Project Diary - The Great War History Hub - Page 2 of 6

William Simmonds

Personal Details

Born: In 1859 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. He was also known as Simmons.

Family: He was the eldest of six children born to George Simmonds, an iron boat builder, and his wife Ann. He married Elizabeth Hurrrey on 11 April 1887 at St. Saviour’s Church, Smallthorne, Staffordshire and together they had nine children – Sarah A, William H, Harriett, Mary Elizabeth, Louisa, George, Florrie, Joseph and Arthur.

Residence: In 1871 he lived with his family in Etruria Vale, Shelton, Stoke upon Trent, Staffordshire. In 1881 he was serving in the military in Malta and by 1891 and now married, he lived in Chetwynd Street, Norton in the Moors, Leek, Staffordshire. In 1901 his address was 22 Chetwynd Street, Smallthorne and in 1911 33 Audley Street, Tunstall, Staffordshire. This was the address to which he was discharged in 1916 and his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1879 he was a labourer; he served in the military between 1879 and 1891 and was a railway labourer when he was discharged. In 1901 he was a locomotive engine driver and in 1911 a colliery labourer. When he re-enlisted in 1915 he stated his occupation as an engineer and when he was discharged in 1916 he was a colliery boiler stoker.

Died: 6 January 1917 in North Stafford Infirmary, Staffordshire, aged 59.

Military Details

Regiment: Training Reserve Corps (previously South Staffordshire Regiment)

Rank: Acting Lance Sergeant

Service Number: TR/5/32092 (previously 19828)

Date of Enlistment: 6 August 1915

Date of Discharge: 21 December 1916

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: He served with the 38th Foot Regiment (number 1788) between 14 May 1879 and 13 May 1891 in Malta, Egypt and the UK.

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Silver War badge (number 28300)

Silver War Badge

Frank Norris

Personal Details

Born: 2 February 1894 in Moreton Say, Market Drayton, Shropshire and baptised on 28 February the same year in Calverhall Parish Church, Shropshire.

Family: He was the sixth of eleven surviving children born to Edward Norris, a farm labourer, and his wife Mary. He married Mary Highfield in 1931 in Market Drayton and together they had one child, Emmeline M.

Residence: He lived at 6 New Street Lane, Market Drayton until at least 1920. In 1939 he was living at 1 Willaston, Calverhall.

Employment: In 1911 he was a domestic groom; in 1939 a horseman on a farm.

Died: In 1963 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 69.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 81859

Date of Enlistment: 21 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 31 March 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

The 1914 Star (also known as 'Pip') was authorised under Special Army Order no. 350 in November 1917 and by an Admiralty Fleet Order in 1918, for award to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight of 22–23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.

The 1914–15 Star (also known as 'Pip') was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain.

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

Archer Topham Nunnerley

Personal Details

Born: In 1894 in Cockshutt, Ellesmere, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of eight surviving children born to William Nunnerley, a farmer, and his wife Sarah Anne. He married Joyce Ivor Lewis on 10 February 1920 at Holy Trinity Church, Bickerton, Cheshire and together they had four children – Marjorie A, Joyce M, William L and Archer Thomas Belton (who was born after his father’s death).

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at Renwick, Cockshutt, Ellesmere; by 1911 Archer was at Twemlows Farm, Ash Parva, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The address on his military records was Belton Farm, Whitchurch and this was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: He was a farmer throughout his short working life.

Died: 13 January 1926 in Whitchurch, aged 31 and was buried on 16 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Lieutenant

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: He was a member of the St. Alkmund’s Freemason Lodge, Whitchurch.

Medals and Awards

Archer was awarded the Silver War Badge (number B45871)

Silver War Badge

George Henry Oliver

Personal Details

Born: 1 March 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 11 April the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the second of five surviving children born to Stephen Oliver, an iron foundry clerk, and his wife Martha. He married Florence M Davies in 1922 in Whitchurch and together they had one child, Brian David.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family were living at 26 Dodington, Whitchurch; by 1901 they had moved to 89 Talbot Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 he lived at 14 Oddfellows Cottages, West End and this address is shown for 1923 on his medal card. In 1939 he lived at 19 High Street, Nantwich, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a shop assistant; in 1939 he was manager of a boot store.

Died: In 1950 in Crewe, Cheshire, aged 56.

Military Details

Regiment: Indian Army (previously King’s Royal Rifle Corps)

Rank: Lieutenant (commissioned from Corporal in the KRRC 8 October 1918)

Service Number: C458 prior to his commission

Date of Enlistment: Prior to 16 November 1915

Date of Discharge: After 8 October 1918

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

William Parker

Personal Details

Born: In 1885 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 15 January 1886 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the son of Mary Parker. He married Ann Ball on 26 February 1916 at the Parish Church of Balby with Hexthorpe, Yorkshire. They had a daughter, Doris, who sadly died at six days of age. William had 2 step children – Frank Ball and Wilfred Lawson.

Residence: Mary was living in Whitchurch when William was baptised. In 1911 William was boarding at 60 Sandwich Street, Walkden, Lancashire. When he enlisted in 1915 he was living at 1 Regent Street, Balby, Doncaster, Yorkshire. The address shown on Doris’s death certificate was 88 Victoria Street, Hemsworth, Yorkshire. When he was discharged in 1919 he was living at 10 Moss Lane, Linnyshaw, Walkden.

Employment: In 1911 he was a general carter; in 1915 he was a platelayer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 145756

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 20 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Henry Penlington

Personal Details

Born: 24 October 1881 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 16 November the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the second of ten children born to John Penlington, a gas stoker, and his wife Mary. John married Ellen Barlow on 18 June 1901 at St. Oswald`s Church, Malpas, Cheshire and together they had nine children – George Edward, Edith Emma, Frank, Harry, Thomas, Ellen, Edgar Richard, Eva and James E.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family lived in Newtown, Whitchurch; by 1891 they had moved to 15 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was boarding at 21 Chester Road, Whitchurch. By 1911 he was living with his wife and children in Well Street, Malpas; he was still living at this address in 1926. By 1939 he had moved to The Observatory, Aberhafesp, Montgomeryshire, Wales, where he continued to live until the time of his death in 1941.

Employment: In 1901 and 1911 he was a domestic groom. When he enlisted he stated his occupation as motor driver; in 1939 he was a farmer.

Died: 4 October 1941 in Bettisfield, Flintshire, Wales, aged 59.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal West Kent Regiment (previously Kent Cycle Battalion and Royal Army Service Corps)

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/27051

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 7 January 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He served in India from 12 June 1917 until 9 December 1919.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the British War Medal.

British War Medal

Wilfred Harry Pemberton

Personal Details

Born: 19 October 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 23 December the same year in Wem Methodist Chapel.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to Henry Pemberton, a tailor, and his wife Alice. He married Beatrice Lucy Bucknall in 1923 in Spilsby, Lincolnshire and together they had one child, Linda P born in 1924. Sadly, Linda died in 1925.

Residence: In 1901, he lived at 93 Talbot Street, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to New Street, Fressingfield Harleston, Fressingfield, Suffolk. When he enlisted in 1915 his address was Beach Bank, Northwood, near Wem, Shropshire; when he was discharged in 1919 his address was The Nook, Queen’s Road, Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire. The 1939 Register records his address as Motor Garage Repair Shop, Keeling Street, North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, whereas his wife Beatrice was living at 40 Trusthorpe Road, Mablethorpe and Sutton, Lincolnshire. His address at the time of his death was Mill Garth, Grainthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a cycle repairer; in 1939 he was a motor and cycle repairer.

Died: 9 September 1973 in Louth, aged 79, and was cremated on 14 September the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 113309

Date of Enlistment: 22 October 1915

Date of Discharge: 2 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Wilfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Richard Thomas Roberts

Personal Details

Born: 3 April 1882 and baptised 18 June the same year at St Barnabas Church, Hengoed, Gobowen, Shropshire.

Family: Fourth child of Samuel and Jane Roberts. Richard did not appear to have married, listed as single on all found documents.

Residence: The year before Richard’s birth the census recorded the family residing at Hengoed Road, Selattyn, Oswestry, Shropshire. By 1891 the family were living at Chirk Road, Whittington, Oswestry. Ten years later Richard was boarding in Whittington Road, Oswestry but by 1911 was living back with his father, now a widower, and his sister Elizabeth at Upper Hengoed, Whittington, Oswestry. In the 1919 absent voters list his address is given as 2 Belton Cottages, Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, the same as on his army documents. Twenty years later, in 1939, he was boarding at 38 Rhosddu Road, Wrexham, Denbighshire.

Employment: In 1901 Richard was employed as a railway shunter. Ten years later his occupation was that of a colliery banksman working above ground. In 1939 he listed his occupation as unemployed coal miner.

Died: Possible deaths recorded in Wrexham are in 1955, aged 73 or 1963, aged 81.

Military Details

Regiment: Military Foot Police (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and then 48th Training Reserve)

Rank: Lance corporal

Service Number: P7140 (not P/7140 as in 1919 Absent voters list) (previously 15496 and then 3/226)

Date of Enlistment: 10 November 1914 (transferred September 1916 to Training Reserve then 24 February 1917 to Military Police)

Date of Discharge: 9 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Whilst in Training Reserve he was stationed at Prees Heath Camp, Whitchurch.

Medals and Awards

Not known, presumed not to have served abroad

Thomas William Rogers

Personal Details

Born: 20 October 1888, birth registered in Whitchurch.

Family: Third of nine children born to Richard and Fanny Rogers. In late 1916 Thomas married Winifred Challoner in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had four children, Dorothy H, Winifred Nora, Cyril J. and Doreen M.

Residence: In 1891 the family were living in an unnamed property next to Blackoe Farm, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Ten years later they were residing at the same site, then named Waterworks, Fenn’s Bank. At the time of the 1911 census Thomas was living at the same property with his parents and three siblings. The address given in 1915 when he enlisted was 3 Brooklands, Chester Road, Whitchurch. By 1939 Thomas had returned to Fenn’s Bank and was living at Waterworks Cottage with his wife, three children and a son-in-law. By the time of his death in 1973 he had moved to 67 Queensway, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was listed as an engineer in 1911, as was his father. Presumably they were both involved with the running of Whitchurch Urban District Council waterworks. In the 1939 register Thomas was listed as the Waterworks manager/engineer.

Died: Aged 84, his death being registered in the first quarter of 1973 and burial in Whitchurch Cemetery on 19 February the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 197366

Date of Enlistment: 12 December 1915 (mobilised 23 August 1917)

Date of Discharge: 7 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Thomas served in Egypt

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Noel Jack Roles

Personal Details

Born: 30 September 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was one of seven children born to Peter Roles, a general labourer, and his wife Jane, nee Hunt. He married Annie Elizabeth Wright in April 1929 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had four children, Winifred May, Elsie L, Irene A and John.

Residence: In 1911 he was living with his widowed mother at 1 Havana Buildings, Whitchurch. This was the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. By 1939 he and his wife and children were living at 2 Scotland Street, Whitchurch. At the time of his death in 1961, his home was 57 Thompson Drive, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a general labourer.

Died: January 1961, aged 62, at Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 18 January 1961.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 18968 (previously 48275)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother, Arthur Roles, also served in WW1

Medals and Awards

Noel was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Lucas

Personal Details

Born: 1880 in Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the only child born to Thomas Lucas, a railway clerk, and his wife Harriet, nee Henshall. He married Elizabeth Smith on 12 December 1908 at St Mary`s Church, Stafford, Staffordshire. The couple had three children Frances, Thomas and Eric.

Residence: Thomas was born in Tilstock and in 1881 he was living at the home of his grandparents in Hollins Lane, Tilstock, Shropshire. By 1891 he and his parents had moved to 16 Friars Terrace, Castle Church, Stafford, Staffordshire. In 1901 he was a boarder at 4 Brooklands, Victoria Street, Hereford, Herefordshire. By 1911, and now married with a daughter, his address was 1 Victoria Terrace, Occupation Street, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire. At the time of his death in 1921 he was living at 13 Alexandra Road, Stafford; this was the home of his parents.

Employment: In 1901 he was a banker`s clerk. Between 1903 and 1906 he served in the military; in 1911 his occupation was described as a bookkeeper.

Died: 25 November 1921 in the Staffordshire General Infirmary, aged 41

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 16061

Date of Enlistment: 5 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 30 October 1914

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Further information: He originally enlisted 5 July 1903 and was transferred to Reserve in 1906. He was then mobilised from Reserve 5 August 1914.

Medals and Awards

As he only served for three months at the beginning of WW1 he would not have been entitled to any medals

William John Lloyd

Personal Details

Born: 1881 in Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of six surviving children born to Robert Lloyd, a bricklayer, and his wife Ann, nee Batho. He married Martha Whalley in September 1910 in Wolstanton, Staffordshire. They had a daughter Hannah (or Anna) born in 1911.

Residence: In 1881 he was living with his parents in Hollins Lane, Tilstock, Shropshire. By 1901 they had moved to 13 Sun Street, Tunstall, Wolstanton, Stafordshire. This was the address given for him on his military records.

Employment: He was a potters` printer working for R Meakin, Royal Albert Pottery.

Died: 1922 in Wolstanton, Staffordshire, aged 40.

Albert Charles Little

Personal Details

Born: 8 June 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 21 July 1895 at St Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the elder of two surviving children born to Albert Little, a clerk, and his wife Gertrude. He married Florence Alice Burt in 1924 in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. No children can be found for the couple.

Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1895 he and his family were living in Church Street, Whitchurch. Ten years later in 1901, their address was the Boreatton Arms, Baschurch, Ellesmere, Shropshire. By 1911 they had moved again to Cable Street, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. On his discharge in 1919 an address of 48 Cartwright Street, Wolverhampton was given for him. In 1939 his home was Alberta, Lower Prestwood Road, Wednesfield, Staffordshire. At the time of his death his address was 20 Newbourne Street, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset.

Employment: On his Attestation document he was described as a metal turner. In 1939 he was a Sergeant Instructor at an RAF training school.

Died: 30 June 1965 at The Royal Hospital, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, aged 70.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps)

Rank: Sergeant Fitter

Service Number: 2081

Date of Enlistment: 5 November 1914

Date of Discharge: 8 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Transferred to RAF Reserve

Medals and Awards

Albert was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Geoffrey Mountain Lee

Personal Details

Born: 10 October 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 19 November 1899 at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the third of five children born to Leonard Lee, a chemist, and his wife Annie Elizabeth. He married Gertrude Jane Marjorie Brown in 1928 in Dudley, Staffordshire. The couple had two children, Audrey Elizabeth and Jean M.

Residence: From the time of his baptism in 1899 until at least his demobilisation in February 1919, he and his family were living at 27 High Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. In 1939 and now married with two children, his address was Brydon, Pear Tree Lane, Whitchurch. At the time of his death in 1972 he was living at The White Cottage, Mile Bank, Whitchurch.

Education: From September 1908 until July 1915 he was educated at Whitchurch Boys Grammar School, leaving to work in his father`s chemist shop.

Employment: He was a pharmacist.

Died: 17 November 1972 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 73 and was buried on 20 November the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

William Laycock

Personal Details

Born: 22 March 1877 in Ruabon, Denbighshire, Wales and baptised 13 June 1877 in Ruabon Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of six children born to John Spencer Laycock, an accountant, and his wife Lucy Elizabeth, nee Wellham. No marriage can be found for William.

Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1877 the family were living at Hafod Cottage, Ruabon, Denbighshire. They were still living there in 1891. The 1901 Census shows William as a boarder at 2 Haven Lane, Ealing, Middlesex. Ten years later, in 1911, he had returned to Wales and was a lodger at Plas Tirion Farm, Llanwrst, Denbighshire. The address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is 6 Chemistry, Whitchurch, Shropshire; this was the home of two of his sisters. By 1939 his address was 19 Denmark Street, Ealing, Middlesex. At the time of his death in 1945, he was living at 135 Chester Road, Northwich, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1901 his occupation was described as an estate agent`s clerk. By 1911 he was an architect and surveyor and in 1939 a building inspector.

Died: 29 January 1945 in Northwich, Cheshire, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Royal Engineers and West Yorkshire Regiment)

Rank: Colour Sergeant

Service Number: 446943 (previously 186311, 545353 and 58251)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother, Spencer Wellham Laycock, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Bertram Leonard Maddocks

Personal Details

Born: 12 September 1879 in Wrockwardine Wood, Shropshire, and baptised on 5 October the same year in Wrockwardine Parish Church.

Family: He was the son of Joseph Maddocks, a publican, and his wife Harriett. He married Nellie Mealand in 1904 in Chester, Cheshire and together they had nine children – Ethel Elizabeth, Bertram Leonard, Cecil Bertram, Edward Joseph William, John William Arthur, Joseph Mealand, Louisa Ellen Annie, Doris L M and Phyllis. Sadly, Bertram and Edward died in early infancy.

Residence: The family were living in Trench, Shropshire at the time of his baptism; in 1881 they were living at the public house at 12 Pownall Square, Liverpool, Lancashire. In 1891 he was living with his paternal grandparents at the Red Lion Inn in Tilstock village, Shropshire where his grandfather was the publican. His military discharge in 1901 was to 42 Kent Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire. In 1911 he was living at 62 Henry Place, Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland; in 1920 he lived at 32 High Street, Monks Coppenhall, Crewe, Cheshire and in 1922 he lived at 101 Claughton Avenue, Shavington, Cheshire. At the time of his death in 1950 he was living at 11 Ffordd-y-Maer, Mochdre, Colwyn Bay, North Wales.

Employment: He was a labourer in 1896 and a clerk in 1904. He served as a soldier from 1904 to 1915.

Died: 22 February 1950 in Aled, Denbighshire, aged 71.

Military Details

Regiment: Army Pay Corps (previously Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 15029 (previously 7549)

Date of Enlistment: 17 May 1904

Date of Discharge: 29 September 1915

Reason for Discharge: Medically unfit

Other Information: He had previously served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (numbers 5335 and 3643), enlisting on 27 August 1896 and discharged, medically unfit, on 24 August 1901.

Medals and Awards

Bertram was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (number 55685).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Harry Wagstaff

Personal Details

Born: Bewdley, Worcester 1897

Family: He lived with his mother, Middie Wagstaff (maiden name Siviter), father, Alfred J. Wagstaff and his older brother, Frederick Horace and younger sister, Ena May. No marriage for Harry could be found.

Residence: The 1901 census shows him living at 6 St. Mark Street, Uxbridge Place, Birmingham. The 1911 census shows that the family had moved to Whitchurch, Shropshire at 3 West End, 3 Small Brook Road which was still his address on the Absent Voters’ List. He could not be found on the 1939 register.

Employment: Recorded as a newsboy on the 1911 census and a tinsmith working for WH Smith and Co., Whitchurch in his 1919 Army Discharge documents.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 12386

Date of Enlistment: 7 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 12 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Wounded in action 18 September 1918.

Medals and Awards

Harry was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Wade

Personal Details

Born: 8 September 1889 in Halifax, Yorkshire and baptised on 12 September 1894 in St. Augustine’s Church, Halifax.

Family: His father was Anthony Wade and mother was Eunice Wade, maiden name Ellis. He had six brothers and sisters, namely Thomas Whalley, Mary J, Sam, Albert, Agnes and Herbert. No records found for marriage or children.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living at 65 Battinson Road, Halifax. The 1911 census shows him living and working in Market Drayton, Shropshire. The military records show his address as 6 Yardington, Whitchurch, Shropshire; this is the address for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register.

Employment: The 1911 census records him as working as a ‘Cowman on Farm’.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Driver

Service Number: T3/028648

Date of Enlistment: 16 November 1914

Date of Discharge: 10 June 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Edward Lloyd

Personal Details

Born: 1891 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He married Margaret Price in 1916 at Boughton Registry Office, Chester, Cheshire. The couple may have had five children Edward, John, Hannah, Edwin and Robert, but as Lloyd and Price are both common surnames it is difficult to definitely state whether these are all their children.

Residence: In 1916 he was living at 6 Davis`s Court, Boughton, Chester.

Employment: On his Attestation document his occupation was described as a hawker.

Died: Not known

Military Personnel – surnames starting with A

Men from Whitchurch and the surrounding area who served in the Great War whose surnames begin with the letter A. Some died in action; the majority returned to resume civilian life. We have sought to record their lives in one place. If you have any further information about any of these men, please get in touch at the email address shown below.

Whitchurch Museum and Archives

You can search for a name in the table and view the details by clicking on ‘Further information’.

Surname	Given Names	Survived or died	Further Information
Acton	Frederick	Died	View Details
Adams	Frederick	Survived	View Details
Adams	Harold	Died	View Details
Adams	Henry Stanley	Died	View Details
Adamson	Henry Bardell	Died	View Details
Aimson	George William	Died	View Details
Allen	Harry	Survived	View Details
Allen	Sidney Alsop	Died	View Details
Allman	Frank	Survived	View Details
Allman	George	Died	View Details
Allott	Hubert Cyril Willoughby	Survived	View Details
Alty	William	Died	View Details
Amies	Francis	Died	View Details
Anderson	John	Died	View Details
Ankers	Ernest	Survived	View Details
Ankers	Frederick George	Survived	View Details
Ankers	Herbert	Survived	View Details
Ankers	Robert	Died	View Details
Ankers	Samuel	Survived	View Details
Ankers	Thomas	Died	View Details
Ankers	William Thomas	Died	View Details
Armstrong	Alick William	Survived	View Details
Arnold	Albert Willie	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	Andrew	Died	View Details
Arrowsmith	Frank	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	Henry	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	James	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	John Samuel	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	Robert	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	William	Survived	View Details
Arrowsmith	William	Survived	View Details
Ashley	Alfred	Died	View Details
Ashley	Edward	Survived	View Details
Ashley	James	Died	View Details
Ashley	Samuel	Died	View Details
Ashley	William	Survived	View Details
Astley	James	Died	View Details
Austin	George Elliott	Died	View Details
Austin	Joseph Edward	Died	View Details

George Bernard Harris

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 197382 (previously WR/259538 (RE) and 10271 (Cheshire))

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

George Gregory

Personal Details

Born: 9 December 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 5 January 1890 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the third of five children born to George Gregory, a joiner, and his wife Hannah. He married Millicent Evelyn Byland in 1916 in Birkenhead, Cheshire. The couple had three children, Millicent Esme, George Andre and Roy Evelyn.

Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1890 his family were living in Pepper Street, Whitchurch, but a year later in 1891 they had moved to West End, Whitchurch. By 1901 their home was Oddfellows Cottages, Whitchurch. According to Bennett`s 1916 Business Directory for Whitchurch his mother, Hannah, was living at 29, St. Mary`s Street, Whitchurch, the address given for George on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. However an address of ℅ Star Supply, Trelawny Square, Flint, Flintshire was given for him on his Pension Card and 13 Stamfordham Drive, Garston, Liverpool on his medal card. By 1934 he had moved with his family to Surrey, firstly to Guildford and then to Epsom. In 1939 his address was 31 Diredene Gardens, Epsom, Surrey.

Employment: In 1939 his occupation was described as a chef and in 1940 on the probate records for his father as a cooked food manufacturer.

Died: In 1957 in Rochford, Essex, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Royal Engineers and Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 449207 (previously 49796 and 2168)

Date of Enlistment: 1915 (from Whitchurch Herald 27 February 1915)

Date of Discharge: 14 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

John Gaughan

Personal Details

Born: 1870 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of at least seven children born to John Gaughan, a licenced hawker, and his wife Ellen. No marriage can be found for him.

Residence: In 1871 his family were living in Folly Lane, Yardington, Whitchurch. Ten years later they had moved to Barlow`s Yard, High Street, Whitchurch. In 1891 he was living and working at Blue Bache stables, Newhall, Cheshire. By 1901 he had moved to Gorstage Hall, Weaverham, Cheshire.

Employment: On the 1891 and 1901 Censuses his occupation was a stableman and on his Attestation in 1915 a groom.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Driver

Service Number: T4/143606

Date of Enlistment: 14 October 1915

Date of Discharge: 4 January 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: His brother, William, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (number 299154 awarded 11 January 1918).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

John Edgar Young

Personal Details

Born: 7 August 1873 in Newhall, Cheshire.

Family: He was the fourth of nine children born to William Young, a farmer, and his wife Elizabeth. He had four brothers, Thomas, William, Charles and Harold and four sisters, Elizabeth, Gertrude, Elsie and Rosa. He married Sarah Evelyn Johnson in 1922 in Toxteth Park, Liverpool, Lancashire; no children can be confirmed for the marriage. Sarah died in 1962.

Residence: The 1881 and 1891 census records shows him living at Sheppenhall Hall, Hollin Lane, Newhall, Cheshire; by 1901 he had moved with his family to Whitchurch and was living at 5 Talbot Street. He was still there in 1911. The address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is 9 Richmond Terrace, Whitchurch; an address of Richmond House, Whitchurch is on his medal index card (the 1911 Census records confirm these are the same address). The 1939 Register shows him living in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

Education: Records for 1882 show that he attended Sound County Primary School.

Employment: He trained to be a vet and served in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. The 1939 register gives his occupation as dairy farmer.

Died: 26 October 1967, Chester.

Other information: When he volunteered John left a very successful veterinary practice in the hands of a locum, Mr Thomas Dalling. Thomas volunteered himself in 1916 and the practice was temporarily suspended.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Veterinary Corps

Rank: Captain

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: 1 October 1914

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Military Cross (whilst serving in France).

Campaign Medals

Military Cross

The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Armed Forces, and used to be awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries.
The Military Cross is granted in recognition of "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank in Our Armed Forces". In 1979, the Queen approved a proposal that a number of awards, including the Military Cross, could be awarded posthumously.

Click on the tag below to see details of each recipient.

Richard Herbert Wainwright

Personal Details

Born: 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire

Family: He was the second child of Thomas and Martha Wainwright and had four brothers George, Thomas, James and Jack and one sister Martha. He married Rose Hannah Griffith in Whitchurch in 1905. The 1911 census lists two children, Nellie and Stanley. A search for further children shows five more with mother’s maiden name Griffiths. These are Ethel, Edna, Herbert, Joan and Richard born between 1911 and 1926. Rose Hannah died in 1929.

Residence: The 1881 and 1891 Censuses show him living in Green End, Whitchurch and in 1901 his address was Railway Inn Yard, 6 Station Road, Whitchurch. By the time of the 1911 census he was married and living with his wife, two children, and widowed father at 9 Edgerton Road, Whitchurch. This was still his address in 1919 as shown on the Absent Voters’ list. The 1939 Census shows that he is widowed and living at 2 Working Mens Hall, Castle Hill, Whitchurch (this was most likely the Archibald Worthington Club).

Employment: Grocer’s errand boy at 14 and Club Steward from 1901 to at least 1939.

Died: 1960 in Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery (1st Siege Artillery Reserve Brigade)

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 224696 or 334696 ?

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 10 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Richard was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William John Minshall Young

Personal Details

Born: 6 April 1901 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the sixth of nine surviving children born to John Young, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary Ellen. He married Jane Reeves in 1937 in Whitchurch and together they had two children – William John and Barbara M.

Residence: In 1911 he lived at 7 Scotland Street, Whitchurch (the family home); in 1939 and now married, William lived at 5 Scotland Street. His burial record shows him living at 6 Scotland Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was a bricklayer.

Died: In 1960 in Whitchurch, aged 59 and buried on 17 June the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Walter Wormington

Personal Details

Born: 15 October 1889 in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire and baptised on 1 December the same year in Uttoxeter.

Family: He was the youngest of five children born to Robert H Wormington, a domestic gardener, and his wife Hannah. He married Florence Elizabeth Lewis in 1921 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child, John R H.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his family in Bridge Street, Uttoxeter; by 1901 he was living in Highwood Town, Uttoxeter. In 1911 he was boarding at 85 Alkington Road, Whitchurch. In 1919 he was discharged from the army to 159 East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent. The 1939 Register for Florence shows an address of Waltham, Salisbury Road, Whitchurch; this was his address at the time of his death. The 1939 Register for Walter shows his address as 6-8 Humberstone Gate, Leicester which was a hotel.

Employment: In 1911 he was a chemist assistant; his service records show he was a pharmaceutical chemist in 1919, having worked for G H Morgan and Sons in Whitchurch prior to enlisting. In 1939 he was a Major (Army Dental Company).

Died: 22 July 1957 in Whitchurch, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 8426

Date of Enlistment: 11 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 26 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Returned to the Reserve

Other Information: He spent four and a half years serving in France.

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Woodhall

Personal Details

Born: 21 January 1881 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 3 April the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church.

Family: He was the youngest of seven children born to Charles Woodhall, a carpenter, and his wife Eliza. He married Sarah Elizabeth Jones in 1906 in Whitchurch and together they had seven children – Emily Elizabeth, Arthur Alfred, Doris Evelyn, Phyllis Nellie, Ernest W, Mabel W and Kenneth Mervyn Peter.

Residence: At the time of his baptism he was living with his family in Havannah Buildings, Whitchurch; by 1891 they had moved to Claypit Street, Whitchurch and by 1901 to 14 Pepper Street. In 1911, and now married with a young family, Thomas lived at 40 Yardington, Whitchurch; this was still his address when discharged from the army in 1918. In 1939 he lived at 22 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch; his address at the time of his death was 2 Smallbrook Road.

Employment: In 1901 he was a bricklayer’s labourer; in 1911 he was a labourer for Whitchurch Urban District Council; in 1919 he was a stoker at Whitchurch Gasworks and in 1939 he was a gaswork general labourer.

Died: In 1969 in Whitchurch, aged 88, and was buried on 16 April the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

George Frederick Woodhall

Personal Details

Born: 4 March 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 24 March the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church

Family: He was the second of six children born to George Woodhall, a carpenter, and his wife Mary. He married Lucy Stewart on 2 April 1911 at St. Dunstan’s Church, Edge Hill, Lancashire. Lucy died in 1922 and George married Amelia Eliza Whitby in 1924 in the Wirral, Cheshire. No children can be traced for either marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism George’s family lived in St. John’s Street, Whitchurch. By 1881 they had moved to Claypit Street, Whitchurch. The 1891 Census shows them living at 11 St. John’s Street and by 1901 they had moved to 64 Underley Street, West Derby, Lancashire. This was the address shown on their marriage certificate. Newly married, at the time of the 1911 Census Lucy and George were living at 25 Wilbraham Place, Liverpool. At the time of his death, he and Amelia were living at 576 New Chester Road, New Ferry, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1901 he was a joiner (coach maker); in 1911 he was a school caretaker. When he enlisted he was a carpenter.

Died: 19 March 1927 at the Cottage Hospital, Port Sunlight, Cheshire, aged 47.

Arthur Wilson

Personal Details

Born: In 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 29 June the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the third of four children born to James and Elizabeth Wilson. He had a step brother from a previous relationship of his mother. He married Winifred Gertrude McGlashen in 1917 in West Derby, Liverpool and together they had two children – Arthur G and Winifred H.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family were living at 2 Scotland Street, Whitchurch; by 1901 they had moved to 20 Highgate, Whitchurch. In 1911 Arthur was boarding at 44 Briarwood Road, Aigburth, Liverpool, Lancashire. His address when discharged from the army was 36 Birchtree Road, Aigburth and at the time of his death he was living at 20 Gladeville Road, Aigburth.

Employment: In 1911 he was a domestic gardener. Prior to joining up he was employed by the Liverpool Gas Company as a showroom attendant.

Died: 11 April 1930 in Liverpool, aged 35.

Military Details

Regiment: Monmouthshire Regiment (previously Herefordshire Regiment and King’s (Liverpool Regiment))

Rank: Private

Service Number: 268225 (previously 238257 and 16789)

Date of Enlistment: 2 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 19 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He was reported wounded 9 June 1916 when serving with the King’s (Liverpool Regiment). He served in France November 1915 to May 1916, suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. He spent 28 days in Huddersfield War Hospital and was transferred to the King’s Lancashire Military Convalescent Hospital, Blackpool. He was entitled to wear a wound stripe.

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Richard Williams

Personal Details

Born: In 1869 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 8 October the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the second of seven children born to James Williams, a carter, and his wife Harriett E. He married Sarah Agnes McClusky (nee Darlington) on 8 December 1894 at the Parish Church, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. They had one child together – Leonard Gordon; Richard had a step-daughter, Sarah Agnes, from Sarah’s previous marriage.

Residence: From the time of his baptism until at least 1881 he lived with his family in Green End, Whitchurch. By 1901 and now married, Richard lived at 7 Hodgson Street, Ashton-under-Lyne; by 1911 he was living at 199 Moss Street, Ashton-under-Lyne. This is the last address that can be located for him.

Employment: In 1901, 1911 and 1914 he was a general labourer. We do know that he served with the Manchester Regiment (three separate periods) between 1888 and 1916

Died: In 1926 in Ashton-under-Lyne, aged 57.

Military Details

Regiment: Manchester Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 2705

Date of Enlistment: 17 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 6 June 1916

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: Richard had previously served with the Manchester Regiment (2413) between 16 October 1888 and 31 October 1901 (including service in the Boer War) and 5 November 1901 and 4 November 1905. He served in the Balkans in September and October 1915.

Medals and Awards

Richard was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge number 204137

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

John Williams

Personal Details

Born: 28 May 1873 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 27 June the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of eight children born to Elias Williams, a domestic coachman, and his wife Jane. He married Florence Geddes on 14 June 1896 in Chelsea, London and together they had at least two children – John A and Alfred G.

Residence: In 1881 he lived with his family in Nantwich Road, Whitchurch. By 1891 he was boarding at 47 Cranley Mews, South Kensington, London. In 1901 and now married, he was living in High Road, Cobham, Surrey and by 1911 he had moved to Harpsden Court Stables, Henley upon Thames, Oxfordshire where he was still living when he enlisted in 1918. In 1939 and now widowed he was living at Coachmere Cottage, Henley upon Thames.

Employment: He was a domestic coachman until at least 1939.

Died: Not known

Thomas Bowen Wilkinson

Personal Details

Born: 27 December 1892 in Wem, Shropshire.

Family: He was the son of Frances Sarah Wilkinson; his mother married Benjamin Peplow in 1899 and he was brought up in this family, with a step sister Frances Violet Anne. He remained unmarried.

