Liverpool Pals Who Died on This Day

William Henry Aitken was born on the 13th October 1887 at Liverpool the only son of three children born to William, a Liverpool police constable, and his wife Agnes (née Smith), a registered midwife. They were married on the 29th June 1884 at St Thomas’ Church, Walton; William snr was a 28 year old police officer of 74 Micawber Street, father William a fireman, whilst Agnes was aged 30, same address, father Henry a warehouseman. He was baptised on the 26th October 1887 at St Peter's Church, Liverpool. Prior to enlisting he had been employed by the Liverpool Gas Company. 

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 48 Rathbone Street, Liverpool. His father, William, is a 34 year old Police Constable born in Liverpool, his mother is 37 years old and was also born in Liverpool as were their three children; Frances is aged 5, William H. is aged 3 and his sister Emily is aged 1. They have two boarders recorded in the household.

The 1901 Census shows the family now living at 11 Long Lane, Walton, by which time his father is 43 years old and is a superannuated police constable, his mother Agnes, is now shown as a 45 year old midwife. They have three children in the household; Frances A. is 15, William H is 13 and Emily is 11. They also have a 5 week old boarder, Sydney Andrews. 

The 1911 Census shows his parents and his younger sister, Emily, aged 21 and descried as helping with household duties are living at 124 Longmoor Lane, where his mother, aged 56, is still a registered midwife and his father is a 53 year old police pensioner. They advise that they have been married for 25 years and have had three children. His elder sister, Frances Agnes, is a staff nurse resident at Lodge Moor Fever Hospital, Sheffield but there is no trace of William Henry junior. 

On 11th November 1914, he enlisted at Liverpool as Private 22304, joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment giving his age as 27 years 1 month, and his occupation as a gas assistant. He was described as being five feet six inches tall, weighed 138lbs, 38” chest, with a sallow complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He stated his religion as Church of England. He gave his father as his next of kin of 124 Longmoor Lane. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

William served in France from 07^th November 1915, earning all three medals.

He was killed in action on 26^th June 1916, aged 28.

Graham Maddocks describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men.  William Aitken was amongst the 9 men of the 20th Battalion killed, the others being Privates J. Askew, M. Bennett, W. Bowden, J. Colligan, F. Davis, A. Howell, P. Prince and P. Simmons. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

William's death was reported in the Liverpool Evening Express on 12th July 1916 and the Liverpool Weekly Courier on Saturday 15 July 1916: 

Private W. Aitken, 20th Batt.(4th “Pals”) King's (Liverpool Regiment), only son of Mr. and Mrs. Aitken, of 124, Longmoor-lane, Fazakerley, who was killed on June 27th. He was formerly in the employ of the Liverpool Gas Company. 

His death was also reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on Tuesday 18 July 1916: 

Killed. 

King’s (Liverpools) - Aitken, 22304, W. (Aintree);

Soldiers effects, Army pay of £3 3d, £7 War Gratuity went to his father William and mother Agnes. Pension of 13/- pw to his mother. 

His father died, aged 61, in 1918 and was buried on the 10th April at Toxteth Cemetery. 

His mother died, aged 67, in 1921 and was buried on the 28th February at Toxteth Cemetery.

William is also commemorated on the following Memorials 

Liverpool Gas Company memorial

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 16 Right.

We currently have no further information on William Henry Aitken, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

John Askew was born in the March quarter of 1896, the youngest of five children born to William, a cowkeeper and his wife Margaret Matilda (nee Jones). His parents married at St. Anne's Church, Stanley, Liverpool in 1885.

The 1891 Census shows the family are living at 23 Kensington Street (off Kensington), Liverpool.  John's father, William, is a 27 year old milk cowkeeper born in Liverpool, whilst his mother, Margaret, is 29 years of age and was born in Birkenhead. They live with their three eldest children; Isabella 4, Thomas 2, Catherine Jane 8 months. 

His father William died in the June quarter of 1898, aged 34.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 19 Mill Yard, Knotty Ash, Liverpool. John;s widowed mother, Margaret Matilda, is 37 years of age and is a charwoman, she is living with four of her children; Isabella 15 is a domestic servant, Catherine  aged 10, William aged 8, and John who is 5. All the children were born in Liverpool.

In the 1911 Census the family have moved again to 1 Spring Court, Prescot Road, Liverpool, her eldest son having married in 1910 and moved out, Matilda lives with her other 4 children. John is employed as a butcher’s boy while his elder brother, William, aged 19 years, is an Assistant Rope Maker. 

John’s Service Record is unavailable but he served in France from 1916, earning 2 medals with the 20th Battalion, of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 31013. 

John was one of 9 Pals of the 20th Battalion killed in action on 26^th June 1916. He was 20 years of age.

Graham Maddocks in his book Liverpool Pals describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men.  John Askew was amongst the 9 killed, the others being Privates W.H.Aitken, M. Bennett, W. Bowden, J. Colligan, F. Davis, A. Howell, P. Prince and P. Simmons. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

John was reported killed in the Liverpool Daily Post 18th July 1916

His death was also reported in the Liverpool Echo on 05th August 1916

KILLED WHEN CARRYING RATIONS

News has been received by Mrs Askew of 149 Prescot Road, Knotty Ash, of the death of her youngest son Private John Askew K.L.R. (the "Pals"), who was killed in action. A comrade, in a letter to Mrs Askew, wrote:  "Your son did noble a task, namely carrying rations to his comrades while under shellfire."

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Margaret.

His family paid tribute to John on the first anniversary of his death in the Liverpool Daily Post on 28th June 1917

ASKEW - In loving memory of John (our Jack), aged 20 years, killed in action June 27th 1916, youngest son of Matilda and the late William Askew.

And with the morn that angel's face will smile

Which we have loved long since and lost awhile.

In life faithful, in death peacefully sleeping.

- From his sorrowing Mother, Sisters, and brothers (serving) of 149 Prescot Road, Knotty Ash.

