FOR KING & COUNTRY
More information about people
just a little bit more information about some of the people on this site
George Lewis Toes
000404
George Lewis Toes was born in 1882. During the Great War he joined No. 34699, Regiment, 10th Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. he was killed at the Battle of the Somme, September 25th 1916 aged 35 years.
Taken from 'Remember When' January 2004
Ronnie Dixon
000108
Great Grandson of John Snowdon and Elizabeth Clayton, Grandson of Thomas Snowdon and Alice Ellsmore, son of John E Dixon and Alice Lillian Snowdon. 1922 - 2006
William Leslie Roboinson
000427
William Leslie Robinson (born 1916). William was known as "Les".
Photograph and information kindly contributed by Margaret O'Shea
Frederick Parker Norris
000416
Frederick Parker Norris (AKA Tunny Norris) b. Pickering 1880. He left Boosbeck c.1922 for the coal mines in S Yorks, after the death of a daughter Lucy, 8 yrs in Vaughans pit yard when a stack of timber fell on her whilst playing.
James E Hart
J.E. Hart was killed in action on Sunday 17th September 1916 according to the records researched. This period coincides with the battle of Flers-Conurcellette (Sept 15th - 22nd), famous for the first use of tanks in strength. The 13th D.L.I. were out of the line (ie, supposed to be resting) on the 15th, 16th and 17th taking their place in the line on the night of the 18th. relieving the 15th Division in the village of Martinpuich, which had been won on the 15th.
*Out of the line* is a euphemistic phrase for resting (after a period *in the line*), however, the soldier of that time was allowed very little rest. I would think the soldiers would be used for various purposes, particularly for moving ammunition and other supplies during the hours of darkness, retrieving the wounded and going out on patrols and wiring duties.
September 17th, 1916 was a very warm day (63 deg.F.) with 2mm of pouring rain, during the evening (around 6.30p.m.) it is not inconceivable that as the 13th DLI were due back into the line on the 18th. J.E Hart could have been on a reconnaissance patrol when he met his end. He appears on the Thiepval Memorial as missing proves nothing, but may substantiate this, if he was not discovered missing until the patrol returned, it is doubtful if anyone would have gone looking for him
Thomas William Seymour
Record Office
York
20th June 1921
Madam
I am directed to transmit to you the accompanying Victory Medal which would have been conferred upon the late No 34671 Pte. T W Seymour K O Yorks S Infantry had he lived, in memory of his services with the British Forces during the Great War.
In forwarding the Decoration I am commanded by the King to assure you of His Majesty's high appreciation of the services rendered.
I am to request that you will be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of the decoration on the attached form.
I am your obedient servant
Kindly contributed by Derek and Pauline Breeze
William George Harrison
I see you have a Harrison W G sgt. DCM 4th Yorks k. March 1918 of no known address. My husbands uncle was William George Harrison, son of Helen Ursula Richardson, 33 Carney Street.
William was awarded the Military medal on 3rd June 1916 and he was killed on 23rd April 1917. He is buried at the Arras Memorial, France.
He enlisted at Skelton and was living at 33 Carney Street, Boosbeck.
He joined the 4th Yorkshire's and on April 17th 1915, they left Newcastle for Ypres, France. He served with the 4th Yorks regiment so I am sure this is one and the same.
His family were as I said mother Helen. Martin Richardson, was head of the household and he worked in the ironstone mines. He had an accident where he crushed his legs and so had to come out of the mines. He then went to work for Lord Wharton as a groom which he loved as he loved horses.
The children of Martin and Helen were Lydia,(who was known as Winnie) Bessie, Gwen who all moved over to West Yorks to go into service. Lydia and Gwen did move back to Boosbeck. The youngest was Lewis. He joined the army and became a Major. He served in India. If anyone has any information on this family I would love to hear from them.
Lawrence Booth
000881
Private Lawrence Booth served in the Yorkshire Regiment for 2 years, 150 days transferred to class P. Army reserve. Conduct with the colours very good. Signed: G.B.Steward Captain.
