S Wheeldon: The 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) was raised at Derby in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Second New Army and joined 51st Brigade in 17th (Northern) Division. After initial training close to home, they moved to Wool then to West Lulworth in October and back to to Wool in December. In June 1915 they Moved to Winchester for final training. The division had been selected for Home Defence duties, but this was reversed and they proceeded to France, landed at Boulogne on the 14th of July 1915, the division concentrated near St Omer. They moved into the Southern Ypres salient for trench familiarisation and then took over the the front lines in that area. In the spring of 1916 they were in action at the Bluff, south east of Ypres on the Comines canal then moved south to The Somme seeing action during The Battle of Albert in which the Division captured Fricourt and The Battle of Delville Wood. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters10.php#sthash.2R954jp4.dpuf
Born: 1895 Buxton registered Chapel-en-le-Frith 7b 845 J/A/S, the son of George & Sarah Ann Wheeldon. Sam was baptised on 5th February 1896. (I have been unable to find Sam at North Road School however Gertrude attended the school).
1901 Census: Sam aged 5yrs living at 1 Alma Terrace with parents and younger brother John & younger sisters Gertrude & Pricilla.
1911 Census: Sam now has three more siblings Mabel, Leslie and May, the family are now living at 17 Onward Cottages, Fairfield. Sam was working as a “Caddie” at Fairfield Golf Club, this was an occupation for many of the young boy’s in Fairfield at the end of the 1800’s & beginning of the 1900’s.
Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 10c).
Obituary from Buxton Advertiser researched 2014The home from which Mark went to War as it is today 2014
Photo from The Buxton Advertiser researched 2014
Mark Clifford Wardle: Highlanders) Battalion, The Royal Scots 1/9th (was a Territorial unit with HQ at 89 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh serving with the Lothian Brigade, Scottish Coast Defences. They proceeded to France on the 26th of February 1915 landing at Le Havre and joining 81st Brigade, 27th Division. They saw action at St Eloi and in The Second Battle of Ypres. On the 24th of November 1915 they transferred to 14th Brigade, 5th Division and on the 25th of January 1916 transferred to Third Army Troops. On the 1st of March 1916 they joined 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. they were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood and The Battle of the Ancre, capturing Beaumont Hamel, taking more than 2000 prisoners. In 1917 They took part in the Arras Offensive, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Menin Road Ridge and the Cambrai Operations. In February 1918 the British Army was reorganised and on the 6th the 1/9th Royal Scots transferred to 183rd Brigade, 61st (South Midland) Division. they were in action in The Battle of St Quentin and The Actions at the Somme Crossings they then returned to Flanders and were in action in The Battle of Estaires, The Battle of Hazebrouck and The Battle of Bethune. On the 1st of June 1918 they transferred to 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. They were in action in Battle of the Soissonnais and the Ourcq taking part in the attack on Buzancy, and The Final Advance in Artois. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/royalscots9-gw.php#sthash.kRRJK62m.dpuf
Born: 1895 Fairfield registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 839 Mark was born on the 28th May 1895, the only son of John Thomas and Emma Wardle, at 3 Cross Street, Buxton. Mark was baptised 14th July 1895 at St Peters Fairfield. His parents had married in O/N/D Qtr 1894, Mark had four half-brothers and sisters from his mother’s first marriage to Arthur Richards, Isaac, Ellen, May and Arthur. Clifford started North Road School on 7th November 1899.
1901 Census: Living at 3 Cross Street aged 6yrs.
1911 Census: Living @ 51 Windsor Road.
Occupation: Servant.
1916: Attested on 31st August after enlistment on 21st August 1916, he was living at 51 Windsor Road. Marks occupation was a Grocery Assistant. Before serving in France Mark had served in Ireland whilst there he was hospitalized with a Boil on his back. Mark also had 2 separate spells in hospital in Scotland, following his discharge in April 1918 he then went to France with his regiment, he was killed only 4 months later.
