JAMES CLEMENT LONGDEN

JAMES CLEMENT LONGDEN

Private 19433 

1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment

Formerly; Private 22417 Sherwood Foresters

Killed in action - 4th June 1916

James Clement Longden is remembered on the St Barnabas Church Memorial.  He was one of the youngest men named on the memorial, being only 19 years of age when he lost his life whilst fighting for King & Country.

James Clement was the second son born to Thomas and Caroline Longden.  He appears to have been affectionately known by his middle name "Clement" by his family.

James' elder brother Thomas Ray was born in 1896, James then followed a year later in 1897.  He was baptised on 14th February 1897 at Whittington their home village.

James' parents had most likely met some time around the early 1890's. Caroline nee Webb had been born in Mildenhall, Suffolk around 1868. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Betsey) Webb, William was a butcher and by 1881 the family had moved to trade at Hathersage in the Peak District.

Thomas, James' father was a local man born in Whittington the son of a Green Grocer named James Longden.  Thomas and Caroline married on 25th March 1895, their wedding was the first to be held at St Barnabas Church at New Whittington due to the fire which had taken hold at St Bartholomew's Church that year.

After James came William Clifford in 1898 and Nellie in 1899.  

In 1901 James was just 4 years old, the family lived at 73 South Street and Thomas snr was recorded as a licensed victualler.  After a 11 year gap between children; Thomas and Carrie's final child; a daughter named Winifred Mary was born on 14th October 1910.

1911 before the outbreak of War....

This census shows all of the Longden family living at the Angel Inn at New Whittington.  These "normal" times were probably looked back upon in the War years and afterwards with happy memories at what was before James was tragically taken from the family at such a young age.

Private James Clement Longden
With kind permission of Clifford Longden

James Clement Longden's war....

James' service records have not survived and so we can only piece together his time as a soldier.

His death notification by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) states that he was originally posted with the Notts & Derbyshire (Sherwood Forester) Regiment, Private 22417 and was transferred to the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment with whom he was serving when he died. He was re-numbered Private 19433.

There are obituaries written in both the Derbyshire Times and the Derby Courier newspapers which give a little more detail regarding the service of James.  

Most notable also is that both newspapers state that James was killed in action on 5th June 1916, not 4th June 1916 as recorded by the CWGC.

The articles tell that James joined the army in the January of 1915, enlisting with the "3rd Notts and Derbys, and underwent training at Plymouth, Sunderland and Gillingham.  While at the later place at his own request he was transferred to the 1st Northamptons, and left for France in July after 6 months training".

When James did arrive in France and join the 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment on 13th July 1915 he would have joined a battalion that had already seen the true horrors of war; they were one of the first battalions to embark, landing at Le Harve on 13th August 1914.  They had already taken part in some major offensives of WW1 including the Battle and retreat of Mons, Battle of Marne and the First Battle of Ypres.

Only two months after James had arrived he found himself in the midst of the Battle of Loos.  The Battle commenced on 25th September 1915 and went on until 15th October 1915.  This was the first time the British had used poison gas as a weapon against the German army.  James was just 18 years old at the time, what would he have been thinking and what horrors such a young man would have witnessed.  

James was killed during the events of 4th June 1916.  His family could be reassured a little by the fact that his body was retrieved and given a place of rest for ever.  A place where they may have visited and no doubt, by now descendants of the Longden family have travelled to pay their respects and remember brave young James Clement Longden.

Private 19433 James Clement Longden is buried at the Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, France.  His grave reference number is I.F 2.  His grave shows the sign of the cross, his family also chose to have the words "Peace Perfect Peace" inscribed on his gravestone. Three well chosen words which say it all; James is at peace now and all wishes for the future would also be for peace perfect peace.

James was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and 15 Star for his service.

Newspaper memorial....

James was remembered in the Derbyshire Courier on 17th June 1916. The article reads as follows -

"FAVOURITE OF THE PLATOON

New Whittington Man Killed

By the death of Private J. Clement Longden who

met his fate on 5th (sic) June another Whittington

man has passed to his rest in France.

Private Longden was the son of Mr T C Longden,

Landlord of the Angel Inn, New Whittington,

and joined the 1st Northamptonshire Regiment in 

January 1915.  In July of the same year he went 

over to France, where he has seen some hard 

fighting.  

Prior to his enlistment he worked at Messrs.

Bryan Donkin and Co's works, Chesterfield.

In a communication to Private Longden's parents, Sergeant

W.F Underwood conveys the sad news.  Writing soon after 

the loss the Sergeant says; "It is with the deepest regret I have to

inform you of the death of your son, who was killed on 5th, along

with 3 other comrades.  He was killed instantly and suffered no pain.

