FRANCIS JOHN FEASEY 13/1129, 13th Battalion, York & Lancaster

Frank Feasey back left, with his siblings
Photograph with hanks to Michael Riley

Service Details 
Francis John Feasey 13/1129, 13th Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment. Killed in action 1st July 1916, aged 20

Biography
Written by 
Yvonne Joan Viva Riley Niece of Francis John Feasey and Michael John Riley JP Great-nephew of Francis John Feasey.

Francis John Feasey was born in 1896, in the village Brackley, near Buckinghamshire. In the late 1500s Buckinghamshire had received an influx of Huguenot refugees from France, and
the stories passed down inside the family are that he was descended from some of them (the relevance of this will be seen later). Frank’s was a farming family, grounded in a Christian Faith that was the focal point for life in the villages around Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. Had Frank lived, he would surely have passed on to his children a religious tradition based on the farming principles of being ‘a good shepherd’; a ‘pastoral Christianity’ based on serving others, while wary of spiritual leaders whose congregations are founded on the prospects of greater rewards on earth. Certainly, this was the Faith of his siblings who survived to adulthood.

Frank's parent Aubrey And Louisa Feasey
Photo with Thanks to Micheal Riley.

About 1906, the two parents, three boys and three girls were encouraged to move north, to join another branch of the Feasey family. At the time, agriculture as a British industry was
beginning to decline, and it was felt that there would be more opportunities for the children in an industrial area. Once in Yorkshire, living at 22 Jardine St, Wombwell, the family was
blessed with the addition of two more boys. Frank had always been big for his age, and tended to mix with boys who were older than himself. When war came he begged his mother to let him join them in volunteering for service.His friends would have many adventures, he said. They would see the world and, when they returned, their life experience would be so much greater than his. He desperately wanted to share in the soldier’s life that was so heavily promoted to those who would volunteer. After much discussion, and against their own intuition, Frank’s parents reluctantly allowed him to register, despite his relative youth. History books now tell more than our family knew of Frank’s life in the army. We knew that he trained in England, then traveled to Egypt. By his own account, this period of his life seemed to be all that he had imagined the life of a soldier to be. Frank’s military records show him as always a Private. Our family did hear of his recommendation for promotion to Corporal. Unfortunately, on the day of his recommendation and in the ensuing revelry, a wooden bench seat went through a window, and the promotion was withdrawn before it could be confirmed. So his family was told. In March 1916, the 1st Barnsley Pals relocated to France, to defend the front line of the Somme. We know little of his activities between March and June, but we believe this to have been a period of greater hardship, compared to his time in Egypt. On July 1, the 1st Barnsley Pals were ordered to rise out of the trenches and march toward the German lines, which were thought to have been decimated by earlier shelling. Instead, they met with fierce resistance, and Frank was one of many soldiers recorded as ‘missing’ on that day. Ironically, Frank died not more than 50 kilometres from the area where his Huguenot ancestors are reputed to have lived, 350 years before.

Frank's Camp Bible

More than his own heart was stilled at that time. On the 20th of July the family received notice that he was missing. His mother’s heart was broken by the loss of her eldest son and she was forever wistful, even at the best of times. Frank’s father bore the loss silently, but with equal grief. Right into her old age my grandmother, Elsie, born just a couple of years earlier than Frank, often spoke about the loss of the boy who, despite his youth, had behaved as a big brother to her. Elsie kept a letter her brother had sent from The Front. Our family still has the letter, and it is clearly tinged with anxiety and a little homesickness. The letter expresses Frank’s interest in Elsie’s friend, Mildred, and in his fellow-soldier’s (Frank Inskipp) interest in corresponding with Elsie. Sadly, both Frank Feasey and Frank Inskipp were

Inside the front of Frank's camp bible.

killed together on July 1st, 1916. After his mother died, Frank’s soldier’s paybook and tunic buttons were buried with her. When Elsie died, we placed Frank’s photograph beside her. Truly, from the time he was declared missing, Frank was constantly missed. Frank’s two brothers who also served in World War One returned to live out their lives in Yorkshire. Some of Frank’s friends also returned, but were wounded (either physically or psychologically) and were considered to be unreliable witnesses when they told Frank’s mother that they had seen him being marched away as a prisoner of the Germans. Nevertheless, the prospect that Frank had somehow survived, but with total loss of memory, was too tantalizing to ever give up completely, and it haunted the family for years. The official version of what happened to Frank is that he was killed at some time during the morning of July 1sy His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial as having died with no known resting place.

A transcript of Francis John Feasey's letter from the Front can be read here.

Grave:
No known grave.

Memorials:
Lundhill Sunday school memorial, now inside St. Mary's Church, Wombwell
Thiepval memorial, pier and face 14 A and 14 B, France
Wombwell War Memorial, Park Street, South Yorkshire.

Francis John Feasey’s Letter from The Front

This is a transcript of  a letter Francis John Feasey sent from the Front to his elder sister Elsie. In it he mentions his friend Frank Inskipp, who also died at the Somme on the 1st July 1916. Frank Inskipp is remembered at Darfield. The letter was kindly shared with me by Francis Feasey's great nephew in New Zealand, Michael Riley (The letter was written as one long sentence.)