Memorial: 11. D. 6
Badge added to Find a Grave Memorial 15/3/13 by wrig.
Royal Garrison Artillery Regimental BadgeWilliam Volans photograph Buxton Advertiser/Keith TaylorThe home William left to go to War as it is today. (Stenson 2014)
Born: 23rd March 1892 Fairfield registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 824 A/M/J. The son of Samuel & Annie Volans. William was baptised on 20th April 1892 St Peters Fairfield. William started North Road School on 17th May 1897, the family were living at 11 Hogshaw Villas.
1901 When sister Gertrude started school in April 1901 the address for the family was given as Ivy Dene? Lightwood. I am unable to locate the Census. However there was Dad Samuel, Mum Annie, older sister Maggie, younger sister Gertrude & younger brother Noel (all the children attended North Road School).
1911 Census: Boarder 69 Hardshaw Street, St Helens Aged 19yrs, working as a Shop Assistant in the Butter Trade, Mum Annie is now a Widow living 18 Windsor Park Road, Fairfield. There was another sibling Alice.
Service: Gunner
1916: Mum living @ 13 Queens Road, Fairfield.
Memorial: 1. E. 19
Off to War:
Sergt. N. Volans, & Pte. W. Volans two of the son’s of Mrs Volans of Queens road, Fairfield, and well known in Buxton. Noel the Sergeant, is the younger one and was prior to the war, employed at Messers. Hulley’s and Wright’s. In August 1914, he went with the Ambulance Brigade, and was attached to the R.A.M.C. at Aldershot; he was one of the few who stuck to soldiering when he started and is now Sergeant Instructor and stationed at —–. William Volans joined the Royal Garrison Artillery in November last. He was in the Manchester City Police force for 4 ½ years. During that time he was missed by a good many friends in Buxton. He has been stationed at ——, and is now training with the 115th Siege battery at —–. These two brothers are a fine example to shirkers and “Conscientious” objectors, and we wish them both the best of luck and a safe return to Buxton when duty is done.
Williams brother Noel, photograph Buxton Advertiser/Keith Taylor
Obituary from Buxton Advertiser 18th November 1916. (Researched 2014)
Gunner W. Volans:
It is with sincere regret we chronicle the death of Gunner William Volans, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, which took place on the 7th inst. He was asleep in his dug-out when a shell pierced it, and he was killed instantaneously. He was buried a year to the day of enlistment. Gunner Volans was in the Manchester City Police for 4 ½ years. He was the son of Mrs Volans of Queens Road, Fairfield and always wrote home the cheerful letters. He went to the front with a brave heart and in the best of spirits. Deceased will be missed by a wide circle of friends, both in Buxton & Manchester, with whom he was always very popular. A very sympathetic letter has been received by Mrs Volans from Major Robertson, who states that Gunner Volans was buried in a cemetery by his comrades. Major A. L. Burch Canadian Chaplain wrote Mrs Volans as follows:- “Dear Madam,- Before this letter reaches you, you will, in all probability, have been notified by the War department of the death of your son, Gunner W Volans, No. 66950. It is little comfort one can offer to a mother at a time like this. Death is expected and in ever increasing proportions, and yet when it strikes an individual its reality is as deep as human emotion. I a parent deeply sympathise with you. My purpose of writing is to apprise you of the fact that your son was buried in one of the regularly appointed military cemeteries in this area, and that I, a Clergyman, committed his body to the resting place of a real soldier. Unfortunately I am not permitted at present to name the cemetery, but you can obtain the information from the ‘Director of Graves Registration Commission, War Office, St James’ Square, London.’ A cross erected by your son’s companions, will mark the grave.” Second Lieut Baynes has likewise communicated with Mrs Volans, stating that her son was killed instantaneously in the night while sleeping in his dug-out. It would be some consolation to know that he could not have suffered any pain. The writer adds “He was in my sub-section, and layer of my gun, a responsible post, which he always carried out as well as could be desired. He was very popular in the Battery & made many friends. We shall miss him very much…..I know that the whole Battery will wish me to send you on their behalf a message of sincere sympathy in your loss.” With the bereaved parent and relatives the sincerest sympathy will be felt.