Residence: According to 1899 school records Thomas was living at Ellerdine Heath. According to the 1901 and 1911 Census returns Ellerdine Heath, Wellington, Shropshire remained his address. According to army pension records, his address when discharged was 1 Quarry Place, Shrewsbury. From 1920 until at least 1939 he lived at Moston Lodge, Harcourt Estate, Stanton upon Hine Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a bricklayer’s labourer, in 1915 an estate labourer and in 1939 he was a gardener.

Died: In 1944 in Shrewsbury, aged 51.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously King’s Liverpool Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 43512 (previously 46594)

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 21 January 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He served in India and was hospitalised in Mesopotamia during WW1.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Robert Cecil Whittingham

Personal Details

Born: In 1890 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of three children born to William Whittingham, an assistant land agent, and his wife Julia H. Robert did not marry.

Residence: In 1891 Robert and his older brother were living with his grandmother in High Holborn, London; by 1901 the family were all back together again at 6 Croome Road, Sledmere, Driffield, Yorkshire. In 1911 he was boarding in Hildenley Malton, Hildenley, Yorkshire. When he was discharged from the army he was living at 2 Zetland Terrace, Norton, near Malton, Yorkshire; this was his address at the time of his death

Employment: He was a land agent.

Died: 11 March 1931 in Norton, Malton, aged 40. An inquest ruled that he had committed suicide.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps and East Riding of Yorkshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 406292 (previously 50114 and 1180)

Date of Enlistment: 16 January 1913

Date of Discharge: 3 June 1919

Reason for Discharge: Transfer to reserve

Other Information: He was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 21 October 1917. He served in Egypt from this date.

Medals and Awards

Robert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Cartwright Whalley

Personal Details

Born: 24 January 1886 in Bronington, Flintshire, Wales and baptised on 28 February the same year in Bronington Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Charles Smith Whalley, a carpenter, and his wife Emily (nee Cartwright). He married Harriet Ann Mason on 3 April 1910 in St. Paul’s Parish Church, Leicester and together they had two children – Irene Gladys and Marjorie Emily.

Residence: His parents were living in Bronington at the time of his baptism; by 1891 they had moved to Peake’s Buildings, Wolstanton, Staffordshire. In 1901 William and his parents were living at 9 Havannah Buildings, Whitchurch, Shropshire. His marriage certificate in 1910 showed William living at 81 Bolton Road, Leicester and Harriet living at 13 Henton Road, Leicester. This last address was to be their home until his death in 1927.

Employment: In 1901 he was a grocer’s apprentice; in 1911 he was a grocer’s manager.

Died: In 1927 in Leicester, aged 42.

William Watkiss

Personal Details

Born: 22 August 1864 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 26 August the same year in Whixall, part of the Prees Chapelry, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of three children born to Richard Watkiss, a coal miner, and his wife Mary. Richard married again to Sarah Ann and together they had one child, a step sister to William. William married Sarah Ann Ridgway on 3 December 1888 in the Parish Church of Wellington, Staffordshire and together they had nine children, of whom five survived – Ethel May, William Henry, Cissie, Millie and Florence Elizabeth.

Residence: In 1871 he lived in Fradley Square, Pall Mall, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire; by 1881 they had moved to 29 Botteslow Street, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1888 at the time of his marriage he was living at 28 Ward Street, Wellington, Staffordshire. In 1891 and now married, he lived in Hill Street, Stoke-on-Trent; by 1901 they had moved to 21 Clyde Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent and in 1911 they were living at 18 Chapel Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. At the time of his discharge in 1914 he was living at 18 Shelton Street, Hanley. The 1939 register shows him, now widowed, living at 16 Boughey Road, Stoke-on-Trent with his daughter, Florence.

Employment: At the age of 17 William was working as a coal mine tunker, the same occupation as his father. When he enlisted he was a coal hewer, a job he undertook until his retirement.

Died: In 1944 in Stoke-on-Trent, aged 79.

Arthur John Watkin

Personal Details

Born: 17 December 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 17 January 1877 in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the fourth of five children born to John Watkin, a railway guard, and his wife Ann. No marriage can be traced for Arthur.

Residence: Arthur and his family lived in Whitchurch until at least 1879 when his younger sister was born. From 1881 to at least 1920 he lived at 7 Castle View, Stafford, Staffordshire. In 1939 he was living at 69 Doxey, Stafford with his sister and her husband.

Employment: In 1891 he was a grocer’s assistant; in 1911 he was a labourer and in 1939 he was a general labourer in a furnishing department.

Died: In 1944 in Stoke-on-Trent, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Lincolnshire Regiment (previously North Staffordshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 3/26931 (previously 28411)

Date of Enlistment: 14 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 7 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frederick Walford

Personal Details

Born: 12 October 1887 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and was baptised on 4 November the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the fifth of eight surviving children born to George Walford, a joiner, and his wife Harriet. Frederick remained unmarried.

Residence: He lived at 28 Watergate Street, Whitchurch throughout his life.

Employment: In 1916 he was a carpenter and joiner; in 1939 he was a greengrocer.

Died: 1 March 1957 at The Cottage Hospital, Whitchurch, aged 57 and was buried on 6 March the same year in Whitchurch Cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 22426

Date of Enlistment: 5 February 1916

Date of Discharge: 18 May 1916

Reason for Discharge: Not likely to become an efficient soldier.

Other Information: His brothers, Edward and Joseph also served in WW1. Edward died of illness in Germany on 7 February 1919, having previously been a prisoner of war. He is commemorated on Whitchurch Town Memorial.

Medals and Awards

None awarded as did not see active service.

Ernest Tudor

Personal Details

Born: 30 October 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 27 November 1889 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of nine children born to William Tudor, an innkeeper, and his wife Beatrice. No marriage can be found for him.

Residence: Until at least 1901 he was living at The Greyhound Inn, Bargates, Whitchurch. By 1911 he was a boarder at 19 Chester Street, Chester, Cheshire. An address of the Greyhound Inn, Bargates, Whitchurch was given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List . In 1939 there is a possible address of 2 Beche Road, Colchester, Essex.

Employment: In 1911 he was working as a shop assistant in household furnishings. By 1939 his occupation was that of furniture store manager.

Died: 1976, Colchester, Essex, aged 86.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 307082

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 11 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Ernest was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frederick Thelwell

Personal Details

Born: 8 July 1877 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 30 November the same year at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of nine children born to Thomas Thelwell, a labourer, and his wife Eliza. He married Harriet Crump in 1909 in Whitchurch. The couple had eight children; Eliza, James, John, Harold, Thomas C, Frank, Marjorie and Freda.

Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1877 and until at least 1881, his family were living in Bargates, Whitchurch. Some ten years later the family `s address was 1 Oxford Carriers Road, Whitchurch, where they were still living in 1901. By 1911 and now married, Frederick`s address was 15 Pepper Street, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters` List for Whitchurch gave an address of 8 St. John`s Street, Whitchurch for him; this continued to be his home until his death in 1970.

Employment: In 1901 he was a groom, but ten years later he was a farm labourer. The 1939 Register gave his occupation as a general labourer.

Died: 1970 in North Shropshire and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 21 March, aged 92.

Charlie Thomas

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 020983

Date of Enlistment: 16 February 1916

Date of Discharge: 26 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Charlie was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Francis Hemmingsley Taylor

Personal Details

Born: Francis was born 17 November 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 22 December the same year in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the younger of two children born to Francis Taylor, a jeweller and watchmaker, and his wife Elizabeth Hemmingsley. Shipping records to South Africa identify a wife, Vera Annie, and child, Frank Thursfield; his Rhodesian death certificate identified that he had two children.

Residence: In 1901 he was living in Claypit Street; by 1911 the family had moved to Hill Crest, Chester Road, Whitchurch. This is the address on his military records and the 1925 shipping record to South Africa. He was living Goromonzi, Rhodesia at the time of his death.

Employment: He identified his occupation as clerk when he enlisted; the shipping record identifies him as a civil servant.

Died: 19 September 1958 in Goromonzi, Rhodesia and buried in Salisbury cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Liverpool Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 33241

Date of Enlistment: 24 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 11 September 1916

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: He contracted malaria in December 1913 in Mashonaland, South Africa prior to enlisting and this was the cause of his discharge.

Medals and Awards

Francis was awarded the Silver War Badge (number 397336)

Silver War Badge

Robert Thomas Talbott

Personal Details

Born: Robert was born 2 September 1900 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Harry Talbott, a canal wharf porter, and his wife Martha. He married Elsie Shard in 1929 in Whitchurch and together they had one child – John E.

Residence: From 1901 until at least 1919 when he was discharged from the Royal Air Force he lived at 7 Mill Street, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 3 Wayland Road, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death in 1979.

Employment: His attestation in 1918 declared he was a cashier and bookkeeper; in 1939 he was an invoice and despatch clerk.

Died: In 1979 at the Copthorne Hospital, Shrewsbury, aged 79, and was buried on 23 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

William Sumner

Personal Details

Born: William was born 17 February 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of nine children born to John Henry Sumner, a labourer in a milling furnace, and his wife Edith. No marriage can be confirmed for William.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 23 Stafford Street, Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire; by 1911 the family had moved to 66 Wistaston Road, Monks Coppenhall. This is the address to which he was discharged in 1919.

Employment: When he enlisted he was an apprentice fitter at the London and North Western Railway Company at the Railway Works, Crewe.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 204195

Date of Enlistment: 27 July 1916

Date of Discharge: 11 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Henry Stubbs

Personal Details

Born: William was born 1881 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 14 October 1882 in Tilstock Parish Church, Tilstock, Shropshire.

Family: He was the son of Hannah Stubbs. He married Florence Griffiths on 15 June 1913 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had three children, Walter J, Cyril and Hilda.

Residence: At the time of his baptism and until at least 1891 he was living in Tilstock, Shropshire. In 1911 he was a boarder in Pepper Street, Chelford, Cheshire. On his Attestation document in 1916 his address was given as 19 Egerton Road, Whitchurch; this was also the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. At the time of his death in 1938 he was living at 27 Talbot Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a platelayer on the railway.

Died: 1938 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 5 May the same year, aged 56.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: WR/275355 (previously 290586)

Date of Enlistment: January 1916

Date of Discharge: 24 July 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Speakman

Personal Details

Born: 28 February 1895 in Steel, Wem, Shropshire

Family: He was the third of six children born to Joseph Speakman, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Maria. He married Doris Crewe in 1921 in Hanmer Parish Church, Flintshire, Wales; no children can be traced for the marriage.

Residence: In 1899 he lived at The Hatch, Lyneal, Ellesmere, Shropshire; by 1901 the family had moved to Etchleys in Lyneal. In 1911 he lived at 10 Northwood, Wem; in 1919 he was discharged to 91 York Street, Northwood, Wem and in 1939 he was living in Church Lane, Caulwell, Repton, Derbyshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a domestic gardener. When he enlisted in 1917 he was a gardener and in 1939 a head gardener.

Died: In 1977 in Wrexham Maelor, Denbighshire, Wales, aged 82.

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps (previously the Army Reserve)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 116099 (previously 34402)

Date of Enlistment: 12 June 1917

Date of Discharge: 8 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He suffered from trench foot in 1917 and was hospitalised back to the UK.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frank Smith

Personal Details

Born: 19 September 1893 in Wem, Shropshire and baptised on 8 October the same year in the Wem Methodist Chapel.

Family: He was the eldest of six children born to Joseph Smith, a carter, and his wife Leah. He married Elizabeth Davies in 1918 in Wigan, Lancashire; children cannot be confirmed for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 Frank was living with his grandparents in Prees Green, Shropshire. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 12 South Street, Widnes, Lancashire, which was his address to which he was discharged in 1918. In 1939 he was living at 28 Heather Grove, Wigan.

Employment: In 1911 he was a farm hand; when he enlisted in 1914 and in 1939 he was a labourer.

Died: In 1968 in Wigan, aged 74.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Liverpool Regiment and South Lancashire Regiment).

Rank: Private

Service Number: 39412 (previously 65125 and 18687).

Date of Enlistment: 19 April 1915

Date of Discharge: 8 March 1918

Reason for Discharge: Sickness

Other Information: He suffered a gunshot wound to the head in 1917 which led to him being hospitalised and subsequently discharged from the army. He was court martialled in 1915 for desertion and was detained for 112 days with 28 days remission.

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War and Victory medals) and Silver War Badge (number 337962)

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Alfred Reuben Street

Personal Details

Born: 20 September 1900 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of seven children born to Edwin Street, a foreman platelayer, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Gertrude Hughes in 1922 in Wellington, Shropshire and together they had two children – Gertrude J and Alfred R.

Residence: In 1901 he was living with his family at Broughall, Whitchurch. By 1911 they had moved to 76 New Park Road, Castlefields, Shrewsbury, Shropshire and this was the address to which he was discharged in 1920. In 1939 they were living at 48 Mill Bank, Wellington where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: On his Attestation document his occupation was given as a porter; in 1939 he was a bricklayer’s labourer.

Died: 9 January 1961 at the Royal Salop Infirmary, Shrewsbury, aged 60.

Thomas Rodgers

Personal Details

Born: In fourth quarter of 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, twin brother to Alice.

Family: Joint youngest of five children born to Edward and Sarah Rodgers. In early 1922 Thomas married Edith Hall in Whitchurch and together they had four children – Stanley T, Katherine E, Edna M and Edward N.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 25 Yardington, Whitchurch, Shropshire. By 1911 Thomas’s mother had died and his father had remarried and they had moved to 10 New Street, Whitchurch. In 1939 Thomas, Edith and their four children were living at 33 Talbot Crescent, Whitchurch, an address Thomas remained at until his death twenty-five years later.

Employment: In 1939 he was a motor lorry driver working for a local dairy.

Died: In 1964 and was buried at Whitchurch cemetery on 14 February that year.

Military Details

Regiment: Cheshire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 65894

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: After spring 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Kennedy Robinson

Personal Details

Born: 22 August 1892 in Bromyard, Herefordshire and baptised 23 February 1893 at Castlefields Wesleyan-Methodist Chapel in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Family: Third child of the Rev William Ovington Robinson and his wife Margaret H. No marriage or children can be traced for William.

Residence: By 1893 the family had moved from Bromyard, Herefordshire to Shrewsbury in Shropshire. At the time of the 1901 census the family were living at 46 Mill Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. Between 1904 and 1905 he attended Stafford Grammar School. In 1911 William and his brother were boarding at 86 Ley Lane, Arnley, Leeds, Yorkshire. The absent voters list of 1919 records him living at St John’s Manse, Whitchurch, Shropshire where his father was the methodist minister. Two years later, in 1921, his address was Rue Alfandega, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. By 1936 William had returned to England and the 1939 Register lists him residing at 30 Cross Green Lane, Leeds, Yorkshire with his father and younger sister. Immediately prior to his death in 1967 he was living 276 Westella Road, Westella, Yorkshire.

Employment: In 1921 he was working at the London and Brazilian Bank in South America. His occupation in 1939 was that of Life Insurance Broker and a member of the officers’ emergency reserve. The following year William was back in the Royal Artillery where he served as a Lieutenant until at least 1948.

Died: 12 April 1967 aged 74, the death being registered in Holderness, Yorkshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Lieutenant – promoted July 1917 (previously Second Lieutenant, previously Gunner)

Service Number: (previously 1471)

Date of Enlistment: 4 Sept 1914

Date of Discharge: 1 April 1920 (previously discharged 29 Nov 1915 to take up temporary commission)

Reason for Discharge: Relinquished commission

Other Information: His older brother, Albion Ovington Robinson, also served in the Royal Field Artillery as a bombardier.

Excellent website on 58th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery during WW1 which contains information on W Kennedy Robinson https://58fab.com/

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and coolness under heavy shell fire on 7 November 1918.

Campaign Medals

Military Cross

Click on the tag below to see details of each recipient.

Albion Ovington Robinson

Personal Details

Born: Third quarter of 1885 in Littlehampton, Sussex and birth registered in East Preston, Sussex.

Family: Eldest of four children born to the Rev. William Robinson and his wife Margaret. In 1919 he married Winifred E Ball in Bramley, Yorkshire and together they had two children, Joyce M and Eric O.

Residence: By 1891 the family had moved from Sussex to the Wesleyan Minister’s house in Blackwell, Derbyshire. Ten years later their address was 46, Mill Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. Between May 1901 and March 1902 Albion was working in Rock Ferry on The Wirral, no longer at the family home. In 1911 he and his brother William were boarding at 86 Ley Lane, Arnley, Leeds, Yorkshire. The absent voters list of 1919 records him living at St John’s Manse, Whitchurch, Shropshire where his father was the methodist minister. Between the autumn of 1919 and the autumn of 1923 he was living in Bramley, Yorkshire. By 1939 he and the family had moved south to 29 Hidson Road, Birmingham. In 1945 Albion was still living in the same area but with a change of address to that of 29 Ivyfield Road, Erdington, Birmingham. He was still living in east Birmingham at the time of his death twenty-nine years later.

Employment: In 1901 he commenced work as a booking clerk with the London & North Western Railway Company, resigning the following year. Ten years later he was working as a clothing assistant. No other information can be found until 1939 when he was listed as a commercial traveller in clothing, at this time he was also acting as an air raid warden.

Died: Aged 88 during the first quarter of 1974. The death was registered in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Bombardier

Service Number: 144814

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: After Spring 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Albion’s younger brother William Kennedy Robinson also served in WW1 as a lieutenant in the 58th brigade of the Royal Field Artillery.

Medals and Awards

Albion was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Yapp

Personal Details

Born: 1889 in Clun, Shropshire and baptised on 8 September 1889 at Wentnor Parish Church, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of eight children born to Joseph Yapp, a farm labourer, and his wife Sarah. He married Kathleen Hysom in 1917 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one daughter, Elizabeth, born in Whitchurch in 1923.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at Crossways, Clungunford, Clun, Shropshire. Ten years later and they could be found at 1 Westbury Buildings, Condover, Shropshire. By 1911 they had moved again and were living at 1 Plex Cottages, Albrighton Road, Hadnall, Shropshire. The address shown on his military documents in 1915 was firstly given as 75 Green End, Whitchurch. After his marriage in 1917 it was 75 Talbot Street, Whitchurch, but at some stage that became 24 Dodington, the address given for him in the 1919 Absent Voters` List. There is also a later address of Barmere, Whitchurch on his records. In 1939 he was living at Brookside, Chanctonbury, Sussex.

Employment: In 1911 his occupation was given as an estate carter, but by 1915 he was a police constable. In 1939 his occupation had changed again and he was described as a jobbing gardener.

Died: 1974 in the South Eastern District of Surrey.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 165151

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: In 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Frederick Roberts

Personal Details

Born: 14 September 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: George Frederick was the 4th of seven children born to Joseph and Lucy Roberts. On 15 September 1917 George married Agnes Jackson in Whitchurch, a month before enlisting. Together the couple had five children, Lily C, George F, Dennis R, Doreen A, and Dorothy J.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 9 Yardington, Whitchurch. By 1911 they had moved to 24 Bargates, Whitchurch. In 1917 George and Agnes were living with George’s parents in Bargates. By 1939 George, Agnes, and their five children were residing at Dairy House, Park Avenue, Whitchurch. At the time of his death George’s address was given as 28 Sharps Drive, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1917 when George enlisted he was a chauffeur. The 1939 register records his occupation as a butcher’s assistant.

Died: At Copthorne hospital in Shrewsbury in 1977, aged 77, and buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 19 July the same year.

Joseph Edgar Roberts

Personal Details

Born: Joseph Edgar Roberts was born during the last quarter of 1890. He was baptised at St Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch on March 4th 1891.

Family: He was the fifth and youngest child of Alfred and Mary Alice Roberts. In 1920 he married Celestine Parry in Wrexham registration district and together they had at least two children. Unfortunately it has not been possible to identify them as between 1921 and 1939 there were more than 20 children born in the Wrexham area with the surname of Roberts whose mother was born a Parry.

Residence: In 1891 the family were living at 1 Barkhill, Whitchurch. Sadly, in 1893 Joseph Edgar’s mother Mary Alice Roberts died aged 31. By the time of the 1901 census he had acquired a stepmother, Ann, and all the family were living at 1 Highgate, Whitchurch, Shropshire. In 1911 all the children were still single and living at the same address as ten years earlier, along with their father, stepmother and living-in servant. The 1939 register lists Joseph, Celestine and two children residing at 3 Dee Villas, Randles Terrace, Wrexham Rural District, Denbighshire, Wales, a property which is close to the village of Cefn Mawr.

Employment: In 1911 Joseph Edgar was a musical student. Three years later, Edgar Joseph was teaching piano in Whitchurch. A newspaper article the following year reported he had been appointed to Berkshire Asylum, Wallingford but no mention of his position. In 1939 he was a schoolteacher and his wife taught piano.

Died: Possibly 1957 aged 66 or in 1965 aged 74.

George Matthew Sargeant

Personal Details

Born: 1896 in Atcham, Shropshire and baptised 20 September 1896 at Westbury Parish Church, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of six children born to John Pimlett Sargeant, a steward and his wife Julia, nee Dutton. He married Kate E. Parry in 1930 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, Edward M, born in 1938 and David M, born in 1944.

Residence: At the time of his baptism in 1896 his family were living in Westbury, Shropshire. Some five years later they had moved to Coley Yard, Chestlyn Hay, Cannock, Staffordshire. By 1911 their address was Bridge House, Heath Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. In 1939 and now married, George and his family were living at Church Lane, Audley Brow, Market Drayton, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1911 his occupation was described as an apprentice grocer. In 1939 he was a general labourer working for the R.A.F.

Died: 1992 in the Wrekin district of Shropshire, aged 96.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 11851

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 3 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War medal and Victory medal)

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 Infantry
Whitchurch, Shropshire – 30 May 1919

67045 Bombardier George Hopwood, 33rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery
Whitchurch, Shropshire – 3 August 1915

Bombardier J Groom

Sergeant G H Wilson

Campaign Medals

Thomas Morgan

Personal Details

Born: In 1887 in Conway, Caernarvonshire, Wales and baptised in Gyffin Parish Church, Caernarvonshire on 30 January the same year.

Family: He was the son of Peter Jones, a sailor, and his wife Catherine Mary. Catherine subsequently married Griffith Morgan in 1908 and Thomas took the surname Morgan.

Residence: At the time of his baptism he was living in Gyffin. In 1901 he lived at 6 Sea View Terrace, Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Wales and in 1911 he was living at 5 Sea View Terrace, Conway. From 1915 until at least 1919 he was living at 23 Talbot Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1901 he was a stationer’s assistant. In 1911 he was a plumber which was the occupation on his Attestation in 1915.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 388119 (previously 8119)

Date of Enlistment: 19 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 19 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Samuel Lea

Personal Details

Born: 3 January 1871 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 7 May the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch. He was also known as Samuel Humphreys.

Family: He was the second of five children born to Isaiah Lea, a fruiterer, and his wife Elizabeth Humphreys. He married Margaret Elizabeth Griffiths on 9 October 1901 in Atcham, Shropshire and together they had four children – Harry Edward, Marjorie, Mary Constance and Rosalind Margaret.

Residence: His family were living at 12 Yardington, Whitchurch at the time of his baptism; they continued to live there until at least 1881. In 1911 he was living with his wife and children at 1 Mayfield Terrace, Mountfields, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. At the time of his death he was living at the Castle Hotel, Wem, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1889 he was a labourer; in 1910 he was a clerk. In 1911 he was a school attendance officer.

Died: 2 April 1929 in Wem, aged 58.

Frank Malam

Personal Details

Born: 21 May 1891 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of six children born to Thomas Malam, a carter, and his wife Caroline. He married Mary E Williams in 1950 in Crewe, Cheshire; no children can be identified for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 3 Mill Street, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 13 Yardington, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 13 Ernest Street, Crewe.

Employment: In 1911 he was a van boy; in 1939 he was a gardener and chauffeur.

Died: 30 November 1964 in Crewe, aged 73, and was cremated in Crewe on 2 December the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 97481

Date of Enlistment: Before 11 May 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Frank’s brother John Thomas Malam also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Ernest Phillips

Personal Details

Born: 26 October 1884 in Gredington, Flintshire, Wales.

Family: Military records for an Ernest Phillips (4147 King’s Shropshire Light Infantry) identify an address of 10 Dodington, Whitchurch at which a Phillips family were living in 1891 and 1901; this suggests this was his family and his parents were William and Sarah Phillips, although the Census returns do not include him. He married Susannah Jones in 1907 in Whitchurch and together they had at least two children – Willie and Mary Ellen.

Residence: In 1911 he was living at 38 Bargates, Whitchurch where he continued to live until at least 1919. In 1939 his address was 19 Yardington, Whitchurch where he was still living at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a platelayer; in 1939 he worked in a gauge railway engineering maintenance repair shop.

Died: 8 May 1956 in Whitchurch, aged 71, and was buried on 11 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Joseph Purcell

Personal Details

Born: In 1877 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised, with his sister Lucy, on 8 July the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the youngest of nine children born to William Purcell, a gardener, and his wife Elizabeth. No marriage can be traced for Joseph.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family were living in Rosemary Lane, Whitchurch; by 1881 they had moved to Gig Lane, Whitchurch and by 1891 to 23 Leek Street, Wem, Shropshire. In 1911 he was boarding at 4 Station Road, Wem. In 1939 he was living at the Workhouse, Deermoss House, in Whitchurch where he died.

Employment: In 1901 he was a general labourer; in 1911 a maltster’s labourer and in 1939 a general labourer.

Died: In 1943 in Whitchurch, aged 67, and was buried on 24 December the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Royal Garrison Artillery and Royal Engineers)

Rank: Pioneer

Service Number: WR26747 (previously 55530 and 274736)

Date of Enlistment: 2 March 1916

Date of Discharge: 5 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Joseph was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Reay

Personal Details

Born: In 1869 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to John Reay, a general labourer, and his wife Sarah. He married Annie Thelwell on 5 March 1889 in Whitchurch and together they had at least six children – Edith M, William Aldwyn, George Voltyre, Archibald Frederick, Donald John and Tyrrel H Y.

Residence: In 1871 he lived in Dodington, Whitchurch; by 1881 the family had moved to 25 Newtown, Whitchurch. In 1891 and now married he lived in Bargates, Whitchurch and by 1901 had moved to 47 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. In 1911 the family were living at 292 Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, Lancashire. This is the address to which he was discharged in 1919.

Employment: In 1891 and 1901 he was a draper’s assistant. In 1911 he was a book-keeper at a paper works.

Died: In 1935 in Blackburn, Lancashire, aged 66.

George Henry Reynolds

Personal Details

Born: 12 August 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 29 August the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to Ridgway Reynolds, a labourer, and his wife Mary Ann. He married Olive Dora Fox in 1916 in Whitchurch and together they had two children – William R and Eric J.

Residence: From the time of his baptism until at least 1911 he live at 16 Newtown, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at the Black Bear Inn, High Street, Whitchurch. At the time of his death he lived at 3 Piccadilly, St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was an apprentice tailor; in 1916 he was a tailor. In 1939 he was a publican.

Died: In 1951 in Whitchurch, aged 56 and was buried on 13 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

John Samuel Ridgway

Personal Details

Born: 6 March 1901 in Fauls, Prees, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of seven children born to William Ridgway, a farm labourer, and his wife Sarah. He married Alexandra M Banks in 1922 in Market Drayton, Shropshire and together they had five children – Marion E, Joyce, Marjorie, John B and William E.

Residence: In 1901 he lived in Mickley, Fauls, Shropshire; in 1911 he lived with his family at 2 Upper Mickley Cottages, Mickley, Market Drayton. In 1939 he was living at Upper College, Higher Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire and at the time of his death he lived at Oaklands, Broad Hay Lane, Lower Heath, Whitchurch.

Employment: When he enlisted he was a farm labourer; in 1939 he was a dairy farmer and ARP warden.

Died: 4 February 1975 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 73.

Leighton Edward Shone

Personal Details

Born: 24 January 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 14 March the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to John Shone, a chemist and grocer, and his wife Mary. His father died in 1889 and his mother married George Galloway in 1894. Leighton married Lily Bennett on 29 May 1923 in the Parish Church of St. Giles in the Field in London. No children can be traced for the marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living in Dodington, Whitchurch; by 1881 they had moved to High Street Yard, Whitchurch. In 1891 they were living at 27 High Street, Whitchurch; in 1901 he was living with his uncle at 17 Eaton Road, Chester, Cheshire. Leighton went to Canada and enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Montreal in December 1915. His mother’s address was shown on his service record as The Woodhouses, Whitchurch; when he married in 1923, this was the address on his marriage certificate.

Employment: In 1900 his military attestation showed him as an estate agent; in 1901 he was serving in the Imperial Yeomanry; his 1915 military attestation states he was a civil engineer; his marriage certificate showed him as a gentleman.

Died: In 1923 in Hinckley, Leicestershire, aged 43.

Military Details

Regiment: Canadian Expeditionary Force

Rank: Second Lieutenant (commissioned from being a corporal)

Service Number: 177972 whilst non commissioned

Date of Enlistment: 2 December 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Leighton had previously served in the Imperial Yeomanry (number 1897) between 12 January 1900 and 11 April 1901, including in the Second Boer War. His brother George Gordon also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Leighton was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Richard James Simister

Personal Details

Born: In 1871 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. (His RAF service record indicates he was born on 16 October 1877, but the civil records register his birth in 4th quarter 1871)

Family: He was the second of three children born to John Simister, a shoemaker, and his wife Harriett. He married Edith Alice Kemsey Bourne in 1901 in Hereford, Herefordshire and together they had one child – Richard William Kemsey.

Residence: In 1881 he was living at 47 Newtown, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings. In 1891 he was boarding in Lavender Grove, Hackney, London and in 1893 he was teaching in Barnet, Hertfordshire. In 1901 he was back living with his family in Grindley Brook, Whitchurch. He married in 1901 and the 1911 Census shows him living in the Rowton House Workhouse in Newington Butts, London. Edith was living in South Manchester and their son Richard was living with one of his paternal aunts in Grindley Brook. By 1919 the family were living at 36 Wood Hill, Leicester, Leicestershire; he continued to live there until 1931.

Employment: In 1891 and 1901 he was an assistant schoolmaster; in 1911 and 1918 he was a clerk. At the time of his son’s marriage in 1929 he was a schoolmaster.

Died: In 1931 in Billesdon, Leicestershire, aged 59.

William David Griffiths

Personal Details

Born: 25 December 1889 in Llanymynech, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of six children born to Edward Griffiths, a bricklayer, and his wife Louisa. He married Agnes Groom in 1914 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had two children – Elsie and Norman.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his family at Yates Houses, Ratcliffs Hill, Llanymynech, Oswestry, Shropshire; by 1901 they had moved to High Pant, Llanymynech. In 1911 he was boarding at 24 Egerton Road, Whitchurch; his address was shown as 21 Egerton Road Whitchurch in 1916. By 1939 he was living at 52 Egerton Road, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a golf professional; in 1939 he was a time keeper.

Died: In 1970 in Whitchurch, aged 80, and was buried on 18 November the same year in Whitchurch cemetery, four days after his wife.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 11459

Date of Enlistment: 31 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 12 September 1916

Reason for Discharge: Wounded and no longer medically fit for war service

Other Information: Gunshot wound to right leg; entitled to wear a wound stripe.

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge number 500740

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Thomas Topham Hares

Personal Details

Born: 17 July 1893 in Prees, Shropshire and baptised 7 August the same year in Prees Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to Thomas James Hares, a farmer, and his wife Lucretia. He married Sarah Gladys Parker in 1920 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales and together they had three children – Colin T P, Kathleen A and Thomas W.

Residence: In 1901 and 1911 he was living with his family at Millenheath Farm, Prees, Shropshire. His medal records show him living at Old Fens Hall, Whitchurch, Shropshire in 1927 and Kelly’s 1934 Directory shows him farming at Twemlows Hall, Higher Heath, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 12 Grosvenor Road, Tarvin, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was employed on a farm; by 1934 he was a farmer. In 1939 he was a milk sampler for Cheshire Council.

Died: In 1976 in Cheshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Welsh Regiment

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Twice mentioned in dispatches. Brother to Joseph Robert Hares who served in WW1 and Vincent Colin Hares who was killed in action in WW1 and is commemorated on the Prees and Lower Heath School memorials.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Alfred Haycocks

Personal Details

Born: 28 January 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of nine children born to Thomas Henry Haycocks, a general labourer, and his wife Mary Elizabeth. He married Doris Palin in 1916 in Whitchurch and together they had four children – George A H, Harold J, Reginald H and Herbert A.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at 18 Castle Hill, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 8 Smallbrook Buildings, Whitchurch. In 1916 when he was discharged his address was 10 St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch; in 1939 he was living in Burcote Elliots Lane, Seisdon, Staffordshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a van boy; in 1939 he was a gardener and chauffeur.

Died: In 1972 in Seisdon, Staffordshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 91183

Date of Enlistment: 3 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 27 November 1916

Reason for Discharge: Wounded, no longer fit for war service

Medals and Awards

Alfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal) and Silver War Badge number 87845

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Horace Howell Hayward

Personal Details

Born: 27 March 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of three children born to John Hayward, a railway signalman, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Daisy Taylor in 1911 in Nantwich, Cheshire and together had four children, Horace Taylor, Dennis John, Gerald W and Nesta E D.

Residence: In 1901 he was living with his family in Alkington Road, Whitchurch; in 1911 he lived with his parents in law at 62 Welsh Row, Nantwich. His address at the time of his death was Marshall Terrace, Gilesgate Moor, Durham.

Employment: He was a smallholder in 1917; he was the northern manager of the British Tar Spraying Company at the time of his death.

Died: 5 November 1925 in Durham, aged 32, as a result of a motor accident, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 14 November the same year.