Campaign medals.
France 26/8/1915 - 16/7/1916
Discharge.
Pte Lawrence Booth No 16742, Yorkshire Reg. who enlisted 23/11/1914. Discharged as no longer physically fit for war after serving 2 years 150 days with the colours. Honest, sober and hard working. dated 21/4/1917.
Discharged due to injuries sustained in action.
Description
age: 22 years 10 months
height: 5ft 5ins.
He had a medallion on his watch chain incscribed:
Presented to Lawrence Booth BMA. Horden Lodge for services rendered European War 1914-1918.
Home Guard: served from 15 July 1940 to 31 December 1944.
William Leonard Johnson
William Leonard Johnson b. 1919 Nunthorpe, married Edna May Lynas of Boosbeck at St Aidens Church, Boosbeck. 13 April 1940.
On leaving the church after his wedding ceremony he found a military policeman waiting to inform him that all leave was cancelled and he had to accompany them back to his unit at once.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission:
In Memory of William Leonard Johnson Private 4392460 1st Bn. Green Howards (Yorkshire Regt.) who died on Sunday 28th April 1940. age 21. Son of Charles Helm Johnson and Edith Mary Johnson. Commemoration. Brookswood Memorial, Surrey, United Kingdom page 10. Column 3.
(North Eastern Evening Gazette May 30 2000.)
Green Howards who died in a World War Two campaign 60 years ago have been remembered in Norway at a church services in Nord Sel, Sel, Kvam and Venabygd. In Nord Sel's churchyard, 26 Howards are buried.
In April and May 1940, 1 Green Howards were part of a British force facing Nazi invaders. At Otta - now a regimental battle honour - they held their fire, under attack from dive bombers and tanks, until the enemy was 400 yards away. The line held under over-whelming odds and under cover of dark-ness they made a clean break. The 1 Battalion later acted as brigade rearguard as it gradually withdrew from Norway.
William Leonard Johnson died at Otta 28 April 1940.
John William Haywood
31st August 1914: Sergent John William Haywood enlisted into the Yorkshire regiment on a short engagement.
8th September 1914, joined the colours and posted to 7th Battalion Yorkshire regiment.
22nd November 1914, appointed unpaid Lance Corporal.
22nd January 1915, appointed paid Lance Corporal.
23rd March 1915, promoted Corporal.
22nd December 1915, promoted Sergent.
28th December 1915, posted deport.
3rd February 1916, posted to 11th Battalion.
7th April 1916, posted to 7th Battalion.
2nd July 1916, Gun shot wound to left eyebrow, admitted to 9th Genreral Hospital, Rouen.
7th July 1916, posted to deport.
7th July 1916, wounded and admitted to Queen Mary's Hospital, Whally.
14th September 1916, posted to 81st Training Reserve Battalion.
31st January 1917, transferred to reserves.
10 October 1918, discharged.
Cause of discharge: no longer physically fit for war service.
Service to the Colours:
31st August 1914 to 2nd January 1917.
Overseas:
France, 13th July 1915 to 27th December 1915.
France, 7th April 1916 to 6th July 1916.
Medals:
1914 - 15 STAR
War Medal
Victory Medal.
Age: 31 years
Height: 6ft
Weight: 146lbs
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Complexion: Fresh
Girth: 37 inches
Wife:
Amy Robinson, married Guisborough registry office 16th November 1907.
Children:
John Thomas b. 18/5/1908
Amy Stewart b. 17/10/1909
Ada b. 27/12/1912
Charles Edwin b. 14/1/1914 d. 28/8/1915 Measles / Meningitis.
Fredrick b. 7/11/1916
Information from
M.O.D. Records,
2b Bourne Avenue,
Hayes, Middlesex,
UB3 1RF.
F.W. Wilson
Congratulations to Sgt,. F.W. Wilson of the 79th Field Co. Royal Engineers of Bertram House, New Skelton on obtaining the Military Medal for gallentry in the field, during the great offensive in July and the following days. The officer in charge was wounded and consequently was unable to lead the men further. He shouted to Sgt Wilson and told him to get hte book of instructions out of his pocket and 'carry on'. This he did and led his men to the attack and Victory.
