New WW1 headstones discovered

I visited Wombwell cemetery earlier today, to search for headstones commemorating WW1 soldiers.

Wombwell Cemetery

I was unable to find memorials to the two soldiers I was actually looking for (Robert Arthur Killingreay and Cooper Allen Robinson.) Both those headstones had either been removed or become grown over. I did however accidentally stumble across a memorial to Sergeant George Brough.

Kerbstone with an inscription to George Brough

George Brough enlisted in Liverpool and served with the Royal Horse and  Field Artillery. He died on 27th October 1918 and was interred at Tourgeville cemetery, France. A fortnight after his death, George's widow Edith Smart gave birth to a son, she named George.

Headstone comemorating J E Russell
Photo credit Pete Schofield of the BMWP

Earlier in the month Pete Schofield of the Barnsley War Memorial Project also visited the cemetery and found two headstones commemorating Wombwell soldiers Luke Barker and James Edward Russell.

Private Herbert Gelder - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In Affectionate Remembrance / Of / Elizabeth / The beloved wife of /
Albert Gelder, of New Wombwell / Who died December 10th 1889 /
Aged 29 years / Also Alfred son of the above / Who died April 24th 1889 /
Aged 5 months / Also Ethel daughter of / Albert and Mary Gelder /
Who died Sept. 5th 1896 / Aged 6 weeks / Also of Mary Gelder /
The beloved wife of the above / Who died July 17th 1912 / Aged 45 years /
Also the above named / Albert Gelder / Who died February 26th 1933 / Aged 66 years //
Also their son / Pte Herbert Gelder / 10th K.O.Y.L.I. killed in France / October 4th 1917 /
Aged 20 years. //

Headstone location:
U/C 3. 4363, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Herbert is not interred within this grave. 

Other memorials that commemorate Herbert Gelder include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Tyne Cot memorial, Panel 108 to 111, Belgium
Wesleyan Chapel memorial tablet, Park Street, Wombwell

Service details:
Private Herbert Gelder, 42268, 10th Bn. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)

Private Charles Exley - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In loving memory of / Andrew / The beloved husband of / Jane Elizabeth Exley /
Who died Dec. 19th 1929 / Aged 60 years / Also the above named / Jane Elizabeth Exley /
Who died / Nov. 2nd 1951 / Aged 80 years /
Also their beloved son Pte. Charles Exley Y&L Regt. / Who was killed in France May 31st 1917/ Aged 25 years / Hearts that loved them never forget. //

Headstone location:
U/C 6, 697C Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Charles is not interred within this grave. He is buried in
Plot I.Q.35. at Philosophe British Cemetery, France

Other memorials that commemorate Charles Exley include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Cortonwood war memorial, Brampton Bierlow, South Yorkshire

Private Charles Exley
Barnsley Chronicle July 21st 1917
Image with thanks to the Barnsley Archives

Service Details:
Private Charles Exley, 13/1404, 2nd Btn. York and Lancaster Regt.

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Grave  (France)

Grave of Private William Dennis

Inscription:
In loving memory / Of  / William, / The beloved son of / George & Emily Dennis /
Born October 16th 1887, / Died February 25th 1919, /
Also Emma their daughter, / Born March 10th 1893, / Died July 30th 1919 ./
Their name is ever dear. / Also the above named George Dennis, / Born May 13th 1859, /
Died May 17th 1928. / Also the above named / Emily Dennis, / Died Feb 26th 1951, / Aged 90 years. / Also Pte Harry Dennis / A.M,R Corps / Son of the above / Accidentally drowned in France, March 25th 1940 //

Grave location:
U/C 6, 1599 A, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that Remember William Dennis include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Service details:
Private William Dennis, 24657, 10th Bn., Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) formerly 3rd Bn.

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
FindaGrave.com - Grave
LFWW.org - Life Story

Grave of Private Thomas William Crowe

 

Inscription:
In loving memory of / Tom the beloved husband of Emily Crowe /
Who died May 24th 1931 Aged -- years. /
Also the aforenamed / Emily Crowe / Who died Dec 20th 1943, Aged 76 years //
Also Thomas Crowe son of the Aforenamed /
Who died Nov 3rd 1918, Aged 25 years. //

Grave location:
Con 8, 2001, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that Remember Thomas William Crowe include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Service details:
68760, Private T.W.Crowe, 5th Reserve Cavalry Regiment.