William Hayward

Personal Details

Born: 17 October 1888 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to William Hayward, a groom, and his wife Mary. He married Edith Annie Elliot on 30 October 1910 in St. Mary’s on the Hill Parish Church, Chester, Cheshire; no children can be confirmed for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at 60 Nantwich Road, Fairhams Row, Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire; at the time of his marriage in 1910 he was living at 39 Overleigh Road, Chester. In 1911 he was living at 19 Nicholas Street, Chester; by 1915 the family had moved to 16 Lyon Street, Newtown, Chester. In 1939 he lived at 16 Cornwall Street, Chester; this was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a coachman; in 1915 he was a fitter’s labourer and in 1939 a labourer.

Died: 6 February 1962, age 74, in Chester.

Herbert Thomas Henshall

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 181132

Date of Enlistment: 26 October 1917

Date of Discharge: 27 January 1918

Reason for Discharge: Invalided out as a result of gas shell poisoning

Other Information: On 12 May 1918 he received shell gas poisoning and was invalided back to a hospital in the UK.

Medals and Awards

Herbert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Henshaw

Personal Details

Born: 1 December 1860 in Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 30 December the same year in Tilstock Parish Church. His family name was Henshall.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to John Henshall, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary. He married Jane Sands on 3 July 1886 in All Saints Parish Church, Liverpool, Lancashire and together they had three children – Reginald Thomas Sands, Lilian May and Sidney.

Residence: In 1861, 1871 and 1881 the family were living in Hollin Lane, Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The address shown on his marriage certificate in 1886 was 44 Granby Street, Toxteth, Liverpool and in 1891 and 1901 he was living at 37 Cam Street, Toxteth, Liverpool. By 1911 he had moved to 19 Cam Street. In 1939 he was living at 62 Delamain Road, Liverpool.

Employment: He was a farrier by trade.

Died: 5 December 1948, aged 88, at 42 Belmont Road, Liverpool.

Harold Clifford Hesketh

Personal Details

Born: 28 April 1902 in Prees, Shropshire.

Family: He was the son of Emily Hesketh who later married Josiah Huxley. Emily and Josiah had at least one other child. He married Sylvia Leila Harbourne on 23 June 1925 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child, June A.

Residence: In 1911 he was living at 1 Deermoss Road, Whitchurch; this was still his address in 1919. In 1939 Sylvia was living at 530 Underwood Lane, Crewe, but Harold was not recorded at this address.

Employment: He was an engine fitter.

Died: 31 August 1985, age 83, in Cheshire and was cremated on 6 September the same year.

Charles Thomas Heycocks

Personal Details

Born: 7 October 1882 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 27 October the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch. He was also known by the name Haycocks.

Family: He was the third of six children born to William Heycocks, a well sinker, and his wife Mary. He married Lucy Ellis on 22 August 1909 in Birkenhead, Cheshire and together they had four children – Lucy, Charles, John, and Alice.

Residence: In 1891 he was living with his family in Broughall, Whitchurch; by 1901 they had moved to 27 Darwin Street, Southwark, St George the Martyr, London. At the time of his marriage in 1909 he was living at 15 Hilbury Drive, Birkenhead. In 1911 and now married he was living at 22 Craven Place, Birkenhead, Cheshire; in 1917 he lived at 31 Rowland Street, Birkenhead. In 1939 he was living at 44 Baytree Road, Birkenhead which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1901 he was a well sinker and in 1917 a boiler maker. In 1939 he was a labourer at an oil works.

Died:

3 March 1944, age 61, in Birkenhead.

John Horton

Personal Details

Born: 21 April 1897 in Tilstock, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to Arthur Horton, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary Hannah. He married Mary Elizabeth May Giles in 1936 in Wallasey, Cheshire and together they had two children – Geoffrey E and John.

Residence: In 1897 he lived with his family in Hollins Lane, Tilstock, Whitchurch, Shropshire; by 1901 they had moved to 44 Hawthorn Grove, Poulton cum Seacombe, Birkenhead, Cheshire. In 1911 they were living at 5 Church Crescent, Seacombe, Wallasey, Cheshire. In 1939 he was living at 39 Mostyn Street, Wallasey.

Employment: In 1916 he was an apprentice painter; in 1939 he was a brass filer and grate fixer.

Died: In 1956, aged 59, in Wallasey.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 79799

Date of Enlistment: 25 February 1916

Date of Discharge: 1 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Brother to William Horton who was killed in action on 25 April 1917.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Moreton Houlding

Personal Details

Born: 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of five surviving children born to Philip Shenton, a factory engine driver and his wife Mary, nee Lunt. No marriage can be confirmed for Thomas.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at Tillage Cottage, 9 Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. By 1911 they had moved to 41 Yardington, Whitchurch, the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. However there was an address of 1 Groome`s Yard, Watergate Street, Whitchurch given for him on his pension index card.

Employment: In 1911 he was a school newsboy.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (previously Shropshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 230200 (previously) 1795

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Territorial Force War Medal

Campaign Medals

Territorial Force War Medal

The Territorial Force War Medal was a campaign medal awarded to members of the British Territorial Force and Territorial Force Nursing Services who served overseas in World War I; it is the rarest of the five British Great War medals.

The medal was established in April 1920 for award to members of the Territorial Force and Territorial Force Nursing Services who volunteered for service overseas on or before 30 September 1914, and served overseas. They had to have been serving with the force on 4 August 1914 or have completed four years service with the force before 4 August 1914 and rejoined the force on or before 30 September 1914.

John William Howell

Personal Details

Born: 18 February 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of six children born to George Howell, a house painter, and his wife Sarah. He married Ethel Campbell on 27 September 1926 in St. Paul’s Church, Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Wales; no children can be confirmed for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 32 Yardington Street, Whitchurch; by 1911 he had moved to 14 Park Road, Colwyn Bay, Caernarvonshire, Wales where he was still living in 1915. By 1939 he had moved to 40 Denny Villa, Min-Y-Don Avenue, Colwyn Bay.

Employment: In 1915 he was a milk boy; in 1926 he was a motor mechanic and in 1939 a garage foreman.

Died: In 1978 in Rhuddlan, Flintshire.

William Thomas Howells

Personal Details

Born: March 1884 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of six children born to Thomas Howells, a railway clerk, and his wife Esther. He married Catherine Edwards on 27 September 1915 in Glasgow; no children can be identified for the marriage.

Education: He attended Madeley, Shropshire Church of England Boys School from 1898.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Talbot Street, Whitchurch; by 1901 he had moved to Station Road, Madeley and in 1911 was living at 84 London Road, Nantwich, Cheshire. His address whilst serving in the army was 4 Cromwell Road, Glasgow.

Employment: In 1911 he was manager of a boot shop; in 1916 he was a boot salesman.

Died: Not known

Josiah Huxley

Personal Details

Born: In 1869 in Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 31 October the same year in Prees Parish Church.

Family: He was the second son of Elizabeth Huxley. He married Emily Hurlston Hesketh in 1908 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had at least 2 children – Harold Clifford and Ada Elizabeth.

Residence: From the time of his baptism until at least 1871 he lived in Rag Lane, Prees; in 1881 he was living in the Wem Union Workhouse, Love Lane, Wem, Shropshire. By 1901 he had moved to 47 Newtown Street, Whitchurch and in 1911 was living at 1 Deermoss Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was a bricklayers labourer; in 1911 he was a shoemaker.

Died: In 1932 in Whitchurch, aged 62 and was buried on 8 July the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 11455

Date of Enlistment: 31 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 13 March 1915

Reason for Discharge: Unfit for war service

Other Information: His step-son, Harold Clifford Hesketh, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Josiah was awarded the Silver War Badge number 504219

Silver War Badge

Frederick Maddocks

Personal Details

Born: 3 January 1864 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 9 March in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the seventh of eight children born to Thomas Maddocks, a gardener, and his wife Emma. He married Louisa Maria Newman on 24 January 1900 at Parish Church of Christ Church, Folkestone, Kent and together they had four children – twins John Frederick and Cyril Victor, Leonard and Josephine. Sadly, Cyril and Leonard both died in early infancy.

Residence: From his baptism until at least 1871 he lived with his family in Claypit Street, Whitchurch. In 1881 he was a servant at Shirburn Castle, Oxfordshire, the seat of the Earl of Macclesfield. Having joined the army in 1887, in 1891 he was stationed at the barracks of the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards in Chelsea, London. In 1901 and now married he was stationed at the barracks of the School of Musketry in St. Leonard Hythe, Kent. In 1911 he was living with his wife and two surviving children at 24 Dover Street, Folkestone, Kent. In 1914 when he enlisted he lived at 31 Charlotte Street, Folkestone; in 1918 when he was discharged he lived at 42 Cheriton Road, Folkestone. In 1939 he was living at 153 Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone.

Employment: In 1881 he was a domestic footman; he described himself as a servant in 1886 and 1887 when enlisting. In 1911 he was a club steward, a role he held when he enlisted in 1914. In 1939 he was described as a retired QMSI at the School of Musketry, Hythe.

Died: In 1944 in Maidstone, Kent, aged 80.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Fusiliers

Rank: Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor

Service Number: 1174

Date of Enlistment: 2 October 1914

Date of Discharge: 5 November 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: Frederick had two previous periods of military service – 1 March 1886 to 11 March 1886 (3013 5th Lancers) and 5 January 1887 to 17 December 1907 (755 Grenadier Guards and 590 School of Musketry)

Medals and Awards

None awarded as did not serve overseas

John Hassall Maddocks

Personal Details

Born: 24 July 1876 in Bangor, Flintshire, Wales and baptised on 27 August the same year in Worthenbury Parish Church, Flintshire.

Family: He was the second of nine children born to Samuel Redropp Maddocks, a farmer, and his wife Mary. He married Martha Ethel Willis in 1905 in Whitchurch and together they two children – Thomas Hassall and Marion Winifred.

Residence: At the time of his baptism the family were living at The Gwint, Worthenbury; by 1881 they had moved to Hadley Farm, Whitchurch. In 1891 he was living in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch and by 1901 he had set up on his own at Moss Farm, Black Park, Whitchurch. He continued to live here until at least 1915. In 1939 his address was Mosslea, Nantwich Road, Whitchurch, where he was living at the time of his death in 1952.

Employment: He was a farmer.

Died: 18 September 1952 in Whitchurch, aged 76, and was buried on 22 September the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Shropshire Yeomanry

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 60

Date of Enlistment: 4 May 1908

Date of Discharge: 9 April 1915

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Silver War Badge (number 117979)

Silver War Badge

Benjamin Matthews

Personal Details

Born: 1 August 1892 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 9 September the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to John Matthews, a coachman, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Eva Carver in 1924 in Portsmouth, Hampshire and together they had three children – Jean E, Evelyn E and Norman B.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living in Allport, Whitchurch; by 1901 they had moved to Tiverton, Cheshire. In 1911 Benjamin was living in Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth. In 1939 he lived at 6 Bertie Road, Portsmouth.

Employment: He enlisted as a boy sailor in 1909, serving until at least 1928. In 1939 he was a dockyard labourer.

Died: In 1971 in Portsmouth, aged 78.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Navy

Rank: Able seaman

Service Number: J3593

Date of Enlistment: 5 February 1909

Date of Discharge: After 27 November 1928

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Benjamin was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Ashley Matthews

Personal Details

Born: 17 September 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to Alfred A Matthews, a domestic groom, and his wife Ella C. He married Miriam Barbara Harris in 1925 in Whitchurch; no children can be confirmed for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 and 1911 he was living with his family in Church Street, Malpas, Cheshire. In 1939 he was living at 8 Newport Road, Whitchurch which was their address at the time of Miriam’s death in 1970. At the time of his death he was living at 111 Cavendish Road, Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire.

Employment: He was a motor mechanic when he enlisted in 1918; in 1939 he was a garage proprietor and local ARP warden.

Died: 8 July 1974 in Blackpool, aged 75.

Joseph Mellor

Personal Details

Born: 2 August 1889 in Bickley, Cheshire and baptised on 22 September 1889 at St. Oswald’s Church, Malpas, Cheshire.

Family: He was the third of seven children born to Thomas Mellor, a gardener’s labourer, and his wife Ann. He married Bathsheba A Broom in 1915 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child – William E.

Residence: He lived in Bickley all his life: in 1891 and 1901 in Bickley, in 1911 in Bickley Moss. His military records have an address of The Fields and in 1939 he lived in Bickley Moss.

Education: He attended Cholmondeley County Primary School in 1896.

Employment: In 1911 he was a joiner (he was a member of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters, Cabinetmakers and Joiners, admitted in 1918); in 1939 he was a building department foreman and joiner.

Died: In 1962 in Cheshire, aged 72.

John Noble Morgan

Personal Details

Born: 3 September 1877 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of eight surviving children born to William Morgan, a railway engineman, and his wife Annie. He married Mary Elizabeth Turner on 18 April 1901 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – Jack Alexander, Muriel Edna and William James.

Residence: In 1881 he lived with his family in Mill Street, Whitchurch; by 1891 they had moved to Waymills, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was living with the Turner family (Mary Elizabeth was about to become his wife) at Bickley Hall, Bickley, Cheshire. Now married with his own family, in 1911 John lived in Chapel Street, Mumbles, Oystermouth, Glamorganshire, Wales. When he enlisted in 1915 he was living at 33 Woodville Road, Mumbles; this was the address to which he was discharged in 1919 and at which he was still living in 1939.

Employment: In 1901 he was a railway engine stoker; in 1911 he was a carriage cleaner. When he enlisted in 1915 his occupation was a railway guard. In 1939 he was a packer for a cattle milk provider.

Died: In 1953 in Swansea, Glamorganshire, aged 75.

Military Details

Regiment: Middlesex Regiment

Rank: Acting Sergeant

Service Number: F/403

Date of Enlistment: 25 January 1915

Date of Discharge: 22 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Willie Haycocks

Personal Details

Born: 25 March 1901 in Bronington, Flintshire, Wales and was baptised on 21 July the same year in Bronington Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Lloyd John Haycocks, a clay miner, and his wife Margaret. He married Nora Ashley in 1920 in Whitchurch and together they had nine children – Nora L, Roy J, Olive, Alice I, Charles H, Janet M, Josephine M, Maureen E and William L.

Residence: At the time of his baptism the family were living at 18 Highgate, Whitchurch, Shropshire; by 1911 they had moved to Little Green, Bronington, Flintshire, Wales. In 1918 his father’s address was given as 1 Belton Cottages, Wrexham Road, Whitchurch and in 1934 he lived at 113 High Street, Wem, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1918 he was a motor driver; in 1934 he was a welder.

Died: Not known

George Jackson

Personal Details

Born: 5 March 1898 in Bronington, Flintshire, Wales and baptised on 10 April the same year in Bronington Parish Church.

Family: He was the second of seven children born to William George Jackson, a farmer, and his wife Sarah Ann. He married Lily Anderson in 1920 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales and together they had four children – Nancy, George, Lily and Harold D.

Residence: At the time of his baptism he lived with his family in Penley, near Bronington; by 1901 they lived at Ty Melyn, Llangollen, Corwen, Denbighshire. In 1911 he lived at 1 Park Street, Rhosddu, Wrexham, Stansty, Denbighshire and in 1918 at 4 Park Street, Rhosddu. In 1939 he was living at 17 Grange Avenue, Wrexham.

Employment: In 1918 he was an underground haulier at Gresford Colliery; in 1939 he was a coal merchant.

Died: In 1972, aged 74 in Wrexham and was buried on 18 August the same year in Brymbo Parish Churchyard.

William Oswald Jackson

Personal Details

Born: 23 June 1886 in Hinstock, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to William Jackson, a farm labourer, and his wife Mary. He married Minnie Elizabeth Thelwell in 1943 in Whitchurch, Shropshire; no children can be confirmed for the marriage.

Education: He attended Whixall County Primary School from 1893.

Residence: In 1891 he was living with his family in Mill Green, Hinstock, Market Drayton, Shropshire; by 1901 they had moved to 26 Watergate Street, Whitchurch. He lived from at least 1911 until his death at 5 Deermoss Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1915 he was a gardener; in 1920 a railway worker working for the London and North Western Railway and in 1939 he was a general labourer.

Died: 12 January 1952 in Whitchurch, aged 65 and was buried on 16 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Clement Henry James

Personal Details

Born: 18 January 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 4 March the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the third of six children born to George Giles James, a tailor, and his wife Eliza. He married Minna Mary Cliffe on 11 August 1904 in Nantwich, Cheshire and together they had three children – George Norman, Kathleen Hazel and Gordon Giles.

Residence: In 1881 he lived at 19 Pepper Street, Whitchurch; by 1891 they had moved to 36 Watergate Street, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was living at 21 Heath Road, Whitchurch; in 1918 he was discharged from the army to 25 Talbot Street, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 6 Edgeley Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a tailor.

Died: In 1966 in Whitchurch, aged 86.

Thomas Shenton

Personal Details

Born: 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of five surviving children born to Philip Shenton, a factory engine driver and his wife Mary, nee Lunt. No marriage can be confirmed for Thomas.

Employment: In 1911 he was a school newsboy.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 25550

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was entitled to wear a wound stripe.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Joseph Arthur Roberts

Personal Details

Born: During the last quarter of 1895 and baptised at St Alkmund’s Parish Church on 4 December that year.

Family: Eldest of six surviving children born to Joseph and Lucy Roberts. In early 1921 he married Hilda Whitfield in Ellesmere, Shropshire. They had a daughter, Gwendoline Mary, whose birth was registered the same quarter.

Residence: At the time of Joseph’s baptism the family were living in Claypit Street, Whitchurch. In 1901 their address was 9 Yardington. By 1911 they were residing at 24 Bargates and this is the address listed on the 1919 Absent Voters’ list for Joseph. The 1939 Register lists Joseph, Hilda and their daughter living close to Whitchurch, at Bradeley Green Cottages in the rural district of Nantwich, Cheshire.

Employment: On enlisting in 1914 Joseph’s trade was given as a motor lorry driver. In 1939 he was a horseman on a farm.

Died: During the last quarter of 1968 and the death was registered in Shrewsbury.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private (appointed Lance Corporal 8 Sept 1918)

Service Number: M2/021355

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1914

Date of Discharge: 17 June 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Arrived in France 22 Dec 1914. Brother to George Frederick Roberts who served in the Royal Flying Corps and to Albert Henry Roberts who served in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and the 9th Gloucestershire Regiment.

Medals and Awards

Joseph was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Herbert Roberts

Personal Details

Born: 14th November 1891 in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Family: Herbert was the youngest, probably of four children, born to John and Elizabeth Roberts. In 1920 he married Ethel Brereton at Nantwich, Cheshire. They went on to have seven children together, Herbert J, Vera J, Ivy B, Alan, Hazel J, John K and Barbara M.

Residence: By 1901 the family had moved to Whitchurch and were living in Greenfield Cottages, Alkington Road, Whitchurch. Ten years later Herbert was a living-in servant at Blackoe Farm, Whitchurch. His address at the time of his attestation in 1915 was 18 Highgate, Whitchurch but this had changed by the time of the 1919 Absent Voters’ list to 33A High Street. In 1939 Herbert, Ethel and family were all living at 33 Osborne Grove, Shavington, Nantwich, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a cowman and still doing the same job when he enlisted in 1915. By 1939 he was employed as a railway capstan man.

Died: The most probable death for Herbert is one registered in the first quarter of 1957 at Crewe, Cheshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Grenadier Guards

Rank: Guardsman

Service Number: 26444

Date of Enlistment: 12 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 31 March 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Served in France from 19 Jan 1917 to 5 Dec 1918. In April 1918 Herbert was reported missing and his family informed the following month. In August he was reported as a prisoner of war in Friedrichsfeld, Germany.

Slight discrepancies in date of birth between documents but they all appear to refer to the same person.

Medals and Awards

Herbert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Albert Henry Roberts

Personal Details

Born: During the last quarter of 1897 in the Whitchurch area.

Family: Third of six surviving children born to Joseph and Lucy Roberts. In 1923 Albert married Annie Lewis in Nantwich, Cheshire. Together they had one son, Douglas A, born the following year.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 9 Yardington Street, Whitchurch. Ten years later they were at 24 Bargates, Whitchurch. This was the same address recorded on the 1919 Absent Voters’ list for Albert.

Employment: Not known

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: 9th Gloucestershire Regiment (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 36938 (previously 2678)

Date of Enlistment: November 1914

Date of Discharge: Post spring 1919

Reason for Discharge: Unknown

Other Information: While in France he was listed as wounded in January 1917 and reported suffering from shellshock in April the same year.

His younger brother George Frederick Roberts served in the Royal Flying Corps and his older brother Joseph Arthur Roberts served in the Royal Army Service Corps.

Medals and Awards

Albert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Frederick Powell

Personal Details

Born: 13 January 1884 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 30 March the same year in Whitchurch Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.

Family: He was the second of four children born to Benjamin Blyth Powell, a general labourer, and his wife Martha. Benjamin married again to Charlotte Ann Ellson in 1899. Thomas Frederick married Emily Hayward on 28 December 1905 in Hanmer Parish Church, Flintshire, Wales and together they had four children – Frank, Frederick, Alice and Ethel. Emily had two children from a previous relationship who lived with them – Albert and Edith.

Residence: In 1901 he was boarding in Whitewell Lane, Iscoyd, Flintshire. By 1911 and now married he lived at The Smithy Cottage, Black Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire and when he enlisted in 1916 and was discharged in 1919 his address was 1 Venable’s Yard, Whitchurch. In 1939 he lived at 23 Rosemary Lane, Whitchurch where he continued to live until the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a farm waggoner; in 1939 he was a general farm worker.

Died: In 1943 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 59, and was buried on 4 September the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: South Lancashire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 242645 (previously 5493)

Date of Enlistment: 19 October 1916

Date of Discharge: 7 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Thomas was entitled to wear a wound stripe.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Harry Richardson

Personal Details

Born: 5 October 1891 in Whitchurch and baptised at St Alkmund’s Parish Church 25 November that year.

Family: He was the youngest of four children born to George and Mary Ellen Richardson. No definitive marriage for Harry could be found.

Residence: On his baptism record the family home is given as Newtown, Whitchurch. The 1900 attendance register for Whitchurch National School shows Harry’s address 6 Newtown crossed out and replaced with Oakleigh, Station Road, Whitchurch. The following year the 1901 Census records the address as 30 Station Road, Whitchurch. By 1911 the family appear to have moved a few houses up the same road to Ambleside, 34 Station Road, Whitchurch. This is the same address as given for Harry on the 1919 Absent Voters’ List.

Employment: In 1911 Harry’s occupation was clerk in Union Offices. This was the Poor Law Union where his father was Clerk to the Guardians.

Died: No definitive death could be found

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 67415 (not 07415 as on 1919 Absent Voters’ List)

Date of Enlistment: September 1915

Date of Discharge: After Spring 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Harry was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Ernest Porter

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 17886

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Ernest was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George John Pond

Personal Details

Born: 1858 in Narford, Swaffham, Norfolk, and baptised on 16 April 1858 in Narford Parish Church.

Family: He was the youngest of three children of George Pond, a gamekeeper, and his wife Jane. He married Martha Harriet Hopkins on 31 January 1897 in Valetta, Malta and together they had three children – Charles, Rebecca Jane and Mary.

Residence: The family were living in Narford at the time of his baptism; in 1871 he lived at Botnay, Bay Cottages, Gooderstone, Norfolk and by 1881 he had moved to Keepers’ Cottage, Penllyn Castle, Penllyn, Glamorganshire, Wales with his father. He enlisted in the army in December 1881 and between then and May 1914 served in India, Malta, Egypt, China and in the UK. He rejoined in November 1914, showing his address as 5 Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire on his attestation where he continued to live until the time of his death. In 1911 his wife and three children were living in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers barracks in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales.

Employment: He was a gamekeeper until he enlisted in 1881. When he enlisted in 1914 he was a post office cleaner; he became a career soldier serving during WW1 as a batman. At the time of his death he was a postman.

Died: 5 October 1921 at the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital and was buried on 10 October the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously Labour Corps and Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 76078 (previously 267902 and 17804)

Date of Enlistment: 19 November 1914

Date of Discharge: 11 April 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: George served as a career soldier with the Army Hospital Corps and Royal Welsh Fusiliers from December 1881 to May 1914, serving and being decorated for campaigns in India, Egypt, Malta and China.

Medals and Awards

No medal records can be located. Research suggests he did not serve overseas during WW1 and would therefore not have been awarded any service medals.

Edward Phillips

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Training Reserve, Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Engineers)

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: WR/280875 (previously TR/3/36585, 12134 and 276106)

Date of Enlistment: Not Known

Date of Discharge: Not Known

Reason for Discharge: Not Known

Medals and Awards

Edward was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Harry Ouseley

Personal Details

Born: In 1897 in Wem, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of eight children born to Henry Ouseley and his wife Betsy. He married Stella Crawley in 1927 in Long Ashton, Somerset. The couple had two children; Michael C born 1928 and Pauline S born 1929.

Residence: Until at least 1911 his family were living in Church Street, Prees, Shropshire. The 1919 Absent Voters` Register for Whitchurch gave an address of 22 Belton Road, Whitchurch for him, which was also the address given for his brother, William. In 1939 he was living at 92 Loxley Road, Stratford -upon- Avon, Warwickshire.

Employment: In 1939 he was a grocery manager.

Died: 1978 in Malvern, Worcestershire, aged 79.

Military Details

Regiment: Manchester Regiment

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 202055

Date of Enlistment: Not Known

Date of Discharge: Not Known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Harry was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Michael O’Neill

Personal Details

Born: 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of ten children born to Michael O`Neill, a bricklayer, and his wife Emily, nee Henshall. No marriage can be traced for Michael.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at Grindley Brook, Whitchurch. In 1911 he and his brother Hugh were boarders living at 5 Oxford Street, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. His parents were living at 22 Grindley Brook in 1911, the address given for Michael on the 1919 Absent Voters` List.

Employment: He was a general labourer in 1911.

Died: Not known

William Newbrook

Personal Details

Born: 17 September 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of seven surviving children born to Alfred Newbrook, a labourer, and his wife Sarah Ann, nee Lea. He married Edith Newbrook in 1921 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had eight children; Beryl, Beatrice, Sylvia, John A, Audrey, Annie, Jean and Joan.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at 5 Castle Hill, Whitchurch but ten years later their address was 20 Highgate, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters` List has an address of 9 Pepper Street, Whitchurch for him. In 1911 this was a boarding house. By 1939 he and his family were living at 58 Wayland Road, Whitchurch. This continued to be his home until his death in 1968.

Employment: In 1911 he was described as a grocer`s errand boy. By 1939 his occupation was a railway carter undertaking heavy work.

Died: In 1968 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 71, and buried on 16 February 1968 in Whitchurch cemetery.

William Nelson

Personal Details

Born: 29 May 1898 in Atcham, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of four children born to Edward Nelson, a coal wharf manager, and his wife Harriett Elizabeth. He married Lillian Haycocks in 1926 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, Lillian born in 1927 and William born in 1933.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 33 Queen Street, Shrewsbury; in 1911 they had moved to 8 Dorset Street, Castle Fields, Shrewsbury. The 1919 Absent Voters` List for Whitchurch gave an address of 1 Brownlow Street for him. In 1939 he and his family were living at 59 Wayland Road, Whitchurch where he continued to live until his death in 1982.

Employment: He was a coach painter.

Died: 15 May 1982 in Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch, Shropshire (Whitchurch Herald 28 May 1982)

John Lea

Personal Details

Born: 25 August 1881 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was one of nine children born to Isaiah Lea, a greengrocer, and Elizabeth Humphreys. He married Violet Mary Johnson in Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire in 1913. The couple had seven children, Gwendoline, Alice, Marjorie, William, Margaret, Elsie and Joan.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at 4 Folly Lane, Whitchurch. By 1901 they had moved to 16 Yardington, Whitchurch. There is no address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ List but on his discharge document from the Army in 1922 there is an address of 7 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch. In 1939 he and his family were living at 1 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch. At the time of his death, he was living at 187 Queensway, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was in the Army from 1903 until 1922. In 1939 his occupation was described as a general labourer.

Died: In 1959 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 77.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Company Sergeant Major

Service Number: 42372 (previously 7455)

Date of Enlistment: 8 October 1903

Date of Discharge: 6 March 1922

Reason for Discharge: Disembodied

Other Information: His brother, Isaiah, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Henry Millier

Personal Details

Born: 31 December 1889 in New Brompton, Kent.

Family: He was the second of five children born to William E Millier, a beer retailer, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Elsie Eliza Still on 9 September 1913 and together they had three children – Geoffrey W, Hugh E and Michael A.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Spey Street, Bromley, Middlesex. By 1901 the family had moved to 140 Commercial Road, St. George in the East, Middlesex where they were still living in 1911. William’s military records show an address of 71 Green End, Whitchurch; this is the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. He was discharged to Stanwell Lodge, Alcester Road, Alcester, Surrey and in 1939 was living at Crays Pond House, Henley, Oxfordshire.

Employment: In 1911 and 1919 he was a journalist; in 1939 he was a sub editor.

Died: In 1973 in Reading, Berkshire, aged 83.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: M2/033910

Date of Enlistment: 15 January 1915

Date of Discharge: 16 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Harry Meachin

Personal Details

Born: 28 November 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 15 December the same year in Tilstock Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the son of Annie Meachin. He married Harriett H Ralphs in 1926 in Wem, Shropshire and together they had two children – Dorothy M and George H.

Residence: His mother was living in Hollins Lane, Tilstock at the time of his baptism. In 1901 he lived in Belton Road, Whitchurch and in 1911 at 3 Havannah Buildings, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 35 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1939 he was a retail bespoke tailor’s cutter.

Died: In 1964 in Whitchurch, aged 67, and was buried on 27 June that year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Alfred Hooper

Personal Details

Born: In 1899 in Camberwell, Surrey. Also known as Alfred Russell (his birth name).

Family: He was the younger of two children born to John and Martha Russell. John died and Martha married James Hooper, a publican. Martha and James had four children together. No marriage can be confirmed for Alfred.

Residence: In 1901 he was living in Heath Hill, Sheriffhales, Shifnal, Shropshire with his maternal grandparents, mother and sister. By 1911, his mother had remarried, and he was living at the Blue Bell Inn, Tushingham, Cheshire. Bennett’s Business Directory shows J Hooper at the Horse and Jockey, Claypit Street. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows an address of the Horse and Jockey Inn, Whitchurch. The 1939 Register confirms this was at 2 Claypit Street, Whitchurch where his father was still the publican. Alfred was not at this address in 1939.

Employment: Not known

Died: Not known

William George Hall

Personal Details

Born: In 1876 in Limehouse, Middlesex.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to William Hall, a labourer, and his wife Rebecca. No marriage can be traced for William.

Residence: In 1881 and 1891 he lived at 5 Wilson Street, Poplar, Middlesex. In 1914 when he enlisted, his address was 39 Talbot Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire; this was his address on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register and at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1891 he was a waterside labourer. He joined the military 9 November 1892, serving until 8 November 1913 (he was the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry drill instructor at Egerton Drill Hall in New Street, Whitchurch in 1913).

Died: 19 May 1925 in Whitchurch and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery.

George Fowles

Personal Details

Born: In 1887 and baptised 4 May 1887 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was one of six children born to John Fowles, a butcher, and his wife Catherine. No marriage can be located for George.

Residence: In 1891 the family were living at 2 Groom`s Yard, Whitchurch, but ten years later they had moved to 38 Watergate Street, Whitchurch. By 1911 George was a boarder at 16 Bark Hill, Whitchurch. The address given for him on the Spring Absent Voters List for Whitchurch was 144 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 George was employed as a butcher`s labourer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 22424

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 28 June 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Harry Holding

Personal Details

Born: 7 July 1876 in Pitchford, Wem, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to Thomas Holding, a baker, and his wife Emily (the baptism record identifies her as Mary Anne). He married Sarah Ann Roberts (nee Prodger) in 1902 in Whitchurch, Shropshire; no children can be traced for the marriage. Sarah Ann died in 1929 and Harry married Ester Roberts in 1931 in Whitchurch; no children can be traced for this marriage.

Residence: In 1881 he was living in Aston Road, Wem with his parents and siblings. In 1891 he lived with his maternal grandparents at The Weir, Ercall Magna, Wellington, Shropshire. In 1911 he was living in Broughall, Whitchurch and in 1939 at Baddiley Cottages, Baddiley, Nantwich, Cheshire.

Employment: He was a farm worker through his working life.

Died: In 1953 in Crewe, Cheshire, aged 77.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Liverpool Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 41576 (previously 55315)

Date of Enlistment: Not Known

Date of Discharge: Not Known

Reason for Discharge: Not Known

Medals and Awards

Harry was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George William Everson

Personal Details

Born: 16 September 1878 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 25 October the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church.

Family: He was the eldest child of William Everson, an iron foundry labourer, and his wife Louisa. He married Ada Mary Groom in 1920 in Whitchurch; there were no children for the marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, the family were living in Claypit Street, Whitchurch; by 1881 they had moved to Talbot Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 George was boarding at 3 Staveley Road, New Wittington, Derbyshire. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register has an address of 50 Egerton Road, Whitchurch for him; at the time of his death he was living at 19 Egerton Road.

Employment: In 1939 he was an iron roofer.

Died: In 1948 in Whitchurch, aged 69 and was buried 8 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Walter Evans

Personal Details

Born: In 1886 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised with his twin brother Charles on 2 November 1886 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of six surviving children born to George Evans, a milk dealer, and his wife Mary Ann. He had a twin brother, Charles, who died shortly after birth. No marriage can be traced for Walter.

Residence: He lived at 35 St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch from his baptism until at least 1919.

Employment: In 1911 he was assisting in his father’s milk dealing business.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Liverpool Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 47201 (previously 71441)

Further military details not known.

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Henry Groom

Personal Details

Born: 15 January 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 5 February 1899 at the Church of the Saviour, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to James Henry Groom, a blacksmith, and his wife Margaret Ann. He married Martha M Rowe in 1923, in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, George H and Alfred.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at 7 Highgate, Whitchurch, but ten years later they had moved to 5 Barkhill, Whitchurch. This was the address given for George on the 1919 Absent Voters List for Whitchurch. In 1939 he and his wife were living at 13 Liverpool Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: His occupation in 1939 was a coalman.

Died: In 1949 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 51, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 15 August 1949.