John is commemorated on the following Memorials:

St John the Evangelist Church of England Memorial, Knotty Ash

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 16 Right. 

His mother died in the September quarter of 1926, aged 64. 

It is possible that his brother, William, served as Private 2832 with the 22^nd Battalion KLR, enlisting on 10^th December 1915, aged 22 years 9 months, a farm teamsman, and giving his next of kin as his mother, Matilda, 149 Prescot Road, Liverpool. In April 1917 he was posted to the Household Battalion Reserve (an infantry battalion)at Windsor and on 23^rd August 1917 embarked for France and was posted to the Guards Entrenching Battalion, but “retaining Household Cavalry pay”. On 25^th January 1918 he was posted to 1^st Battalion Welsh Guards whom he joined in the field on 3^rd April 1918. William was demobilized on 31^st March 1920.

We currently have no further information on John Askew, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Michael William Bennett was born on the 5th May 1891 in Derby, the fifth of seven children born to Michael, a stationary engine driver, and his wife Sarah (née Hogan). His parents married in 1879 at St Joseph’s Church, Greenwich. 

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 40 Uttoxeter Road, Derby. Michael W. is 9 years of age. His father, Michael, is aged 43 and is a stationary engine driver born in Dundalk, Ireland, his mother Sarah 43 born in Greenwich, Kent. His siblings are listed as; Ellen 21 dressmaker b.Greenwich,  John T. 19 joiner b.Balham, Albert 14 undertakers boy b.Derby,  Sarah 11 b.Derby, Mary 4 b.Derby, Phillip 1 b.Derby.

In 1911, Michael, and Sarah together, with their sons Albert, 24 years, and Philip, and a daughter, Mary, live at 83 High Street, Derby. They have been married for 32 years and Sarah states that she has had 9 children of whom 6 are still alive.

The 1911 Census shows William living with his brother John and his wife Lilian, and thet are living at 76 Great Homer Sreet, Liverpool. John is aged 29, born in 1882 and gives his occupation as Licensed Victualler and was born in Halesford, Kent. His wife Lilian is aged 21, born 1890 no occuaption who was born in Workington, Cumberland. They have two children Philip aged 1 born 1910 and Lilian born 1911. William is aged 19, and a barman, who was born in Derbyshire.  

William attested in Liverpool on 10th November 1914, aged 24 years and 180 days, he stated that he was born in Spondon, Derby, his occupation is as a clerk. He was described as being: 5' 7 and a half inches tall, weighed  127 lbs, 35" chest,  with a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair. His religion was stated as Roman Catholic. He joined the 20th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 22617.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on the 07^th November 1915.

His service papers have survived and show the following: 

10th-24th Feb 1915 - deducted pay for absence

27th Dec 1915 - placed under arrest

31st Dec 1915 - Tried by Field General Court Martial and on 14th Jan sentenced to 6 mths imprisonment with hard labour for "When on active service committing an offence against an inhabitant of the country in which he was serving" and drunkeness.

03rd Jan 1916 - while this was going on he was appointed unpaid L/Cpl

10th Feb 1916 - Sentence commuted to 3 mths Field Punishment No.1 [This was often done to prevent soldiers committing offences to get out of the trenches] 

19th June 1916 - slightly wounded on duty

Michael was killed in action on the 26th June 1916, aged 24. 

Graham Maddocks in his book Liverpool Pals describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men.  Michael was amongst the 9 men of the 20th Battalion  killed, the others being Privates W.H.Aitken, J.Askew, W. Bowden, J. Colligan, F. Davis, A. Howell, P. Prince and P. Simmons. 

His death was reported in the Derby Daily Telegraph on Wednesday 19 July 1916;

ROLL OF HONOUR.

BENNETT - Killed in action, in France, on June 26 in his 25th year, Private William Bennett, Liverpool “Pals’ “ Battalion, dearly-beloved third son of Mr and Mrs Bennett of 18 York Street, Derby. 

One of the best and loved by all. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The Inscription on Michael's headstone reads:

"R.I.P."

Personal items returned:- letter, cigarette case, 5 photos, 5 cards, R.C. hymn book.

Soldiers Effects, army pay of £4 9s 9d, war gratuity £5 10s to father Michael J., Pension to mother Sarah, Gt Homer Street.

His death was reported in the Derby Daily Telegraph on Monday 05th May 1919;

IN MEMORIAM.

BENNETT - In loving birthday remembrance of Private William Bennett (Willie), 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment, killed in action, June 27(sic), 1916, aged 24 years, third son of Mr and Mrs J. Bennett, late of 18 York Street, Derby, now of Liverpool. 

In the old home you are fondly remembered. 

Sweet, happy memories cling round your dear name. 

Two hearts that hold you in deepest affection.

Always shall love you, dear son, in death just the same. 

- From mother, father, sisters, and brothers, and John in the Egypt. 

In March 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and were now living at 32 Durban Road, Liverpool after leaving Derby for Liverpool in 1916. They had married at St Joseph's Church, Greenwich.

His father died, aged 71, shortly after the anniversary. 

Grateful thanks are extended to Jack Richmond Valentine for permission to use the wonderful photograph of William Bennett now shown on this website. 

We currently have no further information on Michael William Bennett, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

William Bowden was born on  4th May 1892 at Liverpool and was baptised on 1st  June 1892 at Emmanuel Church, Everton.  William was the third of ten children born to Henry, a billiard marker, and Margaret Ellen (nee Shaw), who married in 1887 in Liverpool.

In 1901, they lived at 13 Albert Road, Waterloo, with their 6 children.

In the 1911 Census, Henry and Margaret Ellen live with their 6 children and their son Robert’s wife, Lucy Catherine, at 38 Liffey Street, Liverpool, William was a boarder aged 18 and was a stable lad in cartage at Beaufort Street, Toxteth Park .

