REMEMBRANCE

St John’s Church each year commemorates the brave soldiers who fell during the First World War. Each year a display containing information about each soldier is put up in the Church for the congregation and visitors to see and to reflect upon. This document contains contains that information. All the information has been produced by local historian Tony Lund.

The Upperthong Memorial Plaque

The Upperthong Memorial Plaque was unveiled and dedicated at St John's Church at Upperthong on Sunday August 14th 1921.  The memorial tablet is made from Sicilian marble and mounted on green marble framed with oak panelling.  it is eight feet high and five feet broad and is on the South side of the Church.

Leading the service was the Reverend E. de J Bishop, Vicar of Upperthong, and the Reverend John Foster Beamish, Vicar of Holmbridge and former Vicar of Upperthong.  After hymns and prayers the memorial was unveiled by Captain Keith Sykes MC.

Captain Sykes said that they were present that afternoon to recognise the sacrifice made by the manhood of the parish, but it should not be looked upon as a funeral service, rather more as a service of remembrance of the good lives well spent in the service of God and their country.  He said that it had been his privilege to serve with many comrades from Holmfirth and that no one could have served with them without honouring their courage, grit and absolute unselfishness.  The memorial that he was unveiling was a symbol of the gratitude and admiration for the men who had served their King and country and had sacrificed their lives to do so.  He added: "let us remember their fellowship, comradeship, and spirit of sacrifice, and profiting by the lessons of the war try to make the district in which we live sweeter and pleasanter by their influence" 

After some more hymns and the blessing and dedication of the memorial, the Last Post was sounded by W. Thorpe and T.H. Lee.

There are two men who are not named on the Memorial, they are Fred Armitage and Clarence Denman.

Four men are buried at St John's Churchyard:

Fred Armitage, Grave 88 on Row H. Died 17/6/1915 - Illness.Charles Alfred Battye, Grave 18 on Row I. Died 8/11/1918 - Illness.Harry Beaumont, Grave 27 on Row B. Died 27/5/1915 - Illness.Clarence Benjamin Denman, Grave 7 on Row H. Died 25/5/1915 - Wounds from shellfire.

W. Armitage J.E. Charlesworth L. Hirst

C.A. Battye G. Daniel F. Howarth

F. Beardsell J.E. Dollive N. Lockwood

G.W. Beaumont A. Greenwood G.A. Mellor

H. Beaumont A. Haigh E. Moreland

L. Beaumont G.R. Hardy J. Moreland

H. Beever W. Haywood A. Noble

C. Birch B.P. Higginson F. O'Melia

G.H. Booth F. Hill J. Pearson

W. Booth I. Hinchliffe L. Shore

B. Brook J. Hirst J.S. Thewlis

FRED ARMITAGE (Photo unavailable)

Fred Armitage lived at The Fours, Cinderhills Road, he was seventeen or eighteen years old.  A Private (2459), 2nd 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, he died on Thursday June17th 1915 in Doncaster Infirmary.  Before the war he worked for Mr J.C. Woodhead as a piecener at Woodhead's Mills in Thongsbridge,and was a member of the local Territorial Army Company. After mobilisation he spent some time in a tented camp and in late 1914 he began to suffer from pneumonia, for which he was treated at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.  In early 1915 he was convalescing at the Holmfirth Military College Hospital for several weeks, before joining the 2nd 5th Batt. at Thorsby Park.  Once again he suffered from illness - this time described as a brain fever - and his parents were summoned to his bedside at Doncaster Royal Infirmary on Monday 14th June.  They visited him again on the Tuesday and then returned home.On Wednesday night his parents received an urgent call, and helped by their son's former employer, they travelled through the night to Doncaster, where he died on the Thursday night.  His body was returned to his parents' home on the following Monday morning.  His body was taken from home to the Church on a Holme Valley Battery Gun carriage, the coffin draped in the Union Flag. He was buried with full military honours at St. John's Church Upperthong on Monday 21st June.  Three volleys were fired over the grave and the Last Post was sounded.

Fred Armitage, Grave 88 Row H, St John's Churchyard

WILLIE ARMITAGE

Willie Armitage lived at Victoria, Holmfirth, a Rifleman (C/7912), 18th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps.  A married man with a seven year old son called Cecil, he was the thirty one year old son of George Armitage, manager of Spring Lane Mills.  Born in Upperthong, a member of the St John's Institute and their billiard team, he worked as a tailor for Mr Alex Peace.  He had previously served for five years with the local pre-Territorial Army Volunteer Battalion (pre 1908) and was recalled as part of the

National Reserve, only to be rejected at the medical.  He volunteered at Huddersfield in November 1915 and this time he passed the medical and was accepted; he then trained at Wimbledon.  He arrived at the Front at the end of May 1916 and was killed in action on Tuesday October 10th 1916 at Carlton Trench at the Somme.

Willie Armitage, Grave 27 on Row D of Plot 3, Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France - Killed in action 10/10/1916.

CHARES ALFRED BATTYE

Charles Alfred Battye was a Private (91514), with the 4th Reserve Battalion, of the Northumberland Fusiliers.Born in Holmfirth, he was the son of Sam and Lucy Anne Battye of Upperbridge.  He attended Upperthong National School and St John's Sunday School. Before enlisting he had worked as a butcher for Luther Firth at Upperbridge and then for Joseph Stockwell at Victoria Square,Holmfirth.  He enlisted at Huddersfield during May 1917.

Originally a Private (468694), in the Labour Corps, he had been engaged in farm work during the Summer, something soldiers on home service had been doing for some time now.  He rejoined his regiment at Hornsea in

late October and was taken ill soon afterwards.  His father received a telegram saying Charles was dangerously ill but before he had a chance to leave Holmfirth another one arrived saying he had died.

He died in hospital at Hornsea on Friday 8th November 1918 aged nineteen years.  Death was due to a severe attack of septic pneumonia.  In letter to Mrs Battye, the Company Sergeant Major of E. Company, 4th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, wrote:  "Your son passed away in the V.A.D. hospital in Hornsea at 1.30 p.m. November 8th.  As this boy had not been long with this unit, I did not know him very well, but from what I did see of him he was a very good and willing boy, and to me seemed one who was out to do his best at all times."

His coffin was taken to the railway station on a black gun carriage escorted by the Battalion's band and returned to Holmfirth where he was buried at St John's Churchyard Upperthong.

Charles Alfred Battye's father Sam was the brother of Ellen Woodhead (formerly Charlesworth) who was the mother of John Edward Charlesworth; and also Annie Hinchliffe, who was the mother of Irvine Hinchliffe; and also Helena Higginson, mother of Bertram Higginson.  All three men were grandsons of George and Esther Battye of Parkhead, and all three were killed during the war.  The three cousins are named on the Upperthong Memorial.

Charles Alfred Battye, Grave 18 on Row I, St John's Churchyard Upperthong. - Died 8/11/1918 - Illness.

FREDDY BEARDSELL

Freddy Beardsell lived at Burnlee, a Private (242045 originally 5586), he was born in Holmfirth the son of Mr & Mrs Dennis Beardsell.  A former pupil of Dobb School and Hinchliffe Mill Wesleyan School , he worked as a spinner for Butterworth & Roberts Ltd, at Yew Tree Mills, Hinchliffe Mill.  He enlisted at Huddersfield one week after his nineteenth birthday and after training at Slipstone he sailed to France in early June 1916, four months after his twentieth birthday.  His elder brother Frank was in France at the same time.  Freddy was first reported missing in action and then declared dead in July 1917.

Freddy Beardsell, Grave 23 on Row C of plot 1, Mill Road Cemetery, Thiepval, Somme, France. - Killed in action 3/9/1916

NOTESeptember 3rd 1916 the attack on the Pope's Nose, Thiepval was the second worst day of the whole war for Holmfirth and Huddersfield deaths.  The battle resulted in the deaths of two men from Upperthong, Freddy Beardsell and George William Beaumont, and Fred O'Melia died of wounds a few days later.