Thomas Harold Evans

Personal Details

Born: 13 December 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. He was known as Harold.

Family: He was the fifth of seven surviving children of Alfred Evans, a stone mason, and his wife Eliza. He was single in 1939; no marriage has been traced for Harold.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at Dairy House, Whitchurch; by 1911 they had moved to 6 St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch, the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. In 1939 he lived at 7 Dodington with two of his sisters and at the time of his death he lived at 16 Hillewood Avenue, Liverpool Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a fishmonger; in 1939 he was a monumental mason.

Died: 3 March 1968 in Whitchurch, aged 74.

Thomas Edwards

Personal Details

Born: 3 April 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 17 April 1896 in St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of six surviving children born to Arthur Edwards, a railway platelayer and his wife, Harriet. He married Martha Mary Prodger in 1920 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, Beryl Kathleen born in 1921 and Thora Renee born in 1922.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living in Waymills, Whitchurch, but by 1901 they had moved to 18, Pepper Street, Whitchurch. Ten years later their address was 38 Oddfellows Terrace, Whitchurch. An address of 38, Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch was given for him at the time of demobilisation. These last two addresses are one and the same. By 1939 he was living at 54, Wayland Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was an iron roofer.

Died: 1974 in the Preston and South Ribble district of Lancashire, aged 78

John Sydney Edge

Personal Details

Born: In 1891 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and known as Sydney.

Family: He was the son of Elizabeth Edge. Elizabeth married Daniel Sherbrooke, a painter and decorator, in 1900; Daniel had three children by a previous marriage. Sydney married Constance M Whittle in 1917 in Nantwich, Cheshire and together they had two children – Sydney J and Doris M.

Residence: In 1910, 1911 he was living at 69 Green End, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows this as his address; however, he married in 1917 and his pension card following his discharge in December 1918 shows an address of York Cottages, Broad Lane, Nantwich. The 1939 Register shows Constance and their son, Sydney, living at 13 Thorn Street, Preston, Lancashire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a tailor’s apprentice.

Died: Not known

Other Information:

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Fusiliers

Rank: Private

Service Number: 66222

Date of Enlistment: 21 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 18 December 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Medals and Awards

Sydney was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War and Victory medals) and the Silver War badge (number B97168)

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

John Edwards

Personal Details

Born: 4 December 1883 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 19 December 1883 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of six surviving children born to Arthur Edwards, a railway labourer and his wife Harriet. No marriage can be found for John.

Residence: From the time of his baptism in 1883 until 1891 his family were living in Waymills, Whitchurch. In 1911 he was a boarder living at 36, Bargates, Whitchurch,this continued to be his address until at least 1939.

Employment: From 1904 until the time of his Attestation he was working as a platelayer for the London & North Western Railway. In 1939 his occupation was a lengthman with the railway engineering maintenance staff.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 210112 (previously WR261544)

Date of Enlistment: 6 February 1916

Date of Discharge: 17 November 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: John`s brother, Thomas, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War and Victory medals)

Campaign Medals

Herbert Davies

Personal Details

Born: 16 November 1877 in Salford, Lancashire.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to William Davies, a commercial traveller, and his wife Mary. Herbert remained unmarried.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his family in Palmerston Street, Manchester, Lancashire; by 1901 they had moved to 43 Everton Road, Chorlton, South Manchester where they were still living in 1911. The 1919 Absent Voters’ register shows an address of 12 Brooklands, Chester Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire where he continued to live until his death in 1958.

Employment: In 1901 he was a fender fitter; in 1911 a kerb fitter and in 1939 a general labourer.

Died: 18 April 1958 in Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch, aged 80 and was buried on 22 April the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Alick William Armstrong

Personal Details

Born: The 1939 Register records Alick’s date of birth as 17 Nov 1898, as does his death certificate. The birth of an Alick William Armstrong is registered at Chester during the first quarter of 1899. He was also known as Alec and Alexander; Alick is the spelling of his given name that is most frequently used.

Family: Alick was the youngest child of Frank and Alice Armstrong. He married Janet Vickers in 1932 in Nantwich and together they had one child, Alick R.

Residence: In 1901 Alick was living with his parents and two siblings at 41 Alfred Street, Monks Coppenhall, Nantwich, Cheshire. Ten years later he was residing with his aunt, uncle, cousins and grandfather at 164 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. In 1919 the address on the absent voters list for an Alec William Armstrong is the same one in Whitchurch. The 1939 register records Alick W living with his wife and a lodger at 75 O’Shaw Street, Crewe, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1939 he was running his own general shop, presumably in Crewe.

Died: His death was registered during the last quarter of 1974 in the Congleton & Crewe area of Cheshire.

William George Griffiths

Personal Details

Born: 1 July 1898 in Broughall, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of seven children born to George Griffiths, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary Jane. He married Sarah Elizabeth Allman in 1925 in Oswestry and together they had three children – William N, Hazel M and Eric G; Sarah died 1937. He married Gwendoline Amelia Butler in 1938 in Oswestry and together they had three children – Douglas G, Kenneth J and Graham.

Residence: In 1901 he lived with his family in Fox Lane, Broughall, Whitchurch; by 1911 they had moved to 5 Colliery Cottages, Ifton Heath, St. Martins, Shropshire. In 1939 he was living at Lyneal Villa, Ellesmere, Shropshire; at the time of his death he lived at Lyneal Mill, Lyneal, Ellesmere.

Employment: In 1939 he was a dairy farmer.

Died: 16 September 1956, in Ellesmere, age 58.

Other Information: His second wife, Gwendoline, had emigrated with her parents to Canada in 1924 but returned to the UK in 1929.

Arthur Sherbrooke

Personal Details

Born: 11 July 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to Daniel Sherbrooke, a house painter, and his wife Caroline. He married Annie Maria Rogers on 18 November 1902 at Atcham registry office, Shropshire and together they had a daughter Ethel Mary.

Residence: He lived in 1881 with his parents and siblings in Highgate, Whitchurch; by 1891 the family had moved to 83 Green End, Whitchurch. In 1911 he was boarding at 55 Egerton Road, Whitchurch. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1913, living at 15 Alfred Street, East Wellington in 1919 and then 17 Derwent Street, Wellington where he died in 1931.

Employment: He was a baker in 1899, a postman in 1911, a painter in 1914 and a general labourer in 1918.

Died: 20 May 1931 in Karori, Wellington, New Zealand and is buried in Karori cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: New Zealand Army

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 1/84

Date of Enlistment: 9 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 22 March 1915

Reason for Discharge: Own request

Other Information: He enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in 1899 and served in both South Africa (in the second Boer War) and India. In January 1907 he was transferred to the reserves and finally left the army on the 14 March 1913. On 27 March 1913 he emigrated to New Zealand but did not take his family with him. After his war service he re-enlisted on the 11 October 1918 and was discharged on 12 March 1921. Further information on his army records can be found with the following link.

http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21117005

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Joseph Robert Hares

Personal Details

Born: 18 July 1894 in Prees, Shropshire and was baptised on 20 August the same year in Prees Parish Church.

Family: He was the second of five children born to Thomas James Hares, a farmer, and his wife Lucretia. He married Barbara L Lea in 1926 in Chester, Cheshire and together they had two children – Pauline M and Vincent J.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at Millenheath Farm, Higher Heath, Prees; in 1911 he was boarding at Newport Grammar School, Newport, Shropshire and in 1939 he was back at the family farm, Millenheath Farm, Higher Heath.

Employment: He was a farmer.

Died: 6 November 1952 in Higher Heath, aged 58.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 12384

Date of Enlistment: August 1914

Date of Discharge: 27 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Brother to Vincent Colin Hares killed in action and commemorated on the Prees and Lower Heath School memorials.

Medals and Awards

Joseph was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Sir Griffin Wyndham Edward Hanmer

Personal Details

Born: 30 August 1893 in Winslow, Buckinghamshire.

Family: He was the second of five children born to Sir Wyndham Charles Henry Hanmer, 6th Baronet Hanmer of Hanmer, and his wife Lady Essex Hanmer. He married Aileen Mary Rogerson on 25 August 1921 in Durham and together they had three children – Pamela, Evelyn and John. Lady Aileen died in 1967 and he married for a second time to Angela Mary Bromley (nee Morley) on 23 November 1968 in Maelor, Flintshire, Wales.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at The Lodge, Redbrook, Iscoed, Flintshire; in 1911 he was attending the South Eastern Agricultural College in High Street, Wye, Kent. In 1939 the family were living at Bettisfield Park, Overton, Flintshire which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: He was a gentleman and land owner.

Died: 1 January 1977 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 83.

Other Information: He was the 7th Baronet Hanmer of Hanmer, acceding to the title on the death of his father on 3 June 1922.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps and Shropshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Captain

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: 15 January 1914

Date of Discharge: May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Sir Griffin was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Territorial Forces War Medal.

Campaign Medals

Territorial Forces War Medal

William Stephen Oliver

Personal Details

Born: 6 January 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of five children born to Stephen Oliver, a draughtsman, and his wife Martha. He married Mary A Hallam in 1926 in Crich, Derbyshire. The couple had three children, Ronald A, William S and Walter R.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at 89 Talbot Street, Whitchurch. Ten years later they had moved to 14 Oddfellows Terrace, Whitchurch the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` Register, though by then known as Smallbrook Road. In 1939 he was living at 4 Clarendon Road, Hazel Grove, Cheshire.

Education: From September 1909 until April 1911 William attended Whitchurch Grammar School.

Employment: His Grammar School records showed that his occupation on leaving school was an apprentice in a clothiers shop. In 1939 he was a central lathe turner.

Died: In 1959 in North East Cheshire, aged 62.

Arthur Sumner

Personal Details

Born: 1 April 1885 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 21 June the same year at Christ Church, Tilstock, Shropshire.

Family: He was one of at least four children born to Richard Sumner, a labourer, and his wife Eliza. He married Annie Gregory in 1909 in Whitchurch. The couple had six children: George Henry, John, Martha, Arthur F, Freda H and Vera A.

Residence: In 1891 he was living with his parents in Tilstock Village, but ten years later he was a boarder at The Heath, Tilstock. In 1911 and married, he had moved to 4 Hollins Lane, Tilstock. An address of 6 St. John`s Street was given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List for Whitchurch. By 1939 he was living at 21 Claypit Street, Whitchurch and at the time of his death in 1958, 19 Queensway, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was an agricultural labourer.

Died: In 1958, at The Cottage Hospital, Whitchurch and buried 30 April the same year at Whitchurch cemetery, aged 72.

Military Details

Regiment: Welsh Regiment (previously King`s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 66938 (previously 24995)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

James Thelwell

Personal Details

Born: In 1883 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 4 June 1883 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was one of nine children born to Thomas Thelwell, a labourer, and his wife Eliza. He married Ethel Challenor in 1914 in Whitchurch. The couple had two children, Dorothy M, born 1915 and Aldwyn James, born 1916.

Residence: From the time of his baptism in 1883 until at least 1901 James and his family lived at 1 Oxford Carriers Road, Whitchurch. By 1911 they had moved to 2 Mount Cottages, Whitchurch. The address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List was 28 Claypit Street, Whitchurch. By 1939 he was living at 1 Church Street, Whitchurch which remained his address until his death in 1963.

Employment: He was a turret clock maker.

Died: In 1963 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 8 May the same year, aged 80.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously The Queen`s Surrey Regiment, King`s Shropshire Light Infantry and Royal Engineers)

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: WR269719 (previously 205037, 5221 and 257543)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: James`s brother, Frederick, served in the South Lancashire Regiment during WW1.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Arthur Edwin Taylor

Personal Details

Born: 31 May 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 14 June 1876 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the sixth of nine children born to Charles Taylor, a grocer, and his wife Catherine. He married Gertrude Mary Evans in 1908 in Ellesmere, Shropshire. Sadly Gertrude died in 1923 and he went on to marry Harriet Herriman in 1924 in Whitchurch. No children can be found for either marriage.

Residence: From his baptism in 1876 until at least 1901 he was living at 9 Claypit Street, Whitchurch. By 1911 and now married, his address was 1 Poole Cottages, Hollyhurst, Whitchurch. The address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List for Whitchurch was 40 Belton Road. He continued to live here until his death in 1950.

Employment: He was a postman.

Died: In 1950 in Whitchurch and buried in Whitchurch cemetery 24 May the same year, aged 73.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Liverpool Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 47201 (previously 71441)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Samuel Stubbs

Personal Details

Born: 12 August 1885 in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to Samuel Stubbs, a bricklayer, and his wife Rhoda, nee Hawkins. He married Harriet Humpreys in 1909 in Chester, Cheshire. The couple had three children, Samuel, William and Frank.

Residence: From at least 1891 until 1911 Samuel and his family lived at 6 Chancery Buildings, Hospital Street, Nantwich. The 1919 Absent Voters` List had an address of 6 Cambrian View, Whitchurch, Shropshire for him.This was still his home in 1939.

Employment: He was a saddler and harness maker.

Died: In 1973 in North Shropshire, aged 87.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Service Number: 741832

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Samuel was awarded the Campaign medals (British War and Victory medals)

Campaign Medals

John Alfred Hinde

Personal Details

Born: 2 October 1891 in Tilstock, Shropshire and baptised 8 November the same year at Tilstock Church (Note the 1939 register has his year of birth as 1893) He was known as Alfred, John Alfred and Alfred John.

Family: He was the eldest of five children of Joseph Henry Hinde, a carpenter, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Ellen Hamer in 1933 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child Robert R.

Residence: The family were living at 12 St. John’s Street at the time of the 1901 and 1911 censuses. In 1919 the Absent Voters’ Register gives his address as 38 Egerton Road, Whitchurch (still living with his family as his brother has the same address). In 1939 he was living at 48 Egerton Road and was still residing there at the time of his death in 1952.

Employment: In 1911 he was an apprentice plumber; in 1939 he was a dairy tinsmith, locksmith and gunsmith.

Died: In 1952 in Whitchurch, aged 60 and buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 16 June 1952.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 133372

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Hospitalised in France in October 1918.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Horace James Groome

Personal Details

Born: 21 July 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 9 August 1889 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the third child born to William Groom, a blacksmith, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Eva M Jones Quarter 1 1916 in Forden, Montgomeryshire, Wales. The couple had two children, Rita M and Vera M.

Residence: Until at least 1891 his family were living in Barlow`s Yard, Whitchurch, but ten years later they had moved to 10 Egerton Road, Whitchurch. This was the address given for Horace on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. However the 1911 Census gave an address of 40, High Street, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire for him. In 1939 he and his family were living at 330 High Street, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, Wales (the address on the probate calendar entry for him is 332a High Street, Connah’s Quay).

Employment: He was a baker and confectioner.

Died: 3 February 1964 in Sefton Green General Hospital, Liverpool, aged 74.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Navy

Rank: Cook’s mate

Service Number: M10864

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 21 August 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: His brother, William Frederick, also served in WW1. He was a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Medals and Awards

Horace was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Walter Lee Hales

Personal Details

Born: Early 1891 in Whitchurch, Shropshire; baptised 17 April that year in Myddle, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Robert Lee Hales, a joiner, and his wife Elizabeth Ann. He married Amy Hales in 1921 in Dewsbury, Yorkshire and together they had one child, Walter R L.

Residence: The family were living in West End, Whitchurch, Shropshire when Walter was born. By 1901 they had moved to 164 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. In 1911 Walter was living at 28 Belton Road, Whitchurch, the same address as shown in 1919. In 1935 at the time of his death he was living at Lebornor, Torrisholme Road, Lancaster, Lancashire.

Employment: In 1911 his occupation was linotype operator; when he enlisted in 1915, he declared that he was a printer and stationer.

Died: 21 June 1935 at the Isolation Hospital in Lancaster.

Military Details

Regiment: Leinster Regiment (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 15332 (previously 33095)

Date of Enlistment: 2 March 1916

Date of Discharge: 23 October 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Jack Edge

Personal Details

Born: 15 January 1892 in Marbury, Cheshire and baptised 1 May the same year in Marbury Parish Church. He was also known as Jack Edwards.

Family: He was the second of eight children born to John Edge, a game keeper, and his wife Maria Jane. He married Eliza Wilkinson in 1925 in Norwich, Norfolk and together they had one child, Ivor.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at Fox Hall, Marbury, Cheshire. In 1939 he lived at Park Gate Farm Building, Bucklow, Cheshire and at the time of his death he was living at Cranford Lodge, Bexton Road, Knutsford, Cheshire.

Employment: When he enlisted in 1911 he was an engine cleaner; in 1939 he was a builder’s labourer.

Died: 17 January 1965, aged 73, at Cranford Lodge Hospital, Knutsford.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Navy

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Service Number: L2881

Date of Enlistment: 7 June 1911

Date of Discharge: 21 August 1920

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Jack was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Wilfred Edge

Personal Details

Born: 4 March 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Samuel Edge, a labourer, and his wife Charlotte. He married Linda Jones in 1922 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales; children for this marriage cannot be confirmed.

Residence: In 1911 he was living in Chorlton, Cuddington, Malpas, Cheshire; at the time of his death he was living at Castle Cottage, Waen Fach, Deytheur, Llansantffraid, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1911 he was a farm labourer.

Died: 22 October 1938 at Godor Bridge, near Llansantffraid, aged 39.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Tank Corps (previously Corps of Lancers and Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 313834 (previously L/18290 and 77677)

Date of Enlistment: 14 April 1918

Date of Discharge: 31 March 1921

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (number 19323) on 19 November 1915 and was discharged on 3 February 1916 having mis-stated his age.

Medals and Awards

Wilfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Henry Allman Green

Personal Details

Born: 16 November 1875 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 12 December the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of seven children born to Charles Green, a carpenter and joiner, and his wife Ann. He married Mary Ann Mort in 1907 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – Frank Allman, Harold and William A G.

Residence: At the time of his baptism the family were living in Chemistry, Whitchurch; between 1891 and 1901 they had moved to Higher Lanes, Iscoyd, Flintshire, Wales. Now married and with a young family, in 1911 Henry lived at 156 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch; in 1916 he lived at 126 Wrexham Road which remained his address until the time of his death.

Employment: In 1891 he was an apprentice joiner; in 1901 and 1911 a carpenter and joiner; in 1939 he was a joiner builder.

Died: 5 February 1944, age 69, in Whitchurch and was buried 9 February the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Benjamin Francis Griffiths

Personal Details

Born: 17 April 1883 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 25 May the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of four children born to Robert Griffiths, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary Ann. He married Edith Ellen Cutts in 1906 in Liverpool, Lancashire and together they had one child, Mary Frances. He married Lily Drayton in 1915 in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire; no children can be traced for this marriage.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living in Elliot’s Yard, High Street, Whitchurch; by 1901 they had moved to 5 Fraser Mount, Leeds, Yorkshire. Having married, Benjamin was living with his wife and daughter in 1911 at 5 Lime Street, Worsbrough Bridge, Barnsley, Yorkshire. When he enlisted in 1914 he gave his address as 28 Jarrett St. Buildings, Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley with his wife, now living apart, at 75 North Street, South Bank, Eston, Middlesbrough. This was his address in 1939, now living with his second wife, Lily, and her widowed father.

Employment: In 1901 he was a general labourer; in 1911 he was a coal miner and in 1939 a furnace bricklayer.

Died: In 1945 in Cleveland, Yorkshire, aged 62.

Military Details

Regiment: York & Lancaster Regiment

Rank: Acting Sergeant

Service Number: 3/4561

Date of Enlistment: 6 October 1914

Date of Discharge: 31 March 1916

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: Served in the York and Lancaster Regiment (service number 9048) from 15 September 1900 to 14 September 1906.

Medals and Awards

Benjamin was awarded the Silver War Badge (number 573634)

Silver War Badge

Frederick Moore

Personal Details

Born: 29 September 1872 in Prees, Shropshire. He was also known as Frederic Moores.

Family: He was the grandson of Sarah Moore. He married Florence Gribbin on 19 October 1901 in Prestwich, Lancashire and together they had four children – Elsie, Frederick, Elizabeth and Eva.

Residence: In 1881 he was living in Shrewsbury Street, Prees; by 1901 he was living with his wife and three children at 12 Buile Street, Broughton, Lancashire. By 1911 they had moved to 24 Leybourne Street, Broughton. When discharged from the army in 1919 he was living at 16 Star Street, Higher Broughton, Manchester. In 1939 his address was 83 Ostrich Lane, Prestwick, Lancashire.

Employment: He was a labourer

Died: October 1953 in Heywood, Lancashire, aged 81.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Royal Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 292212 (previously 46775 and 116775)

Date of Enlistment: 20 August 1915

Date of Discharge: 5 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He received gunshot wounds to chest & thigh 10 November 1915.

Medals and Awards

Frederick was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Walter John Speed

Personal Details

Born: In 1872 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 5 June the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of four children of John Speed, a hairdresser, and his wife Mary Ann, nee Walters. He married Dorothy Garrood in 1922 in Mutford, Suffolk and together they had 2 children – Justine H G and Sybil A G.

Residence: The 1881, 1891 and 1901 Censuses show them living in Watergate Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 he was living at 10 Highgate, Whitchurch which was the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register; the army pension records indicate he was living at 19 St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch in 1920. At the time of his death he was living at 24 Lyndhurst Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Employment: He was a hairdresser.

Died: 26 October 1936 in Lothingland, Suffolk, aged 64.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (previously Shropshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Quartermaster Sergeant

Service Number: 230003 (previously 65)

Date of Enlistment: September 1914

Date of Discharge: 31 July 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Territorial Forces War Medal

Campaign Medals

Territorial Forces War medal

George Henry Wilson

Personal Details

Born: 10 February 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 8 March the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the second of eight children born to Kenrick Wilson, a railway signalman, and his wife Emma. Kenrick married for a second time to Annie and together they had 5 children – George’s half siblings. He married Mary Sophia Pugh in 1904 in Atcham, Shropshire and together they had five children – Doris Emmeline, Lois Eva, George Henry, Dora Lily and Ernest Reginald.

Residence: In 1881 the family were living Adjoining Railway, Chetwynd Aston, Newport, Shropshire (George’s father was the railway signalman). By 1891 they had moved to John Street, Castlefields, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. George served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers between 1892 and 1911, stationed in Malta, Crete, Egypt, China, India and Ireland and was discharged 1 October 1911. When he re-enlisted in 1912 he was living at 15 New Street, Frankwell, Shrewsbury. In 1939 he lived at 2 Raebrook Place, Shrewsbury.

Employment: In 1891 he was a clerk at timber merchants; between 1892 and 1911 he was serving in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. When he rejoined the army in 1912 he stated his occupation as clerk; in 1939 he was a part time canteen steward.

Died: In 1944, age 68, in Wellington, Shropshire.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 200261 (previously 1642)

Date of Enlistment: 14 June 1912

Date of Discharge: 20 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He served with Royal Welsh Fusiliers (number 3757) enlisting 1 November 1892 and discharged 1 October 1911.

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Territorial Forces War Medal

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 Infantry
Whitchurch, Shropshire – 30 May 1919

67045 Bombardier George Hopwood, 33rd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery
Whitchurch, Shropshire – 3 August 1915

Bombardier J Groom

Sergeant G H Wilson

Campaign Medals

Territorial Forces War medal

Joseph Alfred Wilson

Personal Details

Born: 31 December 1892 in Rugby, Warwickshire and baptised on 30 January 1893 in the Parish Church of Newbold-on-Avon, Warwickshire.

Family: He was the son of Richard Thomas Wilson, a labourer, and his wife Sarah Ellen but was brought up by his grandparents Richard and Mary Stokes. He married Kate Suckley in 1919 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had 3 children – Frederick, Elsie and Vera.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his parents were living in Newbold-on-Avon. By 1901 he was living with his grandparents at 37 Chester Road, Whitchurch and in 1911 he continued to live with his grandparents at 8 Brooklands, Chester Road, Whitchurch; this was his address when discharged in 1919. In 1939 he was living at 11b Chester Road, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death..

Employment: In 1911 he was a dock labourer; in 1914 when he enlisted he was a farm labourer. In 1939 he was a road and rail goods loader.

Died: In 1955 in Whitchurch, aged 62, and buried on 19 September the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Horse & Field Artillery

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 91182

Date of Enlistment: 3 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 8 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Joseph was awarded the Campaign medals (British War and Victory medals)

Campaign Medals

John Andrew Perry

Personal Details

Born: 18 July 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to James Perry, a lodging house keeper, and his wife Mary. He married Edna Hollingworth on 23 December 1933 in the Parish Church of Breedon on the Hill, Leicestershire and together they had one child, Mary A.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 14 Castle Hill, Whitchurch; by 1911 they had moved to Mill Street, Crickhowell, Breconshire. At the time of his discharge in 1918 he was living at 6 High Street, Much Wenlock, Shropshire. His marriage certificate gives his address as Much Wenlock, Shropshire and in 1939 he was living at The Bungalow, Warblington, Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Leicestershire. At the time of his death he lived at 2 Main Street, Breedon on the Hill.

Employment: When he left the army in 1918 he was an egg & poultry dealer, an occupation he continued to hold until at least 1939.

Died: December 1974, aged 76, and buried on 31 December the same year in the Breedon on the Hill churchyard.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 230453

Date of Enlistment: 24 July 1916

Date of Discharge: 29 January 1918

Reason for Discharge: Physically unfit for war service

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Silver War Badge (number B320646)

Silver War Badge

Thomas Arthur Powell

Personal Details

Born: 5 May 1887 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 19 June the same year in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of three surviving children born to Thomas Powell, a plasterer, and his wife Mary Ellen. He married Mary E Jones in 1939 in Oswestry, Shropshire; no children can be located for this marriage.

Residence: When he was baptised he lived with his family in Alkington Road, Whitchurch. By 1901 he lived at 28 Smallbrook Road (also known as West End and Oddfellows Cottages) which was the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. (The 1911 Census record does not include Thomas). The 1911 census shows him boarding at 16 Seamoor Road, Bournemouth, Hampshire and in 1939 he was living at 7 Llewelyn Road, Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire. At the time of his death in 1949 he was living at 97 Alkington Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 and on his attestation in 1915 he was a grocer’s assistant. In 1939 he was a Betterware salesman.

Died: 16 October 1949 in Whitchurch, aged 62.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: S4/065110

Date of Enlistment: 3 February 1915

Date of Discharge: 11 June 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: His brother, Charlie Samuel, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Samuel Powell

Personal Details

Born: 9 April 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 3 May the same year in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the youngest of three surviving children born to Thomas Powell, a plasterer, and his wife Mary Ellen. He married Violet P Hayward in 1929 in Atcham, Shropshire; it is possible they had one child together, Gillian A.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living at 3 West End, Whitchurch. The 1911 Census shows them living at 28 Oddfellows Cottages (also known as Smallbrook Road and West End) where he lived until at least 1919. In 1939 he was living at 18 Longden Road, Shrewsbury; this was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1939 he was a machine minder at a printers; when he died he was a printer.

Died: 30 December 1965 in Shrewsbury as a result of an accident whilst riding his bicycle, aged 66.

John James Price

Personal Details

Born: 14 July 1894 in Halghton, Hanmer, Flintshire, Wales and baptised on 16 September the same year in Hanmer Parish Church.

Family: He was the younger of two children born to William Price, a joiner, and his wife Emily, nee Segrove. He married Ethel Mary Green in 1922 and together they had one child, Freda M.

Residence: From his birth until at least 1901 he lived at Cumbers, Halghton, Hanmer. In 1911 he was living at 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. In 1939 he was living at 153 Alkington Road, Whitchurch where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a draper’s assistant and by 1939 a clothier and outfitter’s manager. In 1939 he was a special constable.

Died: 16 June 1950 in Whitchurch, aged 55, and was buried on 20 June the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Fusiliers

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: GS/73163

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 13 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother of William Segrove Price who also served in WW1. John was injured during the war with a general shell wound to the thigh.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Reginald Porter

Personal Details

Born: 11 July 1891 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 7 August the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of six surviving children born to George Porter, a railway worker, and his wife Margaret. He married Jane Jones in 1918 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales and together they had two children – Charles A and Stanley E.

Residence: His family was living in Edgeley, Whitchurch at the time of his baptism, living in Edgeley Road in 1901. In 1911 the family lived at 47 Edgerton Road, Whitchurch although Reginald was not living with them. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register records his address as 7 Claypit Terrace, Whitchurch which was the address he lived at in 1939. At the time of his death he lived at 33 Grindley Brook, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was a telecommunications foreman working for the GPO Engineering Department.

Died: In 1964 in Whitchurch, aged 73, and was buried on 13 April that year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 93810

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Reginald was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Prince

Personal Details

Born: In 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of six surviving children born to John Prince, a general labourer, and his wife Elizabeth. No marriage can be traced for John.

Residence: In 1901 he lived with his family at 17 Highgate, Whitchurch. By 1911 they had moved to 2 Churton’s Yard, Whitchurch where he continued to live until at least 1919.

Employment: In 1911 he was a baker’s errand boy; his occupation when he enlisted in 1914 was baker.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: S4/036162

Date of Enlistment: 1 December 1914

Date of Discharge: 26 July 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Leonard Walter Purcell

Personal Details

Born: 20 October 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 9 February 1896 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of six children born to Thomas John Hill Purcell, a tobacconist, hairdresser and newsagent, and his wife Lydia, nee Bradbury. He married Hilda Kate Jones on 26 March 1921 at Newtown Parish Church, Montgomeryshire, Wales and together they had one child – Joyce Elizabeth.

Residence: He lived at 36 Green End, Whitchurch until at least 1919. His marriage record shows an address of 12 Laurel Road, Higher Tranmere. The family spent 18 months in New York in 1930 and 1931 staying with Hilda’s younger brother Lloyd. They left from 123 Cemetery Road, Liverpool and returned to 26 South Cannon Hill, Southgate, London. In 1934 he was living at 52 Monks Avenue, New Barnett, in 1935 at 22 Ravensdale Avenue, Finchley and in 1938 and 1939 at 82 Westbury Road, Finchley. Between 1962 and 1970 he was living at 85 The Causeway, Carshalton, Surrey.

Employment: He was a hairdresser.

Died: In 1990 in Swansea, Glamorgan, aged 94.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 230445 (previously 2589)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilised

Other Information: His brother, Thomas Henry, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Leonard was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Henry Purcell

Personal Details

Born: 3 July 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 9 September the same year in St. Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of six children born to Thomas John Hill Purcell, a tobacconist, hairdresser and newsagent, and his wife Lydia, nee Bradbury. He married Mabel Elsie Colley in 1926 in Hereford, Herefordshire and together they had two children – Peter Hill and Lydia A.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 36 Green End, Whitchurch; in 1911 he lived at 60 Palmerstone Street, Bollington, Cheshire as assistant hairdresser. His address on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register was 36 Green End. In 1926 he lived at Frowen, Nelson Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales and in 1939 he lived in Macklin Street, Derby, Derbyshire.

Employment: He was a hairdresser.

Died: In 1963 in Malvern, Worcestershire, aged 68.

William Segrove Price

Personal Details

Born: 20 September 1890 in Bronington, Flintshire, Wales and baptised on 19 October the same year in Hanmer Parish Church.

Family: He was the elder of two children born to William Price, a joiner, and his wife Emily, nee Segrove. He married Doris May in 1923 in Gower, Glamorganshire and together they had two children – Joyce M and Constance M.

Residence: The family were living in Bronington, Flintshire at the time of his baptism; in 1891 he lived at Three Fingers Bank, Tallarn Green, Flintshire and in 1901 in Halghton, Hanmer, Flintshire. In 1911 he had moved to 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, his address in 1919. By 1939 he had moved to 5 Meadow View, Whitchurch, continuing to live their until the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a clerk in an iron foundry; in 1939 he was chief cashier for a firm of ironfounders and engineers. (He was also a special constable)

Died: 1 March 1966 at The Cottage Hospital, Whitchurch, aged 75.

Thomas Prince

Personal Details

Born: 18 November 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the sixth of eight children born to Henry Prince, a bricklayer, and his wife Ann. He married Miriam Joynson in 1924 in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire and together they had four children – Henry, Cyril, William G and Lionel.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 12 Claypit Street, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 4 Raven Yard, Whitchurch. The address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is 13 Chester Road, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living wife and children at 138 High Street, Newcastle under Lyme.

Employment: In 1939 he was an underground colliery miner.

Died: In 1973 in Newcastle under Lyme.

Albert Edward Porter

Personal Details

Born: 5 July 1891 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the elder of two children born to Enoch Porter, an iron foundry labourer, and his wife Kate. Enoch died in 1906 and Kate married Frederick Henry Jones in 1909; Frederick and Kate had one child. Albert married Lilah Stockton in 1914 in Whitchurch and together had one child, Albert E born in 1915.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at 36 Yardington Street, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 8 Park Road, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows his address as 9 Cambrian View, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 7 Alkington Gardens, Whitchurch and at the time of his death he was living at 10 Queensway, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a labourer; in 1939 a motor driver for a haulage contractor.

Died: In 1958 at Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch, aged 66, and was buried on 6 December that year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Royal Army Service Corps)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 362056 (previously M2/175635)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Albert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frank Clayton

Personal Details

Born: 19 September 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: Only son of Thomas and Ann Clayton. In 1931 Frank married Hilda A Heatley in Whitchurch. They had one daughter, Margaret, born in 1932 in Whitchurch.

Residence: In 1901 Frank and his parents were living in Romiley, near Stockport, Cheshire. Ten years later they had moved to Whitchurch and were residing at 3a Wrexham Road. In 1919 this was the address given for Frank on the Absent Voters List for the town. In 1939 Frank and Hilda were living at 11 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch with Frank’s mother Ann and their daughter.

Employment: In 1939 Frank was the clerk to Whitchurch Urban District Council.

Died: 23 September 1975 in Whitchurch.

John Alfred East

Personal Details

Born: 1 February 1884

Family: He married Agnes Gaughan in Liverpool during the 3rd quarter of 1908. Together they had a son, Peter J, who was born in 1924 in Whitchurch.

Residence: The address given for John on the 1919 Absent Voters list was 1 Church Street, Whitchurch. At the time of the 1939 Register the family were living at 29 Talbot Street, Whitchurch. When he died at Whitchurch Cottage Hospital in 1970 his address was 10A The Flats, Claypit Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was a motor lorry driver.

