Ironbridge Gorge Community Archive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 World War One

    Adams J                                 Hurdley J.

Armstrong J.                          Jarvis

                                           Aston F.                                Moore A.

     Baugh W.                              Nickless T.

 Beddoe W.J.                          Oakley W

     Bradley G.                          Onions W

Branford F.                           Owen B.

Brazier W.E.                          Owen F.

 Brickley G.                            Owen W.E.

   Broadhurst G.                          Pearce H.     

Burton H.                             Pearce A.

Burton R.                             Pugh G.H.

Davies C.                            Rickards C.

Davies H.                            Rickers H.

Davis R.                               Rogers T.

Dodd J.                                Sands A.

Doodson C.                         Smallman H.

Dorricotte E.                        Smallman J.C.

Drewball F.                          Speake A.

Edwards W.                          Speake H.

Farlow W.                            Speake P.

Farlow E.                             Steventon J.

Hall E.                                 Ward W.H.

Hanley H.                            Watson R.

Hanley W.                           Welch H.

Harris E.                             Wilkes A.F

Hurdley G.

 

 

 

Shrewsbury Chronicle 25th January 1924.

The War memorial has been erected in the market square this week.  It is a bronze life-size figure of a soldier in mourning attitude on a pedestal of Cornish granite 8ft. high.  It is fenced with Iron pillars and an ornamental chain.

Two bronze tablets are erected one bearing the inscription:

In grateful and undying memory of the valiant men of Ironbridge, who laid down their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.  We thank God for every remembrance of you.

The other bronze tablet bears the names of the fallen (43)

                            (in fact there are 53 names)

The cost, including the foundation, fixing and fencing is estimated at £800, towards which sum about £700 has been subscribed.

The unveiling service for the memorial was held in St. Lukes Church, Ironbridge on 2nd March 1924.  It was unveiled by Col. A.N.B. Garrett.

The sculptor for the memorial was, Mr. Arthur G. Walker.

The monument was moved to the other side of the road, to provide a bus bay, this upset many local people.  Local folk lore says:

  ” In the square he was looking towards the railway station to see his pals returning”.

           ”He was looking towards his beloved river Severn”.

 

 

 

We have collected quite a lot of photographs and information on each individual soldier. Due to copyright requirements we cannot publish on this web site all our photographs from the local newspapers. Please contact us if you require information or photographs on a particular man.  We will be adding information to this site over the next few months. If any one should notice a mistake in our information, we would be happy to hear from you.

 

Adams J.

 62269 – Private John William Adams was born circa 1900, the only son of Adam and Ada Adams, Ropers Hill, Ironbridge.

He enlisted in the 2^nd Battalion The West Yorkshire Regiment, and had only been in the army a few months when he was sent overseas.  John was mortally wounded shortly after arriving in France.  He died of wounds received on 25^th April 1918, age 18.

 John is buried in Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, France.

 

 62269 PRIVATE

J W ADAMS

WEST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT

25th APRIL 1918

ONE OF GODS BEST

 

Photograph by kind permision of Wendy and Paul

 

 

Armstrong J.

S/11748 – Private John Armstrong was born circa 1894, the son of Henry and Alice Armstrong

 John Armstrong was a member of Ironbridge Church Choir before he went to live with his sister at Harwick.  He had secured an apprenticeship in a Hosiery Mill there.  He enlisted in the 5^th (sic) Battalion the Cameron Highlanders on the outbreak of the war.

John was killed in action at Loos, on 25^th September 1915, age 21.  He is remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.  Ref.  Panel 119-124.

 

 

 

Aston F.                            

 97752 – Gunner Francis Arthur Aston was  the son of Mr and Mrs George Aston 61, Wesley Road, Ironbridge.

 Francis was the husband of Minnie Constance Aston. Two addresses have been uncovered for Minnie. 33, Workhouse Road, Broseley, and 41, High Street, Broseley.

Francis was employed by Messrs Smith + Son, Grocers of Ironbridge, before he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, becoming a Gunner.

He was killed in action in France on 15^th July 1917, age 34.  Francis is buried in Coxyde, Military Cemetery, Belgium. Ref. I. H. 39

 

Baugh W.