The members of his platoon wish me to express to you their 

heartfelt sympathy in your sad loss.  He was a fine soldier and the

pet of my platoon.  Never did he grumble and always a smile, 

no matter how hard the conditions were.

He is buried in the English soldiers cemetery, where so many

of his chums are laid.  I will do everything in my power to make his 

grave just the same as if he had been buried at home.  

His effects will be forwarded to you at a later date.

He used to say that if anything should happen to him his 

penknife should be sent to his dear dad.

I hope that you will find some consolation knowing that he died

bravely defending those he loved so well.  

Yours faithfully W F Underwood, Sergeant"

Two other men were killed on 4th June 1916 from 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment -

Private 22471 T E Tebbutt

Private 10158 C W Holdich

Life went on....

Thomas Charles Longden James' father died suddenly on 6th February 1945, aged 77 years old.  He was buried at St Bartholomew's Church in Old Whittington.  His obituary was documented in the Derbyshire Times (16th February 1945 p7).  The article told how "he was a member of one of the oldest New Whittington families; his father being a farmer and butcher, his brother Mr Jim Longden a farmer and cattle dealer". 

Thomas was licensee of The White Horse Inn, Old Whittington at the time of his death, the license to this establishment had been held within the Longden family for over 50 years according to the obituary.  James had also worked as a farmer and butcher, run the Fox and Goose at Old Brampton and the Angel Public House in New Whittington for 30 years. 

Caroline "Carrie" Longden died on 13th September 1933 aged 65 years old.

Thomas and Caroline are buried together in the churchyard at St Bartholomew's Church, Old Whittington. James Clement is also remembered on their gravestone with the special words once more 

                                                                    "Peace Perfect Peace" 

Grave of Thomas and Caroline Longden
remembering James Clement Longden
photo blogger 's own

In June 1917 the family placed an "In Memoriam" article in the Derbyshire Times newspaper.  It read....

"LONGDEN - in loving memory of our dear son.

Private James Clement Longden, Angel Inn,

New Whittington.  1st Northampton Regiment

who fell in action in France June 4th 1916

We mourn for thee, dear Clem,

But not with outward show,

For those who mourn sincerely,

Mourn sincerely and low

From his sorrowing Father and Mother,

Sisters and Brothers"

Never to be forgotten, on 7th June 1930 James was remembered once again in the Derbyshire Times newspaper....

"LONGDEN - In loving memory of our

dear son and brother, James Clement Longden,

late of the Angel Inn, New Whittington,

fell in action June 4th 1916

A day of remembrance sad to recall,

From father, mother, sisters and brothers"

Thomas Ray Longden married Sarah Green in 1917.  The couple had four children; *Clement 1919, Douglas 1921, Eileen 1924 and Betty in 1930.  Thomas died on 16th April 1964.  He had remained living in New Whittington, his address on his probate entry was 4 Station Lane, New Whittington.  

James with his brothers Thomas stood behind
& William sat at side in Navy Uniform
With kind permission of Clifford Longden

William Clifford Longden joined the Navy.  His service records state his starting date was on 23rd February 1918, however we can see from the photograph above that he was wearing the Navy uniform during James' lifetime.  The photograph was most likely taken when the boys enlisted, before they went away to fight, indicating he had joined up some time around 1915.  Three days later on 26th February 1918 he was moved to Tregantle, which was a storage base.  William was enlisted as an "A.M2" air mechanic second class, his service number was F50814.  He was employed as a fitter prior to enlisting so he would be a good candidate for the air mechanic role.  

Not long after on 31st March 1918 William was transferred to the R.A.F. He continued with his trade of air mechanic until he was transferred to R.A.F Reserve in December 1919.  His service number with the R.A.F was 250923.

What became of William after the war? If can anyone add anything to his story please do. 

Nellie Longden may have married Joseph Dale on 27th March1920.  If this is correct then she died in 1975. Assuming the correct marriage for Nellie, then she may also have three sons; Gordon Ronald 1921 and Joseph in 1923. Nellie and Joseph may also have had a sad death of a baby named Barry in 1938.  However, this information has not been verified by purchase of registration certificate.  

The silver wedding was announced for Nellie and Joseph Dale in the Derbyshire Times newspaper dated 23rd March 1945 page 8.

Winfred Mary Longden married Wilfred Ellis in 1936.  On the 1939 Register Winfred and Wilfred were running the White Horse Inn at Old Whittington with her father Thomas Longden.  Whether Winifred and Wilfred had any children is not known at this time.  She died in 1993 aged 83 years old.

