Service Number 3/20036. He was born on 20 Feb 1891 in Clayton, Bradford, son of Edward and Susannah Blythe. His father was from North Creake in Norfolk and his mother from Eastby in Yorkshire. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at Broadfold, Clayton. The family surname is spelt Blyth on this census. He was baptised at the Church of St. John the Baptist in Clayton on 21 November 1891. In 1901 he was living with his mother Susannah and siblings at Park Terrace, Park Place, Gildersome. His father was not at home on the census date. In 1904 there was an Edward Blythe living at Park Place, Nook, Gildersome in the Register of Electors. In 1908 there is an Edward Blythe at Green Terrace, Gildersome in the Register of Electors. This is a terrace off Finkle Lane close to the Green. In 1911 he is living with his now widowed mother Susannah and siblings at 94 Tong Street, Dudley Hill, Bradford and working as a stuff warehouseman for a woollen merchant. The family name is spelt Blyth on this census. On 28 Aug 1915 he married Annie Langstreth Walker a draper from Gildersome, at Gildersome St Peter’s Church. He was living in Dudley Hill at the time and was a warehouseman. The banns were also read at Tong Church. In 1918 there was an Edward Blythe registered to vote at Grove Park View, Gildersome. He was killed in action on 8 Oct 1918, aged 27 and buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, Somme, France. His effects were paid out on 23/3/1919 to his widow Annie L Blyth.
Alan James Brown
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Alan James Brown: 2nd Battalion West Riding Regiment Service Number 7528. He was born 1885 in Giggleswick. In 1891 he was living at The Green, Giggleswick with his parents and siblings, his father was a painter. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Belle Hill, Giggleswick and was a tailor’s apprentice. On 24 July 1903 he first signed up for military service in the West Riding Regiment at Giggleswick, reporting that his previous employment was as a tailor.
In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 38 Smith Street, Chapeltown, Sheffield and was a tailor/maker. On 21 April 1911 he was discharged from the army reporting that he had already served for almost 8 years in the West Riding Regiment out of Gosport. He was appointed Police Constable on 1 June 1911 aged 26 yrs. 4 months. At the time he was recorded as having various tattoos on his left and right forearms.
On 8th June 1912 he married Florence Lillian Fearnley of College Road, Gildersome at St Peter’s Gildersome, at which time he was a Police Constable. Their daughter Mona Brown was born in November 1913 and went on to have a family of her own, including a son Stephen Chadwick who has helped with this information. Their son Alan Brown was born on 26 Sept 1914 but sadly died at ten months old on 11 August 1915 of pneumonia at College Road, Gildersome. Alan James was discharged from service on 27 February 1918. Sadly, he subsequently died Q2 1921 in Leeds.
His Grandson Stephen Chadwick submitted the following additional information to Chuck Soderlund’s Gildersome.net site: Alan James Brown was the Gildersome village policeman both before and after World War I. He died in 1921 after suffering pneumonia following gas attacks during the war.
Private Leonard Bywater: 2nd/6th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 242406. Born Q4 1891 in Gildersome. Son of George Mortimer and Mary Bywater, Bridle Path, Townville, Castleford, Yorks. In 1901 he was living at Scott Green, Gildersome with his parents and brother. His father was a farmer. In 1911 he was living with his parents and brother at Andrew Hill Farm, Church Street, Gildersome and was working on his father’s farm. Enlisted in Leeds. Killed in Action 11/4/1917 aged 25. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France. His estate was granted by Letters of Administration to his father at Wakefield on 24 July 1917 and at that time Leonard was shown as having been residing at Engine House Farm, Pontefract. His effects were handed to his father on 22/9/2017.
In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 38 Smith Street, Chapeltown, Sheffield and was a tailor/maker. On 21 April 1911 he was discharged from the army reporting that he had already served for almost 8 years in the West Riding Regiment out of Gosport. He was appointed Police Constable on 1 June 1911 aged 26 yrs. 4 months. At the time he was recorded as having various tattoos on his left and right forearms.
On 8th June 1912 he married Florence Lillian Fearnley of College Road, Gildersome at St Peter’s Gildersome, at which time he was a Police Constable. Their daughter Mona Brown was born in November 1913 and went on to have a family of her own, including a son Stephen Chadwick who has helped with this information. Their son Alan Brown was born on 26 Sept 1914 but sadly died at ten months old on 11 August 1915 of pneumonia at College Road, Gildersome. Alan James was discharged from service on 27 February 1918. Sadly, he subsequently died Q2 1921 in Leeds.
His Grandson Stephen Chadwick submitted the following additional information to Chuck Soderlund’s Gildersome.net site: Alan James Brown was the Gildersome village policeman both before and after World War I. He died in 1921 after suffering pneumonia following gas attacks during the war.
Private Leonard Bywater: 2nd/6th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 242406. Born Q4 1891 in Gildersome. Son of George Mortimer and Mary Bywater, Bridle Path, Townville, Castleford, Yorks. In 1901 he was living at Scott Green, Gildersome with his parents and brother. His father was a farmer. In 1911 he was living with his parents and brother at Andrew Hill Farm, Church Street, Gildersome and was working on his father’s farm. Enlisted in Leeds. Killed in Action 11/4/1917 aged 25. Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France. His estate was granted by Letters of Administration to his father at Wakefield on 24 July 1917 and at that time Leonard was shown as having been residing at Engine House Farm, Pontefract. His effects were handed to his father on 22/9/2017.
Private Thomas F. Clay: (There may also be an error in this entry. It seems likely that his initial should
be T for Thomas rather than F as it actually appears) 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, Service Number 26340. Born 1890 in Denholme, Bradford son of Ann and William Henry Clay. In 1891 he was a baby living with his parents and older siblings at Shay Bottom, Denholme. In 1901 he was living at the Farm House, Cragshaw Bottom, Denholme with his family. In 1911 he was still living at Shay Bottom Farm, with his amily, assisting with farm work. He married Lillie Mary Lewsey of The Street, Gildersome, at Gildersome St Peters on 1 August 1916, so probably just before he signed up. He was a farmer at the time of his marriage living in Denholme Gate. Their son Leslie Clay was born in 1917.
Thomas died 27/05/1918 aged 28, Ayette British Cemetery in Pas-de-Calais, France.
Here is an excerpt from the Grenadier Guards web page: The 2nd Battalion went up into the line on 3 April 1918 after the capture of Ayette but the trenches were very wet and a shell landed in the trench of no.1 Company killing Lieut the Hon Harold Lubbock and Corporal Teague, and wounding 6 others. They occupied trenches in the Ayette area for several weeks while enemy shelling steadily increased. On 27 May shells killed 9 men and wounded eight. I presume Thomas Clay was one of the nine.
His remaining property and effects were handed over to his widow Lillie Mary Clay on 23 September 1918.
Tragically their son Leslie died aged 2 years on October 2nd, 1919 and is also commemorated at the base of his father’s headstone.
be T for Thomas rather than F as it actually appears) 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, Service Number 26340. Born 1890 in Denholme, Bradford son of Ann and William Henry Clay. In 1891 he was a baby living with his parents and older siblings at Shay Bottom, Denholme. In 1901 he was living at the Farm House, Cragshaw Bottom, Denholme with his family. In 1911 he was still living at Shay Bottom Farm, with his amily, assisting with farm work. He married Lillie Mary Lewsey of The Street, Gildersome, at Gildersome St Peters on 1 August 1916, so probably just before he signed up. He was a farmer at the time of his marriage living in Denholme Gate. Their son Leslie Clay was born in 1917.
Thomas died 27/05/1918 aged 28, Ayette British Cemetery in Pas-de-Calais, France.
Here is an excerpt from the Grenadier Guards web page: The 2nd Battalion went up into the line on 3 April 1918 after the capture of Ayette but the trenches were very wet and a shell landed in the trench of no.1 Company killing Lieut the Hon Harold Lubbock and Corporal Teague, and wounding 6 others. They occupied trenches in the Ayette area for several weeks while enemy shelling steadily increased. On 27 May shells killed 9 men and wounded eight. I presume Thomas Clay was one of the nine.
His remaining property and effects were handed over to his widow Lillie Mary Clay on 23 September 1918.
Tragically their son Leslie died aged 2 years on October 2nd, 1919 and is also commemorated at the base of his father’s headstone.
Private Alfred Connell: 28th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers –Service number 47322, son of William and Esther Connell, husband of the late Alice Oxley. He was born in 1887 in Gildersome. In 1901 he was living at Park Place, Park Terrace, Gildersome with his widowed mother and brothers and sisters and was a hurrier in a coal mine. In 1911 he was living at Park Place, Gildersome with his widowed mother and brothers and sisters, and was a hewer in a coal mine. In Q3 1916 he married Alice Oxley in Dewsbury.
He was repatriated to 3rd General Southern Base hospital, Oxford where he died on 07/06/1918 aged 31, buried Gildersome cemetery Plot C 655 on 11 June 1918 with his last known address given as Albert Terrace, Gildersome – which was at the top of Mill Lane. His wife is recorded as being ‘the late Alice Robinson’ on his war graves record so must also have died close to his own death.
Sapper Horace Samuel Crowther: 326 Quarrying Co (Roads and Quarries), Royal Engineers, Service Number WR 29380, son of Joseph Bilbrough Crowther and Mary Elizabeth Crowther (née Kellett) of Wakefield Road, Gildersome. He was born in 1894 in Gildersome. In 1901 he was living at No 2 Crowther’s Yard (somewhere between Primrose Hill and Ebenezer Place) with his father who was a farmer and the rest of the family. In 1911 he was living at Greenfield Farm with his sister and parents and was a farm labourer. He died on 3/07/1918 aged 24, buried Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte. By letters of administration proved in Wakefield, his effects were left to his father Joseph Bilborough Crowther on 10 April 2019. He was the third cousin twice removed of member Chuck Soderlund.
Private Leonard Crowther: 1st/5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, Service No 65644, son of Mr and Mrs Blackburn Crowther of St. Bernard’s, Gildersome. He was born in 1899 in Gildersome though his mother was from Bradford. In 1901 he was just 1 year old and living with his family in St Bernard’s. He was still at school on the 1911 Census and living with his family at Allied Row – which I think was on Geldard Road just at the top of College Road. He died of wounds on 14/04/1918 aged 19 and was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery. He was awarded the Victory Medal.
Ordinary Seaman Fred Fowler: Royal Navy, H.M.S. Genista, a Sloop, Service number J47458. He was the oldest surviving son of Richard and Ann Fowler of St Bernard’s, Gildersome, His mother was originally from New Farnley and his father, a coal miner, from Smithills, Birkin, Near Selby. Born 1895 in St Bernard’s. In 1901 he was living with his family in St Bernards. In 1911 he was living with his family in St Bernards and was a Mule Piecer in a woollen mill. He was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action on 23/10/1916 aged 21 when the Genista was sunk after being hit by a torpedo from a German U-boat, captained by a rather renowned German Submarine commander Carl-Siegfried Ritter von Georg in the N. Atlantic off the West Coast of Ireland with 73 casualties, His body was not recovered for burial. He is also commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Private Walter Garforth: 10th Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 18299. Son of George Henry and Ellen Garforth of Crowther’s Fold, Gildersome Street. He was born in 1888 in Leeds. In 1891 he was living with his mother and siblings at 52 Hunslet Hall Road, Hunslet, Leeds. Apparently, his father was not there on the census evening. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers and sisters at 40 Stamford Street, Micklegate, York. In 1911 he was living at Lepton Place (the current Spring View) with his parents and brother and sister. He was a Blacksmith striker in an Iron works. He died of wounds on 7/07/1916 aged 28, and was buried at Bois-Guillaume Cemetery. Awarded 1914-1915 Star.
