Tuesday 24th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies went into the front line south-west of Hooge, from I.18.c.4.2 to I.17.b.7.3 and then on north-east to ‘The Culvert’, and patrolling toward Bellewarde Bek. ‘D’ Company were in close reserve, with one platoon at Leinster Farm and three in front of Halfway House, with Battalion HQ.

Once established in their new positions, impressions of the sector were relatively positive, as reported in the War Diary, “The men made themselves comfortable in the shelters & dugouts in the trenches. These are very good shelters, but generally not too well protected in the event of any heavy shelling. The Sector is, however, remarkably quiet with only an occasional shell passing over & an exchange of a few machine gun & rifle bullets each night”.

Pte. William Thomas Moseley (see 10^th July), serving with 2DWR having been transferred after being wounded in July while serving with 10DWR, was wounded in action. He suffered wounds to his back and right arm and would be admitted to 34^th Casualty Clearing Station at Grovetown, near Meaulte; from there he would be evacuated, two days later, by no.8 Ambulance Train to one of the Base Hospitals. In the absence of a surviving service record I am unable to establish any further details of his treatment or subsequent service beyond the fact that he would (date and details unknown) be transferred to the Royal Field Artillery and would serve as a Driver.

Ptes. Patrick Conley (see 28^th August), James Loxam (see 25^th August), Tom Nixon (11904) (see 28^th August), George Edward Western (see 24^th August) and William Sutcliffe Wood (see 26^th August), serving with3DWR at North Shields, were transferred to 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion at nearby Gateshead.

A/Sgt. George Clark (see 21^st August), now serving with ASC, Motor Transport Section, returned to England from France, having spent just two months on active service. He was subsequently diagnosed as suffering from Raynauds Disease, a common condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body – usually the fingers and toes.

Pte. Albert Ellis (see 7^th October) was discharged from Urmston VAD Hospital in Eastbourne; he would have ten days’ leave before reporting to 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion, based at Gateshead.

A statement was taken regarding the death in action of 2Lt. Henry Herbert Owen Stafford (see 7^th October); the informant was Pte. Thomas Hockey of ‘D’ Company, who was then being treated at a Convalescent Depot at Le Havre. Hockey reported that, “I saw him killed near the German barbed wire near Le Sars by a bomb on 6.10.16 (sic.) about 6pm. He was killed instantaneously. I know no more particulars”. Thomas Hockey had arrived in France in December 1915 and would subsequently be transferred to the Royal Engineers.

News of the death of Pte. Frederick George Carlton to his mother (see 10^th October) reached his mother, in official notification from the War Office; she had also received a letter from one of his colleagues, Pte. George William Fletcher (see 10^th October).

Pte. Frederick George Carlton

A payment of £9 1s. 3d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Charles Henry Jackson (see 5^th July) who had been killed in action on 5^th July; the payment would go to this father, Charles Henry.

Monday 23rd October 1916

Billets in Poperinghe

The weather turned milder, but misty.

The Battalion left Poperinghe to go into the front line trenches south of the Menin Road, near Hooge. The men assembled outside their billets at 5.15 pm and completed the short march to Poperinghe station, from where they were scheduled to leave at 6pm. 2Lt. David Lewis Evans (see 26^th September) was waiting for  them atthe station and was to supervise the entrainment, before re-joining ‘A’ Company. In the event, there was a short delay and the train did not pull away until 7 pm. On arrival at Ypres the Battalion was met by their guides and proceeded via Hellfire Corner and towards the front line south-west of Hooge. The darkness and the poor condition of the roads and tracks, with rain again falling, slowed progress somewhat and although the relief was underway by 9.30pm it would be 1.30 am on 24^th before it was complete.

Having received news of the death of his father, Cpl. Fred Swale (see 17^th October) was granted one week’s compassionate leave. Following his arrival home in Austwick, the Craven Herald said of him, “He has seen fourteen months hard fighting, and has been in many stiff encounters, but is in the best of health and very bright and cheerful”.

Cpl. Fred Swale

Image by kind permission of Joan Rigg

Acting Sgt. John Stewart (see 6^th October) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance with a diagnosis of ‘PYO’ (meaning pyrexia, or raised temperature, of unknown origin); as a result of his incapacity he lost his acting rank and reverted to Corporal.