Brother of Percy Street 17th November 1916.
Born: 1896 Burbage Buxton to Richard & Louisa Street, Samuel was baptised at Burbage church on 22nd March 1896.
1901 Census: Richard, Louisa, Samuel & elder brother Percy are lodging with the Wain family at 4 Hobsons Court.
1911 Census: Living @ 51 Fairfield Road aged 15yrs.
Occupation: Errand Boy for Newsagent.
Percy & Samuel’s father died in December 1916, between November 1916 & May 1917 Louisa had lost 2 sons and her husband. The Buxton Advertiser on 27th January 1917 saying that ‘Percy & Samuel had been at the front along time, and that Percy had been reported missing’ Percy had died 2 months prior to the article. Samuels papers no longer exist but his Medal Card show he went to France on 29th September 1915 at the height of the Battle of Loos.
The Staffordshire RegimentThiepval Memorial 2014Death Report
Brother of Samuel Street died 3rd May 1917.
Born: 1895 Burbage Buxton the son of Richard & Louisa Street.
1901 Census: Percy, younger brother Samuel, Mum & Dad were lodging with the Wain family at 4 Hobsons Court.
1911 Census: Living @ 51 Fairfield Road aged 16yrs.
Occupation: Errand Boy
1916 Percy & Samuels father died in the December, at this time Percy parents were unaware that he had been killed 1 month before. On the 27th January 1917 an article in the Buxton Advertiser reported Percy as missing. It must have been a terrible time for Louisa as in May Samuel was killed, she had lost 2 son’s and her husband in around 6 months. Richard & Louisa had no other children.
Thiepval Memorial 2014 (Pier & Face 7b).
Royal Berkshire Regimental BadgeErnest Street photograph Buxton Advertiser/Keith Taylor
Report from Buxton Advertiser 9th November 1918
Death of Private E Street, Mrs Street of 13 Victoria Park has been bereaved of her son, Pte. Ernest Street, who has fallen gallantly serving his country in the war. This soldier was interred at the scene of Action. It was gratifying to the bereft mother to be allowed to attend the funeral which was of a very important character.
It must have been unusual for a Mother to attend the funeral of her son in France during the war even though it was nearing the end of the war!
The home on Midland Terrace, Fairfield Road that Ernest left to go to War 2014
Ernest Street: The 5th (Service) Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment was a Kitchener Battalion, raised at Reading on the 25th August 1914. They underwent training at Shorncliffe, Folkestone and Malplaquet Barracks at Aldershot. They proceeded to France on the 31st of May 1915 and served with 35th Brigade in 12th (Eastern) Division on the Western Front. They underwent instruction withthe more experienced 48th (South Midland) Division and took over a section of the front line at Ploegsteert Wood on the 23rd of June 1915. They were in action in The Battle of Loos from the 30th of September, taking over the sector from Gun Trench to Hulluch Quarries consolidating the position, under heavy artillery fire. On the 8th they repelled a heavy German infantry attack and on the 13th took part in the Action of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, capturing Gun Trench and the south western face of the Hulluch Quarries. During this period at Loos, 117 officers and 3237 men of the Division were killed or wounded.By the 21st they moved to Fouquieres-les-Bethune for a short rest then returned to the front line at the Hohenzollern Redoubt until the 15th of November, when they went into reserve at Lillers. On