GEORGE WILLIAM BEAUMONT

George William Beaumont lived at 3 Hightown, Holmfirth.  Born in Holmfirth, the twenty three year old son of Hirst and Harriet Ann Beaumont, he was a Private (3067), 6th Platoon; he enlisted at Holmfirth at the beginning of the war.  A member of the St. John's Institute, he had worked for Thornton & Son Ltd at Honley.  Originally reported missing in action, he was confirmed to be dead in June 1917.

Lieutenant R. H.Brown (Bombing Officer) wrote on September 10th that: "Last Sunday he took part in the attack, and has been heard of since by anybody in the Battalion. It is quite possible for him to have wounded and gone to hospital without our knowledge, or he may

be a prisoner of war.  He was an exceedingly good bomb thrower, and will be greatly missed in the Section to which he belonged,  In extending my heartfelt sympathy, I trust that the loss will only be a temporary one.  If I hear any news of your son I shall let you know immediately.”

The Lieutenant later added: "I regret to inform you that nothing has been heard of him since September 3rd.  I think it is almost certain he has not passed through any of our hospitals or you would have heard before this.  I am afraid your only hope of his being alive is that he may be a prisoner and possibly wounded.  I trust you will soon get definite news of him.  Please accept my heartfelt sympathy with you in your trouble."

In a letter home written by George in May 1915 - after enquiring about the result of a local band contest - he continued:

"We are back in the trenches again, after having a few days rest.  It is a lot quieter this time.  I shall never forget Feast Saturday, for it was just like being in hell for about a quarter of an hour."

His brother Harry had died of pneumonia during training in May 1915.  During a session of the Holmfirth Military Tribunal held in October 1916, an unnamed father appealed for exemption from conscription for his eighteen year old son.

The man said that one of his three sons had died during training and that another was reported  missing in action.  The Chairman asked: "How long has your son been missing?"  The father replied: "Since the Third of September."  Two months' exemption from military service was granted.  The Beaumont family seems to be the only one whose circumstances match this family's situation.

George William Beaumont, Grave 1 on Row D of plot 9, Mill Road Cemetery, Thiepval, Somme, France - Killed in action 3/9/1916.

HARRY BEAUMONT

Harry Beaumont lived at 3 Hightown, Holmfirth, a Private (3552), C. Company, 2nd 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  He enlisted at Holmfirth shortly before Christmas 1914, and died of pneumonia on Thursday May 27th 1915 at Thorsby Park, Ollerton, Notts, near where his Battalion was in training.  Note the Imperial Service Badge which denotes a Territorial Army volunteer for overseas service.

Formerly a plasterer's labourer working for John Haigh, he was quire fir and well when home on leave just two weeks before his death.  His father, Mr Hirst Beaumont,received a telegram informing him of the death and the body was returned by rail to Holmfirth.  A twenty

five year old, he was buried with full military honours on Monday May31st.  The coffin, draped in the Union Jack with his cap, bayonet and belt on top, was carried on gun carriage provided by the newly formed Holme Valley Battery.  Three volleys were fired over the grave at St John's Churchyard, Upperthong.

Harry's brother, George William Beaumont, was in France with 1st 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment at the time, and he wrote to the Holmfirth Express to thank the many people who had attended his brother's funeral.  His letter said; "After reading your paper of the 5th inst.  I trust you will be good enough to insert these few lines to express my gratitude to all those who took part in the funeral of my dear brother, Private Harry Beaumont, who died of

pneumonia while undergoing training with the 2nd 5th Battalion, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.  Although I was unable to present myself, I can tell by reading your columns that you gave him full military honours.  Again thanking you and all, for the kindness which has been shown.  I remain yours faithfully, Private G.W. Beaumont."George was killed in 1916 during the attack on the Pope's Nose strong-point.

Harry Beaumont, Grave 27 on Row B, St. John's Churchyard, Upperthong. - Died 27/5/1915 - Illness

LEWIS BEAUMONT

The L. Beaumont named on the memorial is believed to be Lewis Beaumont, a Private (242023), 2nd 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, he enlisted at Halifax.  Born in Netherthong, he was the twenty two year old son of Tom and Annie Beaumont, of 5 Upper Hag, Thongsbridge.  He was killed on May 3rd 1917 at Bullecourt, south of Arras.  There is no known grave.His brother Harry was called up in October 1916, and served on the Western Front with the York & Lancaster Regiment in 1918; being demobilised in February 1919.

May 3rd 1917 was the worst day of the whole war for local deaths.

Lewis Beaumont, Bay 6, Arras Memorial, Pas De Calais, France - Killed in Action 3/5/1917.

NOTE

There is a Lewis Beaumont named on both the Upperthong section and the Netherthong and Thongsbridge section of the main Holme, Holmfirth and New Mill War Memorial.  This memorial does not normally name the same man twice in different sections, if a name appears more than once it is because there

was more than one man with that name.  So in this case, either this is a mistake, or there were two men named Lewis Beaumont in this area.  At the moment the only one identified is the Lewis Beaumont - Private (242023) - from Thongsbridge, and there is no real information about him as yet, beyond very basic military stuff and the fact that he lived at Hagg Wood.The name L. Beaumont also appears on both memorials at Upperthong and Netherthong.  In this case that is perfectly normal.  The same man is often claimed by two different memorial committees, indeed the same man may well have been born in one place and lived in another.  Many men appear on more than one village or church memorial.

It is only the fact that Lewis Beaumont is named on both the Upperthong section and the Netherthong and Thongsbridge section of the main Holme, Holmfirth and New Mill Memorial at Elmwood that poses questions.  This is probably a mistake that would have been too costly to rectify and there was only one Lewis Beaumont.  The names at Elmwood are carved on graphite tablets and it was a very expensive undertaking.  The Memorial Hospital was being financed at the same time.  All funded by public donations.

More information may be found, or a keen family historian may shed some additional light on this, but if there was a second Lewis Beaumont, he is presently invisible.

HARRY BEEVER

Harry Beever, a Private (45290), D. Company, 13th Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment.  Born in Holmfirth, he was the eighteen year old son of John and Elizabeth Beever, of Liphill Bank Road, Burnlee, Holmfirth; when a boy he attended Park Head Day and Sunday Schools and prior to enlisting he was employed by W. H. & J. Barber at Clarence Mills, Holmbridge. He enlisted at Halifax on September 1st 1917, originally as a Private (59384), in the Duke of Wellington's West Riding regiment.  He sailed for France on March 31st and his last communication was a postcard dated April 5th saying he was: "in the

pink.”  He was officially listed as missing from Friday April 12th 1918.  His Commanding Officer believed he had been taken prisoner, and he was only later declared to have been killed in action on that date.  His photograph appeared in the Holmfirth Express on July 6th 1918 together with an appeal to the local troops for any information, and the family appealed again in January 1919, but it was not until August 1919 that he was officially declared dead.  His length of service at the Front was less than a fortnight before he was killed.

On April 11th his Battalion successfully attacked near Le Becque Farm and La Rose Farm, but the troops on their right fell back during the night and the next day, leaving them exposed to counter attack.  They were forced to pull back suffering heavy casualties, and heavy machine gun fire continued to force them back to Merris, where the remnants of the Battalion was formed into a composite battalion with other from the93rd Infantry Brigade they were part of.  Harry Beever was killed at some point during these events.

Harry Beever, Grave 9 on Row G of plot 2, Le Grand Beaumart British Cemetery, Steenwerck, Nord, France. - Killed in Action 12/4/1918.