26094 – Private William Baugh was the son of Mr. and Mrs W. Baugh, The Lodge, Ironbridge.  There was a baptism in Coalbrookdale Church on the 5^th June 1898 for a William Baugh born on 11th May 1898 to William and Eliza Baugh. William seniors occupation was given as painter, residing in Coalbrookdale.

 Before joining the 6^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, William worked at the Severn foundry, Coalbrookdale.  William died of wounds, when he was shot by a sniper whilst a member of a Lewis-gun team, on the 18^th August 1917.

 He is buried at Dozingham Military Cemetery, Westulteren, Belgium. Ref.IV.B.10

 

Brazier W.E. 

203588 – Private William Edward Brazier was the son of Alfred and Mary Catherine Brazier, 28 High Street Ironbridge

William Brazier enlisted in the 4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He was reported as missing, but it was later confirmed that he had died of wounds received on 31^st May 1918 age 26.

 A cross in his memory was presented to St. Lukes Church by Mr + Mrs Cooper on 29^th October 1922.

Mrs Cooper was probably William’s sister, further research is required.

 William is buried in Terlin Cthun, British Cemetery, Wimille,France.

 

 Beddoe W.J.

223044 – Able Seaman William James Beddoe was born circa 1887 to William and Sarah Beddoe, Wellington Terrace, Haygate Road, Wellington.  William James joined the Royal Navy and was lost at sea when H.M.S. Pincher was wrecked on Seven Stones, on 24^th July 1918, age 31.

 William married, to who and when is not known.  After his death his wife remarried.  She became Mrs. Maud Ellen Gamble, (formerly Beddoe) 13, Marlborough Row, Portsea, Portsmouth.

 He is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.  Ref.  29.

 

Branford F.

 21324 – Private Frederick Branford was born circa 1887, the son of John and Ann Branford.

Frederick Branford was the husband of Mrs. M. Branford, of Aston, Birmingham, (formerly of Madeley Road Ironbridge.)  He was a regular soldier in the 1^st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was a dispatch rider during the war.  He was killed in action, in Flanders on 18^th April 1917.

  Frederick is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. Ref.  Bay 3.

 

George Bradeley.

 200321 Private George Bradeley/Bradley was the son of William and Fanny Bradeley, Jackfield.

George Bradeley joined the 1/4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in action on the Somme 19^th April 1918, age 23.

He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial.  Ref 112-113

 

 Tyne Cot Memorial September 2009

 

Brickley G.

 327085/ also 30624 – Driver George Brickley was the son of Samuel and Mary Brickley.

George was formerly employed as a baker by Mr Woodhouse.  He enlisted in The Royal Field Artillery and saw a great deal of action in the Dardanelles and in the Serbian retreat.  He came through these conflicts relatively unscathed.  However he caught influenza which was raging around the world in 1918, this then turned to pneumonia.  He died on 17^th November 1918, age 25.  A Military funeral took place at home and he was buried in St Michaels Church yard.

 

 

 

 Broadhurst G

24806 private George Broadhurst, Grenadier Guards , was the son of Mr and Mrs George Broadhurst , Grange Cottage, John Street, Castlefields, Shrewsbury. He was born in Congleton, Cheshire, but enlisted in Shrewsbury and was killed in action 28^th September 1916, age 24. George served on the Police Force in Ironbridge.  He is buried in Grove Town Cemetery, Meault, France Ref. Grave I.K. 13.

 This information was supplied by Philip Morris

 

H Burton and R Burton.

 Harry and Reginald Burton were the sons of Mr. E. Burton, Station Hotel Ironbridge.

 A search made in the 1901 Census found Harry Burton age 21,  a Private, born in Leeds, was living at Strensall Barracks, York.

 45259 – Private Harry Burton was a soldier in the Royal Defence Corps.  He died in the Military Hospital, Oswestry on 4^th July 1917.

 Harry is buried in Broseley Cemetery, Shropshire.  Ref. N.C.737.

 

 

30399 – Private Reginald Burton ( formerly 204539 Middlesex reg). enlisted in the 1^st Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancashire Regiment and was killed in Flanders on 12^th October 1917, age 35.

He was awarded the Victory and British medals.

He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.   Panel 18-19.

