Frank Thornhill Lawrence 1912-1944, age 32

Barnsley Chronicle 24th June 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1912 Q1 in Barnsley

Son of: William and Grace Lawrence nee Thornhill. William and Grace married in 1894.  William (1867-1943, died age 76) was a barman, and became an underground labourer in 1911 when the family moved from Wright's Terrace to a house with 3 rooms at Craick's Court, Old Mill, Barnsley. William was born in Kensington in London, and Grace (1875-1957, died age 82) was born in Birdwell.The couple had at least 7 children, and by 1911, one of them had died. 

• John Arthur 1895 Q3, born Birdwell
• Alfred 1897 Q3, born Barnsley
• Thomas William 1900 Q1, born Barnsley
• Lily Ann 1906 Q3, born Smithies, Barnsley
• Alice 1909 Q2 born Old Mill, Barnsley 
• Frank Thornhill 1912 Q1
• Albert 1916 Q3

Husband of: Doris Ellen Lawrence nee Linsley. Frank and Doris's marriage was registered in 1939 Q1, Barnsley.  

Military Service: Frank was a Private in the York and Lancaster Regiment, 9th Battalion, Service number 4756402.

Death: 31st May 1944 from malaria in Burma.   

Buried: Taukkyan War cemetery in Myanmar, Burma, grave reference II. F. 7. His grave bears the following inscription

"Treasured memories of my dear husband"

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Chronicle of 24th June 1944 reported

Barnsley Soldier dies from Malaria

News has been received by Mrs Lawrence, 3 Blenheim Avenue, Barnsley, that her husband Pte. Frank Thornhill Lawrence (32) died during May from malaria in the Indian theatre of war. Joining the Forces in 1940 after working as a case maker at the glass bottle works of Redfearn Bros., he had been overseas two years. He was the son of Mrs and the late Mr W. Lawrence, 3 Wharfe Street, Barnsley, and he leaves a wife but no children. 

John William Brown Greaves 1921-1943, age 21

Barnsley Chronicle 24th April 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1921 Q3 in Chester-Le-Street Registration District, Durham. 

Son of: John and Agnes Greaves of 20 Racecommon Road, Barnsley.

Military Service: William was a Lance Corporal in the 6th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, Service number 4748444.

Death: 21st March 1943 'by accident' in North Africa.

Buried: William is buried in Tabarka Ras Rajel War cemetery in Tunisia, Grave number 4, C, 20. He was originally buried on the road at Dbl. Abd, but was reburied at Ras Rji on 25th June 1943. His grave bears the inscription 

"Ever in my Memory" 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Chronicle on 24th April 1943 reported

Barnsley Soldiers Death in North Africa

Mr and Mrs J. W. Greaves of 20, Racecommon Road, Barnsley have received news of the death by accident in North Africa of their son Lce Cpl J. William B. Greaves (22) who was well known and popular, particularly in the Worsbro' Bridge area, where he had worked and lived. He attended Worsbro' Dale School and became a member of St James' Church Lads Brigade, Worsbro' Bridge. He worked at Barrow Collieries and was a Territorial, first with the Hallamshires and then the York and Lancasters. 

He went to North Africa in January this year and has a brother, sister and two brothers-in-law in the Forces. His father served in the R.A.S.C. practically throughout the last war, in which two of his brothers were killed. A memorial service for Lce-Cpl Greaves will be held in St James' Church, Worsbro' Bridge on Easter Sunday evening. 

A pathetic feature is that since the official information of death, the parents received a letter from their son, also a letter from the Corporal's brother-in-law, Signaller R. Jessop, who referred to his burial observing that "the place where he lies buried, marked with a cross, will always be remembered by me." "The day before," the letter continues, "we were discussing life after the war, settling down, and of the good times that will never be realised by him."  

Leonard Micklethwaite 1891-1916 age 25

Barnsley Chronicle 19th August 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1891 at Stainbro' Yorkshire Q2

Son of: Thomas and Elizabeth Mary Micklethwaite nee Davy whose marriage was registered in the first quarter of 1887. Thomas was born in 1856 in Horbury and died in 1910 at the age of 54 years. He was a tenter, looking after the air compressing engine in a colliery. Elizabeth Mary was born in 1863 at Culmstock, Devon, and died in 1946 at the age of 82. The couple had 7 children, all born in Stainbro'. 

• Horace 1887
• Wilfred 1889
• Leonard 1891
• Ernest 1892
• Andrew 1894
• Arthur 1896
• Ada 1897

In 1891 the family lived at Old Laith at Stainbro before moving to 35 Cope Street in Barnsley where they lived during the census years of 1901 and 1911. After Leonard's death, his widowed mother married Ernest Arthur Major in 1932. 

Military Service: Leonard was a Private in the Black Watch 6th Battalion, service number 266324.