CHRISTOPHE SMITH BIRCH

Christopher Smith Birch, a Lance Corporal (29045) 10th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.The son of Mrs W. S. Birch of Victoria, Holmfirth, he was born in Upperthong and attended Holmfirth Wesleyan Day School.  He then worked as a telegram delivery boy and later became a postman, working for the Holmfirth and Thongsbridge Post Offices.  Prior to joining the Army he worked in the confectionary business - Dawson & Birch of Holmfirth - started by his grandfather, Mr Christopher Dawson.

He enlisted at Holmfirth on August 17th 1916, and went into training in the north of England.  He was

officially listed as killed in action on Thursday October 18th 1917, although an officer stated it was the 19th.  The officer wrote to Mrs Birch, saying: " It is indeed with a feeling of deepest regret that I have to be under the

painful necessity of advising you of your son's death, which occurred  on the morning of the 19th inst.,caused through the explosion of a shell, killing him instantantaneously. Through your son's bravery and cheerful spirits, he set a very fine example, and he won the esteemed respect of both officer and men of this Battalion.  On their behalf and myself, I tender to you, madam, in this, your sad hour of bereavement, our sincere condolence and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your son, which is keenly felt by the whole Battalion."

His workmate, Norman Holmes, a teamer for Dawson & Birch; was killed on the same day serving in the same Battalion.

Christopher Smith Birch, Grave 13 on Row H of Plot 45, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. - Killed in Action 18/10/1917 - Shellfire.

GEORGE HERWERT BOOTH

George Herwert Booth lived at Upper Liphill Bank Road, Holmfirth.  A Private (301950), 1st 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.  He was born in Holmfirth and brought up in the Netherthong area, where he attended Netherthong National School, also the Holmfirth Wesleyan Sunday School.  He was the twenty six year old son of Mr & Mrs John Booth of Underbank, and was married with two children.  He worked for W. H. & J. Barber at Clarence Mills Holmbridge.  He enlisted at Huddersfield, originally a a Private (6083), in the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.After being hit by shellfire on Thursday 28th March 1918 he was officially recorded as being killed in

action; the official notification of his death arrived home a month later.  A friend wrote that: "By all accounts he died od wounds, and one young fellow who was with him the same time is missing." Another local soldier - Private Gerald Daniels wrote: " I saw him just before we went into action and shook hands with him.  He was quite cheerful.  We knew we were in for a hot time, but I did not think it would be the last time I should ever

see him.  The news that he had been killed was a great shock to me, because he was the only pal I had out here whom I knew.  Of course, I have some good pals in this Regiment.  Well, I am glad to tell you we have got out of it, and I think I am a lucky chap."  There is no known grave.His Battalion was the 1st 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, it was part of the 151st Infantry Brigade in the 50th  ( Northumbrian) Division, which was with the Fifth Army in the Amiens sector.  He was killed during the German Army's breakthrough of the British Line.

On March 21st the Battalion held a trench behind Roisel village.  During the afternoon the troops in front of them were retreating back through the 50th Division's position, and the line held by the Battalion became the frontline.  At around 11 p.m. orders were received to join the retreat to Cartigny and then across to the western bank of the River Somme.The retreat was continued throughout the night of March 25th and the following day, over ground that was plastered with old shell holes, and full of old trenches, many of which had been previously filled with barbed wire.  Just before dawn on March 26th, runners from Battalion Headquarters were sent to find the Companies and take them to trenches near Ablaincourt, but the Germans were close behind and forced them to make another retreat.

By this time all communication with the Battalion Headquarters had been lost, and as no orders had been received concerning where the next line of resistance was to be, the retirement was continued until they were able to link up with the Battalion Headquarters at Rosieres.  On the evening of March 26th, the Battalion was reorganised and occupied  hastily dug trenches on the south side of Rosieres.

On March 27th the Germans attacked again during the morning in a heavy mist, another attack was repulsed in the evening with help from the Machine Gun Corps and two platoons from a Battalion of the 8th Division.A further retreat on March 28th was necessary over open ground under heavy artillery and machine gun fire.

The Battalion occupied some old French trenches near Caix, and the retired to Moreuil, where a composite battle was formed from the remnants of the battalions of the 151st Infantry Brigade on March 29th.  The Battalion was relieved on April 1st.

George Herwert Booth, Panles 8 to 72, Poziers Memorial, Somme, France. - Killed in Action 28/3/1918 - Shellfire.

WILLIE BOOTH

Willie Booth, was a Private (41733), 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force.  Born in Holmfirth, he attended Park Head School and later worked as a joiner with his father.  The thirty two year old son of Richard and Emily Booth, of Upperbridge, Holmfirth, who later left the area and moved to 51, Plover St., Preston, Lancs.  He left for New Zealand around ten years before he died.  He was a carpenter at Gisborne, and he is named on the war memorial there.  He was killed in action by an exploding shell that also wounded three others, on July 22nd 1918.  His brothers, Herbert and Harry were both in the Army, Herbert had been wounded.

On July 22nd 1918, the 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, was involved in a successful attack on German positions in Rossignol Wood.  They then moved forward to Chasseur Hedge, to the east of Jean Bart, where they came under heavy artillery fire.  Willie Booth was killed at some unknown point during this day.

Willie Booth, Grave 13 on Row C of plot 5, Serre Road Cemetery Number 1, Calais, France. - Killed in Action - 27/7/1918 - Shellfire.

BENJAMIN BROOK

The last of the series of battles that carry the official title of the Battle of the Somme took place on November 15th in the area around Grid Trench.  After days of pouring rain, very heavy mud caused acute difficulties in supplying the troops in this area.  During this battle two local men were killed serving in the 50th Division; on of these men was Benjamin Brook (Ben), he was a Private (301786), 1st 8th Battalion, Durham

Light Infantry, 151st Infantry Brigade, 50th Division.  Born in Holmfirth, he worked in the teasing and fettling department of H. & S. Butterworth, Lower Mills, Holmfirth.  About five feet nine inches tall and weighing around fourteen stone, he enlisted at Holmfirth on June 6th 1916, originally as a Private (29373) in the Northumberland Fusiliers.

The twenty six year old son of Emor and Martha Ann Brook of 34 Woodhead Road, Holmfirth, he was killed in action on Wednesday November 15th 1916 during the 50th Division's action in the Grid Trench area.  His last letter home was dated October 27th. The first news that reached Holmfirth was from a New Mill soldier, saying he was rumoured to be missing in action on November 15th.   There is no known grave.His Battalion was in the same infantry brigade as Private John Edward Charlesworth, and Ben is often mentioned in his letters.

Benjamin Brook, Panel 14a and 15c, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France - Killed in Action 15/11/1916.

JOHN EDWARD CHARLESWORTH

The first local man to die in 1917 was John Edward Charlesworth, (known to his family as Jack) a Private (7199), 1st 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, he died on Sunday 7th January 1917.  The thirty two year old son of the late William Charlesworth - a wooden manufacturer at Prickled Mills, Holmfirth - his mother had remarried becoming Mrs Ellen Woodhead.

Born in Holmfirth, he attended St. John's School at Upperthong. In his early teens he worked as a grocer for Mitchell & Sons and then went on to work for the Wallace's chain of grocery shops, eventually becoming the manager of the branch at Lockwood, Huddersfield.  He later became manager of the New Mill branch, and

then a couple of years before the war he went into business with a friend as grocers and general provision dealers at Horwich, Lancashire.  Before he left the district he was a member of the choir at St. John's Church Upperthong.

He enlisted at Horwich with the King's Royal Rifle Corps in May 1916, and went to France in October, where he was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry.  he was reported to be missing after his Battalion's attack on the Butte de Warlencourt on November 5th 1916, and nothing was heard from him for a while.  Eventually his brother - Mr George Henry Charlesworth - received a letter from him saying he was a prisoner.  Although it was dated November 9th it was not despatched until November 30th, and it was then forwarded on from London on December 18th.

