Stokesley Fallen

[keith.e]

As part of a lottery funded heritage project a group of us are researching the lives and deaths of more than 50 men who are commemorated on the Stokesley memorials (North Yorkshire).

We have created a website www.stokesleyheritage.wikidot.com where the work we have done to date can be viewed under the "history" tab.

We would welcome any additional material on any of these men or indeed any Stokesley men who returned from the Great War. Any such material which we include on our website will be credited to the provider and can be submitted either on this website or to stokesleyheritag@aol.com

Keith

[David_Blanchard]

Thanks for the information in respect of Thomas Wiggins.

David

[KevinBattle]

Hello, Keith

It looks as if you have already combed the CWGC website for those with an address as "Stokesley" and have discarded those who came from nearby villages, but just in case:-

BENSON, M. Rank: Private. Service No: 202863. Date of Death: 03/09/1916. Age: 23.

Regiment/Service: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). 1st/4th Bn.

Grave Reference: I. E. 12. Cemetery: MILL ROAD CEMETERY, THIEPVAL

Additional Information: Son of James and Jane Benson, of Great Broughton; husband of Gladys L. Benson, of Belmont House. Great Broughton, Stokesley, Yorks.

CATON, JOHN THOMAS. Rank: Corporal. Service No: 788. Date of Death: 25/04/1915. Age: 30.

Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment. 4th Bn.

Panel Reference: Panel 33. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Additional Information: Husband of Hannah Eliza Caton, of Garden House, Stokesley, Yorks.

DIXON, WILLIAM. Rank: Private. Service No: 18126. Date of Death: 12/10/1915. Age: 22.

Regiment/Service: Grenadier Guards. 2nd Bn.

Grave Reference: IX. D. 14. Cemetery: ST. MARY'S A.D.S. CEMETERY, HAISNES

Additional Information: Son of Henry and Annie Dixon, of West Terrace, Stokesley, Yorks. Native of Middlesbrough.

DOWSON, J W. Rank: Private. Service No: 203088. Date of Death: 04/05/1917. Age: 20.

Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment. 4th Bn.

Grave Reference: III. G. 12A. Cemetery: MONT HUON MILITARY CEMETERY, LE TREPORT

Additional Information: Son of Mrs. S. J. Fawcett, of The Holme, Great Broughton, Stokesley, Yorks.

ELSTOB, THOMAS. Rank: Rifleman. Service No: R/8023. Date of Death: 01/12/1915. Age: 30.

Regiment/Service: King's Royal Rifle Corps. 7th Bn.

Grave Reference: I. C. 3. Cemetery: LA BRIQUE MILITARY CEMETERY NO.2

Additional Information: Son of Mrs. J. A. Elstob, of Oaklands Terrace, Stokesley, Yorks.

FENNEY, HARRY. Rank: Private. Service No: 42444. Date of Death: 04/06/1918. Age: 20.

Regiment/Service: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own). 2nd/7th Bn.

Grave Reference: II. D. 30. Cemetery: DOULLENS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION NO.2

Additional Information: Son of John Barker Fenney and Emma Fenney, of Prospect Hill, Kirkby-in-Cleveland, Stokesley, Yorks.

FENNEY, W. Rank: Private. Service No: 13630. Date of Death: 14/03/1917. Age: 24.

Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry. 2nd Bn.

Grave Reference: I. M. 55. Cemetery: PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE

Additional Information: Son of J. B. and Emma Fenney, of Kirkby-in-Cleveland, Stokesley, Yorks.

GARBUTT, CHARLIE RABY. Rank: Private. Service No: 18169. Date of Death: 03/07/1918. Age: 23.

Regiment/Service: Scots Guards. "L" Coy.

Grave Reference: 3. 111 U. Cemetery: HUTTON HENRY CEMETERY

Additional Information: Son of John and Emily Garbutt, of Great Busby, Stokesley, Yorks.

GARBUTT, JOSEPH WILLIAM. Rank: Sapper. Service No: WR/273517. Date of Death: 16/06/1919. Age: 36

Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers.

Grave Reference: South of Church Tower. Cemetery: BILSDALE MIDCABLE (ST. JOHN THE DIVINE) CHURCHYARD.

Additional Information: Son of George and Annie Garbutt, of The Grange, Bilsdale, Stokesley.

GARBUTT, JOHN WILLIAM. Rank: Bombardier. Service No: 63978. Date of Death: 21/03/1918. Age: 22.

Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery. "C" Bty. 94th Bde.

Panel Reference: Panel 7 to 10. Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL

Additional Information: Son of Isaac and Mary Emma Garbutt, of Wingroves, Bilsdale, Stokesley, Yorks.

GIBSON, JAMES VALENTINE. Rank: Corporal. Service No: 63715. Date of Death: 18/10/1918. Age: 25.

Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery. 81st Bty. 5th Bde.

Grave Reference: V. A. 32. Cemetery: PREMONT BRITISH CEMETERY

Additional Information: Son of Marcey and the late Geo. Gibson, of Howe End, Kirbymoorside, York. Born at Stokesley-in-Cleveland, Yorks.

HUGILL, FRED. Rank: Private. Service No: 31646. Date of Death: 11/02/1917. Age: 25.

Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry. 12th Bn.

Grave Reference: XI. A. 15. Cemetery: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY

Additional Information: Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Hugill. Native of Great Broughton, Stokesley, Yorks.

MAYFIELD, ALFRED. Rank: Private. Service No: 4176. Date of Death: 16/09/1916.

Regiment/Service: Border Regiment. 1st/5th Bn.

Panel Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

Additional Information: Husband of Adelaide M. Mayfield, of Great Broughton, Stokesley, Yorks.

METCALFE, JOHN GEORGE. Rank: Air Mechanic 3rd Class. Service No: 52645. Date of Death: 25/08/1917. Age: 36.

Regiment/Service: Royal Flying Corps. 26th Balloon Sect.

Grave Reference: I. AA. 5. Cemetery: BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

Additional Information: Husband of Christina Metcalfe, of 24, St. Catherine's Rd., Grantham, Lincs. Native of Stokesley, Yorks.

MYERS, THOMAS SPENCELY. Rank: Private. Service No: 38181. Date of Death: 14/08/1917. Age: 29

Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment. 6th Bn.

Grave Reference: III. G. 20. Cemetery: YPRES TOWN CEMETERY EXTENSION

Additional Information: Husband of Mrs. F. E. Myers, of "Bon-Lea," Great Broughton, Stokesley, Yorks. Native of Great Broughton.

RATCLIFFE, BERNARD SUTTON. Rank: Private. Service No: 28364. Date of Death: 04/11/1918. Age: 30.

Regiment/Service: Grenadier Guards. 3rd Bn.

Grave Reference: A. 18. Cemetery: FRASNOY COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Additional Information: Son of Thomas and E. Ratcliffe, of Brook Farm, Waesbury, Oswestry, Salop; husband of Hilda Mary Ratcliffe, of Carlton-in-Cleveland, Stokesley, Yorks. Born at Wem, Salop.

ROUTLEDGE, CHARLES ALLISON. Rank: Lance Corporal. Service No: P/2646. Date of Death: 06/07/1918. Age: 26. Regiment/Service: Military Police Corps. Military Foot Police

Grave Reference: 23. Cemetery: CORFU BRITISH CEMETERY

Additional Information: Son of Robert and Mary G. Routledge, of Faceby, Stokesley, Yorks.

SMITH, ERNEST. Rank: Private. Service No: 34773. Date of Death: 25/09/1916. Age: 21.

Regiment/Service: King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. 10th Bn.

Panel Reference: Pier and Face 11 C and 12 A. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

Additional Information: Son of William and Mary Smith, of Facely, Stokesley, Yorks.

WILSON, CLARENCE ELWYN. Rank: Private. Service No: 10904. Date of Death: 10/08/1915. Age: 23

Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment. 6th Bn.

Panel Reference: Panel 55 to 58. Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL

Additional Information: Son of Joseph Piercy and Louisa Wilson, of Cam House, Chop Gate, Stokesley, Middlesbrough.

WRIGHTSON, ALFRED CLAUDE. Rank: Serjeant. Service No: 19572. Date of Death: 09/02/1917. Age: 20

Regiment/Service: Yorkshire Regiment. 7th Bn.

Grave Reference: III. B. 24. Cemetery: GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE

Additional Information: Son of Thomas and Eliza Wrightson, of Sexhow, Carlton-in-Cleveland, Stokesley, Yorks.

There also appear to be 12 on CWGC for WW2...

