Rotherham Grammar School Great War Memorial

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Henry Aizlewood ( 1^st name John) was born in Rotherham in 1899 one of 6 surviving children to Walter Aizlewood , a lime merchant , and Gertrude of 14 Lindum Terrace Rotherham.

He served with the 5^th battalion London Regiment ( London Rifle Brigade ) service number 305386.

He landed in France on 6^th April 1918 and was killed in action on 10^th Aug 1918 at the Battle of the Scarpe aged 19. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois memorial to the 9,000 men who fell in Picardy and Artois from August 1918 until the Armistice and have no known grave.

Arthur Holgate Allatt was born in Rotherham in 1895 the eldest of 2 sons to Benjamin Holgate Allatt , a coal merchants manager, and Florence of 81 Lord Street , Clifton . Father Benjamin later became an accountant in partnership with Wilfred Froggatt of Church Yard Chambers, Vicarage Lane and lived at “Glencoe” Broom Road Rotherham.

Arthur emigrated to Australia on 4^th April 1914 sailing from Liverpool to Melbourne 3^rd class aboard the White Star ship “Persic” and settled in Dromana ,Victoria.

He enlisted in the 22^nd battalion Australian Imperial Force on 17^th March 1915 and served at Gallipolli from Sept 1915 to Jan 1916.

He landed in Marseilles on 26^th March 1916 and was killed in action aged 20 near Contalmaison on 26^th Aug 1916. He is buried at Pozieres British cemetery.

Thomas Freeth Allen was born in Mexborough in 1891 the only child of Thomas Allen , a gentleman of independent means and former mechanical engineer , and Lily of Park Villa.

He enlisted in the 8^th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment service number 21857 and later transferred to the 1^st/6^th battalion Prince of Wales Own ( West Yorks ) Regiment service number 7000. He died of wounds on 6^th Jan 1917 at the 20^th casualty clearing station at Warlincourt France aged 25 and is buried at Warlincourt Halte British cemetery.

Henry Ball was born in Dosthill near Tamworth in 1894 the only child of William Henry Ball , a colliery manager , and Rhoda of “Millburn” Doncaster Road Thrybergh.

He was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 3^rd battalion East Yorkshire regiment in Sept 1914 and Lieutenant in Sept 1915 and later attached to the 180^th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers . Their role was to tunnel under the German lines and lay explosive charges. He landed in France in April 1915 and was killed in action on 13^th Jan 1916 aged 21 and is buried in the Guards cemetery Windy Corner , Cuinchy.

Stanley Beckett was born in Rotherham in 1891 , one of nine children of John Beckett , a draper , and Elizabeth of “Hulme Bank” Godstone Road Rotherham. He married Edith Whitham on 4^th Jan 1916 at Talbot Lane Church and they lived with his parents.

He enlisted on 10^th Jan 1916 to the 6^th battalion York & Lancaster regiment service number 36123 and landed in France on 28^th Feb 1917 . He was killed in action on 14^th June 1917 aged 25 at the battle of Messines and is buried at Derry House cemetery Belgium.

William John Board was born in Cardiff in 1899 to William John Board , solicitor and Rotherham town clerk , and Ada of “Rookwood” Doncaster Road Rotherham.

He served as a 2^nd Lieutenant 130^th Brigade ammunition column Royal Field Artillery attached 31^st Brigade.

He died of wounds at 21^st stationary hospital Salonica fighting the Bulgarians on 22^nd Sept 1918 aged 19 and is buried at Sarigol Military cemetery

Raymond Wright Boulton was born in Rotherham in 1886 the eldest of 3 surviving children to John Henry Boulton , commercial traveller , and Elizabeth of 16 Clifton Bank Rotherham. He married Kathleen May Coveney in 1917.

He served as a lance bombardier in the 165^th Brigade Royal Field Artillery service number 204022. He was killed in action on 12^th April 1918 aged 32 and is buried at St Amand British cemetery.

Robert John Bradbury was born in Rotherham in 1896 the only son of Robert Bradbury , a highway surveyor , and Miriam of “Woodfield Villa” Boston Castle Grove Rotherham and their 3 daughters.

He served with 7^th battalion Lincolnshire Regiment service number 13782 and landed in France on 28^th July 1915 . He was killed in action at the Bluff near Ypres in Flanders on 2^nd March 1916 and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial Ypres to the 54,000 men whose graves are not known.

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Thomas Alfred Cable was born in 1895 in Catcliffe the youngest of 6 children to the late Isaac Cable , a coal miner deputy , and Martha. In 1911 he was living with his sister Ethel , a teacher , at 14 Victoria Street Catcliffe.

