After World War I, T. F. Firth & Company created a memorial. This lists 318 names of employees who served and 38 names of those who died in World War I.
The Memorial was situated in the Company Showroom at Clifton Mills, but, at some time during the ownership of the Company by Readicut, the Memorial was removed to the ground floor of the building.
Around 2002, at the demise of Firth Carpets, the Memorial was rescued and following renovation it was repositioned on the upper floor of The Rydings, Brighouse Municipal Library.
The following document was written and submitted by Ivor Davies
Please email me if you can add any information about any of the people mentioned here
The Great War 1914-1918
In memory of the employees of this company
who served their King and Country
T. F. Firth & Company carpet manufacturers of Bailiffe Bridge, Brighouse – later known as Firth Carpets – created, as did many companies, a war memorial following the First World War. This Memorial commemorated not just those employees who were killed, but also all other employees who had also served during the war and survived
For many years the memorial was situated in the Company Showroom at Clifton Mills in a building built in 1909 which still exists today, now called Clifton House. However, at some time during the ownership of the Company by Readicut, the memorial was removed and stored, many would say dumped, in the ground floor of the building. During this time parts of the memorial, a carved stag's head, the company trade mark, and two crossed swords with red silk tassels were lost. The stag's head has recently been located and will be reunited with the Memorial
Around 2002, at the demise of Firth Carpets, the Memorial was rescued and following renovation it was repositioned on the upper floor of The Rydings, Brighouse Municipal Library. In 2008, during the renovation of the Library by Calderdale M.B.C, the Memorial found a temporary home in my garage. This led me to consider researching those who featured on it. This document is the result of my research to date
Contents:
| The Names of Those who Served |
| Panel 1 | Panel 2 | Panel 3 | Panel 4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Adams H Allen H Allinson A Allinson A Anson F Armitage F Asworth D Aspinall L Aspinall W Atkinson H Aykroyd A H Bailey A Bailey A Barker G Barker J W Barlow A Barlow H Barraclough J H Barrett G Bartlett P Beaumont A Beaumont W Beverley A Binns C Bintcliffe E D Blackburn E Blackburn J Booth F Booth J Booth L Boothroyd H Bottomley E Bottomley G Bower H Bradley J E Braham W Brayshaw G Brazey A Bridgeman F Briggs J W |
Briggs L Briscall J Broadley F Broadley H Brockless A Brockless F Brockless J Brook A Brook E Brook J O Brooke H Brooke M Brownridge F W Bruce F Buckley H Buckley W Burnley W Burrows S Burton F Burton G Bywater W Carr A Cartwright T Chappel J Cheetham H Child E Clegg S Clough F Clough N Clough R Collins G W Collins S Copley F Cordingley L Crowther C Crowther W Davis B C Day J Dawson H Dewar M R U |
Drake J H Drake L Dutton H Eastwood A Eastwood A Eastwood I Ellis D Ellis P Empsall M Fielding J Firth E Firth G H Firth J Fisher W Foulkes T France A France E Frankland H Frost G F Gledhill J H Gledhill N Glover F Glover F Glover L Glover P Glover W Goddard C Goldthorp R H Goodhall E Green E L Green G A Greenwood A V Greenwood F Greenwood F Greenwood J Greenwood J J Greenwood W Griffiths R Haig J |
Hale E J Hale E Hall J E Hammond G Hanson G Harpin R Harris W Harrison R Hartley H Hearse H E Heppleston J Hepworth T Hey G H Hicks W Hitchliffe W Hirst H Hirst J Hirst W A Hobson H Hobson J A Hoey J A Holdsworth H Holdsworth H Holdsworth H Holdsworth S Holdsworth W V Holroyd C M Holt W H Hopkinson A Horner C Huggins W Hughes A H Hutton S Ingham H Jackson S Jarrard G Jenkinson F J Johnson E Jones T B |
Joy H Kay J Kellett A Kellett H Kendrew T Knight F Lambert W Leadbeater W Leaman A Leaman D P Lee W Leighton H Little N Lodge J Lund H MacGowen J Mack J E Mallinson W S Marney D Marney E Mason L Maude W H Medley E Metcalfe J W Mitchell F Mitchell H Moore C Morton B Morton F A Morton P Naylor J Nelson W Newsome P Noble F North E North G North L North P Oates P Oates P |
Olver W C Oraman C Orme F O'Sullivan C D Owen J W Owen W Padgett F E Palmer F Pamment E Pamment R Parker J H Patrick J H Patterson A Peacock C Pearson C Pearson H Pearson J A Pearson S Pepiers J Pickles A Pinder A Pinder H Pinder H Pollit A Popplewell J B Priestley C Purdy G Race J W Randall C H Rastrick H Rastrick H Rastrick R Rastrick W Ray W Reeds R Renshaw H Renshaw J Riding F Roberts W Robinson F H |
Rushton I J Rushworth J W Rushworth W Saunders D J G Schofield R Senior F Sharp J W Shaw W Simpson A Simpson J C Simpson R A Smith W Soothill W Spender W W Spivey F Stainforth H G Stamp C J Stocks F Stott A Stott A Stott N Stott W Stubbs H Sturgess C C C Styles P Sugden H Sutcliffe O Sutcliffe S Swales H G Sykes E Sykes F Sykes G Sykes G Sykes R Sykes R Tain T Tate J Tate M Tattersfield W |
Taylor J Taylor J Taylor V Thompson A Thornton J Thornton J Thornton N Todd H Turner J R Varley J Waddington J Waddington R Wade E Wade H Wadsworth C Walford E Walker A Waller J W Walls J W Waring G Watson E Weavers R H Western W H Whitehead L Whitehead N Whitehead T Whiteley E Whiteley H Whittel A Wilby B Wilby J Wilkinson H S Wilkinson R Wilson G Wind R Winn C Womersley A Wood A Yates R |
| Those Killed in Action |
First, I ascertained the likely details of the soldiers involved from the Commonwealth War Grave Records
Given the minimal data available on the memorial, for example
Aspinall H
and the variable level of detail retained by the CWGC (Commonwealth War Grave Commission), I then based my determination of the most likely soldier from his parent's and / or spouse's address, if present, in relation to the local locality, for example
Bailiffe Bridge
I have also used the 1901 Census to verify each selection where possible
In certain cases, I then located individual soldier's Service Records, where they still exist and have been indexed; most were destroyed during the London Blitz in WW2
Finally, I have been assisted by Frank Roper who helped me by reviewing my deductions against his own research regarding the Brighouse War Memorial. Where this resolved an identity for me, it is noted in the text
Emphasised italic entries are my own comments and / or additional information
Prior to World War I, many younger Firth Employees were volunteer part time soldiers, members of the Territorial Force created for Home Defence in 1908, now known as the Territorial Army. Therefore, Firth's had employees who were members of the 4th Battalion DUKE OF WELLINGTON'S (WEST RIDING REGIMENT) TF
This battalion served with the BEF in France and the Ypres Salient Flanders (Belgium) from 14 April 1915 to the armistice and through to 8 June 1919. They took part in the Somme Battle July / September 1916 where on one day, Monday 3rd July 1916 their casualties totalled 101 dead, 463 wounded and 155 missing
Four of those killed in action that day, all original pre-war volunteers, I would think, were Firth Employees. The second name on the Memorial, see below, Herbert Aspinall followed by Frank Atak, Austin Arthur Hitchen and Horace S. Shaw
I have obtained my knowledge of this battalion and Firth Employees serving with them from
The History of the 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (WR) Regiment 1914-1919By Captain P G Bales MC
Published in Halifax and London [1920]
| Those Killed in Action: Clifton & Victoria Mills, Bailiffe Bridge |
| ASPINALL H. | Harry |
24 October 1918 age 22
Buried BRITISH CEMETERY, VERCHAIN-MAUGRE Grave B.24
Son of Wilson & Harriett Ann Aspinall 22 Wyke Lane Bailiffe Bridge
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| ASPINALL H. | Herbert |
3 September 1916 age 27
Buried at MILL ROAD CEMETERY THIEPVAL Grave 1.C.21
Son of Arthur & Elizabeth Aspinall 55 East Street Lightcliffe
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial and the Lower Wyke Moravian Church memorial
| ATACK F. | Frank |
3 September 1916
No known grave. He is commemorated on the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier & Face 6A 6B
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| BARRACLOUGH H. | Haydon |
3 May 1917 age 33
Buried at ORCHARD DUMP CEMETERY, ARLEUX-EN-GOHELLE Grave 1X.H.20
Son of James & Lucy Barraclough, of Shelf, and husband of Ellen Barraclough, of 15 Carr House Road Shelf
1901 Census a worsted spinner living in Carr House Lane Shelf. Father James a tapestry mixed weaver. Tapestry Weaving a term still used at Firth's in the 1960s then incorrectly, as it then referred to the Plain Wilton Weaving Department
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| BARRACLOUGH W. | William |
24 April 1916 age 21
Buried at SUCRERIE MILITARY CEMETERY, COLINCAMPS Grave 1.J.88
Son of George & Priscilla Barraclough, of 25 Fitzroy Road Bradford
AKA Willy, 1901 Census, 25 Fitzroy Road Bradford. Father George a retired Publican
History of The Bradford Pals by David Raw 2005
In February 1915, William joined the Bradford Pals 2nd Battalion. He was the 123rd volunteer to do so. This battalion later became the 18th Battalion the West Yorkshire Regiment. Hence his regimental number 18/123. (The 1st Bradford Pals became the 16th West Yorkshire Regiment.)
