Keighley News 22nd September 1917, page 3:
LIEUTENANT J. P. HENDERSON
Official notice has been received that Second Lieutenant James Percy Henderson, Northumberland Fusiliers, late of Woodhouse Farm Keighley, has been killed in action. He was 31 years of age and enlisted at the outbreak of war. He had served at the front over two years. He returned to England a few months ago to take up a commission, and had only been back in the war zone a fortnight. Before enlisting he was employed with the Saxone Shoe Company at their Hull and Newcastle branches, he was an old Keighley and Trade Grammar School boy and a grandson of the late Mr. Joseph Shackleton, Woodhouse Farm, Keighley.
[James was born at Keighley in 1886. He lived at Higher Woodhouse with his parents and two brothers. His father was an assistant barman (publican). He attended Keighley Trade and Grammar School from 1900, to 1904 and obtained the Senior Oxford Local Certificate when he was in the Sixth Form
By 1911 he was working as a farm labourer aged 24 years. He enlisted in the early part of the war in 1914, entered France on April 20, 1915 and was wounded in July 1916. After a short period in hospital, he returned to his unit and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was offered a Commission and returned to train at Bristol Cadet School. After being gazetted, he went out again to France in August, 1917, and was placed with the “Tyneside Scottish.” He took part in many bombing raids on the German trenches and it was in one of these that he was killed on September 11.
He is remembered on the Thiepval memorial and on the Roll of Honour for St. Barnabas Church, The Keighlian magazine for Keighley Boys Grammar School, and in Keighley's Great War roll of honour book in Keighley Library]
KEIGHLEY. - A SOLDIER'S STRANGE DEATH.
Corporal T. E. Senior, West Riding Regiment, and of 24, Baptist Square, Keighley, has died in action. In a letter to the bereaved wife, a chaplain in the forces writes as follows: You will have heard by now the sad news about your husband. He died suddenly on the night of September 8, apparently of heart failure. He was in charge of a carrying party who were taking things up to the front line, and at that time showed no signs of being ill. He arrived with the party all complete, reported to the officer, and then suddenly fell dead. The doctor was called at once, but, of course, could do nothing. Earlier in the evening there had been considerable artillery fire on both sides, and there might have been an explosion close to your husband that acted on his heart, though I cannot find this out for a fact. I buried him in a soldier's cemetery close behind the lines. I want to send you my very real sympathy in your loss, and to assure you of our prayers. Corporal Senior died on active service as much as any other, and whatever the direct cause of death he gave his life in this great struggle of right against wrong. I knew him quite well personally, and so can speak of him as a good soldier and comrade. I used to admire his cheerfulness and good humour. We shall miss his cheerful influence and unfailing efforts to amuse us and to raise a smile at our own misfortunes. There is no saying what a help men like him are in terrible and trying times. Corporal Senior had been on active service two and a half years, ten months of which he spent in the Dardanelles.
[His full name is Thomas Henry Senior. The 'E' above is a typographical error.
Prior to joining the colours he was employed by Messrs. Longbottom and Farrar, Alice Street, Keighley who were a brass foundry and during the war they carried out work for the National Shell Factory in Keighley making brass nose cones for shell fuses.]
News has been received by Mrs Pickard, of 3, Barrett Street, Parkwood, of the death in action of her husband, Lance-Sergeant Willie Pickard, of the 9th battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. Before joining the colours he had been in the National Reserve, and had served in Egypt. Mrs Pickard has received a sympathetic letter from an officer of her husband's regiment, He says: " He was a devoted sergeant of mine, and I regret his loss, although I have not known him for long. He was in the rear line when it happened and we were able to bury him befitting his noble death and according to the rites of his religion." In civil life he was employed as a spindle grinder by Messrs Prince Smith & Son, Burlington Shed. He is buried in grave 23, row H, plot I of Gwalia Cemetery near Ypres, and is remembered locally on St Paul's Church war memorial in Keighley Shared Church, also on the Sun Street Methodist Chapel war memorial (with Cliffe Castle Museum) and in Keighley's Great War roll of honour book in Keighley Library.
[Willie was born in Keighley on March 18, 1885 and baptised two years later on May 19, 1887 at St Mary's Church, Eastwood. His parents were Frank and Ann Pickard. His father was a labourer and they lived at Eastwood. In 1891 he was six and living at 1 Broom Terrace in Parkwood with his parents, two sisters and one brother.
