Littleborough and Wardle soldiers who fell during September 1916

Rifleman S L Yates

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Rifleman Harold Walker - 10th Bn Rifle Brigade

Harold was born in Littleborough in late summer/early autumn 1892 in 1901 was living with his family at 93 Summit.

His father Thomas was a Coal Hewer (miner).

By 1911 the family had moved to 104 Todmorden Road, Summit and Harold was a Bobbin Carrier and his father was now a Velvet Dyer Labourer.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale on 2 November 1914 he attended St James (Calderbrook) day and Sunday schools and was employed by the Littleborough Dyeing Company, Calderbrook.

Rifleman Walker went to the front on the 6 June 1915. On Sunday 13 August 1916 his parents at 96 Todmorden Road received a letter dated 7 August 1916 written by Rifleman Fred Whatmough of the Moorcock Inn, Blackstone Edge Road.

The letter contained unofficial information that their Littleborough born son, 22-year-old Rifleman S/5454 Harold Walker, 'C' Coy. (The Prince Consort’s Own) had been killed adding their son was looked upon by the members of his platoon as one of the best lads. He and five more soldiers were killed together in the trenches. 

The letter concluded with an expression of sympathy from all in the platoon.

Private Harold Walker's name is on St James’s Calderbrook Church Roll of Honour and War Memorial and the Littleborough Cenotaph. Private Walker killed on 4 August 1916, at the Front line near Hubertine, is buried in Grave Number I B 3 Hebuterne Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

Rifleman Walker had four brothers in the army including Private Tom Walker who died in 1917.

Rifleman Stanley Lord Yates - 2nd Bn Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Stanley was born in Littleborough late 1896 and by 1911 he was employed a shop assistant living with his family at 3 Queens Street, Littleborough.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale on March 20 1916, he was an assistant at the Caldermoor Branch of the Littleborough Co-operative Society and attended Littleborough Parish Church and school.

19-year-old Rifleman R/20235 Stanley Lord Yates killed in action on the 7 August 1916 near Henencourt Wood and is buried in Grave Number B2, Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, Somme, France.

The Rochdale Observer for 23 August 1916 reported that he went to the front six weeks ago. It added that a Rifleman J Stott of Fitton St, Rochdale sent news that Rifleman Yates was killed on 6 August and was buried in a cemetery behind the firing line.

In a letter to his parents John Edward and Alice Yates, then living at 6 Wellington Street, Rifleman Warner of the same Bn said that he had been buried in a cemetery behind the lines. 

Rifleman Yates is remembered on Littleborough Cenotaph, Holy Trinity War Memorial and on the Littleborough Central School Roll of Honour now located in the History Centre.

His parents lived next door to the parents of Rifleman F. P. Kay, killed in action on the 21 March 1918.

Private James Robert Butterworth - 20th Bn Manchester Regiment

James was born in Littleborough around 1894 and by 1911 lived with his family at 38 Elim Terrace with James employed ‘Section Warping’.

Prior to enlisting in Manchester on the 6 November 1915 he was employed by Messrs Fothergill and Harvey as a warehouseman.

By the week ending Saturday the 30 September 1916, the Rochdale Observer reported that a letter Private Kershaw of Littleborough had sent home, led Mr and Mrs Butterworth to believe that another son of theirs Private James Robert Butterworth of the Manchester Regiment was missing in action.

It was later officially confirmed that 23-year-old Private 26632 James Robert Butterworth, 20th Bn (5th City Pals) Manchester Regiment had been killed in action on 3 September 1916 at Guinchy and having no known grave his name is on Panel 13A and 14C, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

His name is also inscribed on the Littleborough Cenotaph, the Victoria Street Congregational Chapel War Memorial, the Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre) and on the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – State Section.

Private Butterworth was one of the three sons of Mr and Mrs Butterworth who all lost their lives during the war.

Rifleman Walter Hill - 10th Bn Rifle Brigade

Walter was born in 1885 in 1911 Walter, a Cotton Piecer, lived with his family at 12 Mary Street, Hurstead.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale on 10 November 1914 he worked at Hurstead Mill and was a bible class member at St Andrew's Church.

32-year-old Rifleman S/5456 Walter Hill 10th Bn Rifle Brigade was killed in action in or near Guillemont on 3 September 1916 and his body was interred in Grave Number XII. A. 3. Guillemont Road Cemetery, Guillemont, Somme, France.

The CO of Rifleman Hill’s company wrote from France that “Rifleman Hill was killed in an attack we did on the 3 September and his body was afterwards found and buried by our men and the place marked. Rifleman Hill died a hero’s death, fighting like a man”.

The St Andrew’s Newsletter for November 1916 included a paragraph on Walter Hill (details available). In the Roll of Honour Column of Saturday 14 October 1916 issue of the Rochdale Observer sentiments were left by his sorrowing wife, father, mother, sisters and brothers.

In the same edition, the paper reported that Mrs Hill, of 91 Lomax Street, had received official information that her husband was missing. On Saturday, however, she had a letter from a Sergeant saying that her husband had been killed and enclosing a letter found in his tunic.

His brothers are in training in the forces. He is remembered on St Andrew’s Memorial Card and War Memorial and there is a W Hill on the Wardle War Memorial.

Rifleman Russell Rigg - 10th Bn Rifle Brigade

Russell was born in Littleborough in late 1881 and lived with his family at 114 Croft Cottages.