News from the Red Cross saying he had died reached Holmfirth in late March 1917.  The family were aware that all was not well when a postcard dated December 31st arrived on March 19th on which he had written:  " Geschrieben, Dec. 31st 1916.  Dear Geo. Hy. Have not yet received reply, am anxious.  Have been in bed 11 days with my leg, it started swelling, blood poisoning, I think.  Doctor cut it slightly and it got a lot of matter out and it is doing alright, started knocking about yesterday in camp but have not started work outside again yet.  Hope you all had a good Xmas and that New Year will see us all joined together again before it has gone far.  I could do with some white bread if there is any chance of it keeping and a pocket mirror.  We had to leave everything when we were taken prisoners.  Many happy returns of you birthday and good luck. J. E. Charlesworth.  (Golden syrup,margarine.)"

At Horwich he was a regular attender at St. Catherine's Church and the Vicar - the Reverend F. H. Fearnley - writing in the parish magazine had this to say:" News has just been received that St Catherine's has suffered a serious loss in the death of John Edward Charlesworth, while interned as a prisoner of war in Germany.  It is hard to write calmly on this subject.  We hope that ill treatment has nothing to do with his decease, but from some of the attendant circumstances it seems almost certain that our young friend was, like so many others, a victim of the heartless and wanton barbarity of a foe who is as cowardly as he is brutal.Although taken prisoner in November, his address had never been communicated to his friends, who have suffered great anxiety and distress of mind.  Nor has he apparently been allowed to write anything beyond the first bare statement of his capture.  And now comes the sad news the he succumbed to septic poisoning so long ago as January 7th.  It is a great disappointment to those who loved him as a brother and a friend.  St Catherine's will miss him.  he was very rarely absent from Church, and never without sufficient reason.  We gladly take this opportunity of paying a tribute to his worth, and assuring his relatives of our deepest sympathy in this grievous trial."

His step-brother Joe Woodhead, was killed in action in April 1918.  His other step-brother -Private Ernest Woodhead of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry - was wounded in the head around this tie, and was in hospital in France after a shell had exploded nearby killing two of his companions and injuring two others.  Ernest was also gassed at some point, and although he survived the war, he was a semi-invalid for the rest of his life.  He died in Oughtibridge, near Sheffield, during the 1940s.

John Edward Charlesworth, Grave1 on Row N of plot 4, Achiet -Le -Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas De Calais, France - Died 7/1/1917 - Illness.

GERALD DANIEL (Photo unavailable)

He was a Private (250761), 1st 6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.  The twenty six year old son of Laura Schofield (formerly Daniel), and Sam Schofield, of 47 Park Street, Sowerby Bridge, near Halifax.  Born in Austonley, in 1901 he was nine years old and living in Holmfirth with his grandparents - Henry and Ellen Daniels - he enlisted at Holmfirth, originally as a Private (3416), Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  He lived at Digley, near Holmbridge, and he was named on the Holmfirth Express list of men who volunteered during 1914 or 1915.

He was killed in action on Tuesday May 21st 1918.  At the time of his death his Battalion was in woodland east of the Craonne Plateau.  It was described as a very quiet area, and when the men were taking their turn in support they were given billets at Chaudardes near the Aisle Canal.  There is no known grave.

Gerald Daniel, Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France - Killed in Action 21/5/1918

CLARENCE BENJAMIN DENMAN

Clarence Benjamin Denman lived in Montreal, Canada.  A Private (25944), 14th Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment.  Born in Montreal on January 18th 1893 he was five feet eight inches tall with a dark complexion, grey-blue eyes and dark brown hair.  He enlisted on September 21st 1914, and after basic training on Salisbury Plain, after which he was sent to the Front.  He was wounded at Hill 60 near Ypres, Belgium, when a piece from a shrapnel shell pierced both his lungs.  After being brought back to England he was sent to the Holmfirth Military Cottage Hospital, arriving there with a party of ten wounded men on Monday May 3rd.  he died there during the afternoon of Tuesday May 25th

1915, aged twenty two years.  he was the son of Walter Frederick Denman and Amelia Mary Fryer Denman, of 1836 Esplanade Avenue, Montreal.

He was buried during the afternoon of Friday May 28th at St. John's Churchyard, Upperthong; the coffin was wrapped in the Union Jack with his khaki cap on top, it was carried to the waiting rolly and drawn by a black horse to the graveyard.  The Holmfirth Express reported that thousands of people turned out for the funeral of a young man whose own relatives were on the other side of the Atlantic.  The funeral procession was led by a firing party of twelve men from the 2nd 5th battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, marching with arms

reversed, and the Hinchliffe Mill Band, playing the Death March all the way.  They were followed by the Holmfirth Military Training Corps, some members of the National Reserve and twelve patients from the hospital, also the Matron and Sister and fifty part time volunteer nurses.  The rout was a mile long on Huddersfield Road and up Upperthong lane, and the road was lined with people all the way.  Three volleys were fired over the grave and the Last Post was sounded by Mr. Arthur Haigh of Hinchliffe Mill Band.  The staff of the Holmfirth Military Cottage Hospital also raided the money to pay for his headstone.

Doctor Robert Hale Trotter later received a letter from France, written by a Canadian soldier named Wellesley S. Taylor saying:"Sincere thanks for the kind interest yourself and staff took in the case of my dear friend, Denman.  Should we ever be in England again, a few of his personal friends and I intend visiting his last resting place, and then I trust we shall have the pleasure of personally thanking the people of Holmfirth, in the name of Canada, for their kindness and sympathy towards a very esteemed and beloved friend."  Wellesley S. Taylor was born in Trinidad in 1890 and appears to have survived the war.

Clarence Benjamin Denman, Grave 7 on Row H, St. John's Churchyard, Upperthong. - Died of wounds 25/5/1915 - Shellfire.

JOHN EDWARD DOLLIVE

In the Somme region of France, John Edward Dollive was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station with gunshot wounds in the back and buttocks and was described as being dangerously wounded on 30th August 30th, and he subsequently died during the early hours of Friday August 31st 1917.He was a Private (42373), 20th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.  Born in Upperthong, he was the twenty six year old son of Mrs H. M. Dollive, of 18 Upperthong, Holmfirth.  An active member of the Holmfirth Harriers, he won five medals with them, he won the Novice Race in 1910 and ran in the Yorkshire Championship; and amongst other things he laid a five

mile cross country trail for them on January 2nd 1915.  He worked as a carding engineer at Priest Ltd Lockwood, Huddersfield.In June 1916 he enlisted at Huddersfield, and left for the Western Front about four months later.  He had not been in the firing line for much more than a month when he was wounded at Ypres in November and sent back to England for five weeks.  When he returned to France he met his brother Joe, who he had not sen for eighteen months, and was able to spend a few days with him before he went back into the line.  However within five weeks of leaving England for the second time he was shot and fatally wounded.The youngest of three brothers in the Army, he was the only member of the British Army with his surname to die in the war.

John Edward Dollive, Grave 21 on Row F of plot 1, Tincourt New British Cemetery, Somme, France - Died of wounds 31/8/1917 - Gunshot Wounds.

ANDREW GREENWOOD

Andrew Greenwood was an Ordinary Seaman (2/13436),Royal Navy Depot (Crystal Palace), Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.  He was training as a Wireless Operator when he contracted pneumonia and died within five weeks of joining the Navy, on Thursday October 24th 1918 at the General Hospital in Croydon just after his eighteenth birthday.  His body was returned to Holmfirth by rail and he was buried at the Holmfirth Parish Church Burial Ground on Cemetery Road on October 29th.  Six men from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve came north with the body to attend the funeral.

He was the son of Arthur Edward and Annie Maud Greenwood, of Quarry Mount, Glenfield Bottoms, Holmfirth.  He had attended Upperthong National School and St. John's Sunday School.  He worked with his father in the finishing department at T. & J. Tinker Ltd, Bottoms Mill, Holmfirth, and was a member of the Burnlee Football Club.