ALLAN WP - SS HOLMELEA NEWCASTLE ON TYNE 28/02/1941 MERCHANT NAVY

ALLATT J 4542156 1ST BN 11/02/1945 EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT

BAINES H 4389609 4TH BN 24/05/1940 GREEN HOWARDS (YORKSHIRE REGIMENT)

BRETHERTON G 206513 - 10/06/1945 ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

BROTTON H PO/X 107381 NO 41 RM COMMANDO 09/09/1943 ROYAL MARINES

BROTTON JG 1781666 ATTD 1 HAA REGT, 05/03/1943 ROYAL ARTILLERY

EASTWOOD RA 4270542 - 07/01/1943 INTELLIGENCE CORPS

HARLAND ES 4394840 4TH BN 16/11/1943 - - 26/11/1943 THE BUFFS (ROYAL EAST KENT REGIMENT)

MACGILL IA - 6TH WEST RIDING HARROGATE BN 26/05/1942 HOME GUARD

SMITH JTR PO/X 105988 NO 46 RM COMMANDO 11/06/1944 ROYAL MARINES

SMITH J 931770 - 14/08/1941 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE

WILSON M 11423312 102 THE NORTHUMBERLAND HUSSARS LT AA/ANTI TANK REGT 11/06/1944 ROYAL ARTILLERY

... but again, some may be from surrounding villages, using Stokesley as their nearby town.

[keith.e]

Hi Kevin

Thanks for the list!!!

The people we have posted on the site are those on various Stokesley War Memorials, and we had already got a long list of men with Stokesley connections who aren't listed on Stokesley memorials which we were processing when your message arrived.

From the list you sent, we have added 15 we hadn't identified at the time, (tho' we have now found all of them in census and other records!!)

Some of them were born in Stokesley but moved away whilst still children, and several of these are on the Middlesbrough memorial, or those for other places around like Kirkby, Sexhow, Carlton, Kildale, Great bROUGHTON AND iNGLEBY gREENHOW. One or two we have not as yet found on any memorial but we are working on it!!! One seems to be remembered in Dover and there are others whose memorials are very distant.

We are pondering how we will deal with them all.

Not even started on WW2 names mind you...

Thanks again. We are grateful for all the help we can get

Keith

[Hedley Malloch]

Five from Great Broughton and three from Faceby. These are such small places.

I have a photo of Alderson's headstone in Azmak Dere CWGC, Suvla, Gallipoli. He's on the village war memorial. He must have claim to be the furthest from home. Send me a PM if you want a copy.

Regards

[keith.e]

HI

We would love to be able to add JMA's headstone to our site if you are happy for us to do so. We would of course credit you with providing it (as long as there are no copyright issues)

If you could send a digital image to our stokesleyheritag@aol.com email we would be very grateful

Best wishes

Keith

[KevinBattle]

Keith: I'm pleased to be of help, I didn't expect to produce 15 new Names though!

If your group has access to Ancestry, you may want to see what else you can find for these men:-

WW1 Pension and Service Records

Name: William Peacock. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1875. Age at enlistment: 40. Document Year: 1915.

Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Regimental Number: 5267. Regiment Name: 4th Yorkshire Regiment.

Number of images: 11

Name: John (Archer) Clemmet. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1881. Age at enlistment: 34. Residence: Stokesley Yorks

Document Year: 1915. Regimental Number: 217121. Regiment Name: Royal Engineers. Number of images: 7

Name: Garry Fitzgibbon. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1879. Age at enlistment: 36.

Residence: Central Stone, Stokesley Yorks. Document Year: 1915

Regimental Number: 131597. Number of images: 18

Name: Charles William Hall. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1896. Age at enlistment: 19.

Residence: Springfield Stokesley, Yorks. Document Year: 1915.

Regimental Number: 131309. Regiment Name: Royal Engineers. Number of images: 6

Name: Percy Laing. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1886. Age at enlistment: 28.

Residence: High St, Stokesley Yorkshire. Document Year: 1914. Regimental Number: 031606

Regiment Name: Army Service Corps. Number of images: 12

Name: Michael McNicholas. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1886. Age at enlistment: 29. Residence: Stokesley Yorks

Document Year: 1915. Regimental Number: 19897. Regiment Name: Royal Irish Fusiliers. Number of images: 11

Name: Fred Scott. Estimated Birth Year: abt 1877. Age at enlistment: 37. Residence: Westend Stokesley, Yorks

Document Year: 1914. Regimental Number: 16121. Regiment Name: Labour Corps. Number of images: 35

Name: Richard Wilson. Residence: Stokesley. Document Year: 1916. Regimental Number: F28113

Regiment Name: FB or ASC??. Number of images: 4

Soldiers Died in the Great War:

Name: Charles William Ash. Birth Place: Redditch, Worcs. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks

Death Date: 14 Nov 1915. Death Location: Home (i.e. somewhere in the UK).

