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