Death: Killed in action on 30th July 1916 
Remembered: Leonard has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France, Pier and Face 10A. He is also remembered on the Buckley Street Chapel war memorial in Barnsley and was also named on the (now missing) Barnsley Swimming Club war memorial. His name is also inscribed on his parents' gravestone in Barnsley Cemetery. 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
IWM link: Lives of the First World War

Note 1: The Barnsley Chronicle 12 August 1916 reported:

When war broke out quite a number of Barnsley lads joined the Black Watch. One of their number - Private Leonard Micklethwaite, of the 6th - has been killed in action at the age of 25 years. Before joining the Army he lived with his widowed mother at 76 Blenheim Road, Barnsley and worked at Wharncliffe Woodmoor Colliery. At first news came that Private Micklethwaite was missing, but a few days later the graver information came to hand. The deceased was formerly an active member of the Barnsley Swimming Club and he won many trophies, he attended the Buckley Street Chapel. Deceasd has had two other brothers serving with the colours, one being discharged.  

John Clegg 1896-1916, age 20

Barnsley Chronicle 17th February 1917
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 20th February 1896 at Dodworth, Barnsley. 

Son of: James and Elizabeth Anne Clegg nee Waters. James was a miner and married Elizabeth at St John's Church in Barnsley on 15th July 1882.  Elizabeth, born in Barnsley in 1862, died at the age of 70 in 1933. The couple had 7 children by 1911, and all survived at this date. 

• Charles William 1883 
• Harry 1884
• Christiana 1892
• Annie
• Frank 1894
• John 1896-1916, WW1 death. 
• Alice 1902

The family lived at Silver Street in Dodworth in 1901, moving to 98 High Street Dodworth by 1911. John was a rope lad at the age of 15, working below ground, and later became an electrician at Rob Royd Colliery. 

Military Service: John was a Private in the 1st Royal Marine Light Infantry Battalion, service number CH/19403. He enlisted on 10th November 1914. 

Death: 13th November 1916 in France. He was wounded and missing and it was assumed that he died of wounds.  

Remembered: John has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial in France on Pier and Face 1A.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Note 1: The superb family website http://jackclegg.com gives more information about John's life (he was known as Jack) and his experiences from the letters he sent home. 

Note 2: The Barnsley Chronicle 27 January 1917 reported: 

A Missing Marine

News Anxiously Awaited of Barnsley Lad

Mrs Clegg, formerly of Barnsley who is now residing with her daughters at 43, Duke Street, Glossop, is anxiously awaiting news of her son, Private John Clegg, who enlisted at the age of 18 on November 9th 1914 in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and from whom she has not heard since November 9th last. Under date December 5th 1916, Mrs Clegg received official intimation that her son had been wounded on November 13th, but no mention of his whereabouts was made. Three weeks later she received another official communication which read "previously reported wounded, now posted as wounded and missing during an engagement on November 13th"
From leaving school up to a month previous to enlisting when he went to work at the Church Lane Colliery, Private Clegg worked at Rob Royd Colliery. After completing his training he went out to Gallipoli, going through all the fighting there, and afterwards being transferred to Egypt. For several weeks he was in hospital in Alexandria, suffering from dysentry. On recovering, Private Clegg went to France, and again took his place in the trenches. His elder brother Private C. W. Clegg is serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers and was reported wounded , but has recovered, and is now in the fighting line again. Up to  short time ago Mrs Clegg resided in Crompton Avenue, Racecommon Road, Barnsley, The missing hero as well known in the district, being attached to the Salem Young Men's Bible Class, a member of the Y.M.C.A. and a scholar at the Technical school, where for a long period he took lessons under Mr. D. Paton Grubb, and Mr Matthews. His mother was also identified with the Salem Church. His many friends are much concerned as to his safety, and would welcome any news of his whereabouts

Note 3: John's link to the Kingstone area is the Crompton Avenue address. 

George Galloway 1886-1916 age 30

Barnsley Chronicle 1st July 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1886 in Barnsley Q1

Son of: George and Mary Galloway of 245 Racecommon Road Barnsley. George snr (born in Worsbrough about 1846-1915, died age 70) was a coal miner in 1891, becoming a platelayer labourer by 1901. Mary was born in Barnsley about 1849 and died in 1924 at the age of 76 at  11 Crompton  Avenue,  Barnsley. George and Mary had 12 children but only 6 were alive in 1911. The known children are:

• Mary Ann 1867-1867, died age 8 days
• James born about 1871
• Mary Ellen 1873-1873 died age 3 months
• Charles 1875-1875 died age 3 weeks
• Lucy 1876
• Joseph 1878
• George Henry 1881-1882 died age 6 months
• Grace 1882
• George 1886-1916, died age 30 WW1
• Frank 1889-1956, died age 67.

Military Service: George was a Private in the York and Lancaster Regiment, 14th Battalion, service number 14/149. 

Death: 4th June 1916.