*Clement Longden nephew of James Clement, son of Thomas Ray and Sarah Longden is remembered for his service with the RAF.  His son Richard Londgen has written a piece on his service during WW2; he reached the massive number of 52 missions unscathed, when the average number of missions achieved was 7 Clem's record was truely amazing..... his story can be read here.

*****

With kind thanks to Clifford Longden for providing the photographs of James and the Longden family.  Thank you for allowing the use of the photographs on this remembrance story of James and his family. Clifford is the nephew of James Clement Longden.

*****

If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on James Clement Longden or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.

If you are descendant of the Longden family and would like to add your own family "story" then please do feel free to contact me.

I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.

Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources.  Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.



*****

Ref and further reading  -

Census

Parish registers

Medal rolls
Soldiers who died in the Great war

Register of soldiers effects

Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times 17th June 1916 page 4
                                  Derby Courier 17th June 1916 page 1

War diaries - Piece 1271/1-3:2 Infantry Brigade 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment Aug 194 - May 1919

Battle of Loos - http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battle-of-loos/

Northamptonshire Regiment https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/277/northamptonshire-regiment/

CWGC  http://www.cwgc.org

Clement Longden - Aircrew Remembered http://www.aircrewremembered.com/longden-clement.html

GEORGE HENRY BENNISON

GEORGE HENRY BENNISON

Private 28206

17th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment

Died of wounds - 23rd April 1916

George Henry Bennison was born in 1885, the son of George Bennison and Mary Ann Bennison nee Clifford.  He was born in a small area known as Seymour which was close to Staveley, a mining village in Derbyshire.

  

George snr was born in Hinchley, Leicestershire, he and his parents had moved to Derbyshire before the 1871 census when the family lived at Barrow Hill (Luke Bennison his father was a coal miner). 

Derbyshire Times - 19th April 1873 p5

George snr settled into life around these parts and also found employment as a coal miner.  He married Mary Ann Clifford on 13th April 1873 at Staveley Parish Church.  Mary was aged 19 years old, the daughter of William Clifford.

In 1881 George and Mary Ann Bennison were living with Mary's parents at Bolsover.  They had three young children of their own; John Thomas born in the summer of 1874, he was baptised at Staveley on 7th January 1875; Julia born around 1878 at Hucknall Tokard, Nottinghamshire and baby Hannah who was born in 1881.

Our fallen soldier; George Henry Bennison (George jnr) was born four years later.  On the 1891 census he was 6 years old and his family were living at No.104 4th Row, Seymour, Staveley.  George snr was 40 years old and worked alongside many of the local men as a coal miner.  John the eldest son was now 16 years old and had also found work as a colliery labourer.  The other children were; Julia 13, Hannah 10, Joseph 9, Mary 8, Harriett 4 and William aged 1 year old. 

George snr dies....

Derbyshire Courier 13th January 1894 page 5



Life changed dramatically for the Bennison family in the winter months of 1894, when on 4th January the head of the household, George Bennison snr died aged just 43 years old.  George jnr was around 8 or 9 years old at the time.  Mary was left with 10 children to support, the youngest James was less than 1 year old at the time. 

1901....

The 1901 census shows the Bennison family had moved once more and were now living at 110 South Street, New Whittington.  Mary, the head of the household was aged 44 years old.  She was a young widow with many mouths to feed.  George was aged 15 years old but no occupation was given for him.  Joseph aged 18 years was a coal miner.  The other children were; Mary 17, Harriet 13, William 12, Frank 10 and James 8 years old.  Also in the household was 1 year old Myra Benison, enumerated as "daughter" of Mary but actually her granddaughter. 

Warsop....

The local employer Staveley Company took on a new project around 1893 when they decided to sink a new coal mining seam at Warsop in Nottinghamshire.  By the mid 1890's the pit was functional and many of the local men from the New Whittington area would have followed the work and moved their families to the newly built cottages in Warsop.  A new life working at a new and modern colliery with new homes, would be just what the younger generation of colliers would wish for.  The Bennison family were amongst those who were part of this new venture....

John Thomas was living at 10 York Terrace, Warsop with his new wife Florence in 1901.  He was employed as a bricklayer, most likely working on building the new homes and communal buildings for the growing community. John Thomas married Florence Taylor in 1900 at Warsop, the brides home village. On 9th September 1901 a baby boy was born to John and Florence; named George Frederick. Then came Cyril, Leslie and a daughter named Nellie. 