Russell, a Calico Weaver, married Grace Firth in early 1903 and by 1911 they had three sons and lived at 5 Paul Row, Littleborough.

He was now a 'Cotton Weaver' and his wife was a Confectioner Sweets.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in January 1915 he was employed as a Weaver at Messrs Clegg’s Shore Mills and first went to France in July of the same year.

In September 1915 Rifleman Rigg S/8038 Russell Rigg was wounded in the right shoulder by a bullet when his Bn was involved in action around Pietre when the British were making a charge.

He was evacuated to a hospital in Dublin and after his discharge he had a six-day furlough at home before returning to France.

There he met his death, being killed in action in or near Guillemont on 3 September 1916. He was 35-year-old leaving a widow Grace who then lived at 3 Sally Street, Calderbrook.

Grace Rigg received information of her husband’s death from a Lieutenant in charge of Rifleman’s Riggs platoon who wrote “he was killed during an advance and that he was with him when they had gone about a thousand yards, and added that he was a good and plucky soldier”.

Unfortunately, he has no known grave and is remembered on Pier and Face 16B & 16C Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

His name is also on the Littleborough Cenotaph, Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre), Messrs Cleggs’ Shore Mills War Memorial, the War Memorial of Greenhill Primitive Methodist Chapel and on the headstone on the family grave in St James Churchyard.

The Rochdale Observer’s Roll of Honour for Saturday the 7 October 1916 his wife and sisters inserted a short sentiment to his memory. Sentiments were placed in the ‘In Memoriam’ columns of the Rochdale Observer for 1 September 1917 and 7 September 1918, both by his sister, brother-in-law and niece at 142 Stubley.

Private Thomas Pennington – 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment

Thomas was born Littleborough in late summer/early autumn 1877 and in 1891 the family were living at 2 Albert St. and by now Thomas, a Miller.

Jonathan married Elizabeth Hannah (nee Sutcliffe) in 1898 having originally lived with his parents at 24 Queens Street, by 1911 they had moved to their own home at 30 Glen View, Gale, Todmorden Road by which time he was shown as a general labourer.

His 33-year-old wife was shown as a Ring Piecer and his 12-year-old son was a part time scholar/Mule Piecer.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in November 1915, he was engaged as a plumber and was a member of the Littleborough United Methodist Free Church, Church Street.

Private Pennington went to the front in April 1916 but on 18 September 1916 Mrs Pennington received official information that her husband 39-year-old Private 20662 Thomas Pennington, 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment had been killed in action assaulting Lueze Wood on 4 September 1916 and was interred in Grave Number XXIV A 5, Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France.

He last wrote to his wife that he was in the trenches and that mud and water were above their knees.

As well as leaving a widow he also left a son who was employed at the Ebor Works.

Private Pennington also had a cousin, Private G Casson, Lancashire Fusiliers who lived at 36 Elim Terrace, Gale who was in a Manchester hospital suffering from shell shock.

Private Pennington's name is inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph and Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre).

The Rochdale Observer for 4 October 1916 reported that a Memorial Service was held at the Littleborough United Methodist Church on Sunday evening for Privates Gartside and Pennington, member of the church.

Private Edwin Chadwick - 1st Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Edwin was born in Portsmouth, Todmorden in 1898 and in 1901 the family lived at 21 Back Jobling Terrace.

By 1911 the family to 3 Holt Street, Summit with 13-year-old, Edwin employed as a ‘Cotton Mill Doffer Ring’, they later moved to 18 Dean Head.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in August 1915, Edwin was employed as a Weaver at Messrs Fothergill and Harvey’s Rock Nook Mill and attended the Summit Primitive Chapel, Summit.

19-year-old Private 18848 Edwin Chadwick, died from wounds on Friday the 8 September 1916 as a result of action on the Somme.

His name inscribed on Pier and Face 12A and 12D Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

His name also inscribed on the Littleborough Cenotaph and on St. James’s Roll of Honour and War Memorial.

The Rochdale Observer for 14 October 1916 carried sentiments from his father, mother, brothers and sisters within its Roll of Honour column.

Private Edward Fairburn - 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers

Edward was born on 10 April 1896 at 12 Fenton Street, Rochdale.

In 1901 the family lived at 39 Whitelees Road but by 1911 they had moved to 15 Ernest Terrace, Hamer and Edward was employed as a Little Piecer.

Edward enlisted in Rochdale.

Pte Fairburn 204153 was killed in action on 9 September 1916 attacking Guinchy and is buried in grave VII A 6, Delville Wood cemetery, Longueval, France.

Edward is commemorated on the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – Voluntary Section and on the Roll of Honour at All Saints Church, Hamer.

The Rochdale Observer for 29 August 1917 reported that “Mrs Fairburn of Rushworth Terrace, Hamer, has been officially informed that her only son, Pte Edward Fairburn of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who was reported as wounded and missing in September 1916 is now presumed to be dead”.

The ‘In Memoriam’ column of the Rochdale Observer for 7 September 1918 included sentiments from his loving mother and sister Annie as well as from Mrs Brearley and Cissie.

Private Jack (John) Lavin - 11th Bn, att. 2nd/5th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers

Born in St Helens in 1897, by 1911 he moved with his family 2 Paul Row, Calderbrook, Littleborough.

John was employed as a Cotton Doffer and attended St Mary’s Catholic Church, Featherstall.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in April 1916 he was employed at the Grove Dyeing Works.

