Ian, Author at The Great War History Hub

Public Images

If you have any photographs or information relating to the project please get in touch by leaving a comment below, using our Contact Form or by calling in to Whitchurch Heritage Centre. …

Video

Your Voice Sings Not So Soft

Your Voice Sings Not So Soft
Young people use creative and digital media to retell first hand accounts from WW1 to a contemporary audience

As part of MediaActive’s response to the WW1 Commemorations Shropshire Remembers, a team of twelve young people, working with filmmaking mentors, produced this animation based on the history of Prees Heath Common.

For more information about MediaActive please visit: www.mediaactive.org
For more information about the Shropshire Remembers Eyewitness project please visit www.eyewitnessww1.co.uk

Meritorious Service Medal

The following Whitchurch men were recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal : M2/167596 Private Alfred James Woolley, Royal Army Service Corps Whitchurch, Shropshire – 14 May 1920 S4/144030 Corporal Thomas Barnett Cartwight, Army Service Corps Whitchurch, Shropshire – 14 June …

Belgian Croix de Guerre

The World War I Croix de guerre was established by royal decree on 25 October 1915 as an award for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield. It was only awarded to individuals. The Croix de guerre was not …

Distinguished Conduct Medal

The following Whitchurch men were recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal : 43987 2nd Cpl. G. G. Wyatt, 16th Div. Sig. Coy., Royal Engineers Whitchurch, Shropshire – 31 December 1918 11851 Pte. G. M. Sergeant, 6th Bn., King’s Shropshire Light …

Raynor Taylor – Life at Prees Heath Army Camp

A recording of Raynor Taylor describing life at Prees Heath Army Camp in 1916, although not a local resident it provides insight into training at the camp. Topics include Size of camp One legged soldier Hut accommodation and beds Stealing …

Whitchurch Memorial

I first started visiting the Battlefields, Cemeteries and Memorials of the Western Front some fifteen years ago. Three years ago I decided to research the names on the War Memorial in Station Road, that’s all they are names, carved …

Women Police Officers

Photograph of Staffordshire policewomen in the early 1900s, courtesy of West Midlands Police Museum

Patrolling the streets of Whitchurch, Shropshire during the Great War, Emily Stephings and Isabella Hardy were amongst the first police women in the country. They say there’s something about a man in uniform. The uniformed men certainly acted as a …

De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914-1918

Report on the death of Frederick Phillips Pearson of Whitchurch, Shropshire in De Ruvigny’s Rollof Honour 1914-918 His Lieutenant wrote; “A shell came over which did not explode but crashed in a dugout burying two men, one of which was …

Llewellyn Passant – Brecon & Radnor Express Thursday 9th July 1917

Brecon & Radnor Express Thursday 9th July 1917 Transcription News was received last week that Cpl. L. Passant, 1st Mons. Regt. had been recommended for immediate reward for gallantry displayed and services rendered to his wounded comrades, under heavy fire, …

Richard Hamer

The Great War History Hub Whitchurch, shropshire - War dead missing image

Born in Castle Hill, Whitchurch in 1879, the fourth son of Edward and Emma Hamer. Husband of Ann Marie (nee Lewis) Hamer, of 13, Sherrymill Hill, father of Nellie, Alice, Polly and Richard. Worked as a Labourer in the Iron …

Whitchurch Herald 6th May 1916

Report in the Whitchurch Herald 6th May 1916 on the death of Stanley Victor Newbrook Letter received by Mr & Mrs Newbrook; “It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son Sgt. Stanley Newbrook, …

Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News April 1916

Report in the Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News April 1916. A letter from the Chaplain to Mrs Speakes on the death of her husband, George Speakes. “Dear Mrs Speaks, It is with great sympathy that I write to you about …

George Speakes

George was born in Whitchurch in 1882, the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Speakes. Husband of Sarah Ann (nee Fowles) Speakes of 2, Grooms Yard, Watergate Street, Whitchurch, father of George, Frank and Frederick. George worked as a Farm …

Stanley Newbrook

Stanley Victor, born in Whitchurch in 1892, the second son of Joseph and Edith Newbrook of 9, Havana Buildings, Whitchurch. Stanley was a regular soldier stationed in Portland, Dorset in August 1914. He landed in France on the 11th August …

Harry Davies

Born in Chester Road, Whitchurch in 1881 the third son of John and Hannah Davies. Harry worked as a groom in Cheshire, before enlisting at Birkenhead, Cheshire in 1915. Regiment : 8th (Service) Battalion Cheshire Regiment Rank : Private Service …

Whitchurch Herald 25th March 1916

Report in the Whitchurch Herald 25th March 1916 on the death of James Henry Hockenhull Letter received by Mr & Mrs Hockenhull; “He was hit by a busting shell, causing instantaneous death. He was buried in the Church Yard and …

James Hockenhull

James Henry Hockenhull was born in Tilstock, Whitchurch in 1890, the second son of James and Mary Hockenhull of 13, Catteralls Lane, Whitchurch. The 1911 Census reveals James residing at Moss Villa, Tilstock Road, Whitchurch and working as a groom/general …

John Jones

John Thomas Jones was born in Pulford, Cheshire in 1892 the eldest son of George and Mary Jones of 8, Mill Cottages, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch. John worked with his father in the Mill, at Grindley Brook, before joining the Army.