Julia married Albert Harling on 11th August 1900 at St Stephens Church, West Bowling, Bradford.  Julia was a domestic servant so she may well have met Albert whilst working away from home.  The couple were living at 12 Barton Street, Bradford in 1901.  Albert worked as an aerated water carter.  The couple had a 5 month old daughter named Harriett Ann.  Sadly baby Harriett died not long after the 1901 census enumerator had walked the streets of Bradford and recorded her life on his pages. 

Hannah aged 20 years old was working as a domestic servant in 1901.  She was employed by Mr Job Rhodes and lived with his family at 2 Westgate Colonnade in Bradford.  Not long after Hannah married Thomas Binns at Bradford.  The couple's first child Henry was born in Bradford in 1902.

1911 the eve of WW1....

George had left the area of New Whittington and was living with his sister Julia and her family at 16 Queen Street, Warsop.  George was aged 25 years old, single and employed as a coal miner hewer.  Julia's husband Albert worked in the same trade, most likely the family would have worked alongside each other.

The household was a full one; with three adults and five children under 9 years old; George born 1902, Annie born 1904, William born 1906, Myra born 1909 and little Henry aged 7 months born 1910.

Mary (George's mother) lived at 131 High Street, New Whittington.  Also in the home were William aged 21 a rope man below ground at Markham Pit, Frank aged 20 and James aged 17 both worked as pony drivers also at Markham Pit.  There was also a granddaughter named Myra aged 11 years old with the family.

John and Florence were still living in Warsop at 4 Clumber Street.  John was now employed as a coal miner.  They have four living children and one deceased; George Frederick 9, Cyril 4, Leslie 2 and Nellie 1 year old.

Joseph had married May Booth in 1906 (May was the sister of Ernest Booth who lost his life to the war on 15th May 1915).  In 1911 Joseph and May were living at 7 Queen Street, Warsop.  Joseph worked as a coal miner, they had one young son named after his grandfather and uncle; George Bennison aged 1 year old.

Hannah and her son Henry had returned to New Whittington and were living with William Booth and his two young sons; William 5 and Albert 3 years old.  Hannah was described as "house keeper domestic" and "married".  William was single.  They lived at 133 High Street, New Whittington, next door to Hannah's mother Mary.

Mary Bennison was working as housekeeper for a 44 year old widowed collier named William Mortiboy.  William had 5 children aged between 17 years old and 5 years old, so I am sure that Mary was a valued member of the household.  They lived just a few doors away from Joseph at number 14 Queen Street, Warsop.

Harriett Bennison moved away from Chesterfield and married Arthur Sharp in Bradford on 13th March 1909.  A year later on 11th May 1910 their baby daughter Nora Benison Sharp was born back in Chesterfield.  By 1911 Harriett and her new family had moved to the hustle and bustle of London.  Arthur worked at an iron foundry and the family lived in one room at 34 Talbot Grove, Kensington. 

George's war....

Private 28206, George Henry Bennison was wounded in action on 19th April 1916.  He died 4 days later on 23rd April 1916 of his injuries sustained.

His death was reported in the Derbyshire Times the following month, 13th May 1916 page 8.  The article tells that George was "30 years of age, a finely built fellow".  It states that George had joined the Army 10 months ago (around June 1915) and had been in France just over 7 weeks.  He was enlisted with the Sherwood Foresters but had recently been transferred to the Royal Engineers.  He died of his wounds on Easter Sunday 1916.

The 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters landed in France on 6th March 1916, so it is likely that George was transferred to the Royal Engineers before this date as he was recorded as being in France just over 7 weeks on his death.  It is also highly possible that George and his brother in law Albert Harling enlisted together in July 1915.  They would then move on to Aldershot for basic training. 

In 1915 the Royal Engineers set up a specialised tunnelling company; this company would comprise of men from around the country with a very useful trade; coal mining.  George was a coal miner, from a mining background he would have been perfect for the job and would explain why he was transferred from the Sherwood Foresters to the Royal Engineers. 

The tunnelling companies were affectionately known as "the moles".  They were highly instrumental to the success of the B.E.F in the field of trench warfare during WW1.  A war which was for many years held in stalemate, with neither allies nor enemy making any advances.  The need to out wit the enemy with an intricate, well built trench system was the key to success.  The coal miner would know the tricks of the trade and the hazards to be avoided.  George and his colleagues were using their skills to great advantage.  An excellent article on the tunnelling company's can be read here.

George is buried at the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension in the Pas Des Calais area of France.  His grave reference number is 1 A 59.
His grave shows the sign of the cross, with no other comments added by his family. 

