A/Sergeant William Allchurch

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion

Associated Address: 60 Stamford Road
Occupation: Assurance agent
Age: 32
Date of Death: 10/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Elijah and Mary Ann Allchurch of 10 Stamford Rd, Amblecote, Brierley Hill,
Staffs. Awarded the Military Medal. Age 32

The best bit of fun I had was while in
the ‘grouse boxes.’ We were only
about 60 yards from ‘Johnny Turk’
and it was quite a treat to stand at a
spy hole and snipe them at every
opportunity, at the same time
looking after No.1. They won’t
snipe this boy if I can help it. One
night I went over the parapet with
two bombers, listening. They must
have heard me cough, although I
put my mouth to my jacket sleeve,
and they turned a machine gun in
our direction. There we were with
our faces flat on the ground, afraid
to breathe, almost, and there we
had to stay for nearly an hour, when
things went a little quiet. We were
out for about three hours
altogether, and I was pleased when I
got safely back over the parapet.
The Turks published that they drove
us into the sea. Nothing of the kind.

Lt. John Allden

South Staffordshire Regiment
Associated Address: 97 Level Street
Occupation: Assistant Overseer/Rate collection
Age: 62
Date of Death: 24/06/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Mr Allden unquestionably excelled
as collector of rates. His knowledge
of local conditions and his intimate
personal acquaintance with
practically all the inhabitants,
together with a remarkable
influence, which he seemed to exert
on all whom he officially met,
secured him a degree of success
which was phenomenal. Year after
year Mr Allden attained record rate
collections for the town, and many
times received public recognition of
his valuable services. He achieved
success without recourse to
harshness. He accepted, frequently
at much personal inconvenience,
payment of rates in small
instalments and thereby relieved
many of the poorer sections of the
rate paying community from
pecuniary distress.
County Express 29th June 1918
 Private Arthur Victor Allden
Household Battalion 2nd L.G.
Associated Address: 4 Albion Street
Occupation: Bank Clerk
Age: 20
Date of Death: 26/07/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Thomas and Florence Allden of 9 Albion Street, Brierley Hill

Trooper Allden joined in December,
1916, the Household Battalion
attached to the second Life Guards,
being up until that time on the staff
of Barclays’s Bank at Dudley. He
underwent training at Windsor, and
in April last year, having obtained a
certificate for efficiency in bomb
throwing, proceeded to France. In
the early part of July he was seized
with trench fever, and on the 16th
of the month was invalided to
England suffering with pneumonia
and pleurisy and entered St Mark’s
College Hospital, Chelsea where he
remained for four months. During a
considerable portion of the time he
was at Chelsea, Trooper Allden lay in
a precarious condition, and his
mother remained there with him for
several weeks. In the middle of
October he was removed to his
home at Brierley Hill, and at the
time had apparently made some
progress, but a chest trouble arose,
and by direction of the military he
entered the Moxley Sanatorium,
and remained there until December
1st, when he again came to The
Hollies. In the spring there were
brighter prospects of returning
health, but unfortunately a relapse
occurred, and he gradually grew
worse. On Thursday last his medical
adviser (Dr Brooks) called Dr
Suckling of Birmingham, into
consultation, but all efforts were
unavailing, and death occurred early
the next morning, cutting off a
young life of much promise. County
Express 3rd August 1918.

Private William Askins

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: 38 Silver Street
Occupation: Railway navvy
Age: 22
Date of Death: 10/7/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

“Thirteen Precious Names”
MEMORIAL SERVICE AT BRIERLEY
HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
Thirteen soldiers who belonged to
Brierley HillBaptist Church or Sunday
School made the supreme sacrifice
in the war. A memorial service, held
on Sunday, was well attended, those
present including relatives of the
deceased soldiers. The service was
conducted by the Rev. C. J.
Gillingham (pastor); suitable hymns
were sung, and after the sermon the
organist (Miss Gauden) played “O
rest in the Lord,” the congregation
standing. The preacher thought it
very fitting to remember the others
from that church who had made the
great sacrifice. There were 13
precious names: William Askins,
Joseph Maiden, Daniel Plant, and
Thomas Crumpton, died 1916;
Reginald Cornford, Arthur
Pemberton, William Bradley, James
Plant, died 1917; H. Edwards, Joseph
Meese, Charles Parkes, T. Swayne,
Aubrey Maiden, died 1918. They
felt proud as a church that they had
had something to do in the rearing
up of young men with the sense of
duty. They all died for the
homeland, for liberty and for
righteousness. It was for all to live
true, and to value the peached that
had been purchased for them by the
blood of others - by the men who
died in faith.
County Express 17 May 1919
 Private Albert William Baker
Royal Marine Light Infantry 1st R.M. Bn. R.N.Div
Associated Address: 76 Level Street
Occupation:
Age: 19
Date of Death: 15/02/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Mrs. Rebecca Jones, of 106, Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Official news of the death in action
of Pte. A. W. Baker, of the Royal
Marines, has reached his mother,
Mrs. E. Jones, of 106 Level Street,
Brierley Hill. Pte Baker, who
enlisted when 18 years and three
months old, had been in France
nearly 18 months. He was formerly
employed at the Earl of Dudley’s Old
Level Works. Pte L. C. Taylor writes
to Mrs. Jones:- “I was a friend of
your son, and was near him when
he died; he suffered no pain. It
happened just before we went into
action. He was buried with two
other lads. He was a good solider,
and liked by everybody.”
County Express 17th March 1917

Private Fred Ball

Worcestershire Regiment 9th
Associated Address: 23 Sun Street
Occupation: Pit Bank Labourer
Age: 21
Date of Death: 07/01/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Country: Turkey

Private Joseph Barker

Durham Light Infantry 1/5th
Associated Address: 17 Cottage Street
Occupation: Bricklayers Labourer
Age: 36
Date of Death: 29/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: GLAGEON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Country: France
 Private Harold Barnbrook
South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: Chapel Street
Occupation: School
Age: 19
Date of Death: 19/11/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: SOLFERINO FARM CEMETERY Country: England

Grandson of Selina Maley, of 30, Chapel St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Private William H Barnsley

Royal Warwickshire Regiment 16th Battalion
Associated Address: 13 Stamford Road
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 02/11/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (SOUTH STREET) BAPTIST CHAPELYARD
Country: England

Son of Joseph Barnsley, of 36, Derry St., Brierley Hill.

The death of Pte. W. H. Barnsley,
aged 20, Royal Warwickshire Regt.,
nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
Barnsley, Derry Street, Brierley Hill,
occurred on Saturday week at the
K.L.M.C. Hospital, Blackpool, from
pneumonia. Before joining the army
deceased was employed by Messrs.
Samuel Taylor and Sons, Brettell
lane. He had served three and a half
years with the colours, and had seen
much active service in France,
where he had been gassed twice.
He was invalided home to Blackpool
with gas poisoning; pneumonia
supervened, and proved fatal. The
body was conveyed home from
Blackpool, and the funeral took
place at South Street Cemetery on
Saturday, with military honours.
County Express 16 Nov 1918

Corporal James Bayliss

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: 8 Chapel Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Iron Work Labourer
Age: 31
Date of Death: 01/10/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Husband of Agnes Bayliss, of I, B Court, Chapel St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Corpl. J. Bayliss, an old boy of
Brierley Hill Church of England
School, writing on August 10th to
Mr. Thomas Williams says - “What
surprised me most when I arrived in
France was seeing so much corn.
We marched about 100 miles and
never saw one piece of waste
ground. It was hard to believe that
not far away war was raging and so
many lives were being sacrificed.
When we got further up country the
wrecked houses and general ruins
were awful. If all the young men in
the old country could realise the
misery of the poor people here, and
the fiendish work of the dirty Huns
they would not stay at home a
moment. And I would like to add a
word on the question of workmen
striking in times like these; they are
doing more harm to us than the
Germans. These men ought to
change places with some of us here
for a month then they would know
who were suffering the most. I
should like to be doing my own
work again, but I think I am doing
better work here.
County Express 21 Aug 1915
 Private Harry Russell Bell
The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 7th
Associated Address: 140 High Street
Occupation: Draper Apprentice
Age: 21
Date of Death: 04/07/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: CAMBRIN MILITARY CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Amy Buckle, of 38, High St., Brierley Hill, Staffs, stepson of William
Buckle

DID HIS DUTY AND DIED AN HEROIC
DEATH - Information has been
received in Southport to the effect
that Pte Bell of the 7th King's
Liverpool Regt., has lost his life at
the front. He was one of the orderly
room staff and was killed by a shell
last Sunday. Prior to the outbreak of
was, Pte Bell was employed in the
Manchester department at
Broadbents Ltd, Chapel St . His
home was at Brierley Hill, Staffs, but
while in Southport he resided at 66
Manchester Rd. The following letter
from Sergt Griffiths has been
written to a friend, and was posted
to an address which was found on
Pte Bell's body. "I have a very hard
task to perform, Pte R Bell was killed
during heavy shelling on Sunday. It
may be some consolation to you he
did not suffer. He was buried with
his comrades who fell at the same
time, in a pretty spot at Cambrin."
Southport Visiter 10th July 1915

Private George Hubert Benton

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 3 Parkes Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Assistant Teacher
Age: 23
Date of Death: 13/04/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: NIEUWKERKE (NEUVE-EGLISE) CHURCHYARD Country:
Belgium

Son of George and Eliza Benton, of 6, William St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Lieut Col R Richmond Rayner,
Commanding the 5th South
Staffordshire Regiment, has written
to Mr George Benton as follows: “I
regret to inform you of the death of
your son, George Hubert Benton.
About midday on the 13th day shell
burst at the back of the trench
occupied by his platoon. He was at
work with a number of other men
filling sandbags, and a large piece of
shell struck him in the leg
completely shattering it. Every
possible attention was given to him,
and as soon as it was dark he was
taken down to the dressing station,
where the doctor made him as
comfortable as he could. Later on
that night he was taken in an
ambulance to the hospital, where it
was found necessary to amputate
the leg. During the operation he
passed away. He was buried in the
churchyard of the village close by.
We all grieve at his loss, for he was a
very useful soldier, and we hope you
will accept the sincere sympathy of
all his comrades in your sad
bereavement."
County Express 24 Apr 1915
 Private Wesley Billingham
South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 9 Holly Bush Street, Cradley Heath
Occupation: Iron Chain-Maker
Age: 22
Date of Death: 29/09/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: FOUQUIERES CHURCHYARD EXTENSION Country:
France

Son of Andrew and Emily Billingham of 9 Holly Bush Street, Cardley Heath

Private W Billingham writes: “I will
tell you about the battle of
Festubert. "Just as it broke daylight
the famous ’75 ‘guns broke the
silence; it was just like a roll of
thunder. They bombarded for about
an hour, smashing the German
trenches; then came the order down
our trenches to fix bayonets. Each
man stood waiting to mount the
parapet, and then the order came to
‘go'; and not a man hung back. Off
we went like madmen, and it was
not many minutes ere we had our
flag flying on the Germans’ first line
of trenches. After a short rest we
charged their second line of
trenches which we captured with
very few casualties, taking about
100 prisoners. It was not until the
second day of the battle that the
game really started. We were in the
third line of their trenches, and the
Germans has been strongly
reinforced during the night, getting
up their big guns. They bombarded
the positions we had captured. It
was the worst experience I have had
since I have been out here; they
never gave us a minute’s rest for a
day and a night. They sent a Johnson
over every other minute; it was
terrible to see chaps lying dead and
dying. We had no water for three
days, as it was taken up to the
wounded whom we could not move,
as they had with shells ploughed up
the road that led to the dressing
station. Scores died through our
inability to move them. I lost all my
pals through shellfire, thirteen were
killed, and a sergeant and I were
buried in debris.
County Express 19 June 1915

Private John Bernard Bishop

Durham Light Infantry 13th
Associated Address: Pear Tree Villa, Albion Street
Occupation: School
Age: 19
Date of Death: 08/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BEAUREVOIR BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Samuel Thomas and Hagar Bishop, of Pear Tree Villa, 6 Albion Street, Brierley
Hill, Staffs
 Private Joseph Bishop
North Staffordshire Regiment 2nd/5th
Associated Address: 45 High Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: General Servant, Domestic
Age: 25
Date of Death: 30/11/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL Country: France

Sergeant George Herbert Bissel

R.A.F. 22nd Squadron
Associated Address: 105 High Street, Amblecote
Occupation: School
Age: 19
Date of Death: 29/09/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. AUBERT BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mr. H. Bissel, of 105, High St., Amblecote, Stourbridge

Round Oak Observer Missing - Much
sympathy has been extended to Mr
and Mrs H Bissell, Round Oak,
whose son and only child, Sgt
Observer George Bissell, is reported
missing since September 29. Sgt
Bissell, who was only 19 last March,
joined up in February 1917 in the
Motor Transport from whence he
was transferred to the Rifle Brigade.
In February last, he was attached to
the Royal Air Force. Since crossing
over some two months ago, he has
had many thrilling experiences, and
his parents are daily awaiting some
news that will relieve their present
suspense.
County Express 02 November 1918

Private James Bowen

Worcestershire Regiment 1st
Associated Address: 13 North Street
Occupation: Collier Loader Below
Age: 29
Date of Death: 16/08/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY NO.3 Country:
Belgium

Son of Elijah and Rachel Bowen; husband of Amelia Bowen, of Brierley Hill,
Kingswinford, Staffs.

Mrs Bowen, of 45, Bromley Lane,
Pensnett, received information from
the War Office on Monday that her
husband, Private James Bowen, of
the Worcesters, died on Thursday
last week of wounds received
recently in action in France. The
deceased soldier, a son of Mr and
Mrs Elijah Bowen, 44, Bromley Lane,
joined the Army in the early stages
of the war, and had taken part in a
great deal of fighting on the
Western front. He leaves a widow
and three children. Prior to
enlisting, private Bowen was
employed as a loader at Mr
Ganner’s pit at Woodside.
County Express 25 August 1917
 Private Joseph Bradley
South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 5 Little Cottage Street
Occupation: Iron Pudler
Age: 28
Date of Death: 12/10/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY Country:
France

Son of William James and Zipporah Bradley, of Brierley Hill; husband of Edith
Maria Bradley, of 5, Little Cottage St., Brierley Hill.

Mrs Bradley, 5, Little Cottage Street,
Brierley Hill, received a telegram on
Monday stating that her husband,
Private Joseph Bradley, of the 1st
South Staffordshire Regiment has
been dangerously wounded in the
chest. Yesterday came a letter
saying he was progressing very
favourably. Private Bradley joined
the army on September 3 last year. -
County Express 02 October 1915 -
BRIERLEY HILL HERODIES OF
WOUNDS - Pte Jos. Bradley, of the
1st South Staffords, who we
reported last week as having been
wounded in the chest. His home is
at 5, Little Cottage Street. A later
telegram was received by Mrs.
Bradley on Monday to the effect
that her husband had died of
wounds. Since his enlistment Mrs
Bradley has not seen her husband.
County Advertiser 09 October 1915

Wireless Operator Arthur Clifford Bridgewater

Royal Navy HMS Blackmore-Vale
Associated Address: 23 High Street
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 01/05/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: AT SEA Country: At Sea

Son of Arthur Talbot, 57 High Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs and the later
Elzabeth Helena Bridgwater.