Andrew Greenwood, Grave 42-52 on Row S, Holmfirth (Holy Trinity) Burial Ground, Cemetery Road, Holmfirth - Died 24/10/1918 - Illness.

ALBERT HAIGH

He was one of three Holmfirth fatalities on September 23rd 1917.  Albert Haigh was a Private (72045), 11th Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, in the 70th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Division.The 23rd Division had attacked on September 20th behind a barrage 10,000 yards wide, two belts of heavy artillery fire formed a creeping garage, which was followed by two more belts of fire from field guns, one firing shrapnel and the other high explosive.  A machine gun barrage was also laid down in front of the advancing troops.  They advanced in the direction of Dumbarton Wood and took up positions north of the Menin Road.  They were relieved from here on the night of the 23rd.

Albert was the nineteen year old son of Abram and Alice Haigh of 20 Burnlee, Holmfirth, he was born at Holme.  He had attended Holme Day School and Sunday School, and later worked for w. H. & J. Barber at Clarence Mills. He had enlisted at Halifax, originally as a Private (31748), in the North Staffordshire Regiment, about twelve months before he was killed in action on Sunday 23rd September 1917.

He was home on leave around Whitsuntide 1917.  His last letter home included the words: "Tell our Abram and Charlie to keep on smiling, and you do the same, because I keep on smiling"

One of his friends - Private Hughes - wrote saying: "Albert was killed as he was going around a corner, just as Albert was about to go around the corner he was hit in the stomach.  He did not suffer any pain, as he was killed instantly"  He added that the last words he heard Albert say were: "We're alright.  I have a parcel on the way, and we will have a good do when we get out".

A Captain wrote: " It will be a comfort for you to know what a good soldier he was and how very much his pals admired him, and found him an excellent example in bravery and cheerfulness under shellfire".  There is no known grave.

Albert Haigh, Panels 99 to 102 and 162 and 162a, Tune Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. - Killed in Action 23/9/1917.

GEORGE RIPPON HARDY - Military Medal

George Rippon Hardy was a Private (40016), 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.  The son of Thomas and Isabella Catherine Hardy of the Ford Inn, Holmfirth, he was twenty years old.  He died of wounds on Saturday 21st September 1918.

Brought up in Satley in Durham , when he was younger, before he moved to Holmfirth, he worked with cattle and was responsible for buying and driving them home.  After his family moved to Holmfirth, he was employed in the finishing department at Greenwood &Sons at Perseverance Mills, Digley.  He attested his willingness for military service as soon as he reached eighteen years

of age and was subsequently called to the colours inJanuary 1917, sailing for France in October 1917.  He was wounded and returned to England, recovered and went back to France in July 1918.

His last letter home indicated that his Battalion was going over the top the following morning, and the next message was from a friend saying George had been wounded and sent down to base.  This was followed by a more formal message stating that he had been dangerously wounded in the back and arm with gunshot wounds, and this was followed by the news of his death.  In February 1919 it was announced that he had been awarded a Military Medal for his actions on that day, his parents received the medal in March 1919.

George Rippon Hardy, Grave 23 on Row D of plot 2, Sunken Road Cemetery, Boisleux - Saint Marc, Pas de Calais, France. - Died of wounds 21/9/1918.

WALTER HAYWOOD

During the fighting following the landing at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, Walter Haywood was killed in action on Saturday August 7th 1915, although when Corporal Wright Crosland saw him he was lightly wounded and believed to be on his way to the beach to be evacuated to Alexandria.  It was not uncommon for wounded men to be hit again during the journey to the rear, whatever happened, he never made it to the hospital ship.

He was a Private (14409), 8th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  Born in Burnlee, Holmfirth: a twenty year old member of the Holmfirth Harriers and St. John's Institute, he had previously

worked at Riverside Mills, and had enlisted at Huddersfield in 1914.  While serving at Gallipoli, Walter Haywood was mentioned in despatches by Sir Ian Hamilton, Commander of British Forces there.

Originally, he was reported to be wounded and missing.  This prompted his mother, Mrs William Kippax, of Burnlee, Holmfirth, to appeal to the troops on Gallipoli for information through the pages of the Holmfirth  Express.  He was officially declared dead around a year later, after information from the troops accumulated by the Vicar of Upperthong, The Reverend Beamish, was passed to the War Office.

Following the appeal for information an unknown Holmfirth soldier sent Mrs Kippax this letter:" Dear Madam, I have noticed your letter in the Express two or three times asking for information about your Walter.  You see we trained together at Halifax and went to Grantham together.  There were not many of us from Holmfirth way so  we used to stick together as much as possible. I am now going to tell you the story so far as I know it.  We landed here on the Friday night, August 6th, and had to start fighting as soon as we landed, and if ever a man won distinction Walter did  that night.  He carried a wounded Captain of our Regiment right out of the Turks' trenches to a place of safety, and the bullets were simply raining all around him.  He then dashed back to his Regiment, but it appears he got lost, and got in with some other Regiment in the 10th Division.

 He was with that Regiment when he received his wound.  Lance Corporal Wood was with him, and it was from him that I got to hear of him.This was on Monday, August 9th.  He said they both got lost , and found themselves with the Dublin Fusiliers, so, not knowing where they were, they decide to stay with them for the time being.

That very night they had a bayonet charge in which Walter got wounded, and Lance Corporal Wood stayed with him, as they had got lost again.  It is easy to get lost in a charge, for you can't see ten yards in front of you for bushes and ravines all over the hillsides. Well, not being able to carry him himself, he went for assistance, but he never found him again, and he got killed himself on the Wednesday, else I would have asked him to write to you.  I sincerely hope that someone did find him and carry him down, but I have asked about him scores of times, and he is regarded as wounded and missing in our Regiment".

Some time later Reverend Beamish travelled to York to visit Corporal S. Bloomer who was hospitalised there after being wounded, this Corporal had been in Gallipoli and was certs he had buried Walter Haywood.   He described the incident in the following words:

" On the night of the 22nd of September we were going down the communication trench of Johnston's Post to dif the trench a little deeper.  It was a moonlit night, and about two o' clock in the morning one of my chums just managed to see a body laid under a bush.  The exact words he said were: "Look at that body lying there. It's a Turk's let's have some fun!"  But I, being the Section Commander replied, "No, he has done his duty; let's bury him in a decent way".

"So, on going up to the body we found it was a British Tommy.  He was laid on his stomach, and on turning him over his face was not recognisable.  He must have been shot by a sniper, as there were no bayonet wounds on the body, and what I could gather of his face there had been a bullet wound there.  In his right hand he had a canteen full of bully beef and biscuits, and his hand was bent in carrying it.  Round his body was what we called a bandolier, full of ammunition, and his helmet was a few yards away.

All I can say is this,, that I am positively sure that the lad whom I buried was the same one, and I shall stick to my words that he was not wounded by a bayonet, but am almost sure he was killed by a sniper.  I am very sorry for his

mother, Mrs Kippax, but that is my story.  Tell Mrs Kippax she has my sympathy and I buried her son in a decent way."

Eventually, in November 1916, Mrs Kippax received this communication from the War Office:"Certified that it appears that an unofficial report received in this office that No 14409, Walter Haywood, 8th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, who was officially reported missing at Suvla bay on the 7th August, 191, was killed in action on or about that date."

Corporal S. Bloomer later met Reverend Beamish and Mrs Kippax at Huddersfield and as a result of what he told her, she said that she was in no doubt that the body he buried that night was that of her son.

Later, the Reverend Beamish said: "I have in the vestry a map of Gallipoli showing the exact part of the country where the mortal remains of our dear brother lie, it is five miles from Suvla Bay." 

Walter Haywood is officially registered as having no known grave.

