The Great War 1914 – 1918.
|
CORPORAL FREDERICK WILLIAM THOMPSON. 23rd Battalion, London Regiment. Service number; 6127. Died on October 2nd 1916. Aged 24 years. COMMEMORATION; Warlencourt British Cemetery, |
 CORPORAL FREDERICK WILLIAM THOMPSON. |
PRIVATE JOHN W. CHAPMAN
Died October 2nd 1916, aged 24 years.
Son of William B. and Mary Chapman, of Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated November 11th 1916.
Pte. John Chapman, the Ferry, Milton Park, was killed in action. He had been reported missing for some time since, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Chapman, have now received official information of his death. Private Chapman was for several years employed in the Milton stables, where he was a general favourite, both with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam and his fellow workers. He was of a most bright and amiable disposition, and always had a pleasant smile and cheery word for everyone. He was the only son.
Report copied from The Peterborough Advertiser dated, December 2nd 1916.
MILTON LAD KILLED.
Pte. J. W. Chapman, London Regt, was killed in action on October 2nd. He had been reported missing for some time. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Chapman, Milton Ferry, have now received official information of his death. Pte. J. W. Chapman, who was 24 years of age and an only son, was for several years employed in the Milton Stables, where he was a general favourite both with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam and his fellow workers. He was of a bright and amiable disposition, and always had a pleasant smile and cheery word for everyone.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
Pte. John W. Chapman.
Killed in action.
October 2nd 1916.
Aged 24 years.
PRIVATE ARTHUR HENRY CLIFFE.
6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.
Service number; 49531.
Died on August 6th 1918.
Aged 18 years.
COMMEMORATION:
Pozieres Memorial,
Somme,
France.
Panel 54 to 56.
PRIVATE ARTHUR HENRY CLIFFE.
Died August 6th 1918, aged 18 years.
Son of Jacob and Annie Cliffe, of Splash Lane, Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Advertiser, dated August 31st 1918.
PRIVATE ARTHUR H. CLIFFE, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Cliffe, of Castor, was killed in action early in August whilst fighting in France. Deceased was in the Northants Regiment, and had been out a few months. He was a promising young man, and a general favourite. He was only 19 years of age.
On the information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission it gives Private Cliffe’s age as 18, but in the local newspaper it is given as 19 years of age.
On the War Memorial in Castor Church the name is written Cliff.
|
PRIVATE WILLIAM COX.
2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Service number; 12060. Died on November 8th 1914. Age unknown. COMMEMORATION: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, |
 PRIVATE WILLIAM COX. |
PRIVATE WILLIAM COX.
Died November 8th 1914, age unknown.
Report copied from the Peterborough II. Rural Deanery Magazine, dated January 1st 1915.
CASTOR-cum-AILSWORTH.
We regret to announce that William Cox, of the Grenadier Guards, from Ailsworth, has been killed.
SUTTON-cum-UPTON.
We greatly regret to hear that William Cox, whose name has always been on the list of friends to be prayed for, has fallen in action.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated May 22nd 1915.
Pte. W. Cox was a native of Ailesworth. His father used to live at Upton Lodge, and was horse keeper for the late Mr. Alfred Tebbutt. As a lad Pte. Cox worked for Mr. Amos Brown, of York Cottage, Sutton. Upon leaving there he had a situation in the Thorney district, from whence he enlisted. Two brothers are still working at Sutton.
|
PRIVATE ARTHUR DANIEL CRANE.6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.
|
Service number; 13899.
Died on February 16th 1916.
Aged 31 years.
COMMEMORATION:
St. Sever Cemetery,
Rouen,
Seine-Maritime,
France.
A. 17. 22.
PRIVATE DANIEL CRANE.
Died February 16th 1916, aged 31 years.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Crane, of Kirkstead, Brooke, Norwich; husband of Harriet Crane, of Bampit Row, Weston, Spalding, Lincs.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated June 20th 1916.
DEATH OF PTE. CRANE, OF CASTOR.