Lost in Minesweeper - Fate of operator on a mine sweeper. killed.” Wireless operator

Brierley Hill Youth - Much sympathy
will be extended to Mr. A. T.
Bridgwater, High Street, Brierley Hill,
who has received official notice of
the death of his son, Arthur Clifford
Bridgwater, who was a wireless
Yesterday morning the Secretary of
the Admiralty made the following
announcement.- “One of H.M. mine
sweepers struck a mine and sank on
May 1st. Three officers and 23 men
(including mercantile crew) were
Bridgwater was in his 20th year. His
brother Stanley is in training for the
same service.
County Express 11 May 1918
 Private George Harry Brooks
Cheshire Regiment 11th
Associated Address: 6 Level Street
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 20/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: TOURCOING (PONT-NEUVILLE) COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Country: France

Son of Ernest and Minnie Brooks of 76 Level Street Brierley Hill

Signaller Albert Edward Brown

Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 9 Albion Terrace
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 04/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Frederick James J Brown and Rose Brown of 25, Adelaide St, Brierley Hill,
Staffs

Brierley Hill Patriotic Family - Mr
and Mrs F. J. J. Brown, 25, Adelaide
Street, Brierley Hill, have, we regret
to learn, received official intimation
that their son, Signaller A. E. Brown,
of the Lincolnshire Regiment,
missing since October 4th last, is
reported to have been killed on that
date. The family have received a
message conveying the King’s
sympathy. Their eldest son, Pte. F.
Brown, also of the Lincolns, has just
been invalided from France, and is a
hospital in Manchester, suffering
from sever facial paralysis. Another
son is at home, having lost his right
arm in the war, and two more sons
are fighting in France. Signaller
Brown was a much liked member of
Albion Street Young Men’s Bible
Class, and he is the third of the
members to make the supreme
sacrifice.
County Express 3rd August 1918

Private Frank Bryce

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 104 High Street
Occupation: Glass Cutter
Age: 20
Date of Death: 13/10/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France
Son of Arthur and Lucy Bryce, of 2, Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

News of the death of Pte. Frank W.
Bryce was conveyed yesterday
morning in a letter received by his
parents, Mr and Mrs A. Bryce, 2,
Level Street, Brierley Hill. The letter
was from a Pte. George McMeeking,
who, writing from Rouen Hospital,
stated:- “I regret to inform you of
the death of your so, Pte, F. W.
Bryce. I was in the regiment which
relieved the 5th South Staffords and
in going into one of our old trenches
I came across his body. There are a
small book and some photographs,
all of which you can have if you care
to. You have my greatest sympathy
in your great loss.” The photographs
included one of Pte. Bryce’s mother
and one of his fiancée. Pte Bryce
would have reached his 21st
birthday next week, and he had
papers in his pockets granting him a
short furlough. Prior to the war he
was a glass cutter at Messrs.
Stevens and Williams’ Glass Works.
County Express 23 Oct 1915
 Private Joseph David Bull
Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) 3/4th
Associated Address: 4 High Street
Occupation: Hairdressers Assistant
Age: 21
Date of Death: 04/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bull, of 7, High St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

BRIERLEY HILL MAN MISSING - Mr
and Mrs Bull, of 7, High Street,
Brierley Hill, have received news
from The Records Officer that their
eldest son, J. D. Bull of Queen’s
Royal West Surrey Regiment was
wounded and missing, believed
prisoner of war, on October 4th.
Pte Bull is only 19 years of age, and
much sympathy has been expressed
by anxious friends and relatives. -
County Express 17 November 1917 -
Private Joseph D Bull, 204857, A
COMPANY, 1 Platoon, 3/4 Bat.
Queen’s Royal West Surreys, France,
was reported wounded and missing
on October 4th 1917 in the Polygon
Wood Battle. Any information
concerning him will be greatly
welcomed by his anxious parents,
Mr and Mrs Bull, 7, High Street,
Brierley Hill, Staffs.
County Express 23 February 1918

Private Thomas George Campion

King's (Liverpool) Regiment 13th
Associated Address: Fenton Street
Occupation: Miner
Age: 28
Date of Death: 12/12/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: FAVREUIL BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Husband of Mrs Campion of Fenton Street, Brierley Hill and father to three
children

Brierley Hill Miner Falls In Action -
Mrs Campion, of Fenton Street,
Brierley Hill, has received official
news of the death of her husband,
Private Thomas George Campion, in
action in France. Prior to enlisting
the deceased soldier was a miner,
and worked at the Cuckoo Pits, Mill
Street. He was 28 years of age, and
leaves a widow and three children.
Lieut. Dawson in his letter to the
bereaved wife says: “It is with the
greatest feelings of regret that I
have to inform you that your
husband was killed in action on
December 12th. He was hit by a
shell in the front-line trench and
was killed instantaneously. Private
Campion was always one of the
most cheerful and obliging men in
the company, and his loss will be felt
very much by all the officers and
men. It was during a heavy
bombardment of our lines previous
to an attack by the enemy, when all
my men were ‘standing to’ on the
fire step, that your husband, with
several other men of the platoon,
were killed and wounded.”
County Express 12 Jan 1918
Private Thomas Cartwright
Worcestershire Regiment 3rd
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age: 19
Date of Death: 15/10/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: GUARDS CEMETERY, WINDY CORNER, CUINCHY
Country: France

Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cartwright, of 6, Bell Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs

Private William Nebo Cartwright

South Staffordshire Regiment 3rd Special Reserve
Associated Address: 69 The Delph
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 08/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: PLYMOUTH (EFFORD) CEMETERY Country: England

Husband of Mrs. Cartwright, of 69, Delph, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Private James Cartwright

Worcestershire Regiment 3rd
Associated Address: 6, Bell Street
Occupation:
Age: 32
Date of Death: 12/11/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: PROWSE POINT MILITARY CEMETERY Country:
Belgium

Mr F. Cartwright of 6, Bell St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

 Sergeant John Thomas Cartwright
Grenadier Guards 3rd Battalion
Associated Address: 2 Little Cottage Street
Occupation: Steel worker
Age: 28
Date of Death: 27/07/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY Country: France

Son of John and Harriet Cartwright

Brierley Hill Grenadier Falls.
Splendid Tribute from His Captain -
Official intelligence has reached Mrs
J Cartwright, 2, Little Cottage Street,
Brierley Hill, that her husband, Sgt
John Cartwright, of the Grenadier
Guards, died of wounds in France on
July 27th. Sgt Cartwright was in the
reserve at the outbreak of war,
having served three years with the
colours and five of his nine years in
the reserves. He went out to the
Western front on August 5th, 1914,
and with the exception of a short
period of leave served there
continuously until wounded just
before July 27th. This was the first
occasion in his long period of active
service that the gallant soldier met
with mishap. Prior to the war he was
working at Round Oak Steel Works.
He was a well-known local athlete,
and played for the Earl of Dudley’s
Football Club. Sgt Cartwright was
also a smart boxer, and in both
these branches of sport was
prominent in the Guards’
battalion.The first intimation and
that Mrs Cartwright had of the
unfortunate occurrence was a letter
addressed from the 3rd Canadian
Gen Hospital from the chaplain,
informing her that her husband was
hit in the spine by shrapnel, and that
an operation was performed
successfully. Another letter followed
quickly conveying the sad
intelligence that he had passed
away, and that he was buried in the
Boulogne British Cemetery. Capt
Craige writing to Mrs Cartwright: –
"He was immensely popular in the
company as well as in the battalion,
and his platoon worshipped him."
County Express 11th of August 1917

Private Enoch Cartwright

Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) 10th
Associated Address: 64 Station Road Brockmoor
Occupation: Mill labourer
Age: 19
Date of Death: 13/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: MONTIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY, NORD Country:
France

Son of Alfred and Phoebe Cartwright

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER KILLED –
Pte. Enoch Cartwright, aged 19, son
of Mr. and Mrs. A. Cartwright, 53,
Parkes Street, Brierley Hill, had died
from gunshot wounds on the 13th
October at the 53rd Field
Ambulance. He belonged to the
10th Notts and Derby. He sustained
fractures of the right leg, and the
right hip and the left arm, and died a
few hours after admission to the
hospital, according to a letter
received from the chaplain
yesterday. He formerly worked at
the Old Level Works, and had been
in the army over two years.
County Advertiser 02 November
1918
 Private John Herbert Casserley
Worcestershire Regiment 10th
Associated Address: 56 Dudley Road
Occupation: Helping Art Metal Fitter
Age: 23
Date of Death: 18/11/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY, RICHEBOURG-L'AVOUE
Country: France

Son of John and Sabina Casserley, of 113 Dudley Road, Brierley Hill

BRIERLEY HILL HERO FALLS IN
ACTION - Official intimation was
received last Friday by Mr. and Mrs.
J. Casserley, of 113, Dudley Road,
Brierley Hill, that their son, Private
Herbert Casserley, of the 10th
Worcesters, was killed in action in
France on November 18th. The
deceased hero was only 23 years
old, and joined the forces on
September last year with three
workshop mates at Messrs. Hill &
Smith’s, Ltd., Hart’s Hill. It is a sad
fact that of these one was killed and
the other two wounded. Pte.
Casserley went into the trenches on
July 8th this year. He was an old
scholar at Bank Street Wesleyan
Sunday School. Amongst the letters
received from the front was one
from his Lieutenant and another
from a comrade, the former paying
high tribute of praise to the bravery
of the young hero, who he said was
always one of the first to volunteer
for any dangerous mission. The
comrade stated that Pte. Casserley
was killed whilst leaving the trench
to go into the communication
trench, a bullet penetrating his lung,
and he died instantly. He is buried
in one of the cemeteries at the back
of the firing line.
County Advertiser 11 Dec 1915

L/Corporal Bertie Chamberlain

Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 82 Moor Street
Occupation: Iron Moulder
Age: 29
Date of Death: 20/03/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: CORBIE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Alfred and Alice Chamberlain of Brierley Hill, Staffordshire; husband

of Lucy Symonds, of 239, Munition Houses, Birmingham Road, Dudley,
Worcester

Private Chamberlain, of the Royal hospital treatment, is at his home, County Express 05 September 1915
Welsh, who was severely wounded 88, Moor Street, Brierley Hill, on a
in April, and has been since under few days leave.
 Private Samuel Clarke
South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: 17 Brickkiln Street
Occupation: Scholar
Age: 42
Date of Death: 10/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Thomas and Ann Maria Clarke

PRIVATE SAMUEL CLARKE, killed in after a grand attack by our was found and buried. He was well
France on July 10th. - In a letter to company, and we have learned liked, and will be much missed by
Mrs Clarke, Sgt W.H.Green, South since that he was killed whilst his company.”
Staffords, says: – “He was missing bravely doing his duty. The body County Express 30 September 1916

Sergeant William Henry Collins

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: Rosendale, Trinity Street
Occupation: Glass Cutter
Age: 28
Date of Death: 13/10/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Thomas and Mary Collins, of 28, Trinity St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

“WAITED FOR DEATH” ANOTHER Collins said the explosion was

BRIERLEY HILL SERGEANT HOME -
Another Brierley Hill soldier who
came home on leave this week is
Sergt. Collins, of Adelaide Street,
who gave an interesting account of
his experiences. Nearly every house
in the street displayed a flag to
welcome Sergt. Collins home.
Speaking of Ypres, Sergt. Collins
said: “It must have been a fine place
once - massive white buildings,
ideally situated, but now a heap of
ruins. When you consider that a 17
inch shell will make a hole in the
ground as big as an average sized
dining room, you will have some
idea of the consequences of daily
shelling on a town.” Describing the
explosion of a land mine Sergt.
preceded by a rumbling noise
accompanied by earth shaking like
an earthquake. Immediately after
the explosion both sides indulged in
rapid firing, with a view to “picking
off’ men whose cover had been
destroyed. During the last days in
the trenches Sgt. Collins went to ask
for leave from an officer who had
his dug-out in the woods. Whilst in
the dug-out three shells dropped in
quick succession a few yards away.
“I waited for death with my arms to
my face, crouching up a corner. It
completely shattered my nerves.
Lumps of shell struck the side of the
dug-out, but I came out safe.” -
County Advertiser 04 September
1915
Brierley Hill Sergeant Killed - Official
news has reached Mrs Collins,
Adelaide Street, Brierley Hill, this
week that her son, Sgt W. Collins, of
the South Staffords, was killed in
France on October 13th last. This
was the day upon which was
launched the great and successful
attack against the Hohenzollern
Redoubt, in the charge many local
Territorials were killed and
wounded. Sgt Collins was reported
to have been wounded and
removed to hospital, but no official
information was obtainable until the
sad news came through this week.
County Express 29 April 1916
 Private Herbert Cook
Machine Gun Corps Infantry
Associated Address: 15 Fenton Street
Occupation: Clerk Junior Officer
Age: 23
Date of Death: 19/07/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: FOUQUIERES CHURCHYARD EXTENSION Country: France

Son of James and Amy Cook, of 54, Moor Street, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Brierley Hill Territorial’s Death. - Mr
and Mrs James Cook, Moore Street,
Brierley Hill, have received official
information from the Machine Gun
Records Office that their son,
Private Herbert Cook, formerly of
the Brierley Hill Territorials, was
killed in action in France on July
19th. Enclosed was a message of
sympathy from the King and Queen,
and the regrets of the Army Council
at the soldier’s death in his
country’s service. Private Cook, who
was 22 years of age last March, was
a young boy of fine physique, and
was well-known and highly
respected. For some time he was a
member of St Michael’s band of bell
ringers and a member of the town
fire brigade. He mobilised with E
Company at the outbreak of war,
and had been in France upwards of
two years. In reply to a letter of
enquiry by the Rev HW Jones, rector
of Brierley Hill, the Rev H Coulthurst,
chaplain to the Forces, writes:
“Unfortunately there is no doubt
that the man I buried is the son of
Mr and Mrs Cook, of Brierley Hill. He
was, I understand, killed by a shell
while travelling up the road carrying
rations to his comrades in one of the
battery positions." Private Herbert
Cook’s last letter to his bereaved
parents was on July 18, the day
before his death.
County Express 10th of August 1918

Sapper Reginald "Rex" Maxwell Couper

Royal Engineers Cavalry corps signal
Associated Address: High Street
Occupation: Stage Manager
Age: 33 Date of Death: 05/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: WAVANS BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France
Son of Frederick and Olivia L. Couper, of 28, Wilton Rd., Upper Shirley,
Southampton.

Death of Sapper R. M. Couper -
Sapper Rex Couper was before the
outbreak of war stage manager at
the hall, and was very much liked by
all. Rex saw a great deal of fighting
on the Western front. At the
opening of this month he suffered
from illness which necessitated his
removal into a casualty clearing
station in France, where he passed
away on the 5th. inst. The sad
intelligence was communicated to
Mrs Couper, senior, in a letter
written by the chaplain: –"I had
seen him and spoken to him many
times since he had first been
brought in here almost a week
before, and I asked him at the
beginning whether he would like me
to write home for him, but he said
he did not want anyone else to
write, as he was afraid you would be
anxious about him if you thought he
could not write himself. He was
thought to have influenza when he
came into hospital and his head was
bad all the time, and he was very
drowsy, so that the pain was not so
bad. However, we did not think he
was dangerously ill, and the evening
before his death, when I spoke to
him for the last time, he said he was
feeling all right. Yesterday when the
patients in the ward were getting
their dinner he told the sister he
would like a little presently, so they
put it on a little table by his bed.
About two minutes afterwards he
suddenly became very ill, and they
sent straight for the doctor, but it
was too late – he had passed away.
There has been a sudden rush of
blood to the head, which was
unexpected. I am very sorry for
your sake that it was so sudden, and
that I was unable to see him alive
again. But I just said a prayer there,
and commended his soul to God.
County Express 24 August 1918
 Private William James Cox
South Staffordshire Regiment 2/6th (T.F.)
Associated Address: Unicorn Inn, Brettell Lane
Occupation: Assistant sanitry inspector
Age: 23
Date of Death: 23/09/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Richard and Menorah Bourne Cox, of The Mount, Brettell Lane,
Stourbridge.

Brierley Hill Official Killed. ‘A
Steady and Hard-Working Lad ‘ -
The sad news has reached Mr and
Mrs Richard Cox, of the Mount,
Brettell Lane, that their only son,
Private William J Cox, of the South
Staffords, has been killed in action.
Private Cox, who was 23 years old,
was a young gentleman with
excellent prospects. After receiving
his elementary education at Moor
Street Council schools, he was for
some time at Mr Johnson’s Private
School at Wolverhampton. Later he
was articled to Mr Smith, sanitary
inspector to Bromsgrove Rural
Council, and at the completion of his
articles was appointed assistant to
Mr J Yorke, the Brierley Hill sanitary
inspector. Whilst in this position he
enlisted on February 1st, 1916, the
day following the first Zeppelin raid
over the Midlands. He went to
Ireland during the rebellion, and in
February last proceeded to France.
County Express 06 October 1917

Sapper William Henry Culshaw

Corps of Royal Engineers
Associated Address: Plants Hollow, Brettell Lane
Occupation: Fire Clay Banksman Above Ground
Age: 38
Date of Death: 15/06/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: KEMMEL CHATEAU MILITARY CEMETERY Country:
Belgium

Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Culshaw, of Brierley Hill; husband of Elsie Culshaw, of
2, Plants Hollow, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, Staffs.
 Private David Culshaw
Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Associated Address: 86 Delph
Occupation: Assistant Teacher, Mount Pleasant School
Age: 19
Date of Death: 14/07/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BARD COTTAGE CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Son of Lewis and Sarah E. Culshaw, of 95, Delph, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Delph Teacher’s Supreme Sacrifice.
- The sympathy of all in Brierley Hill
and district will be extended to Mr
and Mrs Culshaw, 95, the Delph,
Brierley Hill, who on Monday
received official news of the death
in France of their son, Private David
Culshaw, who attained his 19th
birthday in May. At the time of his
enlistment he was an assistant
teacher in the Mount Pleasant
Council Schools, Quarry Bank. He
was a brilliant scholar in this school,
and gained a scholarship at Dudley
Grammar School, where he proved
himself a very successful student,
passing with honours in the
University examinations, and being
placed top of the Midland circuit in
his year. From the Grammar School
he was appointed a student teacher
at Mount Pleasant under Mr William
E Hunt, the headmaster. In the
teaching profession he showed
remarkable ability, and had the
promise of a brilliant career. He
went to the Western front
immediately after Easter, and fell in
the first action in which he took
part. Mr Hunt, on behalf of his staff,
school, and himself forwarded, upon
learning the official news, a letter of
sympathy and condolences to the
bereaved parents, and this has been
acknowledged.
County Express 04 August 1917

Private Joseph Darby

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 16 Brickkiln Street
Occupation: Iron Work Labourer
Age: 34
Date of Death: 16/04/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: Country: France

Son of Sandis and Emma Jane Darby, of Wordsley, Staffs; husband of Phoebe
Kemp (formerly Darby), of 8, Fenton St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Private Joseph Davies

Worcestershire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: Bank Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation:
Age: 28
Date of Death: 21/10/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: Country: Belgium

Son of David and Sarah Davies, of The Green, Wordsley, Stourbridge, Worcs.;
husband of Lydia Dingley (formerly Davies), of 73, Bank St., Brierley Hill,
Staffs.
 Private Charles Edward Dovey
Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment) 4th
Associated Address: High Street, Quarry Bank
Occupation: School/Newsboy
Age: 18
Date of Death: 12/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ANZAC CEMETERY, SAILLY-SUR-LA-LYS Country: France

Son of Joseph and Rosannah Dovey, of 35, High St., Quarry Bank, Brierley
Hill, Staffs.