Died: In 1970, aged 86, and buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 28 Feb the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps (previously Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: T/4/142668 (previously 88204)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: After spring 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was born and married as John Alfred East. He served in WW1 as John A. East and died and was buried as Alfred William East, exact same date of birth.

His service number for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers indicates John signed up in 1905.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Rupert James Eccleston

Personal Details

Born: 5 September 1892 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: Youngest of eight children born to Joseph & Ellen Eccleston. Rupert married Elizabeth H Lucas in 1921 at Whitchurch. The couple had two sons; Rupert Joseph Lucas Eccleston who was born in 1929 and Antony Guy Eccleston Eccleston who was born in 1930.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at Belton Road, Whitchurch. Ten years later Rupert was the only son still living with his parents at 3 Belton Road. By 1939 Rupert, Elizabeth and presumably their son were residing at Armadale in Station Road, Whitchurch. At the time of his death in 1965 Rupert’s address was Blacon, Linden Avenue, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 his employment was given as an apprentice printer, his father being in the same trade. By 1939 he was described as company director printing & publishing, becoming the Managing Director of the Whitchurch Herald.

Died: 2 June 1965, aged 72, and buried at Whitchurch cemetery three days later.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 017493

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother of Richard Arthur Eccleston who served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and then the Labour Corps.

Medals and Awards

Rupert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Richard Arthur Eccleston

Personal Details

Born: 17 May 1887 and baptised 10 July the same year at Whitchurch Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. The 1939 Register lists his date of birth as 17th May 1886, as does his death record but this does not tally with census records.

Family: Richard was the seventh of eight children born to Joseph & Ellen Eccleston. He married Jessie Eliza Eccleston in Surrey during the third quarter of 1940; there were no children for the marriage.

Residence: In 1891 the family were living at 8 Egerton Road, Whitchurch. Ten years later they had moved to Belton Road. By 1911 Richard had left the family home and was boarding at 9 Church Road in Nantwich. Information on his medal roll card dated 1922-3 gives his contact details as a flat at 123 Gloucester Road, London SW7. The 1939 Register records both he and Jessie living in Ranelagh Avenue, Barnes, Surrey. In 1954 at the time of Jessie’s death they were living in The Crescent, Barnes.

Employment: According to the 1911 census Richard was working as a journalist. His occupation in 1939 was that of journalist working for the Press Association. By 1954 he was described as a retired journalist.

Died: During the first three months of 1970 in Richmond Upon Thames, Surrey.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant (previously Private in both Labour Corps and Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Service Number: Commissioned 15 April 1918 (previously 399315 and 16080)

Date of Enlistment: Prior to December 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother of Rupert James Eccleston who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps as a corporal.

Medals and Awards

Richard was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Joseph Thomas Edge

Personal Details

Born: 6 October 1879 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 12 November the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the sixth of eight surviving children of Joseph Edge, a general labourer, and his wife Sarah. He married Sarah Windsor in 1912 in Whitchurch; no children can be located for this marriage.

Residence: The family were living in Newtown, Whitchurch at the time of his baptism; by 1891 they had moved to 25 Egerton Road, Whitchurch where they were still living in 1911. The 1919 Absent Voter’s Register shows an address of 93 Talbot Street, Whitchurch where he was still living in 1939. His address at the time of his death was 41 Talbot Street.

Employment: In 1901 he was a general labourer; in 1911 a lamplighter and in 1939 a grocery shopkeeper.

Died: 9 January 1964 in Whitchurch, aged 84 and buried on 13 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Rifle Brigade (previously Welsh Regiment)

Rank: Rifleman

Service Number: 213374 (previously 58696)

Date of Enlistment: Before 7 May 1917

Date of Discharge: After 16 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Joseph was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Henry Edge

Personal Details

Born: 18 January 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 1 March the same year in the United Reformed Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the only child of George Edge, a builder, and his wife Emily. He married Annie A Crowson in 1919 in Peterborough, Northamptonshire and together they had three children – Marie L E, Terence George and Gerald George.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Grammar School between 7 May 1907 and 3 April 1912.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, his parents were living in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. In 1907 he lived at Oakleigh, Chester Road, Whitchurch where he continued to live until at least 1919. In 1939 he was living at The Gables, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: When he enlisted he declared his occupation as a carpenter and joiner. In 1939 he was a builder’s merchant.

Died: 28 April 1963 in Whitchurch, aged 67, and was buried on 1 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps)

Rank: Air mechanic

Service Number: 228650 (previously F28650)

Date of Enlistment: 26 April 1917

Date of Discharge: 9 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Pritchard

Personal Details

Born: 22 September 1878 in Prees, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of four surviving children born to William Pritchard, a farm labourer, and his wife Anne, nee Arrowsmith. He married Mary Elizabeth Thomas on 15 September 1903 in Prees, Shropshire and together they had five children – Myrtle, William, Olive, Frank and Annie.

Residence: In 1881 he lived in Laundry House, Prees; by 1891 the family had moved to Sandford, Shropshire. In 1911, having married, he lived with his wife and children at 33 Egerton Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. This was his address for the rest of his life.

Employment: In 1901 he was a tailor, which remained his profession until at least 1939.

Died: In 1951 in Whitchurch, aged 75 and was buried on 3 September the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 114253

Date of Enlistment: 16 December 1917

Date of Discharge: 14 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Percy Ridgway Reynolds

Personal Details

Born: 11 March 1885 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: Eldest of five children born to Ridgway and Mary Ann Reynolds. Percy married Annie J Hughes in the last quarter of 1911 and together they had seven children – Thomas R, Bertha, Mary, Annie, George H, Amy, and John.

Residence: In 1887, according to the baptism and death registers for Percy’s younger sister Bertha, the family were located in Yardington, Whitchurch, Shropshire. By 1891 the family had moved and were living at 12 Newtown Street in Whitchurch. Ten years later their address was 16 Newtown Street and they remained there until at least 1911. According to the 1939 register Percy, Annie and their family were living at 51 Claypit Street, Whitchurch and this is the same address given at the time of his death.

Employment: By 1901, aged 15, Percy was working as an ironfounder’s moulder. Ten years later his occupation was given as that of an iron moulder, a job he was still doing in 1939.

Died: January 1953 in Whitchurch, aged 66, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on January 31st the same year.

Moses Stanworth

Personal Details

Born: 8 May 1883 in Wellington, Shropshire and baptised 27 June 1883 at St. George`s Parish Church, Wellington.

Family: He was the only son of John Stanworth, an iron worker and his wife Mary Jane, nee Rosson. His mother died in 1883 and his father married Emma Eccleshall in 1888. Moses married Ada May Bowles in 1905 in Wellington. Sadly she died in 1915 and Moses then married Edith Mabel Hall in 1915 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Our research suggests the couple had ten children – Edith, John W, Rachel W, Herbert M, George E, Reginald D, Clement L, Norman P, Alfred C and one unnamed child who died at birth.

Residence: In 1891 and 1901 his family were living in West Street, Wrockwardine Wood, Wellington, Shropshire.By 1911 and married his address was, West View Terrace, St. George`s, Wrockwardine Wood, Wellington. The 1919 Absent Voters` List has an address of 11 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch for him. The 1921 Census shows the family living at a lodging house in Pepper Street, Whitchurch, but by 1939 he was living at 12,George Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 and 1911 his occupation was given as a coal miner. By 1939 he was a general labourer.

Died: In 1943 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, aged 60.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 39989 (previously 65418)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Moses was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Henry Steele

Personal Details

Born: 5 June 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 22 June the same year at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the sixth of seven surviving children born to George Steele, a blacksmith, and his wife Mary. He married Evelyn Horne in 1921 in Daventry, Northamptonshire. No children can definitely be found for the couple.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living at 18 Egerton Road, Whitchurch. This continued to be his address until at least 1919. In 1939 he was living at 36 Oxford Road, Daventry, Northamptonshire. In 1966 his home was 8 Egerton Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was an engine cleaner; by 1939 he was a postman.

Died: In 1966 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and buried at Whitchurch Cemetery on 12 January the same year, aged 72.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 200621 (previously 2188)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 20 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and Territorial Force War Medal

Campaign Medals

Territorial Force War Medal

Reginald Joseph Smith

Personal Details

Born: 10 January 1882 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 10 February the same year at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the third of seven children born to Wiliam Smith, a school master, and his wife Mary. He married Hilda Wigglesworth in 1917 in Bristol, Gloucestershire. No children can be found for the marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living in Bargates, Whitchurch. By 1891 and until at least 1911 they were living at Smallbrook Villas, Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters` List has an address of Caledonia, Mile Bank, Whitchurch for him, this was also the address he gave on his Attestation. In 1924 he lived at Oak House, Albrighton, Shropshire and by 1939 he and his wife were living at 6 Carlton House, Shifnal, Shropshire. At the time of his death in 1955, his home was The Firs, 6 Cross Road, Albrighton.

Employment: He was a schoolmaster until at least 1939.

Died: 1 April 1955 at The RAF Hospital, Cosford, Shropshire, aged 73.

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps (previously Royal Warwickshire Regiment)

Rank: Captain (commissioned 25 July 1917)

Service Number: Before his commission 23093 (MGC) and 2838 (R War R)

Date of Enlistment: 15 September 1914

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Reginald was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Arthur William Simpson

Personal Details

Born: 2 November 1883 in Forden, Montgomeryshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four surviving children born to Joshua Eldridge Simpson, a coachman, and his wife Ellen. He married Isobel Olive Smith on 23 July 1907 in Minety Parish Church, Malesbury, Wiltshire. The couple had two children, Margaret Ellen born 1908 and Norah Clare, born 1910.

Residence: In 1891 Arthur`s family were living at Garreg Bank, Trewern, Forden, Montgomeryshire but ten years later their address was Clive Place, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire. In 1911, and now married, Arthur and his family were living at 11 Belton Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. This was the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. By 1939 his home was Sunnybank, Long Meadow End, Clun, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1901 his occupation was stated as a general labourer. From at least 1911 onwards he was a gardener.

Died: In 1941 in Ludlow, Shropshire (possible)

Military Details

Regiment: Monmouthshire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 266581

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Major Sutcliffe

Personal Details

Born: 4 July 1884 in Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia.

Family: He was the third of six surviving children born to Frank Sutcliffe, a mechanical engineer, and his wife Catherine, nee Major. He married Mary Gorham in 1912 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, Winifred M and Charles S. Sadly Mary died in 1921 in Whitchurch and Charles went on to marry Hannah Muriel Trafford in 1929 in Macclesfield Cheshire. No children can be found for this marriage.

Residence: At the time of his birth he was living in New South Wales, but by 1891 the family had moved back to the UK and their address was Wood Green, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire. In 1901 they were living at 172 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch and in 1911 at Bridge Cottage, Heath Road, Whitchurch. An address of 6 Dodington was given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. By 1939 Charles was living in Cheshire, at Little Moss Farm, Macclesfield.

Employment: In 1901 he was an apprentice printer and compositor. He continued in this occupation until at least 1917. In 1939 he was a poultry farmer and animal feed salesman.

Died: In 1964 in Macclesfield, Cheshire, aged 79.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery (previously Royal Field Artillery)

Rank: Captain

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and the Territorial Force War Medal

Campaign Medals

Territorial Force War Medal

William Slawson

Personal Details

Born: 10 August 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 20 August the same year at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of eight children born to Moses Slawson, a horse breaker, and his wife Hannah, nee Onslow. He married Mary Allman in 1903 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. No children can be found for the couple.

Residence: In 1881 the family were living in Venables Yard, Whitchurch and 1891 in Jones`s Yard, Whitchurch. By 1911 and now married his address was 5 Alkington Road, Whitchurch. He continued to live here until at least 1939.

Employment: On his Attestation in 1900 his occupation was a horse breaker, but on the 1911 Census and the 1939 Register he is described as a general labourer.

Died: In 1951 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Thomas Henry Stickland

Personal Details

Born: 30 May 1878 in Weymouth, Dorset.

Family: He was the fourth of nine children born to John Stickland, a groom, and his wife Mary, nee Laver. He married Margaret Elizabeth Sarah Louisa Hawkins on 6 August 1900 at West Coker Parish Church, Somerset. The couple had 5 children, Lillian Dorothy Violet, Gwendoline Sylvia May, Evelyn Winifred Ivy, Daisy Verena Hawkins, all born in Sherborne, Dorset and their son George Leslie who was born in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Residence: From the time of his birth until at least 1908, Thomas was living in Dorset. In 1881 his family were living in Dewlish, near Dorchester and in 1891 Brown Street, Caundle, Sherborne. In 1901 and newly married his address was The Abbey, Sherborne. Ten years later, he and his family had moved to 14 Worthington Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire which was the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. By 1939 he was living at 54 Ramsbury Road, St. Albans, Hertfordshire. This was to remain his home until his death in 1960.

Employment: In 1901 his occupation was a domestic coachman and by 1911 a domestic chauffeur. He was described as a motor driver for hire on the 1939 Register.

Died: 3 February 1960 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, aged 81.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: M2/183808

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Gordon Edwin Suker

Personal Details

Born: In 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the younger of two sons born to John Suker, a general labourer, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Hilda E.Smith in 1921 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, John, born in 1926 and Donald, born in 1930.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at 23 Yardington, Whitchurch, but ten years later his family had moved to 24 Oddfellows Cottages, Whitchurch. An address of 24 Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch was given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. (24 Oddfellows Cottages and 24 Smallbrook Road are the same address). His Pension Ledger Index Card showed an address of 6 Scott Street, off Seaford Road, Pendleton, Manchester for him. At the time of his death in 1933 he was living at 50 Broad Street, Pendleton, Salford, Lancashire.

Employment: In 1911 he was an errand boy at a milliner`s shop.

Died: In 1933 in Marple Sanitorium, Cheshire and was buried 12 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 24026

Date of Enlistment: 12 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 19 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was awarded the Silver War Badge (No. B215897) 18 June 1919.

His brother, Arthur John, served in the Royal Field Artillery during WW1.

Medals and Awards

Ernest was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal) and Silver War Badge

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Arthur John Suker

Personal Details

Born: In 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 7 June the same year at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the elder of two sons born to John Suker, a general labourer, and his wife Elizabeth. No marriage can be found for Arthur.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living in Bargates, Whitchurch, but by 1901 they had moved to 23 Yardington, Whitchurch. In 1911 their address was 24 Oddfellows Cottages, Whitchurch. On the 1919 Absent Voters` List an address of 24 Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch was given for him. (24 Oddfellows Cottages and 24 Smallbrook Road are the same address).

Employment: In 1911 he was an errand boy in a grocer`s shop.

Died: In 1922 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 27, and was buried 1 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 91184

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother, Gordon Edwin, served in the K.S.L.I. during WW1.

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Lloyd Suker

Personal Details

Born: In 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 4 October the same year at St. Alkmund`s Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the fifth of ten surviving children born to Edward Suker, a cattle dealer, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Williams. His parents had fourteen children altogether but four died in infancy. He married Lily May Adams in 1929 in Nantwich, Cheshire. No children can be found for the marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his address was given as Claypit Street Terrace, Whitchurch but by 1901 his family had moved to 3 Venables Yard. Some ten years later and the family were at 27 Newtown, Whitchurch. This was the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. At the time of his death in 1933 he was living at 35 Talbot Crescent, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a tin smith.

Died: In 1933 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 40, and was buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 15 November the same year.

Herbert Suker

Personal Details

Born: 3 August 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised in St. Alkmund`s Parish Church on 21 August the same year.

Family: He was the third of ten surviving children born to Edward Suker, a cattle dealer, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Williams. He married Florence Rachel Bumstead on 12 October 1918 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church. Their daughter, Gladys was born in 1920 in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Residence: At the time of his baptism Herbert`s family were living at 7 Castle Hill, Whitchurch, but two years later they had moved to 2 Claypit Street, Whitchurch. By 1901 the family`s address was 3 Venables Yard, Whitchurch. In 1911 Herbert was a boarder at Brazenhead Cottage, Bottom Lane, Sulhamstead, Reading, Berkshire. The 1939 Register showed Herbert living at Lanergost, 18 Wistaston Road, Nantwich, Cheshire. He continued to live here until his death in 1946.

Employment: In 1911 his occupation was described as a galvanised shed fixer, but by 1939 he was a railway porter.

Died: 1946 in Willaston, Nantwich, Cheshire and buried at Whitchurch Cemetery on 17 August, aged 57.

Military Details

Regiment: Cheshire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 291232 (previously 3817)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother Charles also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Herbert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Henry Willasey Brookes Richards

Personal Details

Born: 21 February 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to John R Richards, ironmonger, and his wife Frances Jane. Henry married Doris Mullineux in 1928 in Ellesmere, Shropshire. The couple do not appear to have had any children.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at 4 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch. They were still there ten years later, the property being called Moss Side. The 1919 Absent Voters list gave the same address for Henry. By 1939 Mr & Mrs Richards were residing at Shenstone House, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. This was still his address at the time of his death, forty years later.

Employment: In 1914 when Henry left Whitchurch Grammar School he went into his father’s business. By the time of the 1939 Register he had become the managing director of a passenger transport business – Salopia Saloon Coaches Ltd.

Died: 26 July 1979 in Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 80, and buried in Whitchurch cemetery the following month.

Other Information: Henry Richards was always known as Harry. He was well known in Whitchurch and very active in the local community. Harry Richards received the OBE in 1948 and the CBE in 1971. There is a garden in Whitchurch Jubilee Park dedicated to him.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps)

Rank: Second Lieutenant (previously Flight Cadet)

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: 10 April 1918

Date of Discharge: 27 April 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information:

Served in Egypt. Granted honorary commission as a 2nd Lieutenant when demobbed.

Brother of John William Brookes Richards & William Lee Brookes Richards who were both killed serving in WW1 and are commemorated on Whitchurch War memorial.

Medals and Awards

Not known

Josiah Ernest Ridgway

Personal Details

Born: 7 April 1878 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of five sons born to Josiah Ridgway, a clockmaker, and Ann his wife. In 1912 Josiah married Ada Brown in Whitchurch and the following year their daughter Vera was born.

Residence: According to the Censuses of 1881 and 1891 Josiah was living with his parents and siblings in Waymills, Whitchurch. Ten years later he was known as Ernest Ridgway and still residing with the family at 10 Waymills, Whitchurch. By 1911 it was just Ernest and his brother Thomas left living at this address. The 1919 Absent voters list gives the same address. Even after his marriage Ernest lived at 10 Waymills, as the 1939 Register records.

Employment: In 1901 his occupation was that of journeyman tailor. Ernest was listed as a tailor in both the 1911 census and the 1939 Register.

Died: Aged 81 during the last three months of 1959 in Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 24721

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Ernest’s nephew, Clement Sandland Ridgway, also served in WW1 as a Private in the South Wales Borderers and then the Northumberland Fusiliers.

Medals and Awards

Ernest was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Clement Sandland Ridgway

Personal Details

Born: 15 Jul 1893 and baptised the following month at St. Alkmund’s Church, Whitchurch.

Family: Elder of two sons born to Robert Duncan Sandland Ridgway, a carpenter and wheelwright, and his wife Annie. In June 1923 Clement married Elsie M Matthews in Whitchurch and together they had two children, Geoffrey M and Ruth A.

Residence: In 1893 the family lived at 16 Egerton Row, Whitchurch. By 1901 they had moved to 16 Worthington Street and were still there in 1911. This was still Clement’s address in 1919 when he was waiting to be demobilised from the army. In 1939 he was living with his wife and children at 2 Bargates, Whitchurch. His last known address, in 1963, was 38 Mulgrave Terrace, Station Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: The 1911 census lists Clement as an ironmonger’s apprentice. Twenty-eight years later he was still in the same trade, working as an ironmonger’s assistant.

Died: 12 February 1963 in Whitchurch, aged 69.

Military Details

Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers (previously South Wales Borderers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 63028 (previously 44850)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation (Dis.392 [xxviii])

Other Information: Clement’s uncle Josiah E Ridgway also served in WW1, as a private in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

Medals and Awards

Clement was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Robert Percy Edwards

Personal Details

Born: 6 October 1888 in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to Robert David Edwards, a grocer, and his wife Emily. He married Jessie Maud Mary Puttick in 1924 in Reading, Berkshire and together they had two children – Doreen M and Robert H.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Laburnum Avenue, Willaston, Nantwich; by 1901 the family had moved to 9 High Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The 1911 Census records them living at 2 St. Mary’s Street, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register indicates an address of Sandhurst, Wrexham Road, Whitchurch which was the family home. Robert married in Reading and their first child was born there. In 1939 he was living at 35 Talbot Street, Whitchurch which was his address when he died.

Employment: In 1911 he was assisting in his father’s grocery business. In 1939 he was Managing Director of the family grocery provisioning company, R. D. Edwards.

Died: 27 May 1945 at The Quarry Nursing Home, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 56, and was buried 30 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 52450

Date of Enlistment: Mid January 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother William Arthur also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Robert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Henry Elsley

Personal Details

Born: In 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to Thomas Elsley, a bricklayer, and his wife Sarah Ann. He was unmarried.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch; by 1911 they had moved to 28 Yardington, Whitchurch. He continued to live at this address until his death in 1922.

Employment: Not known.

Died: 20 August 1922 of pneumonia, aged 25, in Whitchurch and was buried on 23 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 57913

Date of Enlistment: 6 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 29 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (number B318651)

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Arthur James Elsley

Personal Details

Born: 25 November 1886 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 10 December the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church. His surname was also spelled Ellesley.

Family: He was the youngest of seven children born to James Elsley, an iron founder’s labourer, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Winifred M Debanks in 1952 in Whitchurch; no children can be traced for this marriage.

Residence: He lived at 30 Yardington, Whitchurch until at least 1939; his address at the time of his death was 21 Yardington.

Employment: In 1911 he was a furniture porter; on enlistment in 1915 he stated his occupation as loader. In 1939 he was a house painter; the 1939 Register indicates he was a member of the ARP (decontamination squad) for Whitchurch Urban area.

Died: In 1972 at the I.E.T. Hospital, Shrewsbury, aged 85, and was buried on 1 March the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: T/389302 (previously 22429)

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Ernest Ellison

Personal Details

Born: 17 July 1887 in Ightfield, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to John Ellison, a bricklayer, and his wife Jane. He married Mary Jones in 1915 in Ellesmere, Shropshire and together they had three children – David S, Muriel and Mildred G.

Education: He attended Ightfield School from 1892.

Residence: Until at least 1911 he was living at 3 Church Street, Ightfield. The address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is 32 Egerton Road. In 1939 he was living at 37 Worthington Street.

Employment: In 1911 and 1939 he was a bricklayer.

Died: 10 June 1977 in Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch, aged 89.

Military Details

Regiment: Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment (previously Welsh Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 73951 (previously 290751)

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 16 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (number B212088).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Thomas Edwards

Personal Details

Born: 15 November 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of six children born to James Edwards, a joiner, and his wife Mary Ann. He married Florence Muriel Richards in 1920 in Whitchurch and together they had five children – Olive, John K, Gladys, Richard and Margaret A.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 3 Chapel Street, Wem, Shropshire. By 1911 they had moved to 20 Newtown, Whitchurch where Thomas continued to live until at least 1939. His address at the time of his death was 10a The Flats, Claypit Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was a railway passenger guard.

Died: In 1974 at the Copthorne Hospital, Shrewsbury, aged 76 and was buried on 4 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 202825 (previously 4204)

Date of Enlistment: 11 October 1915

Date of Discharge: 20 November 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (number B67376).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Frederick Bolas Evans

Personal Details

Born: 1 April 1893 in Oswestry, Shropshire and baptised 2 June the same year in Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

Family: He was the third of seven children born to George Evans, a locomotive engine driver, and his wife Mary. He married Ethel Baldwin on 24 December 1917 in Eton, Buckinghamshire and together they had six children – George Thomas, Joyce M, Frederick J, Beryl M, Gwendoline D and Jessica N.

Residence: The family were living at 75 Beatrice Street, Oswestry at the time of his baptism. By 1901 they had moved to 18 Llwyn Road, Oswestry and by 1911 to 16 Edgerton Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is 36 Worthington Street where he continued to live with his wife and children until at least 1939.

Employment: In 1911 he was a shop assistant; in 1939 he was a railway goods guard.

Died: In 1981 in North Shropshire, aged 87.

Military Details

Regiment: Gloucestershire Regiment (previously Labour Corps and Liverpool Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 203498 (previously 468491 and 4146)

Date of Enlistment: 14 May 1915

Date of Discharge: 10 October 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit, resulting from shell shock.

Other Information: Brother of George Thomas who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Frederick was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (number B217093).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

John Edwards

Personal Details

Born: In 1887 in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of nine children born to Evan Edwards, a brick works foreman, and his wife Sarah. No marriage can be traced for John.

Residence: In 1901 the family were living at Fens Brickyard, Fenns Bank, Bronington, Flintshire. By 1911 his father had died and he lived with his mother at 45 Claypit Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. His brother Walter’s military records show their mother was living at 20 Brownlow Street, the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. He was living at 2 Piccadilly, St John’s Street, Whitchurch at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a carter on a farm.

Died: In 1933 at the Royal Salop Infirmary, Shrewsbury, aged 46, and was buried on 14 November that year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Walter Ellis

Personal Details

Born: 1 September 1883 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 5 October the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church.

Family: He was the second of six children born to James Ellis, a carpenter and joiner, and his wife Mary. He married Alice Duckers in 1909 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – Annie, Harold J and Sydney.

Residence: At the time of his baptism the family were living in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. By 1901 they had moved to 11 Highgate, Whitchurch. By 1911, having married, he was living at 7 Liverpool Street, Whitchurch, where he continued to live until at least 1919. In 1939 he was living at 16 Rosemary Lane, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1901 he was an apprentice joiner; in 1911 he was a joiner and in 1939 a builder’s carpenter. He was a member of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners in 1913.

Died: 10 November 1960 in Whitchurch, aged 77 and was buried on 14 November the same year in Whitchurch cemetery. (His wife, Alice, died five weeks before him)

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 224166

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known, but not before 14 October 1918

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His military records also refer to him in the Royal Horse Artillery. He was hospitalised twice in 1918.

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Sydney Evans

Personal Details

Born: 18 February 1899 in Burleydam, Cheshire. He was also known as Sidney.

Family: He was the eldest of at least four children of William Evans, a farm waggoner, and his wife Pamela. He married Hannah Elson in 1929 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child, Derrick R.

Residence: In 1901 he lived with his parents at Old Mill House, Newhall, Nantwich, Cheshire; by 1911 they had moved to Goldsmith Cottage, Burleydam. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows him living at 3 Mile Bank (also known as 3 Creamery Cottages), Whitchurch; this is the same address as his father William. In 1939 he was living at 5 Talbot Street, Whitchurch. The burial record for his wife in 1984 shows she was living at 19 Claypit Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was a labourer.

Died: In 1970 in North Shropshire, aged 71.

William Evans

Personal Details

Born: In 1878 in Burleydam, Cheshire.

Family: He was the fifth of six children born to Peter Evans, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Ann. He married Pamela Felton in 1898 in Market Drayton, Shropshire and together they had at least five children – Sydney, Harold, Viny, Arthur and George.

Residence: In 1881 he lived at Grindleys Green, Newhall, Nantwich, Cheshire; by 1891 they had moved to Near Park View, Newhall Lane, Newhall, Nantwich. In 1901, newly married, he was living at Old Mill House, Newhall, Nantwich and by 1911 they had moved to Goldsmith Cottage, Burleydam. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows his address as 3 Creamery Cottages (3 Mile Bank), Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1891 he was a farm labourer; in 1901 a farm cattleman and in 1911 a farm waggoner.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 635710 (previously 203667)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 5 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: William’s son Sydney also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Thomas Evans

Personal Details

Born: 30 June 1889 in Oswestry, Shropshire and baptised on 25 July the same year in St. Oswald’s Church, Oswestry.

Family: He was the eldest of seven children born to George Evans, a locomotive engine driver, and his wife Mary. He married Ada Mountford in 1920 in Birmingham, Warwickshire and together they possibly had three children – Irene M, Barrie and Paul.

Residence: The family were living at 75 Beatrice Street, Oswestry at the time of his baptism. By 1901 they had moved to 18 Llwyn Road, Oswestry. In 1911 he was living at The Stables, Penylan, Oswestry. The address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is 36 Worthington Street which is also the address to which he was discharged from military service in 1919. Having married in 1920, he lived at a number of addresses during the 1920s and 1930s in Birmingham – 133 Little Green Lane, 234 Small Heath Place and 43 Ashton Road, his address in 1939.

Employment: He was a groom in 1911; his military attestation stated he was a shoeing smith (this was his occupation during military service). In 1939 he was a master shoeing smith.

Died: In 1957 in Birmingham, aged 68.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps (previously Warwickshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Shoeing Corporal

Service Number: T/418963 (previously 2261)

Date of Enlistment: 5 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 2 August 1919

Reason for Discharge: Disembodied

Other Information: His brother Frederick Bolas also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Stephen Evans

Personal Details

Born: In 1881 in Hollyhurst, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Also known as Stephen Charles Evans.

Family: He was the third of eight children born to Stephen Charles Evans, a rural postman, and his wife Sarah Harriet. No marriage can be traced for Charles.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in St. John’s Street, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings; by 1901 they had moved to 14 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 he lived 30 Egerton Road, Whitchurch. His service attestation gives his address as Grindley Brook, Whitchurch and his discharge papers and 1919 Absent Voters’ Register indicate he lived at 16 Grindley Brook. At the time of his death he lived at 18 Bargates, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was a butcher’s labourer; in 1911 a yard man at a hotel and in his attestation he declared his occupation as wine merchant’s labourer.

Died: In 1937 in Whitchurch, aged 55, and was buried on 13 March the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Royal Field Artillery and Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 35801 (previously 189707 and 62670)

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 4 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: His brothers James Henry and Richard Thomas also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

James Henry Evans

Personal Details

Born: 6 April 1878 in Hollyhurst, near Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 26 May the same year in St. Michael’s Parish Church, Marbury, Cheshire.

Family: He was the second of eight children born to Stephen Charles Evans, a rural postman, and his wife Sarah Harriet. He married Cissie Gaughan in 1918 in Liverpool; no children can be traced for the marriage.

Residence: In 1881 he lived at Combermere Lodge, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings; by 1891 they had moved to St. John’s Street, Whitchurch. By 1901 the family had moved to 14 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch but James was serving with the Scots Guards in the Boer War in South Africa. In 1911 he was boarding at 50 Ramsbottom Street, Monks Coppenhall, Crewe, Cheshire. His service papers show his mother living at Coal Wharf, Grindley Brook with his wife initially living in Grindley Brook and then at 44 Melville Place, Liverpool, Lancashire; his service attestation gives his address as Grindley Brook, Whitchurch; the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register indicate he lived at 16 Grindley Brook. he was discharged to 243 West Street, Crewe, Cheshire, but his pension record has an address in 1919 of 63 Ramsbottom Street, Crewe.

Employment: He was a postman when he joined the army in 1897; records show he was employed by London and North Western Railway in 1902 and in 1911 he was a fitting shop labourer; his military attestation in 1914 stated he was a postman.

Died: In 1937 at Bicton Mental Hospital, Shrewsbury, aged 59 and was buried on 24 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Scots Guards

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 9582 (previously 1619)

Date of Enlistment: 29 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 2 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information:

James’ brothers Charles Stephen and Thomas Richard also served in WW1.

James originally joined the Scots Guards 7 September 1897, serving until 11 October 1902; this included in South Africa in the Boer War. He was placed on the reserve list, re-enlisting 29 August 1914.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914 Star with clasps and roses, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Richard Evans

Personal Details

Born: 27 April 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 8 May the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the youngest of eight children born to Stephen Charles Evans, a rural postman, and his wife Sarah Harriet. He married Sarah A Hassall in 1926 in Nantwich, Cheshire and together they had seven children – James C, Thomas, Madge, Annie, Arthur, Ada M and Frank.

Residence: At the time of his baptism the family lived in St. John’s Street, Whitchurch; by 1901 they had moved to 14 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 he lived 30 Egerton Road, Whitchurch. The military service attestation for his brothers Charles and James give the family address as Grindley Brook, Whitchurch and the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register indicates he lived at 16 Grindley Brook. The births of the first six of their children were registered in Nantwich, suggesting they lived there. His medal index card indicates an address in 1924 of 63 Ramsbottom Street, Crewe, Cheshire; in 1939 his address was 20 Ramsbottom Street.

Employment: In 1911 he was a shop errand boy; in 1939 he was a postman and member of the ARP.

Died: In 1963 in Crewe, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Scots Guards

Rank: Private

Service Number: 8525

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brothers Charles Stephen and James Henry also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914 Star with clasps and roses, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Albert Foster

Personal Details

Born: 20 December 1879 in Bradford, Yorkshire and baptised on 22 February 1880 in Manningham Parish Church, Yorkshire.

Family: He was the youngest of eight children born to William Foster, an excavator, and his wife Mary Ann. He married Sarah Anne Malam in 1908 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child, Caroline. Sarah Anne died in 1916. Albert married Millie Welford in 1919 in Sheffield; no children can be identified for this marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, his family were living in Manningham, York, Yorkshire. In 1881 he lived at 20 Summer Street, Bradford; by 1891 the family had moved to Arthington Street, Manningham, Yorkshire. In 1901 he lived at 115 Hollings Road, Bradford. In 1916, when he enlisted, his address was 13 Yardington, Whitchurch (the home of his mother-in-law); when he was discharged in 1917 his address was in Walkley, Sheffield, Yorkshire and in 1939 he lived at 21 Woolnough Avenue, York.

Employment: He was a stonemason until at least 1939.

Died: In 1941 in York, aged 61.

William Chesworth

Personal Details

Born: 25 March 1875 in Marbury, Cheshire and baptised on 2 May the same year in Marbury Parish Church.

Family: He was the youngest of four children born to James Chesworth, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Eliza. He married Mary Oliver on 31 October 1895 in Manchester, Lancashire and together they had four children – William, James Richard, Winnie and Minnie.

