This is a page for honouring all the fallen heroes I discover during the course of my Family History Research. As such it is a page that is forever growing and added upon as new discoveries are made. World War I and II were examples of great human sacrifice and tragic loss on a massive scale but when I began researching my family I never imagined the scale of the sacrifice that came from within my own family and so as time has marched on and more discoveries have been made my love and admiration for these men and their families  has only heightened. I wanted to commemorate the names of all these individuals in a space where all my family could find them easily and where hopefully the magnitude of what was lost during those periods in history could be experienced in their lives too and for generations to come. We must never forget them. If you find one of your ancestors here on this page then know that you connect to my family also. (N.B. Clicking on the images will enlarge them for ease of viewing)

 

 

World War 1

Albert Bennett, 1891-1915

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

Only son of Frank and Anna Bennett. Born 2 Aug 1891 in Horwich, Lancashire, England and a Blacksmith by occupation. He was a Senior Reserve Attendant with the Royal Navy Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve. Drowned in the loss of vessel “HMS Clan McNaughton” on 3rd Feb 1915 – the entire crew were lost in uncertain circumstances and Albert’s body was never recovered for burial. His name is listed on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Albert Bird, 1891-1918

Brother-in-law of wife of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Albert was one of 6 children and the youngest boy born to George William Bird and Sarah Best. He was born 24 Feb 1891 in Sculcoates, Yorkshire, England. He was already serving with the Coldstream Guards when he married Ethel Clara Stickley in 1916. They had one son named Reginald together. Albert rose to the ranks of Company Serjeant Major within the Coldstream Guards and was killed in action on 27 Sep 1918. He was a recipient of the Military Medal for his service and was buried at Sanders Keep Military Cemetery in France.

Albert Braithwaite, 1880-1918

2nd cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

Albert was born into a large family in 1880 in Sankey, Lancashire, England. His parents were Joseph Sparks Braithwaite and Mary Darlington and he was the third-born of their fifteen children. He worked as a Railway Labourer, was married to Emily Heywood and had three children only two of which survived to adulthood. He was a resident of Tredegar, Monmouthshire, Wales when he took up service in the military serving as a Private with the 2nd Batt. of the Welsh Regiment. He was killed in action on 24 Sep 1918 at 38 years of age and was buried at Chapelle British Cemetery in France. His wife Emily went on to marry again and became Mrs Albert Barrand.

Albert Chadderton, 1893-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (L)

Albert Chadderton was the sixth of ten children in all that were born to Albert Chadderton Snr and Bridget Sullivan. He was born in 1893 in Dukinfield, Cheshire, England and he worked in the cotton mills prior to his service in the military. He served as a Private in the 2nd and 9th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment and was killed in action on 9 October 1917. His name is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

Albert Cowell, 1894-1916

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Albert Cowell was born 29 Oct 1894 in Thornton, Lancashire, England to un-wed mother Ellen Cowell. When she married, John James Poole became Albert’s step-father and they went on to have a further eleven children together – Albert’s half-siblings. Albert was employed in the cotton mills prior to his military service. He rose to the rank of Serjeant with the 8th Batt. of The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and was killed in action on 2 Aug 1916. His name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Albert Edward Headington, 1876-1915

3rd Great Uncle of sister-in-law (P)

Albert was born 5 Dec 1876 in Keynsham, Somerset, England to parents Joseph Headington and Jemima Lewis. He was one of nine children and worked as a Railway Packer. Married to Ellen Jane Gray and father to Harold Lewis and Edith Bessie Headington. He served as a Sapper with the 116th Coy of Royal Engineers. He died during the war on home territory on 4 Sep 1915 and was laid to rest at Keynsham Cemetery in England.

Albert Edward Shaw, 1898-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Albert was one of five sons born to Thomas Shaw and Fanny Atkinson. He was born in Newcastle, Northumberland, England and served as a Lance Corporal within the 1st Batt. of the North Staffordshire (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment. He lost his life at just 19 years of age when he was killed in action on 19 Jun 1917. His name lies on the Menin Gate Memorial. Two more of his brothers (Thomas and William Atkinson Shaw) lost their lives on the same night whilst working as Air Raid Wardens during World War 2.

Albert Knowles, 1899-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of James Jeffrey Knowles and Martha Aitcheson, born in St. Helen’s, Lancashire, England. Rifleman for 16th Batt. King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Died on 12th Oct 1918. On his headstone are inscribed the words “HE JOINED THE FORCES AT 15 1/2 YEARS AND DID HIS DUTY TILL DEATH” His older brother Ernest also lost his life in the conflict earlier that same year.

Albert Revington, 1894-1915

2nd Great-Uncle of brother-in-law (M)

Son of James Revington and Ada Howard, born in Middleton, Lancashire, England and a labourer in the Cotton Mills. Private with the Lancashire Fusiliers. Killed in action on 7 May 1915. Burial place unknown – remembered on the Helles Memorial. His older brother Fred Revington also lost his life a year later in the Western Europe theatre of war.

Alfred Ernest Scrafield, 1890-1918

Husband of step 2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Joseph and Kate Scrafield born in Gringley on the Hill, Nottinghamshire, England, husband to Elizabeth Chantry and father of Alfred Ernest. Worked as a Flagman Steam Roller and served as a Private in the Essex Regiment, 11th Batt. Killed in action on 17 Oct 1918 and is buried in Premont British Cemetery in France.

Alfred Hannant Maltby, 1897-1916

2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Elizabeth Hannant Maltby born 18 Apr 1897 in Lambeth, London, England. Alfred’s baptism record names his father as Alfred Maltby (a deceased soldier) and some records suggest Elizabeth was a married woman. However all other evidence points to Elizabeth being unmarried so it is my belief that Alfred was a fabrication for the appearance of legitimacy. Also, all of Alfred’s military records have mis-spelt his middle name and have him listed as Alfred Havent Maltby. This is incorrect – his middle name was Hannant (It was a family name over a number of generations). Discrepancies aside, Alfred was a Private with the 1st Batt. of The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). He was killed in action on 25 Sep 1916, aged just 19 and his name lies on the Thiepval Memorial in France. He left behind his mother and a sister named Annie Phelps Maltby. His cousin Arthur Leslie Doo Maltby had also lost his life almost a year previously

Alfred Jacob Brown, 1887-1915

Ex-husband’s 2nd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Alfred Brown and Mary Ann Pomphrey, born in Horsham, Sussex, England. A Farm Labourer who served as a Private with the Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action on 10 Aug 1915 at Gallipoli. Burial place unknown – named on Helles Memorial.

Alfred James Gregson, 1897-1916

4th cousin twice removed of son-in-law

Alfred was the third child of thirteen to be born to James Gregson and Margaret Clarkson and he was born in in 1897  in Freckleton, Lancashire, England. He worked as a Labourer on a Dairy Farm but at 17 was serving as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He was killed in action at 19 years of age on 16 Aug 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in france.

Alfred Simpson, 1896-1916

Uncle of wife of 1st cousin twice removed (Paternal)

Son of John Simpson and Susannah Gill, born 9 Nov 1896 in Manchester, Lancashire, England. He was a Moulder’s Apprentice in 1911 before joining the Royal Navy. He served as an Able Seaman on H.M.S. ‘Indefatigable’ and was killed as a result of enemy action in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916. His body was never recovered for burial so his name appears on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Allen Brooks, 1882-1915

Father-in-law of 2nd cousin twice removed (Paternal)

Allen was the eldest son of Bracebridge Brooks to his first wife Sarah Rowland. He was born in 1882 in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England. He worked as a Labourer in the Brass Foundry, was married to Harriet Lee and had one daughter by the name of Dorothy Brooks. He served as a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment. He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 17 June 1915 and lies in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension in France.

Allen Eastwood, 1876-1915

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Born on 29 Aug 1876 to Thomas Eastwood and Ann Cottrill, husband to Annie Rawnsley and father of nine children. Allen worked as a Cotton Spinner and served as a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment. He died on 27 Jun 1915 from wounds sustained whilst fighting on the home front at York Military Hospital and was buried in St Paul’s Churchyard at Stalybridge, Cheshire, England. His name is one of many listed on a special memorial erected in memory of the fallen who are buried in the churchyard.

Andrew McBrides, 1893-1916

1st cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (M)

Son of PatrickBrides/McBride and Ellen Connor. Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England on 14 Dec 1893. Died in Salonika, Greece on 17 Jul 1916 whilst serving as a Private with the Cheshire Regiment as a result of war related sickness. He contracted Malaria..Buried at Struma Military Cemetery.

Angus Nelson Keith, 1899-1918

Nephew of husband of 2nd Great Aunt of husband (Maternal)

Son of George Keith and Margaret Mearns born 26 Mar 1899 in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Twin brother to John Keith who also lost his life during the war later in the same year as Angus. Husband to Jane Dow – they were only married for just under 1 month before Angus was killed. He fought as a Private with the 6th Batt. of the Seaforth Highlanders and was killed in battle on 9 Apr 1918 aged just 19. He is remembered on the Loos Memorial in France.

Arnold Eaton, 1883-1917

Brother-in-law of 4th cousin 4 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Edwin Eaton and Mary Ellen Booth, born in Denton, Lancashire, England and a Felt Hatter’s Warehouseman and Organist at Union Street Church in Hyde. Served as a Private with the Border Regiment, 1st Batt. Killed in action on 19 May 1917. Remembered on the Arras Memorial in France and on the headstone of his parents’ grave in England.

Arthur Ambrose, 1896-1918

Brother-in-law of 2nd Great-Aunt (Maternal)

Son of Arthur Ambrose and Emma Thurley Haynes and born in Caxton, Cambridgeshire, England. A Farm Labourer who served as a Private with the Lincolnshire Regiment, 1st Batt. Died on 16 Oct 1918 from wounds sustained during conflict. Body originally buried at Langensalza P.O.W. Cemetery and later exhumed and re-interred at Niederzwehren War Cemetery.

Arthur Armstrong, 1887-1917

Brother-in-law of 2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Thomas Armstrong and Betsy Woods and born in Clapham, Bedfordshire, England. A General Labourer, he served as a Private with the Cheshire Regiment, 16th Batt. and died on 10 Sep 1917 as a result of wounds sustained whilst on active service. He was buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery in France.

Arthur Cyril Doo, 1895-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of James Emile Doo and Letitia Lytle. Born in Dudley, Worcestershire, England. Served as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery and was killed in action on 1 May 1918. He was buried at Tannay British Cemetery in France. His brother Harold Emile Doo is written about on this site.

Arthur Dennis Hobday, 1894-1918

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 time removed (Maternal)

Son of Alexander and Lucy Ellen Hobday and husband of Patience Alice Mee.. Born in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, England, an Office Clerk who was a Private with the North Staffordshire Regiment, 7th Batt. and lost his life on 14 Nov 1918. His remains lie in Tehran War Cemetery in Iran

Arthur Edward Bointon, 1869-1916

2nd cousin 4 times removed (Maternal)

Son of William Banks Bointon and Caroline Nicholson, husband of Ellen Elizabeth Fisher and father to Eva Bointon. Born in Balderton, Nottinghamshire, England and a resident of Havant Hampshire, leather worker served as a Corporal with the Hampshire Regiment, 14th Batt. when he was killed in action on 10 Jul 1916. He was buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension in France.

Arthur Edward Horsley, 1887-1918

5th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of Robert Horsley and Eliza Ostler, born in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England. Died on 9 Oct 1918 of wounds acquired whilst serving as a Private with the 12th Lancers “A” Squadron. Buried in Ramicourt British Cemetery in France.

Arthur Edward Steeds, 1897-1918

3rd cousin once removed of sister-in-law (A)

Born 17 Sep 1897 in Leyton, Essex, England, Arthur was the youngest of five children born to Henry Steeds and Henrietta Jessie Cutts. His last known occupation was that of a Milk Boy at the age of 13 before he served in the military as a Private with C Coy., 2nd/4th Batt. of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He was killed in action on 23 Jul 1918 at just 20 years of age. His remains lie at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “PEACE PERFECT PEACE”.

Arthur Edwards, 1897-1917

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Edward Edwards and Sarah Mathers. Born on the 28 Jan 1897 in Leadenham, Lincolnshire, England and served as a Private with the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) 10 Batt. He was killed in action on the 15 May 1917 and his name is remembered on the Arras Memorial in France.

Arthur Frederick Metcalfe, 1890-1915

2nd Great Uncle (Maternal)

Son of Thomas Metcalfe and Eliza Pettit. Arthur was born on 8 Sep 1890 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. He was a Carpenter by trade and had emigrated to Canada some time between 1911-1914 and so enlisted in the Canadian forces. He served as a Lance Corporal with the Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment). The Candian War Grave Registers record that Lance Corporal Metcalfe was first reported missing and then it was reported he was killed in action whilst attempting to crawl under the German wire during the attack at Givenchy-Les-La-Bassee.. He was killed on 15 Jun 1915. No burial has ever been recorded and his name is remembered on the Vimy Memorial. He is one of 3 brothers who all lost their lives during WW1 in different theatres of war. His brother Michael Charles Metcalfe was killed in 1917 and another brother Walter Metcalfe in 1916. (N.B. The brother George that is mentioned in the Newspaper Clipping above is a mystery and we believe it to be an error – Arthur was one of 7 children which include sisters Annie Maria and Elizabeth Ruth and brothers Thomas William, Michael Charles, Walter and Harold Stubbings. We have no record of there ever being a brother George) My blog post about all the three Metcalfe brothers may be read here.