George was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service.

George's death was reported in the Derbyshire Times dates 13th May 1916 page 8.  It included a photo of George.  The obituary reads as follows....

"Whittington soldier dies of wounds.

A war office communication last weekend conveyed the 

news to his relatives in New Whittington, that

Private G H Benison, of the Royal Engineers, 

had died of wounds.

The deceased soldier, who was 30 years of age, was 

a finely built fellow, and joined the Forces ten months ago.

He was attached to the Sherwood Foresters (Chatsworth

Rifles), but was recently transferred to the Royal Engineers.

It appears he was wounded on the 19th of April, 

and died four days later - Easter Sunday.

Before enlisting Benison worked at the Ireland Colliery, 

belonging to the Staveley Coal and Iron Co, and 

has three other brothers serving with the Forces.  

He left Aldershot for France a little over

seven weeks ago"

Life went on....

Mary Bennison, George's mother had died in 1914 aged 58 years old.  In some ways a blessing for Mary as she would not live to witness the horror and turmoil that the Great War had on her beloved family.

John Thomas Benison and his wife Florence remained living in Warsop. In 1939 he was still living at 4 Clumber Street, Warsop however he was a widow.  John died in 1947 aged 72 years old.

Julia and her husband Albert had at least three more children; Gwendoline Mary born 1912, Mary Ann born 1914 and Margaret born 1916.

Albert joined the 17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, known as the Welbeck Rangers in July 1915.  He was private 28205.  He was discharged in September 1917 as "no longer physically fit for service"  and awarded the Victory, British and Silver War Medal.

Julia was the recipient of both of her deceased brother's (George and James Benison) war pensions.  However, she died not too long after the brothers in 1929, she was only 51 years old.  What became of her husband Albert Harling is not known - I have not been able to find any local death for him.

Joseph and May continued to reside in Warsop.  They had four more children; Ernest 1913, Miriam 1915, James 1917 and May 1921.  Joseph may have died in 1948 and May in 1960, however these dates have not been confirmed with death certificate proof on my part.

Joseph and May would have felt the harsh reality of war, having lost three siblings between them; Ernest Booth, George Bennison and James Bennison.

Hannah Bennison may have emigrated to Canada.  However further information is needed to confirm this is correct.  Hannah Binns was noted as living at New Whittington in June 1919 (according to service records of James Bennison).  A Hannah Binns married William Booth (brother of Ernest Booth above) in 1928 at Chesterfield.  Hannah was living with William in 1911, did she return to England after Thomas Binns died? or did she part ways with Thomas and return home? 

Mary Bennison has not been located after the 1911 census.

Harriett and Arthur Sharp had lived in London at the outbreak of WW1.  They had two more children by now; Albert Arthur born 1st December 1911 and Constance Mary born 9th October 1913.  From the places of birth of the two children the family must have moved around London; Bloomsbury and Deptford respectively. 

Arthur joined the Kings Royal Rifle Brigade in December 1915.  He was noted as being a "skilled craftsman" (his previous employment was as an aluminium moulder) and so in March of 1916 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers, Sapper 145992. 

Something went wrong for Arthur and in November 1916 he was discharged as being no longer fit for service.  The reason given was "insane soldier".  The notes in the service records go on to state that the insanity was not caused by military service and that Arthur had not served abroad. 

What became of Arthur is not known but Harriett married again on 9th February 1918, described as a Widow.  She married a soldier named Henry James Prew at Camden, London.   The family emigrated to New Zealand to start a new life, Henry was a labourer.  In 1928 Harriett and Henry were living at Johnston Street, Foxton, Manawatu, Wanganui.  Harriett died in 1967, she still lived in Manawatu. 

William Bennison married Emily Booth on 4th August 1914.  Just three weeks later on 29th August 1914 he enlisted to the Leicestershire Regiment.  Private 12230, he was posted to Aldershot on 5th September but discharged medically unfit on 14th September 1914.  He was recorded as suffering from "chronic blepharitis" which would mean that William had irritation to his eyes, this would cause a great deal of problems in the field of war.

Patriotically, on 7th January 1915 William tried to enlist once more.  He went into Chesterfield and enlisted with the 3rd Battalion Sherwood Foresters, Private 22035.  Unfortunately for William yet again he was discharged on 10th March 1915; recorded as "not likely to become an efficient soldier". 

William may have died in 1921 aged just 31 years old. 