BERTRAM PRESTON HIGGINSON

He was a Private (201251), 1st battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, in the 3rd Division.  Born in Elland in 1897, the so of mr and Mrs James and Helena Higginson of Burnell, Holmfirth, he worked in the Finishing Department at Digley Mills, Holmbridge.  He enlisted at Holmfirth in February 1916, originally with the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, he went into training at North Shields.  After being transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers and further training at Chelmsford, he was sent to Ireland.  He then crossed the Channel in December 1917.  In March he was first reported missing in action, but a rumour maintained he had been wounded and evacuated to

the rear.  Letters to him were returned marked "Not with Unit" and "Wounded".  He was later officially declared to have been killed in action on March 28th 1918.

At the time the 3rd Division'd front was north of the Sensee river valley.  He was a cousin of John Edward Charlesworth and Irvine Hinchliffe, both of whom were also killed.  There is no known grave.  He was still officially listed as missing in action as late as January 1919.

Bertram Preston Higginson, Bay 5, Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. - Killed in Action 28/3/1918.

FRANK HILL

Frank Hill lived at 62 Woodhead Road, Holmfirth with his sister, Ethel Hill.  A Private (6657), 1st 7th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  He was the twenty four year old son of the late James Henry and Mrs Hill, and was previously employed as a teaser at the Whiteley & Green Ltd at their mill at Hinchliffe.  He was a member of the Holme Brass Band and the St. John's Institute.

He enlisted at Huddersfield in the 1st 5th Battalion on October 5th 1914, and went to France with them in April 1915.  He was sent back to England with a rupture in July, and he was at home on leave during October 1915, and

again in April 1916, and he returned to the Front in August 1916.

One day he was boiling water in a can when it burst in his face, septic poisoning then set in and he was brought home and hospitalised again, returning to the Front in December 1916, this time with the 1st 7th Battalion, in a bombing (hand grenade) section.

He died of wounds on Thursday March 15th 1917, the same day that his sister received the news that he was seriously ill with gunshot wounds to the head, and permission to visit him could not be granted.

A letter from the Ward Sister says:"I am very sorry to say that your dear brother died yesterday.  He passed away most peacefully, suffering no pain at all.  He received every possible care and attention here and the best of surgical skill, but God had need of him.  I cannot

tell you how sorry I feel for you, but you will find solace in the thought that your dear brother is now safe and free from all earthly cares and sorrows of this world.  For him we need not grieve, but it is for those eft to mourn that we must pray for resignation until they are reunited in God's good care.  He was visited frequently by the Padre.  Accept my heartfelt sympathy."

Another letter was from his Platoon Officer, Second Lieutenant J. Mallalieu, saying:" I am sure you will be pleased to know what a popular fellow he was amongst the whole platoon.  As Platoon Commander I can easily pick a man out, and that is why he was accompanying me.  He was throughly efficient in his duties.  There is not a shadow of a doubt we shall greatly miss him.  Everything possible was done for him, and the news of his death came as a great blow to us."

A third letter, this time from the Reverend Edwards said:

"I am so very sorry to tell you that your dear brother (Pte. F. Hill, No. 6657, of the 1/77 W.R.R.), died at this Casualty Clearing Station at six p.m.  He had been very badly wounded in the head and chest, and only lived a few hours after he was admitted to this hospital.  He did not leave any special message.  We laid your dear brother to rest this afternoon at the British cemetery in this place.  A cross will be erected over his grave in a few days time.  The Director of Graves Registration, the War Office, Winchester House, St James Square, London.S.W., will tell youth name of this place and the number of his grave.  My heart bleeds for all the relatives who are losing their dear ones out here.  God grant this awful war may soon cease.  God bless and comfort you all and make you brave enough to say "Thy will, not mine, oh Lord:. Your loved one is now at rest."

Frank Hill, Grave 21 on Row B of Plot 1, Merville Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France - Died of Wounds 15/3/1917 - Gunshot Wounds.

IRVINE HINCHLIFFE

Irvine Hinchliffe was mortally wounded on Wednesday February 14th 1917.  A Private (CH/1481S), 1st Royal Marine Battalion, Royal Naval Division.  The only son of Joe and Annie Hinchliffe (the sister of Ellen Woodhead, nee Battye, the mother of John Edward Charlesworth) of Park View, 32 Greenfield Road, and later 24 Woodhead Road, Holmfirth.  Nineteen or twenty years old; before the war he worked as a grocer's assistant at Wallace's Grocers in Holmfirth.  He volunteered at the end of February 1915, and a week later left for training in the South f England.  He said for France in September 1915.  He was a member of the 63rd Royal Naval Division, which at that time was situated to the north of the River

Ancre.  The Battalion was preparing for an attack which was due to start two days later when he was hit by shellfire.

The Reverend John Foster Beamish made some inquiries and was told that Irvine had been seriously wounded in the head by a piece of exploding shell on the night of February 14th, and died without regaining consciousness.  The Reverend W. Whitehead wrote to the Reverend Beamish saying:

" I have seen the Sergeant of his Company, and I am informed that as he was going up to the trenches with his Platoon on the night of February 14th, the path was shelled and he was hit on the head.  He was taken to the dressing station, where he passed away.  His comrades thought at the time that he was killed outright, so I think that his mother may rest secure that though he lingered several hours he was Unconscious, and could not feel any pain and suffering.  He has been buried in the soldiers' cemetery near the dressing station.  The church service was said and his grave was marked, on it there will be placed a wooden cross with his name and Regiment, so that when the war is over there should be no difficulty in finding the place.  Please convey to his mother the deep sympathy of us all in her great sorrow."

The War Diary for the 1st Royal Marine Battalion on February 14th states:

" The 1st Royal Marines relieved the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers in the RIVER TRENCH SECTOR, north of GRANDCOURT.  B. & D. Companies headquarters in PUSIEUX TRENCH.  Battalion Headquarters in PUSIEUX ROAD. Capt. NOURSE to 2nd Field Ambulance (Influenza).  Casualties 2 killed 1 Officer 2/Lt. Lee & 9 other Ranks wounded."

NOTE

The Holmfirth Express also gives his date of death as Wednesday February 14th 1917, but the Commonwealth War Grave Commission believe it was on Friday February 16th 1917, and have recorded it as such.  However, other records indicate that two men serving with 1st Royal Marine Battalion were killed on 14th and it names them as Private Hinchliffe and Lance Corporal Baldwin. The only other Royal Marine serving with the 1st Battalion who died around this time did so on Friday February 16th; he was actually wounded by shellfire on February 14th and died of wounds at the 2nd Royal Navy Field ambulance Station, but his name was Private Roud.  The date of Private Roud's death is correctly recorded by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission as February 16th, and the death of Lance Corporal Baldwin is also correctly recorded as occurring on the 14th.  Whichever date is the correct one for Irvine Hinchliffe it is certain that the injury to him was very serious and that it occurred on February 14th.  Certainly the Reverend W. Whitehead thought that death occurred within hours of his injury.

Irvine Hinchliffe, Grave 19 on Row C of Plot7, Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont -Hamel, Somme, France - Died of Wounds 14/2/1917 - Shellfire.

JOHN HIRST

Another local man with no known grave was John Hirst.  A Private (41457), 26th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.  Born in New Mill, the son of EliHirst and brother of Lucy Hirst of 26 Upperthong, Holmfirth, he was twenty nine years old.  Before the war he had worked at Spring Lane Mills, Woodhead Road, Holmfirth.  He enlisted at Holmfirth in the Spring of 1916, originally as a Private (19621), in the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  He trained at North Shields for three months

and was then sent to France with the Northumberland Fusiliers.  After several actions with them he was killed in action on Monday April 23rd 1917.

His Battalion was with the 103rd Infantry Brigade, in the 34th Division, situated to the north of Arras.  He was killed when the 103rd Infantry Brigade took over the line near Rouex, where the access was along a very shallow communication trench.  Snipers and machine gunners were concealed in buildings near the railway and the enemy artillery was very active, making all movement extremely dangerous.