Arthur Leonard Greenaway, 1893-1918

Husband of 2nd cousin twice removed of step-father of ex-husband

Arthur Leonard Greenaway was born 11 September 1893 in Horselydown, London, England to parents Edward Greenaway and Susan Shinn. He was employed as a Milkman when he married in 1915 to Lucilla Maud Berry and they had one daughter by the name of Maud Lilian Greenaway. He served as a Private in the 2nd/4th Batt. of the Lincolnshire Regiment and was killed in action on 15 April 1918. He was aged 24. His remains lie in Dranoutre Military Cemetery in Heuvelland, Belgium.

Arthur Leslie Doo Maltby, 1896-1915

2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Only son of James Doo Maltby and Mary Ann Gates born 7 Oct 1896 in Sutton, Surrey, England. Arthur was a Private with the Royal Marine Light Infantry and he died from wounds received as a direct result of enemy action at a field ambulance dressing station. He was aged just 18. He was buried at Pink Farm Cemetery in Gallipoli. He left behind four sisters and he had a cousin named Alfred Hannant Maltby who lost his life almost a year after Arthur in a different theatre of war.

Arthur Robert Chandler, 1889-1915

1st cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of William Henry Chandler and Jane Pratt, husband of Ida Florence Calver and father to Arthur Bertram Chandler. Born in Spaldwick, Huntingdonshire, England and served as a Corporal in the Bedfordshire Regiment, 1st Batt. He was killed in action on 16 Mar 1915 and is buried at Perth Cemetery (China Wall) in Belgium. His son Arthur Bertram Chandler was the Anglo-Australian Mariner turned Science Fiction Writer.

Arthur William Flack, 1891-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Joseph Giffen Flack and Sarah Beckett and born in Stockton, Durham, England. A compositor by trade, he served as a Private within the Tank Corps, 7th Batt. and died on 30 Nov 1918. He was buried at St Pol Communal Cemetery Extension and his headstone is inscribed with the words “Ever remembered by his mother, father and brothers Char, Jos and Rob.”

Basil Dartrey Dawson, 1892-1916

Great Nephew of wife of 2nd cousin 4 times removed (Maternal)

Basil was one of five children born to Samuel John Dawson and Minnie Eliza Powell. He was born on 18 Jul 1892 in Southsea, Hampshire, England. He worked as an Electrician and emigrated to Canada in 1911 at age 18. He served as a Corporal with the Canadian Infantry (New Brunswick Regiment) and is killed in action on 25 Oct 1916. Records tell us that he was hit by machine gun fire when advancing across “No man’s land” on that morning but was only wounded. He was carried back to the trenches on his side by stretcher bearers and then killed before he could be evacuated by enemy shell exploding in the trench that he lay in. His body was of course un-recoverable and so his name lies on the Vimy Memorial in France and also in the Canadian Book of Remembrance.

Benjamin Franklin Blue, 1881-1918

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Born in New York, USA to Benjamin Franklin  Blue Snr and Louisa Sophia Witzel, Benjamin served as a Bugler in Company D of the 10th Michigan Engineers. He died on 7th Oct 1918  in France and was was buried in Cypress Hills National Cemetery in New York.

Benjamin Marcus Trimming, 1884-1918

1st cousin of husband of 2nd cousin 3 times removed of ex-husband

One of nine children born to John Trimming and Lois Rhoda Funnell. Born 20 Aug 1884 in Hastings, Sussex, England. He emigrated to Canada in 1907 and became a homesteader. Enlisted with the Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment) in 1916 and became a Serjeant. Earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Records state “…he showed great coolness and resource in assisting to locate bridges under exceptionally heavy fire. Although badly bruised and shaken by a shell burst he continued at his job. A few days later, during an enemy counter attack, he with ten scouts held a flank. While assisting a wounded man, he himself was badly wounded.” On 15 Aug 1918, he died from his wounds at a clearing station. His remains lie in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Benjamin Wheatley, 1894-1915

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Benjamin was the eldest of nine children born to William Charles Wheatley and Sarah Jane Naylor. He was born around 1894 in Warrington, Lancashire, England and worked as a Fitter in an Iron Tube Works. He was a Rifleman with the 10th Batt. of the Rifle Brigade and he died from wounds sustained in battle on 30 Aug 1915. He was buried at Merville Communal Cemetery in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “IT IS ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED AND LOST WHO UNDERSTAND WAR’S BITTER COST”

Charles Alison McFarline, 1892-1915

2nd cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

Charles was the youngest of seven children for Cosmo James McFarline and Adela Graham Smith. He was born 31 Jan 1892 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada and worked as a Rancher. His military service was with the unit Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), R.C.A.C. as a Sergeant. He died on 25 Sep 1915 at 23 years of age from his wounds in a field ambulance in France after taking shrapnel to his lungs. His remains lie in Trois Arbres Cemetery in France.

Charles Amos Brown, 1887-1918

3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of Amos Brown and Flora Fanny Emma Bassett and born in Bletsoe, Bedfordshire, England. A General Labourer, he was was married to Emma Eliza Field and was the father to Charles, Lilian, May, Percy and Donald. He died from wounds on 24 Mar 1918 whilst serving as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery and is buried in the Roye New British Cemetery in France.

Charles Bull, 1880-1918

Paternal Grandfather of wife of 1st cousin 2x removed (Maternal)

Charles Bull was one of eleven children and the youngest of the boys born to Alfred Bull and Frances Elizabeth Smeed. He was born in 1880 in Beckley, Sussex, England. He was a Builder’s Labourer by trade and married to Frances Selina Pavitt (also known as Frances Selina Meek). He had two sons, Alfred Charles Bull and Ernest George Bull. He served as Lance Corporal for the 511th Field Company of the Royal Engineers and was killed in action on 23 Jun 1918. His remains lie in Franvillers Communal Cemetery Extension in France and the inscription on his headstone reads ” I WAS WEARY AND HE GAVE ME REST”. He was 37 years of age.

Charles Henry Frederick Thomas, 1885-1918

2nd Great Uncle of ex-husband

Son of Charles Henry Frederick Thomas and Eliza Blumsum and husband of Beatrice Louisa Harsant. He was born in Walthamstow. He worked as a French Polisher and served as a Rifleman with the 17th Batt. of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He died from his wounds on 19Apr 1918. He was buried at Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Charles Henry Nield, 1882-1917

3rd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Born in Bolton, Lancashire, England and son of John Henry Nield and Elizabeth Bellisle Hartley. He was a Police Constable and husband to Rachel Nelson and father to Cyril and Edith Nield. He served as a Corporal with the Royal  Field Artillery and was killed whilst on active service on 12 Sep 1917. He was buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery in Belgium.

Charles Minnitt Steeper, 1887-1917

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Samuel and Louisa Steeper born in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, resident of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and a Draper’s Assistant by occupation. He was married to Annie Lee Millns in 1914 just before the war commenced and was then killed in action on 7 Jun 1917 whilst serving as a Private with the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), 11th Batt. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Charles William Plant, 1886-1916

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Charles Thomas Plant and his wife Clara Undy. Husband of Sarah Ethel Fountain and father to John Leslie Plant. He was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England and was a Woollen Merchant’s Assistant prior to marrying and taking up service as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He succumbed to bronchitis whilst on active service and died on 18 Dec 1916. He was laid to rest in La Neuville Communal Cemetery in France.

Christopher George Parr, 1898-1916

5th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of Cyril Charles Parr and Harriet Lilian Upton born in Harlasxton, Lincolnshire, England. He was a boarder at Queen Elizabeth’s school in Alford before enlisting for military service. He became a Private with the Lincolnshire Regiment, 10th Batt. and was killed in action on 1 Jul 1916 at the tender age of 18. His final resting place is not known but his name is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Cornelius Finch,1883-1916

Step 2nd Great Uncle of sister-in-law (L)

Son of Thomas and Margaret Finch born 20 Jul 1883 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England. Husband of Annie Whitehouse and father to Lilian and Eric Finch. A cotton spinner, he rose to the office of Serjeant in the 2nd Batt. of the Manchester Regiment and was killed in action on 17 Nov 1916. his name is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Daniel Elam, 1890-1917

2nd cousin twice removed of the wife of the uncle of husband

Son od David Elam and Ursula Gurman, husband of Elizabeth West and father to Florence May Elam. Born in lincoln, Lincolnshire, England and a Waggoner on a farm. Served as a Private with the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) and was killed in action on 26 Sep 1917. His name is entered on the Loos Memorial in France.

David Arthur Berrill, 1878-1917

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Thomas Berrill and Fanny Ann Payne, husband of Ellen Case and father to Doris Ellen Berrill. Born on 27 Oct 1878 in Brampton, Huntingdonshire, England and a Gamekeeper in Alconbury, he served as a Private with the Suffolk Regiment, 8th Batt. He was killed in action on 31 Jul 1917 and his name appears on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

David George Hackett, 1879-1917

Husband of 2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of David and Mary Jane Hackett, husband of Frances Edith Maltby and father of Winifred Joyce Hackett and another child that died in infancy  and as yet remains unidentified. David, born in Plumstead, Kent, England was a Police Constable with the Metropolitan Police prior to his service in the Military. He became a Serjeant with the Royal Fusiliers, 11th Batt. and was killed in action on 10 Aug 1917. His remains lie in Hooge Crater Cemetery in Belgium.

David Johnstone Savage, 1881-1915

Husband’s 2nd Great Uncle

Born 19 Apr 1881 in Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland to James Savage and Helen Johnstone and a Coal Miner by trade. Husband to Janet Wilson Morrison and father to George, Thomas, Helen, Janet and Margaret. He served as a Private in the 12th Batt. of the Royal Scots and was killed in action on the 25 Sep 1915. His final resting place is not known but he is remembered on the Loos Memorial in France.

Dennis Banks, 1894-1914

2nd cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

Born in 1894 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England to Thomas Banks and Ellen Bullen, Dennis was one of seven children and the couple’s second-born son. He was employed as a Clerk and was also a Gunner in the Lancashire Heavy Brigade of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He died on homeland on 1 Oct 1914, aged 20 and was buried at Toxteth Park Cemetery in Liverpool, Lancashire, England. His older brother Sidney Brade Banks died 5 years later and is also mentioned on his page.

Edgar Cecil Seaborne, 1891-1916

2nd Great Uncle of sister-in-law (A)

Born Edgar Cecil Gardner some time around 1891 in London, England, Edgar’s biological mother is unknown. He was an illegitimate child who was boarded out with Hannah Seaborne nee Monkley of Vowchurch, Herefordshire, England who raised him and he later changed his surname to Seaborne. He was part of a very large family. Hannah was the third wife of Edgar’s foster father John Seaborne and they had 11 children together in addition to another foster child but there were also 10 further half-siblings to be counted in John Seaborne’s previous marriages. Edgar served as a Private with the 7th Batt. of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 13 Nov 1916 aged 24. He was buried in Serre Road Cemetery No. 1 in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND THE SHADOWS FLEE AWAY.”

Edward John Mason, 1873-1916

Paternal Grandfather to husband of 5th cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of John Kennedy Mason and Ellen Goodwin, husband of Sarah Straughton and father to Phyllis, Arthur, Elsie, Florence and Joshua. Born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England on 8 Feb 1873 and a Coal Miner. He served as a Private with the 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Batt. of the
Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in action on 4 Jun 1916. He was buried in Becourt Military Cemetery. His younger brother John Kennedy Mason had also lost his life during the war just the previous year in the Balkan theatre of war.

Edward Lenygon, 1890-1918

Brother-in-law of 5th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Born on 16 Feb 1890 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England to James Lenygon and Elizabeth Hawkins. The youngest of 9 brothers and he also had 4 sisters. Worked as a Postman and married Charlotte Augusta Eveline Bennett not long after war had broken out. He served as a Private for the Lincolnshire Regiment, 2nd Batt. and was killed on the 11 Apr 1918, aged 28. His body was never recovered for burial but his name is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial. His brother Frank Lenygon also lost his life just a year earlier.

Edward Robinson, 1891-1918

First husband of wife of 1st cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

The eldest of five children born to James and Alice Robinson in Saddleworth, Yorkshire, England. He was a Cotton Piecer and quite literally married the girl next door when he married Clara Bamiling in 1916. She lived with her family next door to Edward Robinson and his family just prior to getting married. He served as a Private with the 1st/7th Batt. of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. He died from wounds received in that conflict on 2 Nov 1918 and was buried in Thiant Communal Cemetery in France.

Edwin Penswick, 1890-1917

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Edwin was the eldest of four children born to Robert Penswick and Margaret Ann Howarth in 1890 at Carnforth, Lancashire, England. He was married to Annie May Ronson also known as Annie May Rainbird and they had one daughter together by the name of Marjorie Penswick. He was a Butcher by trade but during his military service was a Private for the 8th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 27 Apr 1917 at 26 years old. His remains lie in Etaples Military Cemetery in France.

Eli Roberts 1894-1917

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Born in 1894 in Hough Green, Lancashire, England, Eli was one of twelve children for parents Eli Roberts and Alice Whitfield. He worked as a Farm Labourer and was married to Ellen Carey. He served as a Private with the 177th Coy. of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) and was killed in action on 26 Sep 1917. He was 23 years of age and his younger brother John Whitfield Roberts had also had his life taken from him two years before Eli. His name lies on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

Ernest Francis Bullen, 1891-1918

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

Ernest was the youngest son of James and Jane Ann Bullen, born in Redruth, Cornwall, England. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Boardman and had 2 children named Mary Frances and Ernest Francis. Sadly he never saw his youngest son who was born after Ernest died but the infant also sadly died shortly after birth. He was a Sapper with the Royal Engineers and was killed in action on 12 Apr 1918. His name lies on the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belgium.