Pte. Vernon Barker (see 20^th May) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from myalgia.

Pte. Louis Feather (see 9^th June 1915) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance suffering from colic; he would be transferred via 10^th Casualty Clearing Station to 13^th General Hospital at Boulogne.

Pte. Edgar Johnson (see 5^th October), who had suffered severe wounds to his left leg in the actions at Le Sars, was evacuated to England. On arrival he would be admitted to the Lord Derby Hospital in Warrington. His wounds were such that his left leg would be amputated below the knee.

2Lt. Fred Baume (see 14^th October), who had been wounded during the actions at Le Sars, appeared before a Medical Board at 3^rd Southern General Hospital, Oxford. The Board found that, “He was wounded by fuse base of a shell on the externo-anterior surface of the left thigh. The wound has almost healed. He is still lame.” He was declared unfit for duty and given six weeks leave, on the expiry of which he would attend another Medical Board.

2Lt. John Redington (see 23^rd August), who had been in England since July having been taken, appeared before a further Medical Board; a decision was deferred for a further month.

The War Office wrote to 2Lt. Bob Perks, DSO (see 28^th September) at his family home (The Green House, Hebden, Skipton), where Perks was currently recovering from wounds. Perks was informed that arrangements were in hand for him to receive his DSO personally from the King and requested that he confirm whether he would be able to attend at Buckingham Palace on Saturday 28^th October.

(I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to quote from Bob Perks’ correspondence and for the images).

  

Sgt. Frederick Griggs (see 19^th October), who had been one of Tunstill’s original Company but was now serving with 2DWR, was, for the second time in ten days, promoted Acting Company Sergeant Major.

Back home in England, the official film version of the Battle of the Somme was being shown in local cinemas. The Clitheroe Times later reported on the showings:

“Clitheroe picture goers and many who rarely visit a cinema show have this week been thrilled by the official pictures illustrating the Battle of the Somme, shown at both local houses, at the King Lane picture house in the early part and at the Palace at the latter end of the week. The audiences have been large and the impression created, profound. The film is a great example of what may be termed cinema journalism and it shows the realities – the sadness and the horrors, the cheerfulness and the pleasures – of life in France at this moment as no pen pictures ever can. There is still an opportunity of seeing the picture, at the Palace, this weekend”.

Sgt. Norman Roberts (see 13^th October) had commented on the presence of the official film-makers in a later home to his father, “ I reckon most of the pictures you saw were ‘made up’, but a few days ago I saw a camera man out here in the trenches. He ‘took’ some of our Battalion whilst they were carrying bombs up to the line”.
A payment of 15s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Walter Edwards (see 10^th July 1916), who had been killed in action in July; the payment would go to this widow, Emma.

A payment of £4 8s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. James Kettlewell (see 28^th July), who had been killed in action on 28^th July; the payment would go to this mother, Dorothy.

L. Cpl. James Kettlewell

Sunday 22nd October 1916

Billets in Poperinghe

Orders were received that the Battalion was to relieve 13DLI next day in the front line near Hooge.

Pte. Luke Dawson (see 22^nd July) was promoted Lance Corporal.

L.Cpl. Luke Dawson (standing left), with other NCO's of 'A' Company

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Pte. Frank Harrison (3/11632) (see 24^th December 1915) was posted back to England as a result, it would appear, of further problems with an old (pre-war) fracture to his humerus.

There was also leave for some; Adjutant, Lt. Hugh William Lester (see 4^th October), for example, had leave to England from 22^nd-31^st October. Lester’s role as Adjutant was taken up by Lt. Leonard Norman Phillips (see 16^th October).

 

Image by kind permission of Scott Flaving

A memorial service was held at St. Aidan’s Church, Hellifield, to remember four local men who had been killed in the last few months, among them being Pte. Joseph Edward Preston (see 21^st October) and Pte. Kit Ralph (see 20^th October).