Whitchurch Herald 12th February 1916

Report in the Whitchurch Herald 12th February 1916 on the death of John Newbrook Letter received by Mr & Mrs Newbrook; “Your son was killed with others of the regiment in the trenches by a shell which buried him and …

Whitchurch Herald 2nd February 1916

Report in the Whitchurch Herald 2nd February 1916 on the death of John Phillips Letter received by Mr & Mrs Phillips; “I am writing these few lines which are a very painful duty for me to perform, as I regret …

John Newbrook

Born in Whitchurch in 1892; the eldest son of John and Elizabeth Newbrook of 43 Yardington, Whitchurch. The 1911 Census details John’s occupation as being an assistant butcher and living at 43c Newtown Street, Whitchurch. John was working as an …

John Phillips

John was born in Whixall, Shropshire in 1895, the eldest son of John and Edith Phillips of No Man’s Heath, Malpas, Cheshire. John worked as a Groom before enlisting in August 1914, landing in France on the 22nd June 1915.

William Gosnell

Born in Morda, Shropshire in 1894, the fourth son of William and Elizabeth Gosnell of 43 Newtown Street, Whitchurch. Husband of Mary Ellen (nee Chesters) Gosnell, of Nantwich, father to Mary and John William. From the 1911 Census, William worked …

Postcard to Walter Fowkes

This postcard was sent to Walter Fowkes who was the landlord at the Talbot Inn at Gretton, Northamptonshire from a soldier stationed at Prees Heath Camp. Images reproduced with permission of Roger Fowkes …

Thomas Hewitt

Born in Aston, Birmingham in 1891, the eldest son of Thomas and Emily Hewitt. Mrs. Hewitt would lose her three sons in the Great War. Thomas was possibly in the Army/Territorial’s before August 1914; he landed in France on the …

George Hewitt

Born in Aston, Birmingham in 1893, the second son of Thomas and Emily Hewitt. In 1911 he was living at 14 Egerton Road Whitchurch and was working as a tailor before enlisting in August 1914. He landed in France on …

Herbert Bebbington

Born in Audlem in 1887, the third son of Thomas and Ann Bebbington of Willaston, Cheshire. In 1911, Herbert was employed as a compositor. Herbert enlisted in Whitchurch in August 1914, promoted Corporal in January 1915, and Sergeant in April …

John Frost

Born in Stinsford, Dorset in 1892, the eldest son of John and Mary Frost. Husband of May (nee Edge) Frost of Egerton Road, Whitchurch. John worked as a groom before enlisting in 1914. Regiment : 6th (Service) Battalion York & …

Shrewsbury News & Wellington Journal August 1915

Report in the Shrewsbury News & Wellington Journal August 1915 on the death of Horace Birch Davenport. “Whitchurch has to de-plore the loss a another one of its gallant sons, Horace Birch Davenport 1st Shropshire Light Infantry who fell somewhere …

Horace Davenport

Horace Birch Davenport was born in Belton Road, Whitchurch in 1881, the third son of George and Mary Davenport of Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. Husband of Mabel (nee Jones) Davenport, of Newtown, Whitchurch, father of George Bernard. Regiment : 1st Battalion …

Percy Freer

Percy William Freer was born in Adderley, Shropshire in 1892, the fourth son of John and Fanny Freer of 2 Terrick Cottages, Whitchurch. Percy worked his passage to Australia in 1913. In August 1914 he enlisted in the Australian Infantry …

Whitchurch Herald 10th July 1915

Sergeant Nunnerley Northumberland Fusiliers was killed with other comrades by the explosion of a big shell, whilst they were charging the Germans. Sgt Nunnerley worked in the Provincial Bank in Hull before enlisting Whitchurch Herald 10th July 1915

Frederick Pearson

Frederick Phillips Pearson was born in Liverpool in 1880, the fourth son of Edward and Maria Pearson of 48 Edgeley Road, Whitchurch. Frederick had served with the Cheshire Regiment in South Africa, and was awarded the Queens Medal with 3 …

Whitchurch Herald June 1915

Report in the Whitchurch Herald June 1915 on the death of John Heycocks “Private John Heycocks son of Mrs Heycocks of Broughall has been reported missing since the 25th May 1915. He joined Kitchener’s Army at the first call for …

