A SELECTION OF TODMORDEN MEN WHO SERVED

KING AND COUNTRY IN TWO WORLD WARS

with extracts from

"Todmorden and the Great War 1914-1918, a Local Record"

by John A. Lee

Published by Waddington & Sons Todmorden 1922

"These found glory in the plain path of duty"

Eric Mitchell

1922-1943

Eric lived at Stanlea, Sunnyside in Todmorden. He died aged 21 years when his plane, Whitley LA841, crashed into the sea 1.5 miles off Nairn in Scotland. He was with No. 19 Operational Training Unit for Bomber Command.

He was buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at Christ Church in Todmorden. He is particularly remembered on this page because in the 1990's when an extension to the school was built, his grave and headstone were covered over along with other graves, and no longer visible.

In Memory of
Sergeant ERIC MITCHELL

1234582, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
who died on 28 April 1943

Remembered with honour
TODMORDEN (CHRIST CHURCH) CHURCHYARD

Young Foulds

(1891-1948)

Guardsman

Grenadier Guards

The son of Charles and Mary Hannah Foulds and husband of Susan Haigh Fielden.

Young was a wholesale baker alongside his father, with a successful business at 2, Stones Terrace in Walsden. On 4th December 1915 he enlisted with the Grenadier Guards and served throughout the rest of the war. He was discharged on 27th November 1918 suffering from a skin complaint he attributed to iodine poisoning after having the iodine applied to an open wound. The problem continued throughout the rest of his working life as the flour caused irritation and he often had to cover his hands.

photo and details kindly sent by his granddaughter Janet Beardwood

Photos and details kindly sent by George's granddaughter Karen Greenwood

George Higgins

(18 February 1899 - 17 February 1985)

The son of Michael Higgins and Elizabeth (Rowe) of Todmorden.

George served in the Worcester Regiment, signing up under age when he was 17. He was awarded the British and Victory medals. His sister Ethel remembered he was very keen to go, and once there he was very keen to get out. He fought in Ypres and his memories were of being 'slutched up' and putting lit matches under his clothes to try to kill the lice. He was taken prisoner by the Germans until the end of the war.

George is on the middle row

on the right.

Seen here (back row middle) with his fellow crew

of Lancaster Bomber LM311 who were

all killed shortly after the photo was taken

Memorial at the crash site

Sergeant Jack Greenwood (b.1918)

Flight Engineer

No 467 Squadron RAAF Bottesford.

Jack was the elder son of John & Alice Greenwood of Carrs Rd. Portsmouth, Todmorden. He joined the RAF in 1940 and was promoted to sergeant in January 1943, the same month he married Mildred Hartley.

He died when his plane went down a mile short of home after a raid on Turin, 13th July 1943. The plane was not damaged by enemy action. The crash was due to inferior riveting in the tail section. This section dropped off immediately the undercarriage was lowered. His charred body was discovered sitting upright on the rest bed, which was still intact. He was 25.

The memorial was erected by Jack's family and the 467 RAAF Squadron Association in 1999 in memory of the crew of the LM311. It is on the edge of the field in Bottesford where the crash occurred. The metallic bits are pieces from the plane, which still turn up in the field from time to time. Even all these years later, nothing will grow on the crash site itself. Jack's widow Mildred's war time story can be read HERE.

Jack is buried at Mankinholes Chapel

Photos and information kindly supplied by Karen Greenwood

Leslie Greenwood (b.1922)

The younger brother of Jack Greenwood (see above) and son of John & Alice Greenwood of Portsmouth, Todmorden.

Leslie was a Signaller (wireless operator), combined operations (Army/Navy/RAF) and landed on D-Day. According to another brother, Peter Greenwood, the wireless was moved around in a wheelbarrow.

Leslie emigrated to New Zealand in 1952 and died at Christ Church in 1993.

He is front centre in the photo

on the left

Photos and details kindly sent

by Karen Greenwood

Corporal Thomas Bottomley

London Regiment (Post Office Rifles)

1st/8th Battalion

Service Number 374471

He was killed during the Third Battle of Ypres on 7th June 1917. His final resting place is unknown. He is remembered with honour on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, which bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.

The Ypres Menin Gate Memorial

Private John W. Child,  D.C.M. 