He served as a gunner in 108^th Brigade Royal Field Artillery service number 107373

He died of wounds at 17^th casualty clearing station at Remy Siding on 26^th June 1917 aged 21 and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military cemetery.

Samuel Edward Carson was born in Sheffield in 1897. The eldest child of Samuel Henry Carson , a railway engine driver , and Anne Rebecca Carson of “Overdale” Bawtry Road , Canklow.

He served as a 2^nd Lt pilot in 103^rd squadron Royal Air Force.

On 20^th July 1918 2^nd Lt Trevor Emlyn Ockwell Hawkins was flying as observer with 2^nd Lt Samuel Edward Carson as pilot in an Airco De Havilland DH9 bomber serial number C6200.

They left Fourneuil aerodrome at 08.00 on a bombing mission and later that morning C6200 was seen to go down in a slow spin over Armentieres after combat with enemy aircraft , a wing crumpled and their plane crashed killing both airmen.

A German airman Ltn Paul Billik flying an Albatross of Jasta 52 claimed a British kill over Warneton at 10.00. It was the 25th of Ltn Billik's eventual 31 kills.

The British airmen were buried by the Germans at La Basse-Ville cemetery Warneton and were exhumed and reburied in 1924 at Strand Military cemetery Ploegsteert , Belgium. Hawkins was aged 18 and Carson was aged 20.

William Herbert Chappell was born in Denaby in 1890 one of 8 children to Maurice Chappell , a steam hydraulics engineer , and Isabella of Rowms Lane Swinton.

He married Mabel Hibbs in 1913.

He served with Hawke battalion Royal Naval Division Volunteer Reserve service number R/4242. He died of wounds at 21^st casualty clearing station at Ytres on 25^th Dec 1917 aged 27 and is buried at Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British cemetery.

Charles St. Aubyn Clarke was born in Tankersley in 1898 to Captain Robert William Clarke Royal Engineers and Dorothy Ann St Aubyn late of Thurcroft Hall . He was educated at Malvern College, and joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. in August 1915 obtaining a commission as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps in February 1917. He saw service in France from July to October 1917 and then returned to England, having exchanged into the 74^th Punjabis of the Indian Army. He left for India in November 1917 and died on 30^th July 1918 of endocarditis at the Station Hospital Agra Bengal India aged 20.

William Andrew St. Aubyn Clarke was born in Coonoor India in 1897 to Captain Robert William Clarke Royal Engineers and Dorothy Ann St Aubyn late of Thurcroft Hall . He was educated at Montpelier School, Paignton, and Malvern College, and joined the Public School Battalion of the Royal Naval Division in May 1915 obtaining a commission in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as sub-lieutenant in the following November in 63^rd Royal Naval Division 190^th Brigade Machine Gun Corps. He was killed on 30^th December 1917 at the battle of Cambrai aged 20 and is buried at Flesquieres Hill British cemetery. His commanding officer wrote to his mother - "I cannot tell you how it grieves me to inform you of the death of your son beside his guns, fighting the enemy to the last. Your son has served under me for a considerable time, and I always admired him for his strength of will and capabilities. A naturally shy, reserved officer he was popular with us all, and we shall all miss him terribly. I believe he died in a very gallant manner".

Wilford Bamforth Clarkson was born in Rotherham in 1890 to Irving Clarkson , a monumental mason , of “The Laurels” Nelson Street Rotherham and Sarah Hargreaves Bamforth who died shortly after his birth.

He went to live with his grandparents Robert and Eliza Clarkson at 61 Rawmarsh Hill Parkgate. He was Sunday school superintendent , choirmaster and preacher at Rawmarsh Methodist Church and worked as a bank clerk

He served in the 2^nd battalion York and Lancaster regiment and obtained his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant in March 1917. He was wounded and gassed in Aug 1917 and on return to the trenches was made bombing officer . He died of pneumonia on 20^th June 1918 aged 27 and is buried at Esquelbecq Military cemetery.

Vincent Cleeves was born in Rotherham in 1879 to Frederick Cleeves , a colliery manager , and Mary Ann of “Easthill” Doncaster Road Rotherham.

Vincent emigrated to Montreal Canada from Liverpool in 1897 on board the Allan Line ship “Virginian” and settled at Nanaimo British Columbia.

He enlisted in Sept 1914 to 7^th battn Canadian Infantry ( British Columbia Reg ) service number 16872 giving his occupation as fruit grower.

He was killed in action near St Julien , Ypres on 24^th April 1915 aged 36 and is buried at Poelcapelle British cemetery.

Clement Harold Cundliffe was born in 1891 in Newton Moor Cheshire to Charles Henry Cundliffe , a railway signalman , and Margaret Ann of 128 Doncaster Road Rotherham. He attended University College Reading and was a schoolmaster.