John Hirst, Bays 2 and 3, Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France - Killed in Action 23/4/1917

LEWIS HIRST

Lewis Hirst from Upperthong was killed in action on Thursday February 1st 1917.  A Private (24667), 9th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, in the 17th Division.  A thirty five year old plasterer, he left a widow and three small children, the eldest of whom was reported to be : " Not yet four years old".   He enlisted at Halifax, and had been home on leave from a training camp in the north of England at Christmas.  He arrived in France just a few weeks before he died; there is no known grave.

The reverend Parker wrote: " I expect that before this you will have heard the sad news of the death of your husband.  I want just to express my sincere sympathy with you in your grievous loss.  May God grant for you all the comfort He aloe can give, and help you to realise  His presence, and that your dear one,who has given his all for the best cause men can die for, lives for you in Him.  It is some consolation to know that he died without lingering pain - killed in action.  I pray that the sorrow of the present and the shadow of the future may alike be brighter for you.”

The 17th Division was in the area around the village of Saillisel, where the ground was so frozen it had taken the men three weeks to dig out a jumping off trench, and the water in the shell holes had turned to solid blocks of ice which

were subsequently shattered and scattered al over the battlefield by the shellfire.  Men were forced to wrap sandbags around their boots in an attempt to gain a grip on this treacherous surface.

Lewis Hirst, Panels 6a and 6b, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France - Killed in Action 1/2/1017.

FRED HOWARTH

Fred Howarth of 28 Holy Lane, Underhill, Holmfirth was a Sapper (251954), serving with the 33rd Light Railway Operating Company, Royal Engineers.

Born in Holmfirth, he was the thirty five year old son of Isaac and Lydia Howarth, of Holmfirth.  As a boy he attended St. John's School and afterwards worked as a weaver at Ribbleden Mills, later moving to Kaye & Stewart at Lockwood, Huddersfield.  Married to Lucy Howarth, they had one child.  The news of Fred Howarth's death arrived on the child's fourth birthday.

He enlisted at Holmfirth on September 4th 1916, originally as a Private (3/29296), with the Duke of

Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  After four months' training he went out to France on January 9th 1917.  He was officially recorded as having died of wounds Thursday April 25th 1918, however a Chaplain wrote saying he was killed instantly and therefore did not suffer any pain.

Fred Howarth, Grave 3 on Row C of Plot 14, Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinge, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. - Died of Wounds 25/4/1918.

NORMAN LOCKWOOD (Photo unavailable)

Norman Lockwood, was a Private (14324), 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.  He was born in Shepley, the thirty year old son of William and Martha Lockwood and was married with two children.  He was working as a quarryman for Mr Harris Wood when he enlisted at Huddersfield,

indeed, he is recorded as working in a quarry in 1901 when he was only thirteen years old.  He was killed in action on April 15th 1918 in Belgium.  On the day he died his Battalion was attacking Pacaut Wood.

Norman Lockwood, Panel 6, Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines - Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium. - Killed in Action - 15/4/1918.

NOTEThere is a N. Lockwood on the Upperthong Memorial and a M. Lockwood on the Netherthong Memorial.  It is thought these two men are one and the same, and that this is another example of the same man being claimed by two different memorial committees. At this moment in time the only realistic candidate for this name is Norman Lockwood from Shepley.

There may yet be more information, or perhaps a keen family historian could shed some light on this case, but - except for the man mentioned above - N. or M. Lockwood does not seem to have been mentioned anywhere.  So until some more information surfaces it is assumed N. Lockwood is the Norman Lockwood detailed above.

GEORGE ALBERT MELLOR

George Albert Mellor was a Private (29/631), serving with the 12th/13th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

The thirty one year old son of Sandy and Rose Emma Mellor of the Victoria Inn, Holmfirth.  He had attended St. John's School and Sunday School and later became an apprentice with Haigh Brothers, Plasterers and Concreters.  He was a member of the Cartworth Moor Cricket Club and the St. John's Football Club.

Born in Upperthong, he enlisted at Halifax in May 1916 and went to France after fourteen weeks training.

 Wounded twice previously, the last time by gas, he had returned to France in September.  He was first reported to be wounded and then killed in action on October 8th 1918.  On that day his Battalion started an attack on Walincourt at 6 a.m., and had gained its objective at 6 p.m.

George Albert Mellor, Grave 7 on Row F of Plot 4, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gouy, Aisne, France. - Killed in Action 8/10/1918.

ERNEST MORELAND

Ernest Moreland of Market Street, Holmfirth, a Gunner (54776), with the 104th Battery, 22nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, who died of wounds on Friday October 22nd 1915 at Abbeville, France.  He was born in Lancaster, the son of Thomas and Eleanor Moreland.  When younger he had been a bell ringer at the parish church and had worked as a cloth finisher for James Lancaster & Son, Mytholmbridge Mills, Holmfirth.  Tall and slim, he was twenty five years old.  At eighteen he became a regular soldier, enlisting at Halifax and serving for seven years until his death.  His last home leave had been in August 1912, just before leaving for South Africa, and in July 1914 he was still serving at Roberts Heights

Pretoria, South Africa.  He arrived in France with the 7th Division during October 1914.

On October 6th 1915 his family received a telegram reading: " Regret to inform you that Gunner E. Moreland is dangerously wounded, in Second Stationary Hospital, Abbeville.  Regret that permission to visit him cannot be granted."  He had received gunshot wounds to the head and arm, and although his condition was serious, the staff at Abbeville Hospital thought that he was making satisfactory progress.

Sister Cornishly wrote to his parents saying: " Gunner Moreland is not so well.  He was brought to this hospital on the 3rd and the injury to his head necessitated an operation."  The family was informed of a relapse and then that he had died.

Another nurse wrote that:  " Your son died last night.  He was most anxious all day that I should write to you, and once I found him with pencil and paper in his hand trying to do so.  Everything was done for him, and we had hopes for his recovery until three days ago."

In a letter to his father written on December 31st 1914, from the 7th Division Ammunition Column in France, he refers to the raid by the Imperial German Navy on the East Coast towns of Scarborough, Whitby and West Hartlepool.  He wrote: " Very many thanks for the cigarettes you so kindly sent me.  I was very pleased to hear that you are all in good health at home, and glad to say that I am myself at present.  I sincerely hope that you had a better Christmas than I had, but of course, we had to put up with it.  The weather is very wet and cold here at present.  No doubt when the summer comes it will be a bit more comfortable, and let us hope that we shan't be here next Christmas.  I heard of the Germans giving you a call by way of the East Coast, so that is another addition to their inhuman actions, which will all be squared off before the end.  We are slowly but surely driving them out of France and Belgium, and when we get the New Army out here I daresay things will move a little quicker."

News of his death reached Holmfirth during the same week that his brother John was confirmed to have been killed in action at Gallipoli.  Private Harry Hinchliffe, who lived at Miller's Arms, Hinchliffe Mill, was a patient in the same hospital at this time.

Ernest Moreland, Grave 6 on Row C of Plot 3, Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. - Died of Wounds 22/10/1915 - Gunshot Wounds.

JOHN MORELAND

John Moreland, a Private (12/1721). Auckland Battalion, New Zealand Brigade, New Zealand and Australian Division.  The twenty seven year old son of Thomas and Eleanor Moreland of Holt. Holmfirth, he was killed in action on Sunday August 8th 1915.  While living in Holmfirth he had worked as a dyer at Kirkbridge Dye Works, New Mill, and had served as a Lance Corporal with the Holmfirth Territorials.

In November 1912 he emigrated to New Zealand and worked on a farm at Willoughby Kaipaki, North Cambridge, until the war began.  His brother Ernest, who

was serving with the regular Army, left for South Africa in the same year. After enlisting in the infantry on the outbreak of hostilities, John transferred to the artillery after hearing a rumour that they would be the first to go to the Front.  After a few months at the artillery base, he decided he was mistaken and transferred back to the infantry.