He was posted to France in July 1916 but weekending Saturday 7 October 1916, Mr and Mrs Lavin had been officially informed that their 19-year-old son Private 32297 Jack Lavin had been killed in France on 9 September 1916 attacking Guinchy and is buried in Grave Number VIII N 10 Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France.

His name is listed on the Littleborough Cenotaph.

At the time of his death he had 3 cousins and an uncle serving in the army. His parents, sisters and brothers included sentiments in the Roll of Honour column of the Rochdale Observer for 21 October 1916.

They subsequently included sentiments within In Memoriam column of the Rochdale Observer for 8 September 1917. The 14 September edition included a further sentiment from his brother Herbert in Egypt.

Private Richard Marsland - 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers

Richard was born in Newton Chester and in 1901 the family lived at 3 Percival Court, Heaton Norris, Stockport.

By 1911 they had moved to 2 Crossfield Road, Wardle.

The Rochdale Times subsequently reported that Pte Marsland lived at 11 Crossfield Road, Wardle.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in January 1915 he was a Weaver at Shore Mills and was a member of the Gladstone Club in Wardle.

Pte Marsland 204142, 2/5 Bn Lancashire Fusiliers was killed in France on 9 September 1916 attacking Guinchy and is buried in Grave No XIV Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France.

The Rochdale Observer for 14 October 1916 added that Richard was a keen sportsman and was on local cricket and football teams. He attended the Wesleyan Church.

The Rochdale Observer of 17 March 1917 reported that “Mr J Marsland had been officially notified that his son has been killed. His grave has been located between Ginchy and Lesboeufs”.

Six months later, the edition of 15 September reported on a presentation of a pupil edition of the Methodist Hymnbook in memory of Richard Marsland. Affectionate comments were made of him.

His name is remembered on Wardle Memorial, Shore Mills War Memorial and on the Wardle Gladstone Club Memorial.

Sergeant Stanley Russ DCM - 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers

Sergeant Russ was from Rochdale, possibly born in Heywood, in 1881 where he was living in 1911. He was employed by the Rochdale Corporation Gas Department, where his father had, for many years, been the foreman in the mains and service section.

Sergeant Russ afterwards went to Heywood where he was in charge of the Gas Committee’s showroom.

He enlisted in Bury shortly after the outbreak of war and in August 1916, Corporal Stanley Russ (later sergeant) was awarded the DCM.

By weekending 30 September 1916, Mrs. Russ, now of 39 Little Clegg Road had been officially informed that her 36-year-old husband Sergeant 3374 Stanley Russ DCM, had died on Tuesday 26 September 1916 of wounds received in action in France on the 9 September 1916 when his battalion attacked Guinchy.

His body interred in Grave Number I C 25 Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.

In the Saturday 7 October 1916 issue of the Rochdale Observer his wife inserted a sentiment as did his sisters and brothers. An addition acknowledgment was also printed, ‘Mrs. Russ 17 Shaftesbury Street, Smithy Bridge, wishes to thank all relatives and friends for kind expressions of sympathy shown in her sad bereavement’. He is not remembered on any local war memorial.

Lance Corporal Arthur Fielden 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment

Arthur was born in Littleborough in autumn 1896 and in 1911 he was living with his widowed mother, Betsy his two sisters and a brother at 185 Todmorden Road.

He was shown being 14 and employed as a Calico Weaver.

Prior to enlisting April 1915 he worked at the Rock Nook Mill of Fothergill and Harvey's and lived with his mother at 133 Todmorden Road, Littleborough.

He went to the front in October 1915 but shortly before Christmas 1915 he was invalided home to a hospital in Stoke on Trent suffering from Trench Feet and just before returning to France in January 1916 he spent a few days at home on furlough.

Sometime between the 13 September 1916 and Wednesday 27 September a Littleborough soldier had written home saying that 20-year-old Lance Corporal Arthur Fielden 16024, had been killed in action but Lance Corporal Fielden's mother (by then living at 105 Hollingworth Road) had not received any official information of her son’s death.

Private Fielden last wrote to his mother on the 8 September 1916.

The CWGC records Lance Corporal Fielden, 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment under the name of Fielding, 16024 with his name being recorded on Pier and Face 1C of the Thiepval Memorial.

His name is listed on Littleborough Cenotaph, Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre), Holy Trinity Church and also on a family grave in St James Churchyard the headstone inscribed with his name, regiment and the date of his death (13 September 1916) together with the sentiment, "AT REST".

Private William Palfreyman - 1st Bn Devonshire Regiment

William was born in Littleborough in late 1896 and having lived at 20 Gatehouse later in 1901, the family moved to the Shepherd's Rest Blackstone Edge Road where they remained as licensee until 1915.

His father is recorded as a Beer House Keeper.

Rochdale Observer for 20 November 1915 included a list of Church Lads Brigade members who had enlisted including William.

The family remained at the Shepherd's Rest when the building ceased to be licensed as they were there when they received official confirmation that their 19-year-old son, Private 15677 William Palfreyman, (enlisted Rochdale) had been killed in action on 13 September 1916 at Lueze Wood.

In a letter which Lieutenant Blake sent to Mr & Mrs Palfreyman the lieutenant said "Their son was killed by a piece of shell and his death was quite painless. His death is deeply regretted by both officers and men of his company. He was quite one of the most popular and best man in the company-a calm quiet man, whom one could always rely on".