He enlisted in Sept 1914 to 12^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 897 and was promoted to sergeant in July 1915 and landed in France in March 1916. He was killed in action on 1^st July 1916 aged 24 when his battalion suffered very heavy casualties attacking Serre and is buried at Railway Hollow cemetery.

Edward Stanley Curwen was born in Cockermouth Cumberland in 1879 to Edward Hasell Curwen , Rector of Plumbland , and Eleanor of Arkleby Cumberland.

He attended Carlisle Grammar School and Queens College Oxford before becoming

a Classics Master at Rotherham Grammar School and lodged with the Hicks** family at ”Fern Bank” Moorgate Grove. He served with the 12^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 12/85. He was killed in action on 1^st July 1916 aged 37 when his battalion suffered over 500 casualties attacking Serre . He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to the 72,000 missing.

** John Evan Hicks the son of the family he lodged with on Moorgate Grove served with the Royal Horse Artillery – see below**

Horace Damms was born in Masbrough in 1891 , one of 7 children to John William Damms , a tramways labourer , and Elizabeth of 65 Hope Street Thornhill. He was a teacher.

He served with the 2/4^th battalion Duke of Wellingtons (West Riding) regiment service number 204251 . He died of wounds on 27^th Sept 1917 aged 26 and is buried at Grevillers British cemetery.

Cyril Crompton Davy was born in Rotherham in 1897 to Edward F Davy , a chemist , and Ethel of “Florence Villa” , Parkfield Road Rotherham.

He served with 6^th battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders service number S/40436. He died of wounds on 18^th July 1917 aged 20 and is buried at Dozinghem Military cemetery.

Percy Raymond Davy was born in Rotherham in 1899 to Percy T Davy , a chemist , and Florence of ” Caerleon” Gerard Road Rotherham.

He served in the 3^rd battalion Machine Gun Corps service number 138526 .

He died of wounds on 31^st Aug 1918 aged 19 at 45^th casualty clearing station Auchy and is buried at Bac-Du-Sud British cemetery.

** Cyril and Percy were cousins , their respective fathers being brothers and sons of Humphrey Davy the chemist on High Street Rotherham **

Ernest Victor Ferguson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1897 one of 8 surviving children to James Ferguson , postmaster for Rotherham , and Elizabeth of

“ Clareville” Clifton Crescent North , Rotherham.

He enlisted in the 3/2^nd Scottish Horse in Aug 1915 service number 5928 and in Sept 1916 transferred to the 29^th Company Machine Gun Corps service number 79104. He died of a self inflicted gun shot to the head on 20^th Feb 1917 aged 19 . He is buried at Struma Military cemetery Greece.

Leonard Garrison was born in Rotherham in 1890 one of 5 children of Abraham Garrison , a furnaceman , and Mary Ann of “ Fernville” Spring Street , Rotherham.

He was a gasworks clerk. He served with the 7^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 22430.

He was killed in action on 1^st May 1917 aged 27 and is buried at Faubourg D’Amiens cemetery .

Harvey Gray was born in Rotherham in 1896 one of 4 children to William Gray , a grocers drayman , and Nellie of 92 Gilberthorpe Street Rotherham.

He served with the 7^th battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders service number S/23808.

He was killed in action attacking Buzancy on 23^rd July 1918 aged 22 and his body was discovered in 1920 and buried at Raperie British cemetery.

Stanley Gummer was born in Rotherham in 1890 one of 3 surviving children to William Guest Gummer , a brass founder , and Gertrude of “Edenfield” Moorgate Grove Rotherham. He was a solicitor and partner at Gichard & Gummer and married Vera Gichard in 1913.

He enlisted in Aug 1914 and served with 5^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment receiving his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant in Feb 1915, Lieutenant in June 1916 and Captain in July 1916. He landed in France in Sept 1915 and was killed in action at Passchendaele on 9^th Oct 1917 aged 27. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial to the 35,000 men whose graves are not known.

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George Hague Hatfield was born in Rotherham in 1887 the eldest of 3 children to George Carr Hatfield , an accountant and company secretary at a colliery , and Clara of 11 Nelson Street Rotherham . He was a bank clerk.

He enlisted in London into the 24^th battalion (2^nd Sportsmans) Royal Fusiliers (City of London) regiment service number Spts/3274 in March 1915 .He landed in France on 15^th Nov 1915 and fought in the battles of Festubert and Loos. He died of wounds received in an attack on Guillemont Station on 30^th July 1916 aged 29. He is buried at Abbeville communal cemetery.