Ernest Holdsworth, 1883-1918

Husband of 3rd cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (A)

Born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, England in 1883 to Herbert Holdsworth and Annie Brook. He was one of ten children born to them. He worked as a Bricklayer’s Labourer, was married to Eleanor Grindle and had five children with her. He served as a Private with the 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Batt. of the Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in action on 21 Mar 1918. His name is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the missing in France.

Ernest Knowles, 1889-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Born in St Helens, Lancashire, England to James Jeffrey Knowles and Martha Aitcheson and older brother to Albert Knowles who also lost his life during WW1 later the same year. He worked as an Artist’s Stencil Cutter and fought as a Private with the Grenadier Guards, 3rd Batt. He died on 30 Apr 1918 as a result of wounds incurred during conflict and he was buried at Bagneaux British Cemetery in France.

Ernest Victor Page, 1887-1918

First husband of wife of 3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Ernest was born 4 Aug 1887 in Ramsgate, Kent, England to James Page and Emily Adelaide Timpson. He was the fourth of their six children and their youngest son. He was a career soldier and married to Florence Grace Bailey fathering four children with her. At the time of his death he was a Serjeant with the 2nd Batt. of the East Lancashire Regiment. He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 25 Apr 1918 a 29 years of age. He was buried at Vignacourt British Cemetery in France. Florence married again to a man named Robert Kirkham and had 3 further children with him.

Ernest Parr, 1889-1918

Great Grandfather of brother-in-law (M)

Born in 1889 in Salford, Lancashire, England, Ernest was one of five children born to Thomas Parr and his first wife Eliza Brereton. A further six half-siblings came from his father’s second marriage to Clara Ann Maguire. Thomas and Eliza had two sons of which Ernest was the younger but both sons were lost to the war in the same year. Ernest was a Joiner by trade and he was married to Elizabeth Hall. He had two children, one son and one daughter whom he sadly never met in mortality as she was born shortly after his death and died herself a few months later leaving just one son who was my brother-in-law’s Grandfather. He served as a Private with the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) and died on 15 Oct 1918 aged 30. He was a recipient of the Military Medal for his service and now is commemorated at Niederzwehren Cemetery in Germany where his headstone is inscribed with the words “A SECRET THOUGHT A SILENT TEAR KEEPS HIS MEMORY EVER DEAR”.

Ernest Smithies, 1893-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

The eighth of nine children and the youngest son of James Smithies and Mary Ann Horrocks. He was born in Milddleton, Lancashire, England in 1893. Prior to his military service he was employed as a Grocer’s Assistant. He was reported missing whilst serving as a Corporal with the 10th Batt. Lancashire Fusiliers and then later presumed killed on or around 12th May 1917 aged 23. His name is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the missing in France.

Francis Ernest Dawks, 1893-1916

2nd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Francis was one of eleven children born to John George Dawks and Sarah True Elizabeth Case. He was the fourth child to be born in Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire, England. The losses to war for this family were great – Francis’s older brother George lost his life during WW1 in 1917 and two of their nephews (both sons of a third brother Harold) lost their lives during WW2. Francis served with the 2nd Batt. of the Bedfordshire Regiment and was sadly killed on 30 Jul 1916. His name lies on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Frank Lenygon, 1886-1917

Brother-in-law of 5th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

One of 13 children born to James Lenygon and Elizabeth Hawkins in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England. He was an Engineer who served as a Serjeant with the 10th Batt. of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 9 Apr 1917 and is buried in Bucquoy Road Cemetery at Ficheux in France. His youngest brother Edward Lenygon also lost his life a year after Frank.almost to the day.

Frank Middleton, 1891-1915

1st cousin twice removed of husband (Paternal)

Born in Rochadale, Lancashire, England to Charles Frederick Middleton and Martha Butterworth. He was a labourer in the Starch works and it was being laid off from his employment that precipitated his enlistment for war duties. He enlisted with the Manchester Regiment but was quickly moved to the South Lancashire Regiment, 2nd Regiment where he served as a Private. His letters to his mother are full of poignancy indicating his unsurety at having enlisted in the first place but committed to follow through and then his optimism that the war would not last long and he would soon be home. Just 12 days after sending what was probably his final letter home, Frederick was killed in action on 16 Jun 1915. His body was believed to have been hurriedly buried members of the Middlesex Regiment, 8th Infantry Brigade but was never recovered for formal burial and his name is inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Frank Roy Kelly, 1897-1918

4th cousin 4 times removed (Paternal)

One of six children born to Frank L Kelly and Mary Elizabeth Nield. He was born 19 Oct 1897 in Divide, Teller, Colorado, USA and is descended from a branch of Nields that emigrated from Stalybridge, Cheshire, England in the 1840s. He served as a Private in the United States Infantry and died on 5 Oct 1918 aged just days before his 21st birthday. His name is remembered on the memorial to the missing at Suresnes American Cemetery in France and is also listed on the Teller County Memorial to the war dead.

Fred Coles, 1893-1918

3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of Elijah Coles and Alice Ann Aspin, born in Bury, Lancashire, England. He was a Sawyer for a Timber Merchant prior to serving as a Corporal in the Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd/6th Batt. He was killed on the 21 Mar 1918 and his name lies on the Pozieres Memorial in France.

Fred Hudson, 1891-1918

2nd cousin of wife of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Fred was the youngest of thirteen children and he was born in 1891 in Ilkley, Yorkshire, England to Aquila Hudson and Sarah Hannah Towers. He worked as an Engine Cleaner and was a Private with the 9th Batt. of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment). He died from wounds gained in conflict on 28 Aug 1918 at 26 years of age and he was buried at Fienvillers British Cemetery in France. His headstone bears the inscription “SOLDIER REST THY WARFARE O’ER. SLEEP THY SLEEP, T’WILL NOT BE BROKEN”

Fred Mottram, 1894-1915

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

Fred Mottram was the middle child of nine children born to Henry Mottram and his second wife Elizabeth Clark. He also had two additional half-siblings born to his father’s first wife Alice Stretton. He was born in 1894 in Hyde, Cheshire, England. He worked as an Assistant in a Provisions Business prior to his service in the military where he served as a Private with the 1st Batt. of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. He died from injury and disease on 9 July 1915 in Malta whilst on active service at the Dardanelles. His remains lie in Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta. He was aged just 21. His older brother George Harry Mottram also lost his life to conflicts in World War One.

Fred Revington, 1891-1916

2nd Great Uncle of brother-in-law (M)

Son of James Revington and Ada Howard and older brother to Albert Revington who also lost his life a year earlier. Born in Middleton, Lancashire, England and was a Labourer in a Bleach Works. He became a Private in The King’s (Liverpool Regiment), 13th Batt. and died from wounds sustained during conflict on 14 Jul 1916. He was buried in La Neuville British Cemetery in France.

Frederick Adams, 1898-1917

4th cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

Frederick was the eldest of four children born to George William Adams and his first wife Mary Sargeant. He also had five half-siblings born to his father’s second wife Violet Hooley that he would have never known since they were born after his death. He was born in 1898 in Bollington, Cheshire, England and he died from his battle wounds on 17 July 1917 being just 19 years of age at the time. His remains lie in Coxyde Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Frederick George Hammond, 1883-1918

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Frederick George Hammond was the fourth child of six born to John Richard Hammond and Emily Jupp. He was their youngest son born in 1883 in Arundel, Sussex, England. He worked as a House Painter and was married to Alice Alexandra Mole. He served as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). He was killed in action on 21st March 1918 and his name is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial in France.

Frederick Henry Dollery, 1892-1915

Brother-in-law of wife of 2 cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

Frederick was born in 1892 in Bishops Sutton, Hampshire, England to William Albert Dollery and Ada Elizabeth Hewitt. He was their youngest son and the middle of three children born to them. He worked as a Draper’s Assistant and was a Lance Corporal in the Sussex Yeomanry. He was killed in action on 20 Dec 1915 at age 23. His name is remembered both on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli and also on his brother’s family headstone in Bishops Sutton, Hampshire, England.

Frederick Moon, 1887-1916

Husband of the wife of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Samuel Moon and Hannah Lockett, born in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England. Husband of Ada Bill and father to Emily Violet, Frederick and William. He was a Cotton Mill Labourer by occupation. Information about his military service and circumstances of death can be found at www.findagrave.com – a portion of which is recorded below:

“Fred was posted to the 8th Battalion Cheshire Regiment initially, he was moved to the 9th Battalion and promoted to Lance Corporal on 28th October 1914. He was Acting Corporal by 28th January 1915 but reverted to Lance Corporal three months later. He embarked for France and moved to the 10th Battalion, but he received a bullet wound in the hip, in the great charge at Loos on 25th September 1915. He was hospitalised in Belper, Derbyshire and a period of recuperation at home followed. He recovered and went to Etaples in France on 24th December 1915. He joined the 10th Battalion in the field on 3rd February 1916. He was wounded a second time, but recovered in time to take part in the ‘Battle of Albert’ in July. Fred was promoted to Acting Corporal just nine days before he died.

Fred’s wife received a letter from the forces Chaplain G.W.Evans which said, “Your husband was with a party digging an advance trench, when he was struck by a portion of shrapnel shell, which killed him instantly. He can have suffered no pain. He was buried the next day in a little cemetery close behind the trenches” A senior officer added “he was killed instantly by a shell on the night of the 26th during a slight bombardment by the enemy. Your husband, had he lived, was likely to have risen in the ranks, and before his death he had been promoted”.”

Fred was killed on 26 Jul 1916 and his remains lie in Knightsbridge Cemetery at Mesnil-Martinsart, France.

Frederick William Atkinson, 1898-1919

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Frederick was born in 1898 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England to Frederick “Fred” Atkinson and Frances “Fanny” Anderson. He was the middle child of 3 born to the couple but he also had an older half-sibling issuing from his mother. He was a Private with the 2nd Batt. of the Lancashire Fusiliers when he fractured his spine whilst on active war service and died on 23 Apr 1919. He was just 20 years of age. He is buried in the family grave at Fleetwood Cemetery in England.

George Arnold Connelly, 1886-1917

Ex-husband’s 2nd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Thomas Connelly and Alice Violet Arnold. Born in Hackney, London, England and employed as a Barman. Served as a Private with the Durham Light Infantry and was killed in action on 25 May 1917. His remains lie in Vraucourt Copse Cemetery in France but he is also named on the family grave in the City of London Cemetery at Manor Park.

George Arthur Boardman, 1877-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

George is an interesting character in that every military reference to him will state that he was born 21 Oct 1883 in Heywood, Lancashire, England. He was in fact born 21 Oct 1877 (6 years earlier) to parents Joseph Boardman and Mary Choules Kempton. He was a Textile Machinist in 1901 in Heywood before emigrating to Canada where he worked as a Driver. There he signed up with the Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment) and it is believed that he lied about his age in order to qualify himself for military service by appearing younger than he was. He was killed in action on 15 Aug 1917, aged 39 according to formal records but aged 45 in reality. His name lies on the Vimy Memorial in France.

George Burke, 1887-1915

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Born in Hayfield, Derbyshire, England on 25 Feb 1887 to Robert Burke and Mary Ann McGarrity and late resident in Huddersfield, Yorkshire. George married Emma Littlewood in Saddleworth, Yorkshire in 1912 and they had 3 children – James Frederick, Sarah and Wilson. Sadly Wilson died shortly after birth and the mother Emma also died in 1918 making orphans of the remaining children at a very young age. George served as a Private with the 1st/7th Batt. of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment and he was killed on 20 Dec 1915. His name is listed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

George Ernest Bonner, 1897-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

The youngest of seven children for  Robert Bonner and Harriet Ann Brumby and born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England in 1897. George worked as a Goods Porter and served as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery and was killed in action on 16 Jul 1918 at 21 years of age. He was buried at Nine Elms Military Cemetery in France.

George Harry Mottram, 1890-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

Born in 1890 in Hyde, Cheshire, England to Henry Mottram and Elizabeth Clark. He was their eldest son and one of nine children with two additional half-siblings born to his father’s first wife Alice Stretton. He was registered at birth as George Harry Mottram but was known as just Harry Mottram. He worked as a Hatter’s Labourer prior to his military service where he served as a Private with the 2nd (Garrison) Batt. of The King’s (Liverpool Regiment). He was killed in action on 27 Feb 1917 and his remains lie in Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery. His younger brother Fred Mottram had also lost his life in conflict two years earlier in Malta. Harry was 27 years of age.

George Housley Brumby, 1885-1917

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of John Brumby and Ellen Staley, born 20 Oct 1885 in Pendleton, Lancashire, England. George served as a Private with the 12th Batt. of the Lancashire Fusiliers and was killed in action on 11 Jan 1917 in Salonika. He was buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery in Central Macedonia, Greece.

George James Thomas Dawks, 1889-1917

2nd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Eldest child and son of John George Dawks and Sarah True Elizabeth Case. Born in Graffham, Huntingdonshire, England and husband to Minnie Franklin whom he married in 1915. He served as a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Cambridgeshire Regiment and died on 26 Sep 1917. One of his younger brothers Francis had also lost his life the previous year to George and the family were to lose two more (nephews to George) in WW2 conflicts. George’s name sits on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. His widow Minnie went on to marry George’s brother Harold Norman Dawks who was the father of those nephews for George who died during WW2.

George Kenyon, 1882-1917

Husband of wife of husband of 3rd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

George Kenyon was born in 1882 in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England to James Kenyon and Alice Howard. He worked as a Labourer in the Iron Works and was married to Bertha Fielden with whom he had 2 children. His wife Bertha remarried after his death to a George Saxon and their eldest son George Saxon Kenyon died in World War Two. George Kenyon served as a Private with the 16th Coy. of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) and he died from wounds sustained in battle on 23 Nov 1917. His name lies on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval, Calais, France.