Pte. Joseph Preston

Pte. Kit Ralph

A similar service was also held at the United Methodist Church in Cowling, in remembrance of Sgt. John Hartley (see 20^th October). It was said that, “The spacious church was nearly filled by a sympathetic congregation. Mrs. Rennie Fort contributed Mendelssohn's 'O rest in the Lord', the choir gave Dr. Parry's anthem 'The Lord is my Shepherd', and Miss Whitaker played the Dead March in 'Saul' on the organ. Mr. James Bradley was the conductor”.

James Bradley’s son, Pte. Willie Bradley (see 11^th July) was himself a member of Tunstill’s Company and a friend of John Hartley.

Sgt. John Hartley

Pte. Willie Bradley

Pte. Patrick Sweeney (see 20^th September), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, once again found himself on a charge; on this occasion he was found to have been ”absent from tattoo until 12.40 am on 22^nd October; 2 hrs. 40 mins.”; he was ordered to be confined to barracks for five days.

A Medical Board convened at 5^th Southern General Hospital, Southsea, considered the case of Capt. William Norman Town (see 20^thOctober). The Board found him unfit for duty and granted him three months sick leave.

Saturday 21st October 1916

Billets in Poperinghe

A quiet day, with training continuing, especially in the use of the new small box respirators. There was again a sharp frost overnight 21^st-22^nd. 

L.Sgt. John Bargh (see 7^th July), who had been in the UK since having been wounded near Contalmaison in July; and Ptes. Irvine Clark (see 11^th August) who had been wounded in July and had been under treatment at the Southern General Hospital in Bristol; and Richard Butler, who had also been in England since July and had recently been absent without leave from the Regimental Depot at Halifax, (see 11^th October) were all posted to 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion, based at Gateshead.

A payment of £61 17s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late 2Lt. Isidore David Marks (see 19^th October) who had been killed near Contalmaison in July. 

2Lt. Isidore David Marks

Payments were also authorised in the cases of Pte. Richard Davies Ellison (see 28^th July) and Pte. Francis Herbert Maltby (see 29^th July), both of whom had also been killed in the fighting around Contalmaison. In Ellison’s case a payment of £4 18s. 2d. went to his mother, Margaret. For Maltby, there was a total amount of £5 13s. 1d., which was to be divided among his family; his mother, Sarah, received £3 7d. and his brothers, Robert, Thomas and Frederick, were each paid 15s. 2d., presumably as per Maltby’s instructions in his will.

Pte. Bert Maltby

The weekly edition of the Lancaster Guardian reported on the death of Pte. Joseph Edward Preston (see 6^th October),

We regret to announce the death of Corpl. (sic.) Jos. Preston, Duke of Wellington's, who was killed on the 4th October. The sad news was received from his cousin Hugh Robinson (see 4^th October) who was in the same regiment. On the morning of October 4th Hugh saw Corpl. Preston come into the front trench with a carrying party and told him they were going over the parapet to have a "do" at the Germans. That was the last he saw of him. He was told two days later that Corpl. Preston was struck by a shell and killed instantaneously. Corpl. Preston was 27 years of age and unmarried. He will be remembered in Caton as a chorister having been in the Church Choir from October, 1899, to April, 1912. During that time he took many solos, treble, alto and tenor. After leaving school he worked at the Brickworks, but afterwards went on the Midland Railway and for nearly two and a half years at Shipley and Keighley. He served for four years in the 5th King's Own (Territorials) and although his time had expired, he joined Kitchener's Army with his cousin, going to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Shortly afterwards his brother John, joined the same regiment, hoping to be with him but was placed in another regiment (sic. actually Battalion) and got to France first. He was gassed on his first visit to the trenches in May 1915.

 

Cpl. Joseph Preston

Friday 20th October 1916

Billets in Poperinghe

A quiet day, with heavy rain again falling; however the weather turned much colder later in the day, with a frost overnight. Training continued, especially in the use of the new small box respirators.

Ptes. John William Cooper (see 3^rd July), William Foulds (see 17^th July) and Jonathan Richardson Sunderland (see 17^th June) were promoted (unpaid) Lance Corporal.

One member of the recently-arrived draft, Pte. John Killerby, (see 17^th October) was reported to have been found “unshaven and unwashed on parade”; he was ordered to be confined to barracks for five days.