 

 

 Tyne Cot September 2009

 

Davies C

8996 – Private Cecil George Davies/Davis was born on the 5^th November 1888 to Enoch and Mary Anne Davis, High Street, Ironbridge.  His name is spelt Davies on the War memorial and in the 1901 Census, but in the Parish records of Ironbridge it is spelt Davis.

Cecil Davies joined the 2^nd Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in 1908.  He served for four years in India, and had seen action in all the engagements in which his battalion was involved.

He was killed in action at Hill 60, Ypres on the 25^thApril 1915, age 27.  Cecil is commemorated on the Ypres, Menin Gate Memorial – Panel 47+49

 

 Menin Gate September 2009

 

Davies H.

136712 – Private Harry Davies was the son of Mrs. Davies of Ironbridge and the husband of Mrs E.M. Davies, 54, Plane Street, Oldham.

Henry Davies was born 20^th May 1911 and baptized in Ironbridge Church.  His parents were Henry and Edith Mary Davies, 52 Belmont terrace, Ironbridge.

Harry enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment (formerly 53519) then was transferred to the labour Corps.  He died of wounds in Worcester Hospital on 6^th March 1919, age 39.  Harry is buried in St Michaels Church yard, Madeley.  Ref. North East extension.

 The grave could not be found in September 2007.

 

Davis R.

Information regarding this soldier will be added later.

 

Dodd J.

4027517 Private John Dodd was the son of Joseph and Annie Dodd, 21 Waterloo Street, Ironbridge. He enlisted in Ironbridge in the 1^st Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, and died in India 28^th July 1921.  He is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India Face 7.

This information was supplied by Philip Morris.

 

Doodson C

This soldier cannot be identified at this stage.

 

 

Dorricott E.

An E Dorricotte can not be traced at this time, however there is a C Dorricott commemorated in the Wrekin Roll of Honour and Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

52042 – Private Charles Dorricott was the son of Mr E. Dorricott, 20, Newbridge Road, Ironbridge. He joined the 4^thBattalion North Staffordshire Regiment, and was killed in France on 14^th/15^thOctober 1918. He was born and lived in Ironbridge.

                Charles Dorricott is buried in Dadizele New British Cemetery. Ref. V1.C.21

 

Drewball F.

 31983 – Private Frederick Drewball was the husband of Mrs Lucy Drewball, 36, Newbridge Road, Ironbridge.

Frederick Drewball enlisted in the 7^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in France on 14^th November 1918.  He is buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France.  Ref. Plot 5 grave 27.

 

31983 PRIVATE

F DREWBALL 

KINGS SHROPSHIRE L.L

14th NOVEMBER 1918

 

HE NOBLY ANSWERED

HIS COUNTRY’S CALL

FONDLEY REMEMBERED BY

LOVING WIFE & CHILDREN

Photograph by permision of Wendy and Paul

 

Edwards W.

 23735 – Private William Henry Edwards was the son of Thomas and Hannah Edwards, 49 Newbridge Road, Ironbridge.  William enlisted in 7^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, and was killed in action at the battle of Ancre, on the Somme, on 13^th November 1916, age 44.

William was reported as missing in the Wellington Journal; his body was found and identified later.   He is buried in Serre Road Cemetery. Ref. 1.F.41

 

Farlow E. and W

 William + James E. Farlow were the sons of John and Ursula Farlow, 3, Waterloo Street, Ironbridge.

 8995 – Private William Farlow joined the 5^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He was the husband of Mrs Lily Taplin (formerly Farlow) Eriviat Lodge, Denbigh.  Having served for seven years in India and three in France,   William was killed on 21^st October 1917, age 29.     He is buried in Hooge Crater Cemetery.  Ref. V11.D.17

 

 

 

12077 – Private James E. Farlow enlisted in 1^st Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He was captured and was held prisoner in Casselle Camp, Germany.  He died there on 10^th July 1918 as a P.O.W.   He is buried in Neiderwhren Cemetery. Ref. V111 D9

          

 

William E. Hall.

 27760 – Private Edward William Hall was born in 1891, the son of George and Mary Ann Hall. 