13 May 1915 Bowling Park Bradford, a tented camp
20 May 1915 Marched to the then new Army base at Ripon. The battalion joined 93 Brigade of the 31st (Pals) Division
22 September 1915 31st Division moved by train to Fovant Camp on Salisbury Plain
9 Dec 1915 The Division sailed for Egypt at this time the 18th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment comprised 32 Officers, 995 Other Ranks, 18 horses & 55 Mules
19 Dec 1915 Arrived at Alexandria then classified as a war zone. Thus, William just qualified for the 1914/14 Star. He would posthumously also qualify for both the War and Victory Medals, the full set later known as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred
The Division originally intended for Gallipoli now spent two months as a part of the Imperial Reserve in case of a second Turkish attempt to close the Suez Canal
March 1916 The Division moved to France where the 18th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment initially
Occupied a reserve position at Citerne in the Albert Arras area
25 March 1916 The Battalion marched to Mailly Maillet just behind the front line arriving there 31st March
24th April 1916 18th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment served in the front line for the first time. During the same day, William Barraclough was killed in action. If not the first, he was amongst the first of many battlefield casualties this battalion was to suffer
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| DYSON E. | Edwin |
29/239 Private 1st/4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
23 April 1918 age 29
Buried at AVAL WOOD MILITARY CEMETERY, VIEX-BERQUIN Grave 111.D.4
Son of Allen & Charlotte Dyson of Bailiffe Bridge; husband of Alice Dyson of Ivy House, Lower Wyke
1901 Census an Office Boy living at 24 Booths Buildings Hipperholme. Father Allen, then a widower, hence the Charlotte above was not his mother. His father Allen, a carpet weaver
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial and the Lower Wyke Moravian Church memorial and Sunday School Scroll
| FIELDING W. | Willie |
3 May 1917 age 22
No known grave. He is commemorated on the ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 6
Son of Gaythorn & Alice Fielding, of 55 Smithy Carr Lane Brighouse
1901 Census a cotton spinner living at 15 Croft Place Brighouse.
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| GREENWOOD B. | Benjamin |
24 October 1918 age 38
Buried at CROSS ROADS CEMETERY FONTAINE-AU-BOIS Grave 11.C.9
Son of William Greenwood of Northowram; husband of Elizabeth Ann Greenwood of Prospect Place, Norwood Green
CWGC do not have his Christian name but he can be identified from the 1891, 1901 and 1911 census records as Benjamin. In 1911 living with his wife Elizabeth Ann
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| GREENWOOD R. | Richard |
3 October 1916 age 28
No known grave. He is commemorated on the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier & Face 6A 6B
Son of William & Grace (*) Greenwood
1901 Census, Creeler living at Taylors Buildings, Wyke. Father William carpet works sizer
His Army Service Records still exist
Attested at Halifax 4 March 1916, living at 16 Springfield Terrace, Bailiffe Bridge
The Conscription Act took affect from Thursday 2 March 1916, applicable to all males who at 15 August 1915 were 19 but not then 41 years old
He was 29 years old, 5 ft 5 ins, 126 lbs, a machine measurer (Perching Machine)
Next of Kin, his elder brother, John Arthur Greenwood, 40 Highfield Avenue, Bailiffe Bridge
He went to France 4 July 1916 and was killed in action 3 October 1916
11 June 1919 his blood relatives were Hannah (*) Greenwood mother, his father being dead, and brothers John age 42, Ernest age 36 and sister Mary Hannah Broadley age 38
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial and the Lower Wyke Moravian Church memorial and the Moravian Sunday School Scroll
| HARDCASTLE H. | Herman |
9 April 1917 age 28
No known grave. He is commemorated on the ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 6
Husband of Florence Hilda Crossley, formerly Hardcastle of 14 Old Lane Brighouse
His Army Service Records still exist
Attested at Halifax in December 1916, living at 10 Albert Square, Waterloo Road, Brighouse
He was 26 years old, 5 ft 7 ins, 154 lbs, a carpet sizer
Next of Kin, his wife, Florence Hilda née Littlewood
They married at Hipperholme, 13 August 1912
He went to France 14 January 1917 and was killed 9 April 1917
5 September 1917 his widow was granted a pension of 13/9d a week
16 June 1919 his blood relatives were Florence Hilda Hardcastle his wife, 10 Daisy Street, Briggate, Brighouse and his father James Hardcastle 27 Kimberley Street, Brighouse
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| HIRST N. | Norman |
14 August 1915 age 21
Buried COLNE VALLEY CEMETERY Grave C.9
Son of James Brearley Hirst & Fanny Hirst of 2 Forester's Terrace Clifton
On the following day, 15 August 1915, per the CWGC records (this is an error, see below) Captain Maynard Percy Andrews also the 1st/4th Duke of Wellington's Regiment (Headmaster of Hipperholme Grammar School) was killed
Captain Andrews now lies in grave C.7 next but one to Norman Hirst
Regimental History – When the battalion moved to France 14 April 1915 Captain Andrews was 2i/c A Company, by July 1915 he was OC A Company
Regimental History page 36 – late on the afternoon of August 14th, a dugout in A Company's line was blown in and a number of men were buried amid the wreckage. Captain M P Andrews immediately hurried to the spot and, under heavy artillery and rifle fire, succeeded in extricating the men. Three were found to be dead and three wounded one so seriously that, unless he could receive proper attention at once, there was Little hope of recovery
The trenches were too narrow for the wounded men to be carried along them on a stretcher. There was nothing for it but to carry him across the open. Captain Andrews did not hesitate. Getting out on top himself, he assisted to raise the wounded man, and then set across the open with the stretcher party. He paid for his devotion with his life. Before the party could reach the shelter of the communications trench, he was hit in the head and died almost at once
Regimental History App V – Captain Andrews received a Mention in Despatches
I would think for this action. One of the three or four Soldiers who died with him in this action would have been Norman Hirst
Brighouse Elland Almanac 1919 page 19 there is a photograph of a War Memorial (in the form of a head and shoulders cameo) for Captain M. P. Andrews stating killed in action Aug 14th 1915. Where this memorial is / was is not stated
Norman Hirst's Army Service records still exist
15 July 1912 he joined the Territorial Force 4th Battalion the West Riding Regiment (Known as the Duke of Wellington's Regiment) for 4 years UK service
He was living at 2 Forresters Terrace, Clifton, 18 years old, 5 ft 7 ins, a colourist's apprentice
17 September 1914. Now a Lance Corporal whilst in camp at (?) Park he committed to a liability for Overseas Service (Army Form E624)
At that time members of the Territorial Force had no commitment to overseas service
Regimental History page 4
15th September at Riby Camp the 4th Battalion WR Regiment divided into the 1st/4th now the first line battalion, whilst the 2nd/4th, a second line battalion made up of those who did not volunteer for and those unfit for foreign service formed at Halifax