George Rowland Paget Howson, 1885-1917

3rd cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

George Rowland Paget Howson was one of five children born to Robert Gardner William Howson and Kate Mary Sutcliffe and he was the younger of their two sons born 25 July 1885 in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. He worked as a Bank Clerk. He enlisted with the 18th Batt. of the Royal Fusiliers and went on to serve as Second Lieutenant with the 1st Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He was killed in action on the 9 April 1917 at Arras. His commanding officer wrote of him “…he was a most charming man and a great favourite with everyone, both officers and men. As his Commanding Officer, I have to deplore the loss of a very fine soldier – in whom I placed great confidence”. He is buried at Mindel Trench British Cemetery at Saint-Laurent-Blangy in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “SIC ITUR AD ASTRA” which means “so we go to the stars”.He was 30 years of age. More images and information can be found about George HERE

George Parr, 1885-1918

2nd Great Uncle of brother-in-law (M)

George Parr was born in 1885 in Salford, Lancashire, England to Thomas Parr and first wife Eliza Brereton. He was one of 5 children born to them and the elder of their two sons. Tragically, two of his sisters died in infancy and both George and his younger brother Ernest lost their lives during the war. Ernest is also included on this page. George joined the military straight from leaving school and rose to the rank of Serjeant with the 4th Batt. of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He was killed in action on the 18 Oct 1918 aged 30 and just 3 days after his brother Ernest lost his life. His final resting place is unknown but he is remembered on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial in France.

George Sheldrick, 1887-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Youngest son of George Sheldrick (also spelt Shildrick) and his second wife Emily Dean. Born in St Pancras, Middlesex, England with two older sisters, two half-sisters and a half-brother from his father’s first marriage. He was a Silversmith by trade and served during the war as a Rifleman with the 11th Batt. of the London Regiment (Finsbury Rifles). He was killed in action on  8 Sep 1918 in France aged 31 and was buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery. He wasn’t married.

Hague France, 1889-1916

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of James Hague France and Annetta Fletcher and born in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England. He was a Stone Mason who served as a Private with the 4th Batt. Grenadier Guards. He died of wounds received on the Somme on 28 Sep 1916, aged 27 and he was buried in Etaples Military Cemetery in France. His headstone is inscribed with the words “”Waiting in a holy stillness, wrapt in sleep”.

Harold Crosbie, 1887-1916

4th cousin twice removed of son-in-law (Paternal)

Born in 1887 in Askam-in-Furness, Lancashire, England to William Francis Maxwell Crosbie and Margaret Gregson. He was the oldest of their six children and their only son. He was a Coal Miner and married in 1915 to Jessie Hughes-Griffiths. He served as a Gunner in the 149th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery and died aged 29 from wounds sustained in conflict on 17 May 1916. He is buried at La Neuville Communal Cemetery, Corbie, France.

Harold John Atkins, 1894-1917

Brother-in-law of wife of 2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Harold was the middle child of seven born to Robert Sidney Atkins and Emily Clara Shone. He was born on 9 Sep 1894 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He served as a Serjeant with the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion during the First World War and was killed in action on 6 Oct 1917 in Belgium having been caught by shell fire  or a “whizz bang” as one witness statement put it and killed instantly. He was buried the day after his death near to where he fell but his body was unable to be recovered for formal burial and so his name lies both on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium and the Australian War Memorial.

Harold John Read, 1896-1916

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

The middle child of five born to Henry Read and Betsy Middleton. Born in Saxilby, Lincolnshire, England. He was a Brickmaker who served as a Lance Corporal with the 3rd Batt. of the London Regiment. He was killed in action on 24 Jul 1916 and was buried at Foncquevillers Military Cemetery in France.

Harold Millns, 1896-1916

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of Tom Nicholson Millns and Emma Longbottom, born in North Collingham, Nottinghamshire, England. Harold was just 20 when he died and went from working on a farm at aged 15 to enlisting with the military. He was wounded in France whilst fighting with the Prince of Wales Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment and died on home soil in Napsbury Hospital from those wounds. He was buried in North Collingham (All Saints) Churchyard.

Harold Royle, 1891-1918

Brother-in-law of 2nd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Henry Royle and Eliza Ann Henderson, born 13 Jan 1891 in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England and husband of Barbara Tipton. He worked as a Galvanizer in the Iron Works and served with the Royal Scots, 17th Batt. in the Western European Theatre of war. He was killed in action on 29 Sep 1918 and was buried in Oxford Road Cemetery in Belgium. His older brother William Thomas Royle had lost his life to the conflict 3 years earlier in 1915.

Harry Senior, 1885-1917

Husband of the sister-in-law of 2nd Great Uncle (Paternal)

Born in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England to Joseph and Martha Ann Senior. Worked as a Cotton Weaver and was husband to Elizabeth Bettsworth and father to son Leslie and daughters Nellie and Mina. Died on 11 Oct 1917 from wounds obtained whilst fighting with the 2nd/9th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment. His name is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

Henry George Boyten, 1893-1916

3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

One of ten children born to Henry Boyten and Elizabeth Ann Casbolt. He was born in Finsbury Park, London, England and worked as an Engine Fitter before serving with the military. He became a Lance Corporal serving with the 7th Batt. of the London Regiment. He died from wounds sustained during battle on 15 Sep 1916. He was originally buried with 14 other soldiers of the British Empire at Bottom Wood Cemetery but his grave was destroyed later in subsequent battles so his name is now part of the Special Kipling Memorial at Dantzig Alley British Cemetery in France.

Henry Reginald Lowe, 1884-1918

Husband of wife of 2nd cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

Henry was the fourth of seven children born to Ralph Lowe and Mary Jane Holden. He was born in 1884 in Preston, Lancashire, England. He was employed as a Butcher’s Assistant, was married to Rosanna Thomas and had one daughter named Emily Rose Lowe. He was a Private with the 17th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment and he died 3 May 1918 aged 33. He was buried at La Capelle-en-Thierache Communal Cemetery in France and the inscription on his headstone reads “IN HONOUR’S CAUSE”

Henry Taylor, 1885-1916

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Very little is known about Henry Taylor prior to his marriage. He was born around 1885 in Burnley, Lancashire, England but so far his parents or family remain unknown to me. He married Mary Emma Gregson in 1908 and they had two children together. They lived in Thornton, Lancashire, England where he was employed as a General Labourer. He fought during the war with the 1st Batt. of the East Lancashire Regiment as a Private and was killed on 1 Jul 1916. His final resting place is unknown but his name lies on the Thiepval Memorial in France. He was about 31 years of age at the time of his death.

Henry Williamson Connor, 1883-1915

2nd Great Uncle of husband (Maternal)

Son of James Connor and Ann Williamson, Henry or “Hendry” as he was known was born 13 Dec 1883 in Burghead, Morayshire, Scotland and was husband to Margaret Ann Kelbie. He served as a Private with the Seaforth Highlanders and was killed in action on 12 Dec 1915. He is buried at Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension in France but is also named on a headstone at Trinity Cemetery in Aberdeen erected to the memory of Catherine Cram Kelbie and other family members.

Herbert Jacobs, 1879-1915

Husband of 3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of George and Sarah Ann Jacobs born in Little Stukeley, Huntingdonshire, England. Husband of Jane Isley and father to Dorothy Emily and Derek Herbert Jacobs. Herbert was a dairy farmer who served as a Driver in the Army Service Corps. He died serving in the Balkan Theatre of war and was buried at theEast Mudros Miltary Cemetery in Greece.

Herbert James Smith, 1895-1918

4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Born 22 Aug 1895 to James H Smith and Hephzibah Benstead in Walthamstow, Essex, England, Herbert was their only son and he had a younger sister named Alice. He joined the Royal Navy at age 15 and was serving as a Petty Officer on HMS submarine “E.34” when she was struck by a mine and sunk on 20 Jul 1918 between the Frisian Islands Texel and Vlieland. There were no survivors and Herbert’s body was never recovered for burial but his name lies on the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent, England. He was just 22 years of age when he died.

Horace Wright, 1882-1918

Husband of 3rd cousin twice removed of former sister-in-law (A)

Horace Wright was born in 1882 in Kimberworth, Yorkshire, England to James Wright and Sarah Elizabeth Chapman. He was one of ten children born to them and the youngest of their sons. He worked as a manager for a Pawn Broker, was married to Bertha Gullick and had 4 children. He served as a Private with the 13th Batt. of the York and Lancaster Regiment and died from his wounds on 30 Jun 1918 aged 35. He was buried at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery in France.

Hugh Pattison Savage, 1880-1917

Father-in-law of 2nd cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

Son of Charles and Elizabeth Savage born in Wolsingham, Durham, England. Husband of Mary Elizabeth Lindsay and father to Violet, Edith, Maimie, Mildred, Irelinne and Hugh. Hotel Manager by occupation, he served as a Private in the 15th Batt. of the Durham Light Infantry and was killed in action on  4 Oct 1917. He is named on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. His son Hugh Lindsay Savage also lost his life in 1942 in Egypt during WW2.

Jack Cooper Sharples, 1893-1917

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Jack Cooper Sharples, the eldest of four boys for Seth Sharples and Mary Cooper was born in 1893 in Whittle le Woods, Lancashire, England. He was a Weaver in the cotton mills and was married to Elsie Baker towards the latter end of 1916. He was a Trooper for the Household Battalion and was killed in action on 3 May 1917 at just 24 and not even one year into his marriage to Elsie. His name is now remembered on the Arras Memorial in France. Elsie went on to marry again to a Thomas Bamber.

Jack Hamilton Montgomery, 1894-1920

4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Born 4 Jul 1894 to David Hamilton Montgomery and Sarah Jane Tarr in Strood, Kent, England. He was a Butcher prior to his service in the military and was married to Agnes Cormack McKenzie. He was a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery. His death comes after Armistice but he was still in service in India when he died from the effects of fever in the Military Station Hospital on 7 Aug 1920. His name lies on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial in Mumbai.

James Anderson, 1898-1917

2nd cousin once removed of wife of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Born in 1898 in Drighlington, Yorkshire, England, James was the eldest of five children born to Walker Anderson and Eva Ellen Dove. He was a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). He died at Courtrai in Belgium from wounds gained in conflict and was buried at Kortrijk Communal Cemetery in Belgium but is also remembered on the headstone of his parents’s grave in Drighlington, Yorkshire, England. He was 19 years of age when he died.

James Arthur Mellor, 1889-1918

First husband of wife of 3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Very little is known about James as yet prior to his military service. He was born around 1889 in Northenden, Lancashire, England but I have not as yet been able to establish who his parents or immediate family were. He was married to Harriet Fish but married her literally just before he was killed. They can’t have been married more than a couple of months. He served as a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Batt. of the Lincolnshire Regiment and was killed in action on 26 Apr 1918. His remains now lie at Wytschaete Military Cemetery in Belgium. Harriet married again the following year to a man named Tom Eckley.

James Arthur Pickard, 1881-1917

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

James Arthur Pickard was one of four children born to William Pickard and Catherine Whitaker. He was born in 1881 in Skipton, Yorkshire, England, worked as a Beer Bottler and was married to Elizabeth Kezia Waring and had five children, two of whom died in infancy. He served as a Private in the 8th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He suffered great wounds under conflict in France requiring both his legs to be amputated in the field and he was then transported to Cambridge Hospital in Aldershot where he died from his wounds on 5 May 1917. He was buried in Layton Cemetery in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. He was 36 years of age.

James Beswick, 1888-1917

4th cousin 4 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Harry Beswick and Esther Griffiths. Born 1 Oct 1888 in Manchester, Lancashire, England. A shop plumber’s Merchant he served as a Bombardier in the Royal Field Artillery. He was killed in action on 21 Aug 1917 and is buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No. 3 in Belgium.

James Fidell Quemby, 1896-1918

Brother-in-law of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of John George Quemby and Ann Fidell and born in Hull, Yorkshire, England. He was a Railway Messenger Boy in 1911 before serving as a Private in the 1st Batt. of the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own). He died from wounds sustained through conflict on 27 Jun 1918 and was buried at Hagle Dump Cemetery in Belgium.

James Harold Brumby, 1887-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Youngest son of Joseph Brumby and Alice Newton, born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. In 1911 he was working as a Railway Inspector. He enlisted as a Private in the East Yorkshire Regiment, 12th Batt. but was killed in action on 3 May 1917 leaving behind his wife Elsie Annie Brumby (nee Duke) and one daughter named Elsie Irene Brumby. He was buried in Canadian Cemetery No. 2, Neuville-Saint Vaast, France and is also mentioned on his father’s headstone in Mexborough Cemetery, Mexborough, Yorkshire, England.

James Henry Halstead, 1888-1918

First husband of the wife of husband’s 1st cousin twice removed (Paternal)

Born in 1888 in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, England, James was the only son of John Halstead and Matilda McNulty and was employed as a Cotton Weaver prior to his military service. He married Edith Walton in 1915 and served during the war as a Private with the 2nd Batt. of the East Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action on 5 September 1918 and his remains now lie at Point-du-Jour Military Cemetery in Athies, Calais, France. His name is also commemorated at 2 memorials in Rawtenstall – one in the grounds of Rawtenstall Unitarian Church and the other on the Municipal War Memorial in Rawtenstall Cemetery. He was aged 30 and his wife remarried in 1921 to James Thomas Barnes.