Private Isaac Henry Duncombe

South Staffordshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: Church Street
Occupation: Deck Porter
Age: 25
Date of Death: 19/06/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: CAMBRIN MILITARY CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mr and Mrs Duncombe of Dudley Road, Brierley Hill

LIKE A SOLDER AND A MAN -
Unofficial information in the shape
of two letters from comrades has
been received this week in Brierley
Hill that Private Isaac Henry
Duncombe, of the 2/7th South
Staffords, has been killed in action.
Private Duncombe, who was but 23
years old, leaves a young wife to
mourn her great loss. The young
hero joined the forces in August,
and has been on active service
about seven months. It is a
touching incident that, according to
the information sent by two of his
comrades, Private Duncombe
received his fatal hit on his 23rd
birthday (June 21st). The letters
received were as follows:-Private E.
Jones on the 2nd South Staffords, a
Brierley Hill Territorial, writes: “We
have been bomb throwing the the
battle of Festubert, and we had very
bad luck. We had Isaac Duncombe
killed. He is a brother of Mrs.
Cooper, at the Vine, Hart’s Hill. Tell
her not to worry. He died with a
smile on his face, and we laid him to
rest just at the back of the firing
line, and I got a few wild flowers and
put on his grave. He died like a
soldier and a man, doing his duty for
King and country, like everyone who
is fighting.” Private Will Till, also a
local Territorial, writes, “A Brierley
Hill chap name Duncombe, who
used to work at Marsh’s factory was
killed yesterday. I was only speaking
to him a few minutes before he met
with his death, poor chap.” It is
evidence of the patriotism of the
Duncombe family that no few than
25 of its members are in France or in
training. Mrs. Duncombe has two
sons in France, whilst her youngest,
Private George Duncombe, of the
Worcesters, is still in training.
County Advertiser 03 July 1915
 Gunner Ernest Dunn
Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery
Associated Address: 88 Moor Street
Occupation: Brick worker
Age: 21
Date of Death: 31/05/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE Country:
France

Son of Ezra and Eliza Dunn of Moor Street, Brierley Hill

The parents of Gunner E Dunn,
reported wounded on May 30th are
anxious to learn news of their son.
Their home is at 76 Moor Street,
Brierley Hill. - County Express 20
July 1918 - Brierley Hill Gunner’s
Death - Mr and Mrs Ezra Dunn, 76,
Moor Street, Brierley Hill, have
received intimation that their
younger son, Gunnar Ernest Dunn,
RFA, has died from wounds received
in action. A letter received from the
Records Office stated that the death
of Gnr. Dunn occurred in France on
May 31,1918, from wounds received
in action. Mr and Mrs Dunn have
been kept in suspense since May 22,
when they received their son’s last
letter home. They first heard that he
had been wounded and in hospital,
but hospital unknown. The Rector of
Brierley Hill (the Rev HW Jones)
interested himself in the case, and
on September 9 he received
intimation from the War Office in
reply to an enquiry addressed to the
British Red Cross Society, but it was
reported from the base that he had
been missing since May 30, 1918,
the date on which he was wounded.
It now seems that Gnr Dunn died on
his 21st birthday. He joined the
Army on September 1st, 1916, and
went to France after 10 weeks
training. He had been wounded at
Easter 1917. Prior to joining the
forces, he was employed at the
Moor Street Works of the
Stourbridge Glazed Brick Company.
County Express 12 October 1918

L/Corporal Albert V Edmunds

Worcestershire Regiment 10th
Associated Address: 28 Church Street
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Benjamin and Susannah Edmunds

 Corporal Ernest Osborne Edwards
South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Service Battalion
Associated Address: 94 Level Street
Occupation: Blacksmith
Age: 27
Date of Death: 15/12/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: AZMAK CEMETERY, SUVLA Country: Turkey

Son of John Henry and Jane Edwards, of 22, Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Cpl E. O. Edwards of the 7th South enlisted with Kitchener’s Army in in the Dardanelles on December
Staffs whose home was at Level September, 1914, and went on 15th.
Street, Brierley Hill. A blacksmith in active service in June. He was killed County Express 29 January 1916
the employ of the Earl of Dudley, he

Corporal William Evan Edwards

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: 27 Pearson Street
Occupation: Engine Driver
Age: 26
Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Edgar W. Edwards, of 65, Pearson St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

Wounded and Missing: W. E. Edwards, of Pearson Street, who for the Machine Gun Section of the
Edwards 1261 County Express 14 two years has been in the army, is South Staffs.
Oct 1916 - Sad Report - Corpl. W. E. this week reported killed. He was in County Advertiser 19 May 1917
 L/Sergeant Charles William Everiss
Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 79 Ada Road, Smethwick
Occupation: Barns Boy
Age: 19
Date of Death: 30/11/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Charles Everiss, of I, Sutton Rd., Kidderminster, Worcs.

Sergt W. Everiss - Mrs B. Millward,
10, Harding Street, Smethwick
writes as follows:- "It has been
officially reported that No 12140,
Sergt, W. Everiss, was killed in action
on 30th November, 1916. He had
nearly seven years’ service, and was
one of the first to land in the
Dardanelles, coming with his
regiment (the 4th Worcesters) from
India. He was twice wounded, and
lay in the Alexandrea Hospital four
or five months. At the evacuation of
Gallipoli he was transferred to
France, where he was wounded
twice. He was recommended for
the Military Medal for conspicuous
bravery on the field, and I received
the same last week from his
regimental officer, Warwick. I also
received a letter from his platoon
commander (Lieut. Rance), who says
that, besides winning the Military
Medal, He had distinguished himself
on a patrol the night before his
death. Previous to enlisting, he
worked at Allen Everitt’s, Bridge
Street, Smethwick. –
Smethwick Telephone

Stoker Thomas Harold Fereday

Royal Navy
Associated Address: Argyle House, Trinity Street
Occupation: Iron worker rolling mills
Age: 26
Date of Death: 22/09/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL Country: England

Son of Mr and Mrs Fereday, Argyll House, Trinity St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

Local Sailors in the Disaster. - There
are fears that Harold Fereday, a
naval reservist, whose home is at
Argyle House, Trinity Street, Brierley
Hill, was on the “Hogue,” one of the
three British cruisers sunk in the
North Sea. The family have the
impression that the cruiser their son
was on was the “Hague”, but no
ship in the Fleet has that name.
Fereday was, prior to the war,
employed at the Earl of Dudley’s
Ironworks. In his last letter received
a few days ago, he wrote: – “I shall
be glad when this is all over. Just
fancy, five weeks, and I have not
had an all night’s sleep yet; it is all
work here. I am pleased to say I am
still alive and kicking.” County
Express 26 September 1914 - ON A
SUNKEN CRUISER Brierley Hill Stoker
on the Hogue -On the armoured
cruiser HMS Hogue, one of the three
victims to the attack by German
submarines on Tuesday, was Stoker
Harold Fereday of Trinity Street,
Brierley Hill.His relatives were
naturally very anxious on hearing of
the disaster, and the anxiety was
deepened by a paragraph which
appeared in an evening paper to the
effect that one of his Dudley friends
had received an intimation that it
was feared he had gone down with
the boat. This was published on
Wednesday, but on Thursday
morning no official communication
had been received as to his fate.The
young man was a fine specimen of
the British Tar when he left home at
a few hours notice on bank holiday.
Twenty five years old, and standing
over 6 feet tall, he is the only son of
Thomas Fereday, who is employed
at the Level Furnaces. He completed
his term of service last February,
and came home, and during his stay
in Brierley Hill was at work at the
Old Level Works of the Earl of
Dudley. “He had always a bright
smile for everybody,” said a relative
and it was with much apprehension
that further information about him
was awaited.
County Advertiser 26 September
1914
 L/Corporal John Thomas Fletcher
Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) 1st
Battalion
Associated Address: Ryland Crescent, Nottingham
Occupation: Boiler maker
Age: 32
Date of Death: 12/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: MERVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mr and Mrs. W. T. Fletcher, 89 Fenton Street and husband of A.

Fletcher, of 33, Granville Avenue, Long Eaton, Nottingham.

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER DIES OF
WOUNDS - The news has reached
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T.
Fletcher, who reside at 89, Fenton
Street, Brierley Hill, that their son,
Lance-Corpl. J. T. Fletcher, has
succumbed to wounds recently
received in action. Lance Corpl.
Fletcher, who was an employee of
the Midland Railway Company has
been residing at Nottingham for
several years, and was a member of
the Notts and Derbyshire National
Reserve.In September he went to
complete his training at Plymouth
and was drafted to the front in
November with the Sherwood
Foresters. During his exciting
experiences in the trenches he was
once slightly wounded. He took
part in the memorable battle at
Neuve Chapelle, a souvenir of which
he sent to his wife. Fletcher was
engaged on the headquarters staff,
and whilst on his way back to the
trenches received the wounds which
have proved fatal. He died in the
6th Charing Cross Hospital Station.
The deceased soldier, who leaves a
widow and three children, was a
native of Brierley Hill, and as a boy
attended the Moor Street Schools.
County Advertiser 22 May 1915

Private Isaac Edward Fletcher

London Regiment 14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish)
Associated Address: 38 High Street
Occupation: Iron worker
Age: 19 Date of Death: 05/09/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: LAGNICOURT HEDGE CEMETERY Country: France
Son of Mr and Mrs Adam Fletcher, 35, West End, Brierley Hill

PTE. I. E. FLETCHER, BRIERLEY HILL -
Our readers will learn with deep
regret of the death of Pte Isaac
Edward Fletcher of the 1st London
Scottish Regiment, and son of Mr.
and Mrs. Adman Fletcher, of 35,
West End, Brierley Hill, which took
place in a hospital in France on the
6th instant.He joined the Army in
October of last year, and went to
France in March. He was
educatedat the Moor Street Council
School and afterwards worked at
the Earl of Dudley’s Works. He was
also a member of the Brierley Hill
Troop of Boy Scouts. A letter from
Sergeant R. Glen Kerr, of the 16th
Platoon, D Company, states:- “It is
with the deepest regret that I have
to inform you of the death from
wounds of your son Isaac. He was
hit by a piece of shell on the
morning of the 5th inst., and died
shortly afterwards. Having been his
platoon sergeant almost from the
time he joined this battalion, I am
well able to realise the extent of
your loss. Always cheery and
willing, he was admitted by all, and
his many pals join with me in
offering you our very deepest
sympathy.” Second Lieut. T. V.
Barford, of the same company and
platoon, writes: “....He was hit
yesterday morning, and died
immediately on reaching the
dressing station without having
regained consciousness. Everything
possible was done for him, but from
the first his case was hopeless. I am
glad to say he suffered no pain. I
cannot tell you how greatly I
sympathise with you, for he was a
splendid type of young Briton,
always ready and willing to do his
share, and more if needs be...” A
letter dated September 8th, from
Pte. S. Percival, “his old friend,” say
that Pte Fletcher was just drawing
breakfast when a shell came over
and a piece hit him in the back,
going right through him. He was
immediately taken to the hospital,
but after gaining admittance he
passed away peacefully. He was
buried in the evening by some of his
comrades, including the writer of
the letter, the last rites being
pronounced by their Padre. Pte.
Percival closed by sympathising with
the parents.
County Advertiser 15 September
1917
Private Edward Foley
Foresters 11th
Associated Address: 76 Oakeywell Street, Dudley
Occupation: General Labourer
Age: 36
Date of Death: 28/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Mrs Edith Foley, Harts Hill, Woodside

Private Lewis Gennard

Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: Potter Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Iron Work Handler
Age: 22
Date of Death: 18/10/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: BANCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gennard, of 3, Potter St., Brierley Hill, Staffs;
husband of Harriett Raker (formerly Gennard), of 27, Botts Lane, Lye,
Stourbridge, Worcs.

Private John Thomas Gill

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 44 Fenton Street
Occupation: Glass hand server
Age: 20
Date of Death: 23/06/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: FONCQUEVILLERS MILITARY CEMETERY Country:
France

Son of John Thomas and Mary Emily Gill, of 30, Fenton St., Brierley Hill,
Staffs.
 Private John William Gill
South Staffordshire Regiment 2/6th (T.F.)
Associated Address: 12 Bull Street
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of John and Harriet Gill, of 48, Bull St., Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Pt. John W. Gill, France - "Whilst we
are fighting the battles for right and
freedom from the menace of a
tyrant enemy, it is nice to know that
my kinsfolk are thinking of me and
others. I pray that God in His
goodness will soon crown our
untiring efforts with success, and
this terrible war brought to a
successful end." County Express 05
January 1918
Soldiers Welcomed Home - On
Wednesday a social evening was
held at Silver Street Primitive
Methodist School to welcome back
the lads from the Army to the school
and church. A capital tea was
provided by Mr. and Mrs. A. Wilkes,
to which about 60 sat down. The
evening’s proceedings were
presided over by Mr. A. Wilkes.
Mrs. M. P. Pearce sang “Home,
sweet home,” and also gave two
pianoforte solos. The Rev. M. P.
Pearce and Mr. H. Dodd gave short
addresses, and a vote of of
sympathy was passed with Mr. and
Mrs. J. Gill and family whose only
son Jack has been missing since
March 21st 1918, and also with Mr.
and Mrs. J. Cartwright and family,
who have lost their son Ben at the
war. Pte. Albert Tompkins suitably
replied for the lads that are safe
back from the war, and made
special reference to Jack Gill, as he
was the last from the church to see
him on the battlefield. The lads who
are still serving and their parents
were not forgotten, and it was the
wish of all that they would soon be
back home.
County Express 05 April 1919

Joseph Goodhead
RAMC
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death:
Cemetery/Memorial: Country: Not known
 Private John George Gordon
Honourable Artillery Company (Infantry)
Associated Address: 45 Belle Vue, Wordsley
Occupation: Telegraph Messenger
Age: 20
Date of Death: 15/05/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Noah and Esther Emma Gordon, of "Honeybourne," Moor Lane,

Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Three Office Chums Fall. Sad News
at Brierley Hill - The distressing
intelligence has reached their
parents the three office chums of
the Round Oak Works, Brierley Hill,
who joined the Hon. Artillery
Company in the first week of
January last, and proceeded
together with their company to
France nine weeks ago, have all paid
the supreme sacrifice. So far the
news has not been announced by
the War Office, but the fact that in
two instances it has been sent by an
officer of the regiment in which they
served leaves no doubt of its
authenticity. The young men are
private John Gordon, aged 20, the
only child of Mr and Mrs N Gordon,
Moor Lane, Pte. Norman Price, son
of Mrs Price, Fenton Street, Brierley
Hill, and private John Colley, of
Summer Street, Kingswinford. Pte.
Colley was said to have fallen some
three weeks ago and in a letter
dated May 11 Pte. Gordon wrote to
an office friend at Round Oak: “I am
going to fight on to avenge his
death.” Only a fortnight previously
private Gordon had received a slight
wound during a heavy British attack
in the great advance. He shortly
returned to the front line, and on
May 14 he and Private Price, who
was next to him, were at dawn
instantly killed by a German shell.
The news of the fate of these three
clerks has cast quite a gloom over
the staff of Round Oak offices.
County Express 26 May 1917

Gunner Frederick Ernest Gould

Royal Garrison Artillery 123rs Siege Bty
Associated Address: Church View, Bank Street
Occupation: Printers Machinist
Age: 25
Date of Death: 12/11/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN Country:
France

Husband of Mabel Gould, of 10 Prince St., Netherton, Dudley, Worcs

 Private Ernest Grazier
South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: Albert Place, Pearson Street
Occupation: Factory Labourer
Age: 21
Date of Death: 18/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of L. Isaac and Sebra Grazier, of 170, Moor St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

BRIERLEY HILL MAN REPORTED KILLED
- No fewer than four letters have been
received in Brierley Hill from the front
stating that Private Ernest Grazier, of
the South Staffords, whose mother
resides at 170 Moor Lane, has been
killed in action; but at the time of
writing Mrs. Grazier has received no
official confirmation of the fact.
Private Grazier enlisted in September,
and went to the from a short time ago.
One of his brothers, who recently
returned from Serbia, has gone to
France, whilst another brother is now
in training in Surrey. Usually Mrs.
Grazier has received two letters a week
from her son Ernest, but has not heard
form him for the last fortnight. -
County Advertiser 25 May 1915 - Pte
Ernest Grazier of the 1st South
Staffords, son of Mrs Grazier, Moor
Lane, Brierley Hill, was killed in action
on May 16th. - County Express 21 June
1919 - Brierley Hill Soldier’s Death-
Official News has been received by Mrs
Grazier, Moor Lane, Brierley Hill, of the
death, in action at Festubert on May
1…of her son, Pte, Ernest Grazier.
When war broke out, Pte. Ernest
Grazier was employed by Messrs.
Marsh and Baxter Ltd. He enlisted in
the 4th South Staffords, and after
being transferred to the 1st Battalion
was sent to the front. His two
brothers, who were members of the
Brierley Hill Fire Brigade, are also
rendering national service. Isaac
served for several months as an orderly
in the military hospital at Uskub,
Servia, and upon returning to England
a few weeks ago proceeded with a Red
Cross party for service in France.
Another brother, Harry, is undergoing
military training.
County Express 19 Jun 1915

Private George Harry Grazier

South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Service Battalion
Associated Address: Albert Place, Pearson Street
Occupation: Assisting in business
Age: 21
Date of Death: 13/11/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No.2 Country: France

