Sunday 8th November 1914

A memorial service for Pte. Joshua Crossley, who had died on Tuesday 3^rd, was held at Holden Congregational Chapel, near the family home at Cottams Farm, near Bolton-by-Bowland. The event was reported at some length in the Craven Herald:

“A service was held at the Holden Independent Chapel in memory of Private Joshua Crossley, of A Company, 10th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Crossley, of Cottams, Bolton-by-Bowland, whose death at Frensham Camp occurred last week. There was a crowded congregation and Mr. Knight, the pastor, based his remarks on Samuel II., 10th chapter and 12th verse - 'Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God; and the Lord do that which seemeth Him good.' He said the four striking thoughts in the text were courage, sympathy, reverence and resignation. By courage we understood prompt action in the face of great danger. The nation called in the hour of danger for men of courage. Joshua Crossley like all his comrades loyal to his King and Country responded to that call and gave his life. By sympathy we understood that which forgets self but thinks and acts for others. Was not that the sympathy that had prompted the young men of to-day? They did not say, "I hope someone will help," but "I will do my own part." Then let those who cannot go to the front do their part and show our sympathy at home by our prayers and practical support. The choir very touchingly gave the special hymn entitled 'For the men at the front' by John Oxenham.

Holden Congregational Chapel

Writing in the Slaidburn Parish Magazine (December 1914), the Rector, Rev. J.C. Garnett, remembered both Joshua Crossley and Walter Isherwood (see 31^st October);

“You will know that two of the young men who left this valley for the service of their King and country have died while in training. Walter Isherwood and Joshua Crossley are names which we will never forget. They were both keen to do their best, and were imbued with the right spirit, and, had they been spared, they would have proved themselves good and brave soldiers. God, however, called them away and we must bow to His will. They both deserve any honour we are able to give them. We gave Walter Isherwood, as far as we could, a military funeral, and the many who attended it did so out of real sympathy. Joshua Crossley had a military funeral at Aldershot. Many wreaths were sent in both cases. They were two fine lads and both were members of my Men’s Bible Class. They were always bright and cheerful and we are poorer in their death. We can ill afford to lose such. To their loved ones and friends we offer our very deep sympathy. May God bless them and comfort them in their sad hour”.