Pte. Samuel Cordingley (see 28^th September) re-joined the Battalion having spent the previous month in hospital (cause and details unknown). 

Pte. Harry Briggs (19286) (see 30^th September) after spending three weeks in hospital, was reclassified as medical category B and posted for duty at the Base Depot at Etaples.

Pte. Charles Smith (12380) (see 31^st July), who had been at Oakbank War Hospital in Glasgow since having been wounded in July, was posted to 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion, based at Gateshead.

Miss Kate Ralph, sister of Pte. Kit Ralph (see 5^th October) received letters from two of her brother’s pals, both fellow members of ‘A’ Company, giving her the news that he had been killed. Pte. Thomas Bownass (see below) wrote: "It is with the deepest regret that I have to tell you of the death of your brother, Kit, which occurred whilst we were in action on the 6th inst. He was at the time acting as guide to the party who relieved us in the front line on that date, and was killed instantly by a shell bursting in the trench they were proceeding along. He was well liked by all the lads of the platoon, as he always had a cheery word and looked on the bright side of things, and we all miss him badly. The lads wish me to tender you their deepest sympathy in your great loss, and trust that God will sustain and comfort you in your dark and lonely hours."

Pte. Harley Bentham (see below), in his letter said: "I have been asked by some of the lads to write and tell you how sorry we are and how we sympathise with you in your great loss. Kit was a fine chap and a good soldier, and I am sure we all liked him. Our Battalion had been in the line four days and were being relieved that night. Kit had volunteered to act as guide to the men who were to relieve us, and he was leading them up the communication trench when a shell burst right on the parapet close to your brother and hit him. Death would be instantaneous; he would not suffer any pain. He has been buried close to the place where he fell. He often used to talk of you, and look forward to your letters coming. I ask you to accept the sympathy of myself and his pals from Long Preston and district."

Thomas Bownass had attested under the Derby Scheme in December 1915, aged 19, at which time he had been working on the family farm near Hellifield. He had been called up on 25^th January 1916 and rained in England before being posted to 34^th Infantry Base Depot in France on 4^th July; two days later he had been posted to 10DWR. Harley Bentham had also attested in December 1915, aged 21, and been called up at the same time as Bownass; he was a former pupil at Giggleswick Grammar School and had been working at the Bank of Liverpool in Settle. He had been posted to 10DWR in May 1916.

 

Pte.Kit Ralph

 

Pte. Harley Bentham

A payment of £7 17s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Tom Ball (see 5^th July), who had been killed in action on 5^th July; the payment would go to this father, William.

Mrs. Marian Carpenter, mother of the late Capt. Herbert Montagu Soames Carpenter (see 18^th October), who had been killed in action on 5^th July, submitted her official claim for a pension in respect of her late son.

Capt. H.M.S. Carpenter

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Capt. William Norman Town (see 11^th October) arrived in England onboard the hospital ship Galera. He had been evacuated from Malta for further medical treatment. On arrival he was admitted to 5^th Southern General Hospital, Southsea.

A series of reports were published in the weekly edition of the local newspapers detailing the deaths of local men from 10DWR in the actions around Le Sars.

The Craven Herald

COWLING - SERGEANT JOHN HARTLEY KILLED - A Promising Career Cut Short

On Saturday last the sad news was received that Sergeant John Hartley (see 14^th October), of the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, had been killed in action on the 4th inst. The following letter from his commanding officer has been received by his parents:- "Dear Mrs. Hartley, - I believe Q.M.S. Frank Stephenson (see 18^th October) has already written to you informing you of the death in action of your son, but as his platoon commander, I should also like to assure you and your family of my deepest sympathy in your sorrow. He died a gallant death in an attack on the German trenches, and we were able to recover his body two days later and bury him on the field. In the short time I have been with the platoon I have found him to be a very good N.C.O., always cheerful and willing, and the Army has lost a good Officer, as I understand he was awaiting a commission. Once again let me assure you of my sympathy.

"In deepest sorrow, I am, yours sincerely, Philip H. Morris, Second Lieutenant (see 14^th October)."