Residence: William lived at 1 Picksley Cottages, Ash Magna, Shropshire until at least 1939.

Employment: In 1891 he was a farm servant, in 1901 an agricultural labourer and in 1911 a waggoner on a farm. William described himself as a labourer when he enlisted in 1915; the 1939 Register shows him as ‘incapacitated’.

Died: In 1956 in Whitchurch, aged 81.

Charles William Jones

Personal Details

Born: 9 November 1875 according to 1939 register but probably 9 Nov 1874 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. Baptised 28 March 1875 at St Alkmund’s Church, Whitchurch.

Family: Charles was the son of William and Ann Jones and brother of Walter. He married May Lloyd in 1896 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – Charles William, Annie May and Winston Eric.

Residence: The address at the time of his baptism in 1875 was Alkington Road, Whitchurch. In 1901, after his marriage, he lived in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, moving to 27 Park Road, Whitchurch by 1911. He was still at this address in 1919. The 1939 register shows him living at 41 Wrexham Road, his address when he died.

Employment: He was a coach painter in 1901, 1911 and 1939.

Died: In 1939 in Whitchurch, aged 63, and was buried on 5 October the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Edward Barrow Jones

Personal Details

Born: In 1882 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 9 August of the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the elder of two children born to Barrow Jones, a wine merchant, and his wife Mary Ann. No marriage can be traced for Edward.

Residence: He lived at the Bull Ring Vaults Inn, 2 Watergate Street, Whitchurch all his life.

Employment: He assisted his mother and late father in their business as wine merchants and licensees.

Died: In 1932, aged 50, in Clifton Nursing Home and was buried on 23 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 188361

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Edward was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Hall

Personal Details

Born: 31 July 1875 in Oakengates, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of five children of George Hall, a stone breaker, and his wife Mary. He also had two step siblings from his mother’s first marriage. George married Martha Heatley on 21 December 1909 in Tilstock Parish Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire; they adopted one child, Annie Elizabeth.

Residence: In 1881 he lived in Ash Parva, Whitchurch; in 1891 he was a servant at Wickstead Hall, Wirswall, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was back living with his father in Ash Wood Lane, Ash Parva, Whitchurch and in 1911 he was living in Pepper Street, Chelford, Cheshire. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register indicates an address of 20 Egerton Road, Whitchurch, where he was living until he died in 1945.

Employment: In 1891 he was a waggoner; in 1901 his occupation was gravel getter. In 1911 he was a railway labourer. When he enlisted he gave his occupation as platelayer and in 1939 he was an engineering maintenance repairer working for LM&N Railway.

Died: 21 November 1945 in Whitchurch, aged 70 and was buried on 24 November the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: WR/318010 (previously 290585)

Date of Enlistment: 18 January 1916

Date of Discharge: 6 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Richard Glassey

Personal Details

Born: 11 June 1889 in Black Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 25 July the same year at St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the seventh of nine children born to William Glassey, a farm cattle man, and his wife Phoebe. He married Elsie M Ratcliffe in 1920 in Market Drayton, Shropshire; no children can be traced for this marriage.

Residence: In 1891 he lived at Old Farm House, Brick Kiln Lane, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings; by 1901 they had moved to New Cottages, Bellaport, Norton-in-Hales, Market Drayton, Shropshire. In 1911 he was serving with the military at The Ridge, Jubbulpore, India. In 1939 he lived at 134 Knighton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

Employment: In 1901 he was a farm labourer; in 1911 he was in India serving with the military; in 1939 he was a factory worker and voluntary member of the ARP.

Died: In 1961 in Whitchurch, aged 71.

Military Details

Regiment: Cheshire Regiment

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 9202

Date of Enlistment: 16 April 1909

Date of Discharge: 10 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Brother to Thomas Glassey; the brothers enlisted together. He contracted malaria in 1915 and was hospitalised.

Medals and Awards

Richard was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Glassey

Personal Details

Born: 29 April 1888 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 3 June the same year in Marbury Parish Church, Cheshire.

Family: He was the sixth of nine children born to William Glassey, a farm cattle man, and his wife Phoebe. He married Caroline Mary Powell on 20 April 1919 in Norton-in-Hales, Shropshire; no children can be traced for the marriage.

Employment: He joined the military in 1909; in 1939 he was a farm bailiff.

Died: In 1967 in Sturminster, Dorset, aged 79.

Military Details

Regiment: Cheshire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 9201

Date of Enlistment: 16 April 1909

Date of Discharge: 4 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Brother to Richard Glassey; the brothers enlisted together. Thomas was taken prisoner at Ypres; records show him detained in the Giessen Prisoner of War camp in July 1915. The War Office reported him as ‘Missing’ on the 14 April 1916 Casualty List.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Gibbons

Personal Details

Born: 5 April 1869 in Malpas, Cheshire.

Family: He was the eldest of eight children born to Stephen Gibbons, a blacksmith, and his wife Catherine. He married Sarah Ann Hammond on 21 October 1897 at St. George’s Church, Shrewsbury. No children can be confirmed for the marriage.

Residence: In 1871 the family lived in Hampton, Cheshire; in 1881 he lived at Manor House, Hampton, Cheshire. In 1911 he was living with his wife at Hawkstone View, Wollerton, Hodnet, Shropshire. When he enlisted in 1914 his address was Pride Hill Cottage, Ash Magna, Whitchurch and in 1939 until his death he lived at 13 Ash Magna, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 his occupation was army pensioner; in 1939 he was a gardener.

Died: 30 November 1942 at Ash Magna, aged 73.

William Gaughan

Personal Details

Born: June 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of six children born to Patrick Gaughan, a pedlar, and his wife Ellen Elizabeth Helen. No marriage can be traced for William.

Residence: In 1881 he lived with his family in Green End, Whitchurch; by 1891 they had moved to Barlow’s Yard, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was living at 33 Newtown, Whitchurch and in 1911 at 7 Castle Hill, Whitchurch. When he enlisted in 1915 he lived at 20 Moston Road, Moston, Manchester.

Employment: In 1891 he was a brickmaker; in 1901 a bricklayer’s labourer and in 1911 a bricklayer.

Died: In 1939 in Whitchurch, aged 63.

John Gardner

Personal Details

Born: 22 March 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of four children born to Thomas Gardner, a stud groom, and his wife Annie. He married Alice Mildred Owens on 17 November 1907 in St. Philemon’s Parish Church, Toxteth Park, Liverpool and together they had two children – Donald and Thomas.

Residence: In 1881 he lived at Eagle Hall, Newhall, Nantwich, Cheshire; in 1891 he was boarding at Radfield, Buckingham Road, Winslow-cum-Shipton, Buckinghamshire and in 1901 at The Stables, Bignell, Bicester Kings End, Bicester. Having recently married, in 1911 he lived with his wife and son at 4 Village Terrace, Lower Tranmere, Birkenhead. When he enlisted in 1914 and was discharged in 1919 his address was 68 Old Chester Road, Birkenhead; from 1939 until his death he lived at 200 Bedford Road, Rock Ferry, Birkenhead.

Employment: In 1891 he was a domestic servant; in 1901 he was a stableman. When he married in 1907, and in 1911, his occupation was crane driver. On enlisting he declared that he was an electrical engineer and in 1939 he was a general labourer.

Died: 19 February 1956 at 241 Westminster Road, Liverpool, aged 79.

George Faulkner

Personal Details

Born: 24 May 1866 in Ash, Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 12 June the same year in Ash Parish Church.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to Henry and Jane Faulkner He married Sarah Edwards on 6 May 1899 at Coppenhall Parish Church, Nantwich, Cheshire and together they had one child, James Henry.

Residence: In 1871, he lived in Edstatson, Wem, Shropshire; by 1881 the family had moved to Church Street, Sawley with Wilsthorpe, Shardlow, Derbyshire. In 1901, newly married, he lived in Waldrons Lane, Church Coppenhall, Nantwich. In 1902 he lived at 28 Kents Lane, Coppenhall, Nantwich; by 1911 he had moved to 8 Creamore Bank, Edstaston, Wem, Shropshire. When he enlisted in 1914 he gave his address as Ivy Cottage, Rye Bank, Wem. In 1939 he was living at 25 Noble Street, Wem.

Employment: In 1881 he was a farm labourer; in 1901 his job had changed to labourer in an engine repair shop; in 1939 he was a retired labourer.

Died: In 1943 in Whitchurch, aged 75.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Liverpool Regiment (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 28457 (previously 6853)

Date of Enlistment: 22 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 3 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He previously served with the King’s Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) between 1889 and 1902, including in the Second Boer War.

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Benjamin Minshall Young

Personal Details

Born: 30 December 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: His mother and father were John and Mary Ellen Young and he had six brothers and sisters Nellie, James, William, Irene, Doris and Gwendoline. He married Florence Benting in 1915 and it would seem that they had eight children – Phyllis, Benjamin W., John, Benjamin M.,Brenda, Ruth, Lawrence and Donald. It is possible that Benjamin W. died in childhood as they appear to have two children called Benjamin.

Residence: 1901 census shows him living at 5 Scotland Street, Whitchurch. The 1911 census, Whitchurch, Shropshire Urban Absent Voters’ Register for Spring 1919 and the 1939 England and Wales Register all show him living at 7 Scotland Street, Whitchurch. Cemetery and Probate records show that he was living at Yew Tree Cottage, Tilstock Lane, Prees Heath when he died.

Employment: He started as an apprentice bricklayer at 16. The 1939 England and Wales Register shows that he progressed to being a Master Builder.

Died: 8 May 1977, aged 82, in North Shropshire and was buried on 20 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 58362

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Benjamin was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

George Reeves

Personal Details

Born: In the last quarter of 1878 in Droxford, Hampshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to George and Charlotte Reeves. George married Winifred Ainsworth in 1906 in Wem, Shropshire registration area. The couple went on to have three children together, George Ainsworth, Kathleen N and Vera W.

Residence: In 1881 the family were living at Malthouse Cottages, Bishops Waltham, Droxford, Hampshire. Ten years later they were still in the same village. By 1901 George had left home and was boarding at 32 Green End, Whitchurch, Shropshire. At the time of the 1911 census he was residing with his wife, child and servant at Oakdene, Salisbury Road, Whitchurch. By 1939 the family had moved to 87 Alkington Road, Whitchurch and were still at the same address when George died the following year.

Employment: By 1901 George was working as a reporter in Whitchurch and at the time of his attestation in 1917 he was described as a newspaper editor. The 1939 Register records his occupation as journalist, registrar of marriages and clerk to the Joint Cemetery Board. At the time of his death a Liverpool newspaper referred to him as editor of the Whitchurch Herald.

Died: 28 February 1940, aged 61, and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 2 March the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (road construction corps)

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 240795 (previously WR/24358)

Date of Enlistment: 30 November 1915 but not mobilised until 5 March 1917

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Promoted to corporal Nov 1918. The prefix “WR” is normally applied to members of the Royal Engineers concerned with Waterways & Railways.

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Clifford Pennell Kirkby

Personal Details

Born: 29 July 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of six children born to Charles Pennell Kirkby, a master tailor, and his wife Sarah Ann, nee Connerley. He married Hester Catherine Winter on 4 March 1918 at St. Paul`s Parish Church, Newington, London. The couple had four children, Dorothy, Ethel, Hester Edith and Clifford Albert. Dorothy and Ethel were twins born in 1921 and sadly dying in the same year. Hester died in 1938 and Clifford married Hilda Mabel Skinner in 1944 in Westminster, London. No children can be found for this marriage.

Residence: At the time of his birth Clifford`s family were living at 21 Watergate Street, Whitchurch, but by 1901 they had moved to 7 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch. In 1911 their address was 9 Yardington, Whitchurch. On his military records an address for his mother, Saran Ann Kirkby, is given as 1 Alkington Road, Whitchurch, however the 1919 Absent Voters List has an address of 1 Cambrian View, Whitchurch for him. In 1939 he was living at 33 Camlan Road, Lewisham, London. At the time of his death he was living at 57 Fieldgate Street, London, E.1.

Employment: On his Attestation in 1912 his occupation was an engine cleaner. In 1939 he was printer bench hand.

Died: 6 January 1955 at Ware Park Hospital, Ware, Hertfordshire, aged 59 and was buried in Hither Green cemetery, Lewisham.

Other Information: On his birth certificate a date of birth of 29 July 1895 is given. However on both his military records and the 1939 Register the date of his birth is given as 29 July 1894.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Marines

Rank: Private

Service Number: 17627

Date of Enlistment: 30 September 1912

Date of Discharge: 20 January 1922

Reason for Discharge: Discharged Free at own request.

Medals and Awards

Clifford was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Albert Henry Knight

Personal Details

Born: 7 September 1881 in Holywell, Flintshire and baptised with his twin sister Alice on 9 September 1881 at Pontblyddyn Parish Church, Flintshire.

Family: He was one of seven children born to John Charles Knight, a butler, and his wife Mary. He married Edith E Baker in 1916 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple do not appear to have had any children.

Residence: In 1891 Albert`s family were living at Boden Cottage, Old Rode, Congleton, Cheshire. Some ten years later they can be found at The Cambrian Hotel, Abergele, Flintshire. By 1911 Albert was a boarder at Glendale House, 34 Talbot Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. In 1919 and now married, he and his wife were living at 23 Worthington Street, Whitchurch. He remained at this address for the rest of his life.

Employment: In 1911 his occupation was described as a bookstall clerk and on his military records as a newsagent. By 1939 he was a porter at the Public Assistance Institute.

Died: In 1967 at Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch, Shropshire and was buried 28 June the same year in Whitchurch cemetery, aged 85.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery (previously Shropshire Yeomanry and King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 314874 (previously 16947 and 205069)

Date of Enlistment: 18 August 1915

Date of Discharge: 26 March 1920

Reason for Discharge: Disembodied

Medals and Awards

Albert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Cecil John Newbrook

Personal Details

Born: 16 February 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to John Newbrook, a fishmonger, and his wife Ellen. He married Edith Annie Mildred Millington in 1921 in Whitchurch. The couple had a daughter, Margaret, who was born in 1924 in Whitchurch.

Residence: On both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses, Cecil`s family were living at 19 Watergate Street, Whitchurch. From at least 1928 until 1939 he, his wife and daughter made their home at 38 Clifton Street, Lytham St.Anne`s, Lancashire. An address of Fairhaven, Chemistry Road, Whitchurch was given for him at the time of his death.

Employment: He was a fishmonger in 1911 and 1939.

Died: 5 September 1965 in Whitchurch, aged 72, and was buried on 9 September the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Driver

Service Number: T4/085842

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 10 July 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Cecil was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Newbrook

Personal Details

Born: 14 November 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: Charles was the fourth of nine children born to John Newbrook, a blacksmith, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Mary Alice George in 1924. No children can be found for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at 10 Jones`s Yard, Whitchurch, but by 1911 they had moved to 43 Newtown, Whitchurch the address given for him in the 1919 Absent Voters` List. In 1939 Charles and his wife were living at Mossfields Lodge, Whitchurch. At the time of his death in 1972 an address of 8 Queensway, Whitchurch was given for him.

Employment: On his 1915 Attestation his occupation was a groom. In 1939 he was employed as a caretaker and groundsman at Whitchurch Grammar School. He also worked for Whitchurch District Council.

Died: In 1972 at the Royal Shrewsbury Infirmary, Shrewsbury, Shropshire and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 8 January the same year, aged 73.

Military Details

Regiment: Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (previously King`s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 28922 (previously 43248 and 17899 in K.S.L.I.)

Date of Enlistment: 3 May 1917

Date of Discharge: 6 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Charles first enlisted 13 May 1915 (K.S.L.I. service number 17899) but was discharged 15 October 1915 for having made a mis-statement as to age on attestation. His brother William also served In WW1.

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (awarded in May 1919).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Ernest Edward Newbrook

Personal Details

Born: 18 March 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of five children born to Edward Newbrook, a labourer, and his wife Catherine, nee Salmon. Ernest was a bachelor.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at 7 Smallbrook Buildings, Whitchurch, the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. By 1911 Ernest was working at Moss Farm, Whitchurch, this continued to be his home until at least 1939. An address of 21 Bath Street, Whitchurch was given for him at the time of his death.

Employment: In his early life he was an agricultural labourer but latterly he worked as a council road man. Sadly he collapsed and died on Tarporley Road whilst working (from his obituary in Whitchurch Herald , March 1962).

Died: In 1962 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 68, and buried on 10 March the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 14617

Date of Enlistment: Prior to 28 September 1915

Date of Discharge: 27 March 1918

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Ernest was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Newbrook

Personal Details

Born: In 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 21 March the same year at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the second of nine children born to John Newbrook and his wife Elizabeth. William was a batchelor.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at 10 Jones`s Yard, Whitchurch, but by 1911 they had moved to 43c Newtown, Whitchurch, the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. This was also the address he gave in 1922 when he enlisted in the Tank Corps. At the time of his death in 1972 he was living at Cloverfields, Chester Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a groom at a hotel. When he re-enlisted in the army in 1922 he was a motor driver; after he left the army in 1940 he worked as a porter at Whitchurch Railway Station (taken from his obituary in Whitchurch Herald, January 1972).

Died: January 1972 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 77, and buried 12 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 489449 (previously 25521)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 8 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: William enlisted in the Royal Tank Corps 30 October 1922 and was discharged 15 February 1940. His brother Charles also served in WW1. William died two days after Charles in January 1972.

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Frederick George Nutter

Personal Details

Born: 2 March 1897 Blackpool, Lancashire and baptised 7 April the same year in Blackpool.

Family: He was the son of George Nutter a hotel keeper, and his wife Sarah. He married Mary L Jennings in 1926 in Hendon. The couple had one child, Denis M born in Lambeth, London in 1928.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living at 45 Church Street, Blackpool but by 1901 they had moved to The Miller Arms, Singleton, Fylde, Lancashire. In 1911 was a pupil on a farm in Lacon, Prees, Shropshire. His father at this time was the hotel keeper of The Fox and Goose Hotel, Green End, Whitchurch. This was the address given for Frederick on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. By 1939 and married he was living at Cablecot, Ripley Road, Twickenham, Middlesex.

Employment: In 1939 he was a motor mechanic.

Died: In 1959 in Middlesex, aged 62.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, Labour Corps and King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: M/31957 (previously 8198, 486707 and 6649)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 15 January 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Frederick was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal). It appears his medals were returned and reissued in November 1932.

Campaign Medals

William Boyle O’Neill

Personal Details

Born: 28 September 1878 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the son of Margaret O`Neill. In 1881 Margaret married Patrick Boyle and William`s name appears as Boyle on the 1891, 1901 and 1911 Censuses. He married Milly Evanson on 23 August 1905, in St. George`s Catholic Chapel, Whitchurch. William`s surname is shown as O`Neill on the marriage certificate. The couple had three children, Edmund Cyril Boyle, (Edward on the 1939 Register) born 1905, William Terrance born 1906 and Norah P born 1913.

Residence: In 1881 he was living with his mother and grandparents at 27 Yardington, Whitchurch, By 1891 his address was 29 Yardington, as it was in 1901. From 1911 until his death in 1942 his home was 5 Liverpool Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: On the 1901 Census his occupation is stated as a labourer in an iron foundry but ten years later he was an assurance agent. By 1939 his career had changed again and he was now a painter.

Died: In 1942 in Deermoss House, Whitchurch, aged 63, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 28 February the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 121234 (previously 24739)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 23 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Frank Oulton

Personal Details

Born: 6 June 1893 in Preston, Lancashire.

Family: He was the youngest of five children born to Thomas Nuttall Oulton, a farmer, and his wife Mary, nee Sheen. No definite marriage can be located for Frank.

Residence: In 1901 his family were living at Ridley Hill, Ridley, Cheshire. By 1911 they had moved to Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. An address of The Laurels, Tarporley Road was given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. The 1939 register showed him at Church Farm, Old Letterston, Cheshire

Employment: Frank was an agricultural labourer.

Died: In 1976 in the Chester and Ellesmere Port Registration District.

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 128010

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 9 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Ernest Ouseley

Personal Details

Born: 30 April 1880 in Fauls, Lower Heath, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of seven children born to George Ouseley, a bricklayer`s labourer, and his wife Sarah. He married Eva Penk in 1902 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. They had six children, Gordon, George James, Harriet, Eileen Nancy and Donald and Andrew (who both died in infancy).

Residence: In 1881 Ernest`s family were living in Lower Heath, Prees, Shropshire. By 1901 he was a boarder at 17 St. John`s Street, Whitchurch. Ten years later and married, his home was 22 Bargates, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 24 George Street, Whitchurch. His daughter Harriet’s address of 56 Wayland Road was given for him in the Whitchurch cemetery burial records.

Employment: He was a tailor in 1911, an occupation he continued for most of his working life.

Died: 3 April 1943 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 62, and buried 5 April the same year at Whitchurch Cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Monmouthshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 445158 (previously 266604)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Ernest was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Sadler

Personal Details

Born: 13 November 1881 in Marbury, Cheshire.

Family: He was the eldest of nine children born to Thomas Sadler, a farmer, and his wife Sarah, nee Lodmore. He married Sarah Boote in 1905. She died in 1922 and he married Emily Chidlow in 1923. The couple had two children, Ira Noel, born 1925 and May Edna, born 1926.

Residence: In 1891 and 1901 his family were living at The Lodge, Marley Green, Marbury, Cheshire. By 1911 and now married, his address was 1 Fields Cottages, Alkington, Whitchurch, Shropshire. This continued to be his home until at least 1939. At the time of his death he was living at The Mount, Pear Tree Lane, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a farmer all his life.

Died: 7 July 1950 at The Royal Salop Infirmary, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 68. He was buried on 11 July the same year at Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Army Veterinary Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: SE/22210

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

John William Shackleton

Personal Details

Born: 27 December 1875 in Halifax, Yorkshire.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to William Shackleton, a bricklayer, and his wife Ada, nee Clay. He married Annie Grice in 1912 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, Ernest W, born 1913 and Herbert J, born 1915.

Residence: In 1881 his family were living at 3 Gray Street, Northowram, Halifax. Ten years later they had moved to Shropshire and their address was 17 Spring Cottages, Spring Gardens, Shrewsbury. By 1911 John was a boarder at 34 Bargates, Whitchurch. An address of 8 Worthington Street, Whitchurch was given for him on his Attestation documents, this was also the one given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List for Whitchurch. By 1939 he was living at 7 Alkington Gardens, Whitchurch and continued to do so until his death in 1947.

Employment: In 1891 he was a tobacconist’s labourer but his occupation in 1898, when he joined The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, was a gas fitter. Having left the army in 1919 he became a postman and remained one until he retired.

Died: In 1947 in the Public Assistance Institution, Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 72. He was buried 28 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: WR/504389 (previously 222663)

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 15 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: John joined the King’ Shropshire Light Infantry (service number 5680), 4 August 1898, serving in South Africa during the Boer War. He was discharged 3 August 1910.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

William Henry Sherbrooke

Personal Details

Born: 8 May 1874 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 28 May the same year at the United Reformed Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the eldest of six children born to Daniel Sherbrooke, a house painter, and his wife Caroline. He married Mary Simmons on 30 October 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had a daughter, Doris, born in 1909 in Whitchurch.

Residence: At the time of William`s baptism in 1875 his family were living in Highgate, Whitchurch and were still there in 1881. By 1891 they had moved to 83 Green End, Whitchurch. In 1901 and now married, he and his wife were living at 24 Station Road, Whitchurch with his wife`s sister. Ten years later their address was 22 Station Road, Whitchurch. This continued to be William`s home until his death.

Employment: He was a house painter and decorator.

Died: In 1946 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 72, and was buried 1 January 1947 in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 340139 (previously 7893)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 13 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Thomas Jackson

Personal Details

Born: 22 August 1889 in Hinstock, Shropshire.

Family: He was the third of four children born to William Jackson, a general labourer, and his wife Mary. Our research suggests he never married.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his parents, siblings, grandmother, aunts and uncles at Mill Green, Hinstock, Shropshire. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 26 Watergate Street, Whitchurch. By 1911 they had moved to 5 Deermoss Road.

Employment: In 1911 he was an ironmonger’s assistant.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Somerset Light Infantry, Royal Welsh Fusiliers and King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 368500 (previously 44437, 52334, 22038 and 21356)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Thomas’s brother Charles Greville also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

William Henry Corfield

Personal Details

Born: 24 January 1900 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of seven children born to William H H Corfield, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary Ann. He married Edna Coyne in 1926 in Wem, Shropshire, and together they had one child, William H. It is possible that William also had a stepson, William J Coyne.

Residence: In 1901 he lived with his parents and siblings at 128 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. By 1911 the family had moved to 144 Wrexham Road. His address shown on his army service papers was 146 Wrexham Road. In 1939 he was living at 3 Havannah Terrace, Whitchurch; he died at Cloverfields Nursing Home in Chester Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1918 he was a carter; in 1939 a county council roadman.

Died: In 1992, aged 92, in Whitchurch and was buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 21 May 1992.

Wilfred Jarman

Personal Details

Born: 28 August 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 11 September that year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the seventh of eight children born to Samuel Jarman, a cabinet maker, and his wife Martha. He married Emily Huxley on 19 May 1920 in Bronington Parish Church, Flintshire and together they had three children – Margaret, Elsie M and Dorothy Mary.

Residence: In 1901 he was living in the Union Workhouse in Whitchurch; in 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 8 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch, the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. In 1930 and 1931 he was living with his wife and children in The Square, Church Hulme, Knutsford, Cheshire and by 1939 they had moved to 2 Webb’s Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire, where he was living at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was an errand boy and in 1939 a fish and fruit salesman.

Died: 23 February 1947 in Northwich, Cheshire, aged 51.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 09926

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 12 August 1919

Reason for Discharge: To reserve

Medals and Awards

Wilfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Leonard Richard House

Personal Details

Born: 4 January 1899 in Harlesden, Middlesex.

Family: He was the youngest of two children born to George R House, a brewer’s clerk, and his wife Gertrude. No marriage can be identified for Leonard. George was a Quaker and therefore a member of The Society of Friends.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 104 Rucklidge Avenue, Willesden, Middlesex. The address shown on the Absent Voters’ Register is 26 Wrexham Road, which remained the family address. In 1939 he lived at 95 Wimborne Avenue, Hayes and Harlington, Middlesex. Some time after this he moved to 38 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, which was his address when he died.

Employment: He was a bank clerk when he left school and in 1939 a bank inspector.

Died: 6 March 1955, aged 56, at Deermoss Hospital, Whitchurch and was buried on 10 March the same year in Whitchurch cemetery. (His mother died one month later and was also buried in Whitchurch cemetery.)

Military Details

Regiment: British Red Cross Society and Order of Saint John of Jerusalem

Rank: Orderly

Service Number: 14514

Date of Enlistment: 23 October 1917

Date of Discharge: 13 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Left the service of the Friends Ambulance Unit and was demobilised.

Other Information: Leonard was a Quaker and was granted the right to refuse to perform military service on the grounds of conscientious objection at a tribunal in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire in 1917. This was conditional on his joining the Friends Ambulance Unit, which he did and served in the Red Cross Society at home and abroad as a cook. He was granted a permit to be at Dunkirk. His Friends Ambulance Unit personnel card can be found at The Library of the Religious Society of Friends.

Medals and Awards

Leonard was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Charles Jackson

Personal Details

Born: In 1876 or 1877 in Malpas, Cheshire and baptised on 8 April 1877 in St Oswald’s Church, Malpas.

Family: He was the son of Jane Jackson. He married Mary Elizabeth Jones on 9 September 1915 in Oswestry, Shropshire and together they had two children – Gladys May and Leslie C.

Residence: In 1881 he was living in Malpas with his mother and grandfather; in 1891 he was a servant boarding at Danson’s Farm in Whitchurch, Shropshire. His attestation in 1917 said that he resided at 12 Barlow’s Yard, Whitchurch, and the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register had him living at 12 Welch’s Yard (we suspect these were the same property).

Employment: He was a servant in 1891.

Died: In 1929 at Deermoss House, Whitchurch, aged 53, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 15 January the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Royal Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 379419 (previously 65635)

Date of Enlistment: 19 June 1917

Date of Discharge: 9 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

James Richard Chesworth

Personal Details

Born: 24 September 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised October 16th the same year.

Family: He was the second of four children born to William Chesworth, a farm waggoner, and his wife Mary Chesworth. He married Selina E Williams in Whitchurch in 1922 and together they had three children – Sidney W, James R and Jeffrey.

Residence: When James was baptised, the family were living in Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. Prior to the 1901 Census they had moved to 1 Picksley Cottages, Ash Magna, Shropshire where they were still living in 1911. In 1939 he was living with his family at 1 Pooles Cottages, Hollyhurst, Whitchurch. At the time of his death his address was given as 3 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1925 he was working for the London and North Western Railway; by 1939 he was an estate general labourer.

Died: In 1975 in North Shropshire and buried on 21 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 16595

Date of Enlistment: 5 January 1915

Date of Discharge: 15 November 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Other Information: James suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm and shoulder area.

Brother of William Chesworth who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and Silver War Badge.

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

John William Evison

Personal Details

Born: 28 December 1900 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the younger of two children born to John Evison, a builder’s carter, and his wife Clara Evison. He married Ivy M Matthews in 1934 in Pontypridd, Glamorganshire; no children can be located for this marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he was living at 2 Bark Hill, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 16 Oddfellows Cottages, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 24 Middle Street, Trallwn, Pontypridd; at the time of his death he lived at 13 Bonvilston Road, Pontypridd.

Employment: In 1918 he was a chauffeur; in 1939 he was described as a motor transport driver.

Died: 6 February 1973 in Pontypridd.

Robert Evanson

Personal Details

Born: 24 April 1882 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 10 May the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the fifth of nine children born to Thomas Evanson, a bricklayer, and his wife Mary Anne. He married Maggie Crewe in 1921 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – Jim, Thomas R and Mary.

Residence: In 1891 he lived at 17 Bark Hill, Whitchurch; by 1901 the family had moved to 49 Talbot Street, Whitchurch where they continued to live until at least 1939. At the time of his death in 1967 he was living at 29 Alkington Gardens, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was an ironmonger’s light porter; in 1911 he was a labourer at W H Smiths iron foundry. In 1939 he was a store keeper in an ironmonger’s warehouse.

Died: In 1967 in Whitchurch, aged 85, and was buried on 10 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Edward Hugh Polkinghorne

Personal Details

Born: 14 December 1890 in Edmonton, Middlesex and baptised on 19 April 1891 in St. Leonard’s Church, Bootle, Lancashire.

Family: He was the oldest of two children born to Edward John Polkinghorne, a chief steward, and his wife Annie Maria. He married Dorothy W Bebbington in 1918 in Whitchurch, Shropshire; we cannot trace any children for this marriage.

Residence: At the time of his baptism, he lived at 42 Cranworth Street, Bootle, Lancashire. In 1901 he was living with his maternal grandparents at 8 North Luton Place, St. Mary, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales. In 1911 he lived with his uncle at 77 Portsdown Road, Maida Vale, Paddington, London; The address for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register is Talbot House, Green End, Whitchurch (this is the home of his wife’s parents). This address, together with Bessington Road, Foxton, Royston, Hertfordshire are shown on his medal index card. From 1935 he was living at 487 Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire which was his residence at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a building contractor; in 1939 he was a building and public works contractor’s agent.

Died: 24 May 1966 at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, aged 75.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously Royal Warwickshire Regiment)

Rank: Lieutenant

Service Number:

Date of Enlistment: 22 January 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was a member of the Freemason St. Alkmund Lodge in 1917.

Medals and Awards

Edward was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Benjamin Piercy

Personal Details

Born: In 1873 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales.

Family: He was the fourth of seven children born to George Piercy, a rail traffic foreman, and his wife Ann J. He married Florence Emily Salter in 1893 in Chester and together they had seven children – Benjamin, Florence Eleanor, Lois Jane, Kathleen Mary, Marjorie Avis, Evelyn Ida and Harold. Florence divorced Benjamin on the grounds of desertion and was granted a Decree Nisi in 1939.

Residence: In 1881 he lived at 1 Junction Cottages, Saltney, Cheshire; by 1901 and now married he was living at 2 St. John Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire and by 1911 at 18 Watergate, Whitchurch where he continued to live until at least 1920. In 1939 at the time of his divorce he lived in Old Elm Street, Ardwick, Manchester and at the time of his death he lived at 36 Tipping Street, Ardwick, Manchester.

Employment: In 1911 he was a stud groom.

Died: 28 January 1950, aged 77, at The Royal Infirmary, Manchester.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Montgomery Yeomanry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 700967 (previously 2850)

Date of Enlistment: 10 April 1915

Date of Discharge: 27 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He joined up again on 31 May 1919 and was discharged 16 August 1920, surplus to military requirements.

Medals and Awards

Benjamin was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Reginald Boothroyd Pidduck

Personal Details

Born: 17 September 1899 in Hale, Cheshire.

Family: He was the fourth of six children born to James Cresswell Pidduck, a cattle food agent and paper merchant, and his wife Polly. He married Elsa V Migge in 1936 in Aled, Denbighshire, Wales; no children can be traced for the marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 3 Holmefield Hope Road, Sale, Cheshire; by 1911 the family had moved to York House, 26 Station Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire where he continued to live until at least 1919. In 1926 and 1927 he was living at 8 George Street, Dudley, Warwickshire. By 1939 he was living at Roydon, St. Peter’s Road, Stourbridge, Worcestershire. He was living at 19 Rotherfield Avenue, Bexhill, Sussex at the time of his death.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Grammar School between 1910 and 1913 when he left to attend a private school in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Employment: In 1939 his occupation was travelling bank clerk.

Died: 20 January 1972 in Bexhill, Sussex.

Military Details

Regiment: Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 40514

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother of Charles Cresswell and Henry Barratt who both served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Reginald was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Henry Barratt Pidduck

Personal Details

Born: 3 November 1894 in Sale, Cheshire.

