Walter Emmott 1883-1916 age 32

Barnsley Chronicle 18th March 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born:1883 in Ford Hill, Ambler Thorn, Queensbury near Halifax Q1 

Son of: David Emmott (1854-1941, died age 87), and Hannah Emmott (1861-1933, died age 72). David was a stone quarry worker born in Rawden, near Leeds and Hannah was born in Halifax. Walter was their only child.

At the age of 18 years, Walter was an apprentice stone scrappler with his father in Ambler Thorn near Halifax. Ten years later he was a steam loco crane driver near Halifax, and in 1913 he listed his occupation as being Engineer on his marriage certificate. 

Husband of: Beatrice Emmott, nee Wyatt, born in Barnsley in 1890. The couple were married at St Edward's Church, Barnsley on 12th May 1913, both listing 34 Longcar Street as their address. Walter and Beatrice had one child, Lily, born in 1914 Q3.
After Walters' death, Beatrice married Henry Dryden at St Peter's Church in Barnsley on 27th April 1918. 

Military Service: At the time of his death Walter was a Private in the 1st battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) Service number 6223. He enlisted in Preston on 19th September 1914. 

Death: 3rd March 1916 in Belgium. Walter died from a bullet wound.  
Buried: Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery in Belgium in grave G.1.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Note 1: Articles about Walter appear in the Barnsley Independent and the Barnsley Chronicle. The Barnsley Independent on 18th March 1916 reported: 

The Toll of War

Longcar Soldiers Fall in Action

One a Reservist and Served in the Boer War

Pathetic Details

To the list of Barnsley heroes who have fallen on the field of battle have to be added the names of Private Walter Emmott of 34 Longcar street, Barnsley and Private Vernon Sanderson, whose parents reside at 119 Racecommon Road, Barnsley. The former fell 
in action on the 3rd inst. and the latter the following day.  

Private Emmott who was 32 years of age, married and one child, belonged to the 1st West Yorkshires. Prior to answering the call of his King and country, he worked on the pit top at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Platts Common. He was a Reservist, and served through the Boer war. Rejoining his regiment on the outbreak of the present war, Private Emmott has seen stern service at the Front, having taken part in most of the important engagements. He was amongst the early batches of troops sent to the Front and it was only about five months ago that he was granted a pass and came home on a short furlough. On that occasion Emmott had a most enthusiastic welcome home, and he was carried shoulder high by his friends. He died in action from a bullet wound. The deceased soldier was a son-in-law of Mr John Wyatt of 34 Longcar Street. 

Note 2: The Barnsley Chronicle on 18th March 1916 states that his home was at 42 Longcar Street where his wife and children reside. This is at odds with the Barnsley Independent article. Walter worked as an engine-man at the Platts Common Colliery and he was a member of the Fireman's Union and was also an enthusiastic member of the Rechabites Order. 

Note 3: The Rechabites Order was a Friendly Society that practiced abstinence from alcoholic beverages.

Note 4: The CWGC gives his age as 34, but family death notices state he was 32 years.   

Research by KingstoneHistory

Frank Myers 1889-1916 age 26

Barnsley Independent 18th March 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1889 in Barnsley Q4 

Son of: Walter and Annie Myers. Walter died in 1907 at the age of 47 and the family lived at a number of addresses: 10 Albion Terrace, Tune Street, Barnsley in 1891, 16 Longcar Street in 1901 and 1 Havelock Street at the time of Walter's death. They had 7 known children:

• Mary Agnes 1889 born in Sheffield
• Walter 1886, born in Sheffield
• Albert 1888 born in Barnsley
• Frank 1889-1916 WW1 death.
• Alice 1891-1892, died age 18 months
• Charles 1893 served with the 2nd Barnsley Battalion abroad. 
• Annie 1900 

Husband of: Florence Myers nee Osterfield. The couple married in 1910 in Barnsley and initially lived with Florence's parents at 108 Racecommon Road, later moving to number 120. They had 2 children: 

• Mary 1910
• Dorothy 1914

Frank's widow Florence later married William Chappell in 1919 Q3. 