Son of Mr. and Mrs. I. S. Grazier, of 170, Moor St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Private George H. Grazier, War
Hospital Whitchurch:- Please thank the
inhabitants of Brierley Hill for their
kindness. I’m pleased to say I have
recovered from my wounds. I have to
thank God for deliverance from that
awful struggle of August 9 with those
terrible Turks. I was fighting alongside
Brierley Hill comrades, and I’m sorry to
say they were shot and will never see
their dear homes again. County
Express 08 January 1916
Brierley Hill Fire Man Killed. News
reached his parents’ home, Moor Lane,
Brierley Hill, on Sunday, from the War
Office, that their son, Pte Harry
Grazier, who was reported missing on
the Western front last November, is
now presumed to have been killed.
This is the second son of the family to
have fallen. Pte Harry Grazier had
twice been wounded. He was an
enthusiastic member of Brierley Hill
Fire Brigade, and his loss will be keenly
felt by that organisation. Of the several
members of the Brigade serving, Pte.
Harry Grazier is the first to have paid
the supreme sacrifice. With the
members of the Grazier family the
deepest sympathy will be felt in the
double acute bereavement they have
sustained. Another member of the
family, Fireman G. I. Grazier, served six
months with the British Red Cross and
for a like period in France.
County Express 07 July 1917
 Gunner Alfred Edward Green
Royal Garrison Artillery 47th Seige battry
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 15/02/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: OXFORD ROAD CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Private Thomas Green

Welsh Guards 1st Battalion
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 10/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

L/Corporal John George Griffiths

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 62 New Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Out of Work
Age: 21
Date of Death: 07/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: ONTARIO CEMETERY, SAINS-LES-MARQUION, Pas de
Calais Country: France

Son of George Griffiths 62 New Street

Wounded: Lance-Corpl. J G. German hands: J. G. Griffiths, 11887,

Griffiths, 11887 County Express 07 South Staffords
Oct 1916 - Prisoner of War in County Express: 20 Jan 1917
 Private William Henry Grosvenor
South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Service Battalion
Associated Address: Hill Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Iron worker rolling mills
Age: 26
Date of Death: 22/08/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Country: Turkey

Wife of Mrs Grosvenor of Hill Street, Brierley Hill

“A SOLDIER’S DEATH.” Another
Brierley Hill Hero Falls. Comrades
Pathetic Letter -In a letter from a
comrade Mrs. Grosvenor, of Hill Street,
Brierley Hill, has received the sad news
of her husband’s death in action, but
on Wednesday no official intimation of
the fact was received by the departed
hero’s wife. Lance-Corporal W.
Grosvenor enlisted shortly after the
declaration of war, and was attached
to the 7th South Staffords, being
promoted to his present rank whilst
out at the Dardanelles. His comrade
(Pte. Chas. Jobber), writing to Mrs.
Grosvenor, says:“This is one of the
most painful duties a young man can
have. We said that if anything came of
each other the one left would write
home, and that duty has fallen up me,
for your husband passed away on 22nd
August, and was my best friend. I am
very sorry I was not there at the time,
and all of us deeply sympathise with
you in your great loss, because your
husband was such a good friend
amongst us. I can say if the Lord had
spared him I should always have had
two good friends in my wife and him. I
am sorry to say that I and Joe Reed and
your husband were parted two days
before he met with a soldier’s death,
which was instantaneous. Your
husband was promoted on the field to
Lance-Corporal. I am very pleased to
say that one of the boys gave me your
photo, Bible, and his father’s photo,
which I am sending on and which I
hope you will receive safely. I was able
with a few others to give him a decent
burial. I am very sorry and
downhearted that this is the news I
have to send. If God sends me back I
will pay you a visit and return you the
prayer book myself. Believe me you
have the sincerest sympathy and that
of the few that are left. From you
broken hearted friend.” The deceased
hero, who is but 26 years old, leaves a
young wife and one child to mourn
their loss. Lance-Corpl. Grosvenor has
a brother (Lance-Corpl. J. Grosvenor, of
the Royal Welsh Fusiliers) serving in
the present campaign, but no news has
been received from him for twelve
months.
County Advertiser 18 September 1915

Private Bert Groves

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: Victoria Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Labourer General
Age: 25
Date of Death: 18/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL Country: France
Son of William and Mary Groves of Victoria Street, Brierley Hill

“Bowling for big Stakes.” Brierley Hill
Man’s Grim Humour - Pte. Bert
Groves, of the 1st South Staffordshire
Regiment, writing to his father and
mother at Brierley Hill on April 12th
says:- “We are still fighting the
Germans, and are giving them
something to be going on with. Now
the weather is better we are going to
get them on the run, and they won’t
forget it when we do, for we shall not
stop until we get them right into
Germany. Tell Steve Emery I am too
busy to bowl him, and that I am
bowling Germans and playing matches
for big stakes which only end by one of
us being bowled out for good. Tell him
I have forgotten the taste of beer. All
we get is tea except when in the
trenches when we get a tot of rum.”
County Express 24 Apr 1915
BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER KILLED IN
ACTION - Mr. and Mrs. William Grove,
of Victoria Street, Brierley Hill, have
received official information that their
son, Private Bert Grove, of the 1st
South Staffords, who has been
reported missing since May, was killed
in action at Frestubert. Prior to his
enlistment in September last, Pte.
Grove was employed at the Old Level
Works, Brierley Hill. He was only 26
years old, and was well known in the
locality. His father is at present
employed as gatekeeper at the Earl of
Dudley’s Round Oak Works. Mr. and
Mrs. Grove have received the King and
Queen’s message of sympathy and also
a letter from the Colonel of his
regiment.
County Advertiser 14th August 1915
 Private William Harry Hankins
Essex Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: 6 Bell Street
Occupation: School
Age: 18
Date of Death: 24/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of William and Mary Jane Hankins, of 15, Osborne Rd., West Bromwich.

DVR George Harbourne

Corps of Royal Engineers
Associated Address: 3 Cottage Street
Occupation: School/part time stable boy
Age: 17
Date of Death: 30/04/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of George Henry Robert and Ethel Maude Harbourne, of 11 Cottage St.,
Brierley Hill.

BRIERLEY HILL RECRUIT’S TRAGIC
DEATH - Thrown from a Horse - The
sad news of the tragic death of a
Brierley Hill recruit was received
locally last week. The victim is
Private George Harbourne, of
Cottage Street, Brierley Hill, who
joined the Royal Engineers but a
week or so before his death. It
appears that Pte Harbourne enlisted
as a driver in the R.E., and
proceeded to Reading for military
training, but last week a horse which
he was riding bolted and fell,
throwing the rider with great force
against a tree. He was removed to
the hospital with a fractured skull,
and never regained
consciousness.The funeral took
place at Brierley Hill on Tuesday, the
body having been brought all the
way from Reading for interment in
the parish churchyard. The funeral
was of a semi-military character, the
coffin being covered with a large
Union Jack, while the bearers
consisted of members of the
Worcestershire regiment. Other
units of the regiment attended as a
guard of honour, but no volleys
were fired over the deceased
morale’s grave. The funeral route
was lined with sympathetic crowds,
and a large congregation was also
present at the short but impressive
service in the church. This and the
subsequent committal was
performed by the rector (Rev. H. W.
Jones).
County Advertiser 08 May 1915
 DVR William Thomas Hardwick
Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery
Associated Address: 58 Brettell Lane
Occupation: Bricklayers Labourer
Age: 35
Date of Death: 21/08/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: STE. MARIE CEMETERY, LE HAVRE Country: France

Son of William and Hannah Hardwick, of Wordsley, Stourbridge,

Worcestershire; husband of Elizabeth Hardwick, of 36, West End,
Brockmoor, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Private Joseph Hartland

Worcestershire Regiment 3rd
Associated Address: Delph Lane, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Miner Hewer
Age: 25
Date of Death: 03/03/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of David Hartland of Brettell Lane and wife of Mrs Hartland and father
of one child.

BROMLEY SOLDIER KILLED Pathetic
letter from Section Comrades -
Notification has been received from
the War Office by Mrs. Hartland, of
Bromley, that her husband, Private
Joseph Hartland, of the 3rd
Worcesters has been killed in action.
Private Hartland, who is a son of Mr.
David Hartland, of Amblecote Road,
Brierley Hill, and a brother to Mrs
W. Wylde, of Round Oak, joined the
colours soon after the
commencement of the war. Writing
to his wife, Corporal B. Warder, of A
Co. 3rd Worcesters says “No doubt
you have been notified of the death
of your husband, who belonged to
the Regiment of which I am section
commander. I would like to explain
how it happened. The company
went into the trenches on the night
of the 15th, and we had to furnish a
listening post, and your husband
was one of the men who
volunteered for that duty. He was
on look-out at ten o’clock, when he
got hit, death being instantaneous.
They buried him in a nice little
cemetery, which is cared for by the
Belgians. He was a favourite with all
the men, willing to help, and liked
by all whom he came in contact
with. I have often heard him say
that it was his misfortune to get
shot he would like someone to write
you, and also send you some little
token, so I have sent you his
regimental badge, with deepest
sympathies from all his section and
myself.” A further letter was
received from his “pall” Private
Edward Gammor. Private Hartland,
who was only 25 years old, leaves a
widow and one child. He has a
brother, (Pte. Enoch Hartland) in the
7th Worcesters at Malden, Essex
and an uncle who is a trooper in the
Canadian contingent.
County Advertiser 20 Mar 1915
 Corporal Benjamin Hartland
Royal Canadian Dragoons
Associated Address: Canada
Occupation: Soldier
Age: 37
Date of Death: 25/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: GUARDS CEMETERY, WINDY CORNER, CUINCHY
Country: France

Son of David Hartland of Brettell Lane, Amblecote, and lived in Amblecote

Road, Brierley Hill.

Major General’s Tribute To Fallen
Brettell Lane Man. - Mr. David
Hartland, Amblecote, has received
information from Major General S.
Hughes, Minister of Militia and
Defence for Canada, of the death of
his son, Pte. Benjamin Hartland, a
member of a Brettell Lane family.
Pte. Hartland, after serving for some
years in the 6th Inniskillin Dragoons,
went to Canada twelve years ago,
and on the outbreak of the war he
re-entered the service, joining the
Canadian Dragoons, and in October
came to England with a Canadian
contingent. After undertaking
training at Salisbury the Canadians
were sent to the front, where Pte.
Hartland has lost his life. The
sympathies of a wide circle of
friends will be extended to Mr.
Hartland in this his second
bereavement of the war.
County Express 10 Jul 1915

L/Corporal Enoch Hayward

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: William Street
Occupation: Printers Machinist
Age: 32
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Enoch and Dinah Hayward of William Street, Brierley Hill

News was received from the War Staffords, and of William Street, presumed to have been killed on
Office on Thursday that Lance-Corpl. Brierley Hill, was was reported that day.
E. Hayward, No. 9075, South missing on July 1st, 1916, is County Express 31 Mar 1917

Sergeant George Heathcote (Heathcock)

South Staffordshire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 61 Delph
Occupation: Bricklayers Labourer
Age: 24
Date of Death: 26/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Joseph and Dorothy Heathcock of 61 Delph, Brierley Hill

 Private Joseph Hewitt
Worcestershire Regiment 14th
Associated Address: 103 Bank Street
Occupation:
Age: 26
Date of Death: 15/05/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ACHEUX BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Husband of Edith Hewitt, of 103, Bank St., Brierley Hill, Staffordshire.

Private Albert Higgs

South Staffordshire Regiment 2/6th (T.F.)
Associated Address: 12, Delph
Occupation: Bricklayers Labourer
Age: 22
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Albert and Maria Higgs, 12 Delph, Brierley Hill

PIONEER A. HIGGS , 2/6 South
Staffords, has been missing since
March 21st 1918. His home is at 9,
The Delph, Brierley Hill, and his
parents would be very grateful for
any information about him. Country
Express 01 Feb 1919 - NOW
REPORTED KILLED AN
APPRECIATION OF A DELPH SOLDIER
- Although no news had come
through from Pioneer Albert Higgs,
of the 2-6th South Staffords, eldest
son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Higgs, of the
Delph, and only official news that he
was reported missing, the family
were hoping against hope that he
would return to the home circle
again, but these hopes were dashed
to the ground when, on Sunday last,
the official news was received
together with a letter of condolence
from their Majesties the King and
Queen, that he was killed on March
21st, 1918, but that nothing could
be found of his person or
belongings.To the large circle of
friends of the late Albert Higgs this
news will be (says Mr. J. W. T. Plant,
in a personal appreciation) received
with profound regret. He was a
most true and lovable person, who
by his cheery smile attracted people
to him. He was a strong churchman,
being a devout worker, and earnest
worshiper at the Delph Church. As a
boy he spent seven years in the
service of this church as a chorister.
After passing through the ranks of
the Sunday School, he joined the
Bible Class, which was then
conducted by Mr. F. Lane, and
afterwards took up the important
work of Sunday School teaching,
which he continued till the time of
joining the colours. He was also a
member of the Moor Street Sunday
Morning Men’s Adult School for a
number of years. As a great
personal friend of his, Mr. Plant
continues, I can vouch that the
geniality of his disposition made him
cordially liked. We deplore the loss
of a brave man, a good soldier and a
gallant gentleman. The life he led
and the way he laid it down must be
an example to many of us to make
ourselves worthy of such a life and
such a sacrifice. “Great love hath no
man than this, that a man laid down
his life for his friends.”
County Advertiser 10 May 1919
 A/Sergeant William George Highfield
South Staffordshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: 17 Delph
Occupation: Gas Works Stoker
Age: 37
Date of Death: 23/12/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ROCQUIGNY-EQUANCOURT ROAD BRITISH CEMETERY,
MANANCOURT Country: France

Husband of Selina Highfield of 17 The Delph

Brierley Hill Sergeant’s Death - Sergt.
W. Highfield, of 17, the Delph, Brierley
Hill, has died of wounds in France. In a
letter from Chaplain J. B. Simpson
conveying the news to his wife, the
writer said: “I am sorry to be writing
on such a subject, but proud to write to
another of the brave women of
England who have lost their husbands
for their country in this war. Your
husband was brought into the casualty
clearing station on December 21st,
wounded in several places, both legs
being broken. I saw him in the ward
several times, but I never found him
conscious. I prayed and commended
his soul to God. He passed away 7
o’clock in the evening of the next day. I
laid his body to rest on Christmas Eve
in the cemetery close by, where many
hundreds of the boys are laid, and he
was born to his grave beneath the
Union Jack. The authorities take good
care of these military cemeteries, and a
neat wooden cross has been erected
over the grave.” Before joining the
Army, Sergt. Highfield was a stoker at
Stourbridge Gas Works.
County Express 02 February 1918

Private Albert Victor Hipkiss

Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 26th
Associated Address: 76 and 7 High Street
Occupation: Bank Clerk
Age: 30
Date of Death: 12/06/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Country: Belgium
Son of the late Joshua and Jane Hipkiss.

Pte. A. V. Hipkiss (France) - “ We
shall be delighted to get back to our
dear old native town when this
terrible war is over. One inch of it is
worth hundreds of square miles of
this country.”
County Express 27 January 1917
Mr Joshua Hipkiss, butcher, High
Street, Brierley Hill, has this week
received news that his youngest
son, Pte. Albert Victor Hipkiss, has
fallen in action on the western front.
A letter from a soldier comrade, Pte.
Smith, who says he was killed on
June 12th. “I promised to write you
if anything happened, “ he states. “I
was not present at the time, but I
am told that two shells fell in the
trench, and killed Pte Hipkiss and
three others. All died
instantaneously. I cannot tell you
how sorry I am about him. He was
by far my best friend in the army
and I shall miss him dreadfully.”
Pte. Hipkiss, who was 30 years of
age, joined the Royal Fusiliers about
18 months ago, and proceeded to
France in August last year. Pte.
Hipkiss, in his last letter to his
father, gave a graphic account of
incidents in the recent British
offensive. He said: “I am so thankful
to be able to tell you I have again
been spared after taking part in this
new advance. It is truly beyond me
to describe what it was really like,
but when our mines went up the
earth swayed and surged like the
sea. This was immediately followed
by our barrage fire, such as the
world has never seen. It positively
rained shells, and with men falling
right and left of us we pushed on to
our objective, which was a strong
point held by the Hun practically
since the outbreak of war. Here we
did some hand-to-hand fighting, but
comparatively few Germans would
show fight. They gave themselves
up in hundreds, shouting, with their
hands up, ‘Mercy, comrade. ‘ t was a
terrible day especially for the Huns,
who had the biggest hiding they
have had since the war began. I own
my life to God’s good providence, as
I was in the second wave over the
top to commence the attack, and
was in the thick of things. We have
lost a lot of splendid fellows, but I’m
glad to say Smith came through all
right. Dante’s Inferno is nothing to
it. One of the craters caused by our
mines was as wide and possibly as
deep as Netherton Reservoir.”
County Express 23 June 1917
 L/Corporal Fred Holloway
London Regiment 5th (City of London) Battalion (London Rifle Brigade)
Associated Address: Church Street
Occupation: Elementary School Teacher
Age: 27
Date of Death: 17/06/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of John and Susannah Holloway, of "Oakdene", Church St., Brierley Hill;
husband of Ethel Blanche Holloway, of 18, Bent St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Scholar-Athlete Falls. Brierley Hill
Family’s Great Loss - Brierley Hill
people have learnt with feelings of
deep regret of the death in action of
Mr Fred Holloway, son of Mr and
Mrs Holloway. Educated at Hill
Street Church of England Schools, he
gained a scholarship admitting him
to Stourbridge Grammar School,
where he studied for three years
with creditable distinction. He then
passed on to the Pupil Teachers’
centre at Brierley Hill, and studied
for two years, passing the King’s
Scholarship examination with
distinction in no less than five
subjects – a remarkable
achievement. Leaving Brierley Hill in
1908, he entered Westminster
Training College at the early age of
18. Here his athletic abilities
became as pronounced as his
scholastic, and after two years’
training he left college with further
important honours culled from the
lecture room, playing field, and
racing track. He accepted an
appointment as assistant master in
a Birmingham school, where he did
excellent work. His athletic ability
developed rapidly, and soon he
figured in the colours of a Sparkhill
Harrier as the star sprinter at many
of our Midland meetings. Clean of
limb and graceful in carriage, he was
a splendid specimen of the Greek
type of athlete. Many were the
thrills he gave to admiring crowds as
he tore down the tracks from the
“position of honour” (back mark in a
handicap), to win by inches in a
terrific struggle. After winning prizes
at all the Midland meetings he
transferred his attentions to the
south, where he took up his
scholastic appointment under the
London County Council.Here he
donned the colours of the famous
London Polytechnic Harriers, and
ran great races with some of the
world’s famous sprinters. Wherever
he went his cleaner running won the
respect of sporting crowds in many
parts of the country; he won prizes
in handicaps and invitations scratch
races in Kidderminster, Birmingham,
Wolverhampton, Derby, Mansfield,
Manchester, London, etc. A versatile
athlete, he was equally at home on
the football field, or the tennis
court, in the gymnasium, or the
water, whilst he wielded the oars
and the angling rod with uncommon
skill. When war broke out he was
keenly disappointed to find he could
not join the “First Hundred
Thousand.” Accordingly he
underwent an operation at his own
expense to right the defect; and as
soon as be became convalescent, he
joined the Artists Rifles and
proceeded to France on the
completion of his training. His
letters home were characteristic of
a soldier and a sportsman. He never
complained, but cheerily bore the
hardships. Of a bright and genial
disposition, he made many friends,
and commanded the deepest
respect of all. As thorough in life, as
in his training on the track, he bade
fair to make a brilliant future but
fate has decreed otherwise. Many
would deeply mourn his loss, and
sympathise sincerely with his
beloved wife (a teacher in
Brockmoor Council Schools) his
mother and father, and his brothers
and sisters.
County Express 30 June 1917
 Stoker William Enoch Holt
Royal Navy H.M.S. "Bulwark"
Associated Address: 24 Bell Street
Occupation: Butchers assistant
Age: 23
Date of Death: 26/11/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: AT SEA Country: England