Private George Henry Haiste: D Company, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regt, Service Number 8231. He was the son of the late George Haste and Ann Harris of 3 Prospect Place, Gildersome, husband of Eliza Haste of Stead’s Buildings, Street Lane, Gildersome. He would appear to have been the half-brother of Tom Harris listed below. Born 1884 in Bradford, baptised 26 Oct 1884 along with his sister at Gildersome St Peters. In 1891 he was living with his grandfather Thomas Taylor, a farm labourer, on Cricket Hill. It is believed his father had died and his mother had remarried. In 1901 he was living with his uncle Oliver Taylor in Providence Place and working as a 17-year-old Teamster underground in a coal mine (presumably looking after the pit ponies). In 1911 he was a Private in the West Riding Regiment serving in India. He married on 1 August 1914 to Eliza Purser at Gildersome St Peters. His occupation at the time was a clerk. He died only three and a half months later on 11/11/1914 aged 30, and is commemorated at Ypres, on the Menin Gate.
It looks as though there is yet another slight inaccuracy in this record, since in all other documents found George’s surname is given as Haste, but on the War Memorial it appears as Haiste.
He was repatriated to 3rd General Southern Base hospital, Oxford where he died on 07/06/1918 aged 31, buried Gildersome cemetery Plot C 655 on 11 June 1918 with his last known address given as Albert Terrace, Gildersome – which was at the top of Mill Lane. His wife is recorded as being ‘the late Alice Robinson’ on his war graves record so must also have died close to his own death.
Sapper Horace Samuel Crowther: 326 Quarrying Co (Roads and Quarries), Royal Engineers, Service Number WR 29380, son of Joseph Bilbrough Crowther and Mary Elizabeth Crowther (née Kellett) of Wakefield Road, Gildersome. He was born in 1894 in Gildersome. In 1901 he was living at No 2 Crowther’s Yard (somewhere between Primrose Hill and Ebenezer Place) with his father who was a farmer and the rest of the family. In 1911 he was living at Greenfield Farm with his sister and parents and was a farm labourer. He died on 3/07/1918 aged 24, buried Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Sangatte. By letters of administration proved in Wakefield, his effects were left to his father Joseph Bilborough Crowther on 10 April 2019. He was the third cousin twice removed of member Chuck Soderlund.
Private Leonard Crowther: 1st/5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, Service No 65644, son of Mr and Mrs Blackburn Crowther of St. Bernard’s, Gildersome. He was born in 1899 in Gildersome though his mother was from Bradford. In 1901 he was just 1 year old and living with his family in St Bernard’s. He was still at school on the 1911 Census and living with his family at Allied Row – which I think was on Geldard Road just at the top of College Road. He died of wounds on 14/04/1918 aged 19 and was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery. He was awarded the Victory Medal.
Ordinary Seaman Fred Fowler: Royal Navy, H.M.S. Genista, a Sloop, Service number J47458. He was the oldest surviving son of Richard and Ann Fowler of St Bernard’s, Gildersome, His mother was originally from New Farnley and his father, a coal miner, from Smithills, Birkin, Near Selby. Born 1895 in St Bernard’s. In 1901 he was living with his family in St Bernards. In 1911 he was living with his family in St Bernards and was a Mule Piecer in a woollen mill. He was killed or died as a direct result of enemy action on 23/10/1916 aged 21 when the Genista was sunk after being hit by a torpedo from a German U-boat, captained by a rather renowned German Submarine commander Carl-Siegfried Ritter von Georg in the N. Atlantic off the West Coast of Ireland with 73 casualties, His body was not recovered for burial. He is also commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Private Walter Garforth: 10th Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 18299. Son of George Henry and Ellen Garforth of Crowther’s Fold, Gildersome Street. He was born in 1888 in Leeds. In 1891 he was living with his mother and siblings at 52 Hunslet Hall Road, Hunslet, Leeds. Apparently, his father was not there on the census evening. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers and sisters at 40 Stamford Street, Micklegate, York. In 1911 he was living at Lepton Place (the current Spring View) with his parents and brother and sister. He was a Blacksmith striker in an Iron works. He died of wounds on 7/07/1916 aged 28, and was buried at Bois-Guillaume Cemetery. Awarded 1914-1915 Star.
Private George Henry Haiste: D Company, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regt, Service Number 8231. He was the son of the late George Haste and Ann Harris of 3 Prospect Place, Gildersome, husband of Eliza Haste of Stead’s Buildings, Street Lane, Gildersome. He would appear to have been the half-brother of Tom Harris listed below. Born 1884 in Bradford, baptised 26 Oct 1884 along with his sister at Gildersome St Peters. In 1891 he was living with his grandfather Thomas Taylor, a farm labourer, on Cricket Hill. It is believed his father had died and his mother had remarried. In 1901 he was living with his uncle Oliver Taylor in Providence Place and working as a 17-year-old Teamster underground in a coal mine (presumably looking after the pit ponies). In 1911 he was a Private in the West Riding Regiment serving in India. He married on 1 August 1914 to Eliza Purser at Gildersome St Peters. His occupation at the time was a clerk. He died only three and a half months later on 11/11/1914 aged 30, and is commemorated at Ypres, on the Menin Gate.
It looks as though there is yet another slight inaccuracy in this record, since in all other documents found George’s surname is given as Haste, but on the War Memorial it appears as Haiste.
Private Fred Hardy Hall: 1st Garrison Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, Service number 21881, son of William and Rachel Hall of Churwell, husband of Jayne Ellen Hall of Branch End, Gildersome. He was born on 17 August 1880, in Beeston. In 1881 he was a few months old and living with his parents and siblings at 5 Mill Fold, Beeston. Baptised in the non-conformist church at Hunslet-Wortley on 24 July 1883. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at 16 Back Green, Churwell. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 4 William Street, Churwell and working as ‘Boots’ (Domestic) at a college.
He married Jane Ellen Dinan on 30 May 1908 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living at 13 Booth Square, Gildersome with his wife Jayne Ellen Dinan and their first child Joseph William Hall. His occupation was fitter’s labourer in an iron foundry – possibly Robert Hudson’s.
He signed up for short military service in Morley on 21 June 1915 stating that his occupation at that time was as a labourer and giving his address as Branch End, Gildersome. He stated that at the time he already had 4 years military service in the Yorkshire Regiment. He was discharged as no longer physically fit on 9/05/1917 with pleurisy. He died 8/08/1917 aged 36, buried Gildersome Cemetery Plot U365. His memorial text was chosen by a Mr Hall of Branch End, Gildersome who may have been his father. Fred is also commemorated on the Morley War Memorial. He left a wife and three children, Joseph William, Lucy and Rose Annie.
Private Tom Benson Harris: 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regt, Service Number 14904. He was the son of Edward and Ann Harris of 3 Prospect Place, Gildersome, Born in 1890 in Gildersome – he would appear to be the half-brother of George Haste (above). In 1911 he was living with parents, brothers and sisters at Prospect Place, Gildersome, and working as a labourer in an Iron Foundry. He died of wounds on 7/11/1916 aged 26, Etaples Military Cemetery. Personal effects handed over to his father Edward 22/04/1919.
Driver Frank William Holmes: Royal Army Service Corps, Service Number MV13951. Born 1882 in Thornaby, husband of Ellen Holmes (née Fowler) from Hutton Wansley in Yorkshire who was living at Allied Houses, Gildersome at the time of her husband’s death. They had been married for 14 years since June 1905 and had two daughters, Helen and Marion. They had been married in York. In civilian life he was a domestic coachman, living in 1911 at Allied Row on Geldard Road, somewhere near the end of College Road. He may have worked for one of the mill owners in the area. He died on 18/02/1919 aged 37, and was buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas-de-Calais, France.
F. Hudson: There is a possibility that this is the Frank William Hudson from the Kings’ Own Yorkshire Light Infantry who is also commemorated on the Morley War Memorial, but no connection with Gildersome has been found for him yet. Frank William’s service number is 47511 and he died on 23/3/1918, and is commemorated at Pozières and in Morley.
Lance Corporal John Hughes: Possibly 1st/4th Seaforth Highlanders Service No 201549 He was born in East Ardsley in 1893. His father John Thomas Hughes was a coal hewer born in Gildersome, his mother Susannah was born in Drighlington or Adwalton. If this is the correct John, then in 1901 he was living with his parents and sisters at West Street in Hemsworth. In 1911 he was living with his parents and sister in Finkle Lane, Gildersome and was a coal miner’s trammer. He died on 23 July 1918 aged 25 being buried at Tournai Communal Cemetery at Tournai in Belgium.
He married Jane Ellen Dinan on 30 May 1908 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living at 13 Booth Square, Gildersome with his wife Jayne Ellen Dinan and their first child Joseph William Hall. His occupation was fitter’s labourer in an iron foundry – possibly Robert Hudson’s.
He signed up for short military service in Morley on 21 June 1915 stating that his occupation at that time was as a labourer and giving his address as Branch End, Gildersome. He stated that at the time he already had 4 years military service in the Yorkshire Regiment. He was discharged as no longer physically fit on 9/05/1917 with pleurisy. He died 8/08/1917 aged 36, buried Gildersome Cemetery Plot U365. His memorial text was chosen by a Mr Hall of Branch End, Gildersome who may have been his father. Fred is also commemorated on the Morley War Memorial. He left a wife and three children, Joseph William, Lucy and Rose Annie.
Private Tom Benson Harris: 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regt, Service Number 14904. He was the son of Edward and Ann Harris of 3 Prospect Place, Gildersome, Born in 1890 in Gildersome – he would appear to be the half-brother of George Haste (above). In 1911 he was living with parents, brothers and sisters at Prospect Place, Gildersome, and working as a labourer in an Iron Foundry. He died of wounds on 7/11/1916 aged 26, Etaples Military Cemetery. Personal effects handed over to his father Edward 22/04/1919.
Driver Frank William Holmes: Royal Army Service Corps, Service Number MV13951. Born 1882 in Thornaby, husband of Ellen Holmes (née Fowler) from Hutton Wansley in Yorkshire who was living at Allied Houses, Gildersome at the time of her husband’s death. They had been married for 14 years since June 1905 and had two daughters, Helen and Marion. They had been married in York. In civilian life he was a domestic coachman, living in 1911 at Allied Row on Geldard Road, somewhere near the end of College Road. He may have worked for one of the mill owners in the area. He died on 18/02/1919 aged 37, and was buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas-de-Calais, France.
F. Hudson: There is a possibility that this is the Frank William Hudson from the Kings’ Own Yorkshire Light Infantry who is also commemorated on the Morley War Memorial, but no connection with Gildersome has been found for him yet. Frank William’s service number is 47511 and he died on 23/3/1918, and is commemorated at Pozières and in Morley.