His name entered on Pier and Face 1.C. Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, on Littleborough Cenotaph, Holy Trinity War Memorial and the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – Voluntary Section and family grave at St James Church, Calderbrook.

The ‘In Memoriam’ column in the Rochdale Observer for 15 September 1917 included sentiments from his parents at the Shepherd's Rest.

Private Archibald (Archie) Brown - 2nd Bn Grenadier Guards 

Archie was born in Pendleton in 1884 late spring, though some sources suggest Southport. At the time the 1901 Census the family was living at 15 Little Clegg Road and Archie was a Railway Clerk like his father. Archie enlisted in the Guards on 2 March 1904, went AWOL in 1905 for a week and received a couple of month’s hard labour.

He left on 10 July 1908.

He had previously served with the Royal Marines for one year and 117 days.

By 1911 Archie was a Railway Constable lodging in Wakefield.

Pte Archibald Brown was mobilized on 5 August 1914 and arrived in France on 4 January 1915 (another source indicates at the front in France in November 1914).

By 1916 his parents had moved to Beechwood House, Smithy Bridge.

Whilst serving in France (1916) Archie wrote a number of letter regarding digging trenches and the enemy.

Archie was made Corporal but was demoted at a Court Marshall for drunkenness.

Private 11369 Archibald Brown was killed in action on 13 September 1916 during an attack on Guinchy and was interred in Grave Number 5 H 19. London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, Somme, France with his name recorded on the St Andrew’s Memorial Card and War Memorial and on Littleborough Cenotaph.

The St Andrew’s Parish Magazine for November 1916 recorded his death with sadness.

Archibald had two brothers serving in the forces one of them Tom Brown R.N died at sea 17 October 1917 who after the death of Archibald received his watch and cigarette case.

A memorial service was held to honour Archie Brown and Harold England (two former choir boys) at St Andrew’s Church on the 10 December 1916.

The Rochdale Observer for 15 September 1917 included two sentiments in its ‘In Memoriam’ column from Archibald’s close family.

The Rochdale Observer for 3 August 1918 reported that a Memorial Service to be held on Sunday 4 August would include the dedication of the Choir Cross.

A month later, on 14 September 1918 both brothers were remembered in the ‘In Memoriam’ column of the Rochdale Observer.

Rifleman Frank Helliwell Brierley – 9th Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Frank was born in Littleborough around 1894 and in 1911 he was living with his family at 8 Centre Vale and was employed as a clerk and prior to enlisting he was employed at Fothergill & Harvey's.

All his life he was connected with Littleborough Parish Church, being in the church choir and Sunday school and was a Sergeant in the Lads Brigade of the Church.

In autumn 1915 he married Nellie Chappel some 6 months later he enlisted in Rochdale on the 7 April 1916 and went to France in August being reported missing a month later.

On Saturday 10 March 1917 Mr and Mrs Brierley, No 8 Centre Vale, Gale were officially informed that their 23 year old son Rifleman R/20706 Frank H Brierley, who had been reported missing on Friday 15 September 1916 was killed in action on that date during an attack on Guedecourt.

He has no known grave and is remembered on Pier and Face 13A and 13B Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Littleborough Cenotaph, the Holy Trinity War Memorial, the Oddfellows, Lodge 3397, Roll of Honour – Voluntary Section and his name is on the family grave in St James’ Churchyard is given as Fred.

The Roll of Honour in the 17 March 1917 edition of the Rochdale Observer includes two entries expressing thanks for kind letters from his widow Nellie and his mother and family.

The Rochdale Observer of 14 September 1918 ‘In Memoriam’ included three entries from friends and family.

Rifleman Ronald Hiles (Miles) Mitchell - 9th Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Ronald was born in Littleborough in late 1894 in 1911 he was a butcher living with his parents William and Hannah at 76 Church Street, Littleborough.

The family later moved to 115 Hollingworth Road.

The Rochdale Observer for 1 April 1916 advised that Ronald Mitchell, Slaughterer and Butcher was granted temporary exemption from war service and when he enlisted in Rochdale he was employed as a butcher’s assistant at Featherstall.

22-year-old Rifleman R/22306 Ronald Miles Mitchell was killed in action on Friday 15 September 1916 during an attack on Guedecourt having been posted missing.

Mrs Mitchell received a letter from Rifleman Harry Crabtree of the same Bn stating “that when he last saw Rifleman Mitchell he was in a shell hole” His body interred in Grave Number 5 E 15 London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, Somme, France.

His name inscribed on the Littleborough Cenotaph and Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre) and on the Holy Trinity Church War Memorial.

The Roll of Honour in the Rochdale Observer of 18 November 1916 included sentiments from his parents.

Rifleman Jonathan Partington - 9th Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Jonathan was born in Littleborough in late 1887 and having lived with his family in 10 Wag Fold, Littleborough and 19 Turf Terrace, Shore by 1911 he had moved to 15 Box Street with his widowed mother and family.

By then, Jonathan was a Velvet Finisher. Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in March 1916 he worked in the making up room of Messrs Heap's West View Mills, Durn.

Jonathan went to the front in July 1916 but only four months later, weekending Saturday 4 November 1916 Mrs Partington, 44 Peel Street, Littleborough had been officially informed that her son 28-year-old Rifleman R/19742 Jonathan Partington, who had been reported missing since an engagement on Friday 15 September 1916 had been killed in action on that date.

