Jump to content
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

A Cleckheaton Family's Record of Service


Guest mruk

Recommended Posts

Looking through the Yorkshire Evening Post [Aug. 1915] I came across an interesting piece about four of Mrs Lonsdale's sons who had enlisted c. 1915. I didn't take the full account, or the four photos that went with it, but the gist of it is that Herbert and Harry Lonsdale were serving 1/4th West Riding at the front; Tom was with the Transport Dept. of the Bradford Pals at Ripon; and Charles was serving with the R.A.M.C.

Mrs. Lonsdale had seven sons in all, two of whom were underage and ineligible for military service, and the eldest son who was involved on the railways at this time. I've just had a quick look at CWGC and it seems almost certain that Charles was killed in action in 1916. There's also the possibility that Herbert died with the 10th Bttn West Yorkshire in September 1918. The family lived in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.

Lonsdale, C.W. Pte. No. 21957 [D] 15-2-1916 Cemetery-Memorial: Spenborough [Cleckheaton Whitechapel Lane] Cemetery. C. 'C'. 578 [son of Mrs Margaret Lonsdale, 3 Prospect Place, Cleckheaton] Served with 20th Coy.

Lonsdale, Herbert L/Cpl. NO. 305647 [D.] 10-9-1918 Cemetery-Memorial: Vis-en-Artois Memorial. Panel 4.

[10th Bttn West Yorkshire Regiment]

Can anyone confirm whether these two lads were brothers please?

Regards,

Dave

PS: The Yorkshire Evening Post, Saturday, August 21, 1915. p. 5

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave,

Hope this helps. The SDGW results for the two are: -

LONSDALE

Chester Wray,

Private, M2/184125

RASC

Born - Nelson, Lancs,

Enlisted - Colne

Residence - Colne

Died

22/10/18

Balkans

LONSDALE

Charles,

Private, 21957

RAMC

Born - Rippon, Yorks

Enlisted - Nottingham

No Residence recorded

Died

15/2/16

Home

The above are the only C Lonsdale recorded in SDGW. 3 officers recorded, none C Lonsdale

and the only Herbert Lonsdale

LONSDALE

Hebert, L/Cpl 305647

10th West Yorks Regt

Born - Leeds

Enlisted - Leeds

No residence recorded

Killed in action

20/9/18

France and Flanders

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many Thanks Farmer,

It seems that the two lads are unrelated at present, and I'm not even sure now that Charles Lonsdale [RAMC] is related to Mrs. Lonsdale of Cleckheaton, despite being buried in one of the town's cemeteries. A bit more detective work needed I think.

Thanks for the info.

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave

I have got some newspaper articles about a Pte William Lonsdale from Leeds (he was a POW) an ex tramcar conductor - he was married with children - Any connection - let me now and I'll post said articles.

Glyn

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The one I have info on was at Doberitz Camp and was sentenced to death for striking a guard - later commuted to 20 years then 15 years. Wonder what happened to him ?

Glyn

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Everyone,

This is taking quite a turn. To be honest, Shayman, I'm not sure it is one of the same brothers, but there could be some family connection, although I doubt it given that the two younger siblings were ineligible for service, and were unlikely to have three kids. There again, it could be the older brother, and he may have joined at a later date. The YEP didn't give the names of the other brothers, but I'll double check next week when I copy the pictures. Thanks for the POW link Farmer.

Kind Regards,

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many Thanks Myrtle,

I read this with great interest and will ask at Leeds Library if they hold a copy. There is also another member who will find this most useful, and I'll post the photos next week. My own interests lay in the 10th West Yorks, and as with most things I came across Herbert Lonsdale by pure chance. I was actually looking for someone in October 1916, but picked the wrong microfiche before realising it was 1915.

Kind Regards,

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dave

Charles Wray Lonsdale is the only Lonsdale on the Cleckheaton Roll of Honour.He lived Prospect St Cleckheaton( which ties in ) 4th West Ridings had a Company in Cleck also which would tie in.Charles caught Pneumonia at Fovant Camp whilst with RAMC and died at home Feb 16 .

Ady

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...