The following letter was received by the same post from a Grassington comrade in the same Company:- "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hartley and Minnie, - It almost breaks my heart to have to convey to you the sad news of the death in action of your son, John. In the first place we had to report him as missing, but his body has now been found. He fell along with many others of our Company in a charge we made on the enemy lines on the evening of October 4th, 1916, and really it was a wonder how some of us did get back. His body was found alongside that of Mr. Harris (see 9^th October), our company commander. It feels cruel to me to have to write this but I should consider I had failed in my promise to one of the best of friends had I not done so. I saw him a minute before we went over the top of the trench, and he said, "Write and give my love to all at home if anything happens to me." I replied, "All right, John, cheerio." That was the last I saw of him. He fell leading his men, for his body was found on the German parapet, death being instantaneous, being shot through the head with a bullet. His cousin, Second Lieutenant Snowden (son of Mr. Keighley Snowdon, the novelist) (see 19^th October) was wounded in the same affair. I can imagine what a sad blow it will be to you, and I repeat, it makes my heart ache to be the bearer of such sad news, but it is my duty.

As a friend I found him to be one of the best, always true to his promise, never failing in his duties. He was very popular, both amongst Officers, N.C.O.s, and men, and we all mourned deeply the loss of so popular and efficient an N.C.O. We managed to get his body buried decently as possible under the circumstances, and his personal effects will be forwarded on to you in due course. I trust God will sustain and strengthen you in this sad loss of your only son and brother. I trust you will find some consolation in knowing he died a hero's death, fighting for the glorious cause of Freedom. His last thoughts were of home. 

Yours in deepest sympathy, William Oldfield, C.S.M (see 14^th October)."

Sergeant John Hartley, aged 21 years, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Watson Hartley, Sunny Mount, Cowling. Mr. Hartley is the senior partner of Messrs. J. Hartley (Cowling) Ltd., manufacturers, Acre Mills, Cowling, a well-established business, well known in the Bradford and Manchester trades. The deceased received his education at the Cowling Council School, and later at the Keighley Trade and Grammar School, gaining a four-year scholarship at the latter place. He also studied textile subjects for three years at the Glusburn Institute and during his last year there he took second place for linen weaving open to all England. When the above business was transferred into a Limited Company, a few years ago, he was appointed secretary, and acted as such until his enlistment. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a most active worker in the Sunday School, being a teacher in the primary department, and the secretary of the United Bible Class. He joined the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment as private on September 16th 1914; promoted Lance-Corporal at Christmas, 1914; went to France August 26th, 1915; made Corporal Christmas 1915, and Sergeant in September last, having for the previous three months been Acting Sergeant.

His death is a great loss to the village, and the deepest sympathy is felt with the family. 

Sgt. John Hartley

RQMS Frank Stephenson

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

  

Lt. Harry Harris

CSM Billy Oldfield, MM

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

A GRASSINGTON MAN KILLED IN ACTION

We deeply regret having to report the death of Pte. Edgar Whitaker (see 10^th October), aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Whitaker of Brooklyn Terrace, Grassington. The following extract from a letter to his parents, by one of his pals, gives the sad details:- "It is my painful and sorrowful duty to write and inform you of Edgar's death. He was killed by a German bomb on October 4th. I saw him just an hour before, though not to speak to, and he looked splendid, so cheerful and happy. He was a real soldier and died the death of a hero, doing his duty bravely and fearing nothing." 

Edgar Whitaker was one of the straightest lads who have answered the call. He was by trade a joiner, and was esteemed by everybody. He was the elder of the only two lads in the family. His younger brother, Sydney, has been in training six months. Deepest sympathy for Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker in their loss is shown through the district. Deceased went into training on January 24th and was drafted out in May.

 

Pte. Edgar Whitaker

SEDBERGH'S ROLL OF HONOUR

Sergeant Harry Lyddington Mason (see 10^th October), aged 27, who was killed in action in France on Sunday, October 8th, was the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mason of Sedbergh. Deceased joined the army in August 1914, being attached to the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, and went to the Front in August 1915. He was well known in the Sedbergh district, where he was deservedly popular with all classes. 

