Welcome to my blog......

The purpose of this blog is to remember the fallen heroes of the Great War, whose names are recorded on the memorial plaque situated in St Barnabas Church, New Whittington, Chesterfield.

To mark the centenary of World War 1 I aim to research all of the men on the memorial. I hope to ensure that the brave men who gave their lives for their country 100 years ago are remembered and each man's story told.

I would love to hear from anyone who may have information regarding the men; photos, letters or passed down memories. Any descendents are most welcome to contact me and I will provide copies of the research that I have undertaken.

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left to grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them"

For The Fallen,
Laurence Binyon September 1914.

Saturday 14 February 2015

VALENTINES DAY REMEMBRANCE....



Valentines Day, 14th February

The 14th February is a date that has appeared more than once whilst I have carried out my research into the men on the St Barnabas Memorial.

And so today we will remember ....


*John William Longmate -
 
John was the son of James and Emily Longmate of 13 Chesterfield Avenue, New Whittington, Chesterfield.
 
John served with the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, Private 18951.  He was killed in action on 14th February 1916, aged only 19 years old.
 
John's parents were sent a letter from a local lad named Charles Millband at the end of February to tell that their son had been reported as missing. 
 
*Henry Millband -
 
Sadly for the letter writer Charles Millband, John was not the only soldier killed on that very same day.  His brother Henry Millband was also reported missing and killed in action on 14th February 1916. 
 
Henry was the son of Charles and Ada Millband.  The brothers had lost their father in 1898 and Ada had remarried bringing the family to New Whittington.  Ada married John Randall and the family lived at 9 Devonshire Avenue, New Whittington.
 
Henry served with the same battalion as John Longmate; the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, Private 15143.
 
*James Clement Longden -
 
A happier event on valentines day for James, he was baptised on 14th February 1897.  Son of Thomas and Caroline Longden, the family ran the Angel Inn at New Whittington. 
 
Sadly James lost his life whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, Private 19433.
 
*Edward Henry Burton -
 
Another baptism on valentines day, 14th February 1884.  Edward was the son of Edward and Susannah Burton.
 
Edward married Eliza Longson and the couple had three children; Annie, Harry and James William.
 
Edward served with the 1st Battalion Yorkshire & Lancashire Regiment, Private 17984.  He was killed in action on 8th May 1915 (his story will be told soon).
 

LEST WE FORGET x