Military Service: Frank was a 2nd Air Mechanic in the Kite Balloon Section of the Royal Flying Corps, previously of the 2nd/6th Black Watch Regiment, Service number 21275.   

Death: 12th March 1916 in Richmond Military Hospital from cerebro spinal fever. 
Buried: Barnsley Cemetery in plot ZA. 196.

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Notes: Articles about Frank appear in the Barnsley Independent and the Barnsley Chronicle. The Barnsley Chronicle on 18th March 1916 reports:

Barnsley Soldier Dies in Hospital

A Fatal Illness

The death occurred in Richmond Military Hospital on Sunday of 2nd Air Mechanic Corporal Frank Myers of the Kite Balloon Section, Royal Flying Corps, whose home was at 120 Racecommon Road, Barnsley where his widow and two daughters, aged 2 and 5 reside. The news, which was received by telegram on Sunday night, came as a great shock, for only the previous day a letter had been received from deceased in which he stated that he was in the best of health. The cause of death was cerebro spinal fever. The deceased soldier who was only 26 years of age enlisted in the 2nd 6th Black Watch about 14 months ago and he had been on training with them in Scotland until a few weeks ago, when he was sent to Larkhill Cap(sic) Salisbury Plain, and two or three days later was transferred to the Royal flying Corps. Prior to enlisting Corporal Myers worked as a slater. A brother of the deceased is serving abroad with the Barnsley battalion. The body was removed to Barnsley on Thursday  and the funeral takes place at the Cemetery on Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock. A letter of sympathy has been received from deceased commanding officer and wreaths have also been sent from the officers of his old company, and his former platoon comrades of the Black Watch. 

Note 2: The Barnsley Chronicle of 25th March 1916 also adds that wreaths were received from Shaw Hand Laundry, from members of the Slaters and Filers Society of which Cpl Myers was secretary, and from Holy-Rood Football Club. 

Note 3: The Barnsley Independent of 18th March 1916 also tells us that Frank was employed by Flemings, slaters of Eastgate, and was the Captain of the Holy-Rood football team. 
   
Research by KingstoneHistory

John Vallance (known as Jack) 1923-1945 age 21

Barnsley Chronicle 2nd June 1945
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1923 in Barnsley Q3 

Son of: Robert Harold Vallance (known as Harold) 1893-1969, died age 76, and Elizabeth Vallance nee Bennett. Harold served in World War One as a Driver with the Royal Engineers. His brother John Vallance was killed in the First World War and is named on St Edward's memorial plaque. Harold and Elizabeth married at St Edward's Church on 3rd April 1920 when Harold was a labourer living at 10 King Edward's Gardens, Barnsley. 

Barnsley Chronicle
4 Dec 1943

They had four children 

• John 1923
• Mary 1925
• Jean 1928
• Brenda 1930 

Military Service: Jack was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 626 Field Squadron, Service number 142878126. 

Death: 9th May 1945 in Italy 
Buried: Udine War cemetery, Italy in grave II.B.11.

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Further information from WW2talk.com here

Remembered: The Barnsley British Cooperative Society Memorial at Coop Funeralcare , Huddersfield Road, Barnsley, here. 

Notes: From the Barnsley Chronicle 2nd June 1945

Killed While Repairing Bridge

Tragic Death of Barnsley Sapper

The distressing news has reached Mr. and Mrs. H. Vallance of 21, Hawthorne Street, Barnsley that their 21 years old son Sapper Jack Vallance, R.E. was killed in Italy on May 9th, when a bridge at which Vallance and several comrades were working collapsed, killing nearly all their troop. A letter from Sppr. Vallance's officer, describing how the unfortunate incident occurred says: "It is with much regret that I must tell you of the grevious accident which has occurred, involving almost all the sappers in my troop. They were repairing a damaged bridge which was to be used to enable the 8th Army to enter Austria, when with no warning at all it collapsed, killing them instantly, except for two or three who managed to escape. 
We all consider that your son has died in action in the service of his country, just the same as if he had been killed in battle. 
He was buried with his comrades in N.E. Italy with a service which was attended by the officers and men of the Squadron." 
Sapper Vallance, an old St Mary's scholar, on leaving school worked for the late Mr Wilkinson, hairdresser of Dodworth Road, but previous to joining the Army in 1942, was employed by the B.B.C.S. in the flour department, Wellington street. He has been overseas since April 1943 and was formerly in the Co-op Co. H.G.