the 9th of December, 9th Royal Fusiliers assisted in a round-up of spies and other suspicious characters in the streets of Bethune. On the 10th the Division took over the front line north of La Bassee canal at Givenchy. On the 19th of January they began a period of training in Open Warfare at Busnes, then moved back into into the front line at Loos on the 12th of February 1916. In June they moved to Flesselles and carried out a training exercise. They moved to Baizieux on the 30th June and went into the reserve at Hencourt and Millencourt by mid morning on the 1st of July. They relieved the 8th Division at Ovillers-la-Boisselle that night and attacked at 3.15 the following morning with mixed success. On the 7th they attacked again and despite suffering heavy casualties in the area of Mash Valley, they succeeded in capturing and holding the first and second lines close to Ovillers. They were withdrawn to Contay on the 9th July. They were in action in The Battle of Pozieres on the 3rd of August with a successful attack capturing 4th Avenue Trench and were engaged in heavy fighting until they were withdrawn on the 9th. They moved north and in 1917 were in action at Arras in The First Battle of the Scarpe, The Battle of Arleux and The Third Battle of the Scarpe. They remained in the Arras sector until the 30th of October when they moved to Hesdin for the Cambrai offensive in which the Division suffered heavy losses. On the 6th of February 1918 rhe 5th Berkshires transferred to 36th Brigade still with 12th (Eastern) Division. In March 1918 they moved by motor lorry from Busnes to Albert and were in action in The Battle of Bapaume and spent the spring engaged in heavy fighting a the enemy advanced across the old Somme battlefields. On the 1st of July 1918, they attacked Bouzincourt. but were repelled by the enemy. They were relieved on the 10th and moved to the area south of Amiens. They were in action in The Battle of Amiens and were engaged in heavy fighting from the 22nd pushing the enemy back and capturing Meaulte, Mametz, Carnoy, Hardecourt and Faviere Wood with in a week. In September they were in action in a successful attack on Nurlu and pursued the enemy back to Sorel Wood. They were in action during The battles of the Hindenburg Line, including The Battle of Epehy and The Battle of the St Quentin canal – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/berkshireregiment5-gw.php#sthash.dYwl6jwq.dpuf
Born: 5th March 1891 Burbage registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 826, to parents Joseph & Kezia Street. Ernest had 4 older brothers Joseph, Richard, Harry & Sidney & an older sister Kezia Hannah (who never married and became a Certified Midwife).
1891 Census: Living at 46 Old Road Burbage aged 1mth. A younger brother Ralph was born however in December 1895 the father Joseph died leaving Kezia with 6 boy’s. All the boys attended North Road School. Ernest started school on 15th June 1896.
1901 Census: Living @ 9/10 Midland Terrace, Fairfield Road Aged 10yrs.
1911 Census: Living @ 4 Watson Road, Lowestoft, Sussex.
Occupation: Confectioners Assistant/Maker. Ernest’s mother was living at 13 Victoria Park Road and her occupation was ‘Horse Keeper’ at home are Kezia Hannah, Sydney, Ralph & a boarder.
Enlisted: Aldershot living Brixton Surrey & went to France on 17th December 1917, Ernest’s Service papers were destroyed.
Service: Formerly S/4/042329 RASC
Memorial: Abbeville 1V. E. 12 (picture added on Find a Grave Memorial 16/4/2013 by JMW).