4 April 1915 Embarked for France from Folkstone via SS Invicta, with the 1st/4th Duke of Wellington's Regiment
30 April 1915 Reprimanded for being late. On parade?
15 May 1915 Promoted Corporal
(?) Wounded and transported to England
13 July 1915 Promotion confirmed (given substantive rank)
15 August 1915 He was killed in action
20 June 1917 His records contain three hand written letters, difficult to read, concerning confusion as to where he is buried. One an apology to his father contains a promise that he will receive a photograph of the grave
1917 A receipted tick sheet showing his effects returned to his father. Handkerchiefs, Pocket Knife, Letters, Pouch and a Purse
1920 his father's letter complaining that he has not received his son's death plaque and scroll
16 February 1920 his blood relatives were his parents James B & Fanny Hirst, sisters Edith Beatrice age 28 & Florence 19 all of 2 Forresters Terrace Clifton and his brother Arnold Hirst of 88 Vickers Park, Sheffield
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| HIRST N. | Norman |
20 April 1918 age 26
No known grave. He is commemorated on the LOOS MEMORIAL Panel 119 to 124
Son of Thomas Albert & Ellen Hirst of 2 Bonegate Avenue Brighouse
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| HITCHEN A. | Austin Arthur |
3 September 1916 age 26
Buried at MILL ROAD CEMETERY THIEPVAL Grave 1.F.7
Son of Edmund and Dinah Hitchen of 9 Ashfield Terrace Wilson Road Wyke (*)
(*) Dinah was not his mother
1901 census his father's wife was Mary. They lived at Junction House Norwood Green. His father was a railway station master
His Army Service Records still exist
7 March 1913 he joined the Territorial Force 4th Battalion the West Riding Regiment for 4 years UK service. (His original regimental number was 1487) He was living at Junction House, Norwood Green 23 years old, 5 ft 8 ins, a carpet finisher at T F Firth's
27 July 1913 He attended the annual camp at Aber....?
26 June 1914 He attended the annual camp at Marske
27 July 1914 He was appointed Lance Corporal this was confirmed, substantive, 13 April 1915
19 September 1914 Committed to liability for Overseas Service
(Two days after Norman Hirst)
13 April 1915 He was appointed Corporal, substantive from 13 July 1915
14 April 1915 Embarked for France from Folkstone via SS Invicta
(Norman Hirst's records have this date as the 4th)
23 October 1915 He was appointed Sergeant, substantive from 23 March 1916
5 September 1916 he was reported wounded
4 November 1916 Confirmed as wounded and missing
30 July 1917 Confirmed as killed in action, presumed on 5 September 1916
11 December 1917 The following items were returned to his father, Disc, Photo Case & Photos, Roll Book, Notebook, Religious Book, Wallet, Letters, Cards, Photos and Paper Cuttings
21 May 1919 His blood relatives were, parents Mr Edmund & Mrs Dinah Hitchen, his brothers Edmund Joseph aged 35, Albert aged 32, Wilfred aged 31 and sister Mary aged 24, all of 9 Ashfield Terrace, Wyke
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial as Austin Hitchen
| HOWE W. H. | William Henry |
10 April 1917 age not known (He was 24 per his Army Service Records)
Buried at COJEUL BRITISH CEMETERY SAINT MARTIN-SUR-COJEUL Grave A 19
The 1901 Census contains a William H Howe age 9, say born c1891 (However, he was 23 years old in 22 February 1916 per his Service records) living in Halifax Road Brighouse. His father was James Howe, a dyer's Labourer
His Army Service Records still exist
22 February 1916 He attested, being assigned to the 21st Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Local Reserve Battalion. He was living at 117 Thornhills Road, Rastrick, 23 years old, 5 ft 4 ins and 127 lbs, dyer's labourer and goods checker
He had previous service with the 4th W R Battalion (TF) (Presume 4 years prior to Aug 1914)
His next of kin was his wife, Louisa Howe née Richmond whom he had married at Lightcliffe Congregational Church 11 December 1915, witnesses were Ethel Howe & Nellie Richmond. They had a daughter, Kathleen born 7 April 1916
30 May 1916 Vaccinated
9 June 1916 Inoculated 1st time
16 June 1916 Inoculated 2nd time
1 July 1916 He was appointed Acting Lance Corporal
6 October & 14 December 1916 At Seaham charged with over staying his pass, Admonished
20 December 1916 He was posted to the 12th Battalion DLI
24 December 1916 He was re posted to the 15th Battalion DLI
10 April 1917 Killed in action (another of his Service Records gives this date as 22 April)
5 ?? 1917 Reverted to Private on re joining ??
1 June 1917 A statement, AB64 contains no will (AB64 is the Soldier's Pay Book)
Undated note/s 1917 Concerning confusion / disputes even, as to his rank at time of death
It appears that his promotion had been promulgated twice on different dates in Battalion Orders and also that on posting to 15th DLI he should have reverted to his substantive rank of Private
He has now been reported KIA it is necessary to have this matter adjusted at once Soldiers normally revert to their substantive rank on posting OC 15 DLI does not appear to have been informed that ........
A later? note to the effect that his widow is also requesting clarification
An example of administrative muddle. He would have died with the responsibility of a Lance Corporal
26 September 1917 An article returned to his Widow, one Disk. This could be a Dog Tag the other being with him in his grave?