Enlistment Location: Stockton-on-tees. Rank: Private. Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps.

Number: T4/124557. Type of Casualty: Died. Theatre of War: Home

Name: Arthur Leonard Atkinson. Birth Place: Busby. Residence: Stokesley. Death Date: 8 Oct 1918

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Stokesley

Rank: Private. Regiment: Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Battalion: 4th Battalion. Number: G/79930

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre.

Comments: Formerly 28466, Yorks Regt.

Name: John Baines. Birth Place: Stokesley. Residence: Stokesley. Death Date: 11 Apr 1917

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Northallerton

Rank: Private. Regiment: Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Battalion: 10th Battalion

Number: 235095. Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: George Clark. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Death Date: 19 Jul 1918

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: York

Rank: Corporal. Regiment: Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment). Battalion: 15/17th Battalion

Number: 204287. Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: John Cropper. Birth Place: Manchester. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Death Date: 9 Jun 1917

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Richmond, Yorks

Rank: Private. Regiment: York and Lancaster Regiment. Battalion: 9th (Service) Battalion. Number: 34579

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Comments: Formerly 7855, Yorkshire Regiment.

Name: James Grievson Easton. Birth Place: Guisborough. Residence: Stokesley. Death Date: 28 Oct 1917

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Guisborough

Rank: Private. Regiment: Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Battalion: 5th Battalion

Number: 201864. Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: Thomas Elstob. Birth Place: Southbank, Yorks. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Death Date: 1 Dec 1915

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Middlesbrough

Rank: Rifleman. Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps. Battalion: 7th Battalion. Number: R/8023

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: William Fenney. Birth Place: Stokesley. Residence: Stokesley. Death Date: 14 Mar 1917

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Middlesbrough

Rank: Private. Regiment: Durham Light Infantry. Battalion: 2nd Battalion. Number: 13630

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: Frederick Dunning Foster. Birth Place: Middlesbrough. Residence: Stokesley. Death Date: 27 Oct 1914

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Bishop Auckland

Rank: Private. Regiment: Durham Light Infantry. Battalion: 2nd Battalion. Number: 11525

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: John William Garbett. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Death Date: 21 Mar 1918

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: West Hartlepool, Durham

Rank: Bombardier. Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Number: 63798

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: Andrew George Henderson. Birth Place: Leeds. Residence: Stokesley Yorks. Death Date: 18 Mar 1916

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: York.

Rank: A/Corporal. Regiment: Corps of Royal Engineers. Number: 17100

Type of Casualty: Died of wounds. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Comments: 2nd Field Coy., R.E.

Name: Henry Farrow Mudd. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Death Date: 18 Oct 1918

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Woolwich, London S.E.

Rank: Gunner. Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Number: 246455

Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: Arthur Shore. Birth Place: Stokesley. Residence: Stokesley, Yorks. Death Date: 1 Jul 1916

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Middlesbrough

Rank: Private. Regiment: Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Battalion: 10th Battalion

Number: 25308. Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: William Shore. Birth Place: Stokesley, Yorks. Residence: Stokesley. Death Date: 15 Jun 1915

Death Location: France & Flanders. Enlistment Location: Richmond, Yorks

Rank: L/Corporal. Regiment: Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Battalion: 2nd Battalion

Number: 6359. Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Name: Clarence Elwin Wilson. Birth Place: Harome, Helmsley, Yorks. Residence: Stokesley.

Death Date: 10 Aug 1915. Death Location: Gallipoli. Enlistment Location: Middlesbrough

Rank: Private. Regiment: Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Battalion: 6th Battalion

Number: 10904. Type of Casualty: Killed in action. Theatre of War: Balkan Theatre.

This should help locate Medal Index Cards, CWGC entries etc.

Hope it's of use!

[keith.e]

Hi again

We have checked thro your latest list. Several are on the website already but you have given us a brand new one again - Percy Laing. Thanks for keeping us in work!!!

We are using Ancestry and also Find My Past ( excellent for the territorials!) as well as regimental and war graves sites. Planning visits to Durham Archives (DLI records inc war diaries) and TNA to bolster info. over the next 6-8 weeks.