John Evan Hicks was born in Rotherham in 1892 one of 3 children to the late Joseph Harry Hicks , a saddler , and Annie of “Fern Bank” Moorgate Grove Rotherham. He was a medical officers clerk. ** Lodging with them was a school master at Rotherham Grammar School Edward Stanley Curwen – see above **

He served with HQ 20^th Brigade Royal Horse Artillery service number 608106. He died in Egypt on 26^th Oct 1918 aged 25 and is buried at Alexandria Hadra war memorial cemetery.

Wilfred Bertram Hirst was born in Rotherham in 1890 to Lt Col Wilfred Louis Bertram

Hirst , an auctioneer , and Nina of Moorgate Hall Rotherham. He was a schoolmaster at the

Cathedral Choir School Lincoln.

He served with the 4^th battalion Lincolnshire regiment as a 2^nd Lieutenant and died of wounds received at Ypres when he was hit by a stray bullet 300 yards behind the front line on 22^nd April 1915 aged 25. He is buried at Dranouter churchyard.

William Henry Hirst was born in Rotherham in 1893 one of 6 surviving children to Tom

Egerton Hirst , a public house valuer , and Lucy of 341 Newman Road Wincobank. He was a

laboratory assistant . He married Annie Grundy in 1916 and they lived at 15 Clifton Bank Rotherham.

He originally served with the Army Service Corps as a driver landing in France in Apr 1915. He was commissioned to the 10^th battalion West Yorkshire regiment (Prince of Wales Own) as a 2^nd Lieutenant in Nov 1917 and was killed in action on 1^st Aug 1918 aged 25. He is buried at Harponville Communal cemetery.

Charles Wilfred Hobkinson was born in Rotherham in 1891 one of 4 surviving children to Daniel Hobkinson , a fruit & potato merchant , and Eliza of “Birstwith House” Wharncliffe Street Rotherham.

He received his commission from Officer Training Corps to 2^nd Lieutenant in the 6^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment in Aug 1914.

He died of wounds on board the hospital ship “ Soudan” off Gallipoli on 23^rd Aug 1915 and was buried at sea . He is commemorated on the Helles memorial to the 21,000 men who died at Gallipoli .

Arthur Cecil Evans Jubb was born in Rotherham in 1897 one of 2 sons to Arthur Jubb , company secretary at a confectionery company , and Sarah of “Lynwood” Broom Road Rotherham. He was a builders clerk in the drawing office of Chadwick & Co of College Road Rotherham.

He enlisted in Dec 1915 to the 3^rd battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 36130 and landed in France in Dec 1916 . He was wounded in Apr 1917 with a gunshot wound to his back , fracturing 2 ribs and penetrating his lung. After a long spell in hospital at the 2^nd Western General hospital in England he returned to France in Sept 1917. He was hospitalised back to England in Oct 1917 with trench foot and treated at Leith military hospital before being discharged in Dec 1917 . He returned to France again on 14^th March 1918 and was posted to the 7^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment. He died of wounds to his chest and legs received in action by enemy shelling at Forceville on 21^st April 1918 at 51^st field ambulance aged 20. He is buried at Varennes Military cemetery.

Sydney Knowles was born in Rotherham in 1897 one of 3 children to James Knowles , an insurance agent , and Mary Elizabeth of Broom Terrace Rotherham.

He served with the 8^th battalion Durham Light Infantry service number 6268 and died of wounds at 29^th casualty clearing station at Gezaincourt on 19^th Dec 1916 aged 19 . He is buried at Allonville communal cemetery.

Melvin Law was born in Scholes in 1894 one of 13 surviving children to Thomas Law , a coal miner , and Jane of 112 Scholes Rotherham.

He served in the 9^th battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry service number 19467. He landed in France on 10^th Dec 1915 and was killed in action on the opening day of the Somme offensive 1^st July 1916 aged 22 when his battalion attacked German trenches at Fricourt taking 2 lines of enemy trenches before being forced to withdraw. He was one of 455 casualties suffered by his battalion and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial.

Ernest Ashley Leetch was born in Rotherham in 1897 one of 4 surviving children to William Leetch , a steel works cost clerk , and Maggie of “Kildare” Kimberworth Road Rotherham.

He enlisted to the Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner with service number L/25302 and he landed in France on 8^th Jan 1916. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in Sept 1916 and received his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant in the Royal Horse Artillery in Oct 1917. He died in Rotherham in Mar 1919 aged 21 and is buried at Masbrough cemetery.

** His older brother Samuel was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry serving as a 2^nd Lieutenant with 17^th Company Machine Gun Corps at Gallpoli . He survived the war.