Frank Bennison worked as a collier prior to the outbreak of WW1.  On 3rd September 1914, aged 22 years old, he enlisted with the 7th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment.  Private 14274, he was posted to Aldershot to carry out his basic training and on 29th July 1915 he was to join the B.E.F in France where he remained until 12th March 1916 when he returned to England. 

Frank would have been in England when he received the sad news that his elder brother George had been killed in action.  Having witnessed the terrible sights of war we can only begin to imagine the feelings Frank would feel over the coming months and years.  Not long after on 7th July 1916 he was posted once again in France until 4th September 1916. 

In October 1917 Frank was transferred to the Royal Defence Corps. According to his service records Frank remained on home turf but was not discharged until 1st April 1919.  He was discharged on medical terms as he was suffering from chronic symptoms in both of his knees, which he had sustained as a result of an injury in France in 1916.  Frank would have been placed with the Royal Defence Corps due to his injuries and medical problems; his role would have been to guard the areas on home soil that may be a target for the enemy.

Frank returned to civilian life, working at Welbeck Colliery in Mansfield.  He sustained a further injury in December 1919 when falling coal caused fractures in his right foot. 

Frank may not have settled into the ordinary life of the 1920's England as in March 1920 he applied to join the Grenadier Guards.  From the basic information on his service records he was discharged later that month, most likely from his disabilities due to his previous injuries to his knees and right foot.

Frank died in Mansfield in 1932, he was aged just 40 years old.  Whether he married and had any children is unknown at this time.

James Bennison joined the 1st Lincolns on 29th August 1914, sadly James also lost his life to the Great War and his story will be told on this blog on 17th July 2016.

A cousin named Joseph Benison also lost his life to the Great War on 15th September 1916.  Joseph was a local lad living in Staveley prior to the outbreak of war.  He served with the 10th Battalion Cameronians and is remembered on the Staveley War Memorial.  His story can be read here.

*****

If you may be connected to this family or have any further information on George Henry Bennison or his family please do either leave comments via the pen icon below or drop me an email.

I hope that I have not given details of living persons, if so please advise and I will remove immediately.

Please note all information has been taken from online indexes and sources.  Due to the sheer numbers of people to be researched I am unable to purchase vital event certificates to confirm my research.

I have written this blog in the spelling BENNISON as is on the St Barnabas Memorial, it will be noted that it was possibly spelt incorrectly as most other sources use the spelling BENISON.

*****

Ref and further reading  -

Census

Parish registers

Medal rolls
Soldiers who died in the Great war

Register of soldiers effects

Newspaper articles - Derbyshire Times

CWGC  http://www.cwgc.org

17th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Welbeck Rangers)
http://www.1914-1918.net/notts.htm

Royal Engineers
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/

http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-corps-of-royal-engineers-in-the-first-world-war/tunnelling-companies-of-the-royal-engineers-underground-warfare/

Warsop Colliery -
http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/mansfieldchurches/warsop1.htm
http://www.warsopvale.org/history2.htm
http://www.oldminer.co.uk/warsop.html



WILLIAM WOOD

WILLIAM WOOD

Private 13469

13th Battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment

Died whilst in training - 23rd March 1915

William Wood is recorded on the Commonwealth War Graves database as -

"Son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Wood,

Of High Street, New Whittington,

Chesterfield.

Aged 28 years old

Remembered with honour

Lostwithiel (St Bartholomew) Church Cemetery"

Further research unveiled the service record of Private 13469, William Wood.  This document tells how William joined the regiment on 24th August 1914 aged 28 years and 304 days old.  William was a coal miner on enlistment.  He was 5 feet 9 6/8 inches tall and weighed 154 lbs.

An official memorandum dated 2nd April 1915 reported that Private 13469 had died at the Lostwithiel Training Camp in Cornwall on 23rd March 1915.  William had died of heart failure.  The document told that Williams sister Ellen Nurse had been informed of the death as his brother was away serving on a hospital ship, whereabouts unknown.  It also noted that William did not leave a will and told that he had been transferred from the 3rd Battalion to the 13th Battalion Sherwood Forester Regiment.

William's parents Joseph and Elizabeth Wood were deceased before World War 1 reared its ugly head and so on his death his family were required to complete paperwork giving details of William's next of kin.  His sister Ellen Nurse completed the task on 2nd May 1919, the details she gave are as follows -

*Fred Wood, brother aged 49 of Harper Lane, Hucknall Huthwaite, near Mansfield.

*Mrs E Nurse, sister aged 46 of 38 London Street, New Whittington, Chesterfield.

*Mrs Fullwood, sister aged 44 of the Police Station, York Road, Shirebrook, Mansfield.

No other siblings or next of kin were documented.