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
FindaGrave.com - Grave

Rifleman Ernest Crooks - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In / Loving memory / Of / Edwin / The beloved husband of / Harriet Crooks /
Of Wombwell / Who died March 30th 1913 / Aged 59 years / Also the above named /
Harriet Crooks / Who died February 21st 1922 / Aged 68 years /
Also Rifleman Ernest Crooks / Son of the above / Killed in action, with the 16th /
Kings Royal Rifles on April 13th / 1916, aged 22 years / Peace, Perfect Peace.//

Headstone location:
Con 11, 1254, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Ernest is not interred within this grave. He is buried in
Plot F.10 at Cambrin Military Cemetery, France

Other memorials that commemorate Ernest Crooks include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Church Lads Brigade Memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)

Private Jack Count - Family Headstone

Inscription:
In Loving Memory Of / Frank / The beloved husband / Fanny Count /
Who departed this life Nov.15th 1895 / Aged 45 years /
Also Pte.Jack Count, 13th Norhd. Fus. / Son of the above / Who died of wounds in France / June 18th 1917 / Aged 28 years / His resting place, a soldiers grave /
Also the above named / Fanny Count / Who died June 13th 1933, aged 37 years /
Rest in Peace / Also Colin, the beloved son of / Frank and Mary Count /
And the grandson of the above / Who died Dec. 24th 1918, aged 5 years /
Also Charlotte Count / Who died in infancy //

Headstone location:
Con 8, 1952, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Jack is not interred within this grave. He is buried in
Plot I. L. 26 at Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France

Other memorials that commemorate Jack Count include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Reform Club Memorial, Nu-well Center, Hough Lane, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
FindaGrave.com - Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)

Private Luke Barker - Family Headstone

Photo with thanks to Pete Schofield of the BWMP

Inscription:
In memory of / Luke the beloved husband of Jane Barker /
Died Sep.9th 1948 aged 80 years //
Also the aforenamed Jane Barker / Who died Feb. 3rd 1956 aged 82 years / "Re-united" //
Also of a dear son & brother Luke Barker / killed in France July 1st 1916 aged 18 years. //

Headstone location:
N/C 1, 5679, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Luke is not interred within this grave. His last known resting place is unknown.

Other memorials that commemorate Luke Barker include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Thiepval memorial, Pier & Face 14A & 14B, France

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
FindaGrave.com Headstone (U.K)
FindaGrave.com - Memorial (France)

LCpl Albert Edward Carr - Family Headstone

Inscription:
Mary Ann, / The Beloved wife of / John Carr, / Of Hemingfield, / Born November 12th 1863, /
Died January 12th 1903. / Also of Annie May, Walter Oswald, /
Doris and Lillian, Children of the above, / Who died in infancy. /
Also Albert Edward, / Son of the above who was killed /
In action at Ginchy, France, September 16th 1916, Aged 24 Years. /
Also John, the beloved husband of / Ellen Carr, / Who Passed away March 5th 1944 /
Aged 81 years / I know that my Redeemer liveth. //.

Headstone location:
Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.
Albert is not interred within this grave. His last known resting place is unknown.

Other memorials that commemorate Albert E Carr include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Thiepval memorial, Pier & Face 7D & 8D, France

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
FindaGrave.com (U.K)
FindaGrave.com (France)

Wombwell War Memorial Trail Article

The launch of the WW1 memorial trail made the front page of the Wombwell edition of this Friday's Barnsley Chronicle.

Barnsley Chronicle Septermber 18th  2015

The official opening took place at St. Mary's church last Friday 11th September. The event was attended, amongst others, by Micheal Wilkinson son of Wombwell veteran, George Wilkinson, Georges's story was featured in the exhibition & the teaching pack the Wombwell Heritage Group have created. Mr Wilkinson traveled all the way from Kings Lynn to be there for the launch and gave a heartfelt speech about his father.

Barnsley Chronicle September 18th 2015

The memorial trail is the brainchild of the Wombwell Heritage Group. who with the aid of lottery funding created not only the trail but a teaching pack and website.