We much regret to record the death of Pte. D. Crane, 6th Northants Regiment, of Castor. Pte. Crane was seriously wounded in the back while on active service in France on Jan 28th. He was taken to the casualty clearing station, where he remained nine days. He was then moved to the base hospital at Rouen, but he was too seriously injured ( he had a fractured spine) to recover, and he died peacefully on Feb 16th. He was laid to rest with full military honours on Feb 17th, in St. Ewen’s cemetery, Rouen, where many more of our brave English boys who have given their life for King and country repose. The Rev. Dr. Richards, chaplain to the 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, officiated. Mrs Crane cannot speak too highly of the care and attention bestowed upon her husband by the nurses and their kindness in writing to her full particulars of his state. They speak highly of his patience and courage, and gratitude, and cheerfulness. In a letter to Mrs Crane, the Chaplain also speaks of Pte. Crane’s great courage and fortitude, and the Commissioner of Graves has promised to send a photograph of the grave to Mrs Crane. Deceased was a great favourite with his comrades at the Front, who speak highly of his good qualities. He is the first of the Castor contingent to lose his life in the war. One of his comrades who was fighting by his side says that when wounded Crane, although in terrible agony, would not even groan and let them know how badly he was wounded, until the fighting was over. Canon Hulbert most sympathetically alluded to him in his sermon on Sunday evening, when Mrs Crane and her children were at the service. The sympathy of every one goes out to the widow and her three children in their sad bereavement. Pte. Crane was a most affectionate father, writing home almost daily. He was also very much liked and esteemed by his master (Mr Gordon Smith) and his fellow workmen.
Also reported
Pte. A. D. Crane died of wounds at Rouen. The family have left Castor since the father
enlisted.
A photograph in The Peterborough Advertiser dated February 26th 1916 lists Pte. Crane as Arthur Daniel Crane.
|
PRIVATE WILLIAM ELLIS. 25th Balloon Section, Royal Air Force. Service number; 57239. Died on January 22nd 1919. Aged 38 years. St. Andre Communal Cemetery,
|
 PRIVATE WILLIAM ELLIS. |
PRIVATE WILLIAM ELLIS.
Died January 22nd 1919, aged 38 years.
Son of Mrs. Charlotte Ellis and the late Mr. Wm. Ellis, of Ailesworth, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Advertiser, dated February 1st 1919.
SAD NEWS AT CASTOR.
SOLDIERS SUDDEN DEATH AT A C. C. S.
The sad news has been received at Castor, that 2nd A. M. W. Ellis, of the 25th Kite Balloon Section, 5th Company, has died in France.
The deceased soldier was son of Mrs. Ellis and of the late Mr. Wm. Ellis, of Ailesworth. He joined up in the Army three years ago, and two years ago next March, went to France. He was unmarried.
The news of his death was conveyed to his mother in the following letter :-
11th C. C. S.
Jan. 22nd.
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
I very much regret to confirm the sad news of the death of your son, No. 57239, Pte W. Ellis, R. A. F., 25th Kite Balloon Section. He was admitted two days ago suffering from heart affection. He was not complaining at all, and seemed very well and comfortable. This afternoon he complained of a sharp pain at his heart. The Medical Officer saw him and ordered some remedies. but he grew rapidly worse, and died quite suddenly at 6 p.m. He did not suffer long, and died very peacefully. He left no message, and spoke of no one at home. His personal effects will be sent to you later through the War Office. With very sincere sympathy.
Yours truly,
H. M. Ferguson,
Sister.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
William Ellis R.A.F.
Of the 25th Kite Balloon Section
Died suddenly in France
January 22nd 1919
And was buried in St. Andrews Cemetery, Lille.
Aged 38 years.
His father, William , died on December 2nd 1911, aged 61 years.
His mother, Charlotte, died on March 19th 1944, aged 90 years.
|
GUNNER SAMUEL GARFIELD. 190th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery. Service number; 86585. Died on July 23rd 1917. Aged 22 years. Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, |
 GUNNER SAMUEL GARFIELD. |
GUNNER SAMUEL GARFIELD.
Died July 23rd 1917, aged 22 years.
Son of Mrs. Jane Garfield, of Ailesworth, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated August 11th 1917.
GUNNER SAM GARFIELD, Siege Battery, R. G. A., was killed in action in France. He is the second son of Mrs. Garfield, of Ailesworth, who received the sad news on Sunday morning. Gunner Garfield was a good son and brother, and much liked by all who knew him. He had only been out of hospital a week when he was killed. Before the war he was employed at the Elastic Factory, Peterborough, where he was very popular with his fellow workmen.