Quarter-Master-Sergeant Stephenson, West Riding Regiment, writing to his parents, said:- "It is with deep regret that I have to perform the painful duty of informing you that your son Harry was killed in the performance of his duties on Sunday the 8th October, about 8 a.m. It might be little consolation to know that he died instantly without suffering any pain. Harry was one of my greatest friends and most capable of sergeants, also a great favourite with offices and men alike. Sergt. Davis (see 10^th October) wishes me to inform you that he will write as soon as he possibly can. They have had a hard time, and he is not quite himself yet." The letter concluded with the expression of the greatest sympathy in their sudden and sad bereavement.

Sgt. Harry Lyddington Mason

ADDINGHAM SOLDIER REPORTED KILLED

We also regret to announce that Pte. W. Waggitt (see 6^th October), son of Mr. J. J. Waggitt, farmer, Addingham Moorside, has been reported killed in action. Although official information has not yet been received, Private R. Smith (see 13^th October), who was reported wounded last week, in a further letter home says:- "A few lines to let you know I am in hospital with a few wounds in my back and both my thighs and just a little in my hand. They are bits of shrapnel. I am very lucky to be wounded, for poor Willie Waggitt has gone under and the two behind him; then I came next but luck would have it I was not to be killed. I thought my time had come - I can tell you."

Pte. Waggitt joined up with the first batch of Kitchener's men and was wounded on August 8th 1915, and after being in various hospitals it was found necessary on November 5th to remove one of the fingers of his left hand. He was back in the trenches in January 1916. Another brother is serving with the Canadian Forces, and a younger brother is in training.

Waggitt’s death was also reported, with some different detail, in the Ilkley Gazette:

Ilkley Gardener Killed in Action

Lance Corporal William Waggitt, West Riding Regiment, eldest son of  Mr. W. Waggitt, Moorside Farm, Addingham, was killed in action on October 4^th. Up to joining the army at the end of August 1914 Lance Corporal Waggitt was gardener for Mr. Crabtree, Fairmount, Ilkley, and went to France in June 1915. He was wounded in the August following and for some four months was in England, returning to the fighting line in January last. He was 27 years of age and engaged to be married to Miss L. Milburn, elder daughter of Mr. George Milburn, Gordon Street, Ilkley. 

L.Cpl. Willie Waggitt

Pte. Reuben Smith

The Ilkley Gazette

Also reported the death of another of Tunstill’s Company.

Death of One of the ‘Dukes’

The death has been officially notified of Corporal Leslie Seymour Perks (see 14^th October), elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James Perks, 8 Bolton Bridge Road, Ilkley. Corporal Perks was for four years an apprentice in Taylor’s Drug Stores, The Grove, Ilkley, and joined the West Riding Regiment two years ago last September and had been in France about 14 months. No particulars are given as to how he came by his death, but his parents had not heard from him for some weeks. Up to this time he had written frequently and regularly. He was 19 years of age.

The Clitheroe Times

BOWLAND COUNCILLOR’S LOSS

Mr. J.T. Lofthouse, the well known farmer of Paa Farm, Paythorne, and a member of the Bowland Rural District Council, Board of Guardians, and Education Committee, has, we are informed, this week received an official intimation that his only son, Private Anthony Lofthouse (see 10^th October), of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, was killed in action on October 5^th. Private Lofthouse joined the army nearly two years ago in response to the appeal made throughout Bowland by Captain Tunstill. He had been in France upwards of twelve months. About 20 years old, Private Lofthouse shared his father’s popularity, and his death will be widely lamented.

Pte. Anthony Lofthouse

THE SECOND BLOW

NEWTON MOTHER’S SAD LOSS

General sympathy will go out to Mrs. Isherwood, of Foulscales Farm, Newton, in the sad blow which has befallen her this week, by the receipt of official news that her son, Private Edwin Isherwood (see 17^th October), has been killed in action. He, along with his brother Walter, responded to the call of Captain Tunstill two years ago, and joined the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. Walter contracted pneumonia during training and succumbed, his body being brought to Slaidburn for burial. Whilst attending the funeral, Edwin also was taken ill, and lay in a critical condition for several weeks at home, later rejoining the company. He went to France about twelve months ago and had seen heavy fighting. Another brother, licensee of the Moorcock Inn, is with the forces expecting shortly to go to France.