James Thomas Bowker, 1881-1916

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

Son of Thomas Bowker and Ellen Lee, born 23 Apr 1881 in Pendleton, Lancashire, England. Husband to Elizabeth Annie Dalton and father of James Eric Bowker. He was a Wood Pattern Maker and served as a Private for the Royal Scots, 15th Batt. Died during the Battle of the Somme on 1 Jul 1916 Descendants of the  family tell that a comrade saw him go down during the 1st Offensive of that Battle and stories say he was blown apart. Either way his body was never recovered and his name is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

James Walker, 1896-1915

Nephew of the husband of 3rd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Born on 23 Feb 1896 in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England, only son of Samuel Walker and Sarah Jane Stott. He was an Iron Turner’s Apprentice in 1911 aged 15 before serving as a Private with the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. He was appointed as Lance Corporal in the field and died as a result of wounds sustained in conflict on 28 Dec 1915 aged just 19. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery in France. His headstone is inscribed with the words “There is a link death cannot sever. Love and remembrance last forever.”

James William Greenwood Howard, 1895-1917

1st cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

James was the youngest of three children born to Percy Howard and Amanda Greenwood. Prior to his service in the Army he worked as an apprentice Boilermaker. He served as a private with the 9th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment. He was shot and killed in conflict on 7 May 1917. His remains lie in Templeux-Le-Guerard British Cemetery in France. James’s older brother Percy Howard had lost his life to the war just nine months previous in 1916.

John Beaumont, 1881-1917

Husband of sister-in-law of 3rd Great Uncle (Paternal)

John Beaumont was born 17 Apr 1881 in Mossley, Lancashire, England to parents John Beaumont and Sarah Jane Buckley. He worked as a Bricklayer’s Labourer and served as a Private with the 1st/4th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He was wounded in battle either on or shortly before 26 July 1917 and died from his wounds before he could be transferred to a general hospital. He was aged 36 and left behind his wife Alice Monaghan, son John Beaumon, daughter Sarah Beaumont and step-son Harry Monaghan. His remains lie in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium.

John Brumby, 1888-1915

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

John Brumby was one of eight children born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England to George Brumby and Sarah Ann Marshall. He was also the youngest of five boys in the family. He worked as a Moulder’s Labourer and served in the 5th Batt. of the Lincolnshire Regiment as a Private. He was killed in action on 3 Jun 1915 and his remains lie in Packhorse Farm Shrine Cemetery in Belgium.

John Charles Middleham, 1892-1916

2nd cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

The third child of seven born to Walter Middleham and Ada Hudson in Earlestown, Lancashire, England. He was a Carpenter who usually went by his middle name of Charles. He was married to Sarah Elizabeth Casterton in 1913 who married again after his death to become Sarah Elizabeth Mullin. They had one son together named Cyril Middleham. He served as a Private in the 7th Batt. of the South Lancashire Regiment but information on a website set up as a Newton le Willows and Earlestown Memorial site points to him being a Lance Corporal which I have been unable to officially confirm as yet. A link to this website has been included here. An interesting story outlined on that site hints to the circumstances of John Charles Middleham’s death on 21 Jul 1916 suggesting he was asleep with other comrades in a dug-out at the village of Bazentin le Petit, when a shell burst on the dug-out, killing all three instantaneously in their sleep. Although the men were buried and a cross was erected to mark the spot, subsequent military action ensured the grave was destroyed or lost resulting in John’s name being added to the Thiepval Memorial to the missing in France.

John Heginbottom, 1893-1916

4th cousin 4 times removed (Paternal)

Only son of John Joseph Heginbottom and Emily Woolley born in Denton, Lancashire, England. He was a Machine Planker of hats for a felt hat Manufacturer and he became a Private serving in the Manchester Regiment. He died on the 27 Apr 1916 and was buried in the Ismalia War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt.

John Holland Wilkinson, 1882-1917

2nd Great Uncle of sister-in-law (M)

The youngest of five children born to John Wilkinson and Betsey Holland in Dukinfield, Cheshire, England. He was married to Clara Heywood and had four children – Leonard, Bertha, Ethel and Clara. He worked as a Cop Packer in the Cotton Mills and served as a Private in the 2nd Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment. He died of Pneumonia on 16 Sep 1917 and was buried in Sarigol Military Cemetery, Kriston, Greece.

John Jellicoe, 1890-1915

2nd cousin once removed of the wife of 1st cousin twice removed (Paternal)

Son of Thomas Jellicoe and Ruth Noble born in Hyde, Cheshire, England. A Calico Printer’s Labourer, he served as a Private for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 1st Batt. and died from his wounds gained whilst in that service on 26 Sep 1915. He was buried at Fouquieres Churchyard Extension in France.

John Keith, 1899-1918

Nephew of husband of 2nd great Aunt of husband (Maternal)

John was the son of George Keith and Margaret Mearns, born 26 Mar 1899 in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He served with the 1st Batt. of the Gordon Highlanders as a Lance Corporal and died from wounds received in battle on 27 Oct 1918. He was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery – The inscription on his headstone reads “TREAD GENTLY O’ER MY DEAR SON’S GRAVE A MOTHER’S LOVE LIES HERE EVER REMEMBERED”. John’s twin brother Angus Nelson Keith also lost his life a little earlier in the same year.

John Kinsey, 1884-1917

Father-in-law of Great Aunt of son-in-law

John Kinsey who was also known as “Jack” was born in 1884 in Sale, Cheshire, England to James Kinsey and Esther Travis. He was the fourth to be born of six children to them. He was a General Labourer, married to Betsy Fisher and had six children. He served as a Private with the 7th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) and died on 1 Aug 1917 succumbing to the effects of wounds he had sustained in battle. He was buried in Locre Hospice Cemetery in Belgium. He was 33 years of age.

John Leonard Saul, 1887-1917

Stepson of 3rd cousin 4 times removed (Maternal)

Son of George Saul and his 3rd wife Mary Emily Marshall, born in Leominster, Herefordshire, England. He worked as a Merchant’s Clerk and served as a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery. He was killed in action on 1 Aug 1917 and was buried in Gwalia Cemetery in Belgium.

John Naylor Green, 1879-1917

1st cousin of the wife of 3rd cousin removed (Paternal)

Born in Hull, Yorkshire, England, son of Naylor Green and Susannah Newton Chattel. Married to Emma Blyth Bateson and father to Emma, Florence and Doris. A Coal Trimmer by occupation he served as a Private for The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment and was killed on 14 Mar 1917. He was buried in Queen’s Cemetery, Bucquoy, France.

John Raspin, 1896-1918

Brother-in-law of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Born 24 Mar 1896 in Low Barff, Lincolnshire, England to Robert Raspin and Elizabeth Ann Fletcher. John was a Farm Labourer on his father’s farm and was a Private with the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex) Regiment. He died from his wounds on 6 Nov 1918 and was buried in Awoingt British Cemetery in France.

John Robert Avery, 1889-1916

3rd Great Uncle of son-in-law

John Robert Avery was born in 1889 in Manchester, Lancashire, England to Joseph Avery and Martha Simpson and he was the fifth of their eight children to be born. He was a Slater’s Labourer and married to Sarah Ellen Bromley. He had two sons but the younger of them died in infancy in 1914. He served as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and he was killed in action on 10 Jul 1916. One of his brothers William Avery had lost his life in war service just over a month before John. John’s name now is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France. His wife Sarah re-married and became Mrs John Meehan.

John Robert Burgess, 1896-1915

1st cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

John Robert Burgess was born 28 May 1896 in Salford, Lancashire, England to Daniel Burgess and his second wife Margaret Ellen Bush. He was one of 9 children born to them but 3 siblings had passed away in infancy and a sister at the age of 18. A child born to his father and his father’s first wife Sarah Jane Armstrong had also passed away in infancy. John’s last known occupation before his military service was as an office boy and clerk. He served as a Lance Corporal with the Royal Marine Light Infantry and was killed as a direct result of enemy action on 28 May 1896, his nineteenth birthday. His name is now remembered on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli and on the Burgess Family Headstone  at Weaste Cemetery, Salford, Lancashire, England.

John Whitfield Roberts, 1896-1915

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

John Whitfield Roberts was one of twelve children for Eli Roberts and Alice Whitfield. He was born in 1896 in Hough Green, Lancashire, England. He was a Farm Labourer and served with the 6th Batt. of the South Lancashire Regiment as a Serjeant. He was killed in action on 10 Aug 1915 when he was just 19 years of age. His older brother Eli Roberts lost his life to war two years later. John’s name is now remembered on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli.

John William Gleeson, 1885-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

The third of eleven children to be born to William Gleeson and Rose Lonsdale. He was born 27 Dec 1885 in Hull, Yorkshire, England and was a Fisherman by occupation. He was married to Minnie Northgraves and served in the Royal Navy Reserve as a Deck Hand on the H.M. Trawler Ipswich. Sadly died not long after Armistice on 3 Dec 1918 in a hospital in Tynemouth, Nothumberland from broncho-pneumonia contracted whilst on active service. Even sadder was that he never lived to see his daughter Kathleen Rose being born in the August following his death. He was buried at Hessle Road Cemetery and is named on the screen wall at Hull Northern Cemetery.

John William Hughes, 1882-1915

2nd Great Uncle (Paternal)

Born 24 Mar 1882 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England to Samuel Hughes and Maria Wain. Married to Selina Edwards and father to Henry, John William, Albert Edward, Esther Ann, Lillian, Ivy, Marion and Thomas. John it seems could take his hand to any job. He had been a Grocer’s Carter, a coal miner and prior to mobilization had even been a conductor and spare motorman on the Ashton Corporation Tramways. He had served a long time as a volunteer with the Ashton Territorials and was serving as a Lance Corporal with the Manchester Regiment when he died of enteric fever on 16 Jun 1915. His name is remembered on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli and also on the Ashton-under-Lyne Civic War Memorial.

John William Routledge, 1894-1918

2nd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

John was the only child for his mother Margaret Hannah Matthewman and her first husband John James Routledge but Margaret’s husband died when John was 3 years old and she re-married to a man named James Wells and three further children issued from that marriage giving John 3 half-siblings. John was born in 1894 in Birkenhead, Cheshire, England. He was employed with a Jacquard Machine Maker’s Company and served as a Serjeant with the 1st Batt. of the West Yorkshire (Prince of Wales’s Own) Regiment. He was killed in action on 21 Mar 1918 and although his exact burial spot is unknown, he is known to lie somewhere within Morchies Military Cemetery in France so he has a headstone erected in his name in that cemetery that bears the inscription “THEIR GLORY SHALL NOT BE BLOTTED OUT”. He was 24 years of age.

John Williams, 1891-1915

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (L)

Son of James Williams and Elizabeth Nightingale and born on 6 Feb 1891 in Cannock, Staffordshire, England. Husband to Ann Bate and father of  James Williams. He was a Coal Miner and served as a Private with the South Staffordshire Regiment, 2nd Batt. He was killed in action on 17 May 1915 and his name is listed on Le Touret Memorial in France.

Joseph Cooper, 1886-1917

Brother-in-law of 2nd Great Aunt (Paternal)

Joseph Cooper was the youngest of 6 children born in 1886 in Hurst, Lancashire, England to Joseph Cooper and Elizabeth Beaumont. He was married to Martha Parnell and had one son named Eric Taylor Cooper. He was a Butcher by trade but served during the war as a Driver with the Army Service Corps. He died on 26 July 1917 in Egypt and his remains lie in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery. His headstone is inscribed with the words “AT HOME YOU ARE FONDLY REMEMBERED”

Joseph Edward Appleby, 1892-1915

2nd Great Uncle (Paternal)

Born 5 Jan 1892 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, Joseph was the third of six children in total that were born to Samuel Appleby and Agnes Ann Leeson and was the last remaining son with his younger brother having died at the age of 3. He was married to Hannah Edwards and had 3 daughters named Hannah, Elsie and Selina. Hannah’s brother Samuel married Joseph’s sister Agnes Alice Appleby. He worked as a Tram Conductor in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England and served as a Corporal with the Manchester Regiment and was killed on 18 Dec 1915. His name is listed on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli and also on two war memorials in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Joseph Pinder Willson, 1887-1917

1st cousin of husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Born 2 Jan 1887 in South Somercotes, Lincolnshire, England to William Robert Willson and Jane Pinder. Served with the Royal Navy since 1903 when he was aged 16 and was serving as the Officer’s Cook on HMS Surprise when he lost his life. He was killed by a mine explosion in the North Sea on 23 Dec 1917. His body was unable to be recovered for burial so his name lies on the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent, England

Joseph Revington, 1894-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

Son of Joseph Revington and Jane Davies, born in Rhodes, Lancashire, England. He was a Cotton Mill Labourer and served as a Lance Corporal in the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) and was killed in action on 12 Oct 1917. His name lies on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

Lawrence Mullaney, 1890-1917

4th cousin twice removed (by adoption) of son-in-law

Lawrence Mullaney was the biological son of Michael Mullaney and Mary A Porter born in 1890 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England. He had 4 biological siblings, one of whom married Ellen Hargreaves who was his adoptive sister. His adoptive brother William Hargreaves who served within the same regiment lost his life within days of Lawrence losing his. His adoptive parents were Benjamin Hargreaves and Margaret Ellen Haslam and he had 13 adoptive siblings. He was employed prior to his military service as a Fitter’s Labourer. He served as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) and lost his life during conflict 26 April 1917. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial to the missing in France. He was aged 27.

Matthew Horseman Towers, 1890-1916

Paternal 1st cousin of wife of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal )

Matthew was born 18 Feb 1890 in Otley, Yorkshire England and was the son of John Thomas Towers and Mary Ann Walker. He was the fourth of their five children but also had 2 older half-siblings issuing from his mother and her first husband. He worked as a wool comber and was married to Florence Mary Bradbury. He was a Private serving in the 1st and 5th Batt. of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment) and was killed in action on 3 Sep 1916 at 26 years of age and less than one year after getting married. His final resting place is not known so his name is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France and also mentioned on the headstone of his half-sister Eugenie Kate Mawson in St Thomas’s Churchyard, Sutton, Yorkshire, England. His wife Florence remarried in 1917 to a man by the name of Alexander McDougall.