Report copied from The Stamford Mercury, dated August 17th 1917.
Gunner Sam Garfield, of Ailesworth, and before the war employed at Peterborough elastic webbing factory, has been killed at the front. He had only returned to the front from hospital about a week when he met his death.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
He gave his life for his country.
In loving memory.
Samuel, beloved son of
Samuel and Jane Garfield
Killed in action in France
July 23rd 1917
Aged 24 years
Further information:
On his memorial stone it gives Samuel’s age as 24 years
|
CORPORAL ERNEST WILLIAM GIBBONS. Details Royal Field Artillery. Service number; 850888. Died on October 15th 1918. Aged 29 years. Basra War Cemetery, |
 CORPORAL ERNEST WILLIAM GIBBONS. |
CORPORAL ERNEST WILLIAM GIBBONS.
Died October 15th, 1918, aged 29 years.
Son of John and Emma Gibbons, 52, Peterborough Road, Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Advertiser, dated November 2nd 1918
GUNNER ERNEST GIBBONS, R. F. A., of Castor, died of pneumonia in Mesopotamia. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gibbons, and joined the Peterborough Battery on the outbreak of the war. He was drafted first to India and later to Mesopotamia. Much sympathy is felt for his bereaved parents and relatives.
Reports copied from The Peterborough Advertiser, dated November 9th, 1918.
THE LATE CORPORAL GIBBONS – News has been received from the War Office by Mr. and Mrs. John Gibbons, of the death in Mesopotamia, from pneumonia, of their youngest son, Corpl. Ernest William Gibbons, R. F. A. Deceased was 29 years of age, and joined the Peterborough Artillery at the outbreak of war. He was drafted first to India, and then to Mesopotamia. At one time he was a footman at Milton, and afterwards he went to Chertsey, from which place he joined up. The parents of deceased have received a letter from his late mistress, expressing sorrow and sympathy for them, and saying what a good, faithful and trustworthy servant and friend she had lost. Corpl. Gibbons was of a very quiet disposition, and was most popular and beloved by his comrades and friends. On Sunday evening a short memorial service was held, and Canon Hulbert expressed the greatest sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons. Deceased’s parents and sisters were present at the service.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Gibbons and Family, Castor, wish to thank all kind friends for the sympathy shown to them in their sad bereavement on the death of their son, Corporal Ernest William Gibbons, at Mesopotamia, on October 15 th 1918.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
Corporal Ernest William Gibbons
Youngest son of John and Emma Gibbons
Died in the British Hospital
October 15th 1918
And was buried in the New Extension Cemetery,
Makina Masus,
North of Bassah,
Mesopotamia.
Aged 29 years
|
PRIVATE ALBERT HILL. 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Service number; 13202. Died on July 1st 1916. Aged 24 years. Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, |
 PRIVATE ALBERT HILL |
PRIVATE ALBERT HILL
Died July 1st 1916, aged 24 years.
Son of James and Elizabeth Hill, of Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated July 22nd 1916.
Pte. Albert Hill, of Castor ( who was reported wounded in last week’s issue), was killed in action in France on July 1st. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hill, and there is another brother on active service. Pte Hill was always a very steady and promising young fellow, and a great favourite with his brother soldiers. He was a great chum of Pte. Crane, and death has now smitten both of them.
Also reported Pte. Walter Hill, son of Mrs. Hill, and the late Mr. J. Hill, of Castor joined the 6th Northants, was drafted into 1st Garrison Battalion Essex, and has been at Dardanelles; is still with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. ( November 1916.)
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
In loving memory
of
Private Albert Hill.
6th Northants Regiment.
3rd son of James and Elizabeth Hill.
Killed in action.
July 1st 1916.
Aged 24 years.
PRIVATE WALTER LEONARD HORNSBY.
1st/4th Battalion Suffolk Regiment.
Service number; 201715.
Died on April 23rd 1917.
Aged 30 years.
COMMEMORATION;
Cojeul British Cemetery,
St. Martin-Sur-Cojeul,
Pas de Calais,
France.
C. 67.
PRIVATE WALTER LEONARD HORNSBY.
Died April 23rd 1917, aged 30 years.