6th. Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He was awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct on 4th June 1915 south of Krithia, (Dardanelles) Gallipoli, for volunteering to attack a redoubt, and holding it with 4 other men until relieved ten hours later. He had previously been mentioned for gallantry.

Private Child died from his wounds on 4th August 1915, shortly after having earned his distinction. His medal was presented to his father in the Town Hall, Todmorden, on 30th November 1915.

Captain James Mitchell, Royal Air Force

He lived at Stoodley. He achieved the remarkable record of winning 3 separate distinctions, namely: the Military Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Italian Medal for Valour.

When on patrol work on 4 separate occasions he shot down 5 enemy planes, 3 of which were observed to burst in to flames, one being a 3-seater. On two of these occasions his formation was attacked by superior formations of the enemy. His magnificent work has been marked by great dash and fearlessness.

Lieutenant E.A. Hollinrake, M.C.

Loyal North Lancs Regiment

He was awarded the Military Cross because when all his senior officers had become casualties he took charge of the Company, and led it forward against heavy fire, capturing a German strong point, three machine guns, and 25 prisoners. Subsequently he was awarded a bar to the Military Cross, his record on this occasion being that he handled his platoon with great skill in attack, and led them forward under covering fire from Lewis gun and rifle grenades, and assaulted a strong point, which he captured with 30 prisoners. His courage and determination were a splendid example to his platoon. In August 1919 the President of France conferred on him the further distinction of the French Croix de Guerre avec palme.

Bombardier Herbert Barker, D.C.M., M.M.

Royal Field Artillery

He received the Distinguished Conduct medal and the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion. He had on several occasions shown great courage in repairing the lines under heavy fire, thereby rendering most valuable service in maintaining communications at a critical period. He was presented with his medals in Todmorden on 11th. July 1918.

Private Harry Allister, M.M.

Private Harry Allister, M.M.

King's Royal Rifles

He was awarded the Military Medal but lost his life on 3rd October 1918, shortly after the distinction and before he could return home to Todmorden to receive his award. He is buried in Belgium. He was the son of Bradshaw Allister of 10 Queen Street, Todmorden.

Company Sgt. Major Bradshaw Allister

6th. Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He was awarded the D.C.M. for good leading of his platoon on 4th June 1915 south of Krithia, (Dardanelles) Gallipoli under heavy rifle and shrapnel fire, to take a Turkish trench. He cleared one flank himself, killing eight Turks. He survived the war and was presented with his medal at Todmorden Town Hall on 30th November 1915.

Company Sergeant Major

Bradshaw Allister, D.C.M.

Corporal John H. Garside, M.M.

Royal Army Medical Corps

6 Harehill Street, Todmorden

He described his experiences with the Italian army in March 1917:

"We had tremendous welcomes everywhere, particularly when we got to Italy. Every time we stopped we found crowds on the platforms waiting for us, and they gave us sandwiches, hot coffee, biscuits, flowers and cigarettes; also we got big bunches of grapes and carnations. At Milan the people went pretty well mad. We had 3 or 4 hours there, and were split into parties of about 50 and marched through the city. The streets were simply packed and wherever we went we were pelted with flowers."

John later died as a prisoner of war in the hands of the Germans. He was awarded the Military Medal.

Captain Will Hubbard, D.F.C. and bar

Royal Air Force

The Todmorden Gazette described him as " a bold and determined fighter in the air and against troops on the ground. On 26th. August 1918 he engaged 3 enemy 2-seaters and shot one down out of control. Owing to his pressure pump being shot away in the combat he reached our lines with great difficulty, landing 150 yards west of our front line. Undisturbed by the fact that the machine was under direct observation and subject to heavy fire, he removed all his instruments and pegged the machine down before leaving. In all, up to this time, he has accounted for 5 enemy machines." Later, he was awarded the bar to the D.F.C. and the Croix de Guerre "for numerous successes against the Hun machines, and also for good squadron work."

Will was the son of William and Emily of the Rope & Anchor Inn on Halifax Road. His life was full of drama from birth to death, and his story can be read in full HERE.

Sergeant Arthur Taylor

Lancashire Fusiliers

Sergeant Taylor was killed in action in France 13th June 1917, aged 20 years. He was born, one of twins, in 1896, the son of Joshua and Mary Taylor. Mary did not survive the birth. Arthur's twin sister was Lily, and his older brothers and sisters were Robert, Betsy Hannah, Matilda, Robert and Annie. Annie lived to celebrate her 100th birthday some 75 years after Arthur died.