William enlisted at Liverpool on 23^rd November 1914, joining the 20th Battalion (4th Company), The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22931 giving his age as 22 years and 14 days, his occupation as a waiter and his next of kin as his father, Henry, of 182 Market Street, Birkenhead. He was five feet six and three quarter inches tall and weighed 140lbs.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

On 26^th June 1915 at Birkenhead Registry Office, William married Mary Frances Rowe, aged 23 years, of 11 Mulberry Road, Rock Ferry.

He arrived in France on 07^th November 1915 and on 4^th April 1916 was attached to 30 Infantry Brigade Division, joining his unit at Etaples on 06^th April. On 14^th May 1916, he was posted to 20^th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22931.

William  was killed in action on 26^th June 1916 aged 24.

Graham Maddocks in his book Liverpool Pals describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men. William was amongst the 9 men of the 20th Battalion  killed, the others being Privates W.H.Aitken,  J.Askew, M. Bennett, J. Colligan, F. Davis, A. Howell, P. Prince and P. Simmons. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery. 

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo dated 11th July 1916 -

KILLED IN ACTION

BOWDEN-- June 27, killed in action, aged 24 years, William Bowden (Liverpool "Pals" ) the dearly beloved husband of  May Bowden, 11 Mulberry road, Rock Ferry.

He was also reported killed in Daily Post on 18th July 1916 -

Bowden, W (Rock Ferry)

His effects were sent to his widow who, on 1^st January 1917 was awarded a pension of 10/- (50p) per week.

William is also commemorated  on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance,  Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 14 Left

 St Clement Church of England School, Toxteth, Liverpool.

On 11.06.1920, his widow Mary Frances submitted a sworn declaration stating that she was living with William’s parents at 13 Eden Street, Lodge Lane, Liverpool. She named his brothers as Harold, 23; Robert, 32; John 26; Richard, 15; James, 13; and Harry, 30 years. He also had 3 sisters - Emily, 21; Margaret, 12; and Lucy, 8 years.

We currently have no further information on William Bowden, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

John Carroll was born in the March quarter of 1889 at Liverpool. He was the eldest of eight children born to Matthew, a plumber, and his wife Ann Jane (nee Carty). His parents were married in 1888 in the West Derby Registration district of Liverpool.  

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 12 Leda Street, West Derby. John is two years of age and lives with his parents Matthew and Ann J  and new born sister Mary.

The 1901 Census shows the family have moved across the Mersey and are living at 9 Geneva Road, Seacombe. John is 12 years of age and lives with his parents and six siblings; Mary aged 10, Joseph 8, Annie 6, Henry Edward 5, Norah 3 and Dorothy Agnes aged 1.

By the 1911 Census the family have moved again to 57 Wright Street, Liscard. John is now 22 and employed as a clerk in the provision trade. He lives with his parents and eight siblings. His parents advise that they have been married for 23 years and have had 10 children, nine of whom have survived. John's siblings recorded at the property are; Mary a 20 year old dressmaker, Joseph an 18 year old apprentice engineer, Ann a 16 year old book keepers assistant, Henry Edward a 15 year old office boy, the remaining children are at school, Nora Frances 13, Dorothy Agnes 11, Ellen Josephine 9 and Francis Leo who is 6.

John enlisted on the 11th September 1914 at Liverpool joining the 19^th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 21465. He gave his age as 25 years and 271 days and his occupation as a clerk. He was described as being five feet seven inches tall, weighed 128lbs, had a sallow complexion, brown eyes, brown hair and gave his religion as Roman Catholic. His father Mathew Carroll 57 Wright St, Egremont was his next of kin.

Formed on 07^th September 1914 the 19^th Battalion trained locally at Sefton Park and remained living at home or in rented accommodation until November 1914. They then moved to the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain.

His service records show: 

14.8.15: At Belton Park, Grantham: Dirty bayonet. Confined to barracks for two days 

7.11.15: He embarked for France from Folkestone with his battalion arriving at Boulogne.

14.1.16: Attached RAMC guard duties at Chipilly.

He was killed in action on the 26^th June 1916, aged 27, during a German artillery bombardment.

He was buried close to where he fell in Maricourt Military Cemetery and his grave marked with a cross.  The cemetery was at the south-east corner of the village, on the road to Clery. It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron.  It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July 1916.  After the war when graves were concentrated his body was removed and reinterred in Cerisy-Gailly Cemetery where he now rests.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

His death was featured in a report in the Birkenhead News dated 05th July 1916:

"Information has been received that Private J.Carroll, of the Liverpool Pals, the eldest son of Mr.and Mrs.Carroll, of 57,Wright-street, Egremont, was killed in action on June 27th. He was a well-known local footballer,and played both for Harroby and the Tower Amateurs F.C. He has a brother in the same regiment, who sent the sad news home. Prior to the war Private Carroll worked for Messrs.McEvoy, Pinnington and Co., provision merchants,of Liverpool."

Also in the Wallasey News dated 8th July 1916 

“One Of The Best”

Well-Known Local Footballer Killed

“As a soldier he was ‘one of the best,’ and you will feel proud that he died at his post doing his duty,” is the splendid tribute which one soldier pays to his fallen chum. The soldier who has laid down his life is Private Jack Carroll, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll, of 57, Wright Street, Egremont, who will be remembered by many as a former stalwart of Harrowby A.F.C.

Private Carroll was an old boy of St. Joseph’s School, Seacombe, and a member of the St. Joseph’s Club. He was employed on the office staff of Messrs. McEvoy and Pinnington, wholsesale provision merchants, with whom he had been since leaving school. He will be chiefly known in this district for his brilliant feats in amateur football circles, as he played for Harrowby at one time, and later for the New Brighton Tower Amateurs, and it will be remembered that he did the “hat trick” in his first match with the latter team against Cammell Laird’s. Latterly he had been playing for Brompton in the Central Park.

In the early stages of the war he joined the Liverpool “Pals,” and proceeded to the front with them some eight months ago. The first intimation of his death was received on Monday in a letter from his younger brother, Henry E. Carroll, who is in another battalion of the “Pals,” who said that he had been killed by a shell while in the trenches on Tuesday of last week. Mr. Carroll has received a letter of condolence from his son’s firm, and also several others from his chums.

