http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/490275/MITCHELL,%20W

Notts & Derby Regimental Badge

W Mitchell: The 12th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) was raised at Derby on the 1st of October 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Third New Army and joined 24th Division as army troops. They trained at Shoreham though the division suffered from a lack of equipment and a lack of trained officers and NCOs to command the volunteers. In April 1915 the 12th Sherwoods converted to be a Pioneer Battalion for same Division. In late June 1915 they moved to Aldershot for final training and they proceeded to France on the 29th of August. The Division concentrated in the area between Etaples and St Pol on the 4th September and a few days later marched across France into the reserve for the British assault at Loos, going into action on the 26th of September and suffering heavy losses. In 1916 they suffered in the German gas attack at Wulverghem and then moved to The Somme seeing action in The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Guillemont. In 1917 they were in action at The Battle of Vimy Ridge in the Spring, The Battle of Messines in June – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters12.php#sthash.2jMIvfP6.dpuf

Born: 1887 Wilfred was born on the 20th February in Greetland, Yorks, his parents were William Henry & Martha Ann Mitchell. Wilfred had three older brothers Joe, Herbert and Arthur.

1891 Census: The family were living at The Crescent, Elland-by-Greetland, Yorkshire.

1901 Census: The family are still living at the same address.
1911 Census: The family are now living at 23 Haugh Street, Greetland Yorkshire. Wilfred is working as a Printer. It was from this address that Wilfred enlisted into the ‘Sherwood Foresters’, he was however by this time working for the Buxton Advertiser and must have been lodging with his new wife in Buxton.
1911: Marriage to Florence Louisa Carter in October. St. Mary’s. Elland, Yorkshire.

Obituary from The Buxton Advertiser researched 2014

Private W. Mitchell
We regret to learn that Pte. W. Mitchell, who was a member of the Linotype Staff at the “High Peak News” and “Buxton Advertiser” Offices, died in action on the morning of the 25th inst. Sergeant G. Elliott, of the Sherwood Foresters, has written to Mrs Mitchell giving particulars and stating that the men of his platoon would miss him sadly, as he was always a good, cheerful soldier. His platoon officer would have written, but he got wounded the following night. Pte. Mitchell was buried by his comrades, and the place was marked with a cross, as befitted a man who died doing his duty. Wilfred Mitchell joined the staff of this Journal about seven years ago, hailing from Halifax, and had proved a decided acquisition, being a reliable and painstaking craftsman. He answered the call to arms under the Derby scheme, and was called up on the 1st June 1916. Wilfred was an ardent sportsman, a regular attender of the Buxton Cricket ground; a member of the Conservative Club and a billiard player of no mean order. We mourn his loss, and extend heartfelt sympathy to his young widow and relatives.

Born: 12th November 1886 Grindon Staffordshire. (registered in Longnor LON/15/43). William started at North Road School on 15th November 1892 the family were then living at 13 Onward Cottages.
1901 Census: Living @ 20 Onward Cottages, Fairfield. Aged 16yrs.
Occupation: Errand Boy for a Chemist.
1904: Enlisted on 28th June @ Ashton-under-Lyne into the Manchester Regiment. Service number Pte 35, a very early recruit. Age 18yrs 3mths. Height just under 5ft 5ins, hair brown, eyes blue.
1905-06: Served in South Africa from 12th October 1905 – October 1906 June awarded I.G.C Badge.
1907: Discharged at own request on 11th November 1907. (on page in red requested for service in Royal Field Artillery, no date).

Williams parents were still living @ 20 Onward Cottages in the 1911 Census.

** There is some doubt surrounding William Millward, there was more than one William Millward in Buxton at the time of WW1 (3-4 altogether). I could not find this William on the 1911 Census. I have received some information that he may have emigrated to Canada & indeed he had on his service record expressed a desire to join the Canadian Forces. The 1921 Census of Canada has a William Millward, aged 35, dob corresponding to William, he was married to Mary, aged 36 and an 11 year old son, Jackson. They were living at 110 McCaul St., Toronto and he gave his occupation as ‘Soldier’. The census also says that he emigrated in 1907, which coincides with the date on the Attestation Papers you have when he was discharged from the Manchesters to join the Canadian RGA. (with thanks to Graham Conway for the further information).

**William Millward from Canada returned to Buxton in October 1921 aboard the ‘Empress of France’ disembarking at Liverpool with his wife Mary & son Jackson. In the occupation section it lists – Vulcaniser and where it asks for intended country of residence it says England.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1621285/McARTHUR,%20GAVIN%20WATSON

Reporting Gavin’s death Buxton advertiser 5th January 1918

Still another of our brave men have made the great sacrifice. We refer to Lance-Corporal McArthur of Midland terrace, Fairfield Road, Buxton who has been reported missing since July 31st. In a letter received this week Pte W H Stanley writes ” The Germans counter attacked us on July 1st about midday. We were standing in a ‘Pill Box’ when we had orders to advance. As soon as we got in the open Lance Corporal McArthur shouted ‘Come on, my section, then a few seconds afterwards he dropped with a bullet through his head. I can assure you he suffered no pain, and his death was instantaneous. Lance Corporal McArthur joined the Gordon Highlanders in November 1914, but was transferred to the 7th Camerons in may last.