By 1901 he was sixteen and living at 2 Moses Street in Parkwood with his widowed mother, one sister and two brothers. He was employed as an iron turner making textile machinery.
At the age of twenty, on December 23, 1905 he married Maud Walton at St Mary's Church in Eastwood. He was still a turner by trade and Maud was an eighteen year old spinster from 19, Parkwood Street which was just around the corner from 4, Broom Street, where Willie was living at the time.
By 1911 they had moved to 3, Barrett Street in Parkwood and they had two very young sons called Frank and Fred. One other child had died in the five years since they had married. Willie was a spindle grinder making worsted machinery and Maud was a worsted spinner.
Willie enlisted very early in the war with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and is named in 'Keighley's Gallant Sons,' a list of early local volunteers in the war, along with his brothers Tom and Fred. They are also named in the Keighley Town Clerk's list of men who volunteered for service in 1914 but Willie is not, suggesting he enlisted some time later than they did. His war gratuity payment which is calculated on length of time served, suggests a date of July 1915 for his enlistment.
He died on September 4th 1917 whilst serving with the 9th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers and buried in grave 23, row H of plot I at Gwalia Military Cemetery to the North West of Ypres in Belgium.
Willie is one of the fourteen men of the 9th Lancashire Fusiliers who were killed in the early morning of 4 September 1917, in a German air raid over "Dirty Bucket Camp."]
Private William Holmes, whose home was at 22, Bengal street, Keighley, was killed in action on August 27. Joining the Army three years ago, he went out to France about a year ago. A letter from a comrade states that he was killed instantly by a sniper as the battalion was going over the top. Before joining the Army Private Holmes was employed as a moulder by Messrs Samuel Fearnsides & Sons.
[William had married Minne Hollings in 1912 and it's possible they had a son, Joseph Holmes]
Lance Corporal A. Wright, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, who has been recommended for the Military Medal, is missing. Before enlisting in May, he was employed as a painter and paperhanger by Mr A. Tillotson, High Street, Keighley. His wife and two children reside at 5, Quarry Street, Keighley.
[Arthur was born in Bradford in 1891, to parents George and Alice Wright and he followed his father into the painting and decorating trade. He married Sarah Emma Leadbetter in July 1912. Sarah appears to have remarried in 1925 to Hartley Wade, a widower.
32170 Lance Corporal Arthur Wright of C Company, 12, Platoon, 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, was believed to have been killed in action on August 16 or 17, 1917. An enquiry to the Red Cross from his sister Edith in October 1917, came back with the response that they had no prisoner of war record for him. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium]
Private Walter Blenkarn, West Yorkshire Regiment, 54, Wellington Street, is in hospital at Manchester suffering from wounds in the head. He has been wounded on two previous occasions, in the head and both legs. Prior to enlisting in March, 1915, he was employed by Hall & Stells, Ltd, Dalton Lane. Private Blenkarn has a younger brother serving in France.
[Walter received a bullet wound to the head on August 17 and died of his wound in Salford Royal Hospital on October 25. He is buried in grave RC 535, section G, Utley Cemetery, Keighley and a firing party came from Halifax and the coffin was draped with the Union Jack. Last post was sounded and volleys were fired over the grave. He was 34 years of age. He left behind his widow Bridget née Kelly, whom he had married at Keighley in 1903, and their three young sons James, Andrew and John]
Private George Alfred Dodson, West Riding Regiment, of 9, Ebenezer Square, Ingrow, has been wounded a second time (on 12th August, by a gas shell) and is in hospital abroad. Before enlistment in January, 1915, he was employed by Messrs Robert Clough, Grove Mills, Ingrow.
[George had been wounded by shrapnel to the head in July 1916. He survived the war and married Gladys May Snowden on Boxing Day, 26th December 1925. They were living at 270, Hermit Hole, Ingrow, Keighley in 1939 and had no children. George died in July 1959 aged 64.]
It has been officially announced during the past week that the following Keighley soldiers have been wounded: West Riding Regiment, Private P. Gerrard, 242610. Private B. Collington, 206065; Northamptonshire Regiment, Private W. Dixon, __528; Northumberland Fusiliers, Private J. Lawes 36380; Royal Fusiliers, Private C. Isherwood, 66920.