Well done Sgt. F.W. Wilson, we are proud to again see your name in the lists of honors.
Mr & Mrs w. H. Wilson of Bertram House, New Skelton, have recieved another achievemant certificate from their eldest son Sgt F.W. Wilson, M.M. of the Royal Engineers, who has been awarded a bar to his Military Medal for Gallantry and dedication to duty in the field on 31st July 1917 on the Ypres Front.
Congratulations to F.E. Wilson having already won the Military Medal and bar, he is now awarded the Medaille Militaire 1918.
Robert Blackett
Congratulations to Pte. Robert BLackett who has won the Military Medal 8th Battalion Yorks / Lancs Reg 16559 for conspicuious gallantry and devotion to suty on the morning of the 7th July 1917, in the Mount Sorrell Sector, after his section cammander and four of his gun team had been killed. He carried his gun and ammunition to the objective and selected a suitable position in the trench to repel a counter attack.
Throughout the operation he kept his gun in working order, although it had burned twice during the heavy bombardment on the 8th of June 1917. He kept his gun in a position to defend the right flank.
Through his splendid behaviour and evotion to duty he set an excellent example to the remainder of the company.
William Miller
Private 16985
6th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)who was killed in action on Saturday, 7th August 1915 at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli
Lived at 44 Tyreman Street, Lingdale
Photograph and information kindly contributed by Anthony Miller
Scroll
Letter from the King
Documents kept by William Millers family
Photograph and information kindly contributed by Anthony Miller
Harry Leeks Cross &
Harry Leeks Cross Card
Harry's marker in 1919 which William his father requested, the address on the envelope shows 12 Vaughan Street North Skelton.
Probably living at this address at the time of the war.
kindly contributed by Andrew Berwick
Thomas Rooks
Appleton Family
17-1147 'C' Company 17th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.
Thomas was born in August 1887 in Back Lane, Skelton. The family later moved to no 8 Thomas Street, New Skelton. He left school at an early age and after a job as a newsboy (age 13), then later as a farm labourer at a farm in Little Fryup (obtained by standing at the 'hirings' at Guisborough market place) he joined the North Eastern Railway Company. At the outbreak of war, he enlisted as Private with 17th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (The North Eastern Railway Pioneers). The few records which survive in the national archive show he was posted to France with the 17th Battalion on 20/11/1915, (this was the first overseas date for the whole of this Battalion). He continued service with the 17th Battalion in France and Belgium, eventually being discharged to Class Z Army reserve some time after Armistice Day (11/11/1918). He married Ellen (better known as Nellie) in 1926 and they continued to live together in the family home at 8 Thomas Street where they cared for Thomas's ageing mother. At this time eight years after the end of the war, Thomas was still sufffering from after effects although compelled by necessity, he had been able resume his employment on the railways (L.N.E.R.) for whom he continuted to work until his retirement in 1952 (British Railways). Latterly he was a Permanent Way Inspector and his main beat (in all weathers) was the line between Saltburn and Brotton Stations via North Skelton. In 1945 Thomas and Ellen with their young son moved from 8 Thomas Street to 19 John Street, where Thomas died aged 73 in 1960. He is buried in Skelton cemetery. Like most of his contemporaries he would not talk about his experiences in WW1.
Photographs and information passed on by Stuart Mcmillian via Owen & Kath Rooks.
Spotlight at Lockwood
The search light was actually at Kateridden, I used to go there every Sunday to deliver the papers.
It would probably be 1940 - 1941 when the camp and Nisen Huts were erected for the searchlight crew. The men who came to man it were originally in the Northumberland Fusilliers. These soldiers used to come into Lingdale and socalise with the locals and this is how I got to know them. My father was Platoon Sergeant in the home guard and used to invite them back to our house, one of them eventually becoming my brother in law (still alive and well living is Stafford) age 85.