 

Pte. Edwin Isherwood

The Clitheroe Times also carried news of the death of Pte. Joseph Bell, brother of Pte. William Irving Bell (see 16^th October) who was one of Tunstill’s original recruits and still serving with the Company.

GRINDLETON SOLDIER KILLED

News has reached Grindleton that Private Joseph Bell has been killed in action. Private Bell, who is a nephew of Mr. John Maudsley, fruit dealer, Grindleton, was brought up by his uncle and aunt, Mr. Edgar and Miss Maudsley, both his parents being dead. Some four years ago he emigrated to Australia, and returned with a contingent from the Commonwealth early in the war, and went to France with them. He was well known at Grindleton and his demise is much regretted.

The Ilkley Gazette also reported the death of Pte. Tom Emmott (see 19^th September), who had actually died of wounds on 19^th September.

Burley Man’s Death from Wounds

The casualty lists on Wednesday contained the name of Private T. Emmott, West Riding Regiment, whose next of kin was stated to reside at Burley. He had died of wounds. Another Burley man in the West Ridings, Private A. Pedley, is reported wounded.

There were also reports in the Craven Herald concerning men who had been wounded near Le Sars.

MORE COWLING CASUALTIES

Private Frank Shuttleworth (see 19^th October), Park Road, Cowling, of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, was wounded in a bayonet charge and bomb attack on the night of October 4^th. He received a bullet which passed through the left forearm and out at the elbow, causing a compound fracture. He was brought to a clearing hospital at Eastleigh and from there to the 2^nd Western General Hospital, Manchester. He is progressing favourably. Private Shuttleworth is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Shuttleworth, of Beechcliffe, Keighley, and previously of Beechcliffe, Cowling. He enlisted on September 16^th 1914, and went out to France in August 1915. Before joining the colours he was employed in the office of Messrs. G. Stansfield & Sons, Royd Mills.

Private Arthur Lindsay (see 4^th October), Keighley Road, Cowling, of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, has been wounded, a bullet having passed through his right shoulder. He was returning from a bombing raid. After being transferred to the clearing hospital at Eastleigh he was sent to Leeds where he is progressing favourably. Before enlisting in September 1914 he was employed as a twister at Messrs. John Binns Ltd., Croft Mills. He went out to France in August 1915.

Private Albert Saville (see 3^rd October) of the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, was severely crushed on September 24^th 1916, by the falling of the roof of a dugout, injuring his spine. He is progressing favourably, being transferred to hospital at Chichester, Sussex. He enlisted in September 1914 and was drafted out to France in August 1915. Previously he was employed as a weaver at Messrs. J. Binns & Sons, Croft Mills.

(Similar reports concerning Shuttleworth and Lindsay also appeared in the following days edition of the Keighley News).

Pte. Frank Shuttleworth

Pte. Arthur Lindsay

PRIVATE ARTHUR PROCTER WOUNDED

Mr. and Mrs. Procter of Railway Cottage, Eldroth, have received a letter from their son, Pte. Arthur Procter (see 4^th October), of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, informing them that he was wounded with shrapnel in his side and various parts of his body on October 5^th. Private Procter is 21 years of age and joined the Army in September 1914, and went out to France on 26^th August 1915. Prior to the war he was employed by the Midland Railway Company as porter at Clapham Station.

The Craven Herald also reported extensively on the disappearance and death of Adelaide Benson, sister of Pte. Fred Benson (see 14^th October).

THE COWLING MYSTERY - SUICIDE BY DROWNING

An inquiry as to the cause of death of Adelaide Benson, aged 28, a highly respected single young lady who resided with her widowed mother at 199, Keighley Road, Cowling,was held on Saturday last at the Liberal Club, by Mr. J.E. Newall, the deputy coroner. The jury were Messrs. S. Hutchinson (foreman), J. Fort, F. Shuttleworth, A. Brigg, J. Harker, H. Smith, A. Shuttleworth, J. Smith, B. Driver, H. Binns, E. Snowden, and W. Thornton.