Son of Thomas and Sarah Hornsby, of Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated May 5th 1917.
Great sympathy is expressed with Mr. and Mrs. T. Hornsby on the death of their son, Private Walter Leonard Hornsby, killed instantly while in action in France.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
Walter Leonard Hornsby
Son of Thomas and Sarah Hornsby
Killed in action in France
April 23rd 1917
Aged 30 years
|
LANCE CORPORAL ARTHUR JAKES.
2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Service number; 16173. Died on March 7th 1917. Aged 22 years. COMMEMORATION Bray Military Cemetery, |
 LANCE CORPORAL ARTHUR JAKES. |
LANCE CORPORAL ARTHUR JAKES.
Died March 7th 1917, aged 22 years.
Son of John and Hannah Jakes, of Church Hill, Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated March 24th 1917.
LANCE-CORPORAL ARTHUR JAKES, of Castor, was dangerously wounded in action, and died in hospital in France on March 7th. The sad news was conveyed to Canon Hulbert by the Chaplain, who performed the last sad rites. Only 22 years of age, deceased was one of five brothers who responded to the call at the beginning of the war, and had seen much active service in France. The greatest sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Jakes, as another son, Pte. Reginald Jakes, has been wounded, and is now totally blind. Another brother, Sergeant Percy Jakes, also of the Northants Regt. has received the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery and courage on the battlefield, and has been offered a commission, which he has accepted. He has been home to Castor on leave, and is going into the O. T. C. The eldest brother, Lance-Corporal A. Jakes, of the Sherwood Foresters, is an instructor; and the youngest brother, Lance-Corpl. Ernest Jakes, Queen’s West Surreys, is now at the Front. This is a splendid family record.
Copied from The Church Magazine, March 1917:
Lance Corporal Arthur Jakes, 2nd Northants Regiment, was “ dangerously wounded” on March 4th. He lay unconscious till the 7th, and then passed peacefully away. The Chaplain who laid his body to rest in a Soldiers Cemetery, wrote to the Rector, asking him to convey the sad death to his family. He was much beloved by them, and by all who knew him.
Before joining the Army, he was a regular member of the Choir, a Communicant, and attended the Rectory Bible class. For many years he worked hard at training Scouts, and was a keen one himself. It is a great sorrow to all, that they will not see his bright face again on earth. He felt very strongly the greatness of the cause for which he and others were fighting, and thought no one could die a better death than in doing so.
He is one of five Soldier brothers, sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Jakes, and one of whom has been previously wounded and discharged. Sergeant Percy Jakes, who has won the Military Medal, is at home on leave and at the recommendation of his Colonel is to be trained as an Officer.
A memorial Service was held on Sunday evening, March 18th, for Lance Corporal Jakes and Private William Warr.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
In loving memory of
our dear son
Arthur Jakes
2nd Northants Regt.
Killed in action in France
March 4th 1917.
Aged 22 years.
Further information:
On the War Memorial Arthur Jakes is listed as Corporal.
The date on his memorial stone is March 4th but information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission gives the date March 7th.
|
LANCE CORPORAL ERNEST STUART JAKES. 11th Battalion The Queen’s. (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Service number; G/6907. Died on August 1st 1917. Aged 20 years. Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial,
|
 LANCE CORPORAL ERNEST STUART JAKES. |
LANCE CORPORAL ERNEST STUART JAKES.
Died August 1st 1917, aged 20 years.
Son of John and Hannah Jakes, of Church Hill, Castor, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated August 11th 1917.
LANCE-CORPL. ERNEST JAKES, Queen’s Royal West Surreys, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jakes, of Castor, was killed in action in France on July 31st, aged 20. The sad news was conveyed to the parents by a comrade from Sutton, who was in the same company as deceased. Great sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Jakes as they had previously had one son killed in action, and another son is blind through wounds received in battle. Lance-Corporal Ernest Jakes was a very quiet and amiable lad, and was very much liked by all who knew him. He belonged to the old Castor Scout Troop, and joined the Army voluntarily. He was slightly wounded some months ago, but had quite recovered. His brother, Sec-Lieut. Percy Jakes, late of the Northants, is home on leave.
Report copied from The Stamford Mercury, dated August 17th 1917.