7 November 1917 (Lance Corporal deceased) Notification to his widow, a pension, 18/9d a week
William Henry Howe was the great uncle of David A Howe, the current B & R Concert Secretary, a friend of mine for more than 50 years
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| HOYLE H. | Herbert (*) |
However, whilst the CWGC records contain a number of Herbert Hoyles and H Hoyles none of these can with any degree of confidence be chosen to be this Herbert Hoyle
As an aside, before looking at the Bailiffe Bridge Memorial I considered that this soldier could be
Harold Hoyle, BA Hons (Leeds University)
2/Lt 7th Battalion The Royal North Lancashire Regiment
23 July 1916 age 26
Buried at CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY LONGUEVAL Grave V1.F.29
Son of Ernest & Mary Elizabeth Hoyle of 24 Glen Terrace Hipperholme
However, I then discovered that he was a Master at Rastrick Grammar School, and the maternal uncle of Donald Hoyle Thompson a well known and respected Scout Leader in the Brighouse District, c1950/60s
| LAW W. | Walter |
3 May 1917 age 26
No known grave. He is commemorated on the ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 6
Son of Joseph & Louisa Law of 33 Park Road Manchester Road Bradford; husband of Nellie Law of 33 Elizabeth Street Manchester Road Bradford
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| MCKEAND D. G. | David Gray |
23 March 1919 age 34
Buried at ELLAND CEMETERY, Grave U. A. 545 (Born 8th Jan 1885)
He was buried in what may now be a shared or a family grave, including Farnells and Turners
History 1st/4th Duke of Wellington's Regiment
Page 9, 14 April 1915 he is the CQMS (Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Warrant Officer Class 2) in B Company on the Battalion's move to France
Page 306, 10 November 1915 he proceeded to England for a Commission, clearly he was commissioned into the West Yorkshire Regiment
Son of William & Jane Gray McKeand of Burnbank Mauchline Ayrshire
1901 Census Living at 111 Elizabeth Street Elland, a commercial clerk
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| MANN H. | Harold |
20 April 1918 age not known
No known grave. He is commemorated at TYNE COT MEMORIAL Panel 154 to 159 & 163A
Son of William & Ellen Mann of 7 Albion Place Lane Head Brighouse
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| MORRISH H. | Harry (*) |
6 April 1917 Age not known (*)
Buried at FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY ARRAS Grave 111. O.11
There are only two Morrish Hs who died in World War I according to the CWGC. With one his parents lived in Newport this one I have discounted. The other's details are above. This record contains no age or Christian name just the initial
(*) The 1901 census contains a Harry Morrish living in a house in Wyke Lane Cleckheaton age 5, say born c1896 thus he would have been say 21 when he died
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial as Morris T H
(The CWGC have one record of a Morrist H, Essex Regiment)
| NAYLOR A. | Arthur (*) |
11 December 1917 age 30 Buried at ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY Grave XXX1. C. 14
Son of Law & Hannah Broadley (?) of 3 Halifax Road Hipperholme
(*) The 1901 census has no Arthur Naylor then say 13/14 years anywhere in the UK whose parents are Law or Hannah. Thus, the CWGC parent's information may be incorrect?
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial and the Lower Wyke Moravian Church memorial and Sunday School Scroll (Joined the Army in 1917)
| NEEDHAM A. C. | Arthur Charles |
16 November 1916 age not known
No known grave. He is commemorated on the THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 6 C
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| POLLARD L. | Leonard |
4 December 1916 age 29
Buried at CONTAY BRITISH CEMETERY Grave V111. C.22
Son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Pollard of 21 Fountain Street Hill Top Low Moor; husband of B Pollard of 45 Warburton Place Wibsey
The 1901 census he is a cotton spinner living at 2 Lower North Street North Brierley, his mother's name was Annie
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial as Edgar Pollard
However, the CWGC have no record for an Edgar Pollard
| SEED A. | Arthur |
16153 Lance Corporal 9th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
18 November 1916 age not known
Buried at CAMBRIN CHURCHYARD EXTENSION Grave reference S 26
A native of Wyke
| SHAW H. | Horace S |
200569 Sergeant 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
3 September 1916 age 24
Buried at MILL ROAD CEMETERY THIEPVAL Grave reference I F 2
Son of Mrs Ruth Ann Shaw of Cornwall on Hudson, Orange County, New York, USA
A native of Bailiffe Bridge Yorkshire
He and/or his father could have been employees of T. F. Firth at Firthcliffe USA
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| SHAW J. W. | Joseph William |
8 October 1916 age not known He was 25, see following
Buried at LIGHTCLIFFE (St MATTHEW) OLD CHURCH YARD Grave Q. 74
He was buried in a family grave. The inscription reads,
Corporal Joe Willie Shaw RE. Eldest son. Born September 5 1891. Gassed at Fricourt France.Died at Woodland Hospital Southport Oct 9th 1916. He answered the call
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial as Joe Willie Shaw
| STERNWHITE A. V. | Arthur Varley |
9 October 1917 age 19
No known grave. He is commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL Panel 77 to 79 & 163A
Son of Fred & Jessie Elizabeth Sternwhite of South Holme Southowram
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| Those Killed in Action: Flush Mills, Heckmondwike |
Flush Mills at Heckmondwike was T. F. Firth's factory principally employed in carpet yarn manufacture. (Clifton Mills at Bailiff Bridge was the site of yarn dyeing, carpet weaving and finishing. Victoria Mills, also at Bailiffe Bridge, the site of carpet weaving, wilton narrow looms in the Jubilee Shed and tapestry weaving and tapestry printing)
| BERRY F. | Fred |
3 May 1917 age 20
No known grave. He is commemorated on the ARRAS MEMORIAL Bay 6
Son of Jim & Hannah Mary Berry of Craven Terrace Gomersal
In the 1900 census, he was living in Popeley (?) Street Birstall.
His father was a woollen yarn spinner, his mother a carpet rug weaver
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial . He will also be commemorated on the 7th Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment memorial in Saint Paul's Drill Hall Huddersfield
| BUCKNELL W. H. | Thomas W (*) |
15 May 1916 age not known (*)
Buried at CITE BONJEAN MILITARY CEMETERY ARMENTIERES Grave 1. A. 38
(*) There are no CWGC records for a Bucknell W H or a Bucknell H or W
However, there is one record for a Bucknell J W. Whilst there is no local 1901 census record for this person, there is a 1901 census record for a Thomas W Bucknell age 3 born say c1898 living at 10 The Heights Heckmondwike, he would be aged 18 say in 1916, so perhaps this is the one?
There is a W H Bucknall commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| FIRTH C. | Charles |
9 October 1917 age not known
No known grave. He is commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL Panel 4 to 6 and 162
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| HUMPHRIES A. | Arthur George (*) |
26 October 1917 age 36
No known grave. He is commemorated on TYNE COT MEMORIAL Panel 19 to 23 and 162
Husband of Elizabeth Humphries of 4 Newhouse Place Bradley Lane Huddersfield
(*) There are seven CWGC records for Humphries A. None of these can be connected to this area. However, a record for a Humphries A G as above may be the one
He is not commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| PARKINSON H. |
There is a T Parkinson commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| QUARMBY L. | Lewis |
28 July 1918 age 25
Buried at MARFAUX BRITISH CEMETERY Grave 111. B. 7
Son of Sam & Ada Quarmby of 13 Myddleton Road Ilkley, formerly of 62 Armitage Road Milnsbridge
1901 census living at 19 Armitage Road Longwood. His father a power loom tuner
A soldier named Quarmby Albert E is commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial. This soldier was Albert Erwin Quarmby
75064 Private 21st Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps
8 October 1917 age 21
Buried at LARCH WOOD (RAILWAY CUTTING) CEMETERY Grave 111. C. 8
Son of Joseph & Annie Quarmby of Nunroyd Heckmondwike
| TATTERSFIELD E. | Ernest |
14 April 1918 age 26
No known grave. He is commemorated on the PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL panel 3 & 4
Son of Arthur & Mary Jane Tattersfield of 30 Boundary Street Flush Heckmondwike
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| TURTON G. | George |
22 March 1918 age 20
No known grave. He is commemorated on the POZIÈRES MEMORIAL Panel 31 & 32
Son of George & Emily Turton of 4 Cater Lane Heckmondwike.