Maurice Finn, 1886-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of husband

Son of Maurice Finn and Alice Cropper and born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England on 28 Oct 1886. He was a Cotton Factory Operative and served as a Private in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, 6th Batt. He was killed on 10 Jan 1917 and buried at the Faubourg – d’amiens Cemetery in France.

 

Merwyn Ernest Smith, 1898-1918

4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

The eldest of five children born to Ernest Clarkson Smith and Mary Crystal King. Born 11 Nov 1898 in Sloan, Woodbury, Iowa, USA. He was a Private, Headquarters Co., 168th Infantry and on 11 Oct 1918 was instantly killed in action in Argonne Forest in France while carrying food to fighting comrades. A piece of shrapnel pierced his heart. (From “For God and Country,” a book commemorating the soldiers and sailors from Sioux City, Iowa, who served in World War I. Published by Edward H. Monahan Post, The American Legion. 1923.) Merwyn’s body was repatriated back to the US for burial in Sloan Cemetery.

Michael Charles Metcalfe, 1885-1917

Great Grandfather (Maternal)

My Great Grandfather Michael Charles Metcalfe was born on 2 Sep 1885 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England to Thomas Metcalfe and Eliza Pettit. He was the middle child of seven and the second eldest of 5 boys. He was a domestic gardener and resident of Trumpington prior to his death. He was married to Mercy Gillett and father to 6 children – Ivy, Mercy, Charles, Doris, Ruth and my Grandmother Eva. He served with the Cambridgeshire Regiment, 1st Batallion as a Private and was killed in the Third Battle of Ypres on 26 Sep 1917. An article included above mentions a little of the circumstances surrounding his death. His name is forever remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium and he remains always in our hearts. My blog post about the 3 Metcalfe brothers can be read here. Wendy Roberts, a local historian who has been wonderful in sharing some information previously unknown to the family has also spoke and written about my Great Grandfather for the Trumpington Local Family History Group along with all the other men from Trumpington who gave their lives for our freedom. Her work can be read here and here.

Michael Drummond Kelbie, 1898-1918

1st cousin twice removed of husband (Maternal)

Michael Drummond Kelbie was born 8 February 1898 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland to Peter Kelbie and Mary McMillan. He served as a Private with the 7th (Blythswood) Batallion (Territorial) of The Highland Light Infantry and sadly died from wounds sustained in conflict on 25 August 1918. He was aged just 20 years old. He was buried at Bac-du-Sud British Cemetery in Bailleulval, France.

Nathan Telford, 1894-1917

Brother-in-law of 2nd cousin once removed of Uncle (Paternal)

The eldest of eight children born to Richard Telford and Sarah Harriet Birchall. Born 13 Dec 1894 in Wigan, Lancashire, England and worked as a Newsagent and Tobacconist before he emigrated to Canada in 1913. He served with the Canadian Machine Gun Corps in the rank of Serjeant and earned the Military Medal for his service. He died from his wounds on 15 Apr 1917 in France and his remains were buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. His name also lies on a family headstone in Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto and he is named on the Mimico War Memorial and in the Canadaian Book of Remembrance.

Noah Knowles, 1891-1916

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Born 10 Jun 1891 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England to Ellis Knowles and Louisa Southworth Jones. He was A Boiler Fireman by occupation and served as a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery. He died from wounds sustained whilst fighting in the Balkan theatre of war on 10 Oct 1916 and was buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery in Greece.

Noel Reginald Annear, 1895-1916

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

Son of Charles Annear and Christine Claudine Lilian Smith and husband to Ethel Boardman. He was born in Probus, Cornwall, England and was known to be a Mason’s Apprentice in 1911. He served as a Private in the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, 1st Batt. and was killed in action on 27 Jun 1916 aged just 21. His remains lie in Wailly Orchard Cemetery in France.

Oliver Jepson Sutton, 1882-1918

1st cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Born Oliver Jepson Sutton on 29 Jul 1882 in Manchester, Lancashire, England to Charles William Sutton and his first wife Sarah Hannah Winder Evans. He was the third of their 4 children, all boys and was also known as Oliver Joseph Sutton. He also had a half-brother through his father’s second wife Maria Pocklington. He worked as an Assistant Librarian and was a Captain with the 9th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment and was awarded the Military Cross for his service. He was killed in action on or around 23 Mar 1918. His body was never found but he went missing in action and was presumed to have died near to that date. He is remembered on the Pozieres Memorial in France. He was 35 years of age.

Parker George Childerley, 1888-1917

Brother-in-law of Great Aunt (Maternal)

Born 29 Jul 1888 in Coton, Cambridgeshire, England to Simon Kidman Childerley and Jane Edwards and husband to Florence May Coulson. A domestic Gardener and Landscaper, Parker served as a Lance Corporal with the Suffolk Regiment, 7th Batt. He was killed in action in the Western European theatre of war 9 Aug 1917. His name is remembered on the Arras memorial in France. His name also lies on the Coton War Memorial in Cambridgeshire, England and he is also mentioned on the headstone of his parents Simon and Jane which lies in Coton Churchyard.

Patrick Joseph Cunningham, 1887-1915

Husband of wife of 4th cousin twice removed of son-in-law

Patrick, the second born of four children for James Cunningham and Mary O’Keefe was born in Bacup, Lancashire, England in 1887. He was a Quarryman and the first husband of Elizabeth Birt who went on to marry Ernest Wilkinson Marsden. He fought as a Private with the 6th Batt. of the East Lancashire Regiment and was killed on the 9 Aug 1915. His name lies on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli. He was 28 years of age.

Percy Deakin, 1890-1917

Father-in-law of 4th cousin once removed of sister-in-law (A)

Percy was the eldest of two children born to William Henry Deakin and Mary Rodgers. He was born in 1890 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. This was the second marriage for his mother however so he also had 8 older half-siblings issuing from his mother’s first marriage. He was a Brewer’s Clerk by occupation, married to Isabella Turner and had one daughter whom I believe was adopted into the family. Percy served as a Private with the 9th Batt. of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was reported missing presumed killed in action on 4 Oct 1917. His remains now lie in Railway Dugouts Cemetery in Belgium. He was 27 years of age at his death.

Percy Gardiner Spargo, 1895-1918

2nd Great Uncle of son-in-law

Percy was the youngest son and the third of four children born to John Thomas Spargo and Florence Alice Gardiner Smith. He was born in 1895 in Tranmere, Cheshire, England and also had a half-sister issuing from his mother and her second husband James Atherton Downham. He was a Second Lieutenant with the 17th Squadron of the Royal Air Force. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry and devotion to duty in extreme circumstances. He was 23 years of age when he died from wounds on 18 Sep 1918. He was buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery in Greece and his  headstone is inscribed with the words “FOR EVER WITH THE LORD”.

Percy George Everritt, 1893-1917

First husband of wife of 1st cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

Born 16 Feb 1893 in Swaffham, Norfolk, England to Robert Brooks Everritt and Emma Hannah Browning. He was a Game Keeper and was married to Jessie Sarah Frith and they had a daughter who sadly was born just after the death of her father and died shortly after birth. He fought as a Private with the Royal Fusiliers and died from wounds sustained in battle on 26 Feb 1917. He was buried in Saint Sever Cemetery Extension in France.

Percy Howard, 1893-1916

1st cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

Percy was one of three children born to father Percy Howard and mother Amanda Greenwood and he was the elder of their two sons. Born in 1893 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England, Percy was employed as a Labourer in the Wagon Works for the Railway. He was married to Annie Cummings and had 2 children by the names of Percy Thomas and Annie Howard. He served as a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment. At just 23 years of age he died from wounds sustained in conflict on 4 September 1916. He is buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension in France. His younger brother James Howard sadly lost his life also just nine months later in 1917. Their sister had already passed away in infancy and their father had tragically died in an accident in 1911. Their mother remarried in 1914 and Percy’s stepfather and two of his stepbrothers also served in the war but survived.

Percy Matley, 1881-1918

Husband of Great Aunt of Uncle (Paternal)

Son of Abraham Matley and Emma Heath, born on 17 Apr 1881 in Saddleworth, Yorkshire, England. He was a Labourer for a Woollen Manufacturer and was married twice. Firstly to Annie Lawton who was my Uncle’s Great Aunt who died only 1 year after their marriage and secondly to Edith Marian Buckley with whom he had a son named Jack. He served as a Private with the 6th Batt. of the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and was killed on 24 Oct 1918. He was buried in Thiant Communal Cemetery in France.

Percy Thomas Kitchen, 1890-1916

First husband of wife of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Son of John and Sarah Kitchen born in Coates, Nottinghamshire, England. Husband of Alice Edith Corton and father to Violet Alice Kitchen. Percy worked as a Horseman on a farm and served in the military as a Private with the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment), 16th Batt. He was killed in action on 27 Jun 1916 and was buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery in France.

Reginald Henry Russell, 1892-1916

1st cousin 3 times removed of ex-husband

Son of Walter Russell and Elizabeth Madden Brown, born in Shipley, Sussex, England. In 1911 he was working as a domestic footman at Lavington House in Petworth. He served as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Sussex Regiment and was killed in action on 30 Jun 1916. He was buried in St. Vaast Post Military Cemetery in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “Beloved, I thank God for every remembrance of thee.”

Reginald John Dodds, 1893-1916

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Born in Cowesby, Lincolnshire, England to John Dodds and Mary Walker. Known to be a Butcher’s Apprentice in 1911. First enlisted with the Lincolnshire Regiment but went on to serve as a Private with the Princess Charlotte of Wales’s Own (Royal Berkshire Regiment), 6th Batt. He was killed in action on 5 Oct 1916 and was buried in Bray Vale British Cemetery in France.

Reginald Neville Craig Davis, 1889-1915

Stepson of 1st cousin 5 times removed of son-in-law

Reginald was one of five children born to Joseph Robert Davis and his second wife Ada Margaret Craig. He was the younger of their two sons born 16 Jan 1889 in York, Ontario, Canada. He was employed as an Accountant at a Bank and also served as a Lieutenant with the 3rd Batt. of the Canadian Infantry. He was killed on 24 May 1915 whilst trying to lead his men in a surprise attack against the Germans which went wrong. Another officer received the DSO award for his bravery in attempting several times to retrieve Reginald’s body and return it to his unit. He was sadly unsuccessful in that endeavour so Reginald’s name now lies on the Vimy Memorial in France and is also mentioned on the headstone of his parents in Saint Johns Norway Cemetery in Toronto, Canada. He was 26 years of age when he was killed.

Reuben Anderson, 1893-1916

1st cousin of husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Reuben was 1 of 15 children born to Ambrose Anderson and Elizabeth Ann Doherty. He was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England on 20 Dec 1893 and was a Labourer in the Cotton Mills. He moved to Australia in 1912 where he enlisted with the Australian Infantry at Ararat, Victoria on 2 Oct 1914.He landed with the original ANZACS at Gallipoli on 25th April, 1915 where he served until he was hospitalised (sick) on 24th October 1915 at Mudros. His records show that he was hospitalised on numerous occasions for various infections. Rueben was killed in action on 11th Aug 1916 and he was buried at Gordon Dump Cemetery in France. His name is also listed on his father’s family headstone in Greenacres Cemetery, Oldham.

Richard Frederick Robert Disley, 1886-1915

Husband of wife of 2nd cousin three times removed of son-in-law (Paternal)

Born in 1886 in Southport, Lancashire, England, Richard Frederick Robert Disley was the eldest of three children born to Richard Disley and Ellen Clarke and he was their only boy. He was the first husband of Jennie Pearson Gorst who went on to marry Peter Sanderson Penswick after Richard’s death. Richard and Jennie had four children together, all daughters. He worked as a Bricklayer’s Labourer and served as a Private with the 6th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) serving under the name of Frederick Disley. He died on 1 Aug 1915 in Alexandria, Egypt and is buried at Alexandria (Chatby) Military Cemetery there. He was 28 years of age.

Richard Miller, 1899-1918

1st cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

Richard Miller was one of seven children born to father Thomas Miller with his second wife Martha Ann Greenwood. He served as a Private with the 22nd Batt. of the Durham Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 28 May 1918 at just 18 years of age during the Battle of the Aisne. His name is remembered along with all those who lie on the Soissons Memorial in France

Robert Harry Groves, 1895-1917

2nd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Eldest son of Harry Groves and Ellen Sarah Dann, born 1 Jun 1895 in Greenwich, London, England. His father was a Builder and Contractor with his own business and upon leaving college Robert entered his father’s business. Served as Second Lieutenant with the London Regiment (Royal Fusilers) and died from wounds received in the Battle of Arras on 12 Apr 1917. An article from De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914-1919 included above describes this man’s bravery which was pivotal in Robert receiving the Military Cross. He is buried in Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “Called to higher service”. He also had a memorial erected in his memory St Alfege’s church in his home town of Greenwich of which his family were regular attenders.

Robert James Best, 1891-1916

4th cousin twice removed of son-in-law (Paternal)

The middle child of three and the eldest son of Dyson Best and Kate Wilson. Robert was born 14 July 1891 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England and worked as a Dairy Farmer. He served as a Corporal in the 6th Batt. of The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action in Mesopotamia on 9 April 1916 and his name lies wih others who fell on the Basra Memorial in Iraq.