LEES AND CROSS ROADS.
Private Arthur Butterfield, King's Royal Rifles, of Ingrow, son-in-law of Mr and Mrs James Bradley of Lees, Keighley, is in hospital in France. Private Butterfield joined the forces in February, 1916, and went to France in August of that year.
SILSDEN - PRIVATE FISHER KILLED.
Official information has been received that Private George Fisher, of the Durham Light Infantry, husband of Mrs Fisher, Sandylands, Pannal, Harrogate, third son of Mr and Mrs Fisher, 19, Tufton Street, Silsden, was killed in action on August 29. In a letter to his wife a chaplain to the forces says: Your husband was very popular with his officers and comrades, and they all desire to send you their sincere sympathy in your sad bereavement. Your husband was a good soldier and a real friend, and all here who knew him sorrow with you." Private Fisher enlisted in the Royal Engineers in June of last year, and was afterwards transferred to the Durham Light Infantry. He went out to France in December last, where he worked with the Canadian Railway Troops. Mrs Fisher (Harrogate) lost her only son in the Dardanelles after he had been out there only a few months. He was 21 years of age, and enlisted in the West Yorkshire Regiment at the beginning of the war. Mr and Mrs Fisher, of Silsden, have two other sons serving - Private Charles Fisher, R.F.A., who is at present recovering from wounds received at Vimy Ridge, at a military hospital at Lessnes Park, and O. S. Maurice Fisher, who is on a training ship attached to the Navy. Any news concerning Private George Fishers death will be gratefully received by his wife or parents.
Lance-Corporal David B. M'Laren, Scottish Rifles, son of the late John M'Laren, Craigmaddie, Braeside Avenue, Rutherglen, died of wounds in hospital on August 20. Lance-Corporal M'Laren formerly resided with his parents in Skipton Road, Silsden, his father being then employed as manager at the firm of Messrs John Knox, Airedale Shed.
OXENHOPE.
Mr and Mrs John William Feather, Elm Street, Station Road, Oxenhope, received on Wednesday morning intelligence that their eldest son, Private Clarence Feather, of the West Riding Regiment, had been wounded in action, and was in hospital at the base in France. The communication gave no indication of the nature and extent of his injuries. Before joining the Army in October last year Private Feather was employed as a spinning overlooker by Messrs Taylor Brothers, Silsden.
HAWORTH.
Gunner Thomas Wright, of Allerton, Bradford, late of Haworth, who joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, has been wounded and is now in hospital at Boulogne.
Private Arthur Smith, of the Royal Oak Hotel, Haworth, has been officially reported killed in action on May 3. He had been previously reported missing.
COWLING.
Mr Clem Thorpe, of Keighley Road, Cowling, has during the week received news of the death in France of his son Sergeant George F. Thorpe. Sergeant Thorpe was severely gassed on September 9, and died two days later at a casualty clearing station. He enlisted in November, 1915, in the West Yorkshire Regiment, and in the following May he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, going out to France a little over a year ago. He was wounded on the Somme in October, 1916. He was 21 years of age, and before enlistment was employed by the Keighley Gas and Oil Engine Company as a clerk. For a few years he acted as one of the recording secretaries in the Cowling United Methodist Sunday School, and was very much interested in both church and school work. Of a very cheery disposition, he was deservedly popular amongst a wide circle of friends.
Private James E. Whitaker, of the Grenadier Guards, son of Mr and Mrs Whitaker, Lumb Farm, Cowling, has sustained a shrapnel wound, in the right shoulder. He is now at a base hospital in France. He joined up in August, 1916, and at the time of enlistment was engaged on the farm with his father.
Saturday, September 29, 1917 page 3:
LOCAL WAR CASUALTIES
CAPTAIN A. CLARKSON, M.C.
Captain Amos Clarkson, M.C., son of the late Mr ____ Clarkson, of Ilkley and Silsden, and Mrs Clarkson, Elmcliffe, Parish Ghyll Road, Ilkley, was wounded in the thigh by shrapnel on September 20. Captain Clarkson joined the West Riding Regiment as a private in the early days of the war, and after some time at the front received a commission in the West Yorkshire Regiment. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action during the Messines Ridge engagement. When wounded Captain Clarkson was in charge of a trench mortar battery. He is in hospital at Cambridge.