Dearest Elsie,
With greatest of pleasure I now write you these few lines and no doubt you have had a letter from my pal, Frank Inskip, but I have had no letter from you saying whether you received them cards or not and tell Mildred to let me know whether she received hers or not herself (but you know I don’t mean our Millie) and I should like to know how you are going on in world so do drop me a line as well as my pal as there is only mother that writes to me just now only Cousin Florrie and she sends me two packets of Gold Flake cigarettes pretty regular and there’s about 50 in one packet so can get a few sometimes but I don’t care much for them sort as I would rather have a wild Woodbine cigarette than any sort you can mention so if you don’t mind and wish to do me a favour you can do by sending me a few Woodbine cigarettes so I can enjoy a good smoke and if there is anything that you would like from here just let me know what it is and I will try to get what you want if I can get it but don’t ask for anything that I am not allowed to send or anything that I can’t get so don’t forget will you and I would like a locket with your photo and you’re mate’s photo (Mildred, I mean) so I shall have something to keep reminding me of you and I have got a cigarette case with a picture in and I have took that out and put your old photo in so I can see what you look like any time I want a smoke but I should like something for a keepsake so if you see a locket cheap send me one with your two photos in but I will close with best love and good luck to you from your ever-loving brother,
Frank

Elsie Feasey

Frank Inskipp

Francis John 'Frank' Feasey

Private Bartley Bannister, 215, Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd Bn.

Service Details:

The Mexborough & Swinton Times 2nd Jan. 1915

Image with thanks to the Barnsley Archives

Private Bartley Bannister, 215, Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd Bn. Presumed dead 2nd September 1914, Age 28.

Biography:
Bartley Bannister was born in 1886, at Pemberton in Lancashire, He lived near Wigan for most of his twenty-eight years and only moved to Wombwell shortly before the outbreak of war, however, once he'd settled into his new home on Hough Lane, Bartley quickly became a much loved pillar of the community. He worked for Wombwell Main Colliery and spent much of his free time involved in actives at the local parish church, St. Mary's. He was a drill instructor for the Wombwell branch of the Church Lads Brigade as well as a member of the Church of England Men's Society. He was by all accounts a popular and well liked man.

As a member of the army reserve, Bartley was called up at the outbreak of war. He arrived in France on the 22nd August 1914. His regiment, the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers, got there just in time to take part in the retreat from Mons.  After that he wasn't heard of again for sometimes. In May 1915 an article appeared in The Barnsley Chronicle explaining Bartley's fate:
"Private Bartley Bannister, a Wombwell soldier, who has been reported wounded and missing, died in hospital from wounds received at Cattenieres. Private Steele of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who has lately returned from Germany, as an exchange prisoner of war, brought the news. Private Steele states that Bannister was lying in hospital at Cattenieres at the same time as himself, and died there."

Barnsley Chronicle 8th May 1915

Article with thanks to The Barnsley Archives

Although private Bannister's death wasn't officially declared until September 1915, his name does appear in several newspaper's casualty lists as having being 'killed' prior to this date. The official notification of death claims he 'fell in action' on (or around) 2nd September 1915 and was presumed dead on that date, which is not entirely accurate if  Private Steele's account is to be believed.  Bartley is one of five identified WW1 casualties to be buried in the churchyard at Cattenieres. One man, Private T. Brady died at the same time as Bartley, but the other three burials date from December 1917. Due to his participation in the Mons retreat Bartley posthumously qualified to receive the 1914 Star, a medal also known as the Mons Star.

Church of England Men's Society Roll of Honour
St. Mary's Church, Wombwell.

Grave:
Cattenieres Churchyard, Plot 5, Northern France.

Memorials:
St. Marks Church War Memorial, Newtown, Wigan, WN5 9BN
Wigan Cenotaph, All Saint's Church, Lancashire, WN1 1NL
Wombwell war memorial, Park Street, S73 0HS
Church of England Men's society memorial St. Mary's Church, Wombwell, S73 0DQ.










Sources____________________________________
Barnsley Chronicle - 8th May 1915 & 11th September 1915
South Yorkshire Times - 2nd Jan 1915 & 5th June 1915
Cwgc.org - Casualty Details for B. Banniste
1901 & 1911 Census
Medal index card & Medal rolls for B. Bannister
Register of soldiers' effects f or B. Bannister
Wikipedia.org/wiki/1914_Star

Private Frank Pettitt, 15914,York and Lancaster Regiment, 10th Bn.

South Yorkshire Times 8th Dec 1917
 with thanks to the Barnsley Archives

Service Details:
Private Frank Pettitt, 15914,York and Lancaster Regiment 10th Bn. Died of wounds 12th October 1917, Age 33.

Biography:
Frank was born at Handsworth near Sheffield in August 1884. He was the eldest son of Elizabeth and John Pettitt. The family relocated to Hawson Street at Wombwell in the 1890s and a few years later Frank began working at the nearby Cortonwood colliery.  Sadly out of Frank's twelve siblings six died in childhood and his mother also passed away in 1908. But that wasn't to be the end of the families heartache, both Frank and his younger brother Henry would die during the First World War.

Frank enlisted on the 12th October 1914 and joined the 10th Battalion of the York and Lancaster, his neighbour John Haywood would later join the same regiment. On the 12th October 1917 the Battle of Passchendaele took place. Frank's regiment was one of many which took part in the action that day. The army's objective was to break through the German defenses and take Passchendaele Ridge, however, the operation would ultimately fail on this attempt and would cost Frank his life in the process. One of his comrades Sec. Lieut. H. D. Hughes wrote to his family about the circumstances of his death:

"It is with great sorrow that I heard of the death of your brother Frank. I was not with him at the time, but I know he was at his post and doing his duty, and his loss is a great blow to me. He was liked by us all he was buried near Jack (John) Haywood, another of our men from your street, in a cemetery near here. Words always seem useless in a case like this, but I wanted to tell you how we miss him."