Research by KingstoneHistory

Geoffrey Oswald Hawke 1919-1941 age 21

Barnsley Chronicle 22nd February 1941
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: May 1919 in Barnsley

Son of: Charles Hawke, born in 1885 in Barnsley, and Florence Hawke nee Brittain. They were married on 16th November 1914 at Wombwell Parish Church. Charles was a master butcher and served in World War One in the Royal Army Service Corps, Service number 295219. 1915 Army records show that Charles lived with Florence at 53 Park Grove, Barnsley. They had 3 children:

• Marjorie 1915
• Geoffrey Oswald 1919 (a twin)
• Philip 1919 (a twin)

Geoffrey was unmarried and was a First Radio Officer in the Merchant Navy on the cargo ship SS Shrewsbury (London). The ship was attacked with gunfire from a German Heavy Cruiser, 300 miles S.E. of the Azores. 20 crew members were killed, including 18 of them in a lifeboat which received a direct hit by a shell. 19 crew members were rescued. 

Death: 12th February 1941 when his ship was sunk. Geoffrey has no known grave and is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial in London, panel 97.  
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here 

Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley and the Holgate Grammar School WW2 Memorial, link here 

Note 1: From the Barnsley Chronicle 22nd February 1941

On Lost Ship

Fears for Barnsley Radio Officer

Mr and Mrs Hawke, High Royd, Park Grove, Barnsley have received intimation that the ship on which their son, Geoffrey Oswald Hawke was radio officer has been sunk by enemy action. Some survivors have been landed but, unfortunately, their son is not among the list received. Apparently about 14 members of the crew have been landed and it is hoped there may yet be other survivors picked up by other vessels. 
Geoffrey Hawke, who was 21 last May, is the son of Mr Charles Hawke, butcher, Sheffield Road. He was educated at Barnsley Grammar School, where he and his twin brother Philip were successful in gaining their school certificates. In October 1935 Geoffrey entered the North Eastern School of Wireless Telegraphy, Bridlington, and after a year and eight months secured the Postmaster-General's First Class Wireless Officer's Certificate. Immediately on passing he was offered a post in the Marconi International Marine Wireless Service. He has since served on many ships and last year had a narrow escape in the Far East when his ship foundered after grounding on a reef.   

Note 2: Geoffrey's Probate record shows his address as 175 Park Grove, Barnsley, effects £458-4s-11d. 

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

Cyril Priestley 1914-1943 age 29

Barnsley Chronicle 1st January 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1914 in Barnsley Q2 

Son of: Joseph Priestley (1878-1937, died age 59) and Kathleen (Kate) Priestley nee Reeve (1879-1938, died age 59). They married at St George's Church in Barnsley on 21st August 1898. At the time of their marriage Joseph was 21 year old and lived at 20 Havelock Street, Barnsley. Kate's address was 5 Belmont Terrace, Barnsley.
The couple had at least 8 children

• Rachel Edna 1899
• Lawrence 1901
• Ethel 1907
• Hilda 1909
• Cyril 1914-1943, died age 29 WW2
• Harold 
• Norman 1917 Q2
• James H. 1920 Q2 

Husband of: Eva Priestley nee Mallinder. Their marriage was registered in the first quarter of 1938, and they had one child, Peter, born in 1940. 

Military Service: Cyril was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers 626 Field Squadron, Service number 2135921.