 Before he joined the Hereford Regiment (4996) on the 8^th March 1915, Edward worked as a moulder in the Coalbrookdale Works. He joined the Ironbridge district league, and was considered one of the best bowlers in the league.  He transferred to the Border Regiment and had only been in France 6 weeks when he was killed in action on the Somme 18^th November 1916. 

The medal rolls record William was awarded the Victory and British medals. The rolls also show William was in the:

Hereford Reg.  4496.   -   K.S.L.I.    20492.   -    Border Reg.     27760

William is buried at Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. Ref.  1V C5

 

 

Hanley H and W.

Harry + William Hanley were the sons of Albert and Unice Hanley, Severn Bank Ironbridge.

11593 Harry Hanley was born circa 1888, he joined the 5^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  Harry was wounded at the battle of Loos in 1915, and also suffered from the effects of gas poisoning.  He was brought back to England and spent 12 months in Brighton Hospital.  He was discharged from the army through poor health and died at the home of his brother- in-law Mr. H. Dodd on 1^st December 1921.  A full Military funeral was held, and then he was buried at Madeley Churchyard, age 34.  (His sister Elizabeth married Henry Dodd in 1901).

In September 2007 the grave could not be found.

 

32793 – Private William Hanley was born in 1886, in Ironbridge.  His parents were Albert and Unice Hanley.

A marriage took place at Ironbridge Church, between William Hanley age 22 and Louie Boden, on the 4^th July1908.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         joined William joined the 6^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in action at the battle of Menin Road, on 20^th September 1917.  He is buried at Cement House Cemetery, Belgium.  1.V.F.9

 

Harris E.

 19266 – Private Edwin Harris was the son of George Edward Harris, 56, Church Hill, Ironbridge.

Edwin was employed by Mr. W. Bishop of Posenhall before he joined the king’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action at Hill 70, Cambrai on 12^th October 1917, age 26.

The medal rolls show Edwin was awarded the Victory, British and 15 Star, and entered the Asiatic theatre of war on 20^th May 1915.

He is buried in Loos British Cemetery. XX A 13.

 

Hurdley G  and J.A.

George and John Arthur Hurdley were the sons of Thomas and Elizabeth Hurdley, 3, Chapel Road, Ironbridge. 

10036 – Lance-corporal George Hurdley, 3 Chapel Road, Ironbridge, joined the 1^st Battalion the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, two years before the outbreak of war. He was serving in Tipperary when hostilities began, but was soon sent to the front. He was shot in the arm and stomach whilst in action at Ypres, Salient and died on 31^st January 1915. 

 He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 8.

 

 19947 – Private John Arthur Hurdley was employed as a barman in Bilston before he enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He transferred to The Labour Corp, and became number 222440.  John enlisted in 1915, and had taken part in the Dardanelles operation.  He returned to France, where he suffered injuries due to a bomb blast.  He died on 24^th  March 1918, age 21. 

John is commemorated on the Poziers Memorial, Panel 94.

 

 

Jarvis W

 This soldier has not been identified at this moment.

 

Moore A.

5300-Cpl. Arthur Moore was born in Benthall the son of Edward and Martha Moore and the husband of Beatrice Lillian Moore, Bournville, 94 Hurcott road, Kidderminster. He joined the 10th Royal Warwickshire Reg. and he was killed in action on 8th June 1916, age 29.

Arthur has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Panel 8

 

 

 

Menin Gate September 2009

The above information was supplied by Philip Morris.

Nickless T.

K/14764 – Stoker first class Thomas William Nickless was baptized at Coalbrookdale Church on 23^rd March 1893, the son of Samuel and Anna Nickless.  The couple’s two daughters were also baptized at Coalbrookdale: Mary Ann born 23^rd April 1895 and Harriet 4^th December 1898.

Before Thomas enlisted he worked for the Coalbrookdale Company.  He became a stoker in the Royal Navy, and had served for 4 years before he was killed on board H.M.S. Acasterat the battle of Jutland, 31^st May 1916, age 24.

Although the ship was not sunk, Thomas was one of six people killed on board.

He is commemorated in Aberdeen Cemetery (Trinity).  Ref. Screen Wall F. 3 555 (CMP)

 

William Onions.