KEIGHLEY.
TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN SOLDIER.
Private James B. Creek, West Riding Regiment, the son of Mr and Mrs J. Creek, 4, Emerald Street, Ingrow, is reported as wounded and missing. In a letter to the parents Lieutenant Sharp writes as follows: " I am really sorry to have to write you about your son, Private Creek, who in the attack on the afternoon of August 27, was hit on the forehead. He was by my side when he was hot, and as I did not actually see him die I have reported him as wounded and missing. He was a good help to me. He became a runner about four months ago, and never can a man serve an officer better than he served me. Many times have we been out together trying to gather information, and he was always cheerful and willing to go anywhere. I remember one night how well he worked in getting assistance for a wounded man and who greatly appreciated what your son did for him. Sorrowfully I do state that I think your son died just after he was hit; but I am waiting to hear that it is not so. All No. 4 platoon mourn his absence, and offer you their heartfelt sympathy."
Nineteen years of age, Private Creek joined the volunteers about three years ago, and took part in the landing at Suvla Bay, where he was wounded. He was formerly employed at Huddersfield. A brother, Private J. Creek, is serving in India.
DIED AT HIS POST.
Corporal J. E. Dixon, Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment, son of Mrs M. A. Dixon, 11, Gordon Street, Keighley, was killed in action on September __. In a letter of sympathy Lieutenant T. Ash____ says: "It is with deep regret that I have to advise you of the death in action of your son Corporal Dixon, which took place near Ypres while at his post in a front-line trench. A piece of high explosive shell struck him between the shoulder blades, and he died instantly. He was a willing and conscientious soldier, and was liked by all the officers and men of the company. I hope you may find a small consolation in the fact that he died a true soldier's death, being actually at his post as a soldier overlooking the German lines. He was buried within a few yards of where he fell, the grave being marked by a small cross." Corporal Dixon enlisted at the outbreak of the war, and was wounded at the landing at Suvla Bay. He was also wounded on the Somme in July of last year, and returned to the front in February last.
AN OFFICER'S FINE TRIBUTE.
Private Willie Heaton, South Lancashire Regiment, son of Mrs Heaton, 11, Tennyson Street, Keighley, has been killed in action in Salonika. In a letter to the bereaved parents, Lieutenant A. D. ___ter says: "I cannot express to you our sorrow at losing such a splendid your fellow as your son was. We officers thought the world of him, he was our personal runner and orderly. I have had much opportunity to admire his great qualities of ___ery, cheerfulness, devotion to duty at all times and his ever honest frankness. Personally I saw in your dear son a splendid soldier and a good friend. Do not grieve too much, but try to remember that he gave his all in the greatest cause that was ever fought for, and made the supreme and noblest sacrifice for his King and country. I will just give you one or two details as to the end. On the night of August 30 your son was in the trenches with his Captain and myself. The enemy opened up with a heavy bombardment, and a big trench mortar shell hit close to us. The captain and myself were covered with stones &c., but poor Willie was killed. He was buried in a very pretty little cemetery in most beautiful surroundings. Let me respectfully congratulate you on being the mother of such a splendid son - a lad who set a fine example wherever he went." Private Heaton enlisted in September, 191?, prior to when he was employed as a carter by the Keighley Corporation. He was connected with Sun Street Wesleyan Mission.
KLLED BY A SHELL.
Lance-Corporal Wilfred Coates, Machine Gun Corps, of 6, Grafton Road, Keighley, has been killed in action. The sad news has been received in the following letter from Lieutenant S. H. __dges: It is with the deepest sympathy and sorrow that I have to break the news to you of the death in action of your husband on September 7. A shell burst in his gun position and he was struck, death being instantaneous. It is very sad, for Lance-Corporal Coates was about the finest and most popular man in the company. Although above him as his officer, I looked upon him as a pal and comrade, and I feel his loss greatly. He was always so cheerful, and when under fire as fearless as a lion; he knew not the meaning of fear. The only consolation I can offer you is that he has gone to that "Peace, perfect peace" where we shall all join him at our appointed time. Although this letter will unfortunately give you great sorrow, perhaps with time you will be cheered and proud to think that your dear husband laid down his life in the great sacrifice for freedom. 'Oh death, where is thy sting?' Not with dear Coates as he is, I am sure, in happiness now, yet the sting is, alas, yours, for he has gone from you. Try to be cheered, for it is only for a time, and then the great reunion day will come." A N.C.O. has also written a touching letter of sympathy to the sorrowing wife. Prior to enlisting in 1915, Lance-Corporal Coates was employed by the Stockbridge Finishing Company. He has been recommended for the D.C.M.