Comrades’ Tribute

The following letter was sent on behalf of the platoon by J. Harrod, a local man who was in the trench at the time Carroll was killed:

“It is with deepest feelings of regret that I write to you on behalf of Jack’s most intimate friends in his platoon, conveying their sympathy in your sad bereavement. His loss will be keenly felt amongst us, as Jack was well liked by all whom he came in contact with, while as a soldier he was ‘one of the best,’ and you will feel proud that he died at his post doing his duty.

“No doubt you will have some consolation in knowing that his end came suddenly and he suffered no pain whatever; also that he received Holy Communion previous to starting off for the trenches on Saturday, June 17th. The Bishop of Nancy officiated at his funeral in the little cemetery just behind the firing line, and only a short distance from his cousin Leo.”

His Personal belongings were returned and included packet of letters, prayer book, tin box, set of rosary beads, set of rosary beads(broken),

Soldiers Effects to his father Mathew and pension to his mother Ann J.

The cousin referred to is Leo Carty, of Falkland Road, who was in the Cheshire Regiment, and was killed on 01st October 1915. He now rests at Carnoy Military Cemetery where his headstone bears the epitaph: 

ON WHOSE SOUL SWEET JESUS HAVE MERCY

The brother to whom the report refers was John’s younger brother, Henry Edward, who served as Lance Corporal 16131 with the 17^th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment and was himself killed in action on 04^th December 1917. He rests at Bedford House Cemetery in Belgium. 

Both John and Henry Edward are commemorated on the following Memorials:

Wallasey Civic Memorial and Roll of Honour

St Albans Roman Catholic  Church, Liscard.

We currently have no further information on John Carroll, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Patrick James Colligan was born in January 1884, and was the second son of Patrick and Ellen nee Quinlan, both born in Ireland.

In 1881, Patrick and Ellen lived with their two youngest children at 49 Great Crosshall Street, Liverpool, where Patrick was employed as a ‘Grocer’s porter’.

In 1890, Patrick died and his widow remained at the same address in 1891 with her now three children, Patrick James having been born in 1894.

In 1892, Ellen Colligan married John Harrison Nicholson.

In 1901 they lived, with one of John’s daughters and Ellen’s three children, at 69 Phythian Street, Liverpool. Patrick James is employed as a nickel plate polisher and his older brother, Thomas, as a grocer’s manager. 

On 14^th March 1909, Patrick/James married Elizabeth Jane Asbridge at St Chrysostom’s Church, Everton.

The 1911 Census records James and Elizabeth living at 8 Dyke Street, Everton, with their 1 year old son, James. Patrick/James is described as a tobacco labourer at Ogden’s. That same year, his stepfather, John Nicholson, died in Stockport.

On 10^th November 1914, James (as his name appears in Army Records) enlisted in Liverpool, aged 30 years 10 months, giving his employment as clerk and his next of kin as his wife, Elizabeth. He was five feet eleven inches tall, weighed 147lbs, sallow complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair and gave his relgion as Roman Catholic.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

He served in France from 7^th November 1915 and on 8^th November 1915 was appointed L/Corporal (paid).  On 5^th February 1916, he was reduced to the rank of Private having been disciplined for “using a trench (?) for an improper purpose”. The officer who was witness to this offence was 2^nd Lieutenant W. H. Jowett.

James was serving in the 20th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22958 when he was  killed in action by a German artillery bombardment on the 26th June 1916 aged 31. Ironically, 2^nd Lieutenant Jowett was wounded with James and subsequently died of his wounds. 

Graham Maddocks in his book Liverpool Pals describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men. James was amongst the 9 men of the 20th Battalion killed, the others being Privates W.H.Aitken, J.Askew, M. Bennett, W Bowden, F. Davis, A. Howell, P. Prince and P. Simmons. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The inscription on James' headstone reads:

"THE SUPREME SACRIFICE"

James’s death was reported in the Liverpool Echo 12/7/1916 

ONE OF THE PALS - Private James Colligan of the Liverpool “Pals” has been killed in action in France by the bursting of a shell.  He was 32 years of age and leaves a widow and two children who live at 5 Dyke Street, Everton, Liverpool.  One of Colligan’s comrades in a letter to the widow wrote “Like a Soldier and a man he worked from the beginning and died doing his duty.  We all feel the loss like yourself”

On 10^th July 1916, a Mr Kelly, proprietor of Messrs Kelly & Company, Oil refiners, of 39 Old Hall Street, Liverpool, wrote to the Military Records Office on behalf of James’ widow applying for a widow’s pension for her and her two children - James Stephen, born 7^th September 1909 and Lillian May, born 25^th April 1913. As from 8^th January 1917 she was awarded 18/6d per week. In August 1916, James’s effects were sent to his widow, now living at 23 Howat Street, Everton who also received his 1914/15 Star and the plaque and scroll.

In 1922, his widow married Edward Gallagher in Liverpool and in November 1922 James’s other two medals were sent to her in her new married name but still at Howat Street. 

We currently have no further information on Patrick James Colligan, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Frederick William Davis was born in 1896 in Liverpool, one of two sons of William Davis, a coach maker, and his wife Elizabeth Ada (nee Barrow), whom he married in 1890. 

In  the 1901 Census the family are living at 6 Lissant Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool. His father William Davis is a 37 year old carriage maker, born in Birkenhead, his mother Ada Davis  is 34 years of age and was born in Widnes. Also present is his widowed grandmother Elizabeth Davis who is 60 years old and was born in Ireland. There are five children in the household; Leonora Davis 10 b.Birkenhead, Valentine Davis 7 b.Birkenhead, Frederick Davis 4 b.Liverpool, Dorothy Davis 2 b.Liverpool, Joseph Davis 3 months  b.Liverpool.