11602 Corporal William Onions was born circa 1888, the son of Isaac and Ann Onions, Coalbrookdale. 

William was employed by the Coalbrookdale Company, and was a member of the Hodge Bower Bowling Club.  He enlisted in the first month of the war joining the 5th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, and was sent to France in May 1915.   He was wounded in August 1915, and after spending 5 weeks in Hospital at Yarmouth, he was given 5 days leave. He went home to spend his leave with his family in Coalbrookdale.  In the October he returned to France, and was promoted to Corporal.

William was killed in action on 8/9 April 1917, age 29.  He is buried in Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-Les-Mofflaine, Pas de Calais, France.

 

Owen B.

More information will be added on this soldier later.

 

Owen F.

15556 – Private Frank Owen was born circa 1893, to William and Mary Owen.

Frank enlisted in 7^th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment in Longton where he was living.  He was killed in Gallipoli on 8^th August 1915, age 22.

His wife was Elizabeth Owen, 34, John Street, Longton, Stoke on Trent.  Frank is buried in 7^th Field Ambulance Cemetery, Turkey. Ref. SP Men A 50.

 

Owen W. E.

46631 – Private William Edward Owen was born on 21^st January 1899, and baptised at Ironbridge on 26^th February 1899.

His parents Francis Henry and Ellen Jane Owen also had 5 more children baptised there, whilst they were living on Ropers Hill:  William’s parents moved to 154, Crompton road, Birmingham, the date unknown.  William stayed in Ironbridge, living with his grandmother.

He attended the Blue School, Ironbridge, and was a member of the Ironbridge Church Choir for 6 years.  He was employed at the Severn Foundry, Coalbrookdale, before he enlisted in the Ironbridge Company, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, in 1914, transferring to the Machine Gun Corps.

 William was sent to France in May 1916.  In October 1916 his heroic actions won him the Military Medal, on the next day he was wounded.  After recovering in hospital in France, he was sent back to England, as he was found to be under age. He was only 17 years old.

After a short spell at home he joined the 15^th Battalion the Durham Light Infantry, and was sent back to France.  At some point unknown he was promoted, to Lance-Sergeant.

William died on 24^th  August 1918, age 19.  William is buried in Regina Trench Cemetery,  Grandcourt.  Ref. V11 A 23.

 

This poem is written and dedicated to the fallen of Ironbridge by Gwylym  Owen great nephew of William. He has also given permission for Williams medals to be shown.

 You went to War for us all

Liberty you did Honour

Humbled and Honoured are we

To have you as part of our History

You made your family extremely proud

I hope your looking down from your Cloud

I’ll sing your praises

I’ll sing them loud

Your Mother crying through her shroud

So young you were for your Ultimate sacrifice

So brave you were for us

Wearing your Medals as a sign of respect

Now is the time we do reflect

Remembering you for your Greatness

Rest in Heaven and God Bless.

 

Pearce A and H.

Hubert and Arthur Pearce were the sons of George and Ellen Pearce, 12, Hill Top, Madeley.

200233 – Private Arthur Pearce enlisted in the 1/4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in Cambrai on 19^th April 1918, age 24.

Arthur Pearce is buried in LA Clytte Military Cemetery.  Ref. V.C. 2 

 

200601 – Private Hubert Pearce joined the 4^th Reserve – Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He died of gas inhalation on 6^th September 1920, age 24, and is buried in Broseley Cemetery, Shropshire.

 

 

Pugh G.H.

 200932 – Private George Henry Pugh was born circa 1895, the son of Thomas and Esther Pugh, 36 Wesley Road, Ironbridge.

George joined the 1/4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in 1914.  After service in China he returned with the Territorials to France.

George H. Pugh was killed in action, at the battle of Bapaume 25^th March 1918, age 23.  He is buried in Walencourt British Cemetery. Ref 1V  B36.  

 

Rickards C

More research is needed to establish the family of this soldier.

 

Rickers H.

 42927 Private Harry Rickers was employed as a baker, by Mr. Bagley, Beaumont Road, Ironbridge, before he enlisted in the Queens Royal Surry Regiment . He died from the effects of gas poisoning, on 17^th August 1921, age 33.  A Military funeral was held for Harry, before he was buried at St Michaels, Cemetery, Madeley.