John photograph from High Peak News October 1915.Pte John (Jack) Stenson
Photograph from Buxton Advertiser
1915 Roll of Honour Buxton Herald Newspaper
John (Jack) enlisted at sometime during December 1914, following training Jack landed at Le Harve on 2nd may 1915, he arrived with his battalion towards the end of the 2nd Battle of Ypres, the battalion were re-enforcements. Jack was then with the battalion sent to Loos where a fierce battle was fought, Jack had only been there a matter of day’s before he was killed. There are 2 dates given for his death the 29th & 30th of September. Map showing the Battle of Loos 1915
Killed in the same battle 18 day’s later and also from Fairfield was Pte John Rawlinson remembered on the same panel as John, also remembered at Dud Corner Cemetery from Fairfield are: Tom Brewster Horn and Pte Harold Orgill
Served as a Private in the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment) 3rd Battalion. Army service number G/6417. John was involved in one of the most brutal and tragic battles of the war aged just 25yrs. The exact date for John’s death is uncertain, He died either late on the 29th or in the early hours of 30th September.Most of the fighting at Loos, where the land is very flat, was centered on taking Hill 70 which was a German stronghold. Fighting continued throughout the 29th September the battle raged. During the night the enemy attacked causing the loss of a Gun Trench. The Germans also shelled the village from Hill 70 with an 8-inch Gun. Troops in Loos prepared to withdraw, remaining troops consolidated their positions. Duke of Cambridge 3rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment War Diary report from the National Archives detail events as they happened. September 28th 1915 At 2am orders received to proceed to British old first line trench ‘Central Bayou’ to a position opposite Hohenzollern redoubt. On arrival there orders received to support the ‘Buffs’ in an attack at once towards the DUMP and clean all trenches & communication trenches on left of DUMP. Bombardment started & ceased at 9.30am. The Buffs advanced in the open & Battalion along SOUTH FACE TRENCH (ref map 36.C.NW) at arrival at point 35 DUMP TRENCH. The bombers attacked along left face of trench. Considerable progress was made when bombs ran out and urgent appeals were made for more. The battalion then began to suffer considerable casualties from a heavy attack with bombs. The narrow trench then became congested with wounded, men of other units who were relieved & on their way out of the trench by the Buffs who had to give away on the right. The CO then gave the order to withdraw slowly, this operation was most difficult the trench being a narrow one and only 7ft deep. We were enfiladed on both sides by MG fire and impossible to show a head above the parapet. About this time the CO (Col. Neale) was killed. The battalion was then withdrawn down the South Face. Orders were received to hold BIG WILLIE. The company was distributed along BIG WILLIE. The Royal Fusiliers were ordered to hold S FACE. During the day the Germans heavily attacked the S FACE but were held by our bombers. September 29th 1915 S FACE was again heavily attacked by German bombers – about 5am the 1/Y L passed through BIG WILLIE to relieve the 2/Buffs, who were then on our sights holding DUMP TRENCH. The Buffs were withdrawn and took into the space on our left & right of the 3/RF. About 11am the German attack became very severe and our bombers were short of bombs & it was seen that they would have to withdraw again. In consultation with the CO Buffs it was decided that if the S Face had to be evacuated the Buffs would have to withdraw also. The order was then given for our company to remain in BIG WILLIE, one to reinforce the right of RF’s in WEST FACE & two into the communication trench from W FACE to do British Front Line. This was done, later W FACE was taken by Germans & the company re-organised into the old 1 trench where it remained until midnight 30th September / 1st October. (Taken from the War Diaries from National Archives)
Report of Johns death from Buxton Advertiser
Residents of Fairfield heard with much regret that Pte. John Stenson, who lived at Heaton Place, Town End, had been killed in action. This soldier fell in the service of his King & country on the 29th September, and the news was received officially on Thursday evening. Previously, however a friend of his had written conveying the sad news, but how John was killed is unknown. He was laid to rest on 2nd October. Before enlisting this soldier was engaged by the Buxton Lime Firms Company Ltd, and he was 25yrs of age. He enlisted in the 3rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment last November. All will unite with us in extending sincerest sympathy to his relatives and friends.
John affectionately known as Jack remembered on his parents Gravestone at St Peters Fairfield (Stenson 2014)View of the battlefield at Loos-en-Gohelle from the Cemetery 2014David Stenson beside Great Uncle John Stenson’s Memorial Panel at Dud Corner Cemetery Loos 2014
Loos Memorial 2014 (Panel 99-101)
British Lime Industry Memorial to their employees who lost their lives during WW1
Photo with thanks to Dave Bagshaw
John is remembered on the Buxton Lime Industry Memorial in the main reception at ‘Tunstead’ Quarry as he worked for BLI (that was latter incorporated into ICI) before en-listing into the Middlesex Regiment. His occupation was as a Stone Delver (see below)
Heaton Place the home John left when he went to War.