The 1911 Census shows the family is living at 178 Upper Huskisson Street, Liverpool. His father William Davis is now a 47 year old coachmaker, mother Elizabeth Ada Davis is 44. They have been married for twenty one years and have had eight children, one of whom has died. Still living with the family is grandmother Elizabeth Davis now aged 70 and who is declared to have been blind for five years. Their seven surviving children are listed as; Leonora Davis 20 domestic servant, Valentine Davis 17 van lad, Frederick Davis 14 van lad, Dorothy Davis 12, Joseph Davis 10, Helena Davis 6, Alice Davis 3. 

Fred enlisted in Liverpool joining the 20th Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 29712.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

He was killed in action on 26^th January 1916 aged 19 years.

Graham Maddocks in his book Liverpool Pals describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men. Frederick was amongst the 9 men of the 20th Battalion  killed, the others being Privates W.H.Aitken, J.Askew, M.W. Bennett, W. Bowden, J. Colligan, A. Howell, P. Prince and P. Simmons. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 11th July 1916:

News has been received of the death in action of Private Fred Davies (sic) of the Liverpool Pals. He was 19 years of age and resided at 178 Upper Huskisson Street, Liverpool.

Also on the first anniversary of his death In Memoriam notices were placed by his family in the Liverpool Daily Post dated 26th June 1917

– DAVIS – In loving memory of Private Federick Davis   178 Huskisson Street, Liverpool, killed in action June 26 1916 age 19 years R.I.P. (Deeply Regretted) His loving Mother and Father.

DAVIS – In loving memory of our dear brother Fred (KLR) who was killed in action in France June 26 1916 (Never forgotten by his sisters Nora and Dolly)

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Ada.

Fred is also is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance in Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 6.

We currently have no further information on Frederick William Davis. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Albert's headstone bears the following epitaph:

"PEACE PERFECT PEACE. MOTHER"

Liverpool Echo dated 12th February 1917 

-  Roll of Honour – HOWELL – In loving 20^th Birthday remembrance of Albert Edward Howell (KLR) killed in action June 27 1916, buried at Maricourt (Sadly missed by Mother, Jack and Fred – 14 Enid Street, Toxteth  (His duty done)

Albert is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance in Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 55 Left

Central Hall Methodist Mission, Liverpool

Soldiers Effects and Pension to his mother Maria Elizabeth.

Albert's older brother, John Benson Howell, enlisted on 4^th August 1914 in the 2^nd Lancashire Brigade Royal Garrison Artillery as Gunner 312. He gave his age as 21 years 11 months, his occupation as unemployed grocer and his address as 14 Enid Street. Just 1 week later he was discharged as medically unfit. He subsequently had some problems proving his medical discharge when his Medal Card was being prepared. In a letter to the Records Office RGA on 5^th December 1919, he reported that he had been discharged as medically unfit from “West Lancashire Heavy Brigade” RGA at Barrow in Furness, had been given no discharge certificate and several letters to HQ requesting the certificate had been fruitless. Despite that he claimed that he had been called up for service with 2/5^th Battalion, KLR, served only 120 days and was then discharged from hospital and service on 19^th July 1919. He added that he had served before the outbreak of war and his records show that he in fact enlisted in the 1^st Lancashire RGA on 3^rd March 1909 and was discharged at his own request on 31^st May 1912.

Grateful thanks are extended to Brian Howell, the great nephew of Albert Edward for providing the wonderful photograph of Albert. 

We currently have no further information on Alfred Edward Howell. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

George Norman was born on the 09th January 1895 at Liverpool and was baptised on the 20th January 1898 at St Peter's Church, Liverpool. He was the son of Joseph, a baker, and  his wife Elizabeth (nee Ashcroft), who married at Holy Trinity Church, Wavertree in 1894.

The 1901 Census shows Elizabeth Norman, born 1869, living with her parents, Richard and Ellen Ashcroft, her sister, Mary Ashcroft, and her 2 sons at 123 Lodge Lane, Liverpool.

In 1911, Elizabeth and Joseph live with their two sons at 60 Ritson Street, Liverpool, when George is said to be a hairdresser and his younger brother, Joseph, born in 1896, is a shop boy in a bread shop.

The 1911 Census shows Elizabeth Ann Ward (his future wife), age 17, born 1894 and living with her parents at 140 Hartnup St, Everton. She is employed at a tea merchants.

George  enlisted on the 09^th November 1914 at Liverpool and gave his age as 19 years and 11 months, and his occupation as a barman. He was five foot four and half inches tall, weighed 112lbs, he was of sallow complexion with blue eyes and blonde hair. He stated his religion as Church of England. He gave his next of kin as his father, Joseph, of 30 Wrayburn Street, stating that he had previously tried to join the Royal Navy but had been rejected because of poor eyesight.

On 30^th September 1915, George married Elizabeth Ann Ward at Liverpool Registry Office.   

On 04.10.15 at Larkhill Camp: He was ordered to forfeit 3 days pay and was given 14 days Confined to barracks (CB) for being absent without leave from 10.00pm, 2nd October to 4^th October at 8.50pm. It is safe to assume that his marriage four days earlier may explain his absence without leave 

08.11.15: At Larkhill Camp: His poor eyesight was acknowledged and he was supplied with spectacles.

10.12.15: At Knowsley Hall: He was given 2 days CB for being dirty on Guard Mounting

29.3.16: He embarked for France aboard “SS Invicta” from Folkestone to Etaples, joining the 50^th Brigade.

14.4.16: He was posted to 2^nd Entrenching Battalion.

29.5.16: He joined 20^th Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment.

On 26th June 1916 he died of wounds received in action, aged 21.

George now rests at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery, (Grave II L 18). 

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

He was reported as died of wounds in the Liverpool Daily Post on 18th July 1916 and again in the Liverpool Echo  on 24th August 1916

One Of The "Pals"

Private George Norman, of the King's Liverpool Regiment, died of wounds in France. He left a widow, he was 21 years of age and his home was at 34 Clarendon Road, Townsend Lane, Liverpool.