The South Yorkshire Times

8th Dec, 1917

Frank was buried at Larch Wood cemetery 2.5 miles south east of Ypres city centre in West Belgium. His neighbour John Haywood died of wounds only three days after Frank and was buried at Bedford House cemetery. Frank was posthumously awarded the British War and Victory medal, and because he had enlisted before conscription he also qualified for the 1914-15 Star. After the war the government commissioned a commemorative plaque known as the 'Death Penny' to be cast in bronze and given to the families of all those who died serving. Frank's plaque was discovered at scrapyard near Goldthorpe in 2015 and has been displayed at several local history exhibition since it's rescue.

Frank Pettitt's Death Penny
Found at Wallis Metals in 2015

Grave:
Larchwood Railway cutting cemetery, Plot V. A. 19, Belgium

Memorials:
Cortonwood War Memorial, Brampton Brierlow, S75 0TU
Wombwell war memorial, Park Street, S73 0HS

Additional Details:
This piece was written in part with information kindly supplied by, and with thanks to the Wombwell Heritage Group.




Sources__________________________________________
South Yorkshire Times 8th Dec 1917
Barnsley Chronicle 4th Sept. 2015 & 11th September 2015
1891, 1901 and 1911 Census
Cwgc.org - Casualty details for F. Pettitt
F. Pettitt's Service record, Soldier's effects & Medal index card
Wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Passchendaele

Fitter Staff-Sergt. Bernard Washington Kilner, 52200, Royal Field Artillery

Roy Kilner's grave in Wombwell Cemetery

Service Details:
Fitter Staff Sergeant Bernard Washington Kilner, MSM, 52200, Royal Field Artillery 51st Bde. Killed in Action 18th October 1917, Age 28.

Biography:
Bernard Washington Kilner came from a well known family of Yorkshire sports men. His uncle was the former Yorkshire country cricketer, Irving Washington, and all of Bernard's brothers played cricket at some level, two of them professionally, but it was probably his younger brother Roy Kilner who would be considered the star of the family, Roy would play nine test matches for England before his own untimely death in 1928.

Bernard was born at Wombwell on the 16th July 1889 and was the oldest son of  Seth and Mary Alice Kilner. Later in life his parents ran the Half Way House Hotel at Wombwell. As a youth he attended the Church Lad's brigade at nearby St. Mary's church. In his early twenties Bernard married Edith Annie Booker, daughter of a local confectioner and sister of fellow soldier, Walter Booker. Together they had one son named Cyril, who was born 5th September 1910. Upon leaving school Bernard had found work as a fitter at Mitchell Main Colliery, he later left Mitchells' and took up a similar post at Treeton Colliery near Rotherham.

Memorial to Bernard Kilner
On Roy Kilner's grave

On the 4th January 1915 Bernard enlisted in the the Royal Field Artillery at Woolwich,  where he was awarded the rank of Fitter Staff Sergeant after passing all the required trade tests. According to several local newspaper articles of the time, Bernard had served "Through most of the major engagements there, and up to his death had come through it without mishap" In July 1916 Bernard took part in the Battle of the Somme, and was awarded the M.S.M only a few months prior to his death. The Battle of Passchendaele took place in West Belgium on 12th October 1917, six days Bernard was killed in action. He had been stationed near Ypres at the time. His commanding officer Captain R. F. Balmain wrote to his family explaining the circumstances of his death:
"Staff Sergt Kilner had returned to us a few days previous to this most terrible occurrence, and had set out from H.Q to inspect the guns. As he was approaching one of the batteries, he, along with an orderly, was hit by a shell, and died a few minutes afterwards, and did not regain consciousness and owing to this, thank God he could not have suffered. His remains were buried in the military cemetery at St. Julien, about 6 miles from Ypres, on 19th October. Staff sergeant  Kilner's death came as a great blow to us all. He had been with the Brigade such a long time, and had endeared himself on account of his reliability and bravery."

Church Lads' Brigade Memorial
St. Mary's Church, Wombwell.

Bernard's brothers Roy, Norman and Colin who were also serving, all survived the war. Though Roy was wounded on the Somme, he resumed playing cricket again once the conflict was over. Bernard was interred at St. Julien Dressing Station cemetery in Belgium.

Grave:
St. Julien Dressing Station cemetery, Plot I. C. 5, Ypres, Belgium.

Memorials:
Wombwell war memorial, Park Street, S73 0HS
Church Lads Brigade memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell, S73 0DQ.

Additional Details:
There is a dedication to Bernard on his brother, Roy Kilner's grave in Wombwell cemetery.

Sources_____________________________
1901 census & 1911 census
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour
Cwgc.org - Casualty Details for B. Kilner
Wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Kilner
Wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Passchendaele
Barnsley Chronicle - 23rd Jan 1915, April 10th 1915, June 9th 1917, 11th Nov 1917, 1st Dec. 1917 and June 29th 1918

Private Tom Drudy, 15918, Coldstream Guards 2nd Bn.

South Yorkshire Times - 7th Oct. 1917
Image with thanks to the Barnsley Archives

Service Details:
Private. Tom Drudy, 15918, Coldstream Guards 2nd Bn.
Killed in Action  31st July 1917, Age 20/21.