Register of Soldiers Effects - www.ancestry.co.uk

The Register of Soldiers Effects confirms further the next of kin were -

"Sister Ellen, Sister Florence, niece Annie E and brother Fred"

William Wood's death was reported in the Derbyshire Times on 27th March 1915 page 4 -

"Whittington Soldier Dies In Cornwall

Private William Wood of the 13th (Service) Battalion

Sherwood Foresters, a native of Whittington,

who has been quarted at Lostwithiel, Cornwall

died suddenly while on parade on Tuesday morning.

It appears that Private Wood was with his platoon

engaged in physical exercises, when he was

seen to fall heavily and although medical aid was

immediately summoned it was found that the

unfortunate man was dead.

The deceased who was single and 29 years of age,

was a native of Whittington.  He enlisted in August last.

He had apparently enjoyed good health at Lostwithiel.

At the inquest Private's T Rose and Heath,

who knew the deceased before he joined the army

and had been billeted with him at Lostwithiel,

said he never complained that the physical drill

was too much for him and on the day of his

death he appeared in good health.

Captain Duff, Officer Commanding "B" Company said

the deceased had a perfect clean sheet.  The

medical evidence was to the effect that death

was due to failure of the heart and a verdict

was returned accordingly.

The funeral with full military honours took place

at Lostwithiel on Thursday"



Grave of Private William Wood, Lostwithiel, Cornwall

William Wood's grave can be found in the Restormel Road Cemetery at Lostwithiel.  This photo of the grave was kindly taken by @LoveLostwithiel (Twitter) - kind thanks for their time and help to ensure William Wood is remembered 100 years on from his death.

The grave reads -

In Memory

of

Pte Wm Wood (13469)

"B" Company

13th Batt. Sherwood Foresters

(Notts & Derby Regiment)

Who died on parade

at Lostwithiel

23rd March 1915

Aged 29 years

This stone was erected by his comrades

It is a sad reflection, but unfortunately as Private William Wood did not see service overseas there is no medal card for William.  William died serving his country but unlike all of the other 84 men named on the St Barnabas Memorial, William is the only man to have not received any medals for his sacrifice.

But who was William Wood....

Taking the details given above from the military documents available it appears that William was born circa 1887.  The son of Joseph and Elizabeth, brother to Fred, Ellen and Florence. 

William should thus appear on the 1891 census, ideally with his family named above.  This is not to be the case; in 1891 Joseph is living on the High Street in New Whittington but with two children Florence aged 12 and Willoughby aged 11 years old. 

In fact I have searched the 1891, 1901 and 1911 census for a William Wood born circa 1887 but I can not find any suitable candidates. 

It appears that the story of Private William Wood is not as it may first appear.

The Wood family....

Joseph was born in Tankersley, Yorkshire around 1844, the son of Willoughby and Maria Wood.  By the time Joseph was 7 years old the family had moved to Newbold in Chesterfield, they lived near to the Nags Head Public House in Newbold Village. 

Joseph married Elizabeth Taylor on 23rd January 1866 at Whittington and soon after their first child, a daughter named Emily was born.  Joseph was a coal miner and work around the area as they baptised their second daughter Harriett at Worsborough, Yorkshire on 31st May 1868. 

The family first appear to be living back in New Whittington when their first son Fred was baptised there on 10th September 1871.  Ellen came next in 1874 born in the near by village of Beighton. The remaining children were all born in New Whittington; Florence in 1878, Willoughby in 1879.  But still no appearance of a William Wood born circa 1887.

Family loss....

Death of Elizabeth Wood - Derbyshire Times 26/05/1888 p8

The death of Private William Wood was not the first time such a tragedy had occurred in this family.  William's mother Elizabeth sadly died in similar circumstances on 23rd May 1888.  From the newspaper article it appears that Elizabeth was visiting her brother when she fell sick.  Before her brother could summon help poor Elizabeth had passed away.  The cause of death was attributed to heart disease.  Elizabeth was only 47 years old. 

And so it would look likely that Private William Wood may well have inherited some type of heart defect causing his own and his mother Elizabeth's premature death.

Death of Joseph Wood - Derbyshire Times 01/04/1893 p5

Joseph died five years later on 26th March 1893, he was 49 years old.

The Wood siblings....

Following the children of Joseph and Elizabeth Wood through census records and birth, marriage and death registers I was able to piece together the future lives of Fred, Ellen and Florence Wood.  Willoughby Wood is a little more complicated and Emily and Harriett I have been unable to pin point for definite.