Son Alice Holt, of 56 Bell St., Brierley Hill, Staffs and the late Daniel Holt

“AS HAPPY AS A SAND BOY.”
Letters from a Brierley Hill Naval
Stoker - First-class Stoker William
Holt, Brierley Hill, of HMS Bulwark,
has this week addressed two letters
to his mother and sister. His
opening sentence in his letter to his
mother reads:- “I am quite safe and
as happy as a sand boy,” he writes,
“so not not worry, as it will not be
long before there is a settlement,
and then I may get a few day’s extra
leave.” In sending his mother extra
money, Stoker Holt said, “They are
paying us a month in advance this
week, and I am sending it herewith
as I thought you might need it, as I
suppose everything is getting
dearer.” In his letter to his sister,
Stoker Holt says, “We will look on
the bright side and trust with God to
give us strength to fight the battle
through and give us a grand victory.
I never felt so happy in all my life.”
Stoker Holt gives no indication in his
letters - one of which had been
censored - as to his ship’s
whereabouts.
County Express 22 Aug 1914

Private Charles Edward Homer

Leicestershire Regiment 6th
Associated Address: Delph, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Fitters Labourer
Age: 25
Date of Death: 26/02/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: BERLES-AU-BOIS CHURCHYARD EXTENSION Country:
France

Son of James Henry and Mary Homer, of Brierley Hill, Staffs; husband of
Edith Rebecca Homer, of 17, Chapel St., Pensnett, Dudley.
 Private William Homer
Worcestershire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: 15 Brickkiln Street
Occupation: Labourer in steel works
Age: 35
Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. LEGER BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Husband of Florence Homer of 26 Brickkiln Street, Brierley Hill

Brierley Hill Stretcher Bearer’s
Death.- News has been sent
Mrs F. Homer, of 26 Brick-kiln
Street, Brierley Hill of the death
of her husband, Pte. W. Homer,
of the Worcestershire Regt. The
second lieutenant wrote:- “He
was killed whilst asleep in a
dug-out, a shell bursting on the
top and blowing it in.” The
major-general commanding the
division, in an official
communication to Pte. W.
Homer shortly before his death
said:- “Your commanding
officer and brigade commander
have informed me that you
distinguished yourself in the
field on February 27th and 28th
1917.”
County Express 19 May 1917

DVR Frederick William Hood

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery "B" Bty. 86th Bde.
Associated Address: Elsinore, Trinity Street
Occupation: Shop Assistant
Age: 39
Date of Death: 01/08/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY Country: Belgium
Husband of Amelia Hood, Elsinore, Trinity Street, Brierley Hill

Corporal Sidney Horton

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: Hill Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Labourer
Age: 25
Date of Death: 16/11/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: MENIN ROAD SOUTH MILITARY CEMETERY Country:
Belgium

Son of Mary Ann Fletcher (formerly Horton), of 42, Hill St., Brierley Hill, Staffs, and
the late George Horton.

CORPL. SIDNEY HORTON, of the Brierley Hill Church of England bullet and killed. Both the officers
Staffords, and of Hill Street, Brierley School. He was standing conversing escaped.
Hill, who was recently killed in with two of his regimental officers County Express 18 Dec 1915
action. He was an old boy of when he was struck by a German
 Private William Hudson
Worcestershire Regiment 3rd
Associated Address: 6 Brickkiln Street
Occupation: School
Age: 20
Date of Death: 28/05/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: SOISSONS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of John and Hannah Hudson, of 40, Bricklyn St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Uncharitable Remarks To Brierley
Hill A.S.C. Men. - Pte. William
Hudson, A.S.C., formerly a scholar in
Brockmoor Council School, writes to
Mr Arthur Gibbons:- “Coming on
leave recently I did not like the way I
was spoken to by several people.
One fellow said to me ‘When are
you going out? Some of you would
like the war to last for ever. You are
on home service I suppose. You
would sooner be at home than
abroad.’ I take that as an insult. I
have six months’ service within a
few days, and am willing to go away
overseas at any time, but suppose I
must wait my turn. I think I have a
better heart than the fellow who
gave me such a welcome on coming
to visit my wife and children. I tried
to transfer to the South Staffords,
by my right eye is affected, and I
failed, so I must be satisfied with
doing my bit in the A.S.C.”
County Express 04 Mar 1916

Private John Hughes

South Staffordshire Regiment 2/6th (T.F.)
Associated Address: 9 Bell Street
Occupation: Chimney Sweep
Age: 41
Date of Death: 15/02/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: MORY ABBEY MILITARY CEMETERY, MORY Country:
France

Husband of Mrs. L. Hughes, of 19, Bell St., Brierley Hill, Staffs, and father to
three children

Brierley Hill Soldiers Fall …..Official and was killed on February 15th, wife and three children, one of
news has also been received of the about a week after his return. Prior whom is in the navy.
death in action of Pte. John Hughes. to joining the army he worked as a County Express 09 Mar 1918
He was home on leave a month ago, chimney sweep, and he leaves a
 Private Walter Isaac Hunt
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6th Battalion-Territorial
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 18/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Private Enoch Jones

Worcestershire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 100 ChurchStreet, Pensnett
Occupation: Coal Miner Pony Driver Down
Age: 25
Date of Death: 13/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ORCHARD DUMP CEMETERY, ARLEUX-EN-GOHELLE
Country: France

Son of Jonathan and Rebecca Jones o f 100 Church Street, Pensnett

Pte. E. Jones, of the 1st Worcesters,
writing to Mr. Fred. J. Cartwright,
High Street, Brierley Hill, thanks him
for the razors, which proved to be a
very acceptable gift to himself and
soldier friends. “As for the
cigarettes,” he says, “these were a
great surprise We were delighted
when we opened the box; they
could not have come at a better
time, as we had smoked our
allowance. Just as we opened the
box the Germans sent us over a few
souvenirs which fell within 100
yards of where we were opening the
parcel, but these did not engage the
attention of the boys half as much
as the contents of your parcel. We
hope you had an enjoyable
Whitsuntide. We did, considering
we are at war, but instead of us
watching the patriotic rockets
bursting at the fêtes we were
watching the German high explosive
shrapnel burst. Never mind, Uncle
Fred, things will be all right when we
can return and have a couple of
pints!
County Express 19 June 1915
BEST LEAD FOR GERMANS -
BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER’S CHEERY
LETTER- Mr Fred Cartwright, of High
Street, Brierley Hill, has received this
week a letter from Private E. Jones,
of the 1st Worcesters, thanking him
for various musical instruments he
recently sent to several Brierley Hill
“boys.’ Private Jones writes: I thank
you very much for the instruments,
and the “b’hoys” are very glad of
them. They are just playing “Has
anyone seen a German band?” It
seems funny for us to receive the
accordion, and to find out this it is of
German make. Very likely the
fellow who made it is hot by now.
We are still giving them some of the
best lead they could wish for. Our
artillery is playing skittles whit them.
They have blown their trenches to
pieces and also some of them out of
the trenches into the air. Legs and
arms are flying in all directions. I
would not like to be in their
trenches when our artillery starts, as
they don’t half drop the shells on
them.”
County Advertiser 17 March 1915
 L/Corporal Joseph Jones
Royal Welsh Fusiliers 2nd
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 20/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL
Country: France

Private Ernest Charles Kempson

Royal Army Medical Corps 92nd Field Amb.
Associated Address: 88 Talbot Street
Occupation: Ironworks Clerk
Age: 23
Date of Death: 18/11/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: EUSTON ROAD CEMETERY, COLINCAMPS Country: France

Grandson of Elizabeth Male, brother of Mrs. Barker of 48 Moor Street, Brierley Hill

Brierley Hill R.A.M.C. Man’s Death.
- Mrs Barker, 48, Moore Street,
Brierley Hill has received from
France tidings of the death of her
brother, Pte. E. C. Kempson, who
was with a field ambulance of the
RAMC. Pte Kempson was before
enlisting a teacher at St Michael’s
Sunday school, Brierley Hill. Writing
to Mrs Barker and army chaplain
states: “He was killed on November
18th with three of his companions,
while in a dugout, by a German
shell. At the time he was on duty,
conveying wounded from the front
area to the dressing station, and as
the dugout was demolished by the
shell he would have been killed
instantaneously. He was a brave
man doing a brave thing, and the
loss will be softened by the pride in
the knowledge that he fell doing his
duty. I laid him to rest in a military
cemetery at a small village in the
Somme area, the name of which I
will send you with.” County Express
23 December 1916 - Memorial
Litany Desk - At St Michael’s Parish
Church, at the eight o’clock
communion on Sunday last, the
Rector (Rev. H. W. Jones) dedicated
litany desk and book which have
been given to the church in memory
of Pte. E. C. Kempson, R.A.M.C. and
Lance-Corpl. R. E. Lloyd, South Staffs
Regiment
County Advertiser 19 July 1919
 Corporal John Henry Kendrick
Hampshire Regiment 14th
Associated Address: Dudley Street
Occupation: School
Age: 21
Date of Death: 09/05/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mary Kirkham (formerley Kendrick), of 78 Dudley St, Round Oak,

Brierley Hill, Staffs, and the late Jabizas Kendrick

DVR John William King

Royal Field Artilery A Bty. 250th Bde
Associated Address: 3 Foster Street
Occupation: School
Age:
Date of Death: 12/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme
Country: France

Son of Elizia King

Brierley Hill Driver Dies of Wounds.
Killed by a Aeroplane Bomb.
Information has been received that
Driver JW King, Royal Field Artillery,
whose home is at Foster Street,
(Moor Lane), Brierley Hill, died of
wounds received in action on
August 12th last. Driver King, who
enlisted on January 8th, 1917, was
at the time employed by Mr J. H.
Hambrey of Amblecote as a glass
cutter, and went to France early in
June last.The captain of the battery
in which Driver King served, in a
letter to Mrs King says: “I received
your letter asking for information
about your son. I am very sorry I
was unable to write before, but his
death from wounds was not
reported to me until a few days
before I got your letter. Your son
was wounded by a bomb from an
aeroplane on the night of August
11-12th, when he was bringing up
ammunition to the gun position. A
splinter penetrated his side beneath
his right arm. Fortunately there was
a dressing station close at hand and
he was taken straight to it after
being bound up, and so was under
medical treatment very quickly. As
we did not hear of his death I
presumed that he was going on all
right, notwithstanding the fact that
the sergeant in charge of the wagon
said at the time he was afraid that it
was a serious wound. I am afraid
there is little doubt that your son
did die on August 12th although it
was not reported to me for so long.
He will be missed in his battery, as
although he had not been with us
long we all liked him and he had
done well.”
County Express 12 October 1918
 Private John Kinsell
South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 26 Bank Street
Occupation: Boatman Steerer
Age: 31
Date of Death: 25/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of William and Priscilla Kinsell; husband of Dinah Kinsell of 107 Bank
Street, Brierley Hill. Born at Brierley Hill

Private James Lambert

Worcestershire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 83 Level Street
Occupation: Iron worker
Age: 27
Date of Death: 09/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: PONT-DU-HEM MILITARY CEMETERY, LA GORGUE
Country: France

Son of Mary Lambert of 83 Level Street

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER KILLED -
News has been received by Mrs.
Lambert, of 34 Level Street, Brierley
Hill, that he son, Private James
Lambert has died of wounds in
France. The deceased soldier, who
was only 26 years old and a former
employee at the Old Level blast
furnaces, joined the 1st Worcesters
in August last, and went to the front
a few weeks ago. Lambert was a
well-known local footballer and a
member of the Dudley Wood Vics.
He has a brother now in training
with the South Staffords at
Folkestone. Mrs. Lambert has
received the King and Queen’s letter
of sympathy.
County Advertiser 29 May 1915
 Private James Lane
South Staffordshire Regiment 9th Service Battalion (Pioneers)
Associated Address: 42 Parkes Street
Occupation: Iron worker
Age: 19
Date of Death: 24/09/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Husband of Mrs E. Lane, 9 Hall Street, Brierley Hill and father of three children all
under eight

Brierley Hill Iron Worker Dies of
Wounds. - Mrs E. Lane, of 9, Hall
Street, Brierley Hill, has been
informed of the death from wounds
of her husband, Private James Lane.
With Mrs Lane and her family of
three children, all under eight years
old, deep sympathy will be felt.
Private Lane, who was 30 years old,
formerly worked at Messrs
Newton’s Ironworks. In October,
1914, he enlisted in the South
Staffords, and went to France two
years and three months ago. Since
then he has been home on leave
once. In the same regiment his
brother, Private Joseph Lane, is
serving, and from him Mrs Lane
received the sad news that her
husband was wounded in action on
September 24th, and died a fewer
hours later in a Canadian Casualty
Clearing Station. In his letter Private
Joseph Lane states that his brother’s
body was buried in a cemetery 7
miles behind the firing line with
military honours, and that a cross,
bearing a suitable inscription,
together with some lines he had
composed, had already been
erected as the head of the grave. “I
was not with him when he was
wounded,” he writes, “as I had
come down from the line the night
before. As soon as I heard that he
was wounded I went up to see if I
could trace him, but found they had
removed him. When I heard the
nature of his wounds I had little
faith in his recovery. I am
brokenhearted.”
County Express 13 October 1917

Private Samuel Langford

Gloucestershire Regiment 8th Battalion
Associated Address: 92 Bull Lane
Occupation:
Age: 19
Date of Death: 18/11/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: GRANDCOURT ROAD CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT
Country: France

Son of James and Elizabeth Langford, of 92 Bull Lane, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Accidentally Killed - S. Langford, County Advertiser 22 September

37066 (Gloms.), previously reported 1917
missing, is now reported killed.
 Private Alec Lester
11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars "B Sqn
Associated Address: High Street
Occupation:
Age: 20
Date of Death: 03/06/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of Mrs Hannah Marsh (formerley Lester), of 11 West Str., Stourbridge,

Worcs, and the late John Lester. Born at Coventry.