Lance Corporal John Hughes: Possibly 1st/4th Seaforth Highlanders Service No 201549 He was born in East Ardsley in 1893. His father John Thomas Hughes was a coal hewer born in Gildersome, his mother Susannah was born in Drighlington or Adwalton. If this is the correct John, then in 1901 he was living with his parents and sisters at West Street in Hemsworth. In 1911 he was living with his parents and sister in Finkle Lane, Gildersome and was a coal miner’s trammer. He died on 23 July 1918 aged 25 being buried at Tournai Communal Cemetery at Tournai in Belgium.
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Lance Corp. George Jagger: 14th Battalion. Kings Own Yorks Light Infantry. Service number 200125., Born 28 Dec 1894 in Adwalton, where his father Squire Jagger also came from though his mother, Caroline, came from Manchester. They were however listed as living at Church Street in his memorial. He was baptised on 23 Jan 1895 at Gildersome St Peters. At the time the family were living at New Lane, Drighlington and his father was a miner. In 1901 he was living with his family in Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his family in Street Lane, Gildersome and working as a Piecener.
George served ‘somewhere in France’ according to a letter he sent home to his father on 26/5/1915. The letter gives a graphic description of nights spent digging trenches during stormy weather with weapons firing all around. He describes how the bullets from his side whistled overhead and bullets from the enemy fell close by. They then had to go ‘over the top’ and dig themselves in using bare hands. He tells of a colleague being shot dead and another shot through his hat. Nevertheless, he survived the episode.
His letter was published in the Morley Observer, and I thank Morley Community Archive (https://www.morleyarchives.org.uk/) for allowing me to see a copy of the article. He was discharged on 24 April 2019 and awarded the Victory and British War Medals. Yet he died 19/05/1921 at home aged 25, and was buried in Gildersome Cemetery Plot C 845.
Private George Johnson: Johnson, 10th Battalion Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 49390, Born possibly 26 May 1897 (month not clear on baptism certificate) in Adwalton, son of Henry and Mary Ann Johnson who were living in Adwalton at the time. Father Henry was from Gildersome, Mum from Adwalton. George was baptised in Drighlington St Paul’s on 29 August 1897. In 1901 he was living with his parents on Adwalton Lane, Drighlington – Adwalton Lane was at one time the name of part of the Bradford arm of the Wakefield to Bradford Road. In 1911 he was living with his parents at Ellis Buildings, Gildersome Street and working as an Errand Boy in the Iron Foundry – this may have been Emmett’s foundry in Birkenshaw. He died of wounds 10/09/1918 aged 21, Buried St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen. Mentioned in Weekly Casualty List 15 Oct 1918.
Private John William Kellett: 2nd Battalion Prince of Wales Own Yorkshire Regt. Enlisted in Gildersome. Service Number 24420. Born 30 June 1895. He was the son of James and Alice Kellett, Stone Row, Town Street, Gildersome. He was baptised 8th September 1895 at Gildersome Parish Church, while the family was living at Nursery Bottoms in Gildersome. His father was a miner. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Stone Row, Town Street, Gildersome and was a rag fuller. Killed in action 1/07/1916 aged 21, Commemorated Thiepval Memorial.
Private James Lightowler: 25th Tyneside Irish Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Service Number 35703. Husband of Elsie Lightowler (née Benn) of 50 Fountain Street, Morley, Leeds. Born 1897 in Gildersome. In 1910 his grandfather is shown on the rate return as living in a house on Black Bank belonging to Henry Stead, and which is located in the row next to the Furniture Warehouse and houses owned by my own Great Grandmother Elizabeth Dawson who may well therefore have known him. In 1911 he was shown as living on Black Bank with his grandparents and their son. The grandparents are shown on the census as having one deceased child who may have been his mother. His name is shown as Jim. His grandfather, born in Northowram, is shown as a scavenger working for the Urban District Council – this was the term for a rubbish collector at the time and often included emptying the middens or dry latrines. James, Jnr was married on 4 Oct 1916 at St Andrews, Bruntcliffe. There is no father’s name on the marriage certificate and he is shown as being a Rag ‘?Feeder/Fetler?’ (this word is not legible!) living at Black Bank, Gildersome. Died 28/04/1917 aged 19. Commemorated at Arras, Pas-de-Calais.
Rifleman Private Albert Edward Newell Lockwood: 2nd/8th Battalion Prince of Wales’s own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service No 5003. Born on 26 Oct 1894 in Farsley. Baptised in St Peter’s Cathedral, Bradford on 30 Oct 1894, where his mother is shown as Sarah Jane Lockwood, living at 6 Summerseat Place, Horton, Bradford. No father’s name is shown. His father may well have been called Newell since his given names are Albert Edward Newell.
In Q2 1896 his mother Sarah Jane Lockwood seems to have died in Wortley. In 1901 he was lodging with a widow called Elizabeth A Newell and his name is shown as Albert Edward Newell. Elizabeth’s former husband was called James Newell from Gildersome. Albert was then six years old. They were living on Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1911 he was still boarding with Elizabeth Ann Newell a widow, her daughter and Son-in-law at Raynor’s Fold, Mill Lane, Gildersome and working as a Railway Porter. He enlisted in Larkhill, Salisbury. Killed in action in France 27/02/1917, at age 23. Buried Queens Cemetery Bucquoy, Pas de Calais. Memorial text chosen by a Mrs A Hall, 1 Moorland Court, Hyde Park Road, Leeds. Death reported in Leeds Mercury of 29 March 1917, though initials shown as A C there. Effects paid to Fa Joseph E Newell on 16/10/1919. Elizabeth Newell had a son called Joseph, so this is possibly him, though the recipient is marked as being Albert's father.
Private Frank Manners: Initially West Yorks Regt. Service Number 32162, later 22nd Battalion (Tyneside Scottish) Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 41978. Son of James and Elizabeth Manners of Grove View, Town Street, Gildersome. He was born on 4 Jan 1892 in Wortley and was baptised in a non-conformist chapel in Wortley on 4 Feb 1892. In 1901 he was living in Melbourne Street, Morley with his parents and brothers and sisters. In 1911 he was living at Grove View, (on the Green in the row of houses next to the current Pizzeria and Washeteria) Gildersome, with his parents and several brothers and sisters. He was working as a carding machine minder in a woollen mill. He was killed in action at Cambrai in 20/11/1917 aged 26, and buried in Wancourt British Cemetery.
Private Abram Marshall: 1st/4th Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Service Number 4059. Born 1891 in Churwell. Son of John Edward Marshall, from Gildersome and Jane Elizabeth Marshall from Huddersfield – although she is recorded as his mother on the memorial text, she is actually Abram’s step-mother. In 1891 Abram (listed as Abraham) is living at No 5 Chapel Houses, Churwell with his father and mother who is called Hannah and was from Churwell, together with several siblings. After the death of Hannah, on 26 June 1895, John Edward remarried to a widow called Jane Booth in Batley where they were both living at the time. In 1901 Abraham was living with his parents and siblings at 13 Branch End, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with John Edward and Jane Elizabeth and sisters at Branch End, Gildersome and working as a cloth fuller. Died 2/12/1915 aged 23. Commemorated at Bard Cottage Cemetery, West Flanders.
Private Herbert Mitchell: Private Herbert Mitchell, 9th Battalion Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 306417. Born 24 Oct 1893, son of Joseph and Martha Ann Mitchell (née Hudson), he was baptised on 28 August 1895 in Gildersome St Peters, along with his sister Annie. His father was from Featherstone and his mother from Gildersome. The family were living at Beulah Terrace, Gildersome at the time and his father was a firer. In 1901 the family were living at No. 8 St Bernard’s. In 1911 the family were living at St Bernard’s where Joseph was a stationary engine man in a cloth dye works and Herbert was working as a woollen mule piecer. On 24 February 1918, almost at the end of the war, he married Alice Broadbent of 4 Carnaby Street, Leeds at the New Wortley Parish Church. At the time he was a soldier living at 4 Cottingley Springs, Leeds. Just two months later on 1 May 1918 he died. He is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Private Willie Mitchell: 1st Battalion Prince of Wales’s Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 16405. He was born in 1897 in Farnley, son of Joseph and Lucy Mitchell, his father being from Cumberworth and his mother from Farnley. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Cud Hill, Farnley. In 1911 he was living with his father and mother and siblings at Nursery Bottoms, Gildersome and working as a pony driver in a coal pit. He entered the war on 3 May 1915. He died of wounds on 12 April 1917. He was buried Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais France. He received the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1915 Star.
Rifleman Private Michael Morgan: Possibly 1st/8th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 3972. In 1891 there was a 17-year-old called Michael Morgan living at 9a Front Street, Leeds South with father James and mother Elizabeth and siblings. He was working as a Machine Hand. He would have been born in 1874 in Leeds. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 9 Marion Grove in Hunslet and working on his own account as a woodcutting machinist. In 1914 there was a Michael Morgan in the register of electors at Scott Green, Gildersome. In 1915 he was living at Church Farm Cottages, Gildersome according to the register of electors. He died of wounds 4 July 1916. If the previous details are his, he would have been 42 years old at the time. He was buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. This soldier’s father James Morgan was sole beneficiary of his effects on 12/10/1916. More research is however needed to ensure these details all relate to the same person. The 1911 Census entry also needs to be found.
Private Edward (known as Eddy) Naylor: 3rd Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regt Service Number 32349, son of Fred and Martha Ann Naylor (possibly née Nunns) of 19 Bradford Road, Drighlington, husband of Lily (Lilian) Naylor of Gildersome (possibly née Oakley and married Q2 1913 in N. Bierley). Born on 23 September 1888 in Drighlington/Adwalton. He was baptised in Drighlington St Pauls on 25 Nov 1889 when his father was a weaver and they were living in Adwalton. In 1891 he was living at 25 Jackson Lane, Morley with his parents and brother. In 1901 he was living at 63 Adwalton Lane, Drighlington with his parents and brothers and sister. In 1911 he was living with his parents, brother and sister at Watson Buildings, Adwalton Lane, Adwalton, Bradford and was a mill hand in a Woollen mill. He died 29/11/1916 aged 28 and was buried in Drighlington (St. Paul) Churchyard.
Private Leonard Naylor: 6th Battalion. South Lancashire Regiment, Service Number 28435, formerly 24422 West Yorks Regiment. He was born in 1896 in Gildersome, the second son of Fred and Amelia Naylor of Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers in Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and brothers in Mill Lane, Gildersome and working as a piecer in a Woollen Mill. He enlisted in Gildersome. He died from wounds in Mesopotamia on 29/01/1917 aged 20. He was commemorated on Basra Memorial. His younger brother was killed two years later.
Private John William Kellett: 2nd Battalion Prince of Wales Own Yorkshire Regt. Enlisted in Gildersome. Service Number 24420. Born 30 June 1895. He was the son of James and Alice Kellett, Stone Row, Town Street, Gildersome. He was baptised 8th September 1895 at Gildersome Parish Church, while the family was living at Nursery Bottoms in Gildersome. His father was a miner. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Stone Row, Town Street, Gildersome and was a rag fuller. Killed in action 1/07/1916 aged 21, Commemorated Thiepval Memorial.