Emily Wood left home and was working as a domestic servant in 1881, she was aged 15 years old.  She worked for Edwin Gelder who was a Weslyan Minister, they lived at Stapleford, Derbyshire.  Edwin went on to become the Wesleyan Minister for Matlock and lived at Epworth House, Matlock in 1911.  Emily's whereabouts after 1881 are unclear as there are many possibilities of marriages or deaths.

Harriett Wood was residing with the Walker family on the night of the 1881 census, she was described as a "visitor" on the census return.  They lived at 33 Sheffield Road, Newbold.  

Harriett married Joseph Bradbury on 30th March 1891, at St Bartholomew's Church, Old Whittington.   In 1891 the newly weds were living on the High Street in New Whittington.  The couple don't appear to have bore any children, Harriett died in 1894 aged just 26 years of age.  

Joseph went on to marry 45 year old spinster Hannah Flack on 30th August 1903.  The marriage took place at Barnsley where Joseph worked as a coal miner.

Fred Wood married Lucy Elizabeth Allsop at Mansfield in 1899.  The couple had at least four children; Fred Victor Wardle Wood 1901, Lucy Elizabeth 1903, Marjorie 1904 and Florence Emma 1909. 

Ellen Wood married William John Nurse in 1894.  The couple had at least six children; Beatrice Ellen 1895, John 1897, Charles 1899, Aylmer 1907, Marvin 1909 and Evelyn Annie 1910.  Ellen was to receive another devastating blow when her eldest son John Nurse was also killed in action whilst serving with the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters.  Private 21851 John William Nurse died on 25th July 1917.  John is also named on the St Barnabas Memorial and his story will be told on the centenary of this death.

Florence Wood married John William Fullwood on 22nd May 1899 at New Whittington.  John William Fullwood was a police officer and his job took the family away from New Whittington.  They had a son named after his father John William in 1902. 

Willoughby Wood born circa 1879 is not as easy to trace; he appears in 1881 aged 2 years old, living with his mother Elizabeth and father  Joseph, siblings Fred, Ellen and "Floria" (Florence) at High Street, New Whittington.  In 1891 he is living with his father Joseph and sister Florence. 

Willoughby tried to joined the local Militia, the 3rd Derbyshire Regiment in 1898, aged 19 years and 11 months.  This soldier, Private 6453 gave his name as William Wood.  His address was 117 High Street, New Whittington.  He was 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall, weighed 151 lbs, with a dark complexion, brown hair and dark brown eyes.  He worked as a collier for Sheepbridge Coal & Iron company at Glapwell.  The records tell that this Willoughby enlisted on 9th August 1898.  Unfortunately for him, he was refused entry into the Militia, after receiving his medical he was deemed "unfit" for service.

To add to the confusion in 1901 a possible Willoughby is living back in New Whittington.  He is recorded as "Willie" living as a boarder at 119 High Street with John O'Brien.  Willie is aged 21 years old making his year of birth around 1880, he is also employed as a coal miner hewer.  In 1911 a William Wood aged 34 years (born circa 1877) is a boarder at the Royal Hotel in New Whittington.  This William is employed as a coal miner.

Private 13469 William Wood's true identity....

So far I have not been able to 100% positively confirm the true identity of the William Wood who died of heart failure on 23rd March 1915.

I am however swayed to William and Willoughby being the same person.  The two never appear on any census together, William born 1887 does not ever appear on a census with any family members.

It is feasible that Willoughby went by the name of William.  As William Wood was turned away from the Militia in 1898, it is highly likely that this would be reason enough for him to declare an untrue date of birth on enlisting for service in 1914.  In the early stages of the war the ideal soldier was a young fit fellow who could stand the pace, William was 35, at this time the age was seen as senior, although this thought changed during the following years of warfare.

Maybe then Willoughby and William are the same man? Willoughby changed his date of birth to join the Sherwood Foresters in 1914?  The two men were the same height and weight.

If this is not the case then other suggestions are that Private William Wood could have been adopted by the family and this may be the reason why he appears on no official documentation alongside them. 

I will have to leave the story of Private 13469 William Wood open for further investigation.  

If any one has any further information on this family please do contact me and add your comments to the blog post. 

William is also remembered on the Cornwalls War History Website http://www.cornwallswarhistory.co.uk/

With thanks -

To the kind @LoveLostwithiel on Twitter for taking the time to photograph the gravestone of William Wood.

Reference and further reading -

Census
Service records
Soldiers who died in the Great War
Register of Soldiers Effects
Newspaper Articles
CWGC http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx
www.ancestry.co.uk
www.findmypast.co.uk