In August his father received a telegram from the New Zealand Army Records Officer saying: 

" Much regret to inform you your son Driver John Moreland is reported missing in action after action in Gallipoli on the 8th inst."  Although the telegram describes him as a driver, his family believed this to be a mistake, and that he was still with the infantry.  It was to be October before they received news that he had been killed on that date; the family were hoping he had been taken as a prisoner of war until they received this message:  " Very much regret to inform you that your son, Private John Moreland, New Zealand Field Artillery, previously reported missing is now reported by Court of Inquiry believed dead."  The news of his death reached Holmfirth in the same week that his brother Ernest was reported to have died of wounds in France.  There is no known grave.

In a letter to his father from Grantham Camp, New Zealand, early in 1915, he wrote:

" I got an Express last week and I felt quite proud when I read all the names of the fellows who have enlisted under the Old Flag, but you can tell the Editor that his list is not quite complete yet.  Wouldn't I just like to be in the old F Company, and if I get the chance to join them, I will too.  They are too slow here.It is rumoured we shall leave here by the middle of February.  We have been in camp six weeks now.  Were you surprised to hear that I had enlisted?  Our Company had a photograph take last week, so I am enclosing an enlarged one, but don't suppose you will be able to pick me out.  I am glad to say I am in the pink of condition."

In a letter received by his father in August and written at Gallipoli on July 30th, he said he was hoping to help:  " Give Jacko a surprise that will just about finish him.'

He thought the war there would only last another month or two and hoped to be home for Christmas dinner; after adding: " Should however, I have the misfortune to be knocked out,"  he left instructions for the disposal of some of his belongings.  He also asked his sister to send him a car, which she had already baked and made ready for posting when the telegram reporting him missing arrived. There is no known grave.

John Moreland, Panel 11, Chunuk Bair (New Zealand) Memorial, Turkey. - Killed in Action8/8/1915.

ARTHUR NOBLE

Arthur Noble was a Private (42570), 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment.  Born in Honley, he was the twenty nine year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Noble of Wood Nook.  He was married to Hannah Noble, of 8 Park Terrace, Upperthong Lane, Holmfirth, and they had two young children, named Frank and Jim.  Prior to being called up on February 10th 1917, he had worked for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Company at Brockholes Railway Station.  He enlisted at Halifax and went over to France on May 20th 1917, and was killed in action on Friday June 22nd 1917.  Between June 20th and June 25th, the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment,

was occupying the front line trenches in the Railway Wood area.

An officer wrote to Mrs Noble, saying:  " Private Noble was one of a party of bombers in a raid in which the bombers and myself formed a party.  He was hit by a piece of shrapnel, and death, I believe, would be instantaneous.  His body was brought in and he was buried with all respects behind our lines.  For all his comrades and myself I am writing to express to you and yours our deepest sympathy and our heartfelt condolences in your bereavement, and hopes that this sacrifice that your husband and others have made so willingly made may ultimately achieve the end for which we are looking and fighting - a lasting peace.  He was a man whom we could trust.  His death was received by all in his Platoon with regret and sorrow, for he had proved himself a good comrade to all."

Arthur Noble, Grave 18 on Row S of Plot 1, Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Ieper, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. -Killed in Action 22/6/1917.

FRED O’MELIA

One of two Holmfirth men who died of wounds shortly after the September 3rd attack on Poe's Nose was Fred O'Melia, a Private (2939).  Born in Upperthong, he had attended Holmfirth Wesleyan School and was later employed by Longbottom & Company at Bridge Foundry.  Around six feet tall and well built, he was twenty eight years old; he was married with two children, one aged three and the other eighteen months.

He enlisted at Huddersfield and went out with the Holmfirth Territorials in April 1915; he had been at home on leave once since then.  He died in hospital on Saturday September

9th 1916 from wounds received on September 3rd.  His younger brother, seventeen year old Joe O'Melia, had died at home in March 1916 and his other two brother - Harry and James - were killed in 1918.

Fred O'Melia, Grave 13 n Row C of Plot 10, Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. - Died of Wounds 9/9/1916.

JAMES PEARSON

One man was many miles away at Salonika in Greece when he was shot and mortally wounded.  He was James Pearson of 8 Burnlee Road, Park Head, Holmfirth.  A Private (29882), 2nd Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pearson, Rose Street, Tunbridge, Huddersfield, and worked for Alfred Crowther, Plumber and Glazier, Northumberland Street, Huddersfield.  He enlisted at Huddersfield around a year

before he died, and went out to the Front in early November 1916.  A twenty-five year old, he was married to the daughter if Mr. B Knight of Hinchliffe Mill.  She received a telegram on June 4th saying he was dangerously wounded.  He had been badly injured by a gunshot wound in the abdomen, he died the next day, on Tuesday June 5th 1917.  He is the only local man buried in Greece.

Allied troops were initially landed at Salonika (or Thessaloniki) in Northern Greece to support the Serbian Army; many of the early arrivals were men withdrawn from Gallipoli.  The fighting n this area was mostly against Germany's Bulgarian allies, although malaria and other ailments caused three times more casualties than enemy action.  Bulgaria eventually surrendered on September 30th 1918.

James Pearson, Grave 6 on Row B in Plot 9, Struma Military Cemetery, Greece. - Died of Wounds 5/6/1917 - Gunshot Wound.

LEWIS SHORE

The man who had the unfortunate distinction of being the one hundredth man to have his photograph displayed in the Holmfirth Express on the event of his death was Lewis Shore, a Sergeant Major (43740), with the 2nd 7th Battalion, Prince of Wales; Own West Yorkshire Regiment, in the 185th Infantry Brigade, 62nd Division.  He had previously served with the 9th Battalion, Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment (238005), attached to 32nd Brigade, 11th Northern Division, and originally, the 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment; he held the Long Service Medal.

He was born in Holmfirth, youngest son of eighty year old former Lance Sergeant Jesse Shore and Ruth Shore of Het Gap, Holmfirth, and he was thirty three years old.  Before the war he was responsible for running his father' joinery business.  He was also a member of the choir at St. John's Church, Upperthong, for many years.

He enlisted at Holmfirth in 1901, as a Private (198), with F. Company in the old 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Volunteers, which later became

the local Territorial Army unit (F. Company, 5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment) in 1908.A member of the West Riding Branch of the Yorkshire Rifle Association, he was one of the best rifle shots in Yorkshire, and 1913 he beat the rest of the West Riding Territorial Division to win the Ebor Challenge Cup.  He married Miss. Emily Chaffer of Binns Farm, (who later lived at 81 Taylor Hill Road, Berry Brow, Huddersfield) shortly before leaving for France, where he was killed in action around fourteen weeks later, on the morning of Tuesday June 12th 1917, by the concussion from a shell which burst very close to him.  There is no known grave.

Lewis Shore, anel 21, Ypres menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. - Killed in Action 12/6/1917 - Shellfire.

JAMES SYKES THEWLIS

James Sykes Thewlis was Lance Corporal (203011), 1st 4th Battalion, Duke of Wellingtons West Riding Regiment.  The thirty two year old son of James and Ruth Hannah Thewlis, of Upperthong, Holmfirth, he was born in Holmfirth and attended St.John's School, Upperthong and Upperthong Sunday School.  He was employed at Prickleden Dyeworks, Holmfirth, and enlisted at Huddersfield in the early days of the war.  He was discharged for misconduct but later recalled.  In the Army he was not always where they wanted him to be, and he had been arrested for being absent or overdue from leave.  His mother received a telegram saying that he was seriously

wounded and in hospital in Outreau, Boulogne, this was followed by the news that he had died of wounds on Sunday20th October 1918.

James Sykes Thewlis, Grave 51 on Row A of Plot 6, Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimple, Pas de Calais, France. - Died of Wounds 20/10/1918