Lance-corp. Ernest Jakes, was killed in action in France on July 31st. Great sympathy is expressed for the parents, for they have previously had another son killed in action, and a third son blinded through wounds received. Another brother, Second-Lieut. P. Jakes, is at present home from France on leave.
Further information;
Ernest was killed on the Somme, five months after his brother Arthur. He was the youngest of six sons born to John and Hannah Jakes
The date of his death according to The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is August 1st, but on his memorial stone it is July 31st.
There is a memorial stone in Castor Churchyard with the following inscription:
In loving memory of
our dear son.
Ernest Stuart Jakes
11th Royal West Surrey Regt.
Killed in action in France
July 31st 1917
Aged 20 years.
|
PRIVATE REGINALD JAKES. Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment. Service number; not known. Died on July 2nd 1920. Aged 36 years. St. Kyneburgha’s churchyard, |
 PRIVATE REGINALD JAKES. |
PRIVATE REGINALD JAKES.
Died July 2nd 1920, aged 36 years.
Son of John and Hannah Jakes, of Church Hill, Castor.
Report copied from The Stamford Mercury, dated July 22nd 1916.
PTE, REGINALD JAKES, of Castor, who was also in the list last week, is now reported severely wounded in the head, and it is feared that he will lose the sight of both eyes. He is in hospital at Chelsea, London.
Further information:
Private Reginald Jakes was the third son of John and Hannah Jakes, to die as a result of the Great War.
Before joining up he was Coachman to the Fitzwilliam Family at Milton Hall.
Reginald was blinded and invalided out of the Army in 1917. He was sent to St. Dunstans and learned to read braille, make sisal doormats and string bags.
He died from his wounds having picked up an infection in his eye sockets.
He was married to Mildred, and their son, also called Reginald was born three months after he died.
He was much loved by his family and many friends.
He is buried in Castor churchyard. His stone has the following inscription:
Reginald Jakes
Who died July 2nd 1920.
Aged 36 years.
Blind !
From Castor Hill, a youth went forth to fight
His country’s battles o’er in Northern France,
Leaving home, his mother, and his promised wife;
He saw the path of honour lying clear before him.
And so, he went down to the Devil’s caldron.
Through the battle of the Marne he came unscathed,
Ypres was passed with wondrous lack of wounds;
Then on the Somme, a fateful, bursting shell
Shattered his eyes, and left him poor indeed.
Two weary months in hospital, and then
The doctor’s verdict cut all hope away;
Henceforth, for him, must be for-ever night.
And yet, the promised bride must have her say:
Nobly she played her part – the wedding bells must ring,
And she would be his light, his love, his day.
They wandered through sweet woodland glades together,
And nature, pitying, smiled upon him:
The flowers, the bees, the birds, and all the wild things
Called: “Welcome! welcome! see, we dearly love you,
Because we know you’re blind!”
A golden cord the maid wove round her boy,
And to the altar tenderly she led him,
Guiding his steps – a wife and mother blended:
Then, raising hands with heartfelt gratitude,
She thanked the God Who spared her hero’s life.
. . . . . . . .
High on the hill stands the shrine of the mighty Nazarene,
Crucified near two thousand years ago,
He lives to-day; deathless, immortal.
The young bride, gazing on the sacred edifice,
Took her darling by the hand and led him to the light
W. A. C.
This poem was copied from the Peterborough Advertiser dated November 4th 1916.
Was this written for Private Reginald Jakes?
|
SERGEANT PERCY GEORGE NEWBORN. 15th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. (Prince of Wales’s Own.) Service number; 679. Died on May 23rd 1916. Aged 31 years. COMMEMORATION; Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension, |
 SERGEANT PERCY GEORGE NEWBORN. |
SERGEANT PERCY GEORGE NEWBORN.
Died May 23rd 1916, aged 31 years.
Son of William and Eliza Newborn, of Castor, Peterborough
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard dated June 3rd 1916.
DEATH OF SERGEANT. P. G. NEWBORN.
The sad news was received at Castor on Wednesday morning that Sergt. P. G. Newborn was killed in action in France, probably last Sunday. Deceased was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Newborn, of Castor, and was a general favourite with all who knew him. He joined the Mayor of Leeds’ Battalion on the outbreak of the war, and served in Egypt for some time. He had been in France only a few weeks, and was in charge of a machine gun section.