I can remember some of the names of the soldiers who were stationed there:
Sgt John Mercer
Sgt Luke Mercer
Gnr Thomas Maddocks
Gnr Stanley Gray
Pte Enoch Swann
To get to the site I used to walk to the top of Wilkinson Street, over a stile into Griffiths field to the allotments, through them until you reached the moors, then you followed a path on the left hand side towards a large house known as 'The house', it was empty at the time and local legend had it that it was haunted. I don't know if it was but it certainly looked spooky. At this point you crossed the road over a couple of fields to get to the site. It was known as 4018 Royal Searchlight Battery, Royal Artillery.
There was certainly one large searchlight, an Oerlikon gun and also a rocket launcher. I think the site disbandoned about 1944 when they all went to France after D-Day.
Edwin Hood.
Charlton Brothers
CHARLTON, R. 39 Dixon Street, (L) 1st Connaught Rangers.
This is Robert George Charlton, born 29th August 1886 at Curragh Camp, Naas, Ireland, where his father was a serving soldier with the Royal Engineers. Robert returned home from WW1 with severe injuries, from which he died.
CHARLTON, H. 39 Dixon Street, Grenadier Guards
His brother was 16363 Henry James Charlton, a Sergeant in the 1st Company, 5th Battalion of the Grenadier Guards. He was born on 19th December 1891, also in Ireland. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for 'gallant and distinguished service in the field', as well as the Rumanian Croix de (Vertute?) Militaria in March 1919. His official citation states: "16363 Sjt. H J Charlton 1st Bn., G Gds. (Cheshire) L G 26 Feb 1920. For conspicuous gallantry and leadership on 5th and 6th November, 1918, during the advance on the Bavai Road. When his platoon officer was killed he took command, driving out two strong enemy posts, forcing the enemy to retire, and killing many of the garrison. Later, when fired at by a machine gun, he dashed at it and killed the gunners and captured the gun."
We have Harry's "The Soldier's Word and Phrase Book", and he used the blank pages at the back to record a 19 day journey made at the end of the Great War from England, through France to Cologne. Unfortunately, it was written in purple ink in extremely small handwriting, so has been difficult to decipher.
Their younger brother Alfred Charlton, born 26th April 1899 at Athlone Barracks, Ireland also served during the First World War. The family had returned to England and settled in Lingdale in 1914, and Alf ran away from home when he was 15 and joined the Royal Navy. He was AB Alfred Charlton J40161 and was based at RNB Chatham, serving on ten Ships up to his demobilisation on 31st May 1919, the last being HMS Superb. His home address was obviously also 39 Dixon Street, Lingdale.
Information kindly contributed by Jayne Kennedy.
Fred Appleton was born on 27th May 1891 at 5 East Parade, Skelton-in-Cleveland in the North Riding of Yorkshire, the second son of Robert and Sarah Appleton. On the 22nd February 1913, at the age of 21, he attested into the Territorial Force as 1605 Private Fred Appleton in the 4th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales Own Yorkshire Regiment – better known as The Green Howards. He entered under the specialist occupation of Bandsman.
The Battalion was at summer camp in Deganwy in North Wales just before war was declared in August 1914. After a long period of training and preparation, much of it spent in camp at Elswick near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the battalion finally entrained for France at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Friday 16th April 1915 and disembarked at Boulogne on Sunday 18th April.
A Battalion’s band was a key element in keeping up the morale of the fighting soldier. So, as a Bandsman, Fred would have been deemed too valuable a member of the Battalion to be risked in the front line except in cases of direst need. As well as leading the battalion on its marches the band would have put on concerts and played in the Officers’ Mess and on Sunday Parade.
Traditionally in the British Army, the bandsmen fulfilled the role of stretcher bearers – recovering the dead and wounded from No Man’s Land. Therefore it is likely that Fred would have seen horrors the like of which we can barely imagine.
Fred was promoted to Lance Corporal sometime in early 1917 and was assigned the service number 200207 when the Army introduced the 6-digit service numbers.