Biography:
Tom Drudy was one of  Passchendaele's first casualties; The 3 month campaign, which is also referred to as the 3rd battle of Ypres, took place in West Belgium between 31st July and 10th November 1917. The main aim of the offensive was to gain allied control of the area surrounding the Belgian city of Ypres.  At the time Tom was a 21 year old private with the 2nd Cold Stream Guards and a former miner at Wombwell Main Colliery. As the offensive commenced Tom was stationed not far from a railway junction, 5 miles east of Passchendaele. His regiment was part of the Guards Division. When the assault against the German's began at 3.50am on 31st July 1917 it was his brigade's job to support the other regiments in the division, 5 hours later at 8.50am Tom's battalion moved forward in order to take their own objectives, but enemy machine gun fire from the direction of the River Steenbeek caused them to fall 80 yards short of their target. It was during the advance that Tom most likely lost his life. The days following the battle were mired by torrential rain, which halted allied progress and turned the already churned and crater ridden ground into a boggy mire, this made it impossible to recover and identify the bodies of the fallen. Like so many other's that day Tom's remains were claimed by the mud of West Belgium, unable to receive a proper burial Tom is remembered on the Menin Gate instead. His wife, Doris, would not receive notification of his death until September, When it was official announced in The Barnsley Chronicle.

The Menin Gate Image from Wikipedia

Tom was the second son and third child of William and Mary Drudy, a coal miner and riper packer respectively, the family lived at 22 Main Street, Wombwell. Tom enlisted in April 1915, and on 15th September 1916, almost 18 months in to his service, he was wounded in the hand and thigh. Subsequently, Tom was sent back to England to recover and he spent some time convalescing at Whalley Hospital in Lancaster, before returning to join his regiment overseas. He was posthumously awarded the 1914-15 Star as well as the British War and Victory Medals.

Grave:
No known grave

Memorials:
Menin Gate, panel 11. Ypres, Belgium
Wombwell War Memorial, Park Street, S73 0HS.

Sources_____________________________________
Barnsley Chronicle: 30th Sept. 1916, 8th Sept. 1917 and 28th Oct. 1916
South Yorkshire Times 7th Oct. 1917.
Cwgc.com - casuality details for Tom Drudy
1911 Census, Soldiers' Who Died in the Great War and Register of Soldier effects

CSM Frank Ashton, C/476, King's Royal Rifle Corps 16th Bn.

Service Details:
Company Sergeant Major Frank Ashton, C/476, King's Royal Rifle Corps 16th Bn. Died of wounds 29th May 1917, Age 21.

Biography:
Frank Ashton was born on the 16th August 1895 to John and Lucy Ashton (nee Jackson). He lived with his parents and siblings at 2 New Street, Wombwell. In his youth Frank was a member of his local church lads brigade. After leaving school  he found work as a miner at Mitchell Main Colliery .

Frank enlisted shortly after the out break of war, attesting on the 21st September 1914. He began serving with the expeditionary forces overseas on 16th Nov 1915, Once in France he quickly rose through the ranks gaining several promotions in rapid succession, rising from corporal to company sergeant major, the latter, a position to which he was appointed on 5th January 1917. During July 1916 he received a gunshot wound to the right shoulder but had returned to regular duty by the end of August. Frank was again wounded in action on 20th May, he passed away a little over a week later at the No. 20 casualty clearing station from injuries to his shoulder and hand and was interred nearby at Boisleaux-au-Mont.

Church Lads Brigade memorial
in St. Mary's Church, Wombwell.

The following account was written by his commanding officer, who praises Frank in glowing terms:
"On 20 May he did not actually go over the top with us. and no one regretted that more than he that his duty kept him at the advanced dressing station.  on the way up to the line he was in splendid spirits as ever, and kept the men singing and cheerful, remaining with us and helping to get the men into position until we actually moved forward to the assault. I have known him for a long time, and followed his promotion with great interest; although he had not been coy. sergt- major very long, nobody could have found a truer or or more reliable man - always popular, a splendid example of a soldier in action, and a man to be proud of and emulate. He was as enthusiastic in sport as in the execution of his duties, and his place will be difficult to fill in the history of the company and battalions."

Extract taken from Frank Ashton's entry in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour

Description:
According to his service record, Frank was 5ft and 9.5in tall and weighed 161lbs when he enlisted. His eyes were described as hazel in colour and his hair a shade of light brown.

The headstone commemorating Frank Ashton,
located in Wombwell Cemetery.

Grave:
Sunken Road cemetery, Plot I.D. 11., Boisleaux-St. Marc, France.

Memorials:
Wombwell war memorial, Park St. South Yorkshire, S73 0HS.
Church Lads Brigade memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell, S73 0DQ

Additional Information:
Frank Ashton is also remembered on his parent's headstone in Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire, S73 8HY.

Photo of Frank from South Yorkshire Times dated 23rd June 1917. With thanks to the Barnsley Archives.

Lce-Cpl. Thomas Ashcroft, 41685, York and Lancaster Regiment 1st 4th Bn.

T. Ashcroft, 8th June 1918,
South Yorkshire Times

Service Details:
Lce-Cpl. Thomas Ashcroft, 41685, York and Lancaster Regiment 1st 4th Bn. Died 29th April 1918, Age 21.

Biography: 
"Lcp Thomas Ashcroft son of Mr & Mrs David Ashcroft 26 Broomhill, Wombwell was killed in Action in France on April 29th during a heavy bombardment. He enlisted in March 1917 and went to France in June. He was 21 years of age".