Gavin Watson McArthur: The 7th (Service) Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders was raised at Inverness in September 1914 and moved to Aldershot for training in November, joining 44th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division on the 13th of January 1915. They moved into billets at Liphook in January 1915, then to Cirencester in February, Chisledon in April, then Tidworth in May. They proceeded to France on the 9th of July 1915 and landed at Boulogne. They saw action at the The Battle of Loos in 1915, the Battles of the Somme in 1916, the Arras Offensive and the Third Battles of Ypres in 1917, – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/cameronhighlanders7-gw.php#sthash.ovwoNq5i.dpuf

Born: 1880 17th June Strathaven Lanarkshire the eldest son of Colin Alexander and Elizabeth McArthur.
1901 Census: Living with parents in 49 Milton Park, Lesmahagon,  Lanarkshire. He had five younger siblings 4 sisters Lizzie, Mary, Agnes, Nellie  and a brother Colin. Gavin aged 22yrs gave his occupation as an Assurance Agent.
1911 Census: Living at ‘Lesma’33 Heath Grove, Buxton as a Boarder.
with Joseph and Martha Sellers. Gavin’s occupation given as a Tailor Maker.

1913: Marriage to Edith Adams (O/N/D Qtr Chapel-en-le-Frith Volume 7b Page 1852).
1917: Address 11 Midland Terrace Fairfield Road.
Military: Service 7401 Gordon Highlanders. Tr/1/16224, 42nd T .R.Battalion.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1571601/MARCHINGTON,%20JOHN%20DOUGLAS

Born: 27th April 1884 registered Chapel-en-le-Frith A/M/J Qtr Volume 7b Page 844. The son of John Samuel  and Sarah Emily Marchington.
Baptised: 28th May 1884  at St Peters, Fairfield.
Father: John Stanley Marchington.
1881 Census: living at 75 Spring Gardens. Working as a Draper with Wife Sarah and Twin daughters Mona & Lillian aged 4mths.

1891 Census: John’s parents and brother, Reginald are living with Sarah’s father Daniel, at Mona House, Kirkmichael, Isle of Man. In January 1896 John Douglas’ mother, Sarah, died in Buxton. In the December 1896, John Samuel re-married Violet Grace Christina Lort, in Colchester, Essex.

1901 Census: The remaining family are now back in Buxton at 59 Spring Gardens.  I have been unable to find John on either the 1891 or 1901 Census, it is possible that John was serving in the military when the 1901 Census was taken as on his enlistment into the Canadian Army John said he had 3 yrs prior Military Service possibly during the 2nd Boer War.

1906: 12th June, John Sailed to Quebec on board the Lake Champlain.

https://www.clydesite.co.uk

1911: John married Elsie Mildred Hawe in Wentworth, Ontario, Canada he was working as a Carpenter & Joiner.

1915: John enlisted into the 76th Battalion, Canadian Army on the 10th August 1915

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/801198/LOMAS,%20HARRY

Harry Lomas: The 13th (Service) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) was raised at Mill Hill in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Third New Army and joined 73rd Brigade, 24th Division. They trained on the South Downs, sepnding the winter billets in Hove. They moved to Shoreham in May then to Pirbright in June for final training. They proceeded to France on the 2nd of September 1915, landing at Boulogne. The Division concentrated in the area between Etaples and St Pol on 4 September and a few days later marched across France into the reserve for the British assault at Loos, going into action on the 26th of September and suffering heavy losses. In 1916 they suffered in the German gas attack at Wulverghem and then moved to The Somme seeing action in The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Guillemont – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/middlesexregiment13-gw.php#sthash.VkPPpCRN.dpuf

Harry’s name is on the Memorial.

1894: born 10th June 1894 in Fairfield

1898: 1st September Harry started at North Road School, the family was living  at Hope Cottage.
1901 Census: Age 6, Living at 2 Alma Cottage, Fairfield. Harry’s father James was a Blacksmith and he died in 1904 when Harry was just 9yrs old. In 1908 Harry’s mother Elizabeth re-married, she married George Goodwin and the family moved to 145 Fairfield Road.
1911 Census: Age 16, Living at 145 Fairfield Road, Fairfield. Occupation Confectionary Worker. Harry has 2 younger brothers Reginald Walter (1899), James (1902) & a half brother Robert Goodwin (1911).

