Friday 24 November 2017

Royce Thompson 1895 - 1917

Royal Field Artillery cap badge. Photograph - Public Domain
                 
Born: 1895

Military Service:

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery, 122 Battery, 52nd Brigade
Service number and Rank: 107094 Gunner
Awards: The Victory Medal and the British War Medal

Death:  22nd December 1917

Buried at: Menin Road South Military Cemetery. Belgium.
Grave reference: III.O.6

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Son of George and Elizabeth Thompson, of 24, Rockingham St., Honeywell Mount, Barnsley.

Remembered:

St Marys Church Combined War Memorial Barnsley
Kerbstone on Family plot in Darton Churchyard

Links & Notes:

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Lives of the First World War
Everyone Remembered

The wife of Gunner Royce Thompson asked permission to dispose of his medals.

Thursday 19 October 2017

Harry White 1895 - 1917

Corporal Harry White with thanks to Rob Price
Born:
4th February 1895

Military Service:
Enlisted: February 1914 aged 19
Regiment and Battalion:  1st/5th (Territorial) York and Lancaster Regiment

Service number and rank:  1884 Private
Later Service Number: 240250 Corporal
Entered Theatre of War: France 13 April 1915
Awards: 1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Death:  9 October 1917 aged 22
CWGC Remembered: Tyne Cot Memorial
Panel Reference: 125 to 128

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

Son of George and Clara White, of 30, Meadow St.; husband of Clarice Mary White, of 15, Meadow St., Barnsley.
 
Remembered:
Barnsley, Redfearn Brothers Glassworks & Aldham Works

Barnsley, St Mary's Church Combined Memorial
Barnsley, Regent Street, Congregational Church Memorial

Links & Notes:


Fantastic full biographies with many photographs and family documents relating to Harry and his brothers can be found on Rob Price's website Metal Detector. Rob gave us permission to use the above photo.

Lives of the First World War

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Barnsley Soldiers Remembered
See also the story for Harry's brother George which contains a long piece from Memories of Barnsley Issue 17 relating details of a letter from Harry about George's death on 10 September 1915

From the Barnsley Chronicle 20 April 1918 with thanks to Barnsley Archives

A Barnsley Family's Great Sacrifice
Three Sons Give Their Lives
Deep sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. George White, of 30 Meadow Street, Barnsley, in the further bereavement they have just sustained by the death of their son, Pte. Arthur Percy White (25), from wounds received in action, this being the third member of the family who have made the supreme sacrifice. Sergt. George White was killed in September, 1915 and Corpl. Harry White has been missing since last October, grave fears being entertained as to his fate. Their father has been a respected employee at Messrs. Redfearns' Glassworks for the past 22 years, and the four soldier brothers all worked at the same place. Arthur's death is officially reported to have occurred on March 28th [1918]. He was one of the original Barnsley Territorials but had been drafted into another regiment at the time he received his mortal wounds. He was educated at the Eldon Street North School and last February he came home on leave to be married. A memorial service will be held on Sunday evening at the Congregational Church, Regent Street. Mr. White, senr., we may add, is a Reservist and an esteemed member of the Barnsley National Reserve Club.


 

George Herbert Bayley 1898 - 1917

Barnsley Chronicle  November 1917 with thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born:1898

Military Service:
Regiment and Battalion: The Lancashire Fusiliers
Service number and rank:Private 38658

Awards: The Victory Medal, The British War Medal

Death: 11 October 1917
Buried at: Nine Elms British Cemetery, Belgium
Grave Reference: IV.D.23. 

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
S
on of Mrs. A. Bayley who lived at 24 School Street, Barnsley


Remembered:

St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial
Barnsley, Main Post Office, Barnsley Postal Staff Plaque

Links & Notes:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission 
Lives of the First World War

Every One Remembered

From the Barnsley Chronicle 27 October 1917 with thanks to Barnsley Archives

FORMERLY ON BARNSLEY P.O.STAFF
FATE OF PRIVATE GEO. H. BAYLEY

Much regret has been occasioned at the news of the death from wounds received in action of Pte. George Herbert Bayley, Lancaster Fusiliers.  He was only 19 years of age, being the son of Mrs. Bayley, of 24 School Street, Barnsley, and at the time of his enlistment he was a respected member of the Barnsley Post Office staff.  He went to France in June, having joined the Army in November in 1916.  He has another brother serving with the colours.  Mrs. Bayley has received the following sympathetic letter from Mr. G.C. Wilkinson, secretary of the Barnsley Branch of the  Postmens' Federation.  "I am instructed by the members of my Branch to convey to your our deepest sympathy in the sad loss you have just sustained through the death of your son George, who was a valued and esteemed member of our Association.  We deplore his death and hope that God will give you courage to bear the burden".