Private James Lightowler: 25th Tyneside Irish Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Service Number 35703. Husband of Elsie Lightowler (née Benn) of 50 Fountain Street, Morley, Leeds. Born 1897 in Gildersome. In 1910 his grandfather is shown on the rate return as living in a house on Black Bank belonging to Henry Stead, and which is located in the row next to the Furniture Warehouse and houses owned by my own Great Grandmother Elizabeth Dawson who may well therefore have known him. In 1911 he was shown as living on Black Bank with his grandparents and their son. The grandparents are shown on the census as having one deceased child who may have been his mother. His name is shown as Jim. His grandfather, born in Northowram, is shown as a scavenger working for the Urban District Council – this was the term for a rubbish collector at the time and often included emptying the middens or dry latrines. James, Jnr was married on 4 Oct 1916 at St Andrews, Bruntcliffe. There is no father’s name on the marriage certificate and he is shown as being a Rag ‘?Feeder/Fetler?’ (this word is not legible!) living at Black Bank, Gildersome. Died 28/04/1917 aged 19. Commemorated at Arras, Pas-de-Calais.
Rifleman Private Albert Edward Newell Lockwood: 2nd/8th Battalion Prince of Wales’s own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service No 5003. Born on 26 Oct 1894 in Farsley. Baptised in St Peter’s Cathedral, Bradford on 30 Oct 1894, where his mother is shown as Sarah Jane Lockwood, living at 6 Summerseat Place, Horton, Bradford. No father’s name is shown. His father may well have been called Newell since his given names are Albert Edward Newell.
In Q2 1896 his mother Sarah Jane Lockwood seems to have died in Wortley. In 1901 he was lodging with a widow called Elizabeth A Newell and his name is shown as Albert Edward Newell. Elizabeth’s former husband was called James Newell from Gildersome. Albert was then six years old. They were living on Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1911 he was still boarding with Elizabeth Ann Newell a widow, her daughter and Son-in-law at Raynor’s Fold, Mill Lane, Gildersome and working as a Railway Porter. He enlisted in Larkhill, Salisbury. Killed in action in France 27/02/1917, at age 23. Buried Queens Cemetery Bucquoy, Pas de Calais. Memorial text chosen by a Mrs A Hall, 1 Moorland Court, Hyde Park Road, Leeds. Death reported in Leeds Mercury of 29 March 1917, though initials shown as A C there. Effects paid to Fa Joseph E Newell on 16/10/1919. Elizabeth Newell had a son called Joseph, so this is possibly him, though the recipient is marked as being Albert's father.
Private Frank Manners: Initially West Yorks Regt. Service Number 32162, later 22nd Battalion (Tyneside Scottish) Northumberland Fusiliers, service number 41978. Son of James and Elizabeth Manners of Grove View, Town Street, Gildersome. He was born on 4 Jan 1892 in Wortley and was baptised in a non-conformist chapel in Wortley on 4 Feb 1892. In 1901 he was living in Melbourne Street, Morley with his parents and brothers and sisters. In 1911 he was living at Grove View, (on the Green in the row of houses next to the current Pizzeria and Washeteria) Gildersome, with his parents and several brothers and sisters. He was working as a carding machine minder in a woollen mill. He was killed in action at Cambrai in 20/11/1917 aged 26, and buried in Wancourt British Cemetery.
Private Abram Marshall: 1st/4th Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Service Number 4059. Born 1891 in Churwell. Son of John Edward Marshall, from Gildersome and Jane Elizabeth Marshall from Huddersfield – although she is recorded as his mother on the memorial text, she is actually Abram’s step-mother. In 1891 Abram (listed as Abraham) is living at No 5 Chapel Houses, Churwell with his father and mother who is called Hannah and was from Churwell, together with several siblings. After the death of Hannah, on 26 June 1895, John Edward remarried to a widow called Jane Booth in Batley where they were both living at the time. In 1901 Abraham was living with his parents and siblings at 13 Branch End, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with John Edward and Jane Elizabeth and sisters at Branch End, Gildersome and working as a cloth fuller. Died 2/12/1915 aged 23. Commemorated at Bard Cottage Cemetery, West Flanders.
Private Herbert Mitchell: Private Herbert Mitchell, 9th Battalion Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 306417. Born 24 Oct 1893, son of Joseph and Martha Ann Mitchell (née Hudson), he was baptised on 28 August 1895 in Gildersome St Peters, along with his sister Annie. His father was from Featherstone and his mother from Gildersome. The family were living at Beulah Terrace, Gildersome at the time and his father was a firer. In 1901 the family were living at No. 8 St Bernard’s. In 1911 the family were living at St Bernard’s where Joseph was a stationary engine man in a cloth dye works and Herbert was working as a woollen mule piecer. On 24 February 1918, almost at the end of the war, he married Alice Broadbent of 4 Carnaby Street, Leeds at the New Wortley Parish Church. At the time he was a soldier living at 4 Cottingley Springs, Leeds. Just two months later on 1 May 1918 he died. He is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, Pas de Calais, France. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Private Willie Mitchell: 1st Battalion Prince of Wales’s Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 16405. He was born in 1897 in Farnley, son of Joseph and Lucy Mitchell, his father being from Cumberworth and his mother from Farnley. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Cud Hill, Farnley. In 1911 he was living with his father and mother and siblings at Nursery Bottoms, Gildersome and working as a pony driver in a coal pit. He entered the war on 3 May 1915. He died of wounds on 12 April 1917. He was buried Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais France. He received the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1915 Star.
Rifleman Private Michael Morgan: Possibly 1st/8th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 3972. In 1891 there was a 17-year-old called Michael Morgan living at 9a Front Street, Leeds South with father James and mother Elizabeth and siblings. He was working as a Machine Hand. He would have been born in 1874 in Leeds. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 9 Marion Grove in Hunslet and working on his own account as a woodcutting machinist. In 1914 there was a Michael Morgan in the register of electors at Scott Green, Gildersome. In 1915 he was living at Church Farm Cottages, Gildersome according to the register of electors. He died of wounds 4 July 1916. If the previous details are his, he would have been 42 years old at the time. He was buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. This soldier’s father James Morgan was sole beneficiary of his effects on 12/10/1916. More research is however needed to ensure these details all relate to the same person. The 1911 Census entry also needs to be found.
Private Edward (known as Eddy) Naylor: 3rd Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regt Service Number 32349, son of Fred and Martha Ann Naylor (possibly née Nunns) of 19 Bradford Road, Drighlington, husband of Lily (Lilian) Naylor of Gildersome (possibly née Oakley and married Q2 1913 in N. Bierley). Born on 23 September 1888 in Drighlington/Adwalton. He was baptised in Drighlington St Pauls on 25 Nov 1889 when his father was a weaver and they were living in Adwalton. In 1891 he was living at 25 Jackson Lane, Morley with his parents and brother. In 1901 he was living at 63 Adwalton Lane, Drighlington with his parents and brothers and sister. In 1911 he was living with his parents, brother and sister at Watson Buildings, Adwalton Lane, Adwalton, Bradford and was a mill hand in a Woollen mill. He died 29/11/1916 aged 28 and was buried in Drighlington (St. Paul) Churchyard.
Private Leonard Naylor: 6th Battalion. South Lancashire Regiment, Service Number 28435, formerly 24422 West Yorks Regiment. He was born in 1896 in Gildersome, the second son of Fred and Amelia Naylor of Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers in Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and brothers in Mill Lane, Gildersome and working as a piecer in a Woollen Mill. He enlisted in Gildersome. He died from wounds in Mesopotamia on 29/01/1917 aged 20. He was commemorated on Basra Memorial. His younger brother was killed two years later.
Private Norris Naylor: Yorks and Lancs Regt, Service Numbers 42860 and 774591. He was born in 1898 in Gildersome, the third son of Fred and Amelia Naylor of Mill Lane. In 1901 he was living with his parents and older brothers in Mill Lane, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and older brothers in Mill Lane, Gildersome and working as a piecer in a Woollen Mill. He signed up on 8 May 1917 for short term service in the 16th Transport Workers Battalion having already been a member of the 89 Train Reserve. He died of pneumonia in hospital at Redcar 6/12/1918 aged 20 and was buried in Gildersome Cemetery Plot U 261. His older brother was also killed two years earlier.
Private Harry. Nicholson: 1st/7th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, Service Number 291835. He was born in Farnley in 1887, and later husband of Mary Nicholson, who was born in Dublin but listed as being at Goff’s Buildings, Gildersome Street when he died. In 1891 he was living with his father, mother and sister at Birchfield Place, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 9 Ackroyd Buildings, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living at the Nursery, Gildersome, with his wife Mary and their two daughters Mary A and Nellie. He died on 17/04/1917 aged 30 and was commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France.
J. Nisbet: There is a possibility that this is a James. Nisbet Royal Army Medical Corps, Service Number 155915 who is buried at Silksworth, Durham who may have had a connection with the Gildersome Church (apparently mentioned in Crockford’s Clerical Directory). He was born in 1888 in Ryhope. His father William Nisbet was an Examiner of Mines. In 1891 he was living at 17 Cornelia Street, Bishopswearmouth with his parents and brother. In 1901 he was living at 11 Mary Street, Tunstall, Durham with his parents and siblings and was a coal miner. In 1911 he was a divinity student studying at Kelham Hall, Newark in Nottinghamshire. He married Flora Musgrave Usher at St John the Baptist, Barnsley on 25 April 1917. He was then a clerk in Holy Orders and living at 38 Cope Street, Barnsley. Flora was from 8 West View, Barnsley. He died on 29 Oct 1918 aged 30 at Adelaide St. Military Hospital, Blackpool. He was the son of William and Barbara Nisbet and husband of Flora Musgrave Nisbet of Rosmeade, Tonington Lane, Thanington, Canterbury.
Rifleman Frank Ogden: King’s Royal Rifle Corps, but posted to Queen Victoria Rifles. Service Number 45718. He was born in 1893 in Antrim, Belfast, the son of Joseph and Mary A. Ogden of The Old Hall, Gildersome. His father was from Islington and his mother from Leeds. His father had been appointed as the United Methodist Minister for Morley and Gildersome on 22 August 1915 according to the Hull Mercury. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 146 Keeling’s Lane, Hanley, Staffs. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 129 Errol Street, Liverpool and working as an insurance clerk. He died on 16/07/1918 aged 25, and was buried at Pernois British Cemetery, Halloy-les-Pernois, Somme, France. His estate was granted through letters of administration in Wakefield on 5 Sept 1918 to his father Joseph Ogden, a United Methodist Minister.
J. Nisbet: There is a possibility that this is a James. Nisbet Royal Army Medical Corps, Service Number 155915 who is buried at Silksworth, Durham who may have had a connection with the Gildersome Church (apparently mentioned in Crockford’s Clerical Directory). He was born in 1888 in Ryhope. His father William Nisbet was an Examiner of Mines. In 1891 he was living at 17 Cornelia Street, Bishopswearmouth with his parents and brother. In 1901 he was living at 11 Mary Street, Tunstall, Durham with his parents and siblings and was a coal miner. In 1911 he was a divinity student studying at Kelham Hall, Newark in Nottinghamshire. He married Flora Musgrave Usher at St John the Baptist, Barnsley on 25 April 1917. He was then a clerk in Holy Orders and living at 38 Cope Street, Barnsley. Flora was from 8 West View, Barnsley. He died on 29 Oct 1918 aged 30 at Adelaide St. Military Hospital, Blackpool. He was the son of William and Barbara Nisbet and husband of Flora Musgrave Nisbet of Rosmeade, Tonington Lane, Thanington, Canterbury.