MILITARY FUNERAL AT BRIERLEY
HILL - The funeral of a semi-military
character took place on Monday at
Brierley Hill of Pte. Alec Lester, of
the 11th Hussars, who recently
succumbed to wounds in a military
hospital at Lincoln. The deceased,
who was a stepson to Sergt-Major
A. Marsh, of High Street, Brierley
Hill, was connected with the regular
forces for about two years and early
took a part in the present campaign.
A few weeks ago he was shot in the
spine, and hopes of his recovery
from the first were remote. His
body was conveyed by train from
Lincoln on Saturday, arriving at
Brierley Hill about 2.12 p.m.
Thousands of townspeople turned
out to see the cortege on its way to
the Parish Church in the vicinity of
which the crowd was particularly
dense. The flag on the Town Hall
was flying half-mast and the coffin
of the departed hero was covered
with a like emblem and also bore
deceased’s tunic. The bearers
consisted of a number of men
belonging to the South staffs
Regiment stationed at Lichfield.
Their names were Cpl. Jones, Bugler
Osborne, and Ptes. D. Skidmore, E.
Phillips, A. H. Ruddle, T. Banks, A.
Brown and Albert Fulwell. Three of
the bearers, Cpl. Jones and Pte.
Ruddle and Phillips, were returned
solders from the front. Men of the
7th Worcesters, in training at
Dudley and in charge of Sergt. J. Hill,
also attended, in addition to Sergt.
Major Booth and a number of local
soldiers on leave. The service,
which was a simple but impressive
one, was conducted by the Rector
(Rev. H. W. Jones), who also
performed the last rites at the
graveside where the “Last Post” was
sound by Bugler Osborne. Sergeant
Major and Mrs Marsh wish to
sincerely thank the kind friends who
sent wreathes and messages of
sympathy on the sad loss of their
son, who died a solider’s death for
his country’s cause. They also wish
to thank the people of Brierley Hill
for the respect and sympathy shown
to them en route to the church.
County Advertiser 12 June 1915

SPR Ernest William Lester

Corps of Royal Engineers
Associated Address: Moor Lane
Occupation: Carpenter and Jiner
Age: 23
Date of Death: 12/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: Country: Belgium

Son of Charles William Lester, of Dudley Port, Tipton; husband of Mabel Elsie
Lester, of 23, Moor Lane, Brierley Hill, Staffs.
 John Henry Lewis
South Staffordshire 1st/5th
Associated Address: South Street
Occupation: Glassworker
Age: 23
Date of Death: 11/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: FOUQUIERES CHURCHYARD EXTENSION Country: France

Son of William and Maria Lewis, of Hope House, South St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

Brierley Hill Glass Maker – Soldier
Falls in Action. - Another of the
young Brierley Hill Territorials, who
left England for France in the early
months of the war, has fallen. Mr
and Mrs William Lewis, of South
Street, Brierley Hill, have learnt
officially of the death in action of his
son Private J Harry Lewis, of the
South Staffordshire Regiment. He
was a glassmaker at Messrs. Stevens
and Williams Ltd, before
mobilisation, and was a member of
the Albion Street Congregational
Young Men’s Class.The chaplain, the
Rev F. W. Cleveland, sends the sad
news in the following letter: – “I am
very sorry to have to write to tell
you that it was my sad privilege to
lay to rest the body of your son,
Private J. H. Lewis, of the 1/5 South
Staffordshire Regiment. He was
killed instantaneously on August 10.
At the graveside (in the British
Cemetery at Fouquieres) we
remembered you in our prayers,
and prayed that God would give you
his strength and comfort at this
time." Mr. J. S. Williams-Thomas
writes to the parents: – “It was with
feelings of great sorrow that I learnt
of the sad blow which has befallen
you through the death of your son.
Please accept my most sincere
sympathy. It is very hard to you to
lose one who was so highly
esteemed by all who knew him. I
always found him straightforward,
honest, and keen in his work, and I
looked forward to his return here.
We shall miss him, as he was a good
workman, and it was a pleasure to
see him at his work we must all feel
proud that your son so nobly did his
part in the cause of freedom and
justice, against an unscrupulous and
callous enemy; and although he has
been taken from our midst, his
name will long remain with us. I
trust that you will be supported and
comforted in this time of trial.”
County Express 24 August 1918

L/Corporal Richard E Lloyd

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Battalion
Associated Address: Bank Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Clerk Brewery
Age: 24
Date of Death: 12/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Thomas and Mary Lloyd of Bank Street Brierley Hill

Memorial Litany Desk - At St which have been given to the

Michael’s Parish Church, at the eight church in memory of Pte. E. C.
o’clock communion on Sunday last, Kempson, R.A.M.C. and Lance-Corpl.
the Rector (Rev. H. W. Jones) R. E. Lloyd, South Staffs Regiment.
dedicated litany desk and book Country Advertiser 19th July 1919
 Sergeant Joseph Maiden
South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: Church Street
Occupation: Printer
Age: 23
Date of Death: 15/10/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: WARLINCOURT HALTE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAULTY
Country: France

William Maiden and Lenora Maiden

Corporal Joe Maiden, of the
Brierley Hill Terriers, writing to Mr.
H. J. Clare of High Street, Brierley
Hill, says: “We came out of the
trenches last night (Monday), and
came into some dug-outs about a
mile and a half behind the line in
reserve, so you see we have spent
yet another holiday in the trenches.
while were in the last six days we
had rather a warm time, and I think
the casualties our Company
amounted to 15 or 16, and there
were several chaps from Brierley Hill
districts amongst them"
County Advertiser 14th August 1915
THE LATE SERG. J. MAIDEN - Mrs.
Maiden, New Street, mother of
Sergt. J. Maiden, formerly a
machinist in the “Advertiser” office,
has received the following
sympathetic letters on the death of
her son, which we reported last
week:- "Dear Mr. Maiden, - I am
very sorry to tell you that your son,
Sgt. J. Maiden, has been seriously
wounded. He was shot through the
legt arm yesterday afternoon. The
arm is broken, and I am afraid the
wound is a bad one. He was my
platoon sergeant and one of the
best N.C.O.s in the Company. I was
very fond of him indeed, and am
awfully sorry to lose him. I only
hope it will prove to be not as
serious as it seems. Any further
news I will let you know at once. -
ERIC G. ABBOT, Second-Lieut.”
Writing two days later, Lieut. Abbot
says:- “My dear Mr Maiden, - I am
very sorry to have to write and tell
you that your son’s wound has
proved fatal. The bullet, which at
first we thought had only entered
his arm, must have turned and gone
into his body, and he died the same
night. I cannot tell how sorry I am
for you both. God give you strength
to bear this awful blow. I too have
lost a very dear friend in you son. I
write to you so that you can break it
to Mrs. Maiden gently. God bless
you and comfort you. Remember it
is only a short parting. Your son
lives, having died the most glorious
death a man can die - for King and
country and honour; but I know
what idle words these will seem to
you now. ERIC G. ABBOTT, Second-
Lieut. The last letter from Sergt.
Maiden was written on Oct 13th:
“Dear Ma and Dad and all, - Thanks
for letter dated Sunday (8th)
received yesterday. I should get the
parcel to-night if you posted it
Monday. I will let you know as soon
as possible. I did not know that Dan
Plant had gone West. What
regiment was he in? Did you get
that small centre cloth I sent? I can’t
say that I am sorry Fred is not
getting better, because the sooner
he is marked active the sooner he
will be out here again. I guess he
had had enough to last him a bit.
I’ve had enough, but I still have to
carry on. Such is war.Aubrey ought
to stand a good chance of getting
back, as he is under age, but I think
he would have stood a better
chance as a Private.I can’t say that I
have had a good birthday, as we are
in the trenches. Wait till we are out.
I have six days with Arthur Higgs,
from the Swan, out of every three
weeks, so you can bet we have
some good times. I trust all are well
at home. I am, Your loving son
Joe.”
County Advertiser 28 Oct 1916
 Private Aubrey Maiden
Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) 8th Battalion
Associated Address: Church Street
Occupation: School/Barbers Assistant
Age: 19
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of W. H. and Lenora Maiden, of 52, Church St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

DIGGING THEM OUT -CHEERY
LETTERS FROM A BRIERLEY HILL
PRIVATE -Writing to his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. W. Maiden, Laurel Villa,
New St., Brierley Hill, Private Aubrey
Maiden writes under date July 22nd
acknowledging parcels. He says he
is out of the trenches again, and still
feeling all right. He adds: "I am
sorry to say Harry Wood, from
Amblecote, died of wounds received
last time in. I see Fred has clicked all
right. It is a fine change from the
life out here. I suppose you have
read about the big advance. It will
be a good job when we have got
them out of their holes and on the
run." On the 31st July Private
Maiden wrote: "In this advance we
have the upper hand of the
Germans now. We are getting them
out of their tunnels gradually. The
weather out here has been glorious,
and brought the crops on
wonderfully. I can tell your there is
'some' country about here. It
stretches for miles and miles. I
expect I shall soon be coming home,
as they all say the war will be over
soon. How the time flies! It’s just
five months since I set foot on
foreign shores." Writing to his
brother and sister on the same date,
Private Maiden says: "I have just
been enjoying a bit of tea under the
shade of the old apple tree. It is
nothing fresh to us, but it would be
novelty in England - what you would
call a picnic. I suppose you will be
looking forward to the Corbett
Hospital fêtes when you get this,
and I hope you will have a good
holiday." On Augusts 8th he writes:
“'Still in the pink.' I don’t suppose
Fred is so eager to see the fireworks
this Bank Holiday, as we can see
them practically every night round
these parts. Harold Tonks has been
wounded, but I don’t know whether
it is only slight or serious. Will
Bennett, from the Seven Dwellings,
has also stopped a bit; but I think he
is now in England. Joe Plant is back
with us again. He had a torpedo
drop across his legs while they were
carrying things up the trenches. We
are all having nice weather here,
and I hope it is the same in
England." Writing on August 11th
Private Maiden says: "Fred has
come to join the third line, and I
hope he can stick with them for a
month or tow. Gone up to
Yorkshire. Well, the father away
from here the better. Thins are
looking brighter on the different
fronts. I think we will soon have
them beaten. Will Fellows must be
enjoying himself moving about from
place to place on the coast, but he
won’t do so bad going to Malta. I
would not mind going there myself
for a change."Mr. and Mrs. Maiden
have three sons serving King and
country - Fred and Joe in the South
Staffords and Aubrey in the
Worcesters.
County Advertiser 26 Aug 1916

Private Solomon Mallen

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: Sun Street, Brockmoor
Occupation: Iron Bar Weigher
Age: 34
Date of Death: 25/09/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France
 L/Corporal William Charles Mallen
Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 31 Mill Street
Occupation: Iron Worker rolling mills
Age: 32
Date of Death: 18/10/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Private Joseph Frederick Mallen

Royal Marine Light Infantry
Associated Address: 23 Brownlow Road, Mansfield, formerly of Albion
Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Coal Miner
Age: 30
Date of Death: 04/11/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: KNIGHTSBRIDGE CEMETERY, MESNIL-MARTINSART
Country: France

Mallen was one of ‘Kitchner’s
Marines’ who were transferred from
the Sherwood Foresters to the
RMLI. Des Turner notes ‘600 RMLI
transfers came from 2 regiments -
200 from the King’s Own Yorkshire
Light Infantry (KOYLI) and 400 from
the Sherwood Foresters. They were
predominantly ex-miners and
labourers, fit men wanted for their
ability to dig trenches and tunnels.
The 200 KOYLI recruits were
transferred to Plymouth Division
RMLI and were given service
numbers PLY/1(S) to PLY200(S). This
was also the case for the Sherwood
Foresters 200 who were dispatched
to Portsmouth where already 30
men were recruited and so the
became PI/31(s) to PO/230(S). 200
remaining Foresters went to
Chatham and were numbered CH/1
to CH/200(S). - Remembered on
Sutton Ashfield - Cemetery War
Memorial as F Mallen - St Mary
Magdalene Church Sutton in
Ashfield War Memorial as Frederick
Mallen.
 Private Enoch Malpass
Worcestershire Regiment 10th
Associated Address: 5 Moor Street
Occupation: Load Collier Underground
Age: 35
Date of Death: 21/05/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: KLEIN-VIERSTRAAT BRITISH CEMETERY Country:
Belgium

AFTER SEVENTEEN YEARS
BROCKMOOR HERO TO FIGHT ON -
Private Enoch Malpass, an old boy of
Brockmoor Council School, writing
from France to Mr. A. Gibbons, head
master, says: “I was due to come
home at the end of next month, as
my time expires on the 4th of July,
on which date I shall have
completed 17 years in the Army, but
I don’t think it looks much like
coming now, according to what I
have seen in the papers. I think if
they would send some of those out
here who have never been out of
England it would look much better
instead of putting it all on those
who have served their country for
such a long period voluntarily. But it
is like the old saying ‘make those
work who will.’” Private Malpas
went through the Boer War, taking
part in many of the most important
engagements of the campaign. He
received the medal with five bars,
inscribed “South Africa, 1901-2,
Transvaal, Orange Free State and
Cape Colony.” He was one of the
reservists who rejoined the colours
at the beginning of the present
war, and is one of the few
active survivors of the gallant
army which saved the situation
for the Allies in the autumn of
1914. He was severely
wounded by shrapnel at Neuve
Chapelle, and was invalided
home for some months. After
his recovery he returned to the
front in the autumn of last year.
County Advertiser 27 May 1916

Private John Malpass

Worcestershire Regiment 7/8th Battalion
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 15/11/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: SUNKEN ROAD CEMETERY, FAMPOUX Country: France
 Stoker Hezekiah Malpass
Royal Navy, HMS Ardent
Associated Address: 5 Moor Street
Occupation: Taker in Glassworks
Age: 20
Date of Death: 01/06/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Country: At Sea

Son of Hezekiah and Ann Maria Malpass, of 156, Moor St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

BRIERLEY HILL SAILOR LOST
Among the first locally to be
reported as having perished for
First-class Soker Hezekiah malpas’s,
an old boy of Brockmoor Council
Schools, whose photo we reproduce
by the kindness of Mr. Arthur
Gibbons. Stoker Malpass was a
member of the crew of the ill fated
“Ardent,” the gallant little destroyer
which engaged with the enemy
ships with an intrepidity
characteristic of the British
Navy. The upping hero was home
on leave only a few days before the
battle, and listed his old school on
several occasions, when he was
given a very cordial reception by the
staff and scholars. His vessel had
just previously been in collision with
another destroyer and had to return
to port for repairs. The phot
reproduced was taken when Stoker
Malpass was in training on board
the “Victory.” The official intimation
of his death was received by his
sorrowing mother on Wednesday
morning.
It was a very singular thing that on
the day of the battle Mr. A. Gibbons
should receive a letter from Stoker
Malpass from which we cull the
following extract: “I am in the best
of health and am going on all
right. Thank God for it. I hope I
shall be able to see you all again
some day, and Ihope all the teachers
and scholars will remember
me. God be with you all till we meet
again.”
County Advertiser 10 June 1916
 Lt. John Marsh
Worcestershire Regiment
Associated Address: Woodfield, Wordsley
Occupation: Factory Manager
Age: 28
Date of Death: 23/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: Country: Iraq

Son of Alfred and Clara Marsh of Woodfield, Wordsley and brother of Mr Ernest
Marsh

The War and After. Death of Lt John
Marsh - From Influenza in Captivity.
- We much regret to announce the
death of Lt John Marsh, younger son
of the late Mr and Mrs Alfred
Marsh, of Woodfield, Wordsley, and
brother of Mr A Ernest Marsh,
chairman of Brierley Hill Urban
District Council, and the firm of
Marsh and Baxter Ltd, the well-
known ham and bacon factors, of
Brierley Hill and Birmingham. With
Mr Ernest Marsh and the other
members of the deceased officer’s
family the deepest sympathy is felt,
all the more so because the tragic
news of his passing away came at a
time when his return from captivity
in Turkey was almost a daily
expected. Lt Marsh, who was 28
years old, was educated at
Wellington College, and at the close
of his educational course he entered
the firm’s factory at Brierley Hill,
and here displayed excellent
business qualities. On the day that
war was declared upon Germany in
August 1914 he proceeded to
Lichfield, and offered himself for
enlistment, but as there was no
medical officer in attendance he
was told to “come again.” Next day
he went with four friends – Ralph
Blakeway, Jack Palethorpe, Maurice
Pearson, and Noel Pearson – to
Worcester, and together they
enlisted as troopers in the
Worcestershire Yeomanry. After
being in the ranks at six months Mr
John Marsh was given a commission
and in 1915 he went with the
Yeomanry to Egypt. In the severe
battle of Katia on Easter Sunday,
1916, he with a considerable
number of other Worcestershire
yeomen, was taken prisoner by the
Turks. A short time after the battle
Lt Marsh was officially reported
“missing believed killed,” but it was
afterwards discovered that he was a
prisoner of war. At irregular
intervals his late father, Mr Alfred
Marsh, received communications
from him, and all were in cheerful
vein; although it is now well known
that the conditions of captivity were
most unsatisfactory. Early in last
month he was evidently in good
health, but on Saturday last a
telegram, from London was received
stating that a cable has come to
hand from the British Red Cross at
Constantinople, advising that Lt
Marsh died in October from Spanish
influenza at Yazgad.
County Express 14 December 1918