His effects, which touchingly included his spectacles, were sent to Mrs Elizabeth Ward, formerly Norman, at 140 Hartnup Street, Everton. 

George is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance inside Liverpool Town Hall on Panel 19. 

His wife Elizabeth received a pension of 10 shillings payable from 08th January 1917. They had a daughter also named Elizabeth who was born in March 1917.

Elizabeth married Peter Ward 1919 at St Cuthbert's Church, Everton, Liverpool. 

George's brother, Joseph, was a casualty of the Second World War. He was a railway capstainman who lived at 16 Clement Grove, Larch Lea, Liverpool. On the night of 23rd February 1942 when the city was in the midst of a blackout due to the risk of bombing of the city by the Luftwaffe, Joseph suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the Northern Hospital in Liverpool. His death certificate advises that the cause of Joseph's death was as follows:

"Shock following multiple injuries accidentally caused by his overcoat being caught in the tie-bar of the railway wagon on 23rd day"

The certificate was received following an inquest by the Coroner of Liverpool on 25th February 1942. Further poignancy if any were needed is that at the time of Joseph's death, his young son Ronald (Ronnie) then aged 9, was living in Aberystwyth, North Wales as he was one of the many children from Liverpool who were evacuated to avoid the Blitz. 

Grateful thanks are extended to Danielle Christina Flaherty, the great niece of George Norman, who has kindly assisted us with the telling of George and Joseph's loss to her family. Two men from Liverpool who were victims of two world wars.   

We currently have no further information on George Norman, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

Patrick was born on 03rd April 1895, the seventh of twelve children born to Michael Prince (1862-1940) and his wife Catherine known as Kate (nee Doyle) also of Waterford (1864-1936). They married in 1881. 

There are discrepancies in this soldier’s birth date, and age at death, as well as the number of children in the family. Children found on censuses are older siblings Mary Cate, Thomas, and Annie, and younger siblings Michael, John, and Matthew. 

Percy Grenfell Simmonds was born on the 28th October 1892 in Chorlton, Manchester, the youngest of six children born to De Lasaux (Delasaux) Egginton Mount Simmonds, a Church of England clergyman, and his wife Agnes Mary (nee Barfoot). He was baptised at St Thomas' Church, Ardwick on 30th November 1892. His parents married on 07th May 1874 at the Church of St Thomas, Fair Oak, Southampton, when Delasaux’s father, Joseph, was the Rector of Chilcomb, Hampshire. Throughout his adult life, Delasaux Simmonds served as a C of E minister and his children’s birthplaces reflect the dioceses in which he served - Somerset, Sheffield, Gloucester and Manchester. Their eldest daughter ,Ada, was a Professor of Music, an organist and a music teacher. 

In the 1901 Census, Percy is living with his parents and family at 2 Green Street, Ardwick, Manchester. Percy is 8 years of age and is living with his parents and five siblings. His father, is 57 years of age, he was born in Chelsea and was the Curate of St Mark's Church, whilst his mother is 54 years of age and was born in Huntingdon. His siblings are recorded as Ada M. a 25 year old Professor of Music, Agnes M. aged 23 and Nora E. aged 19, all three girls were born in Bedminster, Gloucestershire. William J.D. is 15 and was born in Sheffield and Frederick is 12 years of age and was born in Bristol. Also present in the household are Eliza K. Barfoot, his mother's sister and a servant, 37 year old Sarah Windridge.   

Percy was educated at Bury Grammar School from 1906 -1910. Upon leaving school Percy started work for Parr’s Bank in Radcliffe.

In 1911 the family lived at St Andrew’s Vicarage, Bolton Road, Ramsbottom. Percy is now 18 years of age and a bank clerk. He lives with his parents and five siblings. His parents advise that they have been married for 36 years and have had seven children of whom 6 have survived. Ada Mary is now 35 and an organist and Music teacher, Agnes Mabel Delasaux is 33 years old with no occupation shown as is Nora Elizabeth who is now 29 years old, William Joseph Delasaux is a 25 year old bank clerk and Frederick Moyle Simmonds, is 22 and a draper’s shop assistant.

Percy enlisted in Liverpool as Private 22531 joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment on 20th November 1914.

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

Percy served in France with the Pals from 07^th November 1915. He was home on leave at Whit in 1916 before returning to the front. He was killed in action on 26^th June 1916 near Maricourt, he was aged 23.

The battalion diary for 26th June 1916 shows: 

“Maricourt Trenches, Monday 26-6-16, In the trenches as previous day – Very active artillery by the enemy, Battalion relieved the 2^nd Bedfordshire Regt at 10.00pm. 56 other ranks killed or wounded.” 

Graham Maddocks describes how during that evening the 20^th Battalion relieving the 2^nd Bedfords in the front line near Maricourt was subject to a severe German bombardment which killed nine other ranks, fatally wounded 2^nd Lieutenant William Hall Jowett who died 2 days later, and wounded 3 other officers and 47 men. Percy was amongst the 9 men of the 20th Battalion killed, the others being Privates W.H. Aitken, J. Askew, M. Bennett, W. Bowden, J. Colligan, F. Davis, A. Howell and P. Prince. 

All of these men now rest at Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Percy's death was reported in the Bury Times: 

‘It is stated that he was hit twice and badly wounded, and while being conveyed to a dressing station he was again shot and killed outright’

Also the Manchester Evening News of 06th July 1916

RAMSBOTTOM CLERGYMAN'S SON

The Rev. D.E.M. Simmonds, Vicar of St Andrews, Ramsbottom has received information that his son Corporal Percy Grenfell Simmonds, Liverpool Regiment, has been killed in action in France. Simmonds was 23 and enlisted in November 1914. In civil life he was a bank clerk, and was an old boy of the Bury Grammar School.

An officer wrote to Percy's father in glowing terms:

'Your son was a most splendid fellow. He was known as the 'gas expert' because he was our company gas corporal. In these duties, as in all his work, he was most conscientious and enthusiastic. I often thought that he was wasted as a corporal, as he would have been an excellent officer...He was very popular with both the officers and the men and his loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him as a splendid NCO and a cool, quiet gentleman.'