Rifleman Frank Ogden: King’s Royal Rifle Corps, but posted to Queen Victoria Rifles. Service Number 45718. He was born in 1893 in Antrim, Belfast, the son of Joseph and Mary A. Ogden of The Old Hall, Gildersome. His father was from Islington and his mother from Leeds. His father had been appointed as the United Methodist Minister for Morley and Gildersome on 22 August 1915 according to the Hull Mercury. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 146 Keeling’s Lane, Hanley, Staffs. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 129 Errol Street, Liverpool and working as an insurance clerk. He died on 16/07/1918 aged 25, and was buried at Pernois British Cemetery, Halloy-les-Pernois, Somme, France. His estate was granted through letters of administration in Wakefield on 5 Sept 1918 to his father Joseph Ogden, a United Methodist Minister.
Private Clifford Popplewell: Depot, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 25767. He was born in 1893, the son of Annie Popplewell and probably Walter Antill, and nephew of Samuel and Caroline Eleanor Wilson of Town Street, Gildersome with whom he lived following the death of his mother in 1908. He worked at Highfield mill where his Uncle Samuel’s nephews George and Alexander Wilson were the managers. He was a member of Greenside Methodist Church and sang in the choir. He enlisted in Leeds in January 1916 and went to France in the July. He returned to Manchester Military Hospital in March 1917 suffering from a serious infection and died one week later on 31/03/1917, aged 24. He was buried in Gildersome Cemetery.
Private Levi Ramsden: 2nd Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Service Number 25756. He was born on 6 May 1891 in Adwalton, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ramsden of Adwalton, and baptised on 5 July 1891 in Drighlington St Paul’s. In 1901 he was living in Adwalton, Drighlington with his parents and siblings. In 1911 he was living with his widowed father on Wakefield Road, Adwalton and was a woollen spinner. He enlisted in Morley. He died of wounds on 19 April 1917 aged 26 and is buried at Cayeux Military Cemetery on the Somme in France. His effects were left to his many brothers and sisters on 5 Dec 1919. He is also commemorated on the Memorial in Drighlington.
Bombardier John Thomas Rawson: U Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Service Number 191135. He was born in 1891 in West Ardsley, the son of Jonathan and Priscilla (or Marsella) Rawson of Black Bank, Gildersome. In 1891 he was living at 1 Longley’s Yard, Hunslet, with his parents (his mother is shown as Marsella) and listed as being born in Hunslet. In 1911 he was living with his parents (though his mother is shown as Massella Rawson) and siblings at 44 Cross Church Street, Morley, and working as a pit top banksman. In 1919 he is still registered as a voter, living at Black Bank, Gildersome. He died on 10 Jan 1919 aged 28. He was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais. His effects were paid out to his mother Priscilla on 23 August 1919.
Stoker 1st Class John William Parker: Royal Navy serving on board H.M.S. Good Hope. Service Number SS/100777. He was born in 1884 in Nottingham. In 1891 he was living at Owlett Hall Cottages, with his father Jacob and mother Harriet, both from Warwickshire, and with his siblings. Owlett Hall cottages would have been on the estate which later became the Owlett Hall Nursing Home. In 1901 he was living at 4 Goff’s Buildings, Gildersome with his widowed father Jacob Parker from Nuneaton in Warwickshire, his sister Martha from Gildersome and Jacob’s grandson also called John William (from Gildersome). He was working as a coal miner – hurrier, underground. In 1911 he was lodging with a Mrs. Jackson along with several other lodgers at School Yard, High Street, South Emsall, and he was a coal miner – hewer.
He was killed in action at the Battle of Coronel on 1 Nov 1914. This was the first British Naval defeat since 1812. It must have been the most horrendous battle. It took place just off the town of Coronel in Chile. H.M.S. Good Hope was the flagship of Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock, also a Yorkshireman from Hartforth Hall near Richmond in N. Yorks. Sailing out from the Falkland Islands, the ship was sent along with a small fleet of rather old vessels to defend the Pacific shipping lines from German attack. The Germany fleet in the area was much more modern than the British and under the command of Vice-Admiral Graf Maximillian von Spee. Since both fleets were maintaining radio silence at the time, the two fleets came face to face under the belief that they were each facing a single ship. The British fleet was vastly outclassed in terms of ships and gunpower. It was a dreadful battle with losses not just of H.M.S. Good Hope with all hands, including Admiral Cradock, but also of H.M.S. Monmouth also with all hands. 1,600 Allied seamen including a Canadian contingent were lost in the battle. The two other ships involved H.M.S Glasgow and H.M.S. Otranto escaped and retreated back to the Falkland Islands. The German fleet sustained hardly any loss of life or damage.
Nevertheless, Vice-Admiral Graf von Spee is said to have remained despondent, sensing that he would also die in retaliatory action, and indeed, after the British Navy had sent a much more modern Naval fleet to the Falklands, when Vice-Admiral Graf von Spee attempted to raid the port of Stanley on 8th December 1914 he was in turn heavily defeated and he was killed when his flagship the S.M.S. Scharnhorst sank. Two of his sons were also killed on other ships during the battle. The British suffered few losses in this second engagement.
This would have been of little comfort for the families of the 1;600 men lost in the battle of Coronel. Such are the horrors of war!
John William Parker is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, and there is also a memorial to the fallen sailors in Coronel in Chile and in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
Bombardier John Thomas Rawson: U Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Service Number 191135. He was born in 1891 in West Ardsley, the son of Jonathan and Priscilla (or Marsella) Rawson of Black Bank, Gildersome. In 1891 he was living at 1 Longley’s Yard, Hunslet, with his parents (his mother is shown as Marsella) and listed as being born in Hunslet. In 1911 he was living with his parents (though his mother is shown as Massella Rawson) and siblings at 44 Cross Church Street, Morley, and working as a pit top banksman. In 1919 he is still registered as a voter, living at Black Bank, Gildersome. He died on 10 Jan 1919 aged 28. He was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais. His effects were paid out to his mother Priscilla on 23 August 1919.
Stoker 1st Class John William Parker: Royal Navy serving on board H.M.S. Good Hope. Service Number SS/100777. He was born in 1884 in Nottingham. In 1891 he was living at Owlett Hall Cottages, with his father Jacob and mother Harriet, both from Warwickshire, and with his siblings. Owlett Hall cottages would have been on the estate which later became the Owlett Hall Nursing Home. In 1901 he was living at 4 Goff’s Buildings, Gildersome with his widowed father Jacob Parker from Nuneaton in Warwickshire, his sister Martha from Gildersome and Jacob’s grandson also called John William (from Gildersome). He was working as a coal miner – hurrier, underground. In 1911 he was lodging with a Mrs. Jackson along with several other lodgers at School Yard, High Street, South Emsall, and he was a coal miner – hewer.
He was killed in action at the Battle of Coronel on 1 Nov 1914. This was the first British Naval defeat since 1812. It must have been the most horrendous battle. It took place just off the town of Coronel in Chile. H.M.S. Good Hope was the flagship of Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock, also a Yorkshireman from Hartforth Hall near Richmond in N. Yorks. Sailing out from the Falkland Islands, the ship was sent along with a small fleet of rather old vessels to defend the Pacific shipping lines from German attack. The Germany fleet in the area was much more modern than the British and under the command of Vice-Admiral Graf Maximillian von Spee. Since both fleets were maintaining radio silence at the time, the two fleets came face to face under the belief that they were each facing a single ship. The British fleet was vastly outclassed in terms of ships and gunpower. It was a dreadful battle with losses not just of H.M.S. Good Hope with all hands, including Admiral Cradock, but also of H.M.S. Monmouth also with all hands. 1,600 Allied seamen including a Canadian contingent were lost in the battle. The two other ships involved H.M.S Glasgow and H.M.S. Otranto escaped and retreated back to the Falkland Islands. The German fleet sustained hardly any loss of life or damage.
Nevertheless, Vice-Admiral Graf von Spee is said to have remained despondent, sensing that he would also die in retaliatory action, and indeed, after the British Navy had sent a much more modern Naval fleet to the Falklands, when Vice-Admiral Graf von Spee attempted to raid the port of Stanley on 8th December 1914 he was in turn heavily defeated and he was killed when his flagship the S.M.S. Scharnhorst sank. Two of his sons were also killed on other ships during the battle. The British suffered few losses in this second engagement.
This would have been of little comfort for the families of the 1;600 men lost in the battle of Coronel. Such are the horrors of war!
John William Parker is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, and there is also a memorial to the fallen sailors in Coronel in Chile and in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
The west side below, starting with R :
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Gunner Edgar Robinson: X 13th T.M. Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Service Number 252263. He was born in 1891 at Drighlington, the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Robinson, husband of Elsie H Jones, formerly Robinson, formerly Poulter, of Street Lane, Gildersome. His parents were from Thornton and Queensbury respectively. He was baptised on June 15th, 1890 at the New Connexion Chapel in Adwalton, apparently an offshoot of Birstall Methodist Church. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings in Lawton’s Yard, Wakefield Road, Adwalton. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Wakefield Road, Drighlington (this could be the same house as in 1891 since the boundaries between Adwalton and Drighlington tended to fluctuate over this period). His father was a coal miner (hewer). In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at King Street, Adwalton Lane, Adwalton (Adwalton Lane was a one-time name for the Bradford Road arm of the Wakefield and Bradford Road) and he was working as a trammer in the iron works. In Q4 1913 he married Elsie H Poulter in North Bierley. He died on 18/02/1919 aged 28 and was buried in Gildersome cemetery.
Gunner Fred Scargill: Royal Field Artillery and Royal Horse Artillery. Service Number 191392. He was born on 3 Feb 1893 in Gildersome and baptised on 19 Mar 1893 at Gildersome St Peters while living at Street Lane, Gildersome. He was the son of Thomas and Amy Scargill. In 1901 he was living with his widowed mother and six sisters in Glover’s Buildings, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and two sisters at 18 Birchfield Place. He died on 31/05/1918, aged 25, apparently of phosgene gas poisoning, and was buried at Esquelbecq Military Cemetery. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Private Percy Scargill: 16th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 48587. He was born in 1894 in Gildersome, the son of Tom and Sarah Jane Scargill– baptised in Gildersome St Peters on 30 May 1894 when they were living in Factory Yard, Gildersome – which was on the Green, just behind Grove View. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Factory Yard. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Clayton’s Fold, Gildersome and working as a woollen muler/piecener. On 16 Dec 1916 he married Florence Louisa Mawson at Gildersome St Peters. At the time he was a plater’s assistant living in Gildersome. Their son Irvine Scargill was born on 12 April 1917. He died 12 Oct 1918 and is buried at Hautmont Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. His effects were paid out to his widow Florence on 22 Sept 1919. In 1939 Florence and Irvine were living at 45 Scott Green, Gildersome and Irvine was a GPO telephone engineer. My father, who had the same career but was born a few years later, would surely have known him.