Sunday 27 August 2017

John William Dewsnap 1893 - 1917

John Dewsnap from the Barnsley Independent 8 September 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born: 1893

Military Service:
Regiment and Battalion: Yorkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion attached 254th Company Royal Engineers
Service Number and Rank: 24590 Private

Awards: The Victory Medal, the British War Medal

Death: 12th August 1917 aged 24
Buried at: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium
Grave Reference: XVII. F. 8.

Additional Information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

Son of George Dewsnap who lived at 44 Henry Street Worsborough Bridge, Barnsley.

Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes:

Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Lives of the First World War
Everyone Remembered

John William Dewsnap died in 17 Casualty Clearing Station, nr Lijssenthoek, Belgium in 1917, and died of wounds.

Obituary and Death Notice from the Barnsley Chronicle 25 August 1917 with thanks to Barnsley Archives


A Barnsley Soldier's Fate
Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Dewsnap, of 14, Prospect Street, Barnsley, in the loss they have sustained by the death in action of their son, Private John W. Dewsnap. He was 23 (24) years of age and at the time of enlistment in the Yorkshire Regt. he worked at Victoria Colliery. He was a pony handler. His parents received a letter from him on August 10th stating that he would be home on leave at Barnsley Feast, but this communication was followed by a letter from the War Office on Saturday announcing that the man had been killed on August 12th.

DEWSNAP -  In ever loving memory of my beloved son, Private J. W.  died in action in France, August 12th, 1917 aged 24 years.
Far away from home and loved ones, laid to rest in a far-off land,
Some time our eyes will behold him, some day when we clasp hand to hand.
- From father, mother, sisters and brothers.




Note: Barnsley Feast "Week was always the last complete week in August, all the factories closed and the workers were given a well deserved holiday."  Those families who could afford it, usually spent this week in Blackpool, it was the favourite venue.

Monday 7 August 2017

Robert Chapman 1883 - 1914


East Yorkshire Regiment Cap Badge


Born: 1883

Military Service:
Enlisted: 1914
Regiment and Battalion: East Yorkshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Service number and rank : 7876 Private
Entered Theatre of War: 8 September 1914
Awards: 1914 Star with clasp, The Victory Medal and the British War Medal

Death: Missing presumed dead 20 October 1914 aged 31
CWGC Remembered: Ploegsteert Memorial
Panel Reference: 4

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Husband of Florence Chapman who lived at 23 Summer Lane Barnsley

 
Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial
 

Links & Notes:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Lives of the First World War
Everyone Remembered

From the Sheffield Evening Telegraph 5 May 1916 with thanks to Find My Past

BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT CASUALTIES.
Robert Chapman, of Summer Lane, Barnsley, who served with the East Yorks Regt., missing since October, 1914, is now reported by the War Office as believed to be dead.


Thursday 27 July 2017

Albert Pickering 1890 - 1917

Albert Pickering Barnsley Chronicle 17 November 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born: 
1890

Military Service:

Regiment and Battalion : York and Lancs 1st/4th Battalion
Service number and Rank:  22081 Private
Awards: The Victory Medal and the British War Medal

Death: 9th October 1917  aged 27

CWGC Remembered: Tyne Cot Memorial  
Panel Reference: 125 to 128 

Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes:
Every One Remembered
Lives of the First World War
Commonwealth War Graves Commission




Harry Raymond Allden 1898 - 1917

Harry Raymond Allden Barnsley Chronicle 20 October 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives 
Born: 1898  

Military Service:  
Regiment and Battalion: West Yorkshire Regiment ( Prince of Wales Own)  
Service number and Rank: 42747 Private  
Awards: The Victory Medal and the British War Medal 

Death: 20th September 1917 age 19
CWGC Remembered: Tyne Cot Memorial
Panel Reference: 42 to 47 and 162

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Harry Raymond Allden was the son of Edward and Elizabeth Allden

Remembered:
 
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Notes and Links:
Every One Remembered website
St Edwards, Barnsley Remembers website
Lives of the First World War

Stanley Pleasant 1896 - 1917

Stanley Pleasant 27th October 1917 Barnsley Chronicle
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born:
1896

Military Service:

Enlisted: aged 19
Regiment and Battalion: East Yorkshire Regiment 8th Battalion 
Service number and Rank: 28890 Private
Awards: The Victory Medal and the British War Medal
 
Death: 26th September 1917 
CWGC Remembered: Tyne Cot Memorial
Panel Reference: Panel 47-48 and 163A

Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial 
Barnsley Radical and Liberal Club Memorial, (formerly) Market Street, Barnsley

Links & Notes:
Lives of the First World War
Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Tuesday 18 July 2017

Jesse Firth 1891 - 1917

Jesse Firth Barnsley Chronicle 2 June 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born:
1891

Military Service:
Regiment and Battalion: York and Lancaster Regiment 
Service Number and Rank: 5771 Private
Regiment and Battalion: Northumberland Fusiliers (24th Tyneside Irish Battalion )
Service number and Rank: 285101 Private
Awards: The British War Medal and the Victory Medal

Death: 28th April 1917 age 26  
CWGC Remembered: Arras Memorial
Panel Reference: 24th (Tyneside Irish) Addenda Panel

Remembered:

St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

From the Barnsley Chronicle 26 May 1917 with thanks to Barnsley Archives

AFTER THREE YEARS IN SERVICE
Another of Messrs. Pollitt's employees has paid the supreme sacrifice - Private Jesse Firth, Northumberland Fusiliers, whose home was at 6 Fitzwilliam Street, Barnsley.  When in civilian life he was engaged in Messrs. Pollitt's bakery, having been employed there about six years and was a native of Idle, near Bradford, where he he was at one time a teacher at the Wesleyan School.  Twenty seven years of age, the deceased married a daughter of Mr and Mrs. Charles Dawson of Fitzwilliam Street, Barnsley and she has received from the Platoon sergeant a letter of sympathy, in which he states that Private Firth was in a recent advance when he was killed instantaneously.  He is missed sadly by all my lads.  He was a bright and cheerful comrade.  He was also a hero and if heroes get crowns his ought to shine.  Your husband was always mentioning you when we were together; you were practically the last in his mind before going into action.

Links and Notes:
Lives of the First World War
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Every One Remembered

Monday 17 July 2017

Edward Percy Smith 1895 - 1917

Edward P. (Percy) Smith Barnsley Chronicle 10th November 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born:
1895

Military Service:
Enlisted: 1914
Regiment and Battalion : York and Lancaster Regiment 6th Battalion
Service number and Rank: 21712 Private
Entered Theatre of War: Egypt 20th September 1915
Awards: The Victory Medal, The British War Medal and the 1915 Star

Death: 9th October 1917 aged 22
CWGC Remembered: Tyne Cot Memorial
Panel Reference: 125-128

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Edward Percy Smith was the son of Edward and Martha Ann Smith who lived at 63 Cemetery Road, Barnsley.

Remembered:
Edward P. Smith is remembered on the St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes:
Lives of the First World War
Every One Remembered
Commonwealth War Graves Commission

From the Barnsley Chronicle 27 October 1917 with thanks to Barnsley Archives

SMITH - In affectionate remembrance of Pte. Edward Percy Smith, Y & L. the beloved and only son of Edward and Martha Ann Smith, who was killed in action October 9th 1917 aged 22 years.

A devoted son, a faithful friend,
One of the best that God could lend;
He bravely answered duty's call,
His life he gave for one and all.
- From,father, mother and sisters.
63 Cemetery Road,
Barnsley,

SMITH - In loving memory of Private Edward Percy Smith, killed in action October 9th 1917 aged 22 years.

Be though my guardian and my guide, 
And hold me lest I fall;
Let not my slippery footstops slide. 
And hear me when I call.

- From sister and brother-in-law.

 

Wednesday 31 May 2017

John Thomas White 1889 - 1917

John Thomas White Barnsley Chronicle 16th June 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born:
1889

Military Service:

Regiment and Battalion: York and Lancaster Regiment 10th Battalion
Service number and Rank: 22006 Private
Awards: Victory Medal and British War Medal

Death: 28th April 1917 aged 28  

Buried at: Chili Trench Cemetery, Gavrelle, France
Grave Reference: Special Memorial C.2.

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

John Thomas White was the son of Thomas William and Sarah White who lived at 21 Summer Lane, Barnsley.

Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes:
Lives of the First World War
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Every Man Remembered


Wednesday 17 May 2017

John W. Sharpe 1897 - 1917

John Sharpe Barnsley Chronicle 27th October 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born:
1897

Military Service:
Regiment: 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers
Service number and rank: 36995 Private
Awards: The British War Medal, The Victory Medal

Death: 23 September 1917 aged 20
Buried at: Mendringham Military Cemetery in Belgium
Grave Reference:  VII.D.7

Information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:


John W. Sharpe was the son of George Henry and Mary Annie Sharpe of 16 Berry Row, Westgate, Barnsley.