Harry’s WW1 Medal Card show that left for France on 31st August 1915 nearly a year before he was killed.

Harry’s Step-father George also died during the WW1, George was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, he died on 25th March 1917 at home & is included on this website.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/833000/LLOYD,%20JOSEPH

The above portrait is that of Corpl. Lloyd whose death in action we announced last week. He was a nephew og Ald. G Lloyd, of Wheatland Villas, Much Wenlock, and Mrs Lewis, of the Britannia Hotel Shrewsbury.

Born: abt 1880 in Much Wenlock, Salop.
Parents William & Mary Lloyd, Joseph’s father died when he was just 5yrs old, in the 1891 Census Joseph is living in Much Wenlock with his Grandmother. Joseph had 2 older brothers Richard & William and a younger sister Mary. Joseph’s mother re-married Joseph Downes from Buxton.
1901 Census: Joseph was already in the Army and was based at Shorncliffe Camp, Folkstone, Kent. Joseph’s Mother Mary & Step-father were living @ Frome Lodge, Brown Edge Lane, Buxton.

1905: 16th April 1905 Joseph Married Lucy Franks in Buxton.
1906: Joseph & Lucy had a daughter Mary Lloyd baptised Fairfield 20th June.
1911 Census: Joseph & Lucy’s daughter Mary is living in Rainow @ Hawkins Lane with Josephs Mother & Step-father Joseph Downes. Name given Mary Lloyd Downes aged 4yrs born Whaley Bridge. At the time of Josephs death (1918) his mother was living at 8 Davenham Avenue, Buxton.

Military: Joseph had 20yrs Service in the Army including service in the 2nd Boer War
Memorial: Tyne Cot Panel 4 – 6 & 162.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/106919/JOHNSON,%20H%20F

H F Johnson: 1st Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)were in Bombay, India when war broke out in August 1914. They returned to England, landing at Plymouth on the 2nd of October 1914 and joined 24th Brigade, 8th Division at Hursley Park, Winchester. They proceeded to France, landing at Le Havre on the 5th of November a much needed reinforcement to the BEF and remained on the Western Front throughout the war. In 1915 they were in action at The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, The Battle of Aubers and The action of Bois Grenier. On the 18th of October 1915 24th Brigade transferred to 23rd Division to instruct the inexperienced troops. In March 1916 23rd Division took over the front line between Boyau de l’Ersatz and the Souchez River in the Carency sector from the French 17th Division, an area exposed to heavy shelling. In mid April they withdrew to Bruay returning to the Carency sector in mid May just before the German attack on Vimy Ridge, in the sector to their right. On the 15th of June 1916 24th Brigade returned to 8th Division. In 1916 They were in action at the Battle of The Somme. In 1917 they fought in The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line and then moved to Flanders and were in action in The Battle of Pilkem and The Battle of Langemarck. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters1-gw.php#sthash.Frz5vpfb.dpuf

Born: 1878 Rippon Yorkshire West Riding register Vol 9a Page 78
1881 Census: Living at 25 Parliament Terrace, Nottingham, St. Mary’s (Sherwood). Henry’s father also Henry was a Coachmaker, his mother was Elizabeth & Henry had a sister Ada.

1903:  Henry married Florence in Whitby, Yorkshire.
1911 Census: Henry & his family are living in Buxton, Henry is working as a Porter at St. Annes Hotel.

http://ipeak.co.uk/lifestyle_leisure/local_history/buxthennow/hotels/hotels-hydros-buxton.html#crescenthotels

1911 Census: Henry’s wife Florence and children Bessie & Hilda are living at 81 Queens Road the home of his father.
Berks Cemetery Extension (Plot 111 A 19).

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/732217/HORN,%20TOM%20BREWSTER

Also remembered at Dud Corner Cemetery from Fairfield are: Pte John Stenson, Pte John Rawlinson and Pte Harold Orgill

Tom Brewster Horn: The 1/5th Battalion, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry was a unit of the Territorial Force with HQ in Doncaster, serving with 3rd West Riding Brigade, West Riding Division. When war broke out in August 1914, the units of the Division had just departed for their annual summer camp, they were at once recalled to their home base and mobilised at once for war service, moving to Doncaster. In November they moved to Gainsborough and in February 1915 to York to prepare for service overseas, those men who had not volunteered for Imperial Service transferred tp the newly formed 2/5th Battalion. They proceeded to France, from Folkestone landing at Boulogne on the 12th of April 1915 and the Division concentrated in the area around Estaires. On the 15th of May the formation was renamed 148th Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division. Their first action was in the The Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915. In 1916 They were in action in the Battles of the Somme. In 1917 they were involved in the Operations on the Flanders Coast and the The Battle of Poelcapelle during the Third Battle of Ypres. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/koyli5th-gw.php#sthash.Js5A0XX0.dpuf

1894: born 30th August 1894in Fairfield his parents were Thomas a Railway Guard & Susannah Brewster from whom Tom got his middle name. Tom was christened at St Peters on 21st October 1894.