A quote from Natwest Group Remembers:- 

His obituary in the bank's staff magazine quoted a letter to Simmonds' father from one of his officers: “Your son was a splendid fellow. He was known as the 'gas expert', as he was our company gas corporal, and in [these] duties, as in all his work, he was most conscientious and enthusiastic. I often thought that he was wasted as a corporal, as he would have made an excellent officer. I know the Major thought a great deal of Corporal Simmonds, and always relied on him absolutely. I hope you will accept the sympathy of the officers of the company in your great misfortune. He was very popular both with the officers and men, and his loss will be keenly felt by all who knew him as a splendid NCO and a cool, quiet gentleman”.

Percy left a Will and his Soldiers Effects, army pay of £6 8s 8d, War Gratuity of £8 went to his father Rev. D. Eggington and a pension of 7/- pw to his mother Mary Agnes. 

Percy’s two brothers were also on active service but survived the war.

The Ramsbottom Observer on Friday 12th December 1919 concerned the communion table presented to the Church along with silver offertry plates in memory of the late Corporal Percy Grenfell Simmonds; 

The Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Knox) on Friday evening last visited Ramsbottom and conducted the re-opening service at St Andrew’s Church, where several alterations and renovations have been carried out, as exclusively reported in this journal some three weeks ago. The Bishop dedicated the new oak communion table, which has been presented to the church by Mrs P. E. Holden, and silver offertory plates, presented by the two sons of the vicar in memory of their brother, late Corporal Percy Grenfell Simmonds (20th King’s Liverpool Regiment), killed action France. 

His father died, aged 77, on the 13th August 1921.

His death was reported in the Ramsbottom Observer on Friday 19th August 1921;

Ramsbottom people were away on their holidays when they were acquainted with the tragic death of the Rev. D.E.M. Simmonds, the vicar St Andrew’s Church. The painful circumstances under which his demise occurred (reported elsewhere) increased what to everybody -even his closest friends- was a great-shock, as the vicar had never suffered from any serious illness and had appeared in normal health previous his decease. About three months ago, however, he complained of dizziness a month ago, and had a fainting attack. As the doctor has given the coroner a note in which it intimates death was due to syncope, and holding of an inquest has been deemed necessary. Although taking an active part in the public life of the town the rev. gentleman did much good in an unostentatious way, and his loss will be deplored. His pocket was always open to the deserving poor, and there is many a home in Ramsbottom and district which blessed the name Simmonds. It cannot be said that the venerable preacher did not live the allotted span, but it is a great pity that such lives as his should not be spared a great deal longer. The inestimable good he has done will live after him. His association with the young men and women of his church and Sunday school cannot fail to have had a beneficial effect, for he quickly made his influence felt. Too few there are these days who can justly claim to have the same noble motives and to be actuated in all their deeds by the same spirit as the septuagenarian minister possessed, but it is not too much to say that he will have added to the number to those who can, by his lofty example. Truly, he has not lived in vain.

Probate was awarded in Manchester as follows:-

SIMMONDS Delasaux Eggington(sic) Mount Simmonds of St Andrew’s Vicarage, Ramsbottom Lancashire clerk died 13th August 1921 Administration Manchester 5 September to William Joseph Delasaux Simmonds bank clerk. Effects £487 16s 3d.

His mother died, aged 83, in Bury on the 01st July 1930.

Probate was awrded in Manchester as follows:-

SIMMONDS Agnes Mary of 6 Oaklands Road, Edenfield, Ramsbottom Lancashire widow died 1 July 1930 Administration Manchester 9 August to William Joseph Delasaux Simmonds banker. Effects £193 14s 10d. 

Percy is remembered on the family gravestone in Holcombe Emmanuel Churchyard. He is also commemorated at St Andrews Church in Ramsbottom where his name is inscribed in a stained glass window. 

He is further commemorated on the following Memorials:

Bury Grammar School Roll of Honour

Nat West Bank (Parrs Bank) Bury.

During the refurbishment of the Nat West bank in the centre of Bury, formerly Parr’s Bank, a plaque commemorating Percy Simmonds and another bank clerk, Herbert Howarth, was discovered. The plaque was rededicated by the Mayor of Bury, with photographs of the two soldiers added above the original memorial, in a special ceremony at the bank on 10th February 2016.

We currently have no further information on Percy Grenfell Simmonds, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

This soldier’s birth was registered as Morton Spence in the June quarter of 1880, the fifth of six children born to Mowbray Spence, a bookkeeper/clerk, and his wife Clementina (nee Fawcett) born June 1847. He was baptised with the name Morton in St. Clement’s, Toxteth Park, on 11th July 1880, his parents’ residence given as 69 Alt Street, and his father’s occupation as clerk. His father, born in Sunderland, and his mother, from Stockton-on-Tees, married in Sockton in 1866.

A Robert Spence was born in 1863 in Stockton (mother née Allison, but no Spence-Allison marriage has been found); and Charles Mowbray in 1867 in Stockton; they then moved to Liverpool, where William was born in 1869, Margaret in 1871, Melbourne in 1874, Morton in 1880, and Edgar in 1882.

In 1881 the family is living at 69 Alt Street, Toxteth Park, with six children: Robert 17, Charles 14, William 11, Margaret 9, Melbourne 7, and Morton is 10 months old.  His father is a clerk. 

In 1891 the family lived at 8 Webb Street, Liverpool and he is shown in the Census as Morton Spence.

His brother Charles died at the age of 25 in 1892, his mother Clementina died in 1893, aged 46 and his father Mowbray in 1899 aged 62.

In 1901 four of their six children - Margaret, 29 years; Melbourne, 27 years,  a cotton broker’s clerk ; Morton, 20 years, a solicitor’s clerk; and Edgar, 18 years, a butcher’s assistant - are still living at 8 Webb Street.