Raymond Allan Liversidge was born in Rotherham in 1888 the youngest of 6 surviving sons to Samuel Liversidge , a stove grate manufacturer , and the late Annie of 41 Bromfield Grove Rotherham . He was an accountant. He married Minnie Leedham in Portsmouth in 1915.

He served in the Royal Navy as assistant paymaster on board “HMS Invincible” . He was killed in action on 31^st May 1916 aged 27 at the Battle of Jutland when his ship exploded and sank while engaging with the German battle cruisers “ Derfflinger” and “Lutzow”. Of a crew of 1031 only 6 survived. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval memorial to the 10,000 sailors of the Great War who died at sea.

Hugh Marshall was born in Conisborough in 1892 one of 4 children to Robert Marshall , an engine fitter , and Emily of 59 Pembroke Street Holmes Rotherham . He was an apprentice at Henry Garnett & Co and later a reporter on the Sheffield Daily Telegraph .

He enlisted in Sept 1914 to the 12^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 12/987 . He sailed for Egypt on 20^th Dec 1915 landing in Alexandria on 1^st Jan 1916. He died of appendicitis on 17^th March 1916 at 31^st general hospital Port Said aged 23 and is buried at Port Said War Memorial cemetery.

Adam Jack McGibbon was born in Edenham Lincs in 1897 one of 2 surviving children to Robert Jack McGibbon , head forester on Earl Fitzwilliam’s Wentworth estate , and Maggie of Cortworth Lane Wentworth.

He served with C battery 306^th Brigade Royal Field Artillery service number 831640.

He was killed in action on 27^th Nov 1917 aged 20 and is buried at Orival Wood cemetery.

Ernest Millward was born in Rotherham in 1892 one of 6 children to Thomas Millward , an engineers fitter at a steelworks , and Frances of “Kelvin” Cottenham Road Rotherham . He was a shipping clerk.

He served with the 8^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 22032 and was killed in action on 1^st July 1916 aged 24. His battalion together with 8^th battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry attacked Ovillers , the leading waves cleared the German first line and entered the second but were forced to withdraw due to heavy losses (635 men ). He is buried at Blighty Valley cemetery.

Lionel Buchanan Newsum was born in Rotherham in 1896 one of 2 sons of Ernest William Newsum , a timber merchant , and Adelaide of “Don House “ Forge Lane Rotherham.

He served with 14^th battalion Princess Loiuse’s (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) service number 3/8031 . He was killed in action aged 20 when Beaucamp was captured on 24^th Apr 1917 . He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial.

Samuel Oakes was born in Rotherham in 1895 the eldest of 4 children to Frank William Oakes , a steel works foreman , and Mary of “Enville” Gilberthorpe Street Rotherham. He enlisted in the 12^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 1010 in Sept 1914 landing in Egypt in Jan 1916 , received his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant in the East Yorkshire regiment in Oct 1916 and transferred to “Z” Special Company the Royal Engineers in Nov 1916 . Their principle objective was to dispense various gases from cylinders, Livens projectors and Stokes mortars. He was killed in action aged 21 near Vaulx on 6^th May 1917 when an ammunition column he was leading to the front line was hit by devastating German shellfire while in the process of unloading . He was one of 44 men killed . He is buried at Beaulencourt British cemetery.

Clarence George Ottaway was born in Rotherham in 1897 the only child of George James Ottaway , a pawnbrokers manager , and Temperance of 3 Broad Street Parkgate Rotherham. He served with 1^st battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers service number 41284 and died of wounds on 2^nd June 1918 aged 21 at the Liverpool Merchants Mobile Hospital near Etaples. He is buried at Etaples Military cemetery.

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Athelstan Pearson was born in Rotherham in 1884 to Frank William Pearson , a brass finisher , and the late Martha of 23 Oxford Street Rotherham. He enlisted into the 5^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 200073 and landed in France in Apr 1915. He received a commission to 2^nd Lieutenant 5^th battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in Dec 1916. He was killed in action on 13^th June 1917 aged 32 . He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Loos memorial to the 20,000 missing men who fell in the area.

William Springfield Playle was born in Sharrow in 1898 one of 6 children to William Springfield Playle , a quantity surveyor , and Minnie of 14 Ecclesall Hall Road Sheffield. He served with the 17^th battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London) regiment service number GS/69640 landing in France in Jan 1918. He was shot by a sniper while carrying back a wounded comrade and died of his wounds at 6^th stationary hospital at Frevent on 27^th March 1918 aged 19. He is buried at St.Hilaire cemetery Frevent.

Ernest Leeson Ray was born in Rotherham in 1899 one of 4 surviving children to James Ray , a technical school attendant , and Julia of 32 Clough Street Masbrough .