Rifleman Partington’s name is inscribed on Pier and Face 13A and 13B, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Holy Trinity’s War Memorial and on the Littleborough Cenotaph.

Rifleman William Swaine - 9th Kings Royal Rifle Corps

William was born in Macclesfield in 1890 but by 1911 he lived with his family at 10 Frederick St, Littleborough.

William’s early education took place in Littleborough Central School.

Prior to enlisting (the St Barnabas Parish Newsletter noted in March 1915 that he had enlisted for King and Country) William worked at Clegg’s Mill, Shore.

The Rochdale Observer for 18 March 1916 reported that “News has been received by his parents who reside a 10 William Street, Littleborough that their only son was wounded during the fighting in France. He was connected with Shore Church and was also a member of their choir. Rifleman Swaine is now in a London Hospital”.

Rifleman S/8039 William Swaine, was killed in action and his name is inscribed on pier and face 16B and 16C, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

The St Barnabas Parish Magazine for November 1916 reported “It is with great sorrow that we record the death of Rifleman William Swaine of the Royal Rifle Brigade. The deceased soldier was a member of the church choir and he and his relatives have for many years identified themselves with the various parochial organisations”.

The Rochdale Observer for 4 August 1917 reported that his parents had now received official intimation that their only son was killed in action on Friday 15 September 1916 during an attack on Guedecourt. He had previously been wounded and missing.

Rifleman Swaine’s name is on Shore Mills War Memorial where he was employed, the Littleborough Cenotaph and Central School War Memorial (now relocated in Littleborough’s History Centre) and the St Barnabas Memorial.

Rifleman Herbert Whittaker – 11th Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Herbert was born in Littleborough in early autumn 1895 and by 1911 Herbert, a Factory Hand, Doffer, was living with his family at 1 Middle Calderbrook.

Prior to enlisting he lived at New Earth Top, Calderbrook and was employed by the Grove Dyeing Co. Todmorden Road.

21-year-old Rifleman C/1464 Herbert Whittaker 11 KRRC was killed in action on Sunday 17 September 1916 near Lesboeufs and as he has no known grave he is remembered on Pier and Face 13A and 13B Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

His name, like his brother Charles is inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph and St. James’s Roll of Honour and War Memorial.

Sentiments were included in the ‘In Memoriam’ column of the Rochdale Observer for 15 September 1917 by his friends at Chelburn. The ‘In Memoriam’ column of the Rochdale Observer for 15 June 1918 carries sentiments for Charles and Herbert Whittaker from their sorrowing parents at New Earth Top, Higher Newgate, Littleborough, their loving brother Jack (still in France), from loving sisters Emily, Ida and Patty and from sister Polly, brother-in-law Albert and little nieces.

Corporal Henry Howarth Lee – 11th Rifle Brigade

Henry was born in Littleborough early in 1893 having lived with his family at 2 Cloughfield House Hollingworth Road by 1911 Henry, a Baker, was boarding a 4 Heaplands, G Mount, Ramsbottom, Bury.

However, prior to enlisting at Rochdale in January 1915 he was employed at the bakery of the Littleborough Co-operative Society of Industry. He was a member of the Littleborough Wesley Guild and attended Victoria Street Wesleyan Chapel and Sunday School.

He went to France in July 1916 but a couple of months later, 23-year-old Corporal S/8033 Henry Howarth Lee, 11 Rifle Brigade died of wounds received in action in France on Sunday 17 September 1916 near Lesboeufs and is buried in grave No I F 14 Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, Somme, France.

In the Roll of Honour column of the Saturday issue of the Rochdale Observer 30 September 1916, his parents and sisters published an acknowledgement of his death and there is an inscription on the family grave in Littleborough (Dearnley) Cemetery.

In the 7 October 1916 issue of the Rochdale Observer another thank you was inserted, also for letters sent. Clough Field House, Littleborough.

Note that the CWGC notes DoW 19 September 1916. Cpl Lee is remembered on the Victoria Street Wesleyan Chapel War Memorial (now in the History Centre) and on Littleborough Cenotaph.

Sergeant John William Hall 10th King’s Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry) 

John was born in Littleborough in early 1898 (first quarter) and in 1901 Census he lived with his grandparents in Wardle.

The family moved to North East living at 40 Marmion Road, West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

18-year-old Sergeant Hall, 23004 enlisted in West Hartlepool (into the Durham Light Infantry) was killed in action on 25 September 1916 near Lesboeufs and Morval but as has no known grave he is remembered on Pier and Face 11 C and 12 A of the Thiepval Memorial in France. His name is not recorded on researched war memorials or Rolls of Honour.

Private Horace Hargreaves Wilson - 9th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers, attached to a Light Trench Mortar Battery

Horace was born in Littleborough late spring/early summer 1895 and in 1911 he lived with his mother and family at his maternal grandparents’ house at 8 Pioneer Street (Off Bare Hill St), Littleborough. By now Horace was working as a Cotton Weaver.

His mother, Elizabeth Wilson died 11 September 1913, just over a year to his enlisting in November 1914.

Pte Wilson had been a weaver at Shore Mills and later took part in the landings at Sulva Bay being wounded as per the Rochdale Observer for 4 September 1915.

After being hospitalised in Egypt he returned to the Dardanelles where he suffered from frost bite. In July 1916 he was posted to France.

Unofficial notification of his death was made when another soldier, Private J. W. Clegg wrote to his wife informing her of the death of Private Wilson.

Official information was received 18 October 1916 by Mr and Mrs Maskew that their 21-year-old grandson Private 9443 Horace Hargreaves Wilson had been killed in action (whilst attacking Mouquet Farm on Sunday 24 September 1916).

He has no known grave and is listed on Pier and Face 3C and 3D Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. His name is also the Cenotaph in Littleborough, Victoria Street Wesleyan Chapel War Memorial and Littleborough Central School Memorial, both now in the History Centre, Clegg’s Mills War Memorial at Shore and on the on the family grave in St James Churchyard.

On 29 September 1916, the Rochdale Observer included sentiments from sisters, grandparents and aunt at 8 Pioneer Street, Bare Hill. A month later, on 25 October 1916, the Rochdale Observer reported that a Memorial Service had been held in the Wesleyan Chapel on 22 October 1916.

On 28 October, the paper included sentiments and sincere thanks from Mrs and Mrs Thomas Maskew and family for the kind sympathy of family and friends etc.

The Rochdale Observer for 14 July 1917 included a further sentiment in his memory from his pal, Frank E Walker. The family posted further sentiments in the Rochdale Observer for 29 September 1917 and 28 September 1918.

Private George Herd Ashton - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

George was born 1893 in Stockport but by 1911 he was living with his family at 51 Whitelees Road, Littleborough. He was employed as a Factory Operator, Big Piecer in a Spinning Room.

Prior to enlisting had been a mule spinner at the Albion Mill, Featherstall. George H Ashton later married and had a daughter in 1915, the year he enlisted.

The Rochdale Observer of 28 October 1916 reported that about a fortnight ago, Pte Butterworth of the same Battalion wrote to his mother that Pte Ashton was wounded on 26bSeptember.

Now official information has been received that he was missing since that date.

On May 7 May 1917 Mrs Ashton, 2 Pioneer Street (off Bare Hill Street) was officially informed that her 24-year-old husband Private 36379 George Herd Ashton, 9th Batt Lancashire Fusiliers who had been reported missing since Tuesday the 26 September 1916 had been killed on that date whilst attacking Mouquet Farm.

His name is inscribed on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France Pier and Face 3C and 3D, St Andrew's War Memorial and Memorial Card and on the Littleborough Cenotaph.

There was also a G Ashton on the Littleborough (Durn) Baptist Church War Memorial.

Private Ashton was mentioned in the November 1916 and February 1917 editions of the St Andrew’s Newsletter.

The Rochdale Observer for 1 August 1917 reported on an afternoon service for those fallen in the third year of the war.

At evensong memorial plates were placed on the Guild alter in memory of George Ashton, Fred Mills, Harold Percival and Joe Pickersgill, (Old Guild boys fallen in action).

Private James William Clegg - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

James was born in Littleborough early 1883 and in 1911 he was living with his wife, Eliza Ann (born Longwood, York’s) and his daughter Elsie at 159 Whitelees Road.

Both were Cotton Weavers.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale at the outbreak of hostilities as noted in The St Barnabas Parish Newsletter for January 1915 he was employed as a Weaver at Frankfort Mill, Durn and was a member of the Littleborough Independent Labour Party and member of the Rochdale Clarion Choir.

Private Clegg was posted to Egypt and then went to France.

His wife received official confirmation by weekending 16 June 1917 that Private 9445 James William Clegg, 9th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers (Brother in law to Private A Collens) had been posted missing on Tuesday 26 September 1916 during an attack on Mouquet Farm and was presumed killed on that date.

News that Private Clegg was missing in action was first contained in a letter from Captain A. Parkin of the 9th Bn to Mrs Clegg (details available).

Pte Clegg left a widow, Mrs Eliza Arm Clegg (later Durham) living 32 Frederick Street, Whitelees and two children, one who he had never seen.

James Clegg’s name is inscribed on Pier and Face 3C and 3D Thiepval Memorial, Somme France, the Littleborough Cenotaph, St Barnabas War Memorial, Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre).

In the St Andrew’s Newsletter for November 1916 it is noted that “We regret, too, to hear that James William Clegg, once a member of the Bible Class, has been missing from the same date as George Ashton”.

Sergeant Liebig Cryer - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

Liebig was born in Littleborough in 1889 and by 1911 the family were living at 3 Chapel Hill, Littleborough but Liebig was shown as a Chemical Student.

His early education was at the Littleborough Central School, King William College, Isle of Man, Owen’s College and Manchester Technical School.

Prior to enlisting he was captain of the Littleborough Cricket team when they won the Central Lancashire League, a playing member of the Sale Football Club, a member of Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club and Whittaker Golf Club and Littleborough Reform Club and was associated with Victoria Street Congregational Chapel.

CSM Bert Wood and Sgt Liebig Cryer were both married on the 5 June 1915 at St Barnabas Church, Shore. Bert Wood married Kathleen Taylor and Liebig Cryer married her sister Annie Taylor, the daughters of Alfred Taylor, Townhouse Cottage, Littleborough, manager Messrs Joseph Sandiford & Company, fustian manufacturers, Townhouse Mill.

At the time of his enlistment in 1914, Liebig assisted his father in his father’s chemical works at the Paragon Mill, Smithy Bridge.

His parents later moved house to Belvoir, Hurstead (in the 1990’s converted into a nursing home for the elderly). Sergeant 12695 Liebig Cryer was killed in France on Tuesday 26 September 1916 during an attack on Mouquet Farm although there was a report that he was missing.

Enquiries made to his regiment resulted in a letter which implied that he had indeed been killed in action and probably buried by a building (extract from letter available).

The St Barnabas Parish Magazine for November 1916 reported “It is also with great sympathy that we record the deaths of Sgt Major B Wood and Sgt L Cryer of the Lancashire Fusiliers. Parishioners will recall that on June 5th, 1915, the deceased soldiers married two sisters (the daughters of Mr Alfred Taylor of Croft’s Mill). This unique event created much interest and good feeling for them. The remembrance of those joyous times causes corresponding sadness to fill the hearts of those who knew them. RIP”.

Sgt Cryer’s body was never recovered, his name inscribed on Pier and Face 3C and 3D Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. He is also remembered on the Victoria Street Congregational Chapel War Memorial, Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club, Littleborough Central School War Memorial (now relocated in Littleborough’s History Centre) and Wardle War Memorial plus as a late addition to the Cenotaph in Littleborough.

He is also on the family grave in St James Churchyard. In August 1918 Sergeant Cryer’s widow serving as a motor transport driver in the WAAF and WRAF Brooklands was married by special licence to Flight Sergeant H. Aldridge, R.A.F. Brooklands.

Private John Lewis Horsfield - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers 

John was born in Brighouse in 1889 but by 1911 he was married (for one year 1910) to Lavina with a new born daughter, Nellie living at 78 Little Clegg Road, Smithy Bridge.

Both he and his wife were shown as polishers. They subsequently had two more children and his wife was noted at 40 Little Clegg Road. He enlisted in Rochdale late 1914.

The Rochdale Observer for 12 May 1917 reported that official information had been received by Mrs Horsfield that her husband, 26 year old Private 12396 John Lewis Horsfield, who had been missing since Tuesday 26 September 1916 during an attack on Mouquet Farm, had been killed on that date. He left three children., Private Horsfield’s name on name is inscribed on Pier and Face 3C and 3D Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, on St Andrew’s Memorial Card and War Memorial and on Littleborough Cenotaph.

The May 1917 edition of the St Andrews Church magazine recorded "We regret to hear that official news has been received of the death in action of Lewis John Ashfield of Smithy Bridge. We sympathise deeply with those he has left behind. May he rest in peace”.

Lance Corporal Clarence William Leach - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

Clarence was born in Littleborough late spring 1895 and having lived with his uncle and aunt at 13 Oldham Road, Soyland, Ripponden but by 1911, Clarence had moved back in with his widowed father living at 12 Turf Terrace. Clarence a Cotton Weaver and he worked at Shore Mills.

He enlisted in November 1914 and went through the Dardanelles campaign and after the evacuation of Gallipoli he was transferred to the Western Front.

He did not visit England after June 1915.

Just over 12 months later, 21-year-old Lance Corporal 9441 Clarence William Leach 9th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers was killed in action on Tuesday 26 September 1916 during an attack on Mouquet Farm and is buried in Pozieres British Cemetery Ovillers-La-Boisselle, Somme France Grave Number I H 40.

The St Barnabas Parish Magazine for September 1917 record that “On July 22nd in the Parish church was sung the funeral service for L/Cpl Clarence Leach who made the supreme sacrifice on the Western Front. The ‘Last Post’ was sounded  and the ‘Dead March’ in ‘Saul’ played. RIP”.

He is remembered on Littleborough Cenotaph and the War Memorials of Shore Mills, Littleborough Central School Memorial (now in the History Centre), Holy Trinity and St Barnabas Church and, his name is also on the family grave.

Sergeant James Henry McHale - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

James was born in Littleborough autumn 1890 and by 1911 he was living with his wife and daughter Clara in his parents-in-laws house at 20 Gale, Littleborough being employed as a Dyer.

The young family then with three children, the eldest seven-years-old, moved to 3 Chapel Street, Summit.

Prior to his enlistment he worked at Messrs W H Heap Ltd, West View Mills, Durn and attended St Mary's Catholic Church, Featherstall.

Sergeant McHale enlisted in Rochdale in November 1914 and went to the front in July 1915, he had suffered from dysentery and had been in hospital in Malta in August 1915 whilst still a Lance Cpl.

By weekending Saturday 18 November 1916, Mrs McHale was officially informed that her 26-year-old Littleborough born husband Sergeant 9438 James Henry McHale, who had been posted missing since Tuesday 26 September 1916 was killed in action on that date during an attack on Mouquet Farm.

Sgt McHale has no known grave and is remembered on Pier and Face 3C and 3D Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

His name is on Littleborough Cenotaph and as living within the Parish of St. James’s (Calderbrook) also inscribed on their Roll of Honour and War Memorial. The Rochdale Observer for 18th November 1916 advised that he lived at 5 Chapel St, Summit and left a widow and 3 children.

Subsequently, the Rochdale Observer for 21 April 1917 included 3 sentiments in the Roll of Honour column from his close family.

The ‘In Memoriam’ column in the Rochdale Observer for 13 July 1917 included an entry from his wife and 3 children – Emily, Ann and Harry.

Private David Pickup - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

David was born in Dearnley late 1883 and in he lived with his family at 13 Old Smithy Bridge.

Later living at 4 Back Halifax Road (1901) by 1911 he is recorded as living in the Salvation Army Hostel, Home Mill St, Rochdale being occupied as a Flannelette Raiser.

Private Pickup (3877) enlisted in Bury and was killed in action and as has no known grave he is remembered on Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D of the Thiepval Memorial in France.

His name is not recorded on researched war memorials or Rolls of Honour.

Company Sergeant Major Ernest Bertrand (Bert) Wood - 9th Lancashire Fusiliers

Forty-year-old Bert Wood was born in Brisbane, Australia in 1879, the son of Joseph Wood, Bispham (formerly a member of the Norden Urban District Council). By 1881 the family were living at 144 Fairfield Road, Droylesden, later moving to the Rochdale area.

Bert served his apprenticeship as a pupil teacher at St Alban’s School from 1894 to 1898 and then went to Carmarthen Training College until 1900. He taught at Chelmsford, Birmingham and Hayes Industrial Schools and London County Council Truant’s School at Highbury.

He returned to Rochdale in 1908 and was assistant master at Spotland Council School. In 1911 he is shown as living at 13 Bunkers Hill, Bury Road, Rochdale with his parents. Bert was shown as an Assistant Schoolmaster.

Bert was member of Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club and Whittaker Golf Club and was a good amateur boxer, he was Liberal by politics and worked during a Parliamentary Election for Gordon Harvey, and was a member of Rochdale Liberal Club.

CSM Bert Wood and Sergeant Cryer were both married on the 5 June 1915 at St Barnabas Church, Shore. Bert Wood married Kathleen Taylor, and Liebig Cryer married her sister Annie Taylor (see Liebig’s details for more information on the wedding and later funeral service at St Barnabas).

CSM 12694 Ernest Bertrand Wood, 9th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers was killed in action (on Tuesday 26 September 1916 during an attack on Mouquet Farm) being ‘shot through the head as he had just got over the top with his men’.

His body was recovered and he is buried in Grave Number 1 B 18 Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France. His name is also on the Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club War Memorial.

CSM Wood and Sgt Cryer, two of the seven Littleborough soldiers killed in the attack by the 9th Bn on Mouquet Farm and Thiepval Ridge.

Private Michael Edward McGrath

Michael was born in Northwich, Cheshire in 1889 but later lived in Littleborough attending St Mary's Catholic Church, Featherstall where as a boy he sang in the choir. He was later employed as a 'Flannelette Percher’.

In 1908 Michael married Mary Ellen Whittaker and at the census in 1911 he was living with his 26-year-old wife at 7 Hartley Street, Littleborough with his daughters Mary Eveleen (two) and Margaret Josephine (four months).

Michael was assistant secretary of the Littleborough Branch of the Irish Nationalist Foresters and was employed in the making up room of Messrs Kershaw Bros Ltd, Sladen Mill.

Private McGarth enlisted June 1915 in Rochdale and went to the front in August 1916 but just over a month later, by weekending Saturday 14 October 1916, Mrs Mary Ellen McGarth 125 Church Street, had been officially informed that her 28-year-old husband Private 34642 Michael Edward McGarth had been badly wounded in the chest on Thursday 28 September 1916 during an attack on the Schwaben Redoubt and had died as a result of these wounds on the same day.

Private McGrath is buried in Grave Number II D 26 Contay British Cemetery, Contay, Somme, France.

His name is also remembered on the Cenotaph in Littleborough.

Private William Fielden (or Fielding) - 89th Coy, Machine Gun Corps

William was born in Shawforth early 1895 but by 1911 his widowed mother had moved to 8 Shore Fold, Littleborough bringing with her William and his brother Arthur.

All three were Cotton Weavers. Prior to enlisting in Rochdale William was employed at E. Clegg and Sons Ltd, Shore Mills and was a member of the Shore Primitive Methodists and the Orpheus Glee Club, Littleborough.

His mother moved to 1 Shore, Littleborough (later 9 Shore Street).

21-year-old Private 9754 William Fielden, (formerly 20486 Devonshire Regiment) went to France in early 1916 but some eight months later died on Thursday 28 September 1916 as a result of a machine gun accident being given a military funeral and buried in Grave Number VI E 2 Vignacourt British Cemetery, Somme, France.

His mother received letters from the chaplain, the captain and comrades who all expressed regret and sympathy at his loss.

His name is inscribed on Littleborough Cenotaph, Shore Primitive Chapel and Shore Mill’s War Memorials as well as on St. Barnabas Church Memorial (where it is spelt Fielding).

The Rochdale Observer for 21 October 1916 reported on a Memorial service held at Summit Primitive Methodist Chapel on Sunday afternoon for Private William Fielding of 1 Shore, Littleborough and James Ashworth of Turf Terrace.

The St Barnabas Parish Magazine for November 1916 reported his death adding “The parishioners feel for the widowed mother and sorrowing relatives the deepest sympathy. The flag was at half mast and a muffled peel was rung on Sunday October 8 RIP”.

Like scores of Littleborough families the loss of a dear one was accompanied by sentiments inserted in the Rochdale Observer Roll of Honour Column in 14 October 1916 issue from his loving Mother, Brothers Arthur and Thomas (Somewhere in France), Aunt Hannah, Cousins Willie and Minnie and Little Arthur, Friend Lennie and from Florrie and Emily.

In 1921 a monument was erected by the village (Vignacourt) in honour of the British dead, on the base is engraved the words “Brothers in arms of the British Army, fallen on the field of honour, sleep in peace, we are watching over you”.