Family: He was the eldest of six children born to James Cresswell Pidduck, a cattle food agent and paper merchant, and his wife Polly. He married Elma Helen between 1921 and 1925; the marriage could have taken place in the West Indies. There were three children born to the couple – Olive, Yvette and Henry Geoffrey.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 3 Holmefield Hope Road, Sale, Cheshire; by 1911 the family had moved to York House, 26 Station Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire where he continued to live until at least 1919. His travel between the UK and West Indies between 1921 and 1937 suggests that he was living there returning from time to time to the UK. It is possible he lived there for the rest of his life as no death record can be located in the UK.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Grammar School between 1910 and 1911 when he left to start a three year course at Harper Adams Agricultural College, Newport, Shropshire.

Employment: The records of his passage between the UK and West Indies indicated that he was a government official and a schoolmaster. He carried our official duties (eg as a member of the Antiguan Central Library Board and attending fruit and vegetable conferences).

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Shropshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 625694 (previously 225324)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 3 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: No longer fit for active service

Other Information: Brother of Charles Cresswell and Reginald Boothroyd who also served in WW1. He was reported as wounded in late 1917.

Medals and Awards

Henry was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Cresswell Pidduck

Personal Details

Born: 26 August 1896 in Altrincham, Cheshire.

Family: He was the second of six children born to James Cresswell Pidduck, a cattle food agent and paper merchant, and his wife Polly. He married Elsie M Eaton in 1921 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had two children – Eileen M C and Elizabeth C.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 3 Holmefield Hope Road, Sale, Cheshire; by 1911 the family had moved to York House, 26 Station Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire where he continued to live until at least 1919. In 1938 he lived at 23 Hale Grove Gardens, Hendon, Middlesex and in 1939 he was living at 25 Warwick Road, Southampton, Hampshire. His address when he died was Rock House, Austenwood Lane, Chalfont St. Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Grammar School between 1910 and 1913 when he left to attend a private school in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Employment: In 1939 he was a fruit broker.

Died: 7 September 1988 in Chalfont St. Peter.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 201380

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother to Henry Barratt and Reginald Boothroyd who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

William Thomas Phillips

Personal Details

Born: 11 May 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 10 December the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church.

Family: He was the third of ten children born to John Phillips, a general labourer, and his wife Annie. He married Ethel Cartwright in 1922 in Whitchurch and together they had six children – Edward J, Joan Ethel, Irene Nancy, Ethel M, William Bertie and Brenda M.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 7 Castle Hill, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to number 18 Castle Hill, where they were still living in 1919. In 1939 he was living at 4a Wrexham Road, Whitchurch; this was his address at the time of his death in 1966.

Employment: In 1911 he was an errand boy; in 1939 his occupation was foreman milk receiver.

Died: In 1966 at Copthorne Hospital, Shrewsbury, aged 71 and buried on 9 July the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Wilfred George Phillips

Personal Details

Born: 26 August 1889 in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to George Phillips, a head gardener, and his wife Annie. He married Emily Eaton in Whitchurch, Shropshire in 1930; we cannot be certain of any children born to their marriage.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Sefton Park, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire; by 1901 the family had moved to Sundorne Castle, Uffington, Atcham, Shropshire. In 1911 he was boarding at 31 Worthington Street, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register show him living at 9 Talbot Street, Whitchurch. In 1939 he was living at 22 Warwick Avenue, Crosby, Lancashire which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: He was a railway clerk in 1911 and 1939.

Died: 18 July 1949 in Crosby, Lancashire, aged 59.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Pioneer

Service Number: 340912

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Wilfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Phillips

Personal Details

Born: 11 August 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fifth of ten children born to John Phillips, a general labourer, and his wife Annie. He married Janet L L Hartshorn in 1920 in Walsall, Staffordshire and together they had three children – John L, Betty D and Ronald W.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 7 Castle Hill, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to number 18 Castle Hill, where they were still living in 1919. In 1939 he was living at 21 Talbot Crescent, Whitchurch; this was his address at the time of his death in 1972.

Employment: In 1939 he was a stores and yard supervisor for a construction company.

Died: In 1972 at Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 74 and was buried on 26 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 449187 (previously 19147)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother of William who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Abraham Wilfred Perry

Personal Details

Born: 3 July 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the only child of William Perry, a haulier, and his wife Annie. He married Ann Mary Blyth in 1920; no children can be located for this marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 7 Barlow’s Yard, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 46 Bargates, Whitchurch where they were still living in 1919. In 1926 John and Ann travelled to Canada, staying there for 10 months. In 1939 they were living at Brookside, Wrexham Road, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death in 1984.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Grammar School between 1908 and 1912.

Employment: When he left school he worked as a clerk for a firm of cheese brokers. In 1939 he was a dairy farmer.

Died: 12 May 1984 in Whitchurch, aged 88, and was buried on 18 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: S4/084858

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

James Penk

Personal Details

Born: 26 November 1880 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 5 January 1881 with his sister Jane in St. Alkmund’s Church.

Family: He was the sixth of eight children born to James Penk, a shoemaker, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Lily Crewe on 14 May 1905 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch and together they had one child, Hilda.

Residence: In 1881, 1891 and 1901 he lived at 58 Bargates, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings. Having married, in 1911 he was living at 11 Castle Hill, Whitchurch where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: He was a bricklayer’s labourer and bricklayer.

Died: In 1962 at Cross Houses Hospital, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, aged 81.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and Royal Welsh Fusiliers)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 616256 (previously 34194 and 62223)

Date of Enlistment: 10 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 4 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Hesketh Pearson

Personal Details

Born: 18 July 1896 in Whitchurch Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Thomas H Pearson, an auctioneer, and his wife Annie, nee Burgess. He married Lucy M Newey in 1933 in Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire and together they had two children – Roger H and Daphne E.

Residence: He lived at 7 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch until at least 1919. In 1939 he was living at The Poplars, Shelfield, Alcester, Warwickshire. At the time of his death he lived at 30 The Green, Aston Cantlow, Alcester.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Free Grammar School between 1909 and 1912.

Employment: When he left school in 1912 he was going to be an auctioneer’s clerk; in 1939 he was a farmer.

Died: 10 February 1964 in Alcester, Warwickshire, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Army Veterinary Corps (previously Northumberland Fusiliers and 2nd Dorset Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: TT/01932 (previously 19167)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Robert Rollo Pearce

Personal Details

Born: 20 August 1885 (this is the date on the civil birth record; the 1939 Register records 2 January 1886) in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland and was baptised there on 14 February 1886.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to William Funnell Pearce, a postmaster, and his wife Isabella Anderson. He married Elizabeth Ann Roberta Scott on 7 August 1915 in South Kensington Presbyterian Church, London and together they had three children – William Robert, Frederick R and George.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his parents and siblings in Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed. By 1901 they had moved to 3 Elm Villas, Roydon Road, Diss, Norfolk. In 1911 he boarded with his brother Frederick Pearce at 9 Victoria Road, Oswestry, Shropshire. At this time his parents were living at 25 Alkington Road, Whitchurch and this is the address shown for his wife in his service record. When he enlisted in 1915 he gave an address in Reading, Berkshire. In 1939 he was living at 24 Stratford Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne; this was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: He started working for the post office in 1901 and is recorded as a postal clerk in 1911 and 1939.

Died: 2 December 1962 at Newcastle General Hospital, aged 76.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Lance Corporal

Service Number: 69253

Date of Enlistment: 27 April 1915

Date of Discharge: 9 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: Brother of Frederick Pearce who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Robert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frederick Pearce

Personal Details

Born: 7 January 1888 in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland and baptised 12 February the same year in Berwick upon Tweed.

Family: He was the second of four children born to William Funnell Pearce, a postmaster, and his wife Isabella Anderson. No marriage can be traced for Frederick.

Employment: In 1911 he was a post office clerk.

Died: Not known

Thomas Peake

Personal Details

Born: 28 December 1874 in Burleydam, Cheshire and baptised on 31 January 1875 in Burleydam Parish Church.

Family: He was the sixth of eight children born to Richard Peake, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Sarah, He married Ada Mary Parker on 25 April 1901 at Audlem Parish Church, Chester and together they had two children, Elsie Mary and Albert Thomas.

Residence: In 1881 he lived near Goldsmith House, Burleydam, Cheshire; in 1901 he had moved to Bothy Cottage, Burleydam. By 1991, having married, he lived with his wife and children at 2 Grange Cottages, Edgeley, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows his address as 13 Talbot Street, Whitchurch where he was living until his death.

Employment: He was a domestic gardener in 1901, 1911 and 1939.

Died: 19 June 1957 in Whitchurch, aged 82.

Richard Herbert Vaughan Parry

Personal Details

Born: 26 February 1899 in Cheswardine, Shropshire and baptised 24 December the same year in Cheswardine Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to John Vaughan Parry, a police constable, and his wife Mary Maria. He married Florrie Powell in 1926 in Whitchurch, Shropshire; no children can be traced for this marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he lived in Sowdley, Cheswardine, Market Drayton, Shropshire; by 1911 the family had moved to 23 Claypit Street, Whitchurch, the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. In 1939, now married, he was living at 97 Alkington Road, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a school newsboy; in 1939 his occupation was hand compositor.

Died: 27 July 1984 at the Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 85, and was buried on 31 July the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 94885 (previously 67634)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Richard was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Henry Charles Pappin

Personal Details

Born: 6 October 1893 in Prenton, Cheshire.

Family: He was the eldest of two children born to George and Eliza Pappin. He married Dorothy Victoria Purkiss on 26 December 1925 in Bombay, India and together they had one child, Barbara J, born in 1931 in Bromley, Kent.

Education: He attended Whitchurch Free Grammar School from 1901 to 1905 and boarded at Newbury Grammar School from January 1905 to July 1911.

Residence: In 1901 he was living with his uncle at Great Glenn, Main Road, Glen Magna, Billesden, Leicestershire. In 1911 he was boarding at Newbury Grammar School, Enborne Road, Newbury, Berkshire (his mother lived in Talbot Street, Whitchurch). The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register gives his address as 4 Dodington, Whitchurch which was the address of his mother and sister. He left for India on 20 March 1919 on SS Nankin (Peninsular and Steam Navigation Company Ltd) working in Bombay with a forwarding address through the Eastern Bank Ltd. He returned to the UK prior to 1931, settling in Kent. His address at the time of his death was 14 Kelsey Way, Beckenham.

Employment: When he left school he was a bank clerk; his marriage certificate indicates he was a bank manager (working for The Eastern Bank Ltd whilst in India).

Died: 16 January 1938 in Beckenham, Kent, aged 44.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery (previously Army Pay Corps)

Rank: Lieutenant (commissioned 26 May 1917)

Service Number: 2154 (Army Pay Corps)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Henry was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Tom Hutchings

Personal Details

Born: 3 January 1881 in Kilrush, Clare, Ireland.

Family: The 1881 and 1891 Irish census records were destroyed in WW1, so research has been unable to identify his parents. He married Frances Ann McCarthy in 1907 in Pembrokeshire, Wales. They had three children: Lilian Emily Elaine, William Cyril and Violet Doreen.

Residence: The 1911 Census records him and his wife with the army in China and Hong Kong. It is possible that as he was born in Ireland his early life was there; the Irish 1881 and 1891 census records were destroyed in World War 2. No link can be found to the address on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register – 34 Worthington Street, Whitchurch. However, his medal index card does have two addresses: Prees Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire and 18 Charlton Place, Pembroke Docks, South Wales. We know his wife died in 1939 in Kent and is buried in Bexleyheath cemetery. The 1939 Register shows him living as a widower at 451 Rochester Way, Bexley, Kent. He was living at 572 Etruria Road, Stoke-upon-Trent when he died.

Employment: He was a career soldier, joining up in 1900, gaining his commission in 1916 and rising to the rank of Captain before he retired. In 1939 he was a civil service clerk.

Died: 21 November 1963 at Lymewood Hospital, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Other information: Tom’s son William Cyril was a Squadron Leader in the RAF in WW2, was awarded the DFC, and was killed in a flying training accident in 1942.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery

Rank: Private, rising through the ranks, gaining his commission to Lieutenant during WW1 and retiring as Captain.

Service Number: 3098 (prior to receiving his commission)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Stayed on serving after the war.

Reason for Discharge: Retired

Other Information: Entitled to wear a wound stripe.

Medals and Awards

Tom was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914 Star with clasps, British War Medal and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Albert Edward Humphreys

Personal Details

Born: 15 October 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 22 November the same year in Whitchurch.

Family: He was the son of Alice Humphreys and was brought up in the Morris household by Harry Morris, an iron founder’s carter, and his wife Jane. The 1911 census shows him as Albert Morris, son of Harry Morris. Harry and Jane had nine children of their own. He married Doris L Gregory in 1923 in Whitchurch; no children can be identified for this marriage.

Residence: The 1901 and 1911 censuses record Albert living at 13 Newtown, Whitchurch; the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register has him living at 23 Newtown.

Employment: In 1911 he was an errand boy; in 1914 he was a farm labourer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 13387

Date of Enlistment: 9 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 23 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Albert was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Frank Hunt

Personal Details

Born: In 1893 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 13 April 1893 at St. Oswald’s Church, Malpas, Cheshire.

Family: He was the second of four children born to William Hunt, a groom, and his second wife Rachel, nee Bell. No marriage can be traced for Frank.

Residence: His address on his baptismal entry in 1893 was Chorlton Lane, Malpas, Cheshire. On the 1901 Census he was shown to be living with his parents and siblings in Highgate Road, Whitchurch; by 1911 they had moved to 3 Park Road, the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ List. No further information beyond this can be found for him.

Employment: Not known

Died: Not known

Robert Arthur Hughes

Personal Details

Born: In 1897 in Rhosllanerchrugog, Denbighshire, Wales.

Family: He was the youngest of four children born to Thomas Hughes, a watchmaker, and his wife Jane. No marriage can be traced for Robert.

Residence: In 1901, he was living with his parents and siblings at 42 Hall Street, Rhosllanerchrugog. By 1911 the family had moved to 39 Claypit Street, Whitchurch, the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. We have been unable to trace any further address information.

Employment: Not known.

Died: Not known

Thomas Llewellyn Hughes

Personal Details

Born: 27 September 1888 in Ruabon, Denbighshire, Wales.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Thomas Hughes, a watchmaker, and his wife Jane, nee Griffiths. No marriage can be traced for Thomas.

Residence: In 1901, he was living with his parents and siblings at 42 Hall Street, Rhosllanerchrugog. By 1911 the family had moved to 39 Claypit Street, Whitchurch, the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. His discharge papers showed an address of 21 Clun Terrace, Cachys, Cardiff.

Education: He attended the National School at Rhosllanerchrugog between 18 November 1885 and 22 April 1901, when he left to go to Oswestry.

Employment: He was a printer by trade.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Manchester Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 28828

Date of Enlistment: 24 August 1915

Date of Discharge: 6 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: His brother, Robert Arthur Hughes, also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Thomas Hughes

Personal Details

Born: 27 February 1900 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of seven children to Thomas Hughes, a carter to the urban district council, and his wife Charlotte, nee Gill. He married Cecilia A Rycroft in 1920 in Whitchurch and together they had nine children: John T, Nancy, William H, Eric, Dorothy, Frederick, Doreen, Dennis B and Arthur G.

Residence: He lived at 17 Pepper Street, Whitchurch until at least 1919. In 1939 he lived at 64 Wayland Road and at the time of his death was living at 42 George Street.

Employment: In 1939 he was a general builder’s labourer.

Died: In 1964 in Whitchurch, aged 64 and was buried on 13 August the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

James Hughes

Personal Details

Born: 7 January 1892 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest, with his twin brother John, of eight children born to George Hughes, a shoemaker, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Lily Maria Edith Rundle on 24 May 1919 at Lambeth Registry Office, London. It is possible that the couple had a son, James R, born in 1920 in Hartley Whitney, Hampshire.

Residence: He lived in 1901 with his parents and siblings at 43 Claypit Street, Whitchurch, and this is the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register for him. At some point prior to September 1915 he travelled to Australia, enlisting with the Australian Imperial Force. At the time of his marriage his address was 67 Horsford Road, Brixton Hill, London, but we know that his discharge was in Australia in 1920. Two addresses are given in the military records for his time in Australia: 29 Northumberland Road, Auburn, New South Wales and Kenley, Penrose, Southern Line, New South Wales.

Employment: After leaving Whitchurch Grammar School in 1909 he became a student teacher at the Whitchurch Wesleyan Elementary School. He showed his occupation as grocer in 1915. The Australian electoral rolls show his occupation as orchardist.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Australian Imperial Force

Rank: Sergeant

Service Number: 4382

Date of Enlistment: 13 September 1915

Date of Discharge: 22 May 1920

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Arthur William Hughes

Personal Details

Born: 4 March 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 20 March of the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the elder of two children born to William Hughes, an iron founder, and his wife Sarah. He married Lucy Clayton in 1920 in Whitchurch and together they had one child, Nancy. He married again to Nellie Clare in Nantwich in 1924 and together they had one child, Bevill.

Residence: He lived at 20 Green End, Whitchurch until at least 1919 when he left the army. At the time of his death he lived at 47 Albert Road, Oswestry.

Employment: His Whitchurch Grammar School record card shows him leaving school in 1911 with two occupations: farming and printing.

Died: 10 February 1981 in Oswestry, aged 84, and buried in Oswestry cemetery on 13 February of the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (previously Labour Corps and Shropshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 230446 (previously 542878 and 2590)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Mentioned in dispatches: London Gazette 14 June 1918, page 7053.

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Alfred Hollands

Personal Details

Born: 27 January 1881 in Prees, Shropshire and baptised on 27 February at St. Chad’s, Prees.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to Thomas Hollands, a shoemaker, and his wife Harriet. He married Alice Crewe on 6 November 1901 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had two children, Florence Alice and Dora Gertrude. Sadly Alice died in 1915. Alfred married Sarah Jane Smout in Quarter 3 1927 in the Wem Registration District.

Residence: In 1881 he was living with his parents in Peggs Row, Stoke Village, Stoke upon Tern, Market Drayton, Shropshire; by 1891 they had moved to Green End, Whitchurch and by 1901 to Paces Yard, 13 Dodington. In 1911 he was living with his wife and daughters at 14a Dodington. The address shown for his pay when he was discharged in 1919 was 49 Bridge Street, Crewe, but on the 1939 Register his address was 32 Claypit Street, Whitchurch, where he was living at the time of his death.

Employment: On the 1911 Census his occupation was given as a labourer. However by 1939 he was described as a blacksmith.

Died: In 1939 in Whitchurch, aged 58, and was buried on 20 November in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: South Lancashire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 242647

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 20 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Alfred was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Arthur Palin

Personal Details

Born: 23 March 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 17 April the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of two children born to Lizzie Palin (his brother John died in 1904 at the age of 5 and is buried in Whitchurch cemetery). He was brought up by Henry and Jane Ryder and married Sarah Maddocks (nee Roberts) in 1922 in Whitchurch and together they had four children – Arthur Leslie, Phyllis E, Mary and Peter Dominic. Sarah’s first husband, John Maddocks, was killed in action in France in 1917; three of John’s brothers also lost their lives in WW1.

Residence: Arthur’s mother was living in the Whitchurch Union Workhouse when he was baptised in 1894. In 1901 he lived with the Ryder family at 7 Yardington, Whitchurch; in 1911 he was boarding at Chidlow Hall, Chidlow, Cheshire. In 1939 he was living at 2 Council Houses, Crickmerry, Market Drayton, Shropshire where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a dairy assistant; in 1939 he was a general farm labourer.

Died: 26 September 1961 in Market Drayton, aged 67.

Military Details

Regiment: Cheshire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 27253

Date of Enlistment: 30 June 1915

Date of Discharge: 9 March 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Arthur was awarded the Military Medal and the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Military Medal

Campaign Medals

Thomas Harry Paddington

Personal Details

Born: 1 February 1895 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 15 March the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the second of three children born to Harry Paddington, a railway engine driver, and his wife Mary Jane. He married Eva M Austin in 1919 in Whitchurch and together they had seven children – Bernard C, John, Leslie T, Dorothy M, Vera, Roy and Rita N.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 59 Green End, Whitchurch; by 1911 the family had moved to 5 Egerton Road, Whitchurch where he was still living in 1919. A later address of 3 Deermoss Lane, Whitchurch is shown on his pension card with no date associated with it. In 1939 he was living at 25 Egerton Road, his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a shop errand boy. He joined the Postal Services on 2 September 1929 as a postman; in 1939 he was a postal driver.

Died: In 1968 at the Cottage Hospital, Whitchurch, aged 73 and was buried on 8 July the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Acting Corporal

Service Number: 13383

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 3 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Edwin Pace

Personal Details

Born: 11 June 1884 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 21 July the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church.

Family: He was the youngest of four children born to Richard Pace, a gardener, and his wife Mary. He married Elizabeth Ann Jones in 1905 in Whitchurch and together they had four, possibly five, children – Mabel Beatrice, Albert George, Gwendoline, John W and possibly Ambrose.

Residence: His parents were living in Grindley Brook when he was baptised; by 1891 they had moved to Elliott’s Yard, High Street, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was living at 10 Brownlow Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 his wife was living with her mother, siblings and two of her children at 35 Yardington, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register show him living at 46 Yardington. By 1939 he lived at 55 Wayland Road, Whitchurch. He died at Cloverfield Nursing Home, Chester Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was an errand boy; in 1939 he was a County Council roadman.

Died: In 1969 at Cloverfields, Chester Road, Whitchurch, aged 85, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 19 December the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 200917

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other information: Edwin spent two periods in prison for larceny in 1905/6 and 1912/13.

Medals and Awards

Edwin was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frank Murray

Personal Details

Born: 4 April 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the seventh of nine children born to James Murray, a smith and fitter, and his wife Sarah Ann. He married Elizabeth Foster in 1920 in Nantwich, Cheshire; we cannot locate any children (in the UK or Australia) for the marriage.

Residence: He lived at 4 Belton Road up to at least 1919 when he was discharged from the army. Frank and Elizabeth emigrated to Australia in 1922 (sailing on the SS Demorthenes, landing at Albany, Western Australia on 3 July 1922). They settled at 164 Central Avenue, Maylands, Perth, Western Australia.

Employment: In 1942 he was a foreman in a health department.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Berkshire Regiment (previously Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 37125 (previously 2661)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Frank enlisted in the Australian Army on 29 March 1942 and initially served in the Swanbourne Volunteer Defence Corps.

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles George Murden

Personal Details

Born: 7 May 1891 in Islington, London and baptised on 4 October the same year in St. Michael’s Church, Islington.

Family: He was the eldest of three children born to Alfred, a porter, and his wife Annie Mary. Annie Mary remarried to William Edwin Sands in 1901 and Charles had two step siblings from this marriage. Charles married Lizzie de Bank in 1912 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had three children – Sydney, George T and Charles D. Lizzie sadly died in 1920. He married Martha A Ashley (nee Evanson) in 1922 in Wem, Shropshire and together they had a child – Frances M. Charles also had a step child (from Martha’s first marriage) – Arthur J Ashley.

Residence: When Charles was baptised the family were living at 105 Bingfield Street, Islington, Middlesex. By 1901 they had moved to Coton, Shropshire; in 1911 he was boarding at 41 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows him living at 4 Cambrian View, Whitchurch where he lived until his death in 1952.

Employment: In 1911 he was a coal carter; in 1939 he was a lorry driver for a haulage contractor.

Died: In 1952 at Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 60, and was buried 28 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Border Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 28740

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Charles’ brother Sydney also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Albert Mulliner

Personal Details

Born: In 1876 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 9 June the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the eighth of ten children born to William and Mary Mulliner. He married Florence Hill on 27 August 1901 at Claremont Baptist Church, Shrewsbury, Shropshire and together they had two children – William Bert and Thomas Henry. Sadly Florence died in 1907.

Residence: In 1881 he lived in Talbot Street, Whitchurch; by 1891 the family had moved to Green End, Whitchurch. In 1901 he was boarding at 27 Delamere Crescent, Paddington, London. In 1911, his wife having died, he was living at 43 Green End. The 1919 Absent Voters’ register shows his address as 3 Green End. At the time of his death he was living in the Public Assistance Institution (Workhouse).

Employment: He was a saddler by trade; he was employed as a saddler by the London and North West Railway for at least the period between 1904 and 1908.

Died: In 1943 in Whitchurch, aged 66, and was buried on 10 April the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 562563 (previously 23827)

Date of Enlistment: 29 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 2 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Walter Mottram

Personal Details

Born: In 1882 in Catteralls Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 3 March the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of four children born to George Mottram, a railway platelayer, and his wife Ann. He married Margaret Rebecca Katherine Kempster in 1914 in Whitchurch and together they had two children – John W and Joan Agnes Mary.

Residence: In 1891 he lived at Railway Cottage, Edgeley Village, Whitchurch; in 1901 his address was Edgeley Road, Whitchurch. The 1911 Census gives his address as 1 Edgeley Bridge, Edgeley Road (It is possible these three addresses are the same residence). The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register had him living at 22 Bargates, Whitchurch where he lived until his death.

Employment: In 1901 he was a postman; in 1911 and 1939 he was a domestic gardener.

Died: In 1943 in Whitchurch, aged 61, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 14 July the same year.

Reginald Mottram

Personal Details

Born: 19 September 1890 in Ash, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of three children born to Thomas Mottram, a gravel getter, and his wife Mary. He married Ada Brown in 1913 in Whitchurch and together they had five children – Cyril, Eunice M, Gerald, Nesta and Joyce M.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Ash Magna, Whitchurch; in 1901 he lived in Vicarage Road, Ash, Whitchurch. By 1911 the family had moved to 26 Claypit Street, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows him living at 12 Alkington Road, Whitchurch. In 1939 and at the time of his death he was living at Beaumont, Sedgeford, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a domestic gardener in 1911 and in 1939.

Died: In 1965 in Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 74 and was buried on 4 February the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: M2/182437

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: His brother George Mottram also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Reginald was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Mottram

Personal Details

Born: 23 August 1892 in Ash, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to Thomas Mottram, a gravel getter, and his wife Mary. He married Ethel C Charles in 1917 in Whitchurch; we cannot locate any children for their marriage.

Residence: In 1901 he lived in Vicarage Lane, Ash, Whitchurch. By 1911 the family had moved to 26 Claypit Street, Whitchurch where they were still living in 1919. In 1939 he was living at 20 Bark Hill, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a general labourer in 1911 and 1939.

Died: In 1969 in Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment: South Lancashire Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 31110 (note the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register indicates 30001)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: Brother of Reginald Mottram who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

James Moss

Personal Details

Born: 15 January 1882 in Brown Moss, Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised in Tilstock Church on 13 August the same year.

Family: He was the son of Sarah Moss and grandson of James and Elizabeth Moss. His mother later married John Madeley and had five more children, James’ half siblings. He married Winifred Crewe on 22 June 1903 in Whitchurch and together they had six children – James, Lilian Mary, Frances, Winifred, Katherine May and Marjorie Rose.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his grandparents at Brown Moss, Heath Lane, Whitchurch; by 1911 and now married, he lived with his wife and children at 2 Raven Yard, Whitchurch, the address shown for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. In 1939 he lived at 21 Rosemary Lane, Whitchurch. At the time of his death he was living at 16 Castle Court, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a farm labourer; in 1939 his occupation was iron roofer’s helper.

Died: In 1974 at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen, Oswestry, Shropshire, aged 92, and was buried on 9 December the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (previously Shropshire Yeomanry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 230297 (previously 1982)

Date of Enlistment: 1914

Date of Discharge: 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: James served in the Shropshire Regiment (number 734) between 1900 and 1901 and in the Staffordshire Regiment (number 6600) between 1901 and 1 February 1903.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Greville Jackson

Personal Details

Born: 23 August 1887 in Hinstock, Shropshire.

Family: He was the second of six children born to William Jackson, a farm labourer, and his wife Mary. The probate record indicates probate to Mary Jackson (widow) but a definite marriage record cannot be found.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Mill Green, Hinstock with his parents, siblings, grandmother, aunts and uncles. By 1901 his parents had moved to 26 Watergate Street, Whitchurch. In 1911 he was boarding at 43 Holton Road, Barry, Glamorgan. His address is shown in both 1915 and 1925 as 35 Alexandra Road, Newbridge, Monmouthshire; however his address on discharge from the army in 1919 and at the time of his death is 5 Deermoss Road, Whitchurch which was his father’s home.

Education: From 19 June 1893 to 7 September 1894 Charles attended Whixall County Primary School.

Employment: He was a baker and confectioner, working for G H Witchell & Co Ltd of Newbridge, Monmouthshire prior to enlisting.

Died: 7 February 1928 in Whitchurch, aged 40, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 11 February the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: S4/144987

Date of Enlistment: 4 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 2 August 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information: He was wounded while serving in Iraq and invalided back to the UK from Basra Hospital on 19 April 1919.

Medals and Awards

Charles was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

John Evans

Personal Details

Born: October 1876 in Platt Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the youngest of six surviving children born to William Evans, a canal boatman, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Sarah Ann Sparrow on 14 September 1892 in Acton Parish Church, Cheshire and together they had seven children – Sarah A, Mary Jane, John, Elizabeth, Rose Ellen, Edith May and Lilly.

Residence: In 1881 the family lived at Brick Wall, Tilstock, Whitchurch; in 1891 he was with a relative at Canal Road, Whixall, Shropshire. In 1911 he was on his canal boat, ‘Vulcan’ on the Shropshire Union canal at Welshpool. In 1915 when he was discharged he gave a forwarding address for the Boat ‘Gay’ at the General Post Office in Wolverhampton. As a canal boatman he travelled around as evidenced by the birth places of his children.

Employment: He was a canal boatman until at least 1911.

Died: Not known

Ernest William Evans

Personal Details

Born: 29 July 1886 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 11 August the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the sixth of seven children born to George Evans, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Ann. he married Florence Jarman on 25 September 1911 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church, Whitchurch and together they had five children – Albert, Winifred, Jessie, Kathleen and Ronald.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Folly Lane, Whitchurch; by 1901 he was living with his brother Edwin’s family at 9 Newtown Street, Whitchurch. His address on discharge in 1914 was 8 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch and in 1939 he was living at 46 Wayland Road, Whitchurch which was his address at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1901 he was a bricklayer’s labourer; from 1911 to at least 1939 he was a bricklayer.

Died: In 1953 in Whitchurch Cottage Hospital, aged 67, and buried on 7 October the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Edwin Evans

Personal Details

Born: 14 April 1875 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 16 April the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of seven children born to George Evans, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Ann. He married Lily Phillips on 20 March 1900 in Whitchurch and together they had four children – Ethel, Annie, Florence and Elsie.

Residence: In 1881 he lived with his family in Green End, Whitchurch; by 1891 they had moved to Folly Lane, Whitchurch and by 1901, newly married, to 9 Newtown Street, Whitchurch. His address on discharge in 1914 was 24 Pepper Street, Whitchurch where he lived until his death in 1940.

Employment: In 1891 he was a bricklayer’s labourer; from 1901 for the rest of his life he was a bricklayer.

Died: In 1940 in Whitchurch, aged 64, and was buried 1 March the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

George Edwin Elsley

Personal Details

Born: 31 October 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest child of William Elsley, a joiner, and his wife Edith Elizabeth. No marriage can be traced for George.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 5 Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch, moving to number 16 by 1911. When he enlisted in 1918 his address was 43 Yardington, Whitchurch where he continued to live until at least 1939.

Employment: He was a motor driver prior to enlisting; in 1939 he was a builder’s labourer.

Died: In 1982 in Whitchurch.

James Downward

Personal Details

Born: In October 1879 in Bronington, Flintshire, Wales and baptised 18 July 1880 in Bronington Parish Church.

Family: He was the son of William Downward, a labourer, and his wife Emma. He married Margaret Davies on 2 December 1903 in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales and together they had five children – James Archibald, Beatrice May, Maggie, Ernest and Nellie.

Residence: In 1881 he was living in Checkoe Road, Bronington; by 1891 he had moved to 4 Acton Terrace, Acton, Wrexham. By 1911 they had moved to 35 Farndon Street, Wrexham where he stayed until 1914. In 1915 his address was 23 Tuttle Street, Wrexham and by 1939 it was 12 Moorland Avenue, Wrexham.

Employment: In 1911 he was a bricklayer’s labourer; in 1939 he was a Corporation labourer.

Died: In April 1957, aged 78, and was buried in Brymbo, Wrexham on 29 May the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Rank: Private

Service Number: 2698

Date of Enlistment: 28 June 1908

Date of Discharge: 22 December 1914

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other information: James had previously served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers between 1898 and 1904, including serving in the Boer War.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge.

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

Thomas Henry Done

Personal Details

Born: In 1878 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the son of Mary Done (Mary married George Allman in 1882 in Whitchurch). No marriage can be traced for Thomas.

Residence: In 1881 he lived in Grindley Brook, Whitchurch with his mother and grand-father; in 1891 he was living at Hollyhurst, Whitchurch as a servant. In 1901 he was living at Stables, Church Street, Malpas as a servant and in 1911 he was at 3 Blanton’s Yard, Green End, Whitchurch with his grand-father. In 1916 he was living at 16 Smithy Street, Blackburn, Lancashire and in 1939 at Deermoss House, Whitchurch where he continued to live until his death.

Employment: He was a groom until at least 1911; in 1939 he was a general labourer.

Died:

In 1946 at the P. A. Institution, Whitchurch (Deermoss House), aged 68, and buried on 15 July the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 18562

Date of Enlistment: 13 July 1915

Date of Discharge: 24 May 1916

Reason for Discharge: Physically unfit for service

Other information: Thomas had previously enlisted into the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (number 10697) on 12 August 1914 and was discharged on 29 August 1914 physically unfit for service. He re-enlisted for home service only.

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Silver War Badge

Silver War Badge

Herbert Dodd

Personal Details

Born: In 1888 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 21 June the same year in the Congregational Church, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the fifth of eight children born to George Dodd, a builder, and his wife Mary Jane. No marriage can be traced for Herbert.

Residence: He lived at 5 Mill Street, Whitchurch until at least 1911. In 1915 when he was discharged he lived at 27 Alkington Road, Whitchurch. His address at the time of his death in 1961 was 21 Alkington Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a joiner in the family business.