Private Samuel Edward Marshall

South Staffordshire Regiment 2/6th (T.F.) Battalion
Associated Address: 20 New Street
Occupation: Glass Carrier
Age: 19
Date of Death: 29/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ
Country: France
 Private Albert Masters
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: Adelaide Street
Occupation:
Age: 24
Date of Death: 25/09/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Albert and Sarah Ann Masters, of 9, Hill Crest Avenue, High Ercal,
Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Private A Masters, elder son of Mrs
Masters, Adelaide Street, has been
wounded. His mother’s last letter to
him has been returned marked
“Wounded, whereabouts not
known.”
County Express 23 October 1915
MISSING BRIERLEY HILL HERO -
Grave anxiety is felt by Mr. and Mrs.
Masters, of Adelaide Street, Brierley
Hill, as to the uncertain fate of
Private Albert Masters, of the 2nd
Leicesters, who is the eldest of
threes sons beside their father now
serving with the colours. Private
Albert Masters first joined the Scotts
Greys, but eventually transferred to
the Leicesters, and went with a
detachment of that Regiment some
time ago to France, where he hoped
to meet his two brothers, Privates
Charlie and Fred Masters, whose
letters many of our readers have
read with interest. He took part in
the heroic charge at Loos on
September 25th since when no
news has been received of him.
Letters address to the gallant you
soldier have been returned to his
mother marked wounded and
enquiries were at once set on foot
to locate him, but unfortunately
without result. The following letter
to Mrs. Masters, under date
October 24th, from Second-Lieut.
Dowding, is not reassuring, and the
worst is feared. “Dear Madam, I am
sorry to inform you that you son has
been missing since the operations of
September 25th, and I can give you
no help. It would be useless for me
to tell you different, as if he is only
wounded you would have received
intimation from some hospital
before this.” Hoping, almost as it
were, against hope, Mrs. Masters
wrote to the headquarters of the
British Red Cross and the Order of
St. John, and the following reply has
been received. “We much regret
that we have not received any
information concerning Private A.
Masters, of the 2nd Leicesters, but
we are making all possible enquiries,
and will inform you as soon as we
hear anything.” If any of those in
France who knew Private Maters
chance to read these lines, Mrs.
Masters would be glad if they could
give any information as to the fate
of her son. County Advertiser 08
January 1916 - BRIERLEY HILL HERO
KILLED - NEWS AFTER 15 MONTHS’
ANXIETY - It was about twelve
months ago that we reported in one
of our issues the sad news that
Private Albert Frank Masters, of
Adelaide Street, Brierley Hill, was
missing. Since then Mrs. Masters
has received no news to add to her
comfort, and for fifteen months she
has been in great anxiety concerning
her son, who belonged to the 2nd
Leicestershires, and who works at
Messrs. Fulstaff’s, Bull Ring,
Birmingham, before the war.
However on Wednesday she was
told that the Army Council had
concluded his death took place on
25th September 1915. During the
period of suspense Mrs. Masters has
received six Army forms from the
Record Office, Lichfield, stating that
her son was still missing, under the
dates October 22nd, 1915; October
23rd, 1915; November 3rd, 1915;
December 28th, 1915; March 13th,
1916; and May 6th, 1916.
County Advertiser 23 December
1916
 Private Henry Joseph Meese
Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) 1st
Battalion
Associated Address: New Street
Occupation: School
Age: 18
Date of Death: 23/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Mrs. B. Meese, of 68, New St., Brierley Hill, Staffs, and the late Mr. B.
Meese

YOUNG BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER’S
SACRIFICE - Perhaps some little
comfort will be felt by the widowed
mother of Private Joseph Henry
Meese, in the sad loss of her young
son, who has recently made the
supreme sacrifice in battle on March
23rd, by the fact the the sad news
has been received with the greatest
regret and sympathy among a very
large circle of people. Pte. Meese
formerly lived with his mother in
New Street. He was barely 19 when
he gave his life for King and Country,
but almost from his boyhood he had
been know to many in Brierley Hill
and district. From his school days
he had been employed by Mr Allin,
fruiterer, High Street, and
consequently became know to many
when delivering goods and serving
in the shop. for about three months
he worked at the National. He was
connected with the Baptist Church,
where the news of his death has
been received with much sympathy
and sorrow. Pte. Meese was in the
South Staffords, and joined the
Amry about 12 moths ago.
County Advertiser 04 May 1918

Private William Morgan

South Staffordshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: 76 Cressett Lane
Occupation: Assitant Baker
Age: 21
Date of Death: 06/08/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of William and Ada Morgan of 76 Cressett Lane

Private W Morgan, B.E.F.: – One
could not wish for a better parcel
for our lads out in France. Although
we are having some bad weather we
still go on with the struggle.
County Express 01 January 1916
In the report of Brockmoor schools County Express 02 September 1916
casualties reported on page 3 of
today’s issue the name of Arthur Casualty list County Express 16
Morgan, reported killed, reported September 1916 – killed: W Morgan
killed, is inaccurate. It should be 17366
William Morgan, a brother. Arthur
Morgan is in hospital in France.
 Private Arthur Morris
Machine Gun Corps 123rd Bn
Associated Address: 21 North Street
Occupation: Glass worker gatherer
Age: 23
Date of Death: 26/09/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Son of John and Mary Morris of Brierley Hill, Staffs

Driver Livingstone Mullender

Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery
Associated Address: Dudley Road
Occupation: Bar weighter in iron mill
Age: 27
Date of Death: 04/09/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of Isaac and Lucy Mullender of Dudley Road, Brierley Hill

ROUND OAK GUNNER DIES OF
WOUNDS - Mr. and Mrs. Livingston
Mullender, of John Street, Round
Oak, have received official
notification of the death of their
son, Gunner Livingstone Mullender,
who passed away in hospital at
Salisbury Plain on Sept. 4th. Gunner
Mullender, who was well know
locally was at first in the South
Staffords, but transferred to the
Royal Field Artillery. He was injured
out in France while his section were
busy trying to repulse one of the
desperate counter attacks of the
Germans. The parents have
received the King and Queen’s letter
of sympathy, and also that of Lord
Kitchener.
County Advertiser - 23rd October
1915

Private Edward Newton

Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 90 Fenton Street
Occupation: Blower in glass making
Age: 27
Date of Death: 09/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of James and Elizabeth Newton of 90 Fenton Street, Brierley Hill

 L/Corporal Sydney Packwood
Worcestershire Regiment 10th
Associated Address: 3 William Street
Occupation: Provision Assistant
Age: 24
Date of Death: 10/02/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: COURCELLES-AU-BOIS COMMUNAL CEMETERY
EXTENSION Country: France

Son of Edward and Frances Packwood, of 9, William St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

No 29181, S. Packwood, Machine
Gun Section, B.E.F.:- "Owing to the
very bad conditions prevailing in the
trenches we only do short spells in
the trenches, and these are quite
enough as we are up to our knees
and, in places, hips in mud and
water. It sounds rather bad, but we
are acclimatised now, and being
supplied with high boots and fur
coats we do pretty well. Everything
is done for us; we cannot expect to
control the weather. A few Huns
gave themselves up a short time
ago; they were about done up. We
have been very fortunate during our
six months out here, only having
one man killed and four wounded in
our section. However, we have lost
about 20 men of our platoon
through “trench feet”. We shall
spend Christmas Day in the
trenches. I guess they will be too
much water to play the Huns a
football match."
County Express 01 January 1916
Brierley Hill Machine-Gunner Killed
- Mr and Mrs Packwood, 9 William
Street, Brierley Hill, have received
news of the death in action of their
son, Lance-Corpl. Sidney Packwood
aged 24. Prior to joining the colours
in September 1914, he was an
assistant in the employ of Mr. G.
Mason, grocer. In July, 1915, he was
sent to France, and at that time was
attached to a Lewis Gun section.
Company Quarter-master-Sergt.
Bust writes the bereaved parents
that “he met his death when
faithfully carrying out his duties on
an advanced post near the German
lines. A heavy shell struck the post
and gun emplacement, and Sidney
was apparently killed
instantaneously and with him a
corporal belonging to my company.”
Pte. Alfred Howell also wrote a
sympathetic letter.
County Express 03 Mar 1917

Private Ernest Page

Worcestershire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age: 24
Date of Death: 21/10/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Brierley Hill Soldiers Killed. - News
has been received of the deaths in
action of two more Brierley Hill
men. The news reached his sister at
Park Lane, Netherend, Cradley,
yesterday week of the death of Pte.
Ernest Page, a member of a Brierley
Hill family, at Ypres, on October
21st. Pte. Page served his time with
the 2nd Worcesters, and returned
from India about a year ago. He was
24 years old, and rejoined his
regiment as a reservist at the
outbreak of war.
County Express 12 Dec 1914
 Corporal Noah Page
Worcestershire Regiment 9th
Associated Address: 25 Mill Street
Occupation: Labourer in Brickyard
Age: 26
Date of Death: 19/04/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL Country: Iraq

Son of Noah and Mary Ann Page, Mill Street, Brierley Hill

A/Corporal Arthur Page

South Staffordshire Regiment 2/5th (T.F.)
Associated Address: 119 Parkes Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: None
Age: 21
Date of Death: 22/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: JEANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Country: France

Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Page, of 18, Parkes St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Heroes-All - Corporal Page, Brierley
Hill - The sad news has been
received by his mother, Mrs. Page,
18, Parkes Street, Brierley Hill, that
her son Corpl. Arthur Page, was
killed in action on April 22nd. In his
last letter home, dated April 16th,
Corpl. Page expressed himself as
being fairly well at present. His
letter breathed the most tender
sentiments to his mother and other
members of the family, urging them
to ‘cheer up and not worry, as we
are going on all right.” He
complained of the delay in delivery
of the letters sent home, but hoped
that would not be taken as an
indication that the old folks at home
were forgotten. “We are thinking of
you day and night, and of the time
to come when we shall be able to
come back to dear old Brierley Hill
again,” he says. He adds he met
“our Jim out here, and he did look
well. I was glad when I met him I
can tell you.” The “Jim” referred to
is Pte. James Page, who though only
19 is now serving in France.
Another brother, Pte. Ben Page,
who is married and has two
children, is now lying wounded in a
hospital in Lancashire. He has been
in France for one year and eight
months.
County Advertiser 02 June 1917
 Private James Page
South Staffordshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: 119 Parkes Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Iron worker
Age: 20
Date of Death: 23/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BUCQUOY ROAD CEMETERY, FICHEUX Country: France

Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Page, of 18, Parkes St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Two Brierley Hill Brothers Killed.-
Very general regret and sympathy is
expressed in Brierley Hill to Mr and
Mrs Page, of 18, Park Street, Brierley
Hill, who have received official
intimation that they have lost a
second son in the war. This is
Private James Page, of the South
Staffs regiment, who was in his 21st
year, and fell in action on August 23
in France. Private Page joined the
colours when 18 years and seven
months old, and went to France for
the first time in February 1917. Last
November he was wounded, but
after convalescence he again went
to the Western front on July 4th
last. Prior to joining the army he
was employed as the Old Level
Ironworks.A brother, Cpl Arthur
Page also of the South Staffs, who
joined the Army in 1914 and after
seeing service in Ireland, proceeded
to France in February last year, was
killed in action in April 1917. He too,
was employed as the Old Level
Ironworks before enlisting.Another
member of the Page family, Private
Benjamin Page, has, consequent
upon a serious injury to one of his
arms, sustained in France, being
discharged from military service. He
also served in the South Staffs, and
was employed as the Old Level
Ironworks.A son-in-law of Mr and
Mrs Page, Bomb. William Mallen,
has been serving in France for close
on four years, and has fortunately
escaped injury.
County Express 21 September 1918

Private Robert Parker

Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Associated Address: 48 Fenton Street
Occupation: Brick worker
Age: 19
Date of Death: 24/03/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. SOUPLET BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mrs Mary Ann Parker of 93, Fenton St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Brierley Hill Soldier’s Death. - Mr
and Mrs M Parker, 93, Fenton
Street, Brierley Hill, have received
information from the International
Red Cross Society in Geneva, dated
August 9, as follows: – “We are
much grieved to inform you that the
following report appears on lists
dispatched from Berlin – 26. 6. 18.:
– Robert Parker, Pte. 103094,
Machine Gun Corps. Disc sent in.
Nor further information. Died
24.3.18 in field hospital, as St.
Quentin. Shot in head.” Pte Parker,
who proceeded to France when 19
years of age, had not reached his
20th birthday, and was reported
missing since March 21, when the
Germans started their great
offensive. Before enlisting Private
Parker was employed at the Moor
Street brickyard of the Stour. Glazed
Brick Company.
County Express 24 August 1918
 SPR Charles Isaac Parkes
Corps of Royal Engineers
Associated Address: 60 The Delph
Occupation: Furnace Labourer
Age: 40
Date of Death: 30/11/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY Country:
Belgium

Private Edward Payne

South Staffordshire Regiment 7th
Associated Address: 11 Foster Street
Occupation: Tinplate worker
Age: 25
Date of Death: 03/10/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: CONTAY BRITISH CEMETERY, CONTAY Country: France

Husband of Edith Payne, of 15 Foster St., Moor Lane, Brierley Hill, Staffs and
father to two children aged 6 and 3.

‘A SPLENDID FELLOW’ BRIERLEY
HILL SOLDIER KILLED - News has
been received by his wife, Mrs.
Payne, of 15, Foster Street, Moor
Lane, that her husband, Pte. Edward
Payne (South Staffords) has died in a
base hospital in France from shot
wounds received in action. Pte.
Payne was only 24 years of age, and
leaves a widow and two children,
aged 6 and 3, to mourn in his loss.
In civilian life he was a tin plate
worker in the empty of Baldwin’s,
and as a boy and youth was closely
connected with the church at
Brockmoor and its organisations.
He was an old boy of Brockmoor
Council Schools. He joined the army
at the outbreak of war, and went
through some thrilling experiences
at the Dardanelles, in Egypt, and in
France. How he was held in the
estimation of his officers and
comrades is seen in the extracts of
the letters which follow. Private Holt
(a chum), writing to Mrs. Payne,
sends his deepest sympathy and
that of his comrades, and says “Your
husband was a good soldier and did
his duty well, and was spoken very
highly of by his officers and N.C.O.’s
of the regiment….He had been sent
with a message which had to take
under heavy fire, carried out, got
the message through, and that
helped us to hold the position we
had taken and he knew that he was
recommended for the Medal.” The
Sergeant of his regiment also writes
in terms of sympathy, and says Pte.
Payne had been in his platoon for a
long time and was a splendid fellow
and always enthusiastic in his work.
Nothing was too much for him, and
he was always bright and cheerful.
He was loved by one and all, and his
type of men are badly needed.
Everthing was done for him when he
received his wound, and he seemed
very bright and cheerful. Everybody
was surprised when they heard of
his death.”
County Advertiser 18 November
1916
 Private Walter Pearson
South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Date of Death: 30/08/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY
Country: France

Private Dudley Pearson

Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 34 Fenton Street
Occupation: Glass Cleaner
Age: 21
Date of Death: 07/10/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: ALEXANDRIA (CHATBY) MILITARY AND WAR
MEMORIAL CEMETERY Country: Egypt
Son of Dudley and Henzey Pearson, 34 Fenton Street

Mr Dudley Pearson, 73, Fenton Private Dudley Pearson, of the in Gallipoli. County Express 30
Street, Brierley Hill, has received Worcester’s, and of 27, Bromley October 1915
official intimation that his son, Lane, Pensnett has died from fever

Private James Henry Pearson

Worcestershire Regiment 2/7th
Associated Address: 34 Fenton Street
Occupation: Glass worker assistant
Age: 25
Date of Death: 11/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN Country:
France
Son of Dudley and Henzey Pearson, 34 Fenton Street

Brierley Hill Family’s Terrible
Sacrifice - Three Sons Killed in
Action. - Few families in the land
have made so terrible sacrifice in
the war as Mr and Mrs Dudley
Pearson, of No. 4, Coffee House
Row, off High Street, Brierley Hill.
This week the distressed parents
have officially learned that another
of their sons, making three in all,
has paid the supreme sacrifice. In
their crushing bereavement Mr and
Mrs Dudley Pearson will receive the
heartfelt sympathy of every resident
of the town and district. Mr Pearson
is an employee of the District
Council, being a horse driverTheir
latest loss is recorded in a letter
received from a second lieutenant in
the Worcesters, who says: “I regret
to inform you that your son, Private
Charles Pearson, was killed in action
on October 9, 1917. It may help you
to bear your great sorrow to know
that he died gallantly taking part in
one of the recent attacks, and was
buried according to the service of
his church. Assuring you of my
deepest sympathy, etc.” Pte. Chas
Pearson, Who recently attained his
21st birthday, joined the Army two
years ago being up to last time an
employee at Messrs. John Stevens’
bedstead works, Quarry Bank. Two
of his brothers, Pte. Dudley Pearson
and Pte. Harry Pearson, served in
the same Worcestershire Regiment.
The former was killed in the
Dardanelles in 1915, and Private
Harry Pearson fell in France about a
year ago. Mr and Mrs Pearson have
only one other child – a boy of 14
years.
County Express 27 October 1917
 Private Charles Pearson
Worcestershire Regiment 1/7th
Associated Address: 34 Fenton Street
Occupation: Glass worker assistant
Age: 22
Date of Death: 09/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Dudley and Henzey Pearson, 34 Fenton Street

Employee’s Heavy Bereavement. -
The Surveyor, at the (Brierley Hill
Council) Sanitary Committee,
mentions that one of the Council’s
oldest employees, Mr Dudley
Pearson, have sustained an
additional loss in yet another son
killed in action. Two other sons had
previously made the supreme
sacrifice – one in the Dardanelles
and one in France. The committee,
through their chairman, express
their deepest sympathy with Mr
Pearson in his great loss. Mr
Williams thought the council ought
to show their sympathy and moved
that the clerk write a letter of
condolence to Mr Pearson. Mr
James seconded, and it was carried.
County Express 10 November 1917

Sergeant Thomas Rueben Pearson

South Staffordshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: Hillside, Talbot Street
Occupation: Labourer in Brick Works
Age: 23
Date of Death: 23/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: DOUCHY-LES-AYETTE BRITISH CEMETERY Country:
France

Son of Thomas Pearson, of "Croakleigh," Bank St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

BAD NEWS OF A BRIERLEY HILL
SERGEANT - Mr. and Mrs. T.
Pearson, of Bank Street Brierley Hill ,
have received unofficial intimation
that their eldest son, Sergeant T. R.
Pearson, was killed on the 23rd ult.
Lance-Corpl. J. W. riley, of the 2nd
South Staffords, the writer of the
letter sates: “I am sorry to inform
you that your sone, Sergeant Tom
Pearson, was killed in the attack on
the Germans on August 23. He was
struck by a German machine gun
bullet, which penetrated the pit of
the abdomen, and he died
instantaneously without any
suffering. I can assure you of the
sympathy of all the Company. We
have lost a good comrade and friend
and I am such we shall all miss him
very much.” Sergeant Pearson, had
he lived, would have been 24 years
of age next week. Before the war
he worked for Messrs. Jones &
Attwood. At the outbreak of war he
was in the Special Reserve of the
South Staffordshire Regiment, and
was one of the first contingent to be
mobile. Two years ago he spent two
months in hospital suffering from a
bayonet wound. His father, Mr. T.
Pearson, is one of the oldest
motormen in the service of the
Dudley and Stourbridge Tramway
Company.
County Advertiser 07 September
1918
 L/Corporal Arthur Pemberton
Worcestershire Regiment 9th
Associated Address: Heather Villas, Talbot Street
Occupation: Tram worker
Age: 18
Date of Death: 25/01/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: AMARA WAR CEMETERY Country: Iraq

Son of William and Mary Pemberton of Talbot Street, Brierley Hill

Death of Lance-Corpl. Pemberton. -
News has been received from the
War Office this week by Mr. and
Mrs. J. W. Pemberton, Heather Villa,
Talbot Street, that their son, Lance-
Corporal Arthur Pemberton, of the
Worcesters, has been killed in action
in Mesopotamia. The deceased
soldier joined the forces about two
years ago, and after training at
Devonport was sent straight to
Mesopotamia in the early part of
last September. He has been in
hospital suffering from dysentry
since he has been out, letters to that
effect having been received from
him on December 25th and again on
January 4th. In all his letters home,
the deceased solder showed a
keenly patriotic spirit and a cheerful
disposition. Before joining the
Army, Lance-Corporal Pemberton
was engaged in the offices at the
Tram Depot, Hart’s Hill. All his life
he was associated with the South
Street Baptist Church. Many of the
expressions of sympathy have been
received by the parents since the
official news came on Sunday
morning.
County Advertiser 17 February 1917

Private Christopher Phillips

Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) 1/4th
Associated Address: 88 Level Street
Occupation: School
Age: 18
Date of Death: 03/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of William and Margaret Phillips of Level Street, Brierley Hill

County Express casualty list 14

October 1916 – missing: C Phillips,
5468, Duke of Wellington’s.
 Private Henry Pigott
Worcestershire Regiment 1/7th
Associated Address: 59 Level Street
Occupation: Brick worker
Age: 19
Date of Death: 21/08/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Mrs. A. Young (formerly Pigott), of 60, Fenton St., Brierley Hill, Staffs., and
the late George Pigott.