Taken from South Yorkshire Times, 8th June 1918.

Three of his brothers, David, Sam & William also served in WW1. Prior to the war Thomas was employed by one of the local collieries, His occupation is given as 'pony driver' on both the enlistment form and 1911 census. According to Thomas' service record at the time of enlisting he stood at 5ft, 3& 3/4" tall, weighed 133 lbs, had a scar on the bridge of his nose and was slightly flat footed. More poignantly, also contained within his service record are two letters from his mother, Alice, pleading to have her son's personal belongings returned, there is no reply to these petitions held within the records, so we will never know if she ever got a response or his items returned, Sadly it seems unlikely as Thomas has no known grave, perhaps his belongings were lost along with his body.

Grave:
No known grave.

War Memorials:
Tyne Cot Memorial, Panels 125 - 128,  Belgium
Wombwell, War Memorial, Park Street, South Yorkshire, S73 0HS

Source_____________________________________
South Yorkshire Times 8th June 1918
1901 &1911 census
Cwgc.org - Casualty details for T.Ashcroft
Service Record for T.Ashcroft

Private Sydney Archer, 2963, York and Lancaster Regiment 3/5th Bn.

Sydney Archer is remembered on
the Hemingfield & Jump war memorial

Service details:
Pte. Sydney Archer, 2963, York and Lancaster Regiment 3/5th Bn. Died 27th April 1915, Age 20.

Bio: 
Sydney suffered from epilepsy and died due to complications of his illness. He passed away at the military hospital in York less than six months after enlisting. Because he had spent such a short time with the army, it meant he wasn't entitled to a military burial or headstone.

Grave:
 Plot E.337, St. Peter's churchyard at Hoyland.

Memorials:
Wombwell war memorial, Park Street, Wombwell, South Yorkshire, S73 0HS
Hemingfield War Memorial, Jump cemetery Nr Barnsley South Yorkshire. S73 0JQ

Sources_________________________________________
1911 Census
Register of Soldiers' effects for S.Archer.

Grave of Private Leonard Hellewell

Private Leonard Hellewell, died on the 23rd April 1916. He is buried in Wombwell cemetery, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE

Inscription:
Northumberland / Fusiliers /
30394 Private / L, HELLEWELL /
Northumberland / Fusiliers
23rd April 1916 age 46 /
At rest /

Burial location: Con 8, 2770, Wombwell Cemetery, S73 8JE.

Link to full bio:

Private Tom Hall & Private William A. Hall - Family Headstone

Private Tom Hall & Private William A. Hall, were two brothers who both died while serving their country overseas. Neither of them have a marked grave but they are remembered on their parents' grave in Wombwell cemetery, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

Inscription:
In Loving memory Of / Alice / The beloved wife of / Charles Walter Hall /
Died Sep. 26th 1949 / Aged 83 years /
Also their two sons WILLIAM ARTHUR & TOM / Killed in the Great War 1914-1918 /
Also their daughter Margaret Agnes / Who died in infancy / "At Rest" /
Also the above named Charles Walter Hall / Died Nov. 18th 1950 /
Aged 88 years / Re-united.

Headstone location:
Con 8, 2296, Wombwell cemetery, S73 8JE

Burial Locations:
Unknown.

Link to biographies:

Private Herbert Gelder - Family Headstone

Private Herbert Gelder, was killed in France on 4th October 1917 aged 20,  His true burial place remains unknown and unmarked, however he is remembered on his parent's grave in Wombwell cemetery, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

Inscription:
In Affectionate Remembrance / Of / Elizabeth / The beloved wife of /
Albert Gelder, of New Wombwell / Who died December 10th 1889 /
Aged 29 years / Also Alfred son of the above / Who died April 24th 1889 /
Aged 5 months / Also Ethel daughter of / Albert and Mary Gelder /
Who died Sept. 5th 1896 / Aged 6 weeks / Also of Mary Gelder /
The beloved wife of the above / Who died July 17th 1912 / Aged 45 years /
Also the above named / Albert Gelder / Who died February 26th 1933 / Aged 66 years //
Also their son / Pte Herbert Gelder / 10th K.O.Y.L.I. killed in France / October 4th 1917 /
Aged 20 years. //

Headstone location:
U/C 3. 4363, Wombwell Cemetery, S73 8JE.

Burial Location:
Unknown, He is remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial in France.

Service details:
Private Herbert Gelder, 42268, 10th Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

Link to full bio:

Second Lieutenant Alfred Edward Flaxman - Olympian - Family Headstone

Second Lieutenant Alfred Edward Flaxman,  died on the First day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916. His body was never recovered but he is remembered on his parent's grave in Wombwell cemetery, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

This headstone was difficult to transcribe due to weathering making the inscription in part eligible.

Front inscription:
Sacred to the Memory / Of /
Harriet ?? ?? /
Also of / Her husband / Alfred Edward Flaxman M.A/ Rector of Wombwell ?? /
Born October 2? ???? / Died October ? ???? /
Side inscription:
Their elder son / 2nd Lieut Alfred Edward / Flaxman /
Amateur champion Hammer / Thrower & Pole(?) Jumper  /
Born October 1st 1879 / Killed in action July 1st 1916 /
and whose grave is not known / Loving and beloved.

Headstone Location:
Con 11, 1204, Wombwell Cemetery, S73 8JE.

Burial Location:
Unknown, body never recovered.

Service Details:
2nd Lieut. Alfred Edward Flaxman, 1st/6th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment, Killed in action July 1st 1916, Age 36.