Death: 29th November 1943 in the Mediterranean area. 
Buried: Sangro River War Cemetery in Italy, grave reference XV.A.37.  Cyril was buried here on 9th May 1944 after being moved from elsewhere. 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Remembered: St Edward's Church WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley 

Notes: The Barnsley Chronicle of 1st January 1944 reported:

Barnsley Sapper Killed

Wife's Tragic Christmas Message

Pathetic circumstances attend the announcement of the death in action in the Central Mediterranean area of Sapper Cyril Priestley (29), R.E. whose wife lives at 20 Willow Street Barnsley, the official notification arriving at home on Christmas Day. Only two days previously Mrs Priestley received a letter from her husband written November 27th, two days before he was killed. 
Well known in the district, Sapper Priestley, who is the son of the late Mr and Mrs Priestley, joined the Forces three years ago and had been serving overseas with the Middle East Forces about 20 months. He took part in the first landing on Sicily, then going to Italy. Before joining up he was employed as a tailor at Foster Bros., and formerly attended St John's School. He was a member of St john's Church choir and played for Barnsley Boys football team. 
Sapper Priestley has two brothers serving, Driver Norman Priestley who has just returned home on leave from North Africa, and a younger brother, Harold , who is with the Forces in India. Two Brothers-in-law, John Padgett and Walter Mallinder are also in the Forces. 
A memorial service for Sapper Priestley will be held at St. John's Church on Sunday at 3.30 pm. All relatives and friends are invited. 

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

Harold Naylor 1925-1944 age 18

Barnsley Chronicle 22nd April 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1925 in Barnsley Q2

Son of: Charles Henry Naylor (1883-1959, died age 75) and Martha Jane Naylor, nee Wilson, previously Wiggins (1897-1977, died age 80). The couple married in St Edward's Church on 24th December 1921. It was the second marriage for both of them, both previous partners having died. They both lived in Dyson Street, Barnsley, Charles at number 19, and Martha at number 1. Charles had 2 children from his previous marriage, Wilfred born in 1905 and Evelyn born in 1908. The death column entry after their son Harold's death also refers to a brother called Fred. 

Harold was unmarried, and his family lived at 30 Cemetery Road, Barnsley at the time of his death. 

Military Service: Harold was a Wireless mechanic in the Royal Navy, service number D/MX 505600, serving on H.M.S. Penelope.  

Death: 18th February 1944, killed in action when H.M.S.Penelope was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. 

H.M.S. Penelope had been holed so many times by bomb fragments that she was nicknamed HMS Pepperpot. She took part in the assault on Anzio, Italy providing gunpower support in January 1944. She also assisted later on in the bombardment of the Formia area. On 18th February 1944 she was leaving Naples to return to the Anzio area when she was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine. A second torpedo caused her immediate sinking which resulted in the loss of 417 lives. 206 survived. 

Remembered: Harold has no known grave and is remembered on The Plymouth Naval Memorial on panel 91, column 1. He is also remembered on St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley  

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Notes:
From The Barnsley Chronicle of 22nd February 1944

Barnsley Naval Casualty

The news has just been received by Mr and Mrs Naylor, 30, Cemetery Road, Barnsley, that their son, Wireless Mechanic Harold Naylor (18) R.N. is reported missing presumed killed during February while serving on HMS Penelope which was sunk. 
W./M.Naylor who joined the Navy nearly a year ago had been overseas since January of this year. While on the Penelope he was in the same mess as another Barnsley sailor, A.B. A. Beevers, Barugh Green Road, Redbrook who was also reported missing presumed killed. Before the war W./M. Naylor was employed at the Electricity Works and attended Racecommon road School.  

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

John Hammond 1917-1945 age 27

Barnsley Chronicle 3rd March 1945
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1917 in Barnsley Q3

Son of: Harry Hammond (a coalminer born 1879, and died in 1938 age 58)  and Sarah Hammond nee McQuillan (1879-1964, died age 84).  Both were born in Worsbrough, and married on 26th May 1901 in Worsbrough. In 1911 they lived at 8 Pinder's Yard in Worsbro' Dale with the first 4 of their 8 children.  