He served with 320^th company Royal Army Service Corps motor transport heavy repair shop service number 143706 at Rouen before being transferred to 2^nd/5^th battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry service number 19267.

He was killed in action at the battle of Bullecourt on 3^rd May 1917 aged 18 . He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras memorial to the 35,000 men who fell in that area.

William George Gummer Reyner was born in Knottingley in 1892 one of 3 children to James Farmer Reyner , a foreman pattern maker at a brass foundry , and Priscilla of 18 Percy Street Rotherham. He was a Post Office sorting clerk and telegraphist.

He served with 15^th motor airline section Royal Engineers service number 72408. He landed in Egypt in Apr 1915 and was accidentally killed in Jaffa Palestine on 12^th Feb 1918 aged 25 and is buried at Jerusalem War cemetery.

Frank Basil Rodgers was born in Rotherham in 1878 the eldest of 3 sons to Frederick Rodgers , a chartered accountant , and Harriet of “Chatham Villas” Doncaster Road Rotherham. He was an advertising canvasser for a newspaper.

He married Margaret Mackintosh in London in 1914 and they lived at Balham Hill Surrey.

He served with 234^th siege battery Royal Garrison Artillery service number 183997 and was killed in action on 30^th March 1918 aged 40 and is buried at La Targette British cemetery.

Sydney Thomas Shaw was born in Whiston in 1892 the eldest of 2 surviving sons to Robert Shaw , a farmer of private means , and Catherine of Guilthwaite Grange Rotherham . He was an articled clerk in the highway surveyors office at the local council.

He served with the 12^th battalion West Yorkshire regiment (Prince of Wales Own ) and received his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant on 24^th Jan 1915 and was attached to the 10^th battalion West Yorkshire regiment (Prince of Wales Own ).

He died of wounds at 2^nd casualty clearing station Bailleul on 11^th May 1916 aged 24 and is buried at Bailleul Communal cemetery.

Ernest William Smith was born in Swinton in 1889 to Arthur John Smith , a railway wagon maker , and Harriet who died in 1907. Arthur married Ada Potts in 1910 and they lived at 11 Rowms Lane Swinton. Ernest aged 21 was shown as a student in the 1911 census. He married Beatrice E Stevenson , a school teacher , in Rotherham in 1915. He served with the 7^th battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders service number S/40961 and died of wounds on 3^rd Feb 1917 aged 28 at 11^th stationary hospital Rouen . He is buried at St Sever cemetery.

Jack Stansfield was born in Rotherham in 1899 one of 2 children to James Stansfield , a tobacconist and stationer , and Blanche of “Stromness” Oxford Street Rotherham.

. He was a clerk at the London City & Midland Bank in Whitehall. He enlisted in Jan 1917 , correctly giving his age as 17 years and 7 months , to 5^th (City of London) battalion London regiment ( London Rifle Brigade ) service number 305863. He was mobilized in Aug 1917 and landed in France on 1^st April 1918 and was posted to 1^st/15^th (County of London) battalion London regiment (Prince of Wales’ Own Civil Service Rifles) service number 548078. He was killed in action at the second battle of Bapaume on 22^nd Aug 1918 aged 19 and is buried at Bray Military cemetery .

Ronald Thomson was born in Rotherham in 1886 one of 5 children to Andrew Thomson , a brass founder , and Emily Louise of “Stoneleigh” Godstone Road Rotherham . He was a colliery deputy. He served with 185^th tunnelling company Royal Engineers and received his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant on 5^th Jan 1916. He landed in France on 17^th Jan 1916 and was wounded on 21^st Jan 1917 by a trench mortar exploding at the entrance to his trench dug out near Haute Avesnes. He died of his wounds on 27^th Jan 1917 aged 30 and is buried at Le Treport Military cemetery

 

2nd Lt Ronald Thomson RE  -  Photo courtesy of Andrew Mellor

 

 

 

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William Henry Treherne was born in Parkgate in 1892 one of 10 surviving children to William Henry Treherne Snr , a builder ( and Old Boy who built the Rotherham Grammar School memorial in 1925), and Emily of Wellgate House , Wellgate Rotherham . He was an apprentice joiner. He enlisted in Dec 1914 and served with the 1^st battalion Lincolnshire regiment service number 14374 . He landed in France on 30^th Apr 1915 and was wounded and reported missing on 4^th Jun 1915 at Ypres. He was a prisoner of war for over 3 years spending time at Wittenberg , Alten-Grabow and Stendal camps and in hospital recovering from a gunshot wound to his chest until being repatriated to England on 6^th Dec 1918. He died in Malvern on 28^th Mar 1922 aged 29. He is buried at Upton on Severn.