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| WOLFENDEN E. | Ernest |
25 September 1915
No known grave. He is commemorated on the LOOS MEMORIAL Panel 20 & 22
He is also commemorated on the Bailiffe Bridge village memorial
| Those Who Served |
I have used the Brighouse & Elland Almanac for the years 1917/18/19 & 20 to ascertain where possible information for these Soldiers. In certain cases, this will be a definite match to the person on the memorial, in other cases it can only be a likely match
(Each Almanac entry used is preceded by the year of publication and page number)
I also used Captain P G Bale's 1914/19 History of the 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment to find possible matches
I then attempted to locate the Soldiers Service Record for those found. I have not as yet attempted this for all those who served. I may do this once the indexing of all surviving World War 1 Soldier's Service Records is complete
Italic entries again, are my personal comments and / or additional information
| Panel 1 / Column 1 |
| ADAMS H. |
| ALLEN H. |
| ALLINSON A. |
| ALLINSON A. |
| ANSON F. |
| ARMITAGE F. |
| ASWORTH D. |
| ASPINALL L. |
Son of Mr & Mrs A Aspinall Gathorne Street, Brighouse.
Wounded second time, July 30th
| ASPINALL W. |
| ATKINSON H. |
| AYKROYD A. H. | Alfred Hammond |
He was educated at Charterhouse School
1917 page 25 Second Lieutenant A H Aykroyd RFA (Royal Field Artillery) besides being mentioned in despatches by Sir John French (Commander of the BEF) was promoted full lieutenant
1918 page 20 Lieutenant AH Aykroyd RFA (Lightcliffe) promoted to Captain
12th November 1919 he married Sylvia Walker daughter of Frank Walker
Attained the rank of Major, RFA
He was I believe at one time the Managing Director of the Bradford Dyers Association
1947 He became Chairman of T. F. Firth & Sons and a Director of Hammonds Brewery
1952 High Sheriff of Yorkshire
1954 President of Yorkshire Agricultural Association
A Master of Foxhounds
He died on the 29th April 1965
| BAILEY A. |
| BAILEY A. |
| BARKER G. |
| BARKER J. W. |
| BARLOW A. |
| BARLOW H. |
| BARRACLOUGH J. H. |
| BARRETT G. |
| BARTLETT P. |
| BEAUMONT A. |
| BEAUMONT W. |
| BEVERLEY A. |
| BINNS C. |
| BINTCLIFFE E. D. |
| BLACKBURN E. |
| BLACKBURN J. |
| BOOTH F. |
| BOOTH J. |
| BOOTH L. |
| BOOTHROYD H. |
| BOTTOMLEY E. |
| BOTTOMLEY G. |
| BOWER H. |
| BRADLEY J. E. |
| BRAHAM W. |
| BRAYSHAW G. |
| BRAZEY A. |
| BRIDGEMAN F. |
| BRIGGS J. W. |
| Panel 1 / Column 2 |
| BRIGGS L. |
| BRISCALL J. |
| BROADLEY F. |
| BROADLEY H. |
| BROCKLESS A. |
| BROCKLESS F. |
| BROCKLESS J. |
| BROOK A. |
Son of Mr & Mrs J Brook 21 Gledhill Buildings New Hey Road, Rastrick
Wounded in left leg
1918 page 98 Private Allen Brook West Riding Regiment, of Southowram, injury by shrapnel in thigh
NB: the above are two possible entries
1919 page 79 Wounded – Private A Brook, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, Wyke
1919 page 79 Wounded – Private A Brook, West Riding Regiment, Southowram (Allen Brook again?)
1919 page 80 Wounded – Private A Brook, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, Wyke
1919 page 80 Wounded – Private A Brook, West Riding Regiment, Brighouse
NB 1919 Four further (duplicates?) entries for an A Brook both in the same Regiment, the Dukes being the West Riding Regiment
| BROOK E. |
| BROOK J. O. |
| BROOKE H. |
| BROOKE M. |
| BROWNRIDGE F. W. |
| BRUCE F. |
| BUCKLEY H. |
| BUCKLEY W. |
| BURNLEY W. |
| BURROWS S. |
| BURTON F. |
| BURTON G. |
| BYWATER W. |
| CARR A. |
| CARTWRIGHT T. |
| CHAPPEL J. |
| CHEETHAM H. |
| CHILD E. |
| CLEGG S. |
| CLOUGH F. |
| CLOUGH N. |
| CLOUGH R. |
| COLLINS G. W. |
| COLLINS S. |
| COPLEY F. |
| CORDINGLEY L. | Leonard |
Son of Benjamin B Cordingley a Woollen Overlooker
World War I Medal Record – Captain MC (Military Cross) West Riding Regiment served in France from 10th Jan 1917
1943 Major OC (Officer Commanding) G Company 22nd West Riding Home Guard
This was the Company responsible for Hipperholme and Lightcliffe. The Company's Operational Order Number 14 dated 22 March 1943 was typed at T. F. Firth's?
He was then, and into the 1950s, living at Linden Lea, Cecil Avenue, Lightcliffe
Leonard Cordingley was the Sales Director of T. F. Firth's from circa 1945
| CROWTHER C. | Clement |
1919 page 81 Wounded – Private C Crowther, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, Brighouse
His army Service Records still exist
9 October 1914: He joined the Territorial Force 4th Battalion the West Riding Regiment for 4 years UK service. (His regimental number was 3166 later changed to 201122) He was living at 2 Dale Street, Brighouse
5 November 1914 he signed E624 undertaking overseas service,
Then a member of D Company 4th Battalion West Riding Regiment
29 March 1917 Admitted to ..Field Hospital ?? at Etaples
7 April 1917 Joined 7th Canadian ?? Battalion at Etaples
25 November 1917 Wounded in action
23 May 1918 Charged with leaving a work task without permission,
Given 2 days CB (confined to barracks)
30 August 1918 At 43 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) wounded by gas shell
20 January 1919 Appointed paid Lance Corporal
7 April 1919 To UK for demob
12 April 1919 Claim for some disability, but not due to war service. Address now given as 6 Eastwood Street, Brighouse
| CROWTHER W. |
1919 page 81 Wounded – Sergeant Willie Crowther, West Riding Regiment
Son of Mr & Mrs R Crowther Gordon Street, Elland
Wounded by shrapnel in left buttock
| DAVIS B. C. |
| DAY J. |
| DAWSON H. |
| DEWAR M. R. U. |
| Panel 2 / Column 1 |
| DRAKE J. H. |
| DRAKE L. |
| DUTTON H. |
| EASTWOOD A. |
| EASTWOOD A. |
| EASTWOOD I. |
| ELLIS D. |
| ELLIS P. |
| EMPSALL M. |
| FIELDING J. |
| FIRTH E. |
| FIRTH G. H. |
| FIRTH J. |
| FISHER W. |
| FOULKES T. |
| FRANCE A. |
| FRANCE E. |
| FRANKLAND H. |
| FROST G. F. |
| GLEDHILL J. H. |
| GLEDHILL N. |
| GLOVER F. |
| GLOVER F. |
| GLOVER L. |
| GLOVER P. |
| GLOVER W. |
| GODDARD C. |
| GOLDTHORP R. H. | Robert Howard |
Robert Howard Goldthorp married Margery Willans (1886 – ?) on 17th Oct 1911 she was the niece of the wife of Thomas Freeman Firth the company founder.