Link to full bio:
Life story on WW1 Wombwell

Grave of Corporal Joseph Firth

Corporal Joseph Firth died in Great Britain on 29th October 1918. He is buried in Wombwell cemetery, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

Front inscription:
JOSEPH  / the beloved husband of / Annie Firth /
Who died October 29th 1918 / Aged 36 years /
Also Clara Firth / Beloved sister sister of the above /
Who passed away May 24th 1948 / Aged 84 years /
Treasured memories //
Side Inscription:
Also / Albert / Devoted husband / of /
Georgina Firth / Died Dec 23rd 1953 /
Aged 79 years / loved and loving //

Grave location:
Plot U/C 6, 424, Wombwell Cemetery, S73 8JE.

Service Details:
Cpl. Joseph Firth, 9185, Army Pay Corps Army Pay Office (Woking)
Died 29th October 1918, Age 36.

Link to full bio:

Private William Allen, 7219, Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.

Mexborough & Swinton Times 2nd Jan 1915
Image with thanks to the Barnsley Archives.

Service Details:
Pte. William Allen, 7219, Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.
Died 21st October 1914, Age 23.

Bio:
Coming soon!

Grave:
No known grave.

Memorials:
Ypres Menin Gate memorial, Panel 11.
Wombwell war memorial, Park Street, Wombwell, S73 0HS.

Sources____________________________
Cwgc.org - Service details for W. Allen
South Yorkshire Times 2nd Jan 1915

Private Charles Exley - Family Headstone

Private Charles Exley is remembered on his parents headstone in Wombwell cemetery. He is buried at Philosophe British Cemetery in France.

Inscription:
In loving memory of / Andrew / The beloved husband of / Jane Elizabeth Exley /
Who died Dec. 19th 1929 / Aged 60 years / Also the above named / Jane Elizabeth Exley /
Who died / Nov. 2nd 1951 / Aged 80 years /
Also their beloved son Pte. Charles Exley Y&L Regt. / Who was killed in France May 31st 1917/ Aged 25 years / Hearts that loved them never forget. //

Headstone location:
U/C 6, 697C Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Charles is not interred within this grave. He is buried in
Plot I.Q.35. at Philosophe British Cemetery, France

Other memorials that commemorate Charles Exley include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell, S72 0HS.
Cortonwood War Memorial, Brampton Bierlow, South Yorkshire

Service Details:
Private Charles Exley, 13/1404, 2nd Btn. York and Lancaster Regt.

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Grave  (France)
Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Grave of Private William Dennis

Private William Dennis died of wounds in Great Britain on 25th February 1919 and is buried in Wombwell cemetery, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

Inscription:
In loving memory / Of  / William, / The beloved son of / George & Emily Dennis /
Born October 16th 1887, / Died February 25th 1919, /
Also Emma their daughter, / Born March 10th 1893, / Died July 30th 1919 ./
Their name is ever dear. / Also the above named George Dennis, / Born May 13th 1859, /
Died May 17th 1928. / Also the above named / Emily Dennis, / Died Feb 26th 1951, / Aged 90 years. / Also Pte Harry Dennis / A.M,R Corps / Son of the above / Accidentally drowned in France, March 25th 1940 //

Grave location:
U/C 6, 1599 A, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

Memorials that Remember William Dennis include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell, S73  0HS

Service details:
Private William Dennis, 24657, 10th Bn., Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) formerly 3rd Bn.

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Grave
Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW.org - Life Story

Grave of Private Thomas William Crowe

Private Thomas William Crowe died in Great Britain and is buried in Wombwell cemetery, South Yorkshire, S73 8JE.

Inscription:
In loving memory of / Tom the beloved husband of Emily Crowe /
Who died May 24th 1931 Aged -- years. /
Also the aforenamed / Emily Crowe / Who died Dec 20th 1943, Aged 76 years //
Also Thomas Crowe son of the Aforenamed /
Who died Nov 3rd 1918, Aged 25 years. //

Grave location:
Con 8, 2001, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire. S73 8EJ.

Memorials that remember Thomas William Crowe include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Service details:
Pte T.W. Crowe, 68760,  5th Reserve Cavalry Regiment.



Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Grave
Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Rifleman Ernest Crooks - Family Headstone

Rifleman Ernest Crooks is remembered on the headstone of his parent's grave in Wombwell cemetery but his body is buried in France at Cambrin Military Cemetery.

Inscription:
In / Loving memory / Of / Edwin / The beloved husband of / Harriet Crooks /
Of Wombwell / Who died March 30th 1913 / Aged 59 years / Also the above named /
Harriet Crooks / Who died February 21st 1922 / Aged 68 years /
Also Rifleman Ernest Crooks / Son of the above / Killed in action, with the 16th /
Kings Royal Rifles on April 13th / 1916, aged 22 years / Peace, Perfect Peace.//

Headstone location:
Con 11, 1254, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire. S73 8JE. Ernest is not interred within this grave. He is buried in Plot F.10 at Cambrin Military Cemetery, France.

Other memorials that commemorate Ernest Crooks include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Church Lads Brigade Memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell

Service Details:
Rfn. Ernest Crooks, C/564, King's Royal Rifle Corps 16th Bn.
Died 12th April 1916, Age 22.