Commemorative Scroll
John’s Death Plaque sent to his parents WW1 (kindly loaned for the photograph by Ian Clarke – Great Nephew)John’s Medals WW1John’s WW1 Medal (photographs kindly provided by Michael Lee – Great Nephew)
Born: John (Jack) was born on 11th March 1890 to parents Peter & Sarah Stenson (nee Kidd). John was baptised on 14th December 1892. John had an older sister Margaret and an older brothers Peter & Joseph.
1891 Census: Age 1yr Warslow, Staffordshire (visitor) with his Mother to his Grandparents. The family were living at No 6 Heaton Place, Town End, Fairfield.
1894: John started North Road School on 12th September the family were living at 6 Heaton Place
1901 Census: Living @ 5 Heaton Row (Place) aged 11yrs @ School & a Golf Caddie at Fairfield Golf Course. A lot of the boy’s acted as Caddies during the late 1800’s & early 1900’s in Fairfield some with permission. John now has younger siblings, brother Tom and sisters Sarah & Alice.
1911 Census: Living @ 1 Heaton Place, Fairfield Age 21yrs. All the Stenson boys served during WW1 Peter in the RAMC, Joseph in Sherwood Forresters, Tom in the Sherwood Forresters later transferring to the Machine Gun Corps from which he was honorably medically discharged and receiving the Silver war Badge.
Stone Delver
The quarry would have employed a large number of quarrymen with specific tasks. Delvers, who started the process, were skilled in removing stone from the various beds. Under their direction labourers used picks, wedges and crowbars in the quarry. Large blocks were split using plugs and feathers. A straight line (or race) of 60cm deep holes was drilled into the rock. Feathers are metal flanges which fit into the hole, and then a metal wedge (or plug) was gradually knocked into each hole so that the pairs of feathers were widened by a series of mallet blows. The rock then split along the line of tension. This process is still in use today.
Photo of Frank from The Buxton Advertiser 2014Memorial Plaque in the former Conservative Club ( now Sports & Social Club) Fairfield
Frank’s name is on the Memorial.
Born: 1889 Leamington registered Warwickshire Vol 6d Page 582. Frank was baptised on 24th April 1889 and was the son of Charles & Agnes Standbridge, Frank had an older sister Muriel Daisy, Charles was a Shoemaker.
1891 Census: living at 24 Villiers Street Leamington aged 2yrs.
1896: Charles died, Frank was only 7 years old.
1901: Frank aged 11yrs is liisted as being in The Royal Orphanage in Wolverhampton. Mother Agnes & Sister Daisy Muriel are lodging at 5 William Street in Leamington Priors, Agnes is working as a Dressmaker.
1911 Census: Frank is living @ 23 Park Road, Buxton as a boarder, the home of Mrs Elizabeth Linaker.
Occupation: Groom, Frank also worked as a Reporter for the Buxton Advertiser.
Frank Standbridge in Training published in Buxton Advertiser 24th October 1914
The photograph was taken at Cowshott Camp, Woking Frank is kneeling down on the right. Frank went to France in July 1915 as shown on his Medal Card.
Frank Standbridge: 6th (Service) Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was raised at Oxford in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Second New Army and joined 60th Brigade, 20th (Light) Division. After initial training the in the Oxford area with little equipment, they moved to Deepcut In February 1915 they moved to Godalming and then to Salisbury Plain in April for final training and proceeded to France on the 22nd of July, landing at Bologne and the division concentrating in the Saint-Omer area. They moved to the Fleurbaix area for trench familiarisation. In 1916 they were in action at the The Battle of Mount Sorrel, in which the Division, along with the Canadians, recaptured the heights. They were in action on the Somme in The Battle of Delville Wood, The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/oxfordbuckslightinf6-gw.php#sthash.D6QXXPBQ.dpuf
WW1: Service Corporal Oxford & Bucks Regiment
Grave: Plot XXX1. C. 9.