Sidney Tucker was born in Dalston Cumberland in 1881 one of 3 surviving children to the late Samuel Tucker (died 1883 aged 33 ) a commercial traveller for an iron works , and Betsy of “Avalon” Gerard Road Rotherham . He was a bank cashier and married Winifred Birks in Norfolk in 1917. He enlisted in the 16^th (County of London) battalion London regiment ( Queen’s Westminster Rifles) service number 2560 and landed in France on 24^th Jan 1915 . He was awarded the military medal and received his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant in Jun 1917 transferring to the 20^th (County of London) battalion London regiment (Blackheath and Woolwich) . He died of wounds at 4^th casualty clearing station Pernois on 11^th Aug 1918 aged 37 and was buried at Pernois British cemetery.

Reginald Leslie Williams was born in Rotherham in 1881 one of 7 children born to Edward Bagaley Williams , managing director of a stove grate manufacturing company , and Edith of “Witton” Gerard Road Rotherham . He was a bank clerk. He served with the 10^th battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire (Sherwood Foresters) regiment service number 17246. He landed in France on 14^th Jul 1915 and was wounded at Hill 60 near Ypres . He was evacuated back to England and died of sickness caused by his wounds at 1^st Eastern General Hospital in Cambridge on 26^th Sep 1915 aged 33. He is buried at Moorgate cemetery.

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Charles Frederick Willis born in Rotherham in 1883 to Gervase Butterill Willis , a solicitor , and Kate of “St Leonards House” St Leonards Road Rotherham . He was also a solicitor . He married Muriel Burwood in Brentford in 1909 and they lived at “Brentwood” St Anns Road Rotherham. They had 2 children David Alfred was born Jan 1914 and Felicity in Mar qtr 1918 , her father probably never saw her.

He served as Captain in the 1^st/5^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment and was promoted to Major on 1^st June 1916. The battalion had just departed for their annual Summer training camp when war was declared on 4^th August 1914 and they were immediately mobilized . After further training they sailed for France on 14^th Apr 1915 and joined 49^th West Riding division. He was killed in action aged 35 on 8^th March 1918. His battalion had relieved the 1/4^th battalion Duke of Wellingtons (West Riding) regiment in the front line in the Reutel sector on 2^nd March 1918. The battalion war diary for 8^th March states – “ 6.00am Major Charles Frederick Willis killed whilst going round the line “ the diary does not record the exact circumstances of his death but Privates Appleyard and Hunt from his battalion were killed on the same day so it could have possibly been from enemy shellfire . They are buried in adjacent graves at Polygon Wood cemetery

Fred Brookfield Wilson was born in Rotherham in 1893 the only child of Joe Wilson , a steel roller , and Fanny of 41 Milton Road , Eastwood Rotherham . He was an articled mining engineer. He served with the 12^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment receiving his commission to 2^nd Lieutenant in Jul 1915 and landed in France on 13^th July 1915. He was wounded and hospitalised in Apr 1917 returning to the front in July. At 1.30am on 6^th Aug 1917 the section of the front line trenches where his company were stationed on Vimy Ridge came under heavy German artillery fire of gas and shrapnel. Without fear for his own safety he warned his men to get their gas masks on and took over the firing of a Lewis gun while they did so and fought off a German attack . He did not put on his own gas mask until he was relieved by his gunners. He died of gas poisoning on 7^th Aug 1917 at number 30 casualty clearing station Aubigny aged 24 . He is buried at Aubigny Communal cemetery

[Ellis1918]

Hector Atkinson Wilson was born in Leeds in 1893 one of 2 children to Henry Hobson Wilson , a clerk of works , and Fanny of 1 Cavendish Road Rotherham . He was a concrete worker. He served with the 12^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 12/1412. He was killed in action on 10^th Sep 1916 aged 22 during a night trench raid led by 2^nd Lt Thompson. They crossed no mans land and approached the German wire and from a shell hole they threw bombs into the German trenches a few yards in front of them. Private Wilson was shot through the head and died instantly. His body was not recovered and he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Loos memorial.

Henry Dodd Wilson was born in Masbrough in 1892 one of 2 sons born to Robert Dodd Wilson , a railway clerk , and Mary Eleanor of 134 Ferham Road Rotherham . He was a teacher and had served with the 5^th Hants Territorials during his teacher training in Southampton. He enlisted in Rotherham in Nov 1915 to the 3^rd battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 21842 and was mobilized in Feb 1916 . He landed in France on 25^th May 1916 and was posted to the 10^th battalion York and Lancaster regiment. He suffered a gun shot wound to the neck on 1^st Jul 1916 , the opening day of the Somme offensive , when his battalion attacked Fricourt and suffered heavy casualties (306) in crossing no mans land . He was treated at 34^th casualty clearing station Daours but died of his wounds on 5^th Jul 1916. He is buried at Daours Communal cemetery.