In March 1918, Fred came home on leave to marry his fiancée, Hannah Mary Fawcett. That leave was just a short interlude in his overseas service. He was back with his unit by mid-April. After the war ended, the unit that Fred was attached to remained in France. He was finally demobbed in April 1919 at Calais and disembodied from the army on 15th May 1919 at York.
Fred survived the war to become an “old comrade” but his health was irreparably damaged as a result of being gassed twice. He was a keen, and very able, billiards player winning many trophies both with the Green Howards and in private life. He died on 31 March 1966.
Thomas William Peel Ranson
Thomas William Peel Ranson was born 1877 in Skelton to Thomas Ranson and Mary Ann Hughes. He was the second eldest son, being seventh of 12 children.
Wife:
Ada Baker in Skelton parish Church 1901.
Children:
Francis Sidney b.1901
Minnie b. 1903
William Peel b. 1905
Cora b. 1910
Margaret b. ?
Thomas joined The Gordon Highlanders and was living at 1 Wharton Stret, Skelton at this time.
Stanley Ashton
Stanley Ashton of Marske Mill served in the First World War, some of his brothers are listed.
He is listed in the 1901 census against The Mill in Marske Lane being just two years old at the time having been born in May 1898. I have his dog tag, number 32758, showing that he was in the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment, and also his medals. He was severely wounded losing a leg above the knee. He went on to live in the Kennels at Skelton and also at 30 Back Lane, the Dairy Farm, where I was born in 1952.
information kindly contributed by Peter Ashton
Bob Murrell
001119
Bob with colleagues in India
Kindly contributed by Jean Carver
April 2013
George William Wiles
George Wiles (standing) with another soldier ( so far unidentified ), both in the uniform of the Yorkshire Regiment, this photo bears the written caption “ Best of Chums. George & George “.
George William Wiles was born at 35 Boswell Street, Middlesbrough on 3rd.January 1896 . Martha Bailey was born at 21 Carlinhow , Skinningrove on 13th August 1897 .
When war was declared George joined the 4th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment , the Green Howards , and was with the Battalion when it disembarked at Boulogne on 14th May 1915 , and then became part of the 50th Northumberland Division . He has described in a document he wrote, at the request of his family , of going through hell in the trenches in March and April 1918 , his experience in the Battle of the Aisne , and his wounding and subsequent capture during the devastating assault by the Germans which began on the night of 26th May 1918 . He describes being in the trenches at Chemin Des Dames wearing a gas mask for over six hours , being bombarded with gas shells and high explosives . This battle and its catastrophic effects on the 4th Battalion was described in an article in the Yorkshire Post on 17th April 1919 , under the Headline “ The Battalion!s Tragic End “. It reports “the Battalion , and indeed the whole Brigade was practically wiped out , for the third time in about three months . The casualties to the battalion had been so appalling in the three great battles of March ,April and May that it now ceased to exist as a fighting unit .” George Wiles was one of the fortunate ones, not being killed but being wounded and captured . He spent the rest of the war in a P.O.W camp in Munster, and after the Armistice arrived back in “Blighty “ , disembarking in Hull , on Boxing Day 1918 .
He never said much about his experience but one of his sons remembers being shown a newspaper article about a Regimental re-union , at which the 4th Battalion was ordered to stand to attention .Only a handful of men got to their feet.
George Wiles and Martha Bailey were married at St. Aidans Church, Boosbeck on 19th February 1919, and went to live in Lingdale, where they stayed for the next 20 years
Harold Moody
In France he rests in Peace
A soldier true and brave
And there with honour now he sleeps
In a noble soldier's grave
Sleep on dear son, in a far off grave
A grave we may never see,
But as long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
Memorial Card in affectionate Rememberance of Harold Moody, Dearly beloved son of Richard Jackson and Jane Moody of 31, High Street, Lingdale. Who died from wounds in France on 27th April 1915. Aged 19 years. Buried in St Omer.
Lingdale & Stanghow War Memorial
Unveiling Ceremony, Saturday July 7th 1928 at 3pm by Major Hamilton