Remembered: George has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France on Pier and Face 14A and 14B. 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Independent on 24th June 1916 reported:

Fallen Barnsley Sons

Kingstone Sportsman Killed

The latest casualties for the Borough include the deaths in action of Private George Galloway of 245 Racecommon Road, another member of the 2nd Barnsley Battalion [...] Private Galloway was 30 years of age and single and worked as a glasshand at Messrs. Ryland's works. He was killed on the 4th inst by a shell when entering a German trench, death being instantaneous. Deceased was a well-known sportsman and a few years ago acted as trainer to the Longcar United Football Club, when that club competed in the Barnsley Association's competitions. His parents lived at kingstone Place for fifty years. [...]  

Josiah Whitaker 1893-1916, age 23

Barnsley Chronicle 9th September 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: Around 1893 in Batley, Yorkshire. His name was registered as Josiah Gill Whitaker, in Dewsbury Registration District in the first quarter of 1893. It is therefore possible that he was born at the end of 1892. 

Son of: Herbert Gill and Ada Whitaker, single woman. Ada was born in Batley in 1870 and was a woollen weaver in 1901. 

At the age of 8, Josiah lived with his mother at 22 North Parade in Batley. In 1911 he was a boarder, occupation coal miner, living with the Chappell family at Pye Avenue in Mapplewell, Barnsley, At the time of marriage both Emma and Josiah gave their address as 54 Heelis Street, Barnsley, and later moved to 30 Clarendon Street, Barnsley. 

Husband of: Emma Whitaker nee Slater. Emma and Josiah married at St John the Baptist Church, Barnsley on 29th April 1915. 

Military Service: Josiah was a Private in the 13th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 13/689. He enlisted on 26th September 1914.

Death: 1st July 1916.  

Remembered: Josiah has no known grave and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 14A and 14B. 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Note 1: The Barnsley Independent of 9th September 1916 reported:

Missing Longcar Soldier

Formerly of Mapplewell.

Private Josiah Whitaker of the local battalions, and who resided at 30 Clarendon Street, Barnsley is amongst those posted as missing since the big push commenced on 1st July. Twenty-three years of age , and married , he had resided at Longcar for about two years. He was also well-known and highly respected at Mapplewell, where he formerly lived and worked at the Woolley Colliery. 

Note 2: The Barnsley Chronicle of 9th September 1916 also adds that he enlisted on September 26th 1914, and was married but had no family.  

Charles Edwin Blacker 1913-1942, age 28

Barnsley Chronicle
With thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1913 in Barnsley Q4

Son of: Joseph Thomas Blacker and Lilian Blacker nee Burkinshaw, formerly Wootton. They married in Barnsley in 1904 Q3. It was the second marriage for both of them, having lost their previous partners at a very young age. Lily, born in 1875 in Darton, had 2 children from her previous marriage. Joseph (1869-1947, died age 78) was a miner, born in Darton. The couple had at least 9 children, and three of these were killed in WW2.

• Joseph H Wootton 1900 -1941, died in WW2 age 41.
• Mary Hannah Blacker 1900
• Harriet A Wootton 1902 
• Thomas Harold Wootton Blacker 1903-1990, died age 87
• Doris Blacker 1906
• Phyllis Evelyn Blacker 1908
• Rhoda Blacker 1910 
• Charles Edwin Blacker 1913-1942, died in WW2 age 28.
• Leslie Blacker 1916-1943, died age 27. Leslie was killed in WW2. He was a Corporal in Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) service number 2763258. 

Husband of: Dorothy Beatrice Blacker nee Mosley. Charles and Dorothy married in 1940.  

Military Service: Charles was a Steward in the Royal Navy, serving on H.M.S. Indomitable, service number P/LX 26507.

H.M.S.Indomitable played a vital role in relieving the Seige of Malta in Operation Pedestal which took place on 10th to 12th August 1942. Details of the Operation can be found *here* 
The Aircraft Carrier H.M.S. Indomitable was hit by a number of bombs on 12th August 1942 which resulted in 6 officers and 44 crew being killed. Charles was amongst them. 59 men were also injured.

Death: Charles was killed as a result of enemy action on 12th August 1942. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records his date of death as 14th August, but other sources record it as 12th August 1942. *here*

Remembered: Charles has no known grave but is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial panel 70, column 1. Charles and his brother Leslie are remembered on the Barnsley British Cooperative Society memorial tablet at Cooperative Funeralcare, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: *here*  

The Barnsley Chronicle reported:

Barnsley Steward's Death

On Active Service

The many friends of Steward Charles E. Blacker (29) 37, Bradbury Street, Barnsley who was a well known local runner and formerly a member of the Barnsley and District Harriers, will be sorry to learn of his death whilst on active service. Mrs Blacker received the news on Monday in a telegram and on Tuesday she received a letter confirming the telegram. The letter said that the ship in which he was serving was on convoy duty. "Please allow me to express on behalf of officers and men of the Royal Navy, the high traditions of which your husband helped to maintain, sincere sympathy with you in your sad bereavement," the letter reads. 
Steward Blacker has been in the Navy two years and was formerly employed at the B.B.C.S. Warehouse, Summer lane. He has also served on H.M.S. Furious and had been to Russia and Finland.