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

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 Samuel Pittam, 7095, Northamptonshire Regiment 2nd Bn.

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

Service Details:
Private Samuel Pittam, 7095, Northamptonshire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Killed in action 9th May 1915.

Bio:
Coming soon!

Grave:
AUBERS RIDGE BRITISH CEMETERY, AUBERS, plot III. B. 10. France.

Memorials:
Wombwell war memorial, Park Street, Wombwell, Barnsley

Links:
cwgc.org - Service details
LotFWW - Life story
Ancestry - Soldiers who died in the Great War

Serjeant Albert Ryman M.M, 7419, Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Bn.

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

Service Details:
Serjeant Albert Ryman M M, 7419, Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Bn.
Died of wounds 2nd July 1916, Age 27.

Bio:
Coming Soon!

Grave:
MERICOURT-L'ABBE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION. Plot I. D. 19., France.

Memorials:
Wombwell war memorial, St. Mary's Church, Park Street, Wombwell.

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

Ancestry Links:
Soldiers that died in the Great War.

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