A search in September 2007 for the grave of Harry was unsuccessful.

 

Rogers T.

12207 – Private Thomas Rogers was born circa 1886, the son of John and Elizabeth Rogers, Ironbridge.

Thomas enlisted in the 6^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in action on the Somme, on 30^th June 1916, age 30.  Thomas is buried in Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery, Belgium.

 

Sands A.

349508 – Gunner Allen Sands was the youngest son of Richard anand Sarah Ann, (nee Mayer) Sands, Market Drayton, Shropshire.

Allen joined the Royal Navy on 1st April 1913.  He had been employed as a potters help, before enlisting.  His service record shows: Very good character, and satisfactory ability.  He progressed from Boy second class to first class, to ordinary seaman, to able seaman.

On 16^th January 1916, his 18^th birthday, he signed on for a further 12 years.

On 2^nd May 1914 he was posted to HMS Camarvon, a Devonport based cruiser of 10, 850 tons.  In August 1914 she was based in Cape Verde and that month captured a German merchant ship.  She moved to Montevideo in October 1914 and on the 8^thDecember 1914 she was involved in the Battle of the Falkland Islands, for which she was awarded Battle Honours.  Ten British sailors died in this battle, but no British ships were seriously damaged.  The German cruisers Scharnhorst, Gneisanau, Nurnberg and Leipzig were sunk and 2,200 German sailors were killed or drowned.  In February 1916 she was damaged when she ran aground on an uncharted shoal near the Albrothos Rocks and after repairs in Rio de Janeiro she was assigned to the North America station operating between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Bermuda.

Allen’s record concludes with the remark “Run Montréal, 26^th October 1916″.

He then enlisted as James Gilbert in the Canadian over-seas Expeditionary Force, on 24^th November 1916, at Kingston, Ontario.  His address was given as Sullivan Construction Co. Montreal, Que.  He gave his trade as that of a labourer, born in Liverpool, England.  His next of kin was given as George Gilbert, Liverpool, England.  This was subsequently struck through and replaced in the manuscript with the name and address of one of Allen Sands sisters. George Gilbert was the name of Allen’s brother-in-law. The date of birth is given as 16^th January 1897

Allen/James’s death is given as 29^th October 1917, age 19.  

Information regarding Allen from John Sands.

 

Smallman J.C and H.

John and Henry Smallmanwere the sons of John and Elizabeth Smallman, Shinglers Bank, Ironbridge.

16756 – Private John Charles Smallman married Sarah A. Lewis in the January quarter of 1915.  He joined the 18^th Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers, and died of wounds received in France, in Brighton Hospital, on 21^st November 1918, age 28.

John is buried in Madeley Church Yard.   With the church on your right, walk along the path to the boundary, take a left turn and a few yards down the path the grave is situated.  In Sept. 2007, the stone was laid on its back, with a corner broken off. It has been reported to the C.W.G.C.

 

 

 

 

A new stone has been erected April 2010.

 

 

 

115256 – Private Henry Smallman, joined the Hereford Regiment (formerly 239210) he transferred to 34 Battalion Machine Gun Corps (infantry).  He was killed in action in France on 26^th March 1918, age 21. At the time of their sons deaths John + Elizabeth lived at 25, Belmont Road, Ironbridge.

                       Henry is remembered on the Poziers Memorial panel. 90-9

 

 

 

Speake A. and P and H.

Alfred, Percy and Harry Speake were the sons of Thomas Speake of 15, Lincoln Hill, Ironbridge.

9226 – Private Alfred Speake was the second son of Thomas Speake, born circa 1889.  He enlisted in the 2^nd Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He served 4 years in India, and was then sent with his regiment to France.  They then moved to Ypres, in January 1915.  Whilst fighting in the trenches he was shot, and died a few hours later, on 2^nd March 1915.   His brothers Percy and Harry, who were in action nearby assisted in his burial.

Alfred is buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Ref. A28.

 

4036 – Corporal Percy Speake was born circa 1893, the fourth son of Thomas Speake 15, Lincolnhill, Ironbridge. 

Percy worked for the Coalbrookdale Company, before he left The Dale to work and live in Birmingham. He joined the 9^thBattalion the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in Birmingham, soon after the outbreak of the war.