In 1911, Margaret is married and living with her husband, John Blundell, a safemaker, at 15 Dorset Avenue, Wavertree and Edgar, a railway messenger, is living with them. In the same Census, William Spence is married to Eliza and living at 98 Webster Road, Wavertree, with their 4 sons - William Mowbray, Charles Melbourne, Edgar and John Ames Spence. In 1911 Morton is a boarder with John Walter and Anna Maria Lewis, farmers, their son, and a servant, at 48 Rake Lane, Bromborough.  Morton is 31, single, employed as a law clerk. 

He must have been about 34 years when he enlisted, joining the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 33230. The amount of the War Gratuity suggests that he enlisted in mid-1915. His service record is not available.

He was killed in action on 26^th June 1916, aged 36 and his grave, II K 10, is in Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery.

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. 

A report in the Birkenhead News on 15th July 1916 stated that: 

"Among the fallen heroes of the 2nd "Pals"has to be numbered Private Robert M. Spence. He was an orphan, and resided in Bromborough for many years on account of his health. He lived in the "Rake" at a farmhouse. Mrs.Lewis, 4,The Rake, Bromborough, received offical notice of his death in action. The deceased soldier in pre-war days was a keen follower of all kinds of sport, and admirably filled the position as secretary of the Recreation Bowling Club. He served on several committees in connection with the Sports Association, attended Divine service regularly,and was highly respected by all that knew him. Mr. Spence left behind a splendid record of 20 years service with Gregson and Sparman, Solicitors, Castle-street, Liverpool, for whom he was a cashier, and by his death they have suffered the loss of a very faithful servant". 

His Army effects of £4-1s-3d and a War Gratuity of £3 went to his executors, William E. Gregson and John Quinn.

Probate of his personal estate, in the amount of £623-19s-3d, was granted to William Eugene Gregson, solicitor, and John Quinn, solicitor’s clerk. 

Solicitors notice regarding his Estate in Liverpool Echo 13th October 1916 says he was a Cashier for Gregson and Sharman

(Gores 1914 confirm Gregson and Sharman)

"Mr.Spence left behind a splendid record of 20 years service with Gregson and Sparman, Solicitors, Castle-Street, Liverpool"

Morton is commemorated on the following memorials -

St. Barnabas Church, Bromborough

Cheshire Roll of Honour.

We currently have no further information on Robert Morton Spence, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.

William Curphey Watkinson was born in 1896  in Liverpool. He was the son of George Watkinson and his wife Sarah A. (nee Baines). They married in 1892 at St Paul's Church, Toxteth Park, Liverpool. 

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 62 Nuttall Street, West Derby, Liverpool. His father, George, is aged 36, born in Liverpool in 1865 and works in a tobacco factory. His mother Sarah A,  is aged 27, born in Liverpool in 1874 with no occupation listed. Their three children declared on the Census are shown as; George aged 7, born 1894, Jessie aged 6, born 1895 and William aged 4,. Also listed is sister in law Bertha Baines aged 16, born 1885 in Liverpool living with them. 

The 1911 Census shows the family now living at 7 Cheapside Liverpool, Liverpool. (The Rose & Crown Public House). His mother Sarah is a widow now aged 38 and is a licensed victualler (Her year of birth is now showing as 1873). She has two of her children living with her Jessie now aged 16 and William aged 14 who are both at school. Also living at the address at the time of the census are Martha Balmer a domestic servant aged 20, born 1891 and Florence Martin aged 22, born 1889 a barmaid who were both born in Liverpool.

Prior to enlisting William was employed by Mr S Chadwick of 19 Canning Place. He was also a member of St Nicholas' Church Bible class.

William enlisted in Liverpool and was serving in the 20th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 31679 when he died of wounds on 26^th June 1916, aged 19

A newsaper report of his death advises that he joined the Pals in October 1915 some weeks before his 19th birthday.

A notice was placed in the local press following his death and that of a fellow Pal, James Moore :

WATKINSON, MOORE - William C. Watkinson and James Moore, members of Rector of Liverpool Men's Bible Class and Brotherhood.(Our first to go in 1914, and our first to be taken). 

When duty called, and danger,

They were not wanting there.  

William now rests at Cerisy- Gailly Military Cemetery (Grave II L 25).

Gailly was the site of the 39th and 13th Casualty Clearing Stations during the early part of 1917, and of the 41st Stationary Hospital from May 1917 to March 1918. The villages were then captured by the Germans, but were retaken by the Australian Corps in August 1918. Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery (originally called the New French Military Cemetery) was begun in February 1917 and used by medical units until March 1918. After the recapture of the village it was used by Australian units. The cemetery was increased after the Armistice when graves were brought in from the battlefields of the Somme.

It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron. It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July, 1916. It contained the graves of 887 French soldiers, 260 from the United Kingdom and six German. 

The cemetery now contains 745 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the First World War. 114 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials commemorate five casualties buried at Maricourt and Ste. Helene whose graves could not be found. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Soldiers Effects to his mother Sarah A.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo dated 11th July 1916 -

KILLED IN ACTION

WATKINSON—June 27, killed in action, in his 19th year, Private William. C. Watkinson, (Liverpool Pals), the dearly-loved youngest child of  Mrs. S. A. Watkinson, Rose and Crown Hotel, Cheapside. (My little hero.) Sadly missed by his sorrowing Mother, Sister, and Brother (in France).

He was commemorated in the Liverpool Echo on 27th June 1918:

WATKINSON - In sad memory of Private W. C. WATKINSON, aged 19 years, the very dearly loved youngest son of Mrs S. A. Watkinson, Rose and Crown Hotel, Cheapside, killed in action June 27th 1916. (so sadly missed)

WATKINSON - In memory of my only brother Private W. C. WATKINSON (Sans Changer), killed in action June 27th 1916. (His duty nobly done) - George

William is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance in Liverpool Town Hall at Panel 34. 

We currently have no further information on William Curphey Watkinson, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.