Whitchurch Herald 29th May 1915

Report in the Whitchurch Herald 29th May 1915 on the death of Alfred Charles Grays Peirson Letter received by Mrs Peirson; “We were ordered to go into the trenches; Alfred of course would not be left behind and came up …

John Heycocks

Born in Broughall, Whitchurch in 1892, the second son of William and Mary Heycocks of Brook Cottage, Broughall, Whitchurch John worked as a Farm Waggoner before enlisting in August 1914, he landed in France on the 17th May 1915 Regiment …

Alfred Peirson

Alfred Charles Grays Peirson, born in Highgate, London in 1883 the eldest son of Alfred and Mary Peirson. Husband of Elizabeth Ada (nee Gorman) Peirson of 16, Talbot Street, Whitchurch Alfred had moved to Whitchurch with his employer Captain H …

Wellington Journal & Shrewsbury News May 1915

“Whitchurch has given another son to the country in the death of Arthur Thomas Simmonds, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action in France on April 27th. He was 27 years of age, he was the son of …

Arthur Simmonds

Arthur was born in Cheswardine, Shropshire in 1888, the eldest son of Mrs Mary Ann Mann of 25a, Newtown Street, Whitchurch Regiment : 2nd Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Rank : Private Service Number : 6528 Killed in Action Belgium …

Arthur Nunnerley

Arthur was born in Wirswall, Whitchurch in 1886, the third son of Thomas and Mary Ann Nunnerley of Bradeley Green Farm, Wirswall. Arthur was working as a Bank Clerk in Hull, before enlisting in August 1914. Regiment : 1st/6th (Territorial) …

Thomas Travers – Whitchurch Herald 24th April 1915

Letter received by Mrs Travers “Private Thomas Travers had been killed on the 13th digging trenches at the time, and was shot in the stomach, dying shortly afterwards in practically no pain. He was a very good soldier and I …

Shrewsbury News & Wellington Journal April 1915

Report in the Shrewsbury News & Wellington Journal April 1915 on the death of Thomas Travers. “Whitchurch has made a splendid response to the call to arms and many of her gallant sons have already given proof of that British …

Thomas Travers

Thomas was born in Bargates, Whitchurch in April 1874, the second son of Patrick, a labourer in a local Iron Foundry, and Harriett Travers of Yardington, Whitchurch, Shropshire. He had two sisters, Elizabeth and Catherine, and two brothers, John and …

Shrewsbury News & Wellington Journal January 1915

“The late Lance Corporal J Field, 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, has been mentioned in Sir John French’s despatch, and recommended for gallant and distinguished service in the field, was the son of Mr John Field, a joiner of Whitchurch, who …

Whitchurch Herald 9th January 1915

Telegram received by Mr Field “Lance Corporal J W Field 637, 1st Seaforth Highlanders, killed in action December 22nd. He was killed while holding on to his trench to the last, along with his commanding officer Lt. MacAndrews, who also …

John William Field

John was born in Newtown Street, Whitchurch in 1887, the eldest son of John Matthew a joiner, and Elizabeth Field of 31 Newtown Street, Whitchurch Shropshire. John had seven sisters, Adelaide, Sara, Jane, Ellen, Eve, Hilda and Jessie, and one …

William Hagan

Born in Dudley, Worcestershire in 1880, the only son of Patrick and Margaret Hagan At the time of his call up William was living in Pepper Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire Regiment : 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers Rank : Private Service …

Matthew Johnson

Born in Nantwich, Cheshire in 1876. Matthew was boarding in Newtown Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire and working as a slaughter man prior to enlisting in August 1914. Regiment : 3rd Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Rank : Private Service Number : …

William Mellor

Born in Tushingham, Cheshire in 1892, the second son of William and Ann Mellor. William was working as a farm waggoner in August 1914, and must have been an army reservist. Regiment : 1st Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry Rank …

Whitchurch Herald – Enlisted September & October 1914

The following lists appeared in the Whitchurch Herald, they show those who enlisted during September and October 1914. Images reproduced with permission of Trinity Mirror plc …

Jacob Griffiths

Jacob Griffiths was born in Whitchurch, Shropshire in 1886, the third son of Jacob and Sarah Ann Griffiths of Folly Lane, Yardington, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Husband of Amy Griffiths (née Hinds) of Gorton, Manchester and father of Amy. Regiment : 1st …

Joseph Fulgoni Public Notice – Whitchurch Herald August 1914

Image reproduced with permission of Trinity Mirror plc Transcription £5 Reward Whereas I, Joseph Fulgoni of Whitchurch, have been subjected to annoyance by the circulation of false and malicious reports concerning my wife’s nationality and my own behaviour in respect …

Whitchurch Herald Advertisements August 1914

A selection of advertisements that appeared in the Whitchurch Herald during August 1914. Images reproduced with permission of Trinity Mirror plc …