He was killed in Mesopotamia on 19^th April 1916, age 23.  Percy is remembered on the Basra memorial, Iraq.

 

Speake H.

No trace can be found of Harry at this time.

 

Steventon J.

 200640 – Lance Sergeant John Steventon was the son of John and Sarah Steventon, Bath Tavern, Ironbridge.

John Steventon was a member of the Ironbridge football club.  He played at centre forward for them, before he enlisted in the Ironbridge Territorials andwent with them to India. He was then sent to France, and had been in the army for 3 ½ years before he was killed in action at the Battle of Bigney, on 30^th May 1918, age 26.

                           John Steventon is buried in Chambecy British Cemetery, France. Ref. V.E.1

 

Ward W. H.

2211 – Acting Sergeant William Henry Ward was born circa 1887, the son of William and Mary Ann Ward, New Road, Madeley.

William Henry age 21 married Eva Elizabeth Whittingham also 21, on 19^thApril 1908, at Ironbridge Church.  Eva’s father was George Whittingham, a coal miner.  William lived at Lincoln Terrace at the time.

William and Eva had 4 children: Kathleen Emily was born on 11^th September 1908, when the family lived at Browns Row, Ironbridge.  Victor George was born on 27^th July 1910, when the family lived at 9, Bellview road.  Freda the next child was born 30^thSeptember 1912, at 17 St Lukes Road.  Their last child Ethel was born 3^rd July 1915, at 12 Hodgebower.  All the children were baptized at St Lukes Church, Ironbridge.

 William was employed by the Coalbrookdale Company before he enlisted in August 1914.  He was orderly for some time for Captain Hill and Lieutenant Addison.  He quickly gained promotion, eventually becoming Sergeant.  He died at Ramsey Hospital, The Isle of Man on 25^th October 1915, age 29.

 He is buried in Kirk Chris Lezayre, Holy Trinity Church Yard, the Isle of Man.   Ref. New Yard 714.

 

 

 Watson R.

9652 – Guardsman Robert Watson was born circa 1881, in Christ Church Luton.  The 1901 Census for 23, Duke Street, Luton records:

Amelia Watson 58 a widow, born in Herts.  Her 4 daughters and 3 sons, who were living with her, all born in Luton, were:  Ellen 18, Elizabeth 16, Charles E. 13, Amelia 11, Robert 10, William A. 7 and Lily M. age 5. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Robert married in 1905, in Luton, Mary Edge.  A daughter, Vera Mary Watson was born on 14^thSeptember 1906, at Upper Severn Terrace, Ironbridge, and baptized at Ironbridge Church.  Robert was employed at the Severn yard, Coalbrookdale, as a moulder.

He enlisted in King’s Company, 1^st Battalion, The Grenadier Guards. An army reservist, he had been in France for 10 months, when he was wounded in battle, on 29^th September 1915. 

Robert died as a result of those wounds on 12^th October 1915, age 34.

 He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Roven. Ref. A. – 12. 32.

 

Welch H.

9938 – Private Henry Welch was the son of Mr.T. Welch, Wesley Road, Ironbridge, and husband of Mrs. H. Welch, 15, Church Hill, Ironbridge.

Henry Welch joined B. Company 1^st Battalion the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, in 1911.  He later transferred to Kitcheners Army. 

He died in the U.K. from Pulmonary T.B. due to Gas poisoning, on 16^th September 1920.

 

Wilkes A.F

205477 – Private Arthur Ferriday Wilkes was born circa 1895, to Urbane (sic) and Jane E. Wilkes, Madeley Road, Ironbridge.

Arthur enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 200629) then was transferred to 15^th Battalion the Sherwood Foresters, Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment.  He died from wounds received in Etaples Hospital, France, in the presence of his mother on 23^rd May 1918, age 23.

Arthur was the brother of Mrs Keay, The Shubbery, Madeley Road, Ironbridge.

He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Ref. LXV D 21.

 

 

 

 205477 PRIVATE

ARTHUR FERRIDAY WILKES

NOTTS AND DERBY REGIMENT

23rd May 1918

 

IN JESUS KEEPING

 photograph by kind permision of Wendy and Paul