When the news of Arthur's death arrived the family was devastated. My mother, who was five years old at the time, could remember the day clearly. His older brother Robert locked himself in an outbuilding on his farm at Clinton and wouldn't come out for two days. His mother's unmarried sister, Fanny, who had helped to bring him up, was never the same again and it was said she died of a broken heart.

He is also remembered with pride in the Cloughfoot Chapel burial ground

Peace perfect Peace

Mary wife of Joshua Taylor of Cloughfoot who died 22nd September 1896 aged 38 years.

Elizabeth Ann wife of the above who died 10th August 1913 aged 60 years

Also Sergeant Arthur Taylor Lancashire Fusiliers the beloved son of Joshua and Mary Taylor who was killed in France 13th June 1917 in his 21st year.

Also Joshua Taylor who died 9th February 1919 aged 63 years

Private Herbert Coupe

1st./6th. Battalion

Lancashire Fusiliers

Service number 241185

Herbert was the 21 year old son of Willie and Betsey Alice Coupe of Todmorden. He died of wounds sustained in France and is buried in a vault in the Unitarian Church graveyard.

In loving memory of Private Herbert Coupe of the 1/6 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers who died of wounds received in France February 18th 1918 aged 21 years the beloved son of Willie and Betsey Alice Coupe of John St.

Also of the above named Betsey Alice Coupe died August 7th 1935 aged 65 years

Also Willie Coupe died Jan 29th 1941 aged 74 years

Private Henry Boyd

6th Lancashire Fusiliers

Private Boyd was the youngest of 3 brothers serving his country in the Great War. He was wounded at Gallipoli at the age of 18, spending 3 months in hospital in Cairo. He survived the war, and died of TB in 1924. The brothers were the sons of George and Eliza Boyd.

Henry Boyd was the grandfather of Jack Davies of Walsden, who has provided the information

about Henry and his two brothers, who were not so lucky.

Corporal George Boyd

1st. Battalion Rifle Brigade

Corporal Boyd was killed accidentally on Thursday, 10th June 1915, aged 28. He is buried in Duhallow Advanced Dressing Station Cemetery in Belgium. It was during a rifle inspection that one of the platoon accidentally set off his rifle, killing Corporal Boyd.

Dunhallow Cemetery

Rifleman Frederick Boyd

3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade

Frederick originally enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment before the outbreak of war. Rifleman Boyd was reported missing from 23rd September 1914 and subsequently presumed dead. He has no known grave and is remembered with honour on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial at Seine-et-Marne, France.

La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial

Private Wilfred Isaac Johnson

4th Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Private Johnson was killed in action at Anzac Ridge, Ypres, on 19th November 1917 aged 31 years. He left a widow, Emily. He has no known grave and is remembered with honour at the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium, which bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known.

Details supplied by his great grand nephew, Jack Davies of Walsden.

Private John Thomas Greenwood

2nd/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

born in Walsden and died aged 33 on 3rd May 1917 in France.

Son of Amos and Mary Greenwood, of Lanebottom Farm, Blackshawhead,

Hebden Bridge, Yorks.

Remembered with honour at Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Corporal David D. Watt

1st. Scots Guards

David Watt was a porter at Todmorden railway station when he joined up on August 4th 1914. He was wounded at Mons that same month and was back in Todmorden in the first week of September 1914. He returned to his unit and was back in Todmorden wounded for a second time in December 1914. He was wounded a third time at Christmas 1916 and was later gassed in August 1918. He never entirely recovered from the effects of this. He was demobilised in the December of 1918 and arrived home in January 1919. He had only been back in his job two weeks when he developed influenza and pneumonia, from which he died. His name is included on the Todmorden war memorial of those killed in action.

Private Colonel James Haigh

4th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment

Private Haigh died of wounds sustained in action in France on 29th March 1918 and is buried at Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension. He was the 23 year old son of James and Mary Haigh of 115, Knowlwood Road, Walsden. He is remembered with pride at Cloughfoot Chapel burial ground.

In Loving Memory of Pte. Colonel James Haigh son of James and Mary Haigh

died of wounds March 29th 1918 aged 23.