Corporal Frank Standbridge: Obituary from The Buxton Advertiser 9th September 1916 It is with sincere regret we have this week to announce the death in action of Corporal Frank Standbridge, who for several years past had been a member of the reporting staff of the “High Peak News” and “Buxton Advertiser.” He was well known and respected in the district which he visited in the performance of his duties. With his aged mother, who resides at Leamington, and his sister, much sympathy is expressed in their sad bereavement. Amongst those by whom the appeal for men in their country’s call was most readily answered was Frank Standbridge, and a very tender chord is touched by the news of his death, received from Coy,-Q,-M,-S, Kennerley, another member of the staff of this journal. The writer well remembers the day on which Standbridge and William Brunt, a fellow-reporter on the “Buxton Herald” went to the recruiting office and did their duty. Poor Brunt’s death, only a few day’s after he had been promoted to commissioned rank is still green in the memory of us all, and now that his bosom friend, in peace and in war, has given his all, the reflection that two such fine young men who had the world before them, and a world of promise, too, have been so ruthlessly laid low, is grievous indeed. Throughout a big portion of the High Peakland, and in Buxton in particular, was Frank Standbridge personally, intimately known. His profession took him into spheres not open to most men. It is no boast to say he was a young man of remarkable energy and one who never knew what is was to have done enough in the interests of the paper on which he was employed. Physically he was splendidly endowed: be it at football, cricket, swimming or running, Frank Standbridge could always hold his own, and oftentimes a bit more. He possessed above the average abilities of the all-round young athlete, and since joining the Army, has given proof of such long distance races especially. It can easily be understood that the traits in his character that showed them-selves naturally in private life would manifest themselves when playing the sterner game of war. All who knew him, in Derbyshire & Warwickshire, will we think agree when it is said that no young man had better qualifications for the making of a good soldier, and that he did his duty fearlessly, conscientiously, faithfully, in no matter what post he filled, will be taken for-granted. The following letter was received on Wednesday from Company-Quarter Master Sergeant W H Kennerley, of ‘A’ Company:- It is with the deepest regret I write this letter. Poor Standbridge died a soldiers death on Thursday afternoon. I have only just had the official intimation. Can you imagine what it is to me to write this, following so closely on Billy Brunt? Standbridge was killed in the first line trench at his gun. I was not with him, being with his Trench Mortor Battery, to whom he had been attached now for some four months. He was buried in a cemetery behind the line. I am not allowed to tell you where but i expect the eyes of the world will be on this place tomorrow. A 9.2 shell dropped right into six of them while attending to their gun, killing five and wounding one. It was a great blow to me when I was told, for we had been through the campaign together since we came out until he went to the trench mortars, and then he was attached to our brigade, so I frequently dropped across him. While he was in my platoon I always found him fearless & brave, always ready for any task put to him. Beloved by the boys, he is indeed a great loss. I can’t tell you what a loss he was to me when he left the platoon for the trench mortars. Never shall I forget him at Loos last September. What I should have done without him I don’t know. And now he has gone to his maker gone where there are no such bloody wars as this. If it is any comfort to those who loved him best, let me say he died a noble death and suffered no pain. He will be sadly missed in this Battalion’s sporting circles, for he was the life and soul of “D” Company in all their sports and always gave a helping hand whenever he was asked. I only wish it was in my power to describe him as a Soldier in more eloquent terms. I can only say, “Old Stan, did his bit, and did it well.” The old boys of his old platoon join me in this simple method of sympathy. Although poor Frank has gone, his name and memory will be honoured by all his old comrades in this Battalion. I wish I could write more, but it is so difficult for me. “Greater love hath no man to give up his life for his friends.” Corporal W. D. Sample has written under the date September 1st to Mrs Boundy, of Queens Road, Fairfield where Corporal Standbridge had apartments when in Buxton as follows:- You will be sorry to hear that Corpl. Standbridge was killed in action yesterday noon. The enclosed letter was found in his pay-book as we were burying him. To you who knew him better than the writer, it will be no greater loss than to us. His cheerful disposition his ready wit, his courage, were an example to everyman in the Battery. He died working in his gun emplacement, and died, I’m sure, as cheerfully as he lived.