Grave of Private John Bunniss

Inscription:
In loving memory / Pte John Bunniss The beloved husband of /
Maria Griffiths Bunniss, / Of Bolton-on-Dearne, / Who gave his life
for king and country, / Died February 3rd 1915, / Aged 40 years. /
Thy will be done. / Also the above named Maria Griffiths Bunniss /
Who died April 19th 1918  Aged 53 years. //

Grave location:
U/C 3, 4871, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that Remember John Bunniss include:
Bolton-on-Dearne war memorial - Bolton-upon-Dearne Cemetery, South Yorks.
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
Findagrave.org - Grave

Grave of Private George William Booth

Inscription:
49202 Private / G. W. Booth / East Lancashire Regiment /
14th May 1919 Age 33 / Worthy / Of everlasting rememberance / R.I.P. //

Grave location:
U/C 2, 2311, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that remember George William Booth include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
Findagrave.org - Grave

Grave of Private Richard Bishop

Inscription:
18489 Private / R. Bishop / K. O. Scottish Borderers /
20th September 1916 Age 44 / Greater love hath no man than this//

Grave location:
U/C 3, 4158, Wombwell Cemetery, South Yorkshire.

Memorials that Remember Richard Bishop include:
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell
Wesleyan Chapel Memorial Tablet, Park Street, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
Findagrave.org - Grave

Rifleman James Edward Russell Family Headstone

Photo credit: Pete Schofield of the BWMP

Inscription:
In / Loving Memory Of / Joseph / The beloved son of / Edward & Emily Russell /
Who died Oct. 15th 1824 / Aged 21 years /
Also Rifleman J.E. Russell / 16th Batt. K.R.R. who was killed /
In action in France June 27.1916 / Aged 20 years/
Also the above named / Edward Russell / Who died May 24th 1946 / Aged 82 years /
Also the above named / Emily Russell / Who died April 26th 1959 / Aged 93 years /
Forever in our thoughts.

Headstone location:
U/C 1, 5525, Wombwell Cemetery,South Yorkshire.
J. E Russell however is interred in
Plot G.12 at Cambrin Military Cemetery, France

Other memorials that commemorate J E Russell include:
Church Lads Brigade Memorial, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell
St. Mary's Church War Memorial, Park Street, Wombwell

Links:
CWGC.org - Casualty Details
LFWW - Life Story
Findagrave.org - Grave (France)
Findagrave - Headstone  (U.K)

Barnsley Chronicle article on Private Frank Pettitt

Barnsley Chronicle 4th September 2015

The articles from last Friday's Barnsley Chronicle about the death Penny which was found at Wallis Metals, Goldthorpe. Frank Pettitt was a soldier from Wombwell who was killed in action during WW1.

Barnsley Chronicle 4th September 2015

Last Friday the Chronicle ran another article on Frank Pettitt and his friends from Hawson Street who also died in WW1

Barnsley Chronicel Sept 11th 2015

Frank Pettitt's Death Penny

Another death penny has been saved from the scrap heap. This time belonging to a Wombwell soldier named Frank Pettitt. The penny was found by an employee at Wallis Metals, Goldthorpe, who realizing it's historical significance rescued it from it's immanent fate. It was taken into the office where it was spotted by my mum, who passed news of the find to me.

Frank Pettitt's death penny

I recognized the name on the plaque immediately. Although I offered to buy the death penny, the scrapyard owner wouldn't hear of it and donated it to me for the exhibition at St. Mary's Church (which took place this Friday & Saturday.) By Chance the Wombwell Heritage Group had already been researching men from Hawson Street for the display, which included Frank and his brother Henry.

Frank Pettitt from the Mexborough and Swinton Times.
Image with thanks to The Wombwell Heritage Group
and Barnsley Archives

Frank was killed in action on 12th October 1917 and is buried at Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) cemetery in Belgium. I will write a biography of Frank on a separate post in the near future.

WW1 Exhibition, St. Mary's Church, Wombwell

The Wombwell Heritage Group are holding an exhibition about WW1 at St. Mary's Church, Wombwell on Friday 11th September and Saturday 12th September from 10am - 4pm. The exhibition will feature men and women from Wombwell who served in the great war. It will also be a great opportunity to view the individual memorials within the church including a stain glass window to the fallen miners of Mitchell Main colliery.

The Wombwell Heritage group will also be launching their war memorial trail on Friday. The website is already available to view: wombwellmemorialtrail.co.uk.

Image from The Rabbit Patch

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Barnsley Chronicle Article on Captain Edward Cropper

There is an interesting article on Captain Edward Percival Cropper in this weeks edition of the Barnsley Chronicle. The information has been researched by local history group the Wombwell Heritage Group.