Also James Haigh of Knowlwood died May 20th 1922 aged 67.

Also Mary Haigh died May 11th 1926 aged 68

Also Gertrude Haigh died February 14th 1966 aged 75.

His gravestone at Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery
Extension, France,
which Stephen Binks had kindly provided.

Sergeant Alfred Hamer, D.C.M.

6th. Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He had been twice previously commended for gallantry and was awarded his medal for conspicuous gallantry on 6th. May 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula, when he led a half platoon during the attack with great ability and courage. On several occasions he carried messages under heavy fire.

Private Richard Allen, D.C.M.

6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

He received his medal for gallantry while on sentry duty at an advanced post south of Krithia on June 4 th 1915, noticing movements in the scrub, and boldly going into it on his own initiative under heavy fire. He found a Turkish machine gun with an officer. He took the revolver from the officer and brought in the machine gun. He was presented with his medal at Todmorden Town Hall on 30th November 1915.

Major the Rev. G.F. Walters, M.C.

Royal Army Medical Corps

He was the minister of Inchfield Bottom Methodist Chapel and obtained leave of absence from his church early in September 1914. He was awarded the Military Cross for services rendered in France. During one of the big engagements on the Western Front, Major Walters was engaged for 4 days and 4 nights dressing wounds at one of the stations. He received the M.C. from His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace.

Gunner Sidney Midgley, M.M.

Royal Field Artillery

He received his Military medal for conspicuous bravery in extinguishing an ammunition dump which had been set alight by the enemy shell fire whilst the battery position was being heavily shelled. He was severley wounded whilst performing this brave deed.

Private F. Hewson, D.C.M.

Lancashire Fusiliers

He received his Distinguished Conduct Medal for setting a fine example to all ranks of initiative, leadership, and fighting spirit during an attack east of Serre on 21st. March 1918.

Stoker Walter S. Kingsbury

Royal Navy

Walter lived at Monas Terrace, Walsden. He went down with his ship, The Cassandra, after she struck a mine in the Baltic on 4th. December 1918, shortly after the signing of the Armistice. The Cassandra was a light cruiser attached to the Grand Fleet operating from the naval base at Rosyth.

Private Rowland Mitchell M.M.

Lancashire Fusiliers

(Lewis Gunner)

Rowland was born in Todmorden in 1897, the son of Fred Miltchell and Amelia Rowland of Back Brook Street, Langfield. He won the Military Medal for "exceptional gallantry in keeping going a Lewis gun when all the other five who went out with him had been knocked out. Two were killed, two wounded, and one taken prisoner. He was left alone and kept the gun in action. He was in Egypt in 1916 and France in 1917. He was presented with his medal in Todmorden on 11th. July 1918.

Private John Thomas Stephenson

7th Battalion East Lancs Regiment

John Thomas was the son of James and Mary Ellen Stephenson of Todmorden. He was killed on the Somme aged 23 years in November 1916 and is buried at the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt. he is also remembered on his family gravestone at the Unitarian Church in Todmorden.

Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt

Private Arthur Jackson

9th. Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Arthur was born in 1896, the son of Robert and Fanny Jackson of Walsden. He was killed in action on 25th April 1917 aged 21 years, and is remembered at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. He was living with his widowed father at 5, Dampier Street, Walsden, when he joined up. He is also remembered on the inscription on his parents' gravestone at Lumbutts Chapel burial ground.

In loving memory of Mabel, daughter of Robert and Fanny Jackson of

Chapel St Walsden, who died Sept 25th 1889 aged 17years.
Also of Fanny, wife of Robert Jackson who died Sept 30th 1902 aged 47 years
Also of Private Arthur Jackson, son of the above.
Killed in France on active service

April 25th 1917 aged 21 years .
Also of the above Robert Jackson---------
Mabel Jackson of 34 Square Rd. Walsden died Sept. 14th 1933 aged 19years .
Also Constance Jackson, died April 27th 1924 aged 3 years .

Corporal Hubert Palfreyman

6th. Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers

Corporal Palfreyman died at the age of 21 during the Battle of Ypres. His body was never found. He is remembered at the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium, which bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known, and is one of 4 memorials to the missing in Flanders. Hubert is also remembered on his family gravestone at St. Paul's Cross Stone.