Incidentally, among your list were: James Grange who lied about his age (deducting years and claiming to be 34 when he was well over 40) and rejoining after being discharged as unfit! Men were different then...

AND

Charles william Hall who lost his left leg in the war, but became a champion of the Fallen and the inspiration behind Stokesley's Book of Remembrance. He died in 1940, working on the new corvette engines when the 'Bastiase' went down in Tees Bay.

Thanks again

Keith

[KevinBattle]

Thanks for the info which always helps bring them "alive" even more so than just collating the Names.

You are doing the hard work locally in sifting through, I'm just happy to help in some small way.

Rather mention a chap twice (or more) than not at all.

You probably already have the Pansion and Service Records downloaded, but if you copy each page into a Word document, you can then use the Tools to Crop the black surrounds away and resize to not only make it more legible but save an ocean of ink!

I suppose you have already checked local newspaper archives for any local men, photo's, details etc?

Good luck and keep us posted on progress.

One thing I have found is that no matter how careful you are there will ALWAYS be someone who can come up with an unexpected link, but as long as you do the best you can, that's all you can do!

[keith.e]

Totally agree with everything you say.

We wanted to get stuff online asap so we could access help from people like your good self and others who have contacted us with info and suggestions. The net is absolutely great for that.

Newspaper work is under way but very much an ongoing aspect due to the sheer volume and difficulties with accessing newpapers via microfilm -nowhere near as quick as being able to flick over pages physically and scanning them with your own unaided (apart from specs)eyes!

Still, if it's worth doing... and I think it is very much worth doing!

Thanks again

[Guest MikeLovatt]

Hi again

We have checked thro your latest list. Several are on the website already but you have given us a brand new one again - Percy Laing. Thanks for keeping us in work!!!

We are using Ancestry and also Find My Past ( excellent for the territorials!) as well as regimental and war graves sites. Planning visits to Durham Archives (DLI records inc war diaries) and TNA to bolster info. over the next 6-8 weeks.

Incidentally, among your list were: James Grange who lied about his age (deducting years and claiming to be 34 when he was well over 40) and rejoining after being discharged as unfit! Men were different then...

AND

Charles william Hall who lost his left leg in the war, but became a champion of the Fallen and the inspiration behind Stokesley's Book of Remembrance. He died in 1940, working on the new corvette engines when the 'Bastiase' went down in Tees Bay.

Thanks again

Keith

[Guest MikeLovatt]

Hello. Percy Laing was my grandfather and he survived WW1, living in Stokesley until 1967 when he moved to Liverpool and then Blackpool after his wife died. He drove the Stokesley fire engine for many years and ran a car hire business until retiring. I have photos of him with the fire brigade and engine on the cobblestones opposite of the Queens Head pub taken in the 1930's.

[keith.e]

Hi Mike

Sorry not to have replied earlier, but I have not been back to this forum for far too long. WE have started a new section of the website (see top of page) called 'They also Served' and it's a mammoth task!

Thanks so much for this information which will find its way on to Percy's entry when we get there! If you would care to send us a digital image or two of Percy we would love to post them with his story, giving you credit for providing them of course. It is really great when we find out about veterans who are still remembered like this, and an extra-special treat when they are brought to life by photos.

Thanks again.

Keith

[Ghazala]

Have just read your website Keith. It is excellent.

http://stokesleyheritage.wikidot.com/the-fallen-the-dead-of-1914-18

[Old Tom]

I recall that on a visit to Stokesley some years ago I noted picture in the church of Ypres showing the square and the ruined cloth hall post WW1. I took a photograph and some time later I gave a copy to one of the Last Post Association buglers. Nothing to do with this thread but, perhaps, of interest.

Old Tom

[keith.e]

Hi Old Tom

I wonder if the picture you recall was a tapestry. If so, it still graces the church. If it was another picture, I would be fascinated to see it if you can send me a copy. It would make a good picture to include on our website. So many Stokesley men fought on this front and would have seen the Cloth Halland the Church in ruins.

Thanks for your interest

Keith

[Old Tom]

Keith,

You are correct, my memory lapsed, not unusual.

Old Tom

[keith.e]

Hi Old Tom!

Thanks. It's a brilliant piece of work isn't it? Done by Beatrice Pennyman in the 1920's, it hangs over the Tower arch where it is protected against further fading by curtains which visitors can draw.

It will eventually figure on our website in its own right, but soldiers first!!!

Best regards

Keith