PRIVATE H. PIGOTT, of the 19 years old, and formerly an Territorial he had been at the front
Worcesters, son of Mr and Mrs employee of Messrs. E.J. and J. 17 months.
Henry Pigott, 60, Fenton Street, Pearson Ltd. A Stourbridge County Express 30 September 1916
Brierley Hill, killed in action. He was

L/Corporal Henry Pitchford

Corps of Royal Engineers
Associated Address: 2 Court 1, Fenton Street
Occupation: Overman and Deputy
Age: 33
Date of Death: 20/08/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: YPRES RESERVOIR CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Husband of Eliza Pitchford, of 2, A Court, Fenton St., Brierley Hill, Staffs and
three young children.

ANOTHER BRIERLEY HILL FALLEN -
The official intimation was received
on Thursday morning by Mrs
Pritchard, of 2 house, A Court,
Fenton Street, that her husband,
Lance-Corporal Harry Pitchford had
been killed in action in France.
Lance-Corporal Pitchford was
formerly in the 6th Dragoons prior
to his marriage 13 years ago. When
the war broke out he joined the
Royal Engineers, and went out as a
miner and sapper, his previous
duties as an overman and deputy at
Messrs. Hall’s pits peculiar fitting for
the work he had to do. In it he
displayed true courage and heroism,
and it is only quite recently that he
was recommended for the Military
Medal. In civil life Lance-Corpl.
Pitchford displayed remarkable
enthusiasm in his work, and as our
columns at the time recorded, he
was one of the first to pass the
examination and become an active
member of the Mines Rescue
Society. He leaves a wife and three
young children to mourn his death,
and it is a sad incident that the
youngest, only twelve months old,
has only once been seen by its
father, when he was over on a brief
leave at Whitsuntide. At that time
he was in perfect health, most
cheerful, and enthusiastic about
what he was doing with regard to
the mines in the trenches. His last
words to his wife when he parted
with her to go back to duty were:
“Cheer up; I shall come back.”
Although Mrs Pitchford has been
informed of her husband’s death by
letter from a comrade, bearing her
husband’s parting words in mind
she refused to believe the sad news
until yesterday morning’s official
communication, accompanied by
the sympathetic letter from the King
and Queen, put the matter beyond
doubt.
County Advertiser 08 September
1917
 Private Daniel Plant
South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Service Battalion
Associated Address: 37 The Delph, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Coal Unloader
Age: 27
Date of Death: 30/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: LONSDALE CEMETERY, AUTHUILLE Country: France

Son of James Plant

Soldier Badly Wounded. - The
following letter has been received
by Mrs. Plant, of the Delph, from the
1st General Hospital, France:- “I am
writing this for our son, who is at
present in this hospital. He was
wounded a few days ago, in the
right leg. It is a rather nasty wound,
necessitating him having chloroform
two or three times to have it
dressed. He is a very good patient,
which will help a good deal in his
recovery. As soon as he is able, he
will be moved to England, so that in
a few days you may be seeing him.
Now, do not think because he has
not written you himself that he is
not able to write. It is rather trying
for men at first before they get used
to bed. I do nothing there is any
cause for worry. Hoping you will
have your boy with you soon, I
remain, you sincerely, E. E. Swinbull,
Sister. County Advertiser 16
September 1916 - DELPH HERO
WOUNDED - In our columns recently
we stated that Pte.Plant, of the
Delph, had been wounded and was
in hospital. The sad news has been
further accentuated by a letter
received from the Sister at the
hospital, saying that Pte. Plant has
had his foot amputated. The hero
was held in very high esteem at the
Delph Church, having charge of the
Sunday morning school. He was also
a sideman and was very energetic in
all church work. Everyone will
sincerely hope he will make a
speedy recovery. The following is a
copy of the letter received from the
Sister:- “I received your letter
written by your friend. Your son is
still in this hospital, but I am sorry to
say he has had to lose his leg. The
medical officer thought at first he
would be able to save it, but the
foot had to be taken off yesterday.
He is doing as well as can be
expected now, but of course he still
has a good deal of pain. He has
expected word from you, but I told I
had heard from you. I hope you will
soon be able to go and see him for
yourself. - C. E. Turnbull.
County Advertiser 23 September
1916
Mrs Plant, 37, The Delph, has
received official news that her
husband, Pte. Daniel Plant has died
of wounds in France.
County Express 21st October 1916
 Private James Plant
Worcestershire Regiment 10th
Associated Address: 70 Moor Street
Occupation: Shop Keeper Grocer
Age: 36
Date of Death: 31/01/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: COUIN NEW BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France
Husband of Mrs. S. Plant, of 120, Moor St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

SAD DEATH OF A BRIERLEY HILL
SOLDIER - We sadly record the death
of Pte. James Plant, the well-known
proprietor of the grocery
establishment in Moor Street, Brierley
Hill, and a member of the 10th
Worcestershire Regt. attached to the
Trench Mortar Battery. The deceased
hero, who has been out in France for
the last eighteen months, has come to
an unfortunate and untimely end, and
the deepest sympathy is felt with his
bereaved wife. He was only 36 years
of age, and accidentally killed by a
motor car whilst on parade. Only three
weeks before the sad occurerence he
was at home on leave, and he had only
been back in France ten days before he
was killed. The following is a copy of a
letter sent by Sergt. A. Swaine, of the
57th Mortar Trench Battery in France:-
“I am very sorry to inform you that
your husband, whilst on parade to-day,
met with an accident. A motor car ran
into him, which I have learned caused a
compound fracture of the skull. I
should not worry. As long as there is
life there is hope, and he is being well
looked after. Officers, N.C.O.’s, and
men of the Battery send their deepest
sympathy, as he was one of our best
men, has always done his duty, and is
respected by all.” Mrs. Plant also
received the following letter on
Wednesday, signed by E. Robertson
Sloan, sister at the hospital: “I am very
sorry to have to give such sad news of
Pte. Plant, of the Worcestershire
Regiment. He was brought here,
having received wounds to the head.
He was quite unconscious and
remained so until he passed away on
the 31st of January. He was never able
to speak to me, so I couldn’t get any
message for you. He didn’t suffer any
pain, and everything possible was done
for him. Please accept my deepest
sympathy in your great bereavement.
He will be buried in the military
cemetery for British soldiers, and his
grave marked with a cross.”
County Advertiser 10 Feb 1917

Private George Poole

Worcestershire Regiment 3rd
Associated Address: 40 Dudley Road
Occupation: Brickyard Labourer
Age: 21
Date of Death: 17/05/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI
Country: France

Son of Henry and Louisa Poole, of Brierley Hill, Staffs.

 Private Andrew Poston
Bedfordshire 7th
Associated Address: 17 Bull Street
Occupation: Foundry Labourer General
Age: 26
Date of Death: 10/08/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of John Henry and Susana Poston, of 70, Bull St., Briedey Hill, Staffs.

Brierley Hill Soldier’s Fate - Mrs Bedfords, who was reported missing army, employed at Messrs Hill and
Poston, of 70, Bull Street, Brierley on August 10th, 1917 is now, by the Smiths, Brierley Hill Ironworks.
Hill, has received official news that Army Council, presumed killed. Pte. County Express 15 Jun 1918
her son, Pte. W. A. Poston of the Poston was, prior to entering the

Corporal Samuel Powell

Durham Light Infantry 13th
Associated Address: 1 Albion Street, Court 3
Occupation: School/Newsboy
Age: 19
Date of Death: 29/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Henry Powell, of 1, Albion St, Brierley Hill, Staffs

Private John Thomas Price

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: The Hollis, Station Road
Occupation:
Age: 36
Date of Death: 23/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Husband of Eliza Price, of 100, Mill St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

 Private John Thomas Priest
South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: Fenton Street
Occupation: Boot Riveter
Age: 34
Date of Death: 03/04/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN Country: France

Joseph and Elizabeth Priest, of Netherton, Dudley, Worcs. Wife of Mrs Priest
of Fenton Street, Brierley Hill and father to three children.

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER’S DEATH -
Official information has been
received from the War Office of the
death of Pte. J. T. Priest, of the 1st
South Staffords, which occurred in a
base hospital at Rouen, from
nephritis. Pte Priest left for active
service about a fortnight before
Christmas. He was previously
attached to the Worcesters, and
joined the Staffords soon after the
outbreak of war. For two years he
has carried on the business of a
boot and shoe repairer in Mill
Street, Brierley Hill. Deceased
leaves a widow and three children,
who reside in Fenton Street.
County Advertiser 17 April 1915

Private Samuel Prosser

Worcestershire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: The Goss, Delph
Occupation: Waterman
Age: 29
Date of Death: 21/10/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: BIRR CROSS ROADS CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Husband of Mrs Prosser of The Goss, Delph Brierley Hill and father to one child.

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER KILLED -
News has been received of the
death of Private Saml. Prosser, of
the 2nd Worcesters, who has been
at the front since the outbreak of
the war. He was only married about
three years ago at the Brierley Hill
Parish Church, and the deepest
sympathy is felt for his widow and
their one child. He was a Reservist,
having been through the South
African War. On coming home, he
became a boatman under the
Shropshire Union Canal Co., and
lived at the Goss, Delph. Mrs
Prosser has received the King’s
kindly message of sympathy There
will be a memorial service at the
Delph Church on Sunday morning,
when it is expected many of the
Canal Company’s employees will
attend.
County Advertiser 12 December
1914
 Private Joseph Spencer Rea
South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: Bull Street
Occupation: Moulder
Age: 22
Date of Death: 09/02/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: WARLINCOURT HALTE BRITISH CEMETERY, SAULTY Country:
France

Son of George and Annie Rea, of 94, Bull St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Mrs. A. Rea, 94, Bull Street Brierley
Hill, and received official initiation
that her elder sone, Pte. John
Spencer Rea, South Staffords, had
died in a clearing station in France,
from shrapnel wounds. he was 22
years old. County Express 17th Feb
1917 - Officer’s Fine Tribute to
Brierley Hill Man. - Private Joseph
Spencer Rea, 54, Bull Street, Brierley
Hill, has died of wounds in France.
He was formerly and employe of
Messrs. Bailey, Pegg and Co. His
officer, in a letter of sympathy to
Mrs Rea, writes - “He was a great
favourite with both officers and
men. His death has grieved me
more than I can say. Not only was
he an excellent worker, but he was a
charming man, and I really grew to
love him. He was my orderly for 17
months, and I found him one of the
best men I have ever met.” A
younger brother, Gunner William
Rea, R.G.A. is in hospital in France,
with an injured knee.
County Express 24th February 1917

Gunner Victor George William Rea

Royal Garrison Artillery
Associated Address: Bull Street
Occupation: Engine Fitter
Age: 20
Date of Death: 24/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: LONDON CEMETERY, NEUVILLE-VITASSE Country:
France

Son of George and Annie Rea, of 94, Bull St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Brierley Hill Widow’s Heavy Loss. -
The sympathies of all in Brierley Hill
will be extended to Mrs Rea, of Bull
Lane; a widow, she has now lost
both her sons in the war. Her eldest
son, Pte. Joseph Rea, aged 23, of
the Staffords, was killed in action
nine weeks ago, and last Tuesday
she received the sad and terrible
intelligence that other son, Gunner
William Rea, aged 20, had also
fallen. Both were single men, and
before enlisting resided with their
mother.
County Express 05 May 1917
 Private George Richards
South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Service Battalion
Associated Address: 37 Mill Street
Occupation: Iron Worker Puddler
Age: 28
Date of Death: 26/03/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of Caroline Richards of 37 Mill Street, Brierley Hill

Brierley Hill Soldier’s Sad Death. -
The sympathies of the town of
Brierley Hill will go out to Mrs
George Richards and her two
children, of Mill Street, who have
sustained a sad bereavement by the
death of Private George Richards, of
the Staffords, as the age of 28. A
little over two years ago Richards,
who was employed at the Earl of
Dudley’s blast furnaces Level Street,
volunteered in response to Lord
Kitchener’s appeal for men. After
training he went to Egypt, and later
took part in the heavy fighting in the
Dardanelles. On the evacuation of
the peninsular he was sent direct to
France, and took part in much
fighting on the Western front. On
Thursday week he arrived home
having been sent back from the
trenches to assist in the work at the
blast furnaces. The same night he
was taken with an illness so acute
that he was next day removed to
the Military Hospital, Wordsley,
suffering from double pneumonia.
Despite all that could be done for
him he expired on Monday
afternoon. The funeral is today
(Saturday), at St Michael’s, Brierley
Hill, at 4 PM.
County Express 31 March 1917

Private Edward J Richardson

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 8 Pearson Street
Occupation: Shop Assistant
Age: 22
Date of Death: 25/09/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Edward and Jane Richardson of Pearson Street, Brierley Hill

 Private James H Roberts
Worcestershire Regiment 3rd
Associated Address: 17 Moor Street
Occupation: Glass Cutter
Age: 24
Date of Death: 27/09/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY Country: Belgium

Son of John and Jane Roberts of Moor Street, Brierley Hill

A BRIERLEY HILL HERO - Exciting
Experiences Under Shell Fire -
Writing home, Private J. Roberts, of
Moor Street, Brierley Hill, and of the
7th Worcesters, who is now in
hospital at Bristol, says: I will tell
you of my struggle for dear life as I
lay by two of my chums who were
hit by the same shell as myself. The
one was wounded in the thing, and
the other had his left leg blown
clean off. I lay there bleeding, and
in great pain, until it was dark, and
then I said to my chums, “I am going
to try and crawl back to our lines,”
as we were not very safe where we
lay. The wound with the wound in
his thigh said he would follow later.
we told the other poor chap to
cheer up, and we would send the
stretcher bearer for him. We were
about a hundred years from our
trenches. I managed to crawl about
halfway. Then I could see two of my
chums coming towards me. One of
them was my real chum, and we
shared everything. He said he knew
where I was, and intended to fetch
me. They carried and laid me in th
trench, where five or six more of my
platoon lay wounded. It was
terrible to hear them crying out for
stretcher bearers. The the boys
started to advance again, and our
artillery were very busy, according
to the number of shells they were
sending over. I determined to
chance all to get to the first aid tent.
I managed to get on my hands and
knees, and off I started at a very
slow pace. I went from on trench to
another until I came to the main
road which led for the first aid. Her
I was in for another good time, as
the Germans started to send a few
of their shells over. I got into the
dug-out which was close by, and
there I lay in mud and water for
about an hour until they stopped
shelling. The I made my final
attempt to get to the bottom of the
road, when I knew I should get
picked up by the stretcher bearers. I
was plastered with mud and soaked
with water. Every three or four
years I had to rest, as I was getting
“beat to the wide.” At last I got to
the bottom of the road, and then
turned into a trench off the road, as
the Germans were trying to find
some of our guns which were not
far away with their Jack Johnsons. I
lay there till dusk in a terrible state.
Then I could see the stretcher
bearers coming along. They soon
got me to first aid, and from there I
went from one hospital to another
until I found myself on land. At
Southampton I was put on a hospital
train being sent to different places,
and “here endeth the first lesson.”
County Advertiser 27 March 1915
FOR HIS COUNTRY -Brierley Hill
Hero Dies of Wounds - In our last
issue we published the news that
Private James Roberts, of 17 Moor
St., Brierley Hill had again been
wounded in the advance which took