Harry Hammond

• Wilfred 1902
• Gladys 1904-1971
• Edith 1906
• Geo Walter 1910
• Harry 1912-1949, died age 37
• Horace 1914
• Ethel 1916-1982, died age 66
• John 1917-1945, WW2 death age 27

Married: John was married but his wife's name is not known. At the time of John's death she lived at 23 Dawcroft Avenue, Worsbrough Bridge, Barnsley. 

Military Service: John was a Private in the Seaforth Highlanders, 7th Battalion, Service number 1439398.

Death: Killed in action on 12th February 1945

Buried: Rheinberg War Cemetery in Germany in grave 12. C. 3. John was initially buried elsewhere but was relocated to Rheinberg Cemetery on 27th June 1946.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley 

Notes: 
1. John's connection to Kingstone and St Edward's is probably via his sister Ethel who married Stanley Plant in 1937 and lived at Cutlers Avenue as mentioned in the newspaper article below. 

2. The Barnsley Chronicle of 3rd March 1945 contains an article about both John and his brother Harry with both photographs. 

Worsbro' Bridge Soldier 

Killed in Action

News has been received by his wife of 23 Dawcroft Avenue, Worsbro' Bridge, that Pte John Hammond, Seaforth Highlanders has been killed in action in North-West Europe. Pte Hammond has been in the Forces for six years, he joined up in 1939, served fourteen months in Iceland, and was evacuated from Dunkirk. After a period in England he went to North-West Europe during January of this year and was reported killed in February. Formerly a miner at Barrow - Barnsley Main Colliery, Pte Hammond has a brother-in-law in the Forces, Pte S. Plant, R.O.A.C. of 19 Cutlers Avenue, Barnsley. 

Home from S.E.A.C.

A brother of Pte J. Hammond, Cpl. Harry Hammond had just arrived home from South-East Asia. Cpl. Hammond has also seen long service in the Army joining in May 1939. He was attached to Black Watch and was later transferred to the C.M.P.  He served for a time with the Mediterranean Forces and helped to quell the revolt in Syria in 1943. He was wounded in this campaign. From Syria, Cpl Hammond was posted to India and later to Burma where he has served up to his homecoming this year. Before the war he worked with his brother at the Barrow-Barnsley Main colliery.  

3. S.E.A.C. is South East Asia Command.
4. C.M.P. is Corps of Military Police. 
5. R.O.A.C is Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

Joseph Benjamin Levi 1924-1945 age 20

Note the name on the St Edward's WW2 memorial incorrectly gives the name of John Levi. John was Joseph Benjamin Levi's brother and he survived the war.  The information below is about Joseph Benjamin Levi (known as Ben).

Joseph Benjamin Levi (known as Ben)
Barnsley Chronicle 20th May 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 17th May 1924 in Barnsley

Son of: Percy Levi (1898-1967, died age 69) and Rose Ann Levi nee Sheehan (1897-1968, died age 71). They married in 1919. Percy served with the York and Lancaster Regiment in France during WW1 and worked at Wharncliffe Woodmoor Colliery in 1918. The couple had 4 sons:

• John 1920-1987, died age 67.
• James (known as Jim) 1922-1995, died age 72.
• Joseph Benjamin 1924-1945, died WW2 age 20.
• George 1926-1988, died age 62.

Far left: Ben's brother, James Levi, Signalman for the Royal Corps of Signals. He celebrated his 21st Birthday on 5th September in Iraq. Photo from the Barnsley Chronicle 4th September 1943.

Left: Ben's brother, John Levi, Bombardier, celebrated his 25th birthday, February 23rd with the British Liberation Army. Photo from the Barnsley Chronicle 24th February 1945.



Ben was unmarried and prior to joining the Navy had worked as a Junior assistant in the Housing Department of Barnsley Corporation. He lived with his family at 2 Crompton Avenue, Barnsley
  
Military Service: Ben was a Coder in the Royal Navy, Service number P/JX 356920. He was killed on HMS Vervain which was torpedoed and sunk 25 nautical miles S.E. of Dungarvan, Ireland on 20th February 1945 with the loss of 60 crew members. 34 survivors were rescued by HMS Amethyst which later succeeded in sinking the U Boat.  