1899: Tom started North Road School on 8th May 1899 at school he was known as Bruce.
1901 Census: Living at 14 Ash Terrace, Fairfield aged 7yrs, Tom had a younger sister Elsie Ann born 1900.
1911 Census: Living at 51 Nunsfield Road aged 17yrs.

Occupation: Working as an errand boy for an Ironmonger.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/513717/HODDER,%20FREDERICK

http://www.inmemories.com/Cemeteries/gosnay.htm

Born: 9th September 1886 in Fairfield to parents Alfred a Coachman & Elizabeth. In 1888 the family were living at 1 Stonebench Cottages.
1891 Census: Living at Alnwick Terrace, Fairfield Road.

1895 Fred started school at North Road on 29th April 1895, the family were living at 3 Ratcliffe Cottages, Fred had 7 older siblings, Edward 1869,  Louisa 1871, Albert Thomas 1873-1915, Lizzie Annie 1877 – 1882, Emma Amelia 14th Feb 1879 (School 26th Sept 1887- withdrawn 20th Jan 1888 to ill to attend), Frank Alfred 30th November 1881 (School 16th June 1891), Annie L 10th Feb 1884 (School 1st Feb 1892)  & 1 younger Arthur 5th October 1888 (School 20th April 1897). Fred’s father died in 1896.

1901 Census: Living at Stone Bench Cottages, Fairfield.
Occupation: Barbers Assistant, at the age of 10.
1911 Census: Living at 21 Hurst Lea Road, New Mills as a boarder.
Occupation: Hairdressers Assistant to Mr Dyer. In 1911 Fred’s mother was living in Bournemouth and it was from here that Fred first enlisted into The Grenadier Guards.

http://www.peterthomp.co .uk/newmills.htm

There are only 13 CWW Graves at Gosnay of which Fred’s is one.

An Army colleague sent a letter to a friend of Fred’s living in New Mills. It read: ” It was in the attack on Saturday morning 25th September, about 11.30am that Fred was out with the stretcher squad, collecting wounded. They were returning to the dressing station with a wounded man, when Fred and another chap were shot by a German Sniper. Fred ‘got it’ in the back. The bullet penetrated his right lung and lodged there. The other chap got the bullet sideways through the head and died shortly afterwards. Fred was put on the motor ambulance and taken to some hospital further away from the firing line. We heard later that he had died later the next day, Sunday September 26th”.

The above is extract is taken from the book ‘ Buxton, Chelmorton, Harpur Hill, Peak Dale, King Sterndale and Wormhill Remembered by Keith Taylor.

Fred is also remembered on the New Mills War Memorial

Photographs kindly taken by James Stenson 3rd July 2014

http://www.stevelewis.me.uk/page14.php please visit this site for more details on the ‘Fallen’ of New Mills including Frederick.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/480609/HALLAM,%20FRANK

The Photograph of Frank from The Buxton Advertiser are with thanks to http://buxtonwarmemorials.mrallsophistory.com/hallam_f.html

Born: 1895 Harpur Hill Buxton registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 852 A/M/J.
1901 Census: Living at 53a London Road, Buxton with Parents. Father, Peter James Hallam born in Fairfield, Mother Sarah Lavinia (nee Eyre).
1911 Census: Living at 32 Nunsfield Road, Fairfield aged 15yrs, his father Peter was working as a Quarry man & Frank was working with him. Frank had been a member of Burbage Brass Band playing the Cornet.

1914: Frank attested on 9th March 1914, he was appointed as the regimental Drummer on 16th September the same year. Frank embarked for France on 27th February 1915 landing at Le Harve  the next day. When he died during the battle he was buried the same day @ Maple Copse.

Occupation: Quarry Filler.

The Buxton Advertiser 7th August 1915 reported Franks death & printed details of a letter received by Mrs Hallam, which read:- 6th Battalion the Sherwood Foresters 22nd July 1915. Dear Madam, It is with very deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Drummer Frank Hallam, who was killed this morning. He was very much liked by both Officers & Men of the company, and that he did his duty well. It will be some consolation to you and his father to know this. Your son was buried this afternoon in a little soldiers cemetery at the corner of a wood. His company officers and some of his friends besides myself were present. A cross with an inscription will be placed above his grave. Assuring you of the deep sympathy, of officers and men. I am yours respectfully, G D Goodman Lt.Col Commanding Officer.

Following Frank’s death his mother Sarah received his Medals, they arrived as follows: 1914-15 Star 31st December 1920, War Medal 21st April 1921, Victory Medal 20th August 1921