John William Shepherd: 8th Durham Light Infantry. Service Number 71038. He was recruited in Leeds from Green Side, Gildersome on 17 Nov 1916 aged just 17 years and 11 months, at first entering the 5Th Company Training Reserve Battalion, before being transferred to the Durham Light Infantry. He listed his previous job as being a rag filler. He was born on 23 November 1899 in Pudsey, the son of John William Shepherd (Snr) of Donnington, a night soil scavenger – which implies that he did the night round emptying the dry latrines of the time, and Mary Shepherd (née Baram) who came from Castleford. In 1901 the family were living at 32 Hough Road, Pudsey. John Jnr was baptised in Drighlington St Paul’s on 6 Sept 1905 along with two younger sisters. At the time the family were living in Adwalton and John snr. was by then a gardener. In 1911 the family were living at Park Farms, Gildersome and John William snr. was now a market gardener on his own account.
John jnr. embarked to Europe on 17 Jan 1918 sailing to Boulogne. He went missing just two months later on 26/03/1918 in France and was presumed dead on 7 April 1918 aged 19. He has not been found on the Commonwealth War Graves site. The electoral roll of 1918 shows his father John William Shepherd living at the Manor House, Gildersome which was at the bottom of Harthill, an area which is also referred to as Greenside. His parents received the British War Medal and the Victory medal on his behalf in November 1921. In 1920, on the declaration of evidence concerning this, Mary used Joseph Ogden of Old Hall, Methodist Minister as witness. Joseph himself lost a son to the war just after John jnr’s. death, as shown above.
Private George Arthur Smith: 19th Battalion. Durham Light Infantry, Service Number 106716. He had previously been enlisted in the York and Lancs Regt. under service number 60856, He was born on 26 March 1879 in Gildersome, the son of George and Eliza Smith of Gildersome. In 1881 he was living in Street Lane with his parents and siblings. He was baptised in Gildersome on 11 Nov 1886. In 1891 he was living in Street Lane, Gildersome with his parents and siblings. In 1901 he had moved to Birchfield Place with his widowed mother, brothers and several boarders. He was working as a general labourer. In 1911 he was living at 3 Birchfield Place, with his widowed mother and the same boarders who turn out to be the family of one of his sisters. He was working as a labourer at the iron foundry – perhaps Robert Hudson’s? He enlisted in Leeds. He died on 31/10/1918 aged 39, and is buried at Vichte Military Cemetery, West Flanders, Belgium.
Private Randall Sowden: 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Service Number 49948. (Formerly Sherwood Foresters Service No 707331). He was born in 1899 in Gildersome, the son of Henry Sowden a coal miner (hewer) from Farnley and Ellen Sowden (née Hughes) from Gildersome. In 1901 Randall was a two-year-old living with his parents and siblings at Park Place, Park Terrace, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Turton Hall Fold, Gildersome. He was killed in action on 9 Oct 1918 aged 18 and commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
Private Percy Scargill: 16th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 48587. He was born in 1894 in Gildersome, the son of Tom and Sarah Jane Scargill– baptised in Gildersome St Peters on 30 May 1894 when they were living in Factory Yard, Gildersome – which was on the Green, just behind Grove View. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Factory Yard. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Clayton’s Fold, Gildersome and working as a woollen muler/piecener. On 16 Dec 1916 he married Florence Louisa Mawson at Gildersome St Peters. At the time he was a plater’s assistant living in Gildersome. Their son Irvine Scargill was born on 12 April 1917. He died 12 Oct 1918 and is buried at Hautmont Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. His effects were paid out to his widow Florence on 22 Sept 1919. In 1939 Florence and Irvine were living at 45 Scott Green, Gildersome and Irvine was a GPO telephone engineer. My father, who had the same career but was born a few years later, would surely have known him.
John William Shepherd: 8th Durham Light Infantry. Service Number 71038. He was recruited in Leeds from Green Side, Gildersome on 17 Nov 1916 aged just 17 years and 11 months, at first entering the 5Th Company Training Reserve Battalion, before being transferred to the Durham Light Infantry. He listed his previous job as being a rag filler. He was born on 23 November 1899 in Pudsey, the son of John William Shepherd (Snr) of Donnington, a night soil scavenger – which implies that he did the night round emptying the dry latrines of the time, and Mary Shepherd (née Baram) who came from Castleford. In 1901 the family were living at 32 Hough Road, Pudsey. John Jnr was baptised in Drighlington St Paul’s on 6 Sept 1905 along with two younger sisters. At the time the family were living in Adwalton and John snr. was by then a gardener. In 1911 the family were living at Park Farms, Gildersome and John William snr. was now a market gardener on his own account.
John jnr. embarked to Europe on 17 Jan 1918 sailing to Boulogne. He went missing just two months later on 26/03/1918 in France and was presumed dead on 7 April 1918 aged 19. He has not been found on the Commonwealth War Graves site. The electoral roll of 1918 shows his father John William Shepherd living at the Manor House, Gildersome which was at the bottom of Harthill, an area which is also referred to as Greenside. His parents received the British War Medal and the Victory medal on his behalf in November 1921. In 1920, on the declaration of evidence concerning this, Mary used Joseph Ogden of Old Hall, Methodist Minister as witness. Joseph himself lost a son to the war just after John jnr’s. death, as shown above.
Private George Arthur Smith: 19th Battalion. Durham Light Infantry, Service Number 106716. He had previously been enlisted in the York and Lancs Regt. under service number 60856, He was born on 26 March 1879 in Gildersome, the son of George and Eliza Smith of Gildersome. In 1881 he was living in Street Lane with his parents and siblings. He was baptised in Gildersome on 11 Nov 1886. In 1891 he was living in Street Lane, Gildersome with his parents and siblings. In 1901 he had moved to Birchfield Place with his widowed mother, brothers and several boarders. He was working as a general labourer. In 1911 he was living at 3 Birchfield Place, with his widowed mother and the same boarders who turn out to be the family of one of his sisters. He was working as a labourer at the iron foundry – perhaps Robert Hudson’s? He enlisted in Leeds. He died on 31/10/1918 aged 39, and is buried at Vichte Military Cemetery, West Flanders, Belgium.
Private Randall Sowden: 1st Battalion Essex Regiment. Service Number 49948. (Formerly Sherwood Foresters Service No 707331). He was born in 1899 in Gildersome, the son of Henry Sowden a coal miner (hewer) from Farnley and Ellen Sowden (née Hughes) from Gildersome. In 1901 Randall was a two-year-old living with his parents and siblings at Park Place, Park Terrace, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Turton Hall Fold, Gildersome. He was killed in action on 9 Oct 1918 aged 18 and commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
 ​Believed to be Clarence Whitley Stephenson
Private Clarence Whitley Stephenson: 10th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, Service Number 41952. He previously served in the Territorial Reserve with Service Number 32664. He was born in Gildersome in 1892, the eldest son of Herbert and Mary Ann Stephenson of Spring View, Church Street, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brother and sister at Stead Buildings, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Stead’s Buildings, Street Lane, Gildersome and working as a baker and confectioner at the Cooperative Society. He enlisted in Gildersome. He was presumed dead, killed in action, on 20/09/1917 aged 25 and commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, West Flanders, Belgium. He is also commemorated on the family gravestone in Gildersome Cemetery. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His estate was paid to his father Herbert on 28/09/1918.
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Stephenson Headstone photo submitted by Delene Stephenson West
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Private Leonard Stephenson: 7th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, Service number 44130, having previously served in the W. Yorks Regt. Service Number 25345. He was born in 1891 in Gildersome, the son of Orlando and Harriet Stephenson of Gildersome and husband of Clara Stephenson née Cowburn of 38 Park View, New Farnley. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at Birchfield Place, where his father was a cloth fuller. In 1901 he was one of several families living at Grove House, where his father was the Assistant Overseer of Rate Collection. In 1911 he was still living with his parents and siblings as one of several families at Grove House – which was already also used as the Urban District Council offices and was later to become the old village library. His father was working for the Urban District Council as Assistant Overseer and Rate Collector. Leonard himself was working as a warper in a woollen mill. He enlisted in Gildersome. On 28 January 1918 he married Clara Cowburn of 38 Park View, New Farnley at Farnley Parish Church. He was recorded as being a soldier at the time. He died of wounds only 7 months later on 30/08/1918 aged 27, and was buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France. (Photo believed to be Leonard Stephenson’s father Orlando – submitted by Delene Stephenson West)
Private Harold Isaac Steward: 10th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, Service Number 38628. He was born on 14 May 1891 in Morley and baptised in Batley in a non-conformist Chapel on 27 Jul 1891 when the family were living at Tingley Court. However, he was apparently then baptised again in Gildersome St Peters on 30 October 1895 when they were living at The Nook, Gildersome. He was the son of Stead and Mary Steward of Gilpin Fold, Gildersome and husband of Prudence Steward (née Kellett) of Rockery House, Wakefield Road, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living at 42 Cesar Avenue, Armley with his parents and sister. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at Gilpin’s Fold, Gildersome and was a cloth spinner in a woollen mill. He was married to Prudence Kellett at Gildersome St Peters on 22 April 1916, at which time he was a spinner living in Gildersome. He died a year and a half later on 5/10/1917 aged 26 and was commemorated on Tyne cot Memorial, West Flanders, Belgium. His effects were paid out to his widow Prudence on 4 March 1918. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Private Fred Thackray: 1st/6th Durham Light Infantry, Service Number 78730. He was born in 1899 in Gildersome, the son of Arthur and Mary Thackray of Norcott, Longfield Road, Heckmondwike. In 1901 he was living with his parents and one sibling in Highfield, Gildersome. His father was a School Board clerk and newsagent. In 1911 he was living with his parents in the School House, Gelderd Road School, Gildersome. His father was the School Attendance Officer and a newsagent. He first signed up on 6 Nov 1916 at Leeds at 18 years of age, indicating he was a clerk. He died on 24/07/1918 aged 19, in a German hospital at Ardon, near Orléans in France, and was buried at Sissonne British Cemetery, Aisne, France.
Apparently, according to the Morley Community Archive team (MCA), he is believed to have been killed by friendly fire while working near the front as a German prisoner of war.
An obituary notice for Fred appeared in The Morleian, the Morley Secondary School Magazine. MCA have kindly let me see a copy of this. It records how he was first a scholar at Gelderd Road School where he won the John Wilson (Gildersome) Scholarship. He then went to Morley Secondary School. He left in 1913 to become a clerk in Leeds, and later worked in the Outpatients’ Department at Leeds Infirmary.
He entered military service on 5 March 1917 but was hospitalised at Cannock Chase with bronchopneumonia between 11/5/1917 and 5/06/1917. He was then sent to France on 1 January 1918. He was wounded and hospitalised at the end of March but went back to his battalion in the May. On 24th May he was captured at a place called Chemin-des-Dames and held as a prisoner of war. He was then reported to have died of head wounds while in German hands. It has not been clarified how the wounds were inflicted.
Harold Thresh: There is a Harold Thresh born in Gildersome in 1901. His parents Charles William and Clara Ellen were born in Adwalton and New Farnley respectively. On the 1901 census he was 6 months old, and was living with his parents at Birchfield Place, Gildersome. On the 1911 Census, he was living at 13 Lordsfield Place, Dudley Hill, Bradford with his parents and his mother’s widowed sister. He would have been quite young when the war broke out, but it is still possible that he was recruited during it. There is a death for a Harold Thresh aged 20 registered in Bramley in Q1 1921. No record has been found on the CWCG site. I understand there may be more information on this in the Morley Observer of the time. Further checking needed to determine whether this is the person in question.