Robert Munn, 1893-1916

2nd Great Uncle of ex-husband (Maternal)

Robert Munn was born Robert John Munn on 26 November 1893 in Ballymacarret, County Down, Ireland to Robert Munn and Anna Bella McClean. He married on the 20 September 1915 to Isabella Robinson whilst serving with the 8th Batt. of the Royal Irish Rifles. He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 2 Jul 1916 in France and his name lies on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing.

Sam Eastwood, 1892-1915

1st cousin once removed of wife of Great Great Grandfather (Paternal)

Sam was the youngest of 2 children born to Mark Eastwood and Harriet Ann Marsland. His older sister was Alice Eastwood. He worked as a Piecer in the cotton mill prior to his service in the army where he served as a Driver in the 117th Bty. of the 26th Bde. of the Royal Field Artillery. He died on the 27 Sep 1915 from wounds sustained in conflict. He was just 23 years of age. his remains were interred in Dud Corner Cemetery at Loos, France.

Sam Mallalieu, 1893-1917

Nephew of husband of 1st cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Sam was the youngest of eight children born to George Harry Mallalieu and Hannah Stokes. He was born in 1893 in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England and worked as an Assurance Clerk before his service in the military where he served as a Private with the 1st and 5th Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment. He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 10 May 1917 and his name is remembered on the Arras Memorial in France. N.B. Sam’s surname is spelt incorrectly as Mallalien on all of his military documentation and on the memorial panel at Arras too.

Samuel Bell Smith, 1888-1916

Step 1st cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Samuel was the eldest of nine children born to  Henry Bell and Clara Smith on 27 Nov 1888 in Mossley, Lancashire, England. There is doubt as to whether or not Henry Bell was Samuel’s biological father since no-one is named as his father on his birth certificate or marriage certificate but either way he was raised in that household and because he was given the middle name of Bell at birth I have always counted him as Henry’s son. He worked as a Furnaceman in the Sheet Rolling Mills and was married to Ethel Morris. He served in the Army as a Private with the 10th Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment and died from wounds sustained in that service on 19 Jul 1916 aged just 28 and leaving behind two daughters named Ivy Bell Smith and Ethel Bell Smith. He was buried at Saint Sever Cemetery in France. His headstone is marked with the inscription “GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIER DADDY SADLY MISSED BY WIDOW & DAUGHTERS”.

Samuel Edward Hight, 1886-1915

Father-in-law of 1st cousin twice removed (Paternal)

Youngest son of William Hight and Emma Bridgstock born in Mossley, Lancashire, England. Married to Lily Rose Powell and father to Lily Rose, Edith and Iris. He was a Woollen Worker. He rose through the ranks from Private to Lance Serjeant within the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding)  Regiment and received a severe wound to the head on 26 Nov 1915 and died as a result 4 days later on 30 Nov 1915. He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium. Had he survived it is likely he would have suffered from life-changing injuries.

Samuel Joseph Ubank, 1894-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of former sister-in-law (A)

Samuel Joseph Ubank was the eighth of eleven children born to Robert Ubank and Alberta Moore. He was born in Gympie, Queensland, Australia on 20 May 1894 and was a Farmer by trade. He served as a Private with the 41st Batt. of the Australian Infantry. After overcoming contracting mumps whilst in the field, Samuel was killed in action not long after returning to his unit on 27 Jun 1917. He was 23 years of age and his name now lies on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium as well as on the Australian War Memorial.

Samuel Sutton Romain, 1887-1917

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed of former sister-in-law (A)

Samuel was the third child of ten born to James Romain and Anne Sutton. He was born in 1887 in Wilton, Wiltshire, England. He was a Grocer’s Manager, was married to Florence Susan Green and father to Brian Ernest Albert Romain. He served as a Private with the 6th Batt. of the Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire) Regiment. He was killed in action on 20 Sep 1917 at the age of 29. His name is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium and on the Wilton War Memorial in Wiltshire, England. Following Samuel’s death his wife Florence married again to Samuel’s younger brother Alfred Frank Romain.

Samuel Yates Myatt, 1887-1917

Husband of 4th cousin 4 times removed (Paternal)

Eldest son of David and Elizabeth Myatt, born in Stoke upon Trent, Staffordshire, England and former resident of Denton, Lancashire, England. He was married to  Florence Heginbottom whose brother John Heginbottom had also lost his life the previous year to her husband in the Egyptian theatre of war. Samuel was employed with the Hat Manufacturer’s of Denton as a hat Finisher but served during the war as a Serjeant with  the Royal Field Artillery. He died from his wounds on 15 Sep 1917 and was buried in Mendingham Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Sidney Brade Banks, 1892-1919

2nd cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

Sidney was born in 1892 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England to Thomas Banks and Ellen Bullen. He was one of seven children and the oldest of 4 boys in the family group. His younger brother Dennis Banks had also lost his life during WW1 five years previous to Sidney. He was employed as a clerk, married to Caroline Williams and had one daughter by the name of Alice Christina Banks. He served as Bombardier with the Royal Field Artillery. He died at a Field Ambulance Station from Pneumonia whilst on war service and is buried at Cologne Southern Cemetery in Germany. He was 26 years of age.

Sidney Greenwood, 1894-1918

1st cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

Eldset son of James William Greenwood and Mary Ratcliffe, born 16 Dec 1894 in Stockport, Cheshire, England. A Labourer in the Cotton Industry, Sidney served with the 10th Batt. of the Lancashire Fusiliers and was a recipient of the Military Medal. He was killed on 18 Sep 1918 and is buried at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery in France.

Silas Turner, 1887-1917

Husband of 1st cousin twice removed of Uncle (Paternal)

Born on 14 Aug 1887 in Haughton Green, Lancashire, England to James Turner and Sarah Ann Phillips. A Collier married to Mary Ann Norton and father of James Edward Turner. Silas served as a Private in the 8th Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment and died from wounds in the Asiatic theatre of war on 16 Feb 1917. He was buried at Amara War Cemtery in Iraq.

Stanley Lonsdale, 1898-1917

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Percy Lonsdale and Alice Mary Hardy born in Hull, Yorkshire, England. He was aged just 19 years old when he was killed in action on 22 Oct 1917 whilst serving as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the York and Lancaster Regiment. His name is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

Stanley Powell, 1899-1918

Brother-in-law of 4th cousin 4 times removed (Paternal)

Stanley Powell was born in 1899 in Marple, Cheshire, England to parents Walter George Powell and Elizabeth Ann Houghton. He was one of six children and as far as can be told he joined the Army upon leaving school. He served as a Private with the 12th/13th Batt. of the Northumberland Fusiliers and was killed in action at the tender age of 19 on the 23 Aug 1918. His remains lie in Connaught Cemetery at Thiepval, France.

Thomas Alfred Gullick, 1897-1918

3rd cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (A)

Born in 1897 in Brinsworth, Yorkshire, England, Thomas was the middle child of five born to Oliver and Annie Mary Gullick. Following his father’s death, Thomas’s mother re-married so he also had 4 younger half-siblings issuing from that marriage. Prior to his service in the Army, Thomas was a Miner by trade. He served as a Gunner with the 122nd Heavy Bty. of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 3 Aug 1918 at 21 years of age and was buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery in France.

Thomas Arthur Stones, 1891-1917

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

One of seven children born to Charles Stones and Ann Elizabeth Pinder, born in North Coates, Lincolnshire, England. He was a Carpenter and Wheelwright by trade and served as a Private in the South Wales Borderers. He was killed in action on 21 Nov 1917 and was buried at Marcoing British Cemetery in France.

Thomas Corbett Price, 1885-1917

Husband of sister-in-law of 2nd Great Uncle (Maternal)

One of 12 children born to Thomas Price and Sarah Ann Theodore in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England. He was born Thomas Corbett Price but was known as Corbett Price yet served in the military under the name of Claude Hamilton. An Insurance Clerk before his military service and husband to Frances Ellen Storey and father to Olive Evelyn Frances Price and Doris Lilian Laura Price. He was a Private in the 6th Batt. of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry and died from wounds sustained as a result of battle on 22 Feb 1917. He was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery in France.

Thomas David Andrews Franklin, 1897-1917

3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Eldest son of Robert Franklin and Amy Elizabeth Rogers, born in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, England. Served as a Corporal with the 4th Batt. of the Bedfordshire Regiment and was killed in action on 29 Apr 1917. He was buried at Canadian Cemetery No2 Neuville St. Vaast in France.

Thomas Derfel Hughes, 1896-1916

2nd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Born 4 Aug 1896 in Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire, Wales, Thomas was the eldest son of Owen Hughes and Sarah Hamer. He served as Second Lieutenant with the 4th Batt. of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry and was killed in action on 3 May 1916, aged just 19 years old. He was buried at Hebuterne Military Cemetery in France and his name also appears on Llanfyllin War Memorial.

Thomas Follows, 1881-1917

Husband of 1st cousin 4 times removed  of son-in-law

Thomas Follows was born to William Follows and Elizabeth Forrest Fielding in 1881 in Salford, Lancashire, England. He was the middle child of five but also had two half-siblings issuing from his mother’s side. Employed as a Carter he was married to Lily Avery and had one daughter named Edna. He was a Private with the 8th Batt. of the Lancashire Fusiliers. He died from wounds at a military hospital in Ripon, Yorkshire, England and was buried at Weaste Cemetery in the Avery family plot. He was 35 years of age.

Thomas Murison, 1896-1916

2nd cousin twice removed of husband (Maternal)

Born 18 May 1896 in Rayne, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Thomas was one of eight children and the youngest son born to Thomas Murison and Michaelina Croll. He served as a Private with the 4th Batt. of the Gordon Highlanders and sadly died from wounds sustained in battle on 16 Nov 1916. He married just 1 year before his death on 22 Oct 1915 to Christina Stewart and they had one son named Thomas George Murison who was born on their 1st wedding anniversary. Thomas’s remains lie in Forceville Communal Cemetery in France and the inscription on his headstone reads “THANKS BE TO GOD WHO GIVETH US THE VICTORY.” He was just 20 years of age when he died.

Thomas Park Kirby, 1881-1917

Husband of 3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Thomas Park Kirby was born 13 Apr 1881 in Preston, Lancashire, England to Thomas Kirby and Hannah Hodgson and he was one of eight children born to the couple. He was a Carpenter and Joiner by trade, married to Elizabeth Penswick and had six children himself, two of which died in infancy. He was a Sapper for the 69th Field Coy. of Royal Engineers and was killed in action on 30 Nov 1917 aged 36. His name lies on the Cambrai Memorial in France.

Thomas Pickup, 1894-1917

Great Uncle of Uncle (Paternal)

Son of Charles James Lawton Pickup and Jane Dixon born 18 Apr 1894 in Mottram, Cheshire, England. A Print Works Labourer who served as a Private with the 10th Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment and died from wounds received in battle on 15 Jul 1917. He is buried in Mendingham Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Thomas Sharp, 1873-1915

Brother-in-law of 2nd Great Aunt of husband (Maternal)

The second of nine children born to William Sharp and Theresa Brady. He was born 9 Jan 1873 in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland. He was a Coal Miner and married to Mary O’Hara with whom he is known to have had five children. He served as a Private with the 11th Batt. of the Royal Scots (The Lothian Regiment) and he was killed on 27 Sep 1915. His name lies on the Loos Memorial in France.

Thomas William Worrell, 1898-1917

4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

The second of thirteen children to be born to George William Worrell and Mary Harrison. He was born in Nettleton, Lincolnshire, England and worked on his Grandfather’s farm. He served as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the Lincolnshire, Regiment and was killed in action on 28 Apr 1917, aged just 19 years of age. His name lies on a panel of the Arras Memorial in France.

Tom Bradbury Heywood, 1897-1918

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Tom Bradbury Heywood was the only son of his unmarried mother Martha Heywood. His father is not known. He was born in 1897 in Uppermill, Yorkshire, England and was a Cotton Piecer prior to his service in the military, where he was a Private with the 12th Batt. of the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). He died from wounds sustained in conflict on 2 Oct 1918 aged 21. He is buried at Potijze Chateau Lawn Cemetery in Belgium.

Tom Freeth, 1892-1917

Brother-in-law of 2nd Great Aunt (Paternal)

Born 4 Mar 1892 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England to Joseph Freeth and Elizabeth Sidebottom and husband of Ethel Thorp. He worked as a Forgeman in the Sheet Mills and served as a Private in the military with the 184th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). He died from his wounds on 6 Apr 1917 and was buried in Nesle Communal Cemetery in France.

Tom Hudson, 1898-1918

4th cousin 3 times removed of brother-in-law (M)

Born 8 December 1898 in Bolton, Lancashire, England to parents Thomas Hudson and Edith Ellen Horrocks. He was one of five children and their only son. He served with the South Wales Borderers as a Private in the 2nd Batallion and he died from wounds sustained in conflict on 20 Mar 1918 aged just 19. He lies in Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinge, West Flanders, Belgium and his headstone is inscribed with the words “ALWAYS WITH US”.

Walter Clegg, 1897-1915

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

One of ten children for Robert Clegg and Margaret Clement, Walter was born 7 Sep 1897 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England. He worked in the cotton mills part-time as well as attending school and then joined the military fresh out of school serving as a Private with the 1st and 9th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment. He was killed in action on 19 Jun 1915 at just 17 years of age in the Balkans. His name lies on the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli.

Walter Ellis, 1893-1917

2nd Great Uncle (Paternal)

Only son of my Great Great Grandparents Robert Ellis and Margaret Ann Hibbert, born 23 Aug 1893 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England. Walter was a Railway Labourer and served with the 10th Batt. of the Cheshire Regiment as a Private. He was killed in action on 1 Aug 1917 and is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Walter Hopwood, 1889-1918

Uncle of wife of 1st cousin once removed (Paternal)

Son of Edwin Hopwood and Emma Allott, born in Stalybridge, Cheshire, England, husband of Annie Derwent and father to Joseph Hopwood. Worked as a Woollen Mule Piecer and served with the 1st/7th Batt. of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment as a Private. He was killed on 11 Oct 1918 and was buried in Wellington Cemetery at Rieux-en-Cambresis in France.