Regimental History 1st/4th Bn DWR 4 August 1914 R H Goldthorp was a member of the 4th TF Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment He was the Captain of G Company based at Elland In mid January 1915 the battalions eight rifle companies were reorganised into four larger companies G Company and E Company forming Number 3 Company which later became C Company. R H Goldthorp was the new Company Commander of C Company. On 14 April 1915 when the battalion moved to France, Captain Goldthorp was no longer on its strength
1918 page 20 Lieut. RH Goldthorp, (Lightcliffe) promoted to Captain, substantive 1919 page 48 Capt (now acting Major) RH Goldthorp, West Riding Regt. to acting Lieut, Colonel and command of the 10th London Regiment 1920 page 80 DSO (Distinguished Service Order) awarded to Lieut – Col RH Goldthorp, London Regt, of Pyenott House, Lightcliffe. He also received a Mention in Despatches whilst CO of the 2nd/10th London Regiment London Gazette DSO Citation 1st Feb 1919 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on September 28th,1918, in the attack on the spur running South West from Bourlon Wood and East of Moevres. (To the north of the Cambrai battlefields) When the leading companies were held up by machine gun fire, suffering heavy casualties, he went forward collecting personnel and reorganising the attack, which resulted in the capture of the objective. He showed a fine offensive spirit which encouraged his men at a critical period.
Director of T F Firth & Sons Ltd for forty years up to his death (He must have been a director during WW1) He was the Sales Director prior to Leonard CORDINGLEY
Following WW1 he lived at Holroyd House, Priestley Green (which in WW1 had been used as a hospital) After the war he continued to serve in the Territorial Army, the 4th Battalion the Duke of Wellington's Regiment attaining the rank of Brevet – Colonel. In the middle 1920s he was the Commanding Officer of the Battalion being succeeded by Harold Hammond AYKROYD
In 1948 to the early 1950s he was Deputy Chairman of the Governors of Hipperholme Grammar School
Colonel Goldthorp DSO, JP, DL died in 1955
| GOODHALL E. |
| GREEN E. L. |
| GREEN G. A. |
| GREENWOOD A. V. |
| GREENWOOD F. |
| GREENWOOD F. |
| GREENWOOD J. |
1918 page 24 Sergeant John Greenwood, a Brighouse man now resident at Sheffield, who was awarded the DCM last year, mentioned and granted a bar. Mentioned in despatches and awarded the DCM again
| GREENWOOD J. J. |
| GREENWOOD W. |
| GRIFFITHS R. |
| HAIG J. |
| Panel 2 / Column 2 |
| HALE E. J. |
| HALE E. |
| HALL J. E. |
| HAMMOND G. |
| HANSON G. |
| HARPIN R. |
| HARRIS W. |
| HARRISON R. |
| HARTLEY H. |
| HEARSE H. E. |
| HEPPLESTON J. |
| HEPWORTH T. |
| HEY G. H. |
| HICKS W. |
| HITCHLIFFE W. |
| HIRST H. |
1919 page 84 Wounded – Driver Harold Hirst, RFA (Royal Field Artillery) Son of F Hirst & Mrs Hirst of Grave Lane, Clifton. Wounded in right side by shrapnel
Herbert Hirst. The Army Service Records for this soldier still exist
Gunner, RGA (Royal Garrison Artillery) 27 Smithy Carr Lane, Brighouse
A soldier from April 1917 to May 1919, who served in Mesopotamia
| HIRST J. |
| HIRST W. A. |
| HOBSON H. |
| HOBSON J. A. |
| HOEY J. A. |
| HOLDSWORTH H. |
| HOLDSWORTH H. |
| HOLDSWORTH H. |
| HOLDSWORTH S. |
| HOLDSWORTH W. V. |
| HOLROYD C. M. |
| HOLT W. H. |
| HOPKINSON A. |
| HORNER C. |
| HUGGINS W. |
| HUGHES A. H. |
| HUTTON S. |
| INGHAM H. |
| JACKSON S. |
| JARRARD G. |
| JENKINSON F. J. |
| JOHNSON E. |
| JONES T. B. |
| Panel 3 / Column 1 |
| JOY H. |
| KAY J. |
| KELLETT A. |
| KELLETT H. |
| KENDREW T. |
| KNIGHT F. |
| LAMBERT W. |
| LEADBEATER W. |
| LEAMAN A. |
| LEAMAN D. P. |
| LEE W. |
| LEIGHTON H. |
| LITTLE N. |
| LODGE J. |
| LUND H. |
| MACGOWEN J. |
| MACK J. |
In 1914 he was an employee of T. F. Firth & Sons Limited He was a volunteer in 1914 and he survived the War. He was a member of the Lower Wyke Moravian Church A 1914 volunteer commemorated on the Lower Wyke Moravian Sunday School Scroll
| MALLINSON W. S. |
| MARNEY D. |
| MARNEY E. |
| MASON L. |
| MAUDE W. H. |
| MEDLEY E. |
| METCALFE J. W. |
| MITCHELL F. |
| MITCHELL H. |
| MOORE C. |
| MORTON B. |
| MORTON F. A. |
| MORTON P. |
| NAYLOR J. |
| NELSON W. |
| NEWSOME P. |
| NOBLE F. |
| NORTH E. |
| NORTH G. |
| NORTH L. |
| NORTH P. |
| OATES P. |
| OATES P. |
| Panel 3 / Column 2 |
| OLVER W. C. |
| ORAMAN C. |
| ORME F. |
| O'SULLIVAN C. D. |
| OWEN J. W. |
| OWEN W. |
1918 page 93 Gunner W Owen RFA (Royal Field Artillery) Back Charles Street, Brighouse, wounded
| PADGETT F. E. |
| PALMER F. |
| PAMMENT E. |
| PAMMENT R. |
| PARKER J. H. |
| PATRICK J. H. |
Son of Mr A Patrick of Hawwick, and employed at T. F. Firth & Sons, Bailiffe Bridge.