George Harry Wordsworth was born in Rotherham in 1896 one of 2 surviving children born to Jim Wordsworth , a stove grate foreman , and Rose Hannah of 120 College Road Rotherham. He enlisted in the 1^st battalion York and Lancaster regiment service number 37550 serving in Salonika from 1916. He later transferred to the 26^th battalion Duke of Cambridges Own (Middlesex) regiment service number G/51263. He died , possibly of malaria , on 25^th Oct 1918 aged 22 and is buried at Mikra British cemetery Salonika.

William Montague Wormald was born in Barton near Manchester in 1899 to William , a railway goods agent , and Bessie of 1 Gilberthorpe Street Rotherham. He served as a pilot with 209^th squadron Royal Air Force. On 8^th Aug 1918 he was shot down and wounded by ground fire flying Sopwith Camel serial number D3421 over Amiens and St Quentin.

He was taking part in a line patrol between Monchy and Arras when last seen on 2^nd September 1918 in combat with enemy aircraft over Ecourt, St Quentin. At 0730 two aircraft were seen going down in flames. These were Sopwith Camel number E4381 flown by 2^nd Lt William Montague Wormald, and a Camel number F5970 being flown by Capt Richard Craven Grant also from 209^th Sqn. A German pilot Ltn Theodor Quant of Jasta 36 was credited with a victory over a Camel - it was the 12th of his eventual 15 kills. Wormald was aged 19 and has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services memorial to the 990 men of the RFC, RNAS and RAF who died on the Western front and have no known grave.

[DaveBrigg]

Assuming this is the last update, and I won't be interrupting the list, what an impressive research job! There's a book in there somewhere. It was great to read so many details beyond the usual name /date/ buried.

[Ellis1918]

Thanks Dave Had trouble downloading ( or uploading ) Reproducing it in a different format with a few photographs for Old Boys Association of which I am a member.

[Chris Noble]

Good piece of research Ellis, many thanks for sharing your work with the Forum.

All the best.

Chris.

[Roger Thompson]

Just to add that Pvt Jubb A C E 36130, and Sjt Garrison L 22430, where both in "C" company.

Cheers Roger.

[Ellis1918]

Thanks for the comments Dave , Roger and Chris

Special thanks to Simon Jones for info supplied on a pm regarding 185th tunnelling co RE and Graeme Clarke for wd extract for 5th battn Y&L

And of course other forum posts that provided background info by using the "search" facility

[wbremner]

George Hague Hatfield was born in Rotherham in 1887 the eldest of 3 children to George Carr Hatfield , an accountant and company secretary at a colliery , and Clara of 11 Nelson Street Rotherham . He was a bank clerk.

He enlisted in London into the 24^th battalion (2^nd Sportsmans) Royal Fusiliers (City of London) regiment service number Spts/3274 in March 1915 .He landed in France on 15^th Nov 1915 and fought in the battles of Festubert and Loos. He died of wounds received in an attack on Guillemont Station on 30^th July 1916 aged 29. He is buried at Abbeville communal cemetery.

Thanks for this. I have added this info to my database of Sportsman's Battalion soldiers.

Do you happen to know which day in March he enlisted? SPTS in the 3250 to 3330 range were enlisting in early March, so I suspect GHH enlisted in the first week.

I have him listed as a L/CPL. Is that consistent with your findings?

Interestingly he is listed in the Delville Wood Roll of Honour, which typically indicates that he fought there on July 27th/28th 1916, and then died of wounds as a result. I have 102 24RF soldiers listed as dying at (or as a result of) the same battle, including Arthur Evans (SPTS/2492) who played for Exeter City F.C.

WB

[Andy Wade]

Tremendous bit of work! Did you manage to obtain any photographs of these men during your research?

[Ellis1918]

wbremner - No specific date in March , agree rank of L Cpl.

Andy Wade - Photos of Lt W B Clarkson , L Cpl E S Curwen , Captain S Gummer and 2nd Lt S Oakes on Ancestry. Group photo including Major C F Willis on Express

[Guest Sethor]

Hello.  I have more information about Ronald Thomson, my Great Uncle, if you are interested.  And, I have a photograph of him in uniform.

Edited 17 February , 2017 by Sethor

[Ellis1918]

Thanks Sethor.    If you contact Steven Beevers at RGSOBA ( they have a website and facebook page) I am sure he would be interested in the information that you have for the Old Boys archives.