John Prince 1896-1916, age 19

Barnsley Chronicle 24th June 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born:1896 in Barnsley Q3 

Son of: John Starkey Prince and Elizabeth Ann Prince nee Simmons. John Starkey Prince (1859-1928, died age 69) was a druggist's assistant and he married Elizabeth (1858-1934, died age 76) at St George's Church, Barnsley on 22nd January 1886.The couple had six children but only four were alive in 1911

• Harriet 1886-1889, died age 2 years and 9 months.
• Arthur Charles, a teacher, born in 1888.
• Harry, a bookbinder, born in 1890. Harry served in the York and Lancaster Regiment 14th Battalion (the second Barnsley Pals).
• Weston, a joiner, born in 1892. Weston was also in the York and Lancaster Regiment and was wounded severely in France by a gunshot wound to his left arm in 1916. In 1918 he suffered from deafness and earache. 
• Dorris 1894-1896, died age 25 months.
• John 1896-1916, killed in action age 19. 

Military Service: John was a Private in the 2nd Barnsley Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 14/1112. He was the youngest of four brothers who all served their country in WW1. 

John was unmarried and at the age of 14 years was working as an ironmonger. At the time of joining the army he worked for Messrs. M. Lowrance & Son, ironmongers of Peel Square in Barnsley. He lived with his parents at 79 Shaw Lane, Barnsley. Prior to this, the family lived at 25 Waterloo Road, Barnsley and 67 Shaw Lane, Barnsley. 

Death: 30th May 1916, Ypres, killed in action.  
Buried: Essex Farm Cemetery, Ypres in grave II.M.5.

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

Research by KingstoneHistory

Walter Carroll 1915-1942, age 27

Barnsley Chronicle 6th February 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 24th March 1915 in Barnsley.

Son of: Patrick Joseph Carroll (known as Joseph) and Mary Ann Carroll nee Townend. Joseph (1880-1940, died age 59) was a glass bottle worker who married Mary Ann on 12th November 1904. Joseph served in the Meditteranean during WW1, contracting Malaria during his time there. He died at Hound Hill Road although his home address was 13 Beckett Street, Barnsley. Mary Ann (1881-1944, died age 63) was born in Darton and lived at 139 Doncaster Road at the time of her death. The couple had three children:

• Doris Mary 1905.
• Charles 1907-1934, died age 26.
• Walter 1915.

Husband of: Margaret E. Carroll nee Richardson. Margaret and Walter married in 1939 and had one child Margaret A. Carroll, born in 1940 who was two years old when Walter died.   

Military Service: Walter was a Lance Bombardier in the Royal Artillery, service number 4694697.

Death: 19th August 1942 in St Agnes, Cornwall, drowned while saving two children.  
Buried: St Agnes Cemetery in Plot A, grave 303 X.

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: Holy Rood Church, Barnsley, Book of Remembrance and Redfearn Bros Roll of Honour, Barnsley. 

Note: The Barnsley Chronicle on 6th February 1943 reported:

Soldier Husband's Bravery Recognised

Carnegie Fund Award to Barnsley Widow

The gallantry of Lance-Bombardier Walter Carroll R.A. (27) of Blenheim Road, Barnsley who lost his life after saving the lives of two children from drowning at St. Agnes, Cornwall in August last year, and left a wife and one child aged two, has been recognised by the Carnegie Hero Fund, who have awarded to the widow a memorial certificate and a supplementary allowance. 
The circumstances as related in these columns at the time, were that on August 19th last a number of people were bathing in the sea. Four soldiers, including Lce-Bombardier Carroll, heard a cry of help from a child, and they went to their rescue. Carroll saved two children who were in danger of drowning, one a boy of 11, and the other a girl of 13, bringing them to safety by placing them on a rock protruding from the sea. The children were then taken to the beach by other soldiers. 
What really happened afterwards, said Mrs Carroll, in giving this narrative, they did not know. It was believed the current swept Lance-Bombardier Carroll back again and when he was brought to the shore he was still alive. On the beach artificial respiration was applied for three hours, he was attended by a doctor, but all was of no avail. 
Lance-Bombardier Carroll was a well-known Barnsley man, formerly a scoutmaster at Holy Rood Catholic Church. He was a likeable young man, being popular with everyone who knew him. Before joining the Army, the K.O.Y.L.I. in June 1940, he had been employed at Redfearn's Glassworks about ten years, and at his death had been with the Royal Artillery about nine months. 

Research by KingstoneHistory

Edmund Strawbridge 1871-1916, age 44

Barnsley Independent 15 April 1916
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1871 at Kingstone Place, Barnsley Q3

Son of: George Strawbridge, born at Ingbirchworth about 1831, and died in 1892 age 61, and Elizabeth Strawbridge nee Lees (1832-1885, died aged 54). They married at St Mary's Church in Barnsley on 19th August 1855. At the time of their deaths they both lived at 8 Sykes Street, Barnsley. George and Elizabeth had 10 known children

• James 1857-1932, age 74
• Joseph 1859
• George 1860
• Hannah 1862
• Harry 1864-1869, died age 5.
• Arthur 1867-1869, died age 2
• Frances 1868
• Elizabeth Ann 1869
• Edmund 1871
• Alfred 1876-1877, died age 13 months. 

Husband of: Harriet Strawbridge nee Harris, born in Lofthouse about 1872 and died in 1955, age 83. The couple married in 1904 in the Sheffield Registration area and had 3 known children: 

• Elizabeth 1906
• George 1907
• Harold 1911 

Military Service: Edmund was a Private in the 3rd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, service number 3911. He had served in the army since 1891. 

Death: 5th April 1916 at Hammerton House Hospital, Sunderland. 
Buried: Barnsley Cemetery in grave E.668. His family grave bears the inscription "Loved in Life, Remembered in Death"
Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Notes: On 15th April 1916 The Barnsley Independent reported:

The Last Post

A Boer War Hero

Impressive Funeral

Private Edmund Strawbridge, whose home was at 32 Blenheim Road, Barnsley was buried with military honours at the Barnsley Cemetery on Saturday afternoon last. His death occurred under sad circumstances. Forty-four years of age, he was a time-expired soldier before the war commenced. During twelve years service in the Army he was for a time stationed in India, and later served right through the Boer War. He was then on the Reserve for nine years, and within a few days of the present war commencing he again enlisted, joining the 3rd York and Lancaster Regiment, and has since been on home service. A few weeks ago he was taken ill and died on April 5th from an internal complaint in a Sunderland hospital. Deceased, who was born at Kingstone Place, worked at the Kendal Green Colliery prior to his re-enlistment, and leaves a widow and a family of seven, the eldest of whom is at present serving at the Front. A party of soldiers from Silkstone Camp attended the funeral, and at the graveside three volleys were fired and the Last Post sounded. The military authorities offered to send a band, but this was not desired by the family. Amongst the floral
tokens were wreaths from the neighbours, deceased being held in great respect. 

Research by KingstoneHistory

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