| PATTERSON A. |
| PEACOCK C. |
| PEARSON C. |
| PEARSON H. |
| PEARSON J. A. |
| PEARSON S. |
| PEPIERS J. |
| PICKLES A. |
| PINDER A. |
| PINDER H. |
| PINDER H. |
| POLLIT A. |
| POPPLEWELL J. B. |
| PRIESTLEY C. |
| PURDY G. |
| RACE J. W. |
| RANDALL C. H. |
| RASTRICK H. |
| RASTRICK H. |
| RASTRICK R. |
This was Raymond Rastrick who served in Gallipoli and later Mesopotamia where he was shot in the chest, the two men with him being killed. He was born in 1896, the youngest of three brothers living with their parents Fred & Mary June Rastrick, 25 Wyke Lane Hipperholme. These details from his daughter & the 1901 Census
| RASTRICK W. |
The third brother in this family also served being awarded the Military Medal (MM)
He was Walter Rastrick, born 1891. He worked for the local authority
1919 page 58 MILITARY MEDAL AWARD Corporal W Rastrick, West Yorkshire Regiment
7 Half House Lane, Hove Edge
| RAY W. |
| REEDS R. |
| RENSHAW H. |
| RENSHAW J. |
| RIDING F. |
| ROBERTS W. |
| ROBINSON F. H. |
| Panel 4 / Column 1 |
| RUSHTON I. J. |
| RUSHWORTH J. W. |
| RUSHWORTH W. |
| SAUNDERS D. J. G. |
| SCHOFIELD R. |
| SENIOR F. |
| SHARP J. W. |
| SHAW W. |
| SIMPSON A. |
| SIMPSON J. C. |
| SIMPSON R. A. |
| SMITH W. |
| SOOTHILL W. |
| SPENDER W. W. |
| SPIVEY F. |
| STAINFORTH H. G. |
| STAMP C. J. |
| STOCKS F. |
| STOTT A. |
| STOTT A. |
| STOTT N. |
| STOTT W. |
| STUBBS H. |
| STURGESS C. C. C. |
| STYLES P. |
| SUGDEN H. |
| SUTCLIFFE O. |
| SUTCLIFFE S. |
| SWALES H. G. |
| SYKES E. |
| SYKES F. |
| SYKES G. |
| SYKES G. |
| SYKES R. |
| SYKES R. |
| TAIN T. |
| TATE J. |
| TATE M. |
| TATTERSFIELD W. |
| Panel 4 / Column 2 |
| TAYLOR J. |
| TAYLOR J. |
| TAYLOR V. |
Son of Mr & Mrs C Taylor 16 Frances Street, Brighouse
Wounded in face and hands
| THOMPSON A. |
| THORNTON J. |
| THORNTON J. |
| THORNTON N. |
| TODD H. |
| TURNER J. R. |
| VARLEY J. |
| WADDINGTON J. |
| WADDINGTON R. |
| WADE E. |
| WADE H. |
| WADSWORTH C. |
| WALFORD E. |
| WALKER A. |
| WALLER J. W. |
| WALLS J. W. |
| WARING G. |
| WATSON E. |
| WEAVERS R. H. |
| WESTERN W. H. |
| WHITEHEAD L. |
| WHITEHEAD N. |
| WHITEHEAD T. |
| WHITELEY E. |
1919 page 92 Wounded – Private E Whiteley, MGC (duplicate entry)
| WHITELEY H. |
Page 281 A Private H Whiteley was a member of the Battalion Cadre (final rear party) who returned to Halifax on 8th June 1919
| WHITTEL A. |
| WILBY B. |
| WILBY J. |
| WILKINSON H. S. |
History 1st/4th Duke of Wellington's Regiment
Page 166,9 October 1917 – Lieutenant H S Wilkinson, the Battalion Intelligence Officer, was sent forward, not only to reconnoitre the crossings of the stream, but to try to get in touch with men of the 146th Infantry Brigade
Running from shell hole to shell hole he soon lost touch with the two men with him and went on alone. Near the Ravenbeke, a bullet Lodged in his steel helmet, fortunately without wounding him. As he could find no other way of crossing, he waded through the stream, the water coming above his waist
He then advanced straight towards Peter Pan, across awful mud, and with Machine gun bullets whistling all around. Soon he met a party of the 1/6th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, but they could tell him nothing of the situation. So he determined to reconnoitre as far as Peter Pan itself before returning to report
Not a dozen yards from the ruined building, (Peter Pan) he was severely wounded. One bullet shattered his jaw whilst another went right through his left shoulder and fractured his arm. That was the end of his reconnaissance
App 2 Page 303 – Joined the Battalion as a 2/Lt on 21 September 1916. He was an Instructor at the Third Army S O S School (Signals?) December 1916 – May 1917, rejoining the Battalion on 16 May 1917 as the IO (Intelligence Officer) Promoted Lieutenant 1 July 1917
| WILKINSON R. |
| WILSON G. |
| WIND R. |
| WINN C. |
| WOMERSLEY A. |
| WOOD A. |
Wounded in left leg
| YATES R. |
My apologies to those on this Memorial whom I should have identified, but have failed to do so
Also, my apologies to any people whom I have incorrectly identified, However, all were Heroes of their time, and without them, and those who have followed since would we be free and enjoying our easy life today?
We must never forget them!
| Statistics |
34 gave their lives, representing 11% of the 304 employees who served
The statistics below are based on the 32 of the 34 which I have traced
| Year | Number |
| 1914 | 0 |
| 1915 | 2 |
| 1916 | 12 |
| 1917 | 12 |
| 1918 | 8 |
| 1919 | 1 |
| Location | Number |
| England | 2 |
| Belgium [Ypres Salient] | 6 |
| France [Nord] | 4 |
| The Marne | 1 |
| Pas de Calais [Arras, Loos] | 12 |
| The Somme | 10 |
| Regiment or Corps | Number |
| Cameron Highlanders | 1 |
| Duke of Wellington's | 13 |
| Durham Light Infantry | 1 |
| King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry | 1 |
| Lancashire Regiment | 2 |
| Machine Gun Corps | 1 |
| Northumberland Fusiliers | 3 |
| Royal Army Medical Corps | 1 |
| Royal Engineers | 1 |
| Royal Field Artillery | 2 |
| Royal North Lancashire Regiment | 2 |
| Seaforth Highlanders | 1 |
| West Yorkshire Regiment | 4 |
| Yorkshire Regiment | 2 |
World War 1 : Brighouse and District Statistics
August 1914 – end December 1918
from The Brighouse & District Almanac [1919], page 50
| Location | Killed | Wounded | |
| Bailiffe Bridge | 12 | 10 | |
| Brighouse | 319 | 571 | |
| Clifton | 57 | 38 | |
| Elland | 130 | 172 | |
| Greetland | 75 | 40 | |
| Hipperholme | 66 | 48 | |
| Southowram | 38 | 25 | |
| Stainland | 37 | 39 | |
| Wyke | 28 | 36 | |
| Totals | (*) 762 | 979 | 1641 |
(*) 26 Employees of T. F. Firth at Bailiffe Bridge, say 3%
These would have been the known deaths as at the end of 1918
| A Family Company |
I must thank Sir Michael David Aykroyd for his assistance in correcting some of my original thoughts concerning this section and the Aykroyd of Lightcliffe Baronetcy details which follow. Any remaining errors or omissions are mine
| Sir Thomas Freeman Firth : 1st Baronet |
The Founder and first Chairman of T. F. Firth & Sons Limited was Thomas Freeman Firth. He was born in Heckmondwike
In 1861, he was living at Westfield House Heckmondwike a Merchant and Manufacturer. By 1871, he had moved (next door) to Flush House No 3, and was a JP of the West Riding Bench employing 430 men and 70 boys and girls. By 1871, he had moved again to Westgate House Heckmondwike and was now employing 863 hands
Thomas Freeman Firth married Hannah Maria Willans [1829-1907] the daughter of a Huddersfield Wool Merchant William Willans [1800-1863]
Hannah Maria's elder sister Emily Willans [1828-1888] married a Joseph Asquith their eldest son being Herbert Henry Asquith [1852-1928], born at Morley, first Earl of Oxford and the Asquith who in 1914, was Prime Minister of the UK. Herbert Asquith when Prime Minister stayed at Lightcliffe with his cousin, his mother's sister's son, Algernon Freeman Firth
Thomas Freeman Firth and Hannah Maria Willans had several children:
Henry and Frederick twins?
In 1867, Thomas Freeman Firth went into partnership, manufacturing carpets, with his brother-in-law John Wrigley Willans [1832-1910] this was Firth Willans & Company Limited
In 1875, John Wrigley left this business in order to become the proprietor and joint editor of the Leeds Mercury. At this point, the Company was renamed T. F. Firth & Sons Limited.
| Sir Algernon Freeman Firth : 2nd Baronet [1856-1936] |
In 1871, then aged 14, Algernon was a boarding pupil at the Cedars School in Rickmansworth
Algernon was responsible for setting up the Firth Carpet Company in the United States in 1888. This factory was in Orange County near Cornwall on the Hudson, New York State, called Firthcliffe, as was the village built there to house the workers
Previously published in the New York Times July 25 1886 is an article stating that the Samuel Bunting Manufacturing Company had purchased all the Machinery of T. F. Firth's of Brighouse with the intent of setting this up in the old Broadhead Factory in Montana Orange County. Furthermore they expected many of Firth's Brighouse workmen to come to the States to continue their work. I wonder what happened here!