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)
Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private Jack Count - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In Loving Memory Of / Frank / The beloved husband / Fanny Count /
Who departed this life Nov.15th 1895 / Aged 45 years /
Also Pte.Jack Count, 13th Norhd. Fus. / Son of the above / Who died of wounds in France / June 18th 1917 / Aged 28 years / His resting place, a soldiers grave /
Also the above named / Fanny Count / Who died June 13th 1933, aged 37 years /
Rest in Peace / Also Colin, the beloved son of / Frank and Mary Count /
And the grandson of the above / Who died Dec. 24th 1918, aged 5 years /
Also Charlotte Count / Who died in infancy //

Headstone location:
Con 8, 1952, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.Jack is not interred within this grave. He is buried in Plot I. L. 26 at Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France

Other memorials that commemorate Jack Count include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Reform Club Memorial, Nu-well Center, Hough Lane, Wombwell

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)
Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private Charles Henry Costello - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In / Loving / Memory of / Susannah / The beloved wife of / Patrick Costello /
Who died Jan. 24th 1901 / Aged 39 years /
Also their son Charles Henry, 2nd Batt. Australian Regt. /
Killed in France July 24th 1917, aged 34 years / Rest in Peace//

Headstone location:
U/C 2, 3030, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Charles is not interred within this grave.

Other memorials that commemorate Charles Henry Costello include:
Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial,  France.

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)
Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private William Clark - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In memory of John James Smith, the dearly beloved husband of Emily Smith /
Who died March 28th 1925, aged 50 years //
Also William Scaife father in law of the aforesaid John James Smith /
Who died October 8th 1924 aged -- years //
Also William Clark, nephew of the aforesaid John James Smith / Who was killed in action September 8th 1918, aged 19 years. //

Headstone location:
N/C 16, 159, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
William is not interred within this grave. His last known resting place is unknown.

Other memorials that commemorate William Clark include:
Vis-en-Artois Memorial, Panel 4, France.

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)
Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

LCpl Albert Edward Carr - Family Headstone

Inscription:
Mary Ann, / The Beloved wife of / John Carr, / Of Hemingfield, / Born November 12th 1863, /
Died January 12th 1903. / Also of Annie May, Walter Oswald, /
Doris and Lillian, Children of the above, / Who died in infancy. /
Also Albert Edward, / Son of the above who was killed /
In action at Ginchy, France, September 16th 1916, Aged 24 Years. /
Also John, the beloved husband of / Ellen Carr, / Who Passed away March 5th 1944 /
Aged 81 years / I know that my Redeemer liveth. //.

Headstone location:
Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Albert is not interred within this grave. His last known resting place is unknown.

Other memorials that commemorate Albert E Carr include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Thiepval memorial, Pier & Face 7D & 8D, France

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com (U.K)
FindaGrave.com (France)

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Grave of Private John Bunniss

Inscription:
In loving memory / Pte John Bunniss The beloved husband of /
Maria Griffiths Bunniss, / Of Bolton-on-Dearne, / Who gave his life
for king and country, / Died February 3rd 1915, / Aged 40 years. /
Thy will be done. / Also the above named Maria Griffiths Bunniss /
Who died April 19th 1918  Aged 53 years. //

Grave location:
U/C 3, 4871, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that Remember John Bunniss include:
Dearne townships memorial - Bolton-upon-Dearne Cemetery, South Yorks.
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Burial Links:
Findagrave.org - Grave

Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private George Boldy - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In loving memory of / James /
The beloved husband of Eliza Boldy /
Who died 10th Dec. 1942, Aged 76 years / At rest /
Also the above names Eliza Boldy, /
Who died 18th Nov. 1943 Aged 73 years /
Also GEORGE BOLDY son of the above /
Who was killed in action 23rd July 1916

Headstone Location:
N/C 15, 1559, Wombwell Cemetery.
George Boldy however is not interred within this grave. He is instead buried at:
I.L.1, Rue-Du-Bacquerot, No 1 Military Cemetery, Laventie, France.

Other memorials that commemorate George Boldy Include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street Wombwell,

Other Information:
George Boldy is listed in Jon Cooksey's book the 'Barnsley Pals, The 13th & 14th Battalions, York & Lancaster regiments' as having served with 14th Batt. York & Lancaster regiment.

Burial Links:

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Grave of Private George William Booth

Inscription:
49202 Private / G. W. Booth / East Lancashire Regiment /
14th May 1919 Age 33 / Worthy / Of everlasting rememberance / R.I.P. //

Grave location:
U/C 2, 2311, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that remember George William Booth include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Burial Links:
Findagrave.org - Grave

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Grave of Private Richard Bishop

Inscription:
18489 Private / R. Bishop / K. O. Scottish Borderers /
20th September 1916 Age 44 / Greater love hath no man than this//

Grave location:
U/C 3, 4158, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that Remember Richard Bishop include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Wesleyan Chapel Memorial Tablet, Park Street, Wombwell

Grave links:
Findagrave .com - Grave
Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private Raymond Bellamy - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In / Loving Memory / of /
Frederick William /
The beloved Son of /
Frederick & Annie Bellamy, /
Who died December 22nd 1885 /
Aged 2 years /
Also Elsie & Clifford,
Children of the above /
Who died in infancy, /
Our darlings is at rest. /
Also RAYMOND, The beloved son of the above /
Killed in action In France /
Sept 27th 1918, Aged 33 Years /
Also Annie Elizabeth, /
the beloved wife of . /
Frederick Bellamy, /
Who died July 8th 1931, /
Age 63 years. /
Also the above named /
Frederick Bellamy /
Who died 11th Dec, 1943, /
Aged 84 years. /
Also James B. Turner, /
Died Nov 9th, 1911, Aged 77 /
Also, Ellen Wife of the above, /
Died Sept. 20th 1913, Aged 77 years./

Headstone Location:
Con 9, 3614, Wombwell Cemetery
Raymond Bellamy is however not interred here.