Walter John Harrison, 1889-1917

3rd cousin 3 times removed (Maternal)

Son of John Harrison and Betsy Kitchen, born in Broughton, Lincolnshire, England. Walter’s father was a Farmer and Walter worked on the farm for his father. He became a Serjeant, serving with the 7th Batt. of the Lincolnshire Regiment and was killed in action on 12 Oct 1917. His name is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

Walter Metcalfe, 1888-1916

2nd Great Uncle (Maternal)

Born in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England to Thomas Metcalfe and Eliza Pettit, Walter Metcalfe is the middle in age of 3 brothers who lost their lives during WW1. His younger brother Arthur had died earlier in 1915 and his older brother died the year after him in 1917. A story I have written on this site about the 3 brothers and their family can be read here. Walter had come straight out of a boy’s home to serve in the military and was a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He died in the Asiatic Theatre of War on 30 Jun 1916 and his name is remembered on the Basra Memorial. The Basra Memorial was originally erected in the city of Basra but was dismantled and re-erected in the desert by Saddam Hussein’s regime. It was poorly done so many panels have been destroyed or names obscured from view.

Walter Mottram, 1896-1918

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

Born in Hyde, Cheshire, England to James Mottram and Annie Leigh, Walter was a Cotton Weaver by occupation and served as a Corporal with the 24th Batt. of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). He was killed on 13 Oct 1918 and was buried in Saint Aubert British Cemetery in France.

Watson Towers, 1898-1918

2nd cousin once removed of wife of 4th cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Watson was the eldest of four children born to William Henry Towers and Susan Smith. He was born in 1898 in Yeadon, Yorkshire, England. He was a Private with the 1st Batt. of the Worcestershire, Regiment and succumbed to wounds from conflict on 27 May 1918. He was just 20 years of age. His remains lie in Hermonville Military Cemetery in France.

Whitworth Dearden, 1892-1917

2nd cousin 3 times removed of husband (Paternal)

Whitworth Dearden was the youngest of seven children born to Edmund Dearden and Betty Whitworth in 1892 in Oldham, Lancashire, England. He was a warehouseman prior to his service in the army. He was a Private with the 18th Batt. of the Lancashire Fusiliers and was killed in action on the 22 October 1917 aged 25 years. His name lies on the Tyne Cot Memorial at Zonnebeke, Ieper, West Flanders, Belgium.

Wilfred Baggaley, 1887-1918

Husband of 1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

One of seven children born to John William Baggaley and Jane Ann Crompton. He was born in Salford, Lancashire, England on 3 Mar 1887 and was a Furniture Broker by occupation in 1911 but was a member of the Queen’s Palace Orchestra and also assisted at the Post Office whilst living in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire just prior to his service in the military. He was married to Muriel Gertrude Bowker and father to Phyllis May and Wilfred Arnold. He served as a Private with the 1st/9th Batt. of the Royal Scots and was killed in action by machine gun fire on 1 Aug 1918. He was buried at the Raperie British Cemetery in France but his name is also engraved on the Baggaley Family Gravestone at Peel Green Cemetery in Salford.

Wilfred Gledhill, 1894-1917

1st cousin 3 times removed of husband (Paternal)

Wilfred Gledhill was one of six children born 1894 in Rochdale, Lancashire, England to Joseph Gledhill and Elizabeth Taylor. He was married to Florence Clayton in 1915 and had one son by the name of Harry Gledhill. He worked as a Labourer in the cotton mills prior to his military service where he served as a Private with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He died from wounds sustained in battle on 13 Sep 1917. His remains lie in Aeroplane Cemetery, Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium.

William Arthur Gillett, 1894-1918

2nd Great Uncle (Maternal)

William was born in 1894 in Raunds, Northamptonshire, England to Henry William Gillett and Sarah Pratt. He was the youngest of their eight children. He worked for the Railway company as a cleaner and then carried that through to his military service and was a Sapper with the Royal Engineers, serving with the 12th Light Railway Operating Company. He was killed in action on the 24 Jul 1918. His remains lie in Hagle Dump Cemetery in Belgium.

William Avery, 1895-1916

3rd Great Uncle of son-in-law

William was born 23 Jan 1895 in Salford, Lancashire, England to Joseph Avery and Martha Simpson. He was the seventh of their eight children and their youngest son. He was an Able Seaman with the Royal Navy and was serving on HMS “Indefatigable” at the time of his death. He lost his life on 31 May 1916 when his ship was destroyed by a German Battlecruiser during the Battle of Jutland. He was 21 years of age and is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon, England. Just over a month after William lost his life, his brother John Robert Avery also lost his life in battle and is mentioned earlier on this page.

William Broome, 1883-1917

Husband of sister-in-law of 2nd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Israel Broome and Elizabeth Ann Turner, born in Denton, Lancashire, England. William was a Hatter as were so many living in Denton at that time. He served as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery and died from wounds sustained in conflict on 29 Oct 1917. He was buried at Duhallow A.D.S. Cemetery in France and is also named on the Denton War Memorial. He left behind his wife Edna (nee Royle) and 3 daughters, Gladys, Ida and Elsie.

William Charles Cooper, 1876-1916

Brother-in-law of 2nd Great Uncle (Paternal)

Born in 1876 to James Cooper and Millicent Hawley in Horsley-Woodhouse, Derbyshire, England. He was one of twelve children and his youngest sister Elsie was my Great Great Aunt. He worked as a Coal Miner and was married to Edith Jones. He served as a Private in the 12th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment and was killed in action on the 7 Jul 1916. His name lies on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing in France as well as on the memorial at the gate of St Stephen’s Church in his home town of Audenshaw, Lancashire, England and he is also memorialized on his wife Edith’s headstone.

William Gilbert Funnell, 1874-1917

Brother-in-law of 2nd cousin 3 times removed of ex-husband

One of 13 children born to William Robinson Funnell and Harriett Eliza Gilbert. He was born on 26 Dec 1874 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. His father was a Grocer and Draper with his own shop and William worked as an assistant in that family business until he emigrated to Canada in 1912. Canadian records have his date of birth as being 2 years later than it actually was – it is believed that William lied a little about his age as so many did in order to make himself more acceptable for qualification in active service. He served as a Private with the Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment). He died either on or close to 15 Aug 1917. He was previously reported missing after an attack in the vicinity of Loos but after some time of him missing was presumed to have died for official purposes. Obviously no body was ever recovered so his name stands on the Vimy Memorial in France and lies in the Canadian Book of Remembrance.

William Gregson, 1876-1916

3rd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

Born in 1876 in Poulton Le Fylde, Lancashire, England to James Gregson and his second wife Elizabeth Hull. William had eight siblings and five half-siblings. He was employed as a Surface Man, was married to Margaret Alice Franks and had five children with just two of them surviving to adulthood. He served as a Private with the 1st and 7th Batt. of The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) and died aged 40 on 18 Apr 1916 from shrapnel wounds to his head. He was buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No. 1 in France and his headstone is inscribed with the words “REST IN PEACE FROM WIFE SON AND DAUGHTER”

William Hargreaves, 1893-1917

4th cousin twice removed of son-in-law

William Hargreaves was born in 1893 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England to Benjamin Hargreaves and Margaret Ellen Haslam. He came from a large family being one of thirteen children. He also had an adoptive brother by the name of Lawrence Mullaney who lost his life within days of William. He worked prior to his war service as a marine fireman. He served as a Private with the 2nd and 5th Batt. of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) and was killed in action on 22 Apr 1917 aged 24 years. He is buried at Rue-David Military Cemetery at Fleurbaix, Calais, France.

William Healer, 1898-1917

2nd cousin twice removed of sister-in-law (L)

The third of nine children born to William Healer and Esther Ann Isherwood on 12 Jun 1898 in Earlestown, Lancashire, England. He served with the 21st Batt. of the Manchester Regiment as a Private and was killed on 4 Oct 1917 aged just 19. He is remembered at the Tyne Cot Memorial.

William Henry Rushent, 1898-1918

Stepson of wife of 3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Eldest son of William James Rushent and Fanny Katharine Hoskins, born 23 Nov 1898 in Collingbourne Kingston, Wiltshire, England and formerly a resident of Andover in Hampshire. Served as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery and died from wounds on 29 May 1918, aged just 19 years old. He was buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension 2 in France.

William Henry Rowe, 1877-1916

2nd Great Uncle of former sister-in-law (A)

Born in 1877 in Coleford, Somerset, England, William was one of eight children and the eldest son of William Henry Rowe and Lucetta Moore. He worked as a Rug Weaver, was married to Maggie Blundy and had one daughter named Winifred Rowe. He served as a Private with the 20th Batt. of the Manchester Regiment. He died from wounds sustained in conflict at a hospital in Glasgow on 18 Sep 1916 aged 39. He was buried at Willow Grove Cemetery in Stockport, Cheshire, England.

William James Airey, 1895-1916

2nd cousin 3 times removed of son-in-law

William James Airey was born 14 Nov 1895 in Lancaster, Lancashire, England to James Airey and Gertrude Nicholson and was the eldest of their five children. In 1911 when William was 15 years of age the family emigrated to Canada and he became a Farmer by trade. He served as a Private with the 21st Batt. of the Canadian Infantry. Information in William’s WWI CEF Personnel Files indicate William James Airey was married to a Mrs Annie Airey nee Walker in Settle, Yorkshire, England on 5 Jul 1916 not very long before he dies on 14 Oct 1916. He suffered gun shrapnel wounds to his left shoulder during war service in Rouen and died in Royal Victoria Hospital in Netley, Hampshire, England. He was buried in St John’s Churchyard, Yealand Conyers, Lancashire, England and his headstone was inscribed with the words “HE DIED FOR FREEDOM”. He was just 20 years old.

William Mason Hopley, 1896-1916

1st cousin 3 times removed of sister-in-law (J)

Born in Farndon, Cheshire, England to Samuel Hopley and Sarah Elizabeth Mason. Worked as a Farm Labourer and served as a Private with the 8th Batt. of the South Lancashire Regiment. He was killed on 1 Oct 1916 and his name lies on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

William Robert Moore, 1895-1918

Brother-in-law of 3rd cousin once removed of sister-in-law (A)

William was the sixth of ten children to be born to William Henry Moore and Charlotte Davison. He was born in 1895 in Norwich, Norfolk, England and was an Assistant Confectioner prior to his military service. He was a Driver with the 100th Field Coy. of the Royal Engineers and he died 10 Nov 1918 aged 23. He was buried at Dedeagatch British Cemetery in Greece where the inscription on his headstone reads “THERE IS A LINK DEATH CANNOT SEVER LOVE AND REMEMBRANCE LAST FOR EVER”. His name also lies on the family headstone back on home soil in Norwich, Norfolk, England.

William Simpson, 1894-1916

1st cousin 4 times removed of son-in-law

William was one of ten children born to Albert Simpson and Susannah Jackson. He was born in 1894 in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He was a Cotton Weaver by trade and served in the military as a Private with the 2nd Batt. of the East Lancashire Regiment. He was killed in action on 7 Jul 1916 in France at 22 years of age and is remembered there now on the Thiepval Memorial.

William Straughton, 1895-1914

1st cousin once removed of husband of 5th cousin 3 times removed (Paternal)

Born in Workington, Cumberland, England and son of William Straughton and Elizabeth Coupland, William was a Grocer’s Assistant who served as a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery. He died of his wounds on 21 Nov 1914, aged just 19 years old. His name lies on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

William Thomas Blunt, 1895-1916

3rd cousin twice removed (Maternal)

Youngest son of William Thomas Blunt and Eliza Coles born at Wilby, Northamptonshire, England on 12 Jun 1895. His last known occupation was as a Gardener in 1911 and he served as a Lance Corporal for the Coldstream Guards. He died 7 Dec 1916 at Beaufort War Hospital in Bristol, Gloucestershire, England as a result of wounds sustained during conflict in France. He was aged just 21. He was buried at Saint Mary’s Churchyard in Wilby, Northamptonshire, England sharing graves with other family members. His stone is inscribed with the words “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”.

William Thomas England, 1872-1915

Husband of 3rd cousin four times removed of brother-in-law (M)

The youngest of seven children born to Samuel Wilson England and Nancy Rowson. Born in 1872 in Warrington, Lancashire, England; William was a Boxpiler and married to Mary Hudson with whom he had seven children. He was serving as a Private with the 9th Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers when he was killed in action on 25 September 1915 aged 41. His name is remembered on the Loos Memorial in France

William Thomas Royle, 1877-1915

Brother-in-law of 2nd cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Henry Royle and Eliza Ann Henderson and older brother to Harold Royle who also lost his life in WW1 conflicts three years after William’s life was taken. He was born 18 Mar 1877 in Dukinfield, Cheshire, England and like his brother he was also a Galvanizer in the Iron Works. He served as a Private with the 2nd Batt. Cheshire Regiment and was killed on 8 May 1915. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

Willie Rhodes, 1898-1918

Step-grandson of 1st cousin 5 times removed (Paternal)

Son of Charles Rhodes and Sarah Rogerson, born 28 Jan 1898 in Brighouse, Yorkshire, England and a resident of Darnall, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. Willie served as a Rifleman with the 1st/7th Batt. of the Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment and was killed in action on 16 Apr 1918 aged just 20 years. His name is listed amongst the fallen on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.