The Last Letter:
Corporal Frank Standbridge wrote a letter to Mr & Mrs Boundy of Fairfield Road dated 28th June 1916 in which he thanks them knowing how busy they are for writing to him.
William Staden: Enlisted around September 1914, he arrived in France in August 1915. The 11th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) was raised at Derby in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Third New Army and became part of 70th Brigade in 23rd Division. They undertook training in Derby the moved to Stanhope Lines at Aldershot in December 1914, then to Shorncliffe in February 1915 and in May they moved to Bordon. They proceeded to France landing at Boulogne on the 27th of August 1915. They transferred to with 70th Brigade to 8th Division on the 18th of October 1915, in an exchange with 24th Brigade allowing the inexperienced troops to learn from those who had battle experience, returning to their orginal divisions in June 1916. The 23rd Division were at Bomy beginning a period of intensive training for the Battles of the Somme. They were in action in The Battle of Albert including the capture of Contalmaison, The Battles of Bazentin Ridge, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette, Morval and The Battle of Le Transloy including the capture of Le Sars. In 1917 they fought in The Battle of Messines, The Battles of the Menin Road, Polygon Wood and the The First and Second Battles of Passchendale – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters11.php#sthash.kgHjZuIf.dpuf
49 Kings Road the home William left behind to go to War 2014
Born: 24th October 1893 Branside, Nr Buxton registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 798 O/N/D middle name Lomas, to parents John & Elizabeth Staden. William had 4 older siblings Thomas, Annie, John & Joseph. When William started North Road School on 1st October 1900 his year of birth is recorded as 1894. The family were living at Foxes Yard.
1901 Census: Living at Old School House Fairfield aged 7yrs.
1911 Census: Living with parents @ 49 Kings Road, Fairfield Aged 17yrs. Williams occupation was as a Milk Seller/Deliverer. Thomas, John & Joseph + one other child had died, but there were three younger siblings Edward Reginald, Percy James & Joseph.
1917: Address 17 Klondyke Villas Bench Road Fairfield.
Grave: 1. P. 56.
Royal Warwickshire Regimental BadgeDriver W H Stableford photograph from Buxton Advertiser July 31st 1915.
W H Stableford: 11th (Service) Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment was raised at Warwick in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Third New Army and joined 24th Division as army troops. The Division began to assemble in the area of Shoreham but suffered from a lack of equipment and a lack of trained officers and NCOs to command the volunteers. In April 1915 the 11th Warwicks transferred to 112th Brigade, 37th Division at Cholderton on Salisbury Plain and proceeded to France on the 30th of July, the division concentrating near Tilques. They went into action in The Battle of the Ancre. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/warwickshirregiment11-gw.php#sthash.oSnX9APq.dpuf
Born: 2nd May 1890 Fairfield registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 771 A/M/J (name has changed over time between both Stableford & Stapleford). William was christened on 30th July 1890, his parents were Charles & Mary Ann. William had three older siblings Jessie, Ada & Horace. William started North Road School on 30th May 1894 the family were living at 16 Victoria Terrace,
1901 Census: Living at 16 Bridge Street aged 10yrs.
1911 Census: Living with parents @ 16 Bridge Street aged 20yrs.
Occupation: Newspaper Seller.
1915: William married Margaret Cooper in Kings Norton, Warwickshire. The couple set up home at 9a Terrace Road, Buxton.
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/820700/WHEELDON,%20S
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/298069/WARDLE,%20MARK%20CLIFFORD
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1769742/STENSON,%20JOHN
Drilling the holes for the insertion of the Plug & Feathers