Death: 20th February 1945 when HMS Vervain was torpedoed. Ben has no known grave. 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley and Holy Rood Church, Barnsley, Book of Remembrance

Notes: Explanation as to why the name on the memorial should not be John Levi. 
The England and Wales Death Index 1916-2007 shows that the death of John Levi was registered in November 1987 at the age of 67 years. The death register gives his date of birth as 23rd February 1920. This date corresponds with the Barnsley Chronicle article of 24th February 1945 regarding John's 25th birthday. This is evidence therefore that John did not die in WW2.

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

William Ramsden 1913-1943 age 29

Barnsley Chronicle 15 May 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1913 in Barnsley Q3

Son of: Samuel and Margaret Ada Ramsden nee Hardman. They married in St Edward's Church on 24th March 1913, both giving their address as 6 Shaw Street, Barnsley. At the time of son William's death they lived at 18 Herbert Street, Barnsley. Samuel (1891-1981, died age 89) served with the Royal Engineers in France in World War One, and the couple had 7 children: 

• William 1913 died in WW2
• Muriel 1915
• Thomas 1919
• Walter 1921
• George 1926
• Betty 1928
• Jean M 1939

Husband of: Minnie Ramsden nee Thompson. William and Minnie married in 1936 and Minnie's address at the time of William's death was 7 Grafton Street, Barnsley. Minnie and William had 3 children:

• William 1936
• John D 1939
• Michael 1943  

Military Service: William was a Gunner in the Royal Artillery 56th Heavy Regiment, Service number 961321.  

Death: 21st April 1943 in Tunisia, North Africa.

Buried: Massicault War Cemetery in Tunisia, grave number III.K.9. William's body was moved here on 17th March 1944 from elsewhere. His grave bears the inscription:

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

I shall remember you

"Mizpah" 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here 
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley 

Notes: From The Barnsley Chronicle of 15th May 1943

Barnsley Gunner

Among the Fallen in North Africa

First by telegram and then confirmation by letter, Mrs Ramsden, 7, Grafton Street, Racecommon Road, Barnsley, has received word from the Records Office that her husband Gunner William Ramsden (29) R.A. is reported killed in action in North Africa. Gunner Ramsden voluntarily joined the Royal Artillery early in 1940 and went overseas in January of this year. Previous to his war service he worked for the Yorkshire Electric Power Co. and 
before that at Woolley Colliery. As a boy he attended Racecommon Road School. He leaves a wife and three children (boys) the eldest of whom is seven. 
Gunner Ramsden who is the son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Ramsden, 18 Herbert Street, Kingstone, was a member of the Barnsley National Reserve Club. His father served in the last war with the Royal Engineers in France and his father-in-law Mr George Thompson, 18 Della Avenue, Racecommon Road, is an old Army veteran who was in the South African War with the 2nd Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and in the last war with the 1st Batt. 5th York and Lancaster Regiment. He has the King and Queens medal with six bars for the first campaign and the 1914-15 Star, General Service medal and Victory medal for the European War.  

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church,Barnsley

Frank Worrall 1920-1943 age 22

Barnsley Chronicle 17th April 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1920 in Barnsley Q4

Son of: Robert and Zilpha Worrall nee Mellor. Zilpha (1894-1980, died age 86) was born in Silkstone. Robert (1892-1928, died age 34) lived in Agnes Pit Yard during the First World War and enlisted as a Driver with the Royal Engineers, service number 104596 before being discharged as being unfit for service. Robert and Zilpha married in 1916 and had 5 children:

• David R. 1917 
• John 1919 
• Frank 1920 
• Robert 1922 
• Peter William 1924-1993, died age 69

With thanks to Barnsley Archives. Barnsley Chronicle 2nd December 1944.
Mrs Z Worrall is justly proud of her four serving sons. Three are in the R.A.F. Cpl D.R. Worrall is stationed in Ceylon, Flight Sergt. J Worrall was in the Dunkirk evacuation: and Cpl R. Worrall. Gunner P. W. Worrall is in the Royal Artillery. Another son Sergt. F. Worrall R.A.F.V.R. was killed during April 1943. 