Mrs. Ann Benson, the mother, gave evidence of identification, and said her daughter was 29 years old that day. About a month ago she had complained about not feeling well, and had consulted a local doctor. Answering the Coroner, she said that her daughter had been all right up to the death of her brother who had been killed in France. She had taken this very much to heart, and would talk about very little else, and had become very much depressed. There was nothing else to cause her any trouble, and she had never threatened herself in anyway. She arose as usual on Sunday morning and seemed her usual self. She advised her to go for a walk and last saw her alive about 9-30.

Herbert Pickles, farmer, Crag End, Sutton, stated that he saw deceased on Sunday about 11-15a.m. go through the New Gate and on the Crag Bottom down past the Brush Farm, which was in the direction of the Malsis Hall reservoir and which would be about a quarter of a mile away.

Wm. Kirkpatrick, estate foreman on the Malsis Hall Estate, said that on the previous Tuesday morning the police told him that the deceased might possibly be in the reservoir, and at their request he let the reservoir off on Wednesday night at 7-30. When full it was 14 feet deep and took 36 hours to empty. In answer to the Coroner he said he went up several times to see how the water was going down. He expected it to be empty by Friday morning, and going there about 6 o'clock he found the body in the bottom, about one yard from the bottom of the slope, near where the water runs out. The body was recovered.

P.C. Lister said he was officially informed that the girl was missing on Tuesday morning. Before that time parties of villagers had searched the moors and fields. On Tuesday they dragged the reservoir and afterwards asked the last witness to let off the water. He also gave evidence of the conveyance of the body home. Dr. Alex. Curry, of Crosshills, said he had seen the body. There were no marks of violence. She had met her death by drowning.

The jury were unanimous in the verdict, "Suicide by drowning, whilst temporary insane, brought about by grief at the loss of her brother in the war." The jury expressed their sympathy with Mrs. Benson, and along with witnesses granted their fees, along with a subscription from the Coroner, to Mrs. Benson.

Pte. Fred Benson

There was news also of the death of the father of Cpl. Fred Swale (see 17^th October).

AUSTWICK

Sudden Death

The sudden death on the 17^th inst of Mr. N.S. Swale was received with profound regret by the inhabitants of Austwick. Deceased was 56 years of age and had spent all his life in Austwick and was well known and highly respected. For many years he had been employed by Messrs. C. Kirkbright & Son, joiners. For the past twelve months his health had been so bad that he had been unable to follow his employment. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters.

Cpl. Fred Swale

Image by kind permission of Joan Rigg

The Craven Herald also reported on the fund-raising efforts of Geraldine Tunstill (see 4^th August) which were continuing, even though her husband, Capt. Gilbert Tunstill (see 16^th October), had been invalided home in September.

COMFORTS FOR CAPT. TUNSTILL’S MEN

Mrs. H.G. Tunstill acknowledged with grateful thanks the following contributions of comforts for Captain Tunstill’s men: 12 pairs socks, 6 shirts, 6 pairs mittens from Slaidburn, per Mrs. King-Wilkinson; 3 pairs socks from ‘a friend of the soldiers’; 2 shirts, 2 handkerchief, 2 pairs socks from Mrs. Metcalfe, Otterburn; 4 pairs socks from Miss. M. Parsons, Horton; 36 shirts from the Alsager Working Party, per Mrs. Adams; 2 mufflers, one cardigan, books, writing pads etc. Mrs. H.G. Tunstill; together with 2,500 cigarettes, 20 lbs. sweets, handkerchiefs, literature etc. from the ‘Comforts Fund to France’ ; twenty-three parcels containing chocolate, stationery, soap, books and tobacco etc. have also been sent to the wounded. Mrs. H.G. Tunstill would be glad to have the hospital addresses of any other sick or wounded men in Captain Tunstill’s Company. Captain Tunstill is at present on sick leave with an injured knee, but the consignments will be sent as usual each month. If sent to Mrs. H.G. Tunstill, Milford Hall, South Milford will be gratefully acknowledged.

 

Capt. Gilbert Tunstill (front right) and Geraldine (middle right), with other members of Geraldine's family

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton