Private John William Gaukroger and Driver William McCurdy remembered 100 years on

Private John William Gaukroger

Today (Monday 17 November) marks the 100th anniversary since the deaths of Littleborough soldiers Private John William Gaukroger and Driver William McCrudy.

At the time of their deaths, the First Battle for Ypres had been raging for over three weeks and towards the middle of November became concentrated along the Menin Road. With the departure of the last German troops from the immediate battlefield, First Ypres ended on 17 November 1914.

Unfortunately for two Littleborough Soldiers this came too late as both fell around the wood of Nonne Boschen on Tuesday 17 November 1914.

Private John William Gaukroger was born in Littleborough in early 1881 to parents James Gaukroger and his wife Louisa. By 1891 the family lived at 125 New Mill.

The 1901 Census shows the family moved again to 125 Church Street but unfortunately Louisa was now a widow. John then aged 20 was a Soldier in the 22nd Cheshire Regiment.

In 1911 John William had been married to Edith for a year and had a son George and a stepson Willie Preston and they lived at 9, No1 Court, Regent St, Rochdale. He was employed as a Labourer. 

Before the outbreak of the First World War, Private Gaukroger had served with his regiment in India being on duty on the Afghanistan border. At the outbreak he rejoined his regiment and went to Belgium but unfortunately Private 6451 John William Gaukroger, now of the 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment, aged 33, was killed in action on Tuesday 17 November 1914.

He left a widow and two children - one of whom was killed in Italy during the Second World War. 

His name is listed on the Menin Gate at Ypres and on the on Littleborough Cenotaph.

Dilys Pearson, The Littleborough History Society Treasurer who was related to John William, said: “I am so sorry that I never knew my Great Uncle John. My grandmother lost two brothers during the First World War. Even now we don’t know where the rest of the family went to live. Another sad result of that terrible war.”

Driver William McCurdy was born in Londonderry in 1886 and in 1911 he was living in Knottingley with his brother in law, William Moulson having married William’s sister Clara Jane from Folkestone. They had two daughters, Helen and Dora both born in Folkestone.

William was later employed as a signalman at Littleborough Station and at that time was living in Lodge Street, Littleborough. Being a reservist, he was called up on the general mobilisation and enlisted in Glasgow. He was quickly into action and at only 28 years old, Driver 37549 William McCurdy of the 116th Battery, Royal Field Artillery was killed in action on 17 November 1914.

William has no known grave so his name is inscribed on the Menin Gate in Ypres as well as on Littleborough Cenotaph and St Andrew’s Church War Memorial. His name is also included in the St Andrew’s Church Memorial Card.