Military Service: Frank was a Navigator Sergeant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 9th squadron.  He was unmarried and at the time of death his home address was 121 Blenheim Road Barnsley. 

Death: 7th April 1943 at the age of 22 years. Cemetery records give his place of death as Milden Hall in Suffolk. 

Frank was killed on a training operation when the Lancaster III that he was in, crashed at 03.30 hours in the village of Kenny Hill. The cause of the accident was attributed to total engine failure. All 8 crew members were killed. The squadron was based at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk.

Buried: Barnsley Cemetery section P, grave 217. His gravestone bears the inscription: 

Treasured memories of Frank

Killed in an air accident

A dear son and brother

Always remembered

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley and on the Holgate Grammar School WW2 Memorial

Notes: The Barnsley Chronicle of 17th April 1943 tells us that Frank was one of four brothers serving in the R.A.F. He joined up two years before his death when he was on the clerical staff (finance department) at the headquarters of the Yorkshire Traction Company. Frank was an old boy of Barnsley Grammar School.

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

Arthur Tilson 1920-1944 age 23

Barnsley Chronicle 3rd April 1943
Thanks to Barnsley archives

Born: 4th April 1920 in Barnsley 

Son of: James and Lucy Tilson nee Raynes. They married at St Edward's Church on 27th November 1915. James Tilson (1882-1959, died age 76) was a crate maker in a glass works of 4 Grove Street, Barnsley. Lucy (1892-1971, died age 71) was the daughter of John Raynes of 112 Keresforth Hill Road, Barnsley. The couple lived at 21 Back Denton Row in 1915, later moving to 11 Keresforth Hill Road, Barnsley. They had 8 known children. 

• Gladys 1916
• Lily 1918
• Arthur 1920
• May 1921-1922, died age 9 months
• Marion 1922-1923, died age 8 months
• James 1924-1928, died age 3
• Joan 1927
• Frederick 1937

Arthur's father James served in WW1 and his left leg was amputated due to war wounds. Father James's brother Arthur died in Barnsley whilst on furlough from the Y & L Regiment in 1915 at the age of 25 years and it is most likely that the younger Arthur was named after his Uncle. 

The Barnsley Chronicle 3rd April 1943 tells us that Arthur was the nephew of Fred Tilson, the former well-known football player of Barnsley and Manchester City.

Military Service: Arthur was a Private in the Kings Own Light Infantry, 1st Battalion, Service number 4691273.  The Barnsley Chronicle on 3rd April 1943 tells us that Arthur celebrated his 23rd birthday in Persia and prior to this had served in France, Norway and India. 

Death: 23rd January 1944 at the age of 23.
Buried: Minturno War Cemetery in Lazio, Italy, grave number V1.K.2. Arthur's grave bears the inscription

Sleep on, beloved

Sleep and take thy rest

Goodnight

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley 

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, 

Ronald Steele 1923-1944 age 21

Barnsley Chronicle 11th November 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1923 in Barnsley Q4

Son of: Fred and Ada Steele nee Sutcliffe. They were married at St Edward's Church on 15th March 1920. Fred (1887-1946, died age 58) was a chemical worker of 13 Harvey 
Street, Barnsley, and Ada 1890-1962, died age 72) lived at 30 Harvey Street. The couple lived all their married life at 30 Harvey Street, Barnsley and had 6 children:

• William 1920
• Alice 1922
• Ronald 1923
• Irene 1926
• Fred 1927
• Margaret 1929-1931, died age 2 years. 

  

  William Steele

Ronald's brother Bdr. William Steele was serving in South East Asia at the time of Ronald's death, having been there over 3 years. William worked at Woods Glass works, was a member of the Boys Club and was an old Agnes Road scholar.

Ronald was employed at the Metalic and Wharncliffe Woodmoor Brick Works and was an old Central scholar.    