Gunner Anthony James Butterfield, Royal Field Artillery, of 84, Spencer Street, Keighley, has been wounded in the right knee and is in hospital in Bogthorpe, Nottingham. Gunner Butterfield, who is 21 years of age, was formerly a fitter's apprentice employed by Messrs Pickersgill Brothers & Co., tool makers, Keighley. He has been in the Army since January, 1915. Gunner Butterfield's father has served twenty-one years in the Marines. He was with the Royal Naval Division at Antwerp and served in the Dardanelles.
Private W. Lambert, 22, Grafton Road, Keighley, and of the Northumberland Fusiliers, has been wounded by a shrapnel bullet in the left arm and is in hospital in Rouen, France. He joined the forces in June, 1916, and previous to enlisting was employed by Messrs T. B. Dickinson & Son, drapers, High Street, Keighley.
OXENHOPE.
On Wednesday morning Mr and Mrs Haynes, Yate Lane, Oxenhope, were officially notified that their only son, Private W. E. Haynes, of the King's Liverpool regiment, had been wounded in France, and was in the Brook War Hospital, Woolwich. Private Haynes is 19 years of age, and attested under the Derby scheme. He had been out in France about four months, and was formerly employed on the Midland Railway at Steeton. He has sustained a shrapnel wound in the cheek.
KEIGHLEY
Private Arthur Lilley (20), of 13, Colne Street, Keighley, who was attached to a battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed in action on September 3. He enlisted sixteen months ago, and had been wounded twice previously, going out to France after recovery from the second wound in June last. Private Lilley was formerly employed as a bolt maker by Messrs George Hattersley, Limited, and was connected with the Keighley Parish Church gymnastic team and cricket club.
Mrs Jarman, Swallow Street, Keighley, has received information to the effect that her husband, Lance-Corporal H. Jarman, West Riding Regiment, who has been reported as missing since July 8, is now a prisoner of war. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a labourer by Messrs Prince Smith and Son, Keighley. A brother, Private A. E. Jarman, has been invalided home.
Mrs Isherwood, of 41, Hainworth Road, Woodhouse, Keighley, has received official information that her husband, Private C. Isherwood, Royal Fusiliers, has been wounded. Before enlisting he was employed as a moulder by Messrs W. Slingsby and Co., ironfounders.
Private Fred Pawson, Royal Field Artillery, of 33, Staveley Road, Ingrow, was killed on August 25. Private Pawson enlisted in October, 1915, before which he was employed by Messrs Hall & Stell, textile machinery makers, Keighley.
Sergeant H. Leeming, whose wife and child reside at 62, Surrey Street, Keighley, has been wounded and is in a hospital at Sheffield. He has a brother who has been in Germany since October, 1914, and a brother-in-law was killed in October, 1916.
Private Albert Lund, West Riding Regiment, of 303, South Street, Keighley, has been admitted to a base hospital suffering from gas poisoning.
It has been officially announced during the past week that the following Keighley soldiers have been wounded: West Riding Regiment, Private J. Hardacre, 19666, Private W. Burnett, 9590. and Private H. Keighley, 267197. Machine Gun Corps, Private D. Lovatt, 42016. York and Lancaster Regiment, Private E. Taylor 33414. Royal Scots Regiment, Private J. Liddimore, 325861.
STANBURY.
Private Samuel Metcalfe (Tyneside Scottish), of Stanbury, has been wounded for the second time - this time in the thigh - and is in hospital at Stockport. Had it not been for his water-bottle, which was first struck by the projectile, the injury would have been much more serious.
STEETON.
Mr and Mrs Walter Stanbridge, High Street, received word on Wednesday morning last that their son, Lance-Corporal Henry Stanbridge, West Riding Regiment, had been wounded in the right arm and was in hospital in Birmingham. Mr and Mrs Stanbridge have two other sons in the Army, one in France and the other at Salonika. Lance-Corporal Stanbridge is married with two children, and resided in Keighley previous to joining the Army. He had been in France about two months.
