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

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.

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 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

Signaller Harold Skinner, R/16952, King's Royal Rifle Corps 2nd Bn.

Photograph from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honor

Service Details:
Rifleman Harold Skinner, R/16952, King's Royal Rifle Corps 2nd Bn.
Died 10th April 1917, Age 21.

Biography:
Harold Skinner was born in Wombwell on 10th April 1896. He lived with his parent's John Green and Annice Skinner at 165 Barnsley Road. As a child Harold attended Barnsley Road Council School and was a member of the Church Lads' Brigade. After completing his education Harold went on to work at Cortonwood Colliery. Harold enlisted at Sheffield on 16th November 1915 and began training at Seaford Camp, East Sussex. From July 1916 onward he served as a Signaller and Rifleman with the 2nd Battalion,  King's Royal Rifle Corp in France and Flanders. In March 1917, during action at Walincourt, Harold was hit by gun fire while transferring equipment from one dugout to another. It was later reported in the Barnsley Chronicle that he had had to have his right leg amputated below the knee. Despite this operation Harold's injuries were too severe. He succumbed to his wounds, dying on what would have been his 21st birthday in the base hospital at Carmiers. He was interred in Etaples Military Cemetery the following day.

Cortonwood colliery WW1 memorial

Harold is remembered on the grave of his parents which is located in Wombwell Cemetery. He is also commemorated on several local cenotaphs including the memorial to the miners of Cortonwood Colliery who served in WW1 and on the St. Mary's Church War Memorial at Wombwell.

The headstone in Wombwell cemetery which commemorates Harold Skinner.

Grave:
Etaples military cemetery

Links:
cwgc.org - Service details
LotFWW - Life Story

Ancestry Links:
Soldiers who died in the Great War
Register of soldiers effects.
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour

Able Seaman Ezra Major Hitchen, KW/45, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Anson Bn. R.N. Div

E M Hitchen -  Barnsley Chronicle 19th May 1917
Image with thanks to the Barnsley archives

Service Details:

Able Seaman Ezra Major Hitchen, KW/45, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Anson Bn. R.N. Div
Died 28th April 917, Age 27.

Biography
Ezra was born on February 16th 1890 at Monk Bretton to George and Sarah Jane Hitchen. Prior to the outbreak of WW1 Ezra lived with his grandparents William and Louisa Dinsdale at Old Road, Smithies. According to the 1911 census he was employed as a laborer on the colliery surface.

Able Seaman Ezra Major Hitchen was killed in action on 28th April 1917 while serving with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves, Anson Bn, R.N Div. He died aged 27. In a letter written to Ezra's mother, his army Chaplain describes how he fell during the battalion's last advance:
" [he] was killed in our in our last advance by a high explosive shell while he was working his Lewis gun. In spite of the fact that we were under heavy fire, he stuck to his gun to the last, fighting bravely."

In another letter, subsequently printed in the Barnsley Chronicle on May 12th 1917, Ezra's commanding officer Sub-Lieut Fraser described the brave seaman as:
"obedient and dutiful"  he then went on say "and his death was at a time was at at time when he was following me without fear or flinching in the stern pursuit of duty."

Family headstone in Wombwell cemetery

Despite the chaplain's letter stating Ezra was to be interred with a cross to mark the grave. The CWGC.org does not give an official grave site but instead lists him as being remembered on the Arras memorial (meaning he has no known grave.). Ezra is also commemorated on the war memorial by St. Mary's Church, Wombwell and on his parents grave in Wombwell cemetery.

"His King and country called him,

The call was not in vain;

On Britain's roll of honour,

You'll find our loved one's name."

- Taken From Ezra's Obituary in the Barnsley Chronicle.

Grave Location:

No known grave.

Memorials:
Arras memorial
Wombwell War Memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73

Links:
cwgc.org - Sevice details
LotFWW - Life Story

Ancestry Links:

Second Lieutenant Alfred Edward Flaxman

Alfred Edward Flaxman
Photograph from the Hexham Courant 10th Jan 2011

Biography:

It could be said that Alfred Ernest Flaxman was one of Wombwell's most accomplished soldiers, but it could also be said he is it's most forgotten. Despite being a talented musician, an athletics champion and 1908 London Olympian, he is largely forgotten in the town of his birth. Remembered only on the crumbling grave of his parents' in Wombwell cemetery.

Alfred was born in Wombwell on 1st October 1879. He was baptised on 28th November 1879. Alfred's mother was named Harriet Jecks Flaxman. Though Alfred was to have little memory of her as she died before his second birthday. Her death came in the Autumn of 1880, shortly after the birth of Alfred's younger brother and only sibling Samuel Christopher Reeve Flaxman. Alfred's father was born in 1850 at Great Ryhburgh, Norfolk. He was became rector of St Mary's Church, Wombwell in the 1870s. The family lived at 10 Summer Lane (The Rectory) along with  three servants. One of whom, Mary Crookson would remain with Alfred's father until his death. The site of the Rectory is on what is now Summer Lane Car park.

By 1901 the family were no longer living in Wombwell. Alfred's father had taken a new position as rector in Grundisburgh, Suffolk. His sons were away pursuing their respective careers. Alfred in athletics and Samuel in medicine. Both men would eventually settle in London. It seems the only tie to Wombwell that remained was their mother's grave. In 1911 Alfred was studying music in Marylebone, London While his father had retired to Bournemouth to live with his sister-in-law, (Alfred's Aunt Elizabeth Reeve.)

Alfred Edward Flaxman is remembered on his
Parent's grave in Wombwell cemetery.

During WWI Alfred Flaxman served as Second Lieutenant with the 1/6th South Staffordshire regiment. He was commissioned on 18th June 1915. Once he arrived in France he was given command of battalion of bombers, where his athletic abilities and body building skills were put to good use. Once during a training exercise at the Bull Ring in Etaples, he managed to throw a grenade a full 75 yards. He was chosen to lead a battalion of bombers at the Somme. Unable to find away through their intended path his group got caught between the wires. They were shot down by enemy fire while exposed in the open. Alfred was killed in action on 1st July 1916, aged 36. His brother Captain Samuel Flaxman, who was serving with the 1/2nd North Midland Field Ambulance searched for Alfred's body without success. His remains were never recovered and subsequently he is remembered on the Thiepval memorial, along with the other missing of the Somme.

His superior LT Col F A M Webster described A E Flaxman as:

  "A simple gentleman, the best of sportsmen and a very gallant soldier"

Service Details:

Second Lieutenant Alfred Edward Flaxman, South Staffordshire Regiment 1st/6th Bn. Killed in action July 1st 1916, Age 36.

Grave:
Body was not recovered Alfred is remembered at Thiepval and on his parent's grave in Wombwell cemetery.

Bibliography:

A Lack of Offensive Spirit?:
The 46th (North Midland) Division at Gommecourt, 1st July 1916
By Alan MacDonald

Links:

British Olympians - Alfred Flaxman

cwgc.org Page

The Great War Forum - 46th Division Officers

Wikipedia Entry

Lives of the First World War entry