Military Service: Ronald was a Private in the Durham Light Infantry, 16th Battalion, Service number 4699867. The Barnsley Chronicle 11th November 1944 tells us that he joined the Army in June 1942, went to North Africa in January 1943 and was wounded prior to our troops entering Tunis. He was later drafted to Italy and after a spell of fighting spent a well earned leave in the Middle East, visiting Cairo. He then returned to the fighting line in Italy. 

Death: Died of wounds on 20th October 1944 in Italy. Ronald received shrapnel wounds in the head and right arm and was in hospital 5 weeks before his death.

Buried: Bari war Cemetery, Puglia, Italy, grave number XI. A. 5.
Ronald's grave bears the following inscription

We cannot Lord

Thy purpose see

But all is well

That's done by Thee

R.I.P.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley 

Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley

Edwin Sellers 1916-1944 age 28

Barnsley Chronicle 1st July 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1916 in Barnsley Q2. 

Son of: Edwin Bygate Sellers (born in Rotherham 1891-1954, died age 63 in Carleton near Skipton) and Mabel Sellers nee Bennett (1892-1949 died age 59) They married in Barnsley in 1912 Q2 when Edwin Snr. was a colliery bywork man working underground at Rob Royd Colliery.

Husband of: Florence Ivy Isobel Sellers nee Hipkins (known as Ivy). Edwin and Ivy married in 1939 in Lambeth Registration district, London Q4 and had one daughter Elizabeth, born in Islington Registration District in 1944 Q1. 

Military Service: Edwin was a Lance Corporal in the Coldstream Guards, Service number 2655807.

Death: 18th June 1944 at Wellington Barracks, London. 

At 11.20 am on 18 June 1944 a V1 flying bomb hit the Guards Chapel, part of Wellington Barracks, on Birdcage Walk SW1, not far from Buckingham Palace. The church was packed with Guardsmen, their families and friends at a Parade service. The bomb exploded as it crashed through the roof, demolishing the chapel and caused large loss of life. 121 soldiers were killed and 141 other seriously injured.  The Band of the Coldstream Guards was playing that day and five musicians were killed and their Director of Music. Edwin was amongst them. Details can be found here.

Buried: Barnsley Cemetery Plot E, Grave 56. Whilst his home address on the cemetery record at the time of death is listed as 11 Claycliffe Terrace, Cranbrook Street, Barnsley, this would appear to be his parents address.  His grave bears the words

"May his reward 
Be as great 
As his sacrifice" 

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Edward's WW2 Memorial plaque, Barnsley 

Note: The Barnsley Chronicle 1st July 1944 reported

Killed by enemy action

Barnsley Coldstream Guards Musician.

The funeral was at Barnsley of Lance Corporal Edwin Sellers (28) musician in the Coldstream Guards who was killed recently in London as result of enemy action. Lance 
Corpl Sellers was the son of Mr and Mrs E.B. Sellers, 11 Claycliffe Terrace, Cranbrook Street, Barnsley, and with his parents and his wife , 18 Chesterfield Road, West Finchley, London and their families, the deepest sympathy is felt in their tragic loss. Joining the Army at 16 soon after leaving Longcar Central School his instrument in the Coldstream Guards Band was the horn and he had the reputation of being a musician of outstanding ability. He had played with the band in all parts of Great Britain and abroad as solo horn and had figured in many of the famous London orchestras and with B.B.C. broadcasting combinations. Only the day before his death he was taking part in a broadcast. He was the winner of a London Trinity College Scholarship and had been awarded the King's Coronation Medal for his musical attainments. His brother Ellis, serving with the Royal Corps of Signals was in the evacuation from Dunkirk. 
He leaves a wife and one child. 
Before interment at Barnsley Cemetery, the coffin having been brought North, a service was conducted in St Edward's Church by the Rev. J Winston (vicar), assisted by the Rev. H. Griffiths (curate). The choir were in attendance, Mr W. Diggle being the organist. Among the floral tributes were wreaths from the Brigade of Guards and Coldstream Guards musicians. 


Research by James Corbett and Gill Brookes of St Edward's Church, Barnsley