Other Memorials that Raymond Bellamy is remembered on include:
St Mary's Church Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Vis-en-artois memorial, Panel 3, Pas de Calais, France
Wombwell Church Lads Brigade Memorial, inside St, Mary's Church, Wombwell

Learn more about Raymond Bellamy:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Lance Corporal John R. Beardshall - Family Headstone

Inscription:
Sacred in the memory of / William Beardsall, /
Died Jan 26th 1944, Aged 78 years./ Also Mary Jane,
Wife of the above / Who died Oct 15th 1917, aged 80 yeras. /
Also / L/cpl John R. Beardshall, / Son of the above /
Killed in Action July 4th 1916, / Aged 21 years,//

Headstone Location:
U/C 16, 258, Wombwell Cemetery, Barnsley S73 8HY.
John is not buried within this grave. His last known resting place remains unknown.

Other memorials that commemorate John R Beardshall include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Thiepval Memorial, Pier and face 14A & 14B, France

Burial Links:
findagrave.com - Headstone

Links:
Cwgc.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private George H. Barrett - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In Loving memory of / Lily. /
The dearly wife of /
George Barrett, / of Wombwell, /
Who died February 19th 1916, / Aged 59 Years. /
God be with you till we meet again /
Also Pte GEORGE H. BARRETT /
Northumberland Fus, /
Beloved son of the above. /
Killed in action at Armentiers Oct /
20th 1916, Aged 27 Years. /
Also the above named / George Barrett. /
Who died Oct 12th 1926, / Aged 74 Years. /
In death United. /
Also Arthur beloved son of the above /
Who died June 12th 1888, / Aged 9 months, /
Also Frances, beloved daughter of the above /
Who died May 5th 1891, / Aged 7 years. /
Gone but not forgotten /
Also F. H Townsend, beloved daughter of the above /
Who died Dec 12th 1962, Aged 82. /

Headstone Location:
Con 8, 2767, Wombwell Cemetery.
George Henry Barrett is however not interred within this grave.

Other Memorials that commemorate George H Barrett include:
Ploegsteert memorial, Panel 2, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium
St. Mary's Church War memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Grave of Rifleman Stanley Barraclough

Inscription:
In loving memory of /
Rifleman STANLEY BARRACLOUGH /
8th Batt Rifle Brigade, /
The dearly beloved son of / Edwin and Eliza Barraclough /
Who died Jan 7th 1918, from the /
Effects of gas received in action / Aged 20 years. /
Also Kenneth who died Aug 14th 1908 / aged 11 weeks. /
Also the above named, / Edwin Barraclough, /
Born December 17th 1864 / Died August 30th 1930. /
Also Eliza Barraclough, / died Dec. 26th 1951, Aged 81 years.

Grave Location:
Con 11, 1446, Wombwell Cemetery

Memorials that commemorate Stanley Barraclough include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Church Lads Brigade memorial, inside St Mary's Church, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Private Luke Barker - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In memory of / Luke the beloved husband of Jane Barker /
Died Sep.9th 1948 aged 80 years //
Also the aforenamed Jane Barker / Who died Feb. 3rd 1956 aged 82 years / "Re-united" //
Also of a dear son & brother Luke Barker / killed in France July 1st 1916 aged 18 years. //

Headstone location:
N/C 1, 5679, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Luke is not interred within this grave. His last known resting place is unknown.

Other memorials that commemorate Luke Barker include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Thiepval memorial, Pier & Face 14A & 14B, France

Links:
FindaGrave.com Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)

Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life Story

Rifleman Arthur Barker - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In / Loving Memory / Of  / Gertrude / The dearly beloved daughter of /
William and Annie Barker / of Wombwell / Who departed this life Decr 19th 1901,
Aged 21 Years / Her end was peace /
Also rifleman ARTHUR BARKER / K.R.R (son of the above) / Killed in France April 4th 1918, /
Age 32 Years. / Also of the above named /Annie Barker / Who departed this life Jan 1st 1921, /
Aged 72 years. /To memory ever dear / Also the above named, / William Barker, /
Who departed this life / March 24th 1923, aged 73 years /

Headstone location:
U/C 5, 1542, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Arthur Barker however is not interred in this grave.

Other Memorials that Arthur Barker is Remembered on Include:
Pozieres Memorial, panels 61 to 64, France
St Mary's Church Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Service details:
R/41767, Rifleman Arthur Barker, King's Royal Rifle Corps.

Burial Links:
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)

Other Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LotFWW - Life story

Grave of Lance Corporal Newton Bamford

Inscription:
DM2/164358 Lance Cpl /
N, Bamford /
Royal Army Service Corps /
Fbruary 4th 1920 Age 28 //

Grave Location:
U/C 1, 5685, Wombwell Cemetery, S73 8HY, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that commemorate Newton Bamford include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Service Details:
DM2/164358, Lance Corporal N. Bamford, Royal Army Service Corps

Short Bio:
Before the war Newton lived with his parents Arthur and Betsy Bamford at 44 High Street, Wombwell. Where he worked as pawn brokers assistant along side his father and two brothers, Guy and Rex.

Grave Links:
FindaGrave.com - Grave

Other links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details 
LotFWW- Life story