Further information.
Sergeant Newborn was the son of William and Eliza Newborn, of Castor, Peterborough.
He was Uncle to Miss Gwen Heighton.
|
GUNNER CHARLES WILLIAM VICTOR TAYLOR. 112th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Service number; 146339. Died on August 2nd 1917. Aged 20 years. Menin Road South Military Cemetery,
|
 GUNNER CHARLES WILLIAM VICTOR TAYLOR. |
GUNNER CHARLES WILLIAM VICTOR TAYLOR.
Died August 2nd 1917, aged 20 years.
Son of Richard and Miriam Taylor, of Malting House, Maffit Road, Ailesworth, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated September 1st 1917.
GUNNER CHARLES WILLIAM VICTOR TAYLOR, Howitzer Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Taylor, of Ailesworth, was killed in action in France. Official notice of the sad event has not yet arrived, but on Thursday, August 23rd, the following letter was received by Mrs. Taylor:
Dear Madam, – Enclosed please find a few letters, etc, of your son, Gunner C. W.
Taylor. I regret the delay in sending them to you although the letters have only
just been found. Please accept the deepest sympathy of all ranks of his battery.
Your son, like a number of others, has been badly missed by us all. It was while doing his duty bravely against great odds, that he was killed. A grave was provided, and the Chaplain, as is usual, conducted a service. Again sending you my deepest sympathy. – I remain, yours sincerely.
BDR. W. D. SUMMERS.
The sad news, caused great grief in the village, for Gunner Taylor was a great and general favourite with all who knew him. Though only 20 years old, he was a tall, fine-looking fellow and showed great promise. He was of a most amiable and cheerful disposition and very intelligent. After leaving school he was telegraph boy at Castor Post Office for several years, and so quick, willing and obliging was he, that everyone was sorry (in one sense), when he was promoted to Peterborough Post Office. Here again he became very much liked and soon won promotion. He was always so trustworthy and did his work so well, that there is no doubt he would have attained a good position in post office work had not the war stopped his career. He joined the Army quite voluntarily on May 10th, 1916, and soon became a brave and gallant soldier, much liked and esteemed by his comrades and officers. Wherever he went (and he was stationed some time in the North of England and Scotland), he always made friends, and his death will be deeply regretted by many. A staunch Churchman, he was a regular attendant and communicant wherever he was stationed. Whilst living at home he was a member of the Parish Church choir, and a member of the Rectory Bible Class, and for some time belonged to the Castor Scouts. He was always ready to do a good turn to anyone, and his bright and cheerful face and pleasant manner endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He leaves a bright memory behind him, which must be a great comfort to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and family in their sad bereavement. A memorial service was held in the Parish Church on Sunday and was well attended by relatives, friends and parishioners. Mr. and Mrs. R. Taylor (parents), Mr. and Mrs. W. Taylor (grandparents), the Misses B. and G. Taylor (aunts), Mr. F. Taylor and Mr. J. Taylor (brothers), Mr. and Mrs. C. Allen (Peterborough), and many others were present. Canon Hulbert preached a helpful and comforting sermon and spoke most highly of deceased’s many good qualities. The hymns chosen by the parents were:- “Rock of Ages”. “Nearer my God to Thee,” and “Lead kindly light.” The service throughout was most solemn and impressive. Many letters from sympathising friends have been received by Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Over the Roll of Honour in the Church porch some beautiful flowers were placed on Sunday in memory of the deceased. They bore the following inscriptions; “In ever-loving memory of our darling boy,” from his sorrowing father and mother, brothers and sisters, grandad and grandma, and aunties Lizzie and Gertie – “Gone, but never forgotten” : “In loving remembrance of Charlie Taylor, and with deepest sympathy with his parents,” the Rosary, Ailesworth: “In loving memory of “Charlie Taylor,” from H. Q. Deceased was for several years agent at Castor for the “Peterborough Standard.”
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
Gunner C. W. V. Taylor
Of the 112th Howitzer Brigade R. F. A.
Eldest son of
Richard and Miriam Taylor.
Killed in action at Ypres,
in Belgium.
August 2nd 1917.
And was buried East of Ypres On the Menin Road.