Private Martin Luther Toulman: 12th Battalion Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 18526. He was born in Q1 1879 in Morley. In 1881 he was living with his parents and siblings at Howden Clough Road, Morley. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at 9 Bruntcliffe Lane, Morley and still at school. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Bruntcliffe Road and was working as a coal miner – hewer. In 1911 he was living on his own at Middlebrook Buildings, Bruntcliffe, and was still a coal miner – hewer. He was presumed dead on or after 23 July 1916 and commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. His effects were paid out to his brother George. Martin was a distant relative of mine through my mother’s line – via the Kaye family.
Private Benjamin Ventress: 1st 6th Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 6500. He was born in 1889 in Gildersome, the son of James and Henrietta Ventress of Park Terrace, Gildersome. In 1891 he was living at Ellis Row, Gildersome with his parents and brothers and sisters. His father was a draper but came from Brymbo, Denbighshire in Wales so perhaps not directly related to the Gildersome Ventress family. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers and sisters at 4 Allied Row, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at The Nook, Gildersome and was a tailor. He was killed in action on 23/11/1916 aged 27, and buried in Hannescamps New Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Sergeant William Marshall Ward: King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Service Number 17846. Born in 1894 in Leeds, the son of David Arthur and Sarah Jane Ward of 15, Birchfield Place, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 7 Danube Place, Wortley, Leeds. In 1911 he was living with his father and mother and siblings at 30 Spring Street West, Cavendish Street, off Burley Road, Leeds and working as a greaser on the railways. He died on 16/08/1917 aged 23 and is commemorated at Tyne Cot Memorial, West Flanders, Belgium.
Private Albert Edward Waterhouse: 9th Yorkshire Hussars Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 53095. He was born on 2 Jan 1898 in Gildersome, the son of Fred and Alice Waterhouse of Gildersome. He was baptised in Gildersome on 12 February 1899. In 1901 he was living with his father and mother on Town Green, somewhere between Factory Yard and Harthill Farm, and his father was a self-employed plumber. In 1911 he was living with his father and mother and brothers and sister at The Green, Town Street, Gildersome and his father was then a labours (sic) engineer at a dyeworks. He signed up in York just before his 18th birthday listing himself as being a sawyer. He was killed in action on 5/11/1918 aged 21 and buried at Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery, Nord, France.
Private Maurice Oxley Watson: It is believed that this is the brother of Ernest Victor below. 35th Company Royal Army Medical Corps Service Number 137570, having initially joined the West Yorkshire Regiment and also spent time in the Royal Scots. Maurice was born in 1886 in Drighlington, the son of Hamshaw and Mary Watson of Royal Oak Farm Gildersome. He was baptised along with his brother Ernest in Drighlington Parish Church on 19 Feb 1890. In 1891 he was living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother and father and brother and sister. In 1901 he was still living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother, father, brother and sisters and was a hurrier in a coal mine. His father Hamshaw passed away in Q3 1901. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother, brother and sisters in Cockersdale, Drighlington and was a hewer in W. H. Towler’s mine.
He signed up for military service on 3rd April 1916 stating that he was previously a labourer. Due to medical conditions he was approved for service ‘at Home’ i.e. in the UK only. Unfortunately, his medical conditions deteriorated, and he was himself admitted to hospital in Manchester. He was not a model patient and absconded home to Royal Oak at one point, being taken back to hospital under police escort, before finally being discharged home in January 1920. Sadly, he was to pass away shortly afterwards on 27/06/1920 aged 34. His widowed mother Mary must have had a lot on her plate having lost his younger brother in 1918 and then having to cope with her son’s serious illness. I feel she deserves to be remembered too!
Sergeant Ernest Victor Watson: 41st Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Service Number L/5591. He was born on 16 July 1888 in Drighlington, the son of Mary Watson of Royal Oak, Gildersome and the late Hamshaw Watson. He was baptised along with his brother Maurice in Drighlington Parish Church on 19 Feb 1890. In 1891 he was living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother and father and brother and sister. In 1901 he was still living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother, father, brother and sisters. In 1911 he was living with his mother, brother and sisters in Cockersdale, Drighlington, and was a hurrier at W. Woodhead and Sons’ Coal Mine. He was killed in action on 15/04/1918 aged 29 and buried at Chocques Military Cemetery. His death was reported in the War Office Weekly Casualty list of 4 July 1918.
Able Seaman James W. Wilson: Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Anson Battalion was an infantry battalion formed of Royal Naval reservists who were not needed for service at sea. They fought alongside the army and suffered severe losses alongside the soldiers too. Service Number R/6468. He was born on 11 June 1891 in Morley. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Clough Quarries, Woodkirk. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and sister at Clayton Fold, Gildersome and was a colliery labourer, underground. He formerly worked at Gildersome foundry and was late of Peel’s Buildings, Gildersome. He was married to Maud Wilson. His service record included the following:- Army Reserve 7/12/15; Entered 27/9/17; Draft for BEF (British Expeditionary Force) 4/2/18, posted to Anson Bn. 19/2/18-19/3/18 to 150th (RN) Field Ambulance - Defective Vision, re-joined Anson Bn. 24/3/18-25/3/18 G(un) S(hot) W(ound) right leg, re-joined Anson Bn. 27/5/18-24/6/18 Influenza, re-joined Anson Bn. 26/7/18-27/9/18. He died as a result of enemy action on 27/09/1918 aged 27. His death was reported in the War Office Weekly Casualty List of 15 Oct 1918. He was buried at Hermies Hill, British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Private Fred Thackray: 1st/6th Durham Light Infantry, Service Number 78730. He was born in 1899 in Gildersome, the son of Arthur and Mary Thackray of Norcott, Longfield Road, Heckmondwike. In 1901 he was living with his parents and one sibling in Highfield, Gildersome. His father was a School Board clerk and newsagent. In 1911 he was living with his parents in the School House, Gelderd Road School, Gildersome. His father was the School Attendance Officer and a newsagent. He first signed up on 6 Nov 1916 at Leeds at 18 years of age, indicating he was a clerk. He died on 24/07/1918 aged 19, in a German hospital at Ardon, near Orléans in France, and was buried at Sissonne British Cemetery, Aisne, France.
Apparently, according to the Morley Community Archive team (MCA), he is believed to have been killed by friendly fire while working near the front as a German prisoner of war.
An obituary notice for Fred appeared in The Morleian, the Morley Secondary School Magazine. MCA have kindly let me see a copy of this. It records how he was first a scholar at Gelderd Road School where he won the John Wilson (Gildersome) Scholarship. He then went to Morley Secondary School. He left in 1913 to become a clerk in Leeds, and later worked in the Outpatients’ Department at Leeds Infirmary.
He entered military service on 5 March 1917 but was hospitalised at Cannock Chase with bronchopneumonia between 11/5/1917 and 5/06/1917. He was then sent to France on 1 January 1918. He was wounded and hospitalised at the end of March but went back to his battalion in the May. On 24th May he was captured at a place called Chemin-des-Dames and held as a prisoner of war. He was then reported to have died of head wounds while in German hands. It has not been clarified how the wounds were inflicted.
Harold Thresh: There is a Harold Thresh born in Gildersome in 1901. His parents Charles William and Clara Ellen were born in Adwalton and New Farnley respectively. On the 1901 census he was 6 months old, and was living with his parents at Birchfield Place, Gildersome. On the 1911 Census, he was living at 13 Lordsfield Place, Dudley Hill, Bradford with his parents and his mother’s widowed sister. He would have been quite young when the war broke out, but it is still possible that he was recruited during it. There is a death for a Harold Thresh aged 20 registered in Bramley in Q1 1921. No record has been found on the CWCG site. I understand there may be more information on this in the Morley Observer of the time. Further checking needed to determine whether this is the person in question.
Private Martin Luther Toulman: 12th Battalion Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 18526. He was born in Q1 1879 in Morley. In 1881 he was living with his parents and siblings at Howden Clough Road, Morley. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings at 9 Bruntcliffe Lane, Morley and still at school. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Bruntcliffe Road and was working as a coal miner – hewer. In 1911 he was living on his own at Middlebrook Buildings, Bruntcliffe, and was still a coal miner – hewer. He was presumed dead on or after 23 July 1916 and commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. His effects were paid out to his brother George. Martin was a distant relative of mine through my mother’s line – via the Kaye family.
Private Benjamin Ventress: 1st 6th Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 6500. He was born in 1889 in Gildersome, the son of James and Henrietta Ventress of Park Terrace, Gildersome. In 1891 he was living at Ellis Row, Gildersome with his parents and brothers and sisters. His father was a draper but came from Brymbo, Denbighshire in Wales so perhaps not directly related to the Gildersome Ventress family. In 1901 he was living with his parents and brothers and sisters at 4 Allied Row, Gildersome. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at The Nook, Gildersome and was a tailor. He was killed in action on 23/11/1916 aged 27, and buried in Hannescamps New Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Sergeant William Marshall Ward: King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Service Number 17846. Born in 1894 in Leeds, the son of David Arthur and Sarah Jane Ward of 15, Birchfield Place, Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 7 Danube Place, Wortley, Leeds. In 1911 he was living with his father and mother and siblings at 30 Spring Street West, Cavendish Street, off Burley Road, Leeds and working as a greaser on the railways. He died on 16/08/1917 aged 23 and is commemorated at Tyne Cot Memorial, West Flanders, Belgium.
Private Albert Edward Waterhouse: 9th Yorkshire Hussars Battalion, Prince of Wales Own West Yorks Regt, Service Number 53095. He was born on 2 Jan 1898 in Gildersome, the son of Fred and Alice Waterhouse of Gildersome. He was baptised in Gildersome on 12 February 1899. In 1901 he was living with his father and mother on Town Green, somewhere between Factory Yard and Harthill Farm, and his father was a self-employed plumber. In 1911 he was living with his father and mother and brothers and sister at The Green, Town Street, Gildersome and his father was then a labours (sic) engineer at a dyeworks. He signed up in York just before his 18th birthday listing himself as being a sawyer. He was killed in action on 5/11/1918 aged 21 and buried at Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery, Nord, France.
Private Maurice Oxley Watson: It is believed that this is the brother of Ernest Victor below. 35th Company Royal Army Medical Corps Service Number 137570, having initially joined the West Yorkshire Regiment and also spent time in the Royal Scots. Maurice was born in 1886 in Drighlington, the son of Hamshaw and Mary Watson of Royal Oak Farm Gildersome. He was baptised along with his brother Ernest in Drighlington Parish Church on 19 Feb 1890. In 1891 he was living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother and father and brother and sister. In 1901 he was still living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother, father, brother and sisters and was a hurrier in a coal mine. His father Hamshaw passed away in Q3 1901. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother, brother and sisters in Cockersdale, Drighlington and was a hewer in W. H. Towler’s mine.