Died: 16 April 1961 in Whitchurch.

Albert Allen Lovegrove

Personal Details

Born: 14 May 1888 in Alresford, Hampshire.

Family: He was the younger of two children born to John Lovegrove and his wife Ellen, nee Curtis. He married Laura Ann Huxley in 1919. The marriage was registered in the Wem District. The couple had one child, Vera M, born in 1920 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Residence: At the time of his birth his family were living in Old Alresford, Hampshire, but by 1891 they had moved to 2 Woodbine Cottage, Datchet, Buckinghamshire. Ten years later the family were living at 19 Bark Hill, Whitchurch, Shropshire. His mother was now a widow. By 1911 the family had moved to 10 Highgate, Whitchurch, the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. In 1939 he, his wife and daughter were at 4 St. Mary`s Street, Whitchurch. On the Whitchurch Cemetery records an address of 27 Dodington was given for him.

Employment: His occupation was motor mechanic in 1911 and in 1939.

Died: In 1969, in Whitchurch, aged 81, and was buried at Whitchurch Cemetery on 16 October the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Naval Air Service)

Rank: Corporal Mechanic

Service Number: 212379 (previously F12379)

Date of Enlistment: 2 March 1916

Date of Discharge: 30 April 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Albert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal)

Campaign Medals

Harold Little

Personal Details

Born: In 1891 in Little Clifton, Cockermouth, Cumberland.

Family: He was the third of four children born to Walter Little, a joiner, and his wife Sarah Jane. He married Elsie M Massey on 10 October 1917 in St. John’s Wesleyan Chapel, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had two children, Margaret M born 1920 and Joseph J born 1925. Both children were born in Whitchurch.

Residence: He lived with his family at 3 Chapel Terrace, Bridgefoot, Little Clifton, Cockermouth, Cumberland until at least 1911. The 1919 Absent Voters` List has an address of 23 Alkington Road, Whitchurch for him. The UK Outward Passenger Lists for 21 June 1927 showed they had been living at 9 Prince Edward Road, Nantwich, Cheshire. The family emigrated to Australia living in Sydney, New South Wales; he was living in Burwood, Sydney at the time of his death.

Employment: In 1911 he was a solicitor’s clerk; the 1927 passenger list shows him as a salesman.

Died: 5 February 1965 in Burwood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps (previously London Regiment)

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: M/395760 (previously 3762)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Harold was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Herbert Lewis

Personal Details

Born: 15 March 1896 in Wellington, Shropshire and baptised at home on 26 March 1896. There is a baptism recorded for him at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Hadley.

Family: He was the eldest of nine children born to George Henry Lewis, a railway worker, and his wife Rachel, nee Squire. He married Martha Jackson in 1923 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple went on to have four children, Lewis, Margaret, Reginald and Marion. (Martha`s maiden name was Gregory and she had married John Jackson in 1916. Sadly he was killed in action in France in 1918)

Residence: In 1901 George`s family were living in Church Street, Hadley, Wellington, Shropshire. Ten years later his address was 40 Castle Street, Hadley. On the 1919 Absent Voters` List for Whitchurch an address of 27 St. John`s Street was given for him. This continued to be his home until his death in 1964.

Employment: In 1911 George was an assistant to a butcher. By 1939 he was a master saddler and harness maker.

Died: 25 February 1964 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 67, and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery 29 February the same year.

John Lucas

Personal Details

Born: 5 October 1897 in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and baptised 15 October the same year at St. Leonard`s Parish Church, Bridgnorth.

Family: He was the youngest of 4 children born to John Lucas, a police sergeant, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Morgan. He married Jane Kathleen Manuel on 9 June 1934 at Wrexham Parish Church, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales. The couple had one child, Jean K born in 1937. John married for a second time in 1962 at Wrexham to Ethel Trevor.

Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living in Bridgnorth, Shropshire but by 1901 they had moved to the Police Station, Frogmore Road, Longslow, Market Drayton, Shropshire. In 1911 his father had received a promotion to Superintendent of Police at Whitchurch and the family were living at the Police Station, Station Road. This was the address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. In 1939, now married, he was living at 13 Bryn Estyn Road, Wrexham, Denbighshire. At the time of his death his address was Stone House, Singret Hill, Llay, Wrexham.

Education: From 20 September 1911 until 9 April 1913 he attended Whitchurch Boys Grammar School.

Employment: On his Grammar School records it stated that on leaving in 1913 he was going to be an apprentice at Joyce Clock Works, however on his Attestation in November 1915 his occupation was a coach builder. By 1939 he was a joiner.

Died: 13 August 1977 in Wrexham Maelor, Denbighshire, aged 79.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery (previously Royal Field Artillery)

Rank: Gunner

Service Number: 168714

Date of Enlistment: 22 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 20 May 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

John was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Edwin Love

Personal Details

Born: 17 June 1886 in Sunninghill, Berkshire.

Family: He was the sixth of seven children born to Robert Love, a gardener, and his wife Mary, nee Cordrey. He married Amelia Francis in 1914 in Chertsey, Surrey. No children can be found for the marriage. After the death of Amelia in 1953, Edwin married Phyllis Arrowsmith in 1954 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Residence: In 1891 Edwin`s family were living at Upper Village Road, Sunninghill, Windsor, Berkshire. Ten years later Edwin was working and living at Elm Lodge, North Street, Cranbourne, Berkshire. By 1911 he was a boarder at Rosegate Cottages, Billingshurst, Sussex. In 1915 he was living at Edgeley Bank, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List was 5 Highgate, Whitchurch. He appears to have remained here for the rest of his life.

Employment: His occupation in 1911 was a groom. On his Attestation in 1915 he was described as a stableman. By 1939 he was a haulage contractor.

Died: In 1962 in Whitchurch, aged 76, and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 25 August the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Driver

Service Number: 220034

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 28 June 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Medals and Awards

Edwin was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Edgar Henry Lomas

Personal Details

Born: 30 May 1883 at Stretton, near Malpas, Cheshire and was baptised 1 July 1883 at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Whitchurch.

Family: He was the first of eight children born to Nathan Lomas, a draper and grocer, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Carr. He married Winifred T. B. Morgan at Whitchurch Baptist Church on 28 December 1916. No children can be found from this marriage. Winifred died in 1939 and Edgar married Evelyn B. Lansley on 25 June 1942 at St. John`s Methodist Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had a daughter, Frances Evelyn, born in 1942.

Residence: In 1891 Edgar`s family were living in Long Lane, Tilston, Cheshire but by 1901 Edgar was living with his uncle at 5 Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. Ten years later he was a boarder at Wayland Villa, 8 Waymills, Whitchurch. The 1939 Register showed him at Fern View, Prees Heath, however by the time of his death his home was The Round House, Tilstock, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1901 his occupation was described as a groom but some ten years later he appears to have been a gatekeeper at an engineering works. In 1939 he was a cheese factor`s salesman.

Died: 7 January 1954 in Whitchurch, aged 70.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously The King’s (Liverpool Regiment))

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 45819 (previously 70207)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Edgar was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Frank Lloyd

Personal Details

Born: 2 October 1885 in Market Drayton, Shropshire and baptised on 25 October 1885 in Little Drayton Parish Church, Shropshire.

Family: He was the fourth of five children born to Jabez Lloyd, a shoemaker, and his wife Prudence, nee Lawton. He married Clara Edge in 1907 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had one son, Frank, born in 1910.

Residence: In 1891 Frank`s family were living at Doublegates, Drayton in Hales, Market Drayton, Shropshire. Ten years later their address was Shrewsbury Road, Little Drayton. In 1911 and now married Frank had moved to 53 Edgerton Road, Whitchurch. This continued to be his home until his death in 1957.

Employment: In 1901 he was described as an errand boy, but ten years later he was a travelling draper. In 1939 his occupation had changed and he was tinsmith, making dairy equipment.

Died: In 1957 in The Cottage Hospital, Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 72, and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 2 January 1958.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers (previously Herefordshire Regiment)

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: 447121 (previously 3383 and 237020)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Frank was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Charles Lievesley

Personal Details

Born: 1 October 1883 in Malpas, Cheshire and baptised 17 October the same year at St. Oswald`s Parish Church, Malpas.

Family: He was the youngest of four children born to John Lievesley, a farmer, and his wife Martha, nee Green. He married Elizabeth Griffiths in 1906 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The couple had one son,Thomas, born in 1907. It appears that they had had another child by 1911 but sadly this child died.

Residence: At the time of his baptism and in 1891 the family were living at Ivy House Farm, Chidlow, near Malpas, Cheshire. Ten years later Charles was a carter at Kiln Green, Iscoyd, Flintshire. By 1911 Charles was married and his home was Brook Cottage, Bridgewater Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire. On the 1919 Absent Voters` List his address was given as 61 Green End, Whitchurch. He was still living in Green End in 1939, but at 57, remaining there until his death in 1958.

Employment: In 1891 his occupation was given as a carter and ten years later a carting contractor. In 1939 he was mixing cattle and poultry foods which was described as heavy work.

Died: In 1958 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 74, and buried in Whitchurch Cemetery 4 June the same year.

Isaiah Lea

Personal Details

Born: In 1872 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 6 April 1873 at St Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the son of Isaiah Lea, a greengrocer, and Elizabeth Humphreys. He married Annie Jones in 1905 in Whitchurch. On the Civil Registration of Marriage his name is recorded as Isaiah Humphreys Lea. The couple had four children, Annie, Elizabeth, William and Sydney. His wife already had a child, Violet, before her marriage to Isaiah.

Residence: In 1881 Isaiah`s family were living at 12 Yardington, Whitchurch. Ten years later their address was 4 Folly Lane, Whitchurch. By 1911 and now married, Isaiah and his family were living at 6 Railway Inn Yard, Station Road, Whitchurch. The address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` list was 2 Railway Inn Yard; this was where he was living at the time of his death in 1920.

Employment: He was a painter`s labourer in 1891 but by 1911 he was a bricklayer`s labourer. On his 1914 Attestation Record his occupation was recorded as a gardener.

Died: In 1920 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 46, and was buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 1 July the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 31974 (previously 11453)

Date of Enlistment: 31 August 1914

Date of Discharge: 9 February 1920

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other information: Isaiah enlisted 31 August 1914 but was discharged as no longer physically fit. However, he must have been reinstated as he continued to serve in the army in the UK until he was demobilised in 1920. He had previously served in The Shropshire Light Infantry, enlisting 5 August 1892 and serving for 12 years 8 months before joining the Reserves.

Medals and Awards

Not known

Hugh Brett Langford

Personal Details

Born: 29 December 1884 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 23 January 1885 at St Alkmund`s Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of six children born to Joseph Langford, a general labourer, and his wife Eliza. He married Fanny Laura Faulks in 1912 in Whitchurch. The couple had two children Sydney Hugh and Edna Sylvia.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at 38 Watergate Street, Whitchurch, but ten years later their address was 19 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. His home in 1919 was 7 Cambrian View, Whitchurch. By 1939 he, his wife and children were living at 40 Alkington Gardens, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was a clockmaker and in 1939 his occupation was described as a turret clock engineer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Service Number: A/2854

Date of Enlistment: 11 December 1915

Date of Discharge: 4 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Transferred to Reserve

Other Information:

His nephew, Bertie, served in the Royal Engineers during WW1.

Medals and Awards

Hugh was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Bertram Langford

Personal Details

Born: In 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 31 May the same year in St. Alkmund`s Church. He was known as Bertie.

Family: He was the son of Mary Jane Langford, but was brought up by Joseph and Eliza Langford as their son. There is a marriage recorded 1919 in Whitchurch, Shropshire for a Bertie Langford to Germaine Bourseaux, but no other record can be found for Germaine.

Residence: At the time of his baptism he was living in Watergate Street, Whitchurch. In 1901 and 1911 his family were living at 19 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. An address of 10 Cambrian View, Whitchurch was given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` List. At the time of his death in 1947 he was living at 56 Wayland Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was an errand boy.

Died: In 1947 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, aged 53, and was buried in Whitchurch Cemetery on 14 July the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Rank: Sapper

Service Number: WR/282473 (previously 257071)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information:

His uncle, Hugh Brett Langford, served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during WW1.

Medals and Awards

Bertie was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

George Gaughan

Personal Details

Born: In 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: George was one of ten children born to Patrick Gaughan, a pedlar, and his wife Elizabeth (Ellen) nee Hughes. He married Bertha Cox, Quarter 4 1910 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had three children – Leslie, Serena and Connie.

Residence: In 1891 his family were living at 8 Barlows Yard, Whitchurch but by 1901 they had moved to 33 Newtown Street. In 1911 and now married, he and his wife were stated as boarders at 22 Highgate, Whitchurch. The address given for him on the 1919 Absent Voters` list for Whitchurch was 14 Pepper Street, Whitchurch. His wife is shown as living at the same address when she died in 1938.

Employment: On the 1911 Census George was described as a labourer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 54596

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other information: George`s medals were returned, but the reason for this is not known. He had two brothers, Patrick and James, who also served and died in WW1.

Medals and Awards

George was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Stephen James Ralphs

Personal Details

Born: 23 July 1883 in Chorlton, Manchester, Lancashire.

Family: He was the fourth and youngest child of Samuel and Harriet Ralphs. No marriage can be located for Stephen.

Residence: In 1891 the family were living at 31 Lincroft Street, Hulme, Chorlton, Manchester. According to Stephen’s school records they were still at the same address the following year. By 1901 Stephen had left Manchester and was boarding with his cousin’s family at 128 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Ten years later he was still living with the Corfield family but the address had changed to 144 Wrexham Road. At the time of his death in 1935 he was living at Lostford Manor, Hodnet, Shropshire.

Employment: Stephen attended Ducie Technical School in Manchester and then worked as a bricklayer in Whitchurch until at least 1911. Both his father and his cousin were in the same trade.

Died: 4th August 1935 in the Cottage Hospital, Market Drayton, Shropshire.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (previously Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 34736 (previously 686140)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Stephen was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Harold James Philip Martin

Personal Details

Born: 22 June 1892 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the elder of two children born to Albert John Martin, a rate collector, and his wife Eleanor. He married Winifred Howarth in 1917 in Birkenhead, Cheshire and together they had three children – Christopher A, Stanley and William.

Residence: He lived at 180 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch up to 1919. From 1920 to 1932 he was living at The Tarvin Poor Law Institution, Broughton Heath, Chester, Cheshire. In 1939 he was living at West Park Hospital, 84 Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire (as the master of the hospital). His address at the time of his death was 55 Stocks Lane, Chester.

Employment: In 1911 he was a clerk; in 1939 he was Master of the West Park Hospital in Macclesfield.

Died: 16 November 1981 in Chester, aged 89 and was cremated on 19 November the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Army Pay Corps

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 16841

Date of Enlistment: 26 October 1917

Date of Discharge: 5 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: No longer fit to serve

Medals and Awards

Harold was awarded the Silver War Badge.

Silver War Badge

Joseph Henry Jones

Personal Details

Born: 3 August 1899 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eighth of ten children born to George Jones, a farm labourer, and his first wife Mary. Mary died in 1901 and George married again to Martha Oliver with whom he had two further children. Also living in the household were three children from Martha’s previous marriage. He married Edith M Hopley in 1921 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – George C, Frances M E and Vera W.

Residence: He lived at 8 Mill Cottages, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch until at least 1919. In 1939 he was living at Beckley Brook, Tarvin, Cheshire.

Employment: In 1939 he was a road labourer.

Died: In 1938 in Chester, aged 40.

Reginald Edwin Jones

Personal Details

Born: 4 July 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 29 July the same year at St. Alkmund’s Church Whitchurch.

Family: He was the youngest of three children born to William Edwin Jones, a painter and decorator, and his wife Elizabeth. He married Amy Picton in 1924 in Whitchurch. No children can be identified for the marriage.

Residence: He lived at 23 Green End, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings until at least 1919. The 1939 Register shows him living with his wife at 30 Watergate, Whitchurch.

Employment: He was a house painter and decorator.

Died: In 1986 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Robert C Jones

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (previously Leicester Regiment)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 48695 (previously 47491)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information:

Robert appears to have been too young to have served in WW1. We suspect he may have mis-stated his age, although no records survive to confirm this.

Medals and Awards

Robert was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Thomas Harold Ffoulkes Jones

Personal Details

Born: 10 July 1894 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 1 August the same year in St. Alkmund’s Church Whitchurch.

Family: He was the second of seven children born to Llewellyn Ffoulkes Jones, a plumber and gas fitter, and his wife Mary Ann Jones. Thomas did not marry.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 23 Watergate Street, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings; by 1911 they had moved to 1 Groom’s Yard, Watergate Street. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows him living at 10 Dodington and by 1939 he was living at 8 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a butcher; in 1939 a bricklayer.

Died: Not known

Lemuel Godfrey Ffoulkes Jones

Personal Details

Born: 10 November 1897 in Whitchurch, Shropshire, and known as Godfrey.

Family: He was the fourth of seven children born to Llewellyn Ffoulkes Jones, a plumber and gas fitter, and his wife Mary Ann Jones. He married Ann C Loftus and they had three children – William H, Mary A and Bernard T. The 1939 Register suggests they may had had a fourth child, but this cannot be confirmed from the civil records.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 23 Watergate Street, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings; by 1911 they had moved to 1 Groom’s Yard, Watergate Street. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register shows him living at 10 Dodington and by 1939 he was living at 19 Newtown, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was in service to a gentleman as a boot boy; in 1939 a general labourer.

Died: In 1943, aged 45, in Stafford, Staffordshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Welsh Regiment (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 285193 (previously 202772)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 27 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information:

Brother of Thomas Harold Ffoulkes Jones who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

William Jones

Personal Details

Born: 20 January 1886 in Wellington, Shropshire.

Family: He married Ellen Bates in 1906 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had five children – William Richard, Peter, Harriett E, Hilda and Mary J.

Residence: In 1911 he lived at 2 Venables Yard, Whitchurch, Shropshire; this was the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. In 1939 he lived at 8 Bark Hill, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1911 he was a general labourer; in 1939 he was described as a general dealer.

Died: In 1951 in Whitchurch and buried 5 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Machine Gun Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: 54590

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Walter Jones

Personal Details

Born: In 1896 in Tushingham, Cheshire, near Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the sixth of ten children born to George Jones, a farm labourer, and his first wife Mary. Mary died in 1901 and George married again to Martha Oliver with whom he had two further children. Also living in the household were three children from Martha’s previous marriage. Walter married Ellen Savage (nee Walsh) on 4 January 1919 in Lancaster, Lancashire; he had one step daughter from Ellen’s previous marriage – Mary Hilda Savage. No children for Walter’s marriage can be located.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 8 Mill Cottages, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings. In 1911 he was boarding in Tushingham, Cheshire. the address for him on the 1919 Absent Voters’ register was 8 Grindley Brook, Whitchurch. When Walter was discharged from the army, he lived at 26 William Street, Miles Platting, Manchester.

Employment: He was a farm labourer in 1911 and 1914.

Died: In 1957 in Whitchurch, aged 57.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 13631

Date of Enlistment: 11 September 1914

Date of Discharge: 3 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation

Other Information:

Ellen’s previous husband, James Savage, Lance Corporal 305590 Lancashire Fusiliers, lost his life in 1917 fighting in WW1. Walter is the brother of Joseph Henry Jones who also served in WW1. Walter suffered a bullet wound in his left hand in October 1918 and was hospitalised to Manchester.

Medals and Awards

Walter was awarded the Campaign Medals (1914/15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal)

Campaign Medals

Edward Jones

Personal Details

Born: 16 July 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Edward Jones, a grocer, and his wife Mary. He married Lilian M Taylor in 1926 in Whitchurch. We believe there were children born to the couple; there are six children surname Jones born to a mother maiden name Taylor registered in Whitchurch in the fifteen years after the marriage. The 1939 register suggests that at least one of these is a child of this marriage, but we cannot conclusively identify.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at 32 High Street, Whitchurch; in 1911 his address was Alkington Cottage, Whitchurch, the same address was recorded in 1919 for his pension. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register has his address as 1 Bridge Cottages, Alkington Road which we suspect is the same property.

Employment: He left school in 1913 and entered the grocery retail trade. In 1939 he was a railway officer.

Died: In 1969, aged 70, in Whitchurch.

Military Details

Regiment: The King’s Liverpool Regiment

Rank: Private

Service Number: 51378

Date of Enlistment: 12 July 1916

Date of Discharge: 16 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service

Other Information: He was a prisoner of war, captured 30 November 1917 at Epehy, France (The Somme).

Medals and Awards

Edward was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and the Silver War Badge (no B172894).

Campaign Medals

Silver War Badge

George Jones

Personal Details

Born: In 1875 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 26 August the same year in St. Alkmund’s parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of five children born to Robert Jones, a boilermaker, and his wife Sarah. He married Ada Eliza Croxon in 1902 in Whitchurch and together they had four children – Olive, Ethel Sarah, Frederick Thomas and George A.

Residence: At the time of George’s baptism the family were living in Newtown, Whitchurch. In 1881 and 1891 he lived in Green End, Whitchurch with his parents and siblings. In 1901 he was living with his brother, John, at 3 Deermoss Road, Whitchurch; in 1911 he lived with his wife and children at 24 Yardington, the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ Register. When he died his address was 26 Yardington.

Employment: He was an iron moulder in 1911.

Died: In 1929 in Whitchurch, aged 53 and was buried on 13 February the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Frederick Stanley Jones

Personal Details

Born: In 1900 in Bangor-on-Dee, Flintshire and known as Stanley throughout his life.

Family: He was the eldest of four children born to Robert Jones, a domestic gardener, and his wife Hannah. No marriage can be conclusively confirmed for Stanley.

Residence: In 1901 he lived in Belton Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire with his parents and siblings; by 1911 they had moved to 2 Brookland Cottages, Chester Road, Whitchurch which was his address in 1919.

Employment: Not known

Died: Not known

Solomon Morris

Personal Details

Born: 9 December 1886 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised on 19 January 1887 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the youngest of six children born to Henry and Eliza Jane Morris. He married Elizabeth A Wheeldon in 1915 in Whitchurch and together they had six children – Dorothy V, John S, Elizabeth E, Robert, Thomas and Alma.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Talbot Street, Whitchurch; by 1901 his mother had remarried (now Jones) and the family lived at 47 Talbot Street. In 1911 he lived at 44 Oddfellows Cottages, Smallbrook Road, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ register shows him living at 26 Smallbrook Road; by 1939 they had moved to 29 Newtown Road, Whitchurch. His address when he died was 4 Newtown Street, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was an iron moulder’s apprentice; in 1911 a coal porter and in 1939 a road construction concrete layer.

Died: In 1950 in Whitchurch, aged 63, and was buried on 25 January 1950 in Whitchurch cemetery.

William Henry Millington

Personal Details

Born: 27 March 1886 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised at St. Alkmund’s Church on 6 April the same year.

Family: He was the son of Betsy Millington and was brought up as the adopted son of Robert Zackery, a journeyman clogger, and his wife Anne. He married Dora B Warton in 1915 in Whitchurch and together they had three children – Dora E, Joan K and Joyce B.

Residence: His mother was living in Railway Inn Yard, Whitchurch when he was baptised. In 1901 he was living with the Zackery family at 2 Claypit Street Terrace, Whitchurch. In 1919 when he left the army he lived at 42 Egerton Street where he continued to live until the time of his death.

Employment: In 1901 he was an errand boy; in 1939 he was a fitter’s mate for a clock manufacturer.

Died: In 1958 at the Royal Salop Infirmary, Shrewsbury, Shropshire and was buried on 24 May the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously The King’s (Liverpool Regiment))

Rank: Private

Service Number: 47711 (previously 43681)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 23 November 1918

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

William was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Rev. Andrew Umphray Moffatt

Personal Details

Born: 26 August 1881 in Brunthill, Walls, Shetland Islands, Scotland.

Family: He was the eldest of two children born to John and Jane Moffatt. He also had a younger half sister. He married Barbara Agnes Bishop Calderhead in 1907 and together they had 2 children – Phyllis Scott Umphray and Joan. Barbara died 27 March 1919; he subsequently married Constance May Newbrook on 11 April 1923 in Castle Hill Methodist Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire. There were no children for this marriage.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Edinburgh St. Stephens, Midlothian, Scotland; in 1901 he was living at 64 Aglionby Street, Carlisle, Cumbria. In 1902 he moved to Armadale, West Lothian, Scotland as minister in charge of the Methodist Church and in 1905 he moved to Annan in Dumfriesshire. From 1908 to 1912 he served at the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Cecil Street, Carlisle. From 1912 to 1922 he was the minister at the Dodington Congregational Chapel in Whitchurch, Shropshire and lived at The Manse, 22 Dodington. In 1922 he took up a new appointment at Salisbury Park, Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales. At the time of his death he was living at 2 Carlton Villas, Wrexham.

Employment: He was ordained as a minister of the Congregational Church on 27 September 1904 in Annand, Scotland. He was a Temporary Chaplain to the Forces between 1916 and 1918.

Died: 28 May 1927 in Wrexham, aged 45, and was buried in Wrexham cemetery.

George Samuel Mellor

Personal Details

Born: In 1897 in Tushingham, Cheshire and known as Samuel.

Family: He was the fifth of six children born to William Mellor, a farm labourer, and his wife Annie. No marriage can be traced for Samuel.

Residence: In 1901 he lived at Willey Moor, Tushingham, Cheshire; in 1911 he was boarding at 5 Scotland Street with his father (now a widower) and brother Henry. This is the address shown on the 1919 Absent Voters’ register and his army pension card. When he died he was in the Salop Mental Hospital, Shelton, Shrewsbury.

Employment: Not known

Died: In 1938 at the Salop Mental Hospital and was buried on 6 December the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Middlesex Regiment (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/106715 (previously 24453)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: 12 December 1919

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was the brother of John Thomas Mellor and William Mellor who both died in WW1 and are commemorated on the Whitchurch Town memorial.

Medals and Awards

Samuel was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Rowland McIlwaine

Personal Details

Born: 9 November 1891 in Drumgavlin, Co Down, Ireland.

Family: He was the youngest of four children of John Alexander McIlwaine, a domestic servant, and his wife Marianne. It is possible that he had more siblings; we cannot tell as the Census records have been lost. He married Sophia Batho in 1915 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child – Bernard H.

Residence: In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings in Ferry Quarter, Strangford, Co Down. By 1911 he had moved to Whitchurch and was living with his brother Alexander at Hinton Bank Cottage, Whitchurch. In 1939 he lived at Dodington Lodge, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1939 he was a chauffeur/gardener.

Died: In 1986 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Military Details

Regiment: Labour Corps (previously Cheshire Regiment)

Rank: Corporal

Service Number: 34504 (previously 38932)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Rowland was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

John Thomas Matthews

Personal Details

Born: 11 August 1877 in Whitchurch, Shropshire. and baptised on 3 February 1878 in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the eldest of two children born to Henry George Matthews, a coal porter, and his wife Mary. The 1939 Register indicates that John was widowed, but we are unable to identify his wife and whether there were any children to the marriage.

Residence: His parents lived in Grindley Brook, Whitchurch when he was baptised; they continued to live there until at least 1881. In 1891 he lived at 25a Newtown Street, Whitchurch and in 1901 was boarding at 11 Newtown Street with his brother in law, moving to number 21 by 1911. In 1919 he lived at 13a Bark Hill, Whitchurch; in 1939 he lived at 1 Mossfield Cottages, Tilstock Road, Whitchurch where he was living when he died.

Employment: In 1901 he was an ostler; in 1911 he was a coachman and in 1939 an odd job labourer.

Died: In 1951 in Whitchurch, aged 74 and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 22 December the same year. (The death and burial records indicate he was born in 1874; the birth record and 1939 Register indicate he was born in 1877 – we can be sure these are records for the same man due to the address being the same)

Thomas Mannion

John Mannion

Thomas William Maddock

Personal Details

Born: 27 August 1882 in Maidstone, Kent. He was also known by the name Maddocks.

Family: He was the son of Thomas Butler Maddock, a publican, and his wife, Martha. He married Louisa Ballinger on 30 April 1908 in the Parish Church of Hardwicke, Gloucestershire and together they had two children – Dorothy Winifred Linda and William Wilfred Josiah.

Residence: In 1891 he lived in Moss Side, Manchester with his mother and aunt; in 1901 he was boarding at 3 Dodington, Whitchurch, Shropshire and in 1908 he lived at 4 Carlisle Street, Liverpool. In 1911 he lived, with his wife and daughter at 128 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch where he was still living in 1919. By 1939 he had moved to 124 Wrexham Road and at the time of his death in 1965 he lived at 3a Doddington, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1901 he was a general labourer; in 1911 he was an agent for Pearl Assurance Co. By 1939 he was a painter and decorator.

Died: In 1965 in Whitchurch and was buried on 9 March that year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps

Rank: Private

Service Number: RX4/232529

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

James William Hinchcliffe

Personal Details

Born: 29 September 1896 in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

Family: He married Selina Beatrice Bellis in 1928 in Whitchurch and together they had one child, Rosemary J.

Residence: In 1919 his address when discharged was 40 Station Road, Whitchurch. In 1939 he lived at 25 Park Road, Whitchurch which was his address when he died in 1972.

Employment: He was a clog maker.

Died: 20 November 1972 at Whitchurch Cottage Hospital and was buried on 24 November of the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 22437

Date of Enlistment: 18 November 1915

Date of Discharge: 3 April 1919

Reason for Discharge: Disability

Other Information: James had his left leg amputated below the knee.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Silver War Badge.

Silver War Badge

Alfred Arthur Hall

Personal Details

Born: In 1881

Family: He married Katherine M Walker in 1921 in Darlington, Durham and together they had two children – Margaret R and Patricia E.

Residence: The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register records his address as Deermoss House, Whitchurch; no other connection with Whitchurch can be found. His address is recorded on his medal index card as Rydal, West Crescent, Darlington; he was living at 4 Rydal Crescent Darlington in 1939.

Employment: Not known

Died: In 1953 in Darlington.

Military Details

Regiment: Army Cyclist Corps (previously Royal Army Medical Corps)

Rank: Private rising to Second Lieutenant

Service Number: 60405 (in RAMC)

Date of Enlistment: Prior to 23 December 1915

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was awarded his MC on 3 October 1919 for an act of gallantry which took place at the Ferme de la Salmange, Elesmes, north east of Maubeuge on 9 November 1918. He served in Egypt.

Medals and Awards

Alfred was awarded the Military Cross and Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Military Cross

Click on the tag below to see details of each recipient.

Campaign Medals

Vincent Moseley

Personal Details

Born: 26 August 1881 in Worcester, Worcestershire.

Family: He was the second of five children born to Vincent Moseley, a boot repairer, and his wife Anne. He also had four half siblings from his mother’s first marriage. He married Jennie Mitchell on 1 December 1909 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and together they had one child Margaret R. Jennie died in 1946 and he married Hilda May Brimal in 1949 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire; there were no children for this marriage.

Residence: In 1891 he lived at Charles Street, Worcester; by 1911 the family had moved to 35 Sansome Place, Worcester and in 1911, having married he lived at 62 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. He continued living there until he died.

Employment: He worked in the boot and shoe industry; in 1901 as an errand boy, in 1911 as a bootmaker and from 1917 as the manager of a boot business.

Died: 24 October 1951, aged 70, at Copthorne Hospital, Shrewsbury and was buried on 29 October the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force

Rank: Private

Service Number: 147921

Date of Enlistment: 9 July 1917

Date of Discharge: 4 February 1919

Reason for Discharge: No longer fit for service (defective vision)

Medals and Awards

Vincent was awarded the Silver War Badge.

Silver War Badge

Edward Cartwright

Personal Details

Born: 25 March 1887 in Hanmer, Flintshire, and baptised on 10 April the same year in Bronington Parish Church.

Family: He was the third of seven children born to Edward Cartwright, a farm labourer, and his wife Selina. He married Matilda Hill on 18 July 1914 in St. Mary’s Chapel, Brecon, Breconshire, Wales and together they had one child, Edward.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his parents and siblings at Wood Cottage, Bettisfield, Flintshire, Wales; in 1901 he was living at his place of work – Pigeon House, Halghton, Flintshire. Whilst he was in the armed forces, his wife was living at 7 John Street, Brecon. In 1939 he was living at 7 Brownlow Street, Oswestry, Shropshire.

Employment: In 1901 he was employed on a farm as a cow boy. Edward was an engine driver at Brecon & Radnor Asylum when he enlisted; he was a haulage contractor in 1939.

Died: In 1976 in Oswestry.

Military Details

Regiment: Royal Air Force (previously Royal Flying Corps and South Wales Borderers)

Rank: Not known (previously private)

Service Number: 406543 (previously 200195 and 1538)

Date of Enlistment: 3 June 1912

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Other Information: He was in the army prior to the outbreak of WW1; he served in India from 16 April 1917.

Medals and Awards

Edward was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals

Thomas Albert Higgins

Personal Details

Born: 4 May 1896 in Moreton Wood, Shropshire and baptised at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Calverhall, Shropshire on 25 June the same year.

Family: He was the fourth of nine children of Thomas Higgins, a farmer and milk seller, and his wife Alice Louisa, nee Faulkner. He married Emily Howell on 9 December 1933 at St. Thomas’s Church, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. We are unable to determine if there are any children for the marriage.

Residence: The family were living at Moreton Wood Farm, Prees, Wem, Shropshire in 1901; by 1911 they had moved to Brook House, Grindley Brook, Whitchurch. The 1919 Absent Voters’ Register records Thomas living at 29 Grindley Brook. Thomas emigrated to Australia some time between 1919 and 1933 and was living at 375 Pacific Highway, Sydney at the time of his marriage. In 1938 he was living at 529 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, North Sydney.

Employment: Before enlisting he helped on his father’s farm; his marriage certificate shows him as a greengrocer.

Died: Not known

Military Details

Regiment: Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), formerly King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: G/106697, formerly 24019)

Date of Enlistment: Not known

Date of Discharge: Not known

Reason for Discharge: Not known

Medals and Awards

Thomas was awarded the Campaign Medals (British War Medal, and Victory Medal).

Campaign Medals