However, Firth's at Firthcliffe was established two years later and operated independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of T. F. Firth & Sons Limited. By 1908, it had a turnover of one million dollars and employed nearly 600. In 1908, the company had difficulties with the authorities for violations, since 1902, of US Labor Law, when 24 workers were ordered to be deported. One US press cutting of the time states that those deported were strike leaders and their families as, following a strike settlement, the Strike Leaders were not re employed
During WW2 this operation was sold in order to raise dollars for the UK war treasury. It then continued to operate, according to past employees very much as a family and community oriented business up to 1962, when it closed
In 1881, Algernon Freeman Firth married Janet Gertrude Lindsay [1860-1???]. They had one Child, Dorothy Gertrude
Therefore when Sir Algernon died the Firth Baronetcy became extinct
Sir Algernon lived at Holme House, Lightcliffe
At one time he was the President of the local Liberal Association
During World War I, Lady Firth was the Commandant of Priestley Green VAD Hospital and received a Mention in Despatches
For a period up to 1918 Sir Algernon was the President of the British Chamber of Commerce
1922/3 Yorkshire High Sheriff
1921 Sir Algernon retired to Scriven Park, Knaresborough where he died in 1936
1929 He received an honorary LLD from Leeds University
It is said that, when he retired, the work people of Bailiffe Bridge wept
However, perhaps this was selective as their feelings for him did not prevent a three week strike at T. F. Firth's, Bailiffe Bridge in March 1917
(Brighouse & Elland Almanac 1918 page 108)
| Sir William Henry Aykroyd : 1st Baronet [1865-1947] |
William Henry Aykroyd was born in Manningham on the 8th May 1865
His father was Alfred Aykroyd [circa 1841], a cotton dyer and bleacher. The family lived at Oakwood Villas, Toller Lane, Bradford
On 29 January 1890, he married Emma Louisa Hammond, daughter of Ezra Waugh Hammond, a gentleman brewer of Horton Hall Bradford (The Hammond Brewing Family) . Louisa died on 5 September 1946
In 1891, William Henry was a cotton warp dyer & finisher living at West View, Lilycroft Road, Manningham, Bradford
On the death of his father he became a partner with his uncle William E Aykroyd in W. Aykroyd Dyers. This Company was a part of the Bradford Dyers Association when this was established in 1898, William Henry being the Managing Director of the new company
In 1901, he was the Managing Director of the Bradford Dyers Association living at Cliffe Hill, Lightcliffe. He was also at one time Chairman of Hammonds Brewery
At this time William and Emma had three Children, and retained six servants, a Governess, Nurse, Cook/Housekeeper, two House Maids and a Kitchen Maid
Later, in 1910, he bought an interest in T. F. Firth and became a partner with Sir Algernon Freeman Firth. In 1920, he bought out Sir Algernon who then retired. Sir William Henry then became Chairman of T. F. Firth & Sons Limited
16th June 1920 He was created the 1st Baronet Aykroyd of Lightcliffe, (Order of St John)
Sir William Henry and Lady Aykroyd provided the land and War Memorial at Bailiffe Bridge. Sir William also provided the new Lightcliffe CC Pavilion in 1922
In 1926, he was the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. He was also a JP for the West Riding
Sir William Henry Aykroyd died on 3 April 1947
The Children of William Henry and Emma Louisa were
As he was employed by T. F. Firth & Sons Limited in 1914 he features on the Company War Memorial as one who served
Alfred Hammond became Chairman of T. F. Firth & Sons on the death of his father in 1947 when he also succeeded as the 2nd Baronet Aykroyd of Lightcliffe
He served during the whole of World War I. However, as was not employed by T. F. Firth & Sons Limited in 1914, he does not feature on the Company War Memorial
Harold Hammond Aykroyd was educated at Rugby School
History 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment
Page 9 – 14 April 1915 The battalion moved to France. At this time Harold Hammond Aykroyd was a Platoon Leader, 2/Lt, in B Company
Page 60 – 15 January 1916 Outside Wormhoult 2/Lt H H Aykroyd was holding Lewis Gun and Bombing Classes. The bombing classes (hand grenades) it appeared in the main to be throwing competitions between the instructor and his pupils
At this time Battalion Vickers Machine Guns and crews were transferred to the new Machine Gun Corps (MGC). The new Lewis Gun was their replacement at Infantry Company level
Page 78 – September 1916 (During the final phase of the battle of the Somme leading to the eventual control of Thiepval Ridge) Some extremely daring and skilful patrols were done by Sec.-Lieut H H Aykroyd, the Battalion Intelligence Officer, in the Ancre valley, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. On one occasion, when visiting the neighbouring battalion's post at the Mill, he was heavily bombed
Page 102 – 29 September 1916 H H Aykroyd handed over the Battalion IO task to 2/Lt G Crowther. George Crowther was an original volunteer who had been commissioned from the rank of Corporal. This gentleman started the Boy Scout Movement in Brighouse c1907. He died in action on 28 June 1917. See the battalion history pages 142/3 & 297. There is a Memorial Shield dedicated to George Crowther in St Martin's Parish Church Brighouse
Page 256 & App 2 – 12 July 1917 H H Aykroyd hospitalised, sick, re joined on 24 June 1918
App 2 – His appointments from then to the end of the war were as follows
June 1918 / Dec 1918 Adjutant (The Commanding Officer's staff officer)
Jan/Feb 1919 Battalion second in charge (2 i/c)
He was demobilised 6 February 1919
1917 page 23 The Military Cross (MC) has been awarded to Second Lieutenant HH Aykroyd of Lightcliffe
1918 page 20 Lieut HH Aykroyd MC (Lightcliffe), promoted to Captain
1919 page 48 Captain HH Aykroyd MC, West Riding Regiment, Adjutant
He continued to serve with the Territorials, 4th Battalion the Duke of Wellington's Regiment attaining the rank of Brevet-Colonel
In the late 1920s, he succeeded R H Goldthorp as Commanding Officer of the unit
On 14th December 1926, he married Nina Margaret Hulse. They had two Children:
1935 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
1938 Harold Hammond and Nina Margaret divorced
On 29th December 1941, he married Kathleen Ellen Tyrrell-Gray. They had one Child
1957 he was the High Sheriff of Yorkshire
1962 He succeeded his brother, who then retired, as Chairman of T F Firth & Sons Limited
Colonel Harold, as he was known to his employees, was the Chairmen of T. F. Firth & Sons at the time the Aykroyd family lost control of Firth Carpets in 1968, following a hostile bid from the Guthrie Corporation, which forced them to look for a more friendly takeover partner, Readicut International
Colonel Harold Hammond Aykroyd died on 6 January 1974
George Hammond was educated at Rugby School
1923 he graduated from Trinity College Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (BA)
He served in the Territorial Army, Royal Artillery, attaining the rank of Colonel and was awarded the Territorial Decoration (TD)
He was a Master of Foxhounds and lived at the Priory Nun Monkton York
He died 30 September 1972
She was awarded the OBE in 1945 having been the Regional Administration for Leeds Women's Voluntary Services during WW2
| Sir Michael David Aykroyd : 4th Baronet |
The son of Colonel George Hammond Aykroyd born 14 June 1928
Educated in the USA
He gained the rank of Captain in the Yorkshire Yeomanry, Territorial Army
Mr Michael, as he was then known to Firth Carpet Employees, was the last Aykroyd family board member, becoming Chairman following the Readicut takeover, prior to this, he had been Managing Director. He was Company Chairman until 1984. I had the pleasure to work for this gentleman
In 1997, Readicut sold Firth's to Interface Europe. Firth's ceased trading in 2002
| The Aykroyd of Lightcliffe Baronetcy |
Those who held the title of Baronet Akroyd of Lightcliffe have been
This page is dedicated to Ivor Davies [1939-2017]
See Bailiff Bridge War Memorial
This & associated entries use material contributed by Ivor Davies
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