Aged 20 years.
Also on the gravestone there is an inscription to his sister, Phyllis Mary, who died on January 11th 1931, aged 26 years.
PRIVATE WILLIAM EDWARD WARR.
2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.
Service number; 23532.
Died on March 4th 1917.
Aged 30 years.
COMMEMORATION;
Thiepval Memorial,
Somme,
France.
Pier and Face 11. A. and 11. D.
PRIVATE WILLIAM EDWARD WARR,
Died March 4th 1917, aged 30 years.
Son of James and Elizabeth Warr, of Ailesworth, Peterborough.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated March 24th 1917.
PTE. WILLIAM WARR, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Warr, Ailesworth, was killed in action on March 4th. The sad news was received by Mr. and Mrs. Warr in a letter from one of the officers, who spoke very highly of Pte. Warr’s character and soldier-like abilities. He was 30 years of age. Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Warr, viz. Trooper Horace Warr, Royal Bucks Hussars, has been invalided home.
Copied from The Church Magazine, March 1917:
Pte. William Edward Warr, 2nd Northants Regiment, was killed in Action doing his duty bravely. He left home, where he could ill be spared, anxious to take part in the Great War. He is much missed in his home and by many friends. One of his Officers has written highly of him, and expresses much sympathy with his family. The only other son was most anxious from the first to enlist, but was rejected several times on account of his health. He was at last accepted; but has now been discharged as not being strong enough for service in the Army.
A memorial service was held on Sunday evening, March 18th, conducted by the Rector, which was attended by a large number of sympathising and sorrowing friends. The special hymns and, lessons, and prayers were full of comfort and hope. The text of the sermon was, “Now I know in part but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
William Edward Warr
Eldest son of James and Elizabeth Warr
Killed in action in France
March 4th 1917.
Aged 30 years.
2nd Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
Service number; R/34448.
Died on June 7th 11918
Aged 36 years.
COMMEMORATION;
Cambrin Military Cemetery
Pas de Calais,
France.
N. 52.
RIFLEMAN WILLIAM EBDEN WILKINSON.
Died June 7th, 1918, aged 36 years.
Son of Caroline Wilkinson, of Allotment Lane, Castor, Peterborough, Northants, and son of the late William Wilkinson. Brother to Len, Charlotte, Mary and Edith.
Report copied from The Peterborough Advertiser, dated June 22nd 1918.
RIFLEMAN WILLIAM EBDEN WILKINSON, King’s Royal Rifles, second son of Mrs. Wilkinson, and the late Mr. W. Wilkinson, of Castor, was killed in action in France on June 7th. Writing to Mrs. Wilkinson, an officer and an N. C. O. both express sorrow and sympathy at the death of a good comrade and friend. Rifleman Wilkinson had been on active service in France nearly two years. About 12 months ago he was wounded at Ypres, and he went out again last December. For several years he was a forester on the Fitzwilliam estate, and was also a member of the Castor Church choir and the Brass Band. After leaving the Milton Estate he was appointed second forester to Lord Lansdowne at Bowood House, Wiltshire, from which place he joined the Army. At the morning service on Sunday, Canon Hulbert made a sympathetic reference, saying what a good son, brother, comrade and Churchman Rifleman Wilkinson had been. At the evening service deceased’s favourite hymn “Art thou weary, art thou languid?” was sung. Mrs. Wilkinson and the Misses Charlotte, Mary and Edith Wilkinson (mother and sisters) were present.
Report copied from The Peterborough Standard, dated June 22nd 1918.
Rifleman William Ebden Wilkinson, King’s Royal Rifles, son of Mrs. Wilkinson, Allotment Lane, Castor, has been killed in action. He joined up in the first year of the war, when he was employed by Lord Lansdowne as forester at Bowood, near Calne, Wiltshire. He was wounded at Ypres in June 1916. He was also in the Battle of the Dunes, when he had to swim the river to save himself. He was killed by a shell, which fell at his feet, whilst standing at the door of his dug-out on June 7th, and was buried the following day. He was 36 years of age.
There is a memorial stone in Castor churchyard with the following inscription:
In loving memory
of
William Ebden Wilkinson.
Who was killed in action at Cambrin
June 7th 1918.
Aged 36 years.
Gone but not forgotten.