He signed up for military service on 3rd April 1916 stating that he was previously a labourer. Due to medical conditions he was approved for service ‘at Home’ i.e. in the UK only. Unfortunately, his medical conditions deteriorated, and he was himself admitted to hospital in Manchester. He was not a model patient and absconded home to Royal Oak at one point, being taken back to hospital under police escort, before finally being discharged home in January 1920. Sadly, he was to pass away shortly afterwards on 27/06/1920 aged 34. His widowed mother Mary must have had a lot on her plate having lost his younger brother in 1918 and then having to cope with her son’s serious illness. I feel she deserves to be remembered too!
Sergeant Ernest Victor Watson: 41st Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Service Number L/5591. He was born on 16 July 1888 in Drighlington, the son of Mary Watson of Royal Oak, Gildersome and the late Hamshaw Watson. He was baptised along with his brother Maurice in Drighlington Parish Church on 19 Feb 1890. In 1891 he was living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother and father and brother and sister. In 1901 he was still living at New Lane, Drighlington with his mother, father, brother and sisters. In 1911 he was living with his mother, brother and sisters in Cockersdale, Drighlington, and was a hurrier at W. Woodhead and Sons’ Coal Mine. He was killed in action on 15/04/1918 aged 29 and buried at Chocques Military Cemetery. His death was reported in the War Office Weekly Casualty list of 4 July 1918.
Able Seaman James W. Wilson: Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Anson Battalion was an infantry battalion formed of Royal Naval reservists who were not needed for service at sea. They fought alongside the army and suffered severe losses alongside the soldiers too. Service Number R/6468. He was born on 11 June 1891 in Morley. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Clough Quarries, Woodkirk. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and sister at Clayton Fold, Gildersome and was a colliery labourer, underground. He formerly worked at Gildersome foundry and was late of Peel’s Buildings, Gildersome. He was married to Maud Wilson. His service record included the following:- Army Reserve 7/12/15; Entered 27/9/17; Draft for BEF (British Expeditionary Force) 4/2/18, posted to Anson Bn. 19/2/18-19/3/18 to 150th (RN) Field Ambulance - Defective Vision, re-joined Anson Bn. 24/3/18-25/3/18 G(un) S(hot) W(ound) right leg, re-joined Anson Bn. 27/5/18-24/6/18 Influenza, re-joined Anson Bn. 26/7/18-27/9/18. He died as a result of enemy action on 27/09/1918 aged 27. His death was reported in the War Office Weekly Casualty List of 15 Oct 1918. He was buried at Hermies Hill, British Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Article from Leeds Mercury 25 April 1918
While I was researching the above, I also pieced together the story below, which it turns out was not the J Wilson remembered on the War Memorial, but nevertheless a brave Gildersome Soldier! I leave it here as a record of another effect of the war on people from the village:
Lieut. John Rhodes Wilson: Notts and Derby Regiment (attached to the 12th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry). He was born on 10 Nov 1895 in Morley, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs George. E. and Rachel Wilson of The Woodlands, Gildersome, later fiancé of Doris Wilkinson of 218 Woodhouse Street, Leeds. He was baptised 9 Feb 1896 at a non-conformist chapel in Morley, believed to be St. Mary’s. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Hagenden View, Springfield Road, Morley. His father was a bookkeeper in a woollen mill. In 1911 he was a boarder at John Haslem’s New College in Harrogate. This school was originally located in Turton Hall, Gildersome, but transferred by the Rev. John Haslem to a site in Harrogate in 1898. John Rhodes Wilson was reported killed in action 13 April 1918 aged 22.
…BUT then there is a marriage certificate for 4 August 1920 when John Rhodes Wilson of Woodlands married Doris Wilkinson in Wrangthorn Parish Church – was he in fact lost in action and later found? Yes indeed! Just imagine the trauma but also the joy for his poor fiancée – and family!
Lieut. John Rhodes Wilson: Notts and Derby Regiment (attached to the 12th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry). He was born on 10 Nov 1895 in Morley, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs George. E. and Rachel Wilson of The Woodlands, Gildersome, later fiancé of Doris Wilkinson of 218 Woodhouse Street, Leeds. He was baptised 9 Feb 1896 at a non-conformist chapel in Morley, believed to be St. Mary’s. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at Hagenden View, Springfield Road, Morley. His father was a bookkeeper in a woollen mill. In 1911 he was a boarder at John Haslem’s New College in Harrogate. This school was originally located in Turton Hall, Gildersome, but transferred by the Rev. John Haslem to a site in Harrogate in 1898. John Rhodes Wilson was reported killed in action 13 April 1918 aged 22.
…BUT then there is a marriage certificate for 4 August 1920 when John Rhodes Wilson of Woodlands married Doris Wilkinson in Wrangthorn Parish Church – was he in fact lost in action and later found? Yes indeed! Just imagine the trauma but also the joy for his poor fiancée – and family!
Leeds Mercury 5 August 1920
He was apparently found as a prisoner of war in Graudenz in Poland and repatriated on 18 Dec 1918. I’m sure that from the trials he went through, he deserves to be commemorated too.
Finally, there is a probate record from Leeds dated 19 Sept 1983 stating that a John Rhodes Wilson of 24 Harwill Avenue, Churwell died on 16 August 1983. So he had a very long life after all reaching the age of 88!!
Here is the story according to the BBC History of the World:
“This is a copy of a handwritten "newspaper" for Graudenz POW camp in 1918. My grandfather was held there and helped with illustrations.Some of the "adverts" on the back page I believe refer to escapes.
John Rhodes Wilson was commissioned on 12th Oct 1915, promoted to lieutenant in Sept 1916. He took part in the battle of Cambrai, 1917 and the first battle of the Somme 1918. He was reported "killed in action" at Vieux Berquin, April 1918 and his family received the telegram that everyone dreaded. His memorial service was held in his home village and preparations made to include his name on the war memorial there. But in the summer of 1918 a much-censored postcard arrived and, far from being dead, he was a POW in Graudenz in Poland. We have not only the newspaper but the war office telegram, the telegram from the King, a copy of the memorial card, the censored postcard and a letter and photos from the camp. He was finally repatriated on Dec 19th, 1918. What a Christmas!
He talked little about his experience but recalled feeling the wound that felled him and coming round to hear a German soldier announce him "kaput" but the medical attention he received from the enemy saved his life.”
The above story can be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/lCuRoSc-Ttigq5MtJRgGTQ
Private Rifleman Alfred Wormald: 1st 7th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 3899. He enlisted in Leeds. He was born in Gildersome in 1880. In 1881 he was living with his father and mother, John George and Rebecca Wormald, at Nursery Houses in the Bottoms, Gildersome. Rebecca was a Kellett and the Kellett family were living next door and also suffered loss in the war. In 1891 he was living with his father and mother and siblings at Fairies Well, in the Bottoms in Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his father and mother and siblings including Willis and Ellis at The Nursery in The Bottoms and was an ironstone miner working underground at the time. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and three brothers including Ellis, who several of us still remember, at Buttrey’s Yard which was somewhere in The Bottoms, Gildersome and was working as a coal miner – hewer. He was killed in action on 3 Sept 1916 aged 36 and commemorated at Thiepval, Somme, France. He was awarded the Victory and British war medals.
Private Willie Wormald: 9th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment, Service Number 17655. Born in 1895 in Gildersome, the son of John George and Rebecca Wormald, and the younger brother of Alfred above. He was baptised along with his brothers Horace and Ellis on 4 September 1895 at Gildersome St. Peters and was living at Nursery Bottoms at the time. In 1901 he was living with his father and mother and siblings including Alfred and Ellis at The Nursery in The Bottoms. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and three brothers at Buttrey’s Yard which was also somewhere in The Bottoms, Gildersome and was working as a foundry labourer. He enlisted in Leeds. He was killed in action on 7/12/1916 aged 21 and commemorated at Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Somme, France. His older brother had been killed just three months before. His effects were handed over to his mother Rebecca on 31/10/1919. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Note: Almost all the servicemen listed would have received war honours, but I have only listed the medals awarded where I have been able to find definite evidence of this.
Document compiled by Joyce Elizabeth Smith, Gent, Belgium – formerly of Gildersome – fourth revision 06/11/2018. Copyright reserved where appropriate.
Finally, there is a probate record from Leeds dated 19 Sept 1983 stating that a John Rhodes Wilson of 24 Harwill Avenue, Churwell died on 16 August 1983. So he had a very long life after all reaching the age of 88!!
Here is the story according to the BBC History of the World:
“This is a copy of a handwritten "newspaper" for Graudenz POW camp in 1918. My grandfather was held there and helped with illustrations.Some of the "adverts" on the back page I believe refer to escapes.
John Rhodes Wilson was commissioned on 12th Oct 1915, promoted to lieutenant in Sept 1916. He took part in the battle of Cambrai, 1917 and the first battle of the Somme 1918. He was reported "killed in action" at Vieux Berquin, April 1918 and his family received the telegram that everyone dreaded. His memorial service was held in his home village and preparations made to include his name on the war memorial there. But in the summer of 1918 a much-censored postcard arrived and, far from being dead, he was a POW in Graudenz in Poland. We have not only the newspaper but the war office telegram, the telegram from the King, a copy of the memorial card, the censored postcard and a letter and photos from the camp. He was finally repatriated on Dec 19th, 1918. What a Christmas!
He talked little about his experience but recalled feeling the wound that felled him and coming round to hear a German soldier announce him "kaput" but the medical attention he received from the enemy saved his life.”
The above story can be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/lCuRoSc-Ttigq5MtJRgGTQ
Private Rifleman Alfred Wormald: 1st 7th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment. Service Number 3899. He enlisted in Leeds. He was born in Gildersome in 1880. In 1881 he was living with his father and mother, John George and Rebecca Wormald, at Nursery Houses in the Bottoms, Gildersome. Rebecca was a Kellett and the Kellett family were living next door and also suffered loss in the war. In 1891 he was living with his father and mother and siblings at Fairies Well, in the Bottoms in Gildersome. In 1901 he was living with his father and mother and siblings including Willis and Ellis at The Nursery in The Bottoms and was an ironstone miner working underground at the time. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and three brothers including Ellis, who several of us still remember, at Buttrey’s Yard which was somewhere in The Bottoms, Gildersome and was working as a coal miner – hewer. He was killed in action on 3 Sept 1916 aged 36 and commemorated at Thiepval, Somme, France. He was awarded the Victory and British war medals.
Private Willie Wormald: 9th Battalion Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment, Service Number 17655. Born in 1895 in Gildersome, the son of John George and Rebecca Wormald, and the younger brother of Alfred above. He was baptised along with his brothers Horace and Ellis on 4 September 1895 at Gildersome St. Peters and was living at Nursery Bottoms at the time. In 1901 he was living with his father and mother and siblings including Alfred and Ellis at The Nursery in The Bottoms. In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother and three brothers at Buttrey’s Yard which was also somewhere in The Bottoms, Gildersome and was working as a foundry labourer. He enlisted in Leeds. He was killed in action on 7/12/1916 aged 21 and commemorated at Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Somme, France. His older brother had been killed just three months before. His effects were handed over to his mother Rebecca on 31/10/1919. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Note: Almost all the servicemen listed would have received war honours, but I have only listed the medals awarded where I have been able to find definite evidence of this.
Document compiled by Joyce Elizabeth Smith, Gent, Belgium – formerly of Gildersome – fourth revision 06/11/2018. Copyright reserved where appropriate.