Remembered:

St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links:

Lives of the First World War
Commonwealth War Graves Commission

John Sharpe was also known as John W. Sharpe. It is interesting that my mother lived on Berry Row, Westgate, Barnsley.  It was sometimes called Back High Street.

Monday 10 April 2017

William Scaife 1895 - 1917

William Scaife Barnsley Chronicle 16th June 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born: 1895

Military Service:
Regiment and Battalion York and Lancaster 14th (Service) (2nd Barnsley) Battalion
Service number: 14/199 Private
Awards: The Victory Medal and the British War Medal

Death: 13th April 1917 age 22
Buried at: Bruay Communal Cemetery Extension in France
Grave Reference: E. 32.

Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes:

Lives of the First World War   
Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Thursday 6 April 2017

Joseph Patrick Chambers 1880 - 1917

Joseph Patrick Chambers Barnsley Chronicle 5th January 1918
with thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1880

Military Service:
Enlisted: October 1914
Entered Theatre of War:  15th January 1915
Regiment and Battalion: Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1st/4th Battalion  
Service number and rank:  3/2760 Lance Corporal

Awards:  The Victory Medal, The British War Medal and the 1915 star.
Death: 20th October 1917 aged 37
CWGC Remembered: Tyne Cot Memorial
Panel Reference: 108 to 111

Remembered:
St. Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial

Links & Notes:

Lives of the First World War
Commonwealth War Graves Commission

A BARNSLEY LANCE - CORPORAL KILLED AFTER THIRD VISIT TO FRANCE.
Lance-Corporal Joseph P. Chambers K.O.Y.L.I. whose home was at 16 Westgate, Barnsley has fallen in action at the age of 37 years and he leaves a wife and three children. The deceased soldier enlisted in 1914 and had twice invalided home from France, the last time he returned being the latter end of July last.  Before the war Lce-Cpl., Chambers worked for Mr. Wm. Shaw, botanical brewer, of this town.

From the Barnsley Chronicle  with thanks to Barnsley Archives

CHAMBERS - In affectionate remembrance of Lce-Cpl Joseph Patrick K.O.Y.L.I., the beloved husband of Clara Chambers, who was killed in action October 20th 1917. aged 37 years.


From the Barnsley Chronicle 5th January 1918 with thanks to Barnsley Archives


  



Charles Frederick Barham 1886 - 1917

Charles Frederick Barham Barnsley Independent 28th April 1917
with thanks to Barnsley Archives
Born: 1886

Military Service:
Regiment and Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment 8th Battalion
Service number and Rank: 31258 Private
Awards: The British War Medal and the Victory Medal

Death: 9th April 1917 age 31
Buried at : Cemetery Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport) Farm
Grave Reference: VII. L.18.

Information from Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
Charles Frederick was the son of Charles Robert and Elizabeth Barham and the husband of Eva Mary Barham of 8 Minden Street, Irlams-O'-th'-Height, Manchester.

Remembered:
St Marys Church Barnsley Combined War Memorial
Barnsley Co-operative Funeral Care Memorial Tablet and the Barnsley Co-operative Funeral Care Roll of Honour 

Links & Notes:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Lives of the First World War

From the Barnsley Chronicle 28th April 1917  with thanks to Barnsley Archives

WELL-KNOWN CO-OPERATIVE EMPLOYEE PRIVATE C.F. BARHAM KILLED.
The death in action on April 9th of Private Chas. F. Barham, aged 31 years is deeply deplored by his many friends in Barnsley and Ardsley.  He was the eldest son of Mr. C. R. Barham and before enlisting last year in the Y and L he had for nine years been engaged on the clerical staff of the Barnsley Co-operative Society's grocery distributing depot.  His wife was a daughter of Mr. J. H. Bagshaw of Stairfoot, the newly-appointed chairman of the Ardsley Urban District Council, and they resided at 64 Gawber Road, Barnsley.  Mrs. Barham has been the recipient of many tokens of condolence in her sad bereavement.  Captain and Adjutant H. Hind wrote " Dear Mrs. Barham - it is my painful duty to have to inform you of the death of your husband who was killed in action on 9th April, during an intense bombardment.  Death was caused by shellfire and was instantaneous  It may be some comfort  for you to know that the body was afforded a decent burial.  Sympathy, I know, will not alleviate your grief but I venture to offer it as a friend, having been in close touch with your husband as his Platoon Commander.  He was a splendid soldier and stuck to his post displaying the greatest courage and coolness despite the almost super human nerve strain I again, offer my sincerest condolences.

Barnsley Chronicle 28th April 1917 with thanks to Barnsley Archives