In Loving memory of Corporal Hubert Palfreyman son of George and Mary Palfreyman of Summerfield Road.

Killed in action at Ypres September 6th 1917 aged 21 years.

Also George Palfreyman died

August 5th 1941.

Also Mary Palfreyman died

July 1st 1944.

Also Ethel Mary Palfreyman

died Jan 9th 1961.

The memory of the just is forever blessed.

Sergeant John Howorth, D.C.M., M.M.

Northumberland Fusiliers

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal

Captain Walter Fielden, M.C.

Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

He was awarded the

Military Cross and Bar

Sergeant Tom Ashworth, D.C.M., M.M.

King's Liverpool Regiment

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal

Sergeant Harry Lawer, M.M.

1st. Battalion Coldstream Guards

He was awarded the Military Medal and Bar. He was killed in action on 22nd September 1918 and is buried at the Sanders Keep Military Cemetery, Graincourt-Les-Havrincourt, France

Sergeant T. E. Barker, M.M.

Second Royal Fusiliers

He was awarded the Military Medal

and Bar

Lance Corp. Alfred Crabtree M.M.

Royal Berkshire Regiment

He was awarded the Military Medal. He was killed in action in France on 24th August 1918 aged 23 years. He was the son of Walter and Lucy Ann Crabtree, of 8, Oak Mount, Willow Bank, Todmorden. He is buried at Mory Abbey Military Cemetery in France.

Lieut-Col. Austin Thorp C.M.G.  D.S.O.

Royal Garrison Artillery

Lieut-Col. Thorp was awarded the C.M.G., the D.S.O. and the Ordre de Leopold avec palme, and Croix de Guerre. He met his death in France on 30th. October 1918, a few days before the signing of the Armistice. A silver salver was presented to Dr. H. Thorp who represented the widow on 28th January 1920. He was the son of Charles William and Edith Thorp of Todmorden and husband of Edith May Thorp, of Elm Cottage, Camberley, Surrey.

Lieutenant Fred W. Crabtree

7th. Battalion Yorkshire Regiment

Killed in action aged 20 years. He was a native of Todmorden and the son of Edward and Lillie Crabtree of Lytham, Lancashire. He is buried in Belgium and is also remembered on the family grave at St. Paul's Cross Stone:

Lt. F.W. Crabtree, Yorkshire Regt.

Killed in Action 14th August 1915

Aged 20 years.

Captain Frank Marshall

24th. Battalion Manchester Regiment

He was killed in action on 17th. March 1916 and is buried in France. He was the son of the late William and Ann Marshall of Todmorden

Private Joseph Ackroyd

Northumberland Fusiliers

24th Tyneside Irish Battalion

Joseph was killed at Fampoux, Pas de Calais, on 24th April 1917 and was buried at Fampoux British Cemetery. He was the 33 year old son of William and Mary Hannah Ackroyd of Castle Street, Todmorden. Joseph is remembered on the family gravestone at St. Paul's Cross Stone

Private William Greenwood

15th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers

Private Greenwood died on 30th January 1918 of wounds received in action in France. He is buried in the Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension and is remembered on the family gravestone at St. Paul's Cross Stone:

Will Greenwood, the dearly beloved son of Thomas and Emily Greenwood.

15th Royal Scots attached to the M.C.C. who died of wounds in France January 30th 1918 aged 25 years.

A noble life. A noble death.

2nd. Lieutenant Louis John Clay

Lancashire Fusiliers

He was killed in action on 5th. April 1918 in France. He was the son of William and Fanny Clay of 20, Beaumont Street, Todmorden, and husband of Lucy.

Company Sergeant Major John Mason G.C.M.

1st. Lancashire Fusiliers

John also served in the South African War. He was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was the son of the late William and Ann Mason of Manchester and husband of Bertha Mason of 767, Burnley Road, Cornholme. He was 47 years old.

Private Sam Barker

2nd. South Staffordshire Regiment

Sam was killed on 30th November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, aged 33 years. He was the son of the late John and Mary Ann Barker and the husband of Sarah Helen Barker, of 7, Chapel St., Halifax Rd., Todmorden. Private Barker has no known grave. However, his wife remembered him with love and there is an inscription on the family gravestone at Heptonstall Church.