E P Cropper is remembered on the second brass tablet
in St. John the Baptist's Church, Penshurst, Kent.
Thanks to gravestonephoto.com for sending me this image.

Edward Percival Cropper was the son of Wombwell rector Rev James Cropper. Edward fell in action at Eterpigny near Peronne  on 25th March 1918.  He is remembered on a tablet in St. Mary's church Wombwell and also on one in St John the Baptist's Church, Penshurt, Kent.

Barnsley Chronicle July 31st 2015

Private Richard Bishop

Richard Bishop, his wife Ellen and their seven children.

Richard Bishop was one of eleven children born to Rebecca Guest and Richard Bishop of Tivdale, Staffordshire. He lived in Tivdale from his birth in 1875 until the age of six, when his parents decided to relocated to Wombwell, Yorkshire. Once he was old enough, Richard began working as a miner at one of the local collieries. At some point during the 1890s he met his future wife, Ellen Hancock, a domestic servant from Darfield. Ellen had recently returned home after spending time in service to a family of grocers in Halifax. By 1901 the couple were married and residing at 39 Gower St. Wombwell. By the time Richard went off to war the couple had seven children; Richard, Gertrude, Evelyn, Doris, Ernest, Leonard and Phyllis.

Richard enlisted in March 1916, joining the 2nd Battalion of the King's Own Scottish Borderers. He was one of several men from the Shipcroft area of Wombwell who joined the KOSBs. These men included his younger brother Albert J Bishop, his brother's lodger William Skidmore and neighbour Arthur Ferneyhough. The latter two would not survive the war. They were all members of the Wesleyan Chapel on Park Street and would later be commemorated on a memorial tablet within the chapel.

Wesleyan Chapel Memorial Tablet,
which commemorated Richard Bishop.

On 3rd September 1916 Richard was wounded in battle. He was making an advance with fellow soldier and Hemingfield man Lance Corporal Henry Hunt. Henry was gunned down first and Richard was injured shortly afterwards. While convalescing in Cardiff Richard wrote to Henry's widow from his hospital bed. In the letter Richard describes how Henry met his death only 10 minutes into the advance:

 "Your husband got killed in a charge we were making on a farm on a 500 yard front. I was only sorry our acquaintance was so short, as he was my section commander, and he was liked by everyone. He was a good soldier, and died a hero's death. The bullet hit him in the heart and he fell on my legs. I said, "Harry, have you been hit?" But he never spoke."

Barnsley Chronicle

October 7th 1916

Only ten minutes later Richard too was hit, All though he survived initially Richard died of his wounds on 20th September 1916 in Hospital at Cardiff.

Richard Bishop's grave in Wombwell cemetery

Richard was buried with full military honors in Wombwell cemetery.  He is also remembered on the war memorial beside St. Mary's Church.  Henry Hunt's body was never recovered and he is subsequently commemorated on the Thiepval  memorial, Wombwell war memorial and the Hemingfield war memorial in Jump cemetery.

To learn more about Richard Bishop or to add to his life story please visit his page on LivesoftheFirstWorldWar.org.

Signaller Harold Skinner

Photograph from De Ruvigny's Roll of Honor.

Harold Skinner was born in Wombwell on 10th April 1896. He lived there with his parent's John Green and Annice Skinner at 165 Barnsley Road. As a child Harold attended Barnsley Road Council School and was a member of the Church Lads' Brigade. After completing his education Harold went on to work at Cortonwood Colliery.

Memorial to the fallen miners of Cortonwood Colliery
at Bramptom Bierlow, South Yorkshire.

Harold enlisted at Sheffield on 16th November 1915 and began training at Seaford Camp, East Sussex. From July 1916 onward he served as a signaller and rifleman with the 2nd Battalion,  King's Royal Rifle Corp in France and Flanders. In March 1917, during action at Walincourt, Harold was hit by gun fire while transferring equipment from one dugout to another. It was later reported in the Barnsley Chronicle that he had had to have his right leg amputated below the knee. Despite this operation Harold's injuries were too severe. He succumbed to his wounds, dying on what would have been his 21st birthday in the base hospital at Carmiers. He was interred in Etaples Military Cemetery the following day.

The headstone in Wombwell cemetery which commemorates Harold Skinner.

Harold is remembered on the grave of his parents which is located in Wombwell Cemetery. He is also commemorated on several local cenotaphs including the memorial to the miners of Cortonwood Colliery who served in WW1 and on the St. Mary's Church War Memorial atWombwell.