In affectionate remembrance of

James Crabtree of Castle Street Todmorden who died July 22nd 1870 aged 29 years

Also of Elizabeth relict of the above who died may 16th 1914 aged 76 years

"At Rest"

To my loved one far away

Private Sam Barker

2nd. South Staffs Regt.

Son-in-Law of the above born June 26th 1883

Killed in action November 30th 1917

He nobly did his duty

Also of Sarah Ellen Barker wife of the above who died February 17th 1942 aged 74 years.

Sam is also remembered with honour at the Cambrai Memorial, Louvervel. The Cambrai Memorial commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known.

Private James Arthur Pearson
7th Bn., East Yorkshire Regiment

James was the son of Mary & Rawson Pearson of 8, Bar Street, Todmorden, and husband of Florence Pearson, of 5, Nutfield St. Todmorden. He is remembered with honour at the Arras Memorial in France and also on his parents' gravestone at the Unitarian Church in Todmorden.

Centre Vale Military Hospital, Todmorden

This building, erected in 1826, had been the home of John Fielden MP and his descendents since 1842 and was set within parkland. John Ashton Fielden inherited it and in 1910 he sold it to the Town of Todmorden. The grounds became the municipal park and remain so today.

The house was commissioned for use as a military hospital on the outbreak of war and on 17th November 1914 the first batch of injured servicemen arrived. Many were severely injured and in a great deal of pain. Patients were drawn from many regiments and from different parts of the world, including 12 Australians, 3 Canadians, 1 New Zealander and 1 Russian.

John A. Lee wrote:

"The hospital was permanently closed on 28th February 1919, and its record is one of which Todmorden will always have reason to be proud, both on account of the service it rendered, and the vast amount of voluntary work which it called forth."

In 2007, we had a communication from the Botley and Curdridge Local History Society, Hampshire, telling us about one of their holdings. This is a small autograph book with an address in the front cover of Miss Lottie Eastwood, 50 Sackville Street, Roomfield Lane, Todmorden and dated 27.1.1915. It appears that Lottie was working in some capacity with the injured soldiers being cared for at the Centre Vale Military Hospital in Todmorden and elsewhere.

The Society kindly gave us the autograph book, extracts of which are below.

click the thumbnail for a larger image

Private R. Emmett

1st Rifle Brigade

Invalided home

5 January 1915

Private H. Jones

2nd. Kings Shrophire Light Infantry

Frost bitten in the trenches near Ypres January 1915

Corporal J. A. Read

4th Battalion Rifle Brigade

Frost bitten in trenches near Ypres

Private G. Dowse

1st Coldstream Guards

Victoria Barracks

Windsor

Private H. Milne

2nd. Royal Scots

Private Arthur Dawson

Royal Army Medical Corps.

Corporal A. Eyears

3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade

Private E. Marshall

1st S. Staffs Regiment

No. 8182

Wounded at Ypres

7 November 1914

by shrapnel

E. Johnson

Can you read the lion's mane?

Private A. Burrell

No. 9002 B. Company

Kings Shropshire Light Infantry

Private W. Foster

Wounded at Ypres 8th November

"My chums were in a storm of hail and iron hail at that, and every man had to lie upon his stomach flat, for if he moved hand or head or made the slightest sign he would sure to lose his number in that thin khaki."

The names of all those who died in the two World Wars are engraved on stone tablets arranged in bays along a portland stone wall. In the centre is a fountain statue about 12 feet high, also of portland stone, set in a basin of water. The figure is of St. George, leaning on his sword, standing on the dragon which spouts water into the basin. To the front and sides of the memorial are formal gardens, beautifully laid out, and very colourful. The whole garden is contained within a high hedge and is secluded and peaceful.

1914     TODMORDEN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY     1918

Korean War 1950 - 1953

Royal Leicester Regiment

Jack Clayton

Duke of Wellington's Regiment

Peter Mason

Names of all the men of Todmorden who fell in the Great War

The names are inscribed on tablets arranged in six bays round a water fountain and the garden, which is beautifully planted. The names are arranged alphabetically, without distinction as to rank, under their respective regiments. There are 659 names representing 72 regiments.

© Colin Hinson

These are they who being peaceable citizens of Todmorden at the call of King and Country and in defence of their native land left all that was dear to them, endured hardship, faced danger and finally passed out of the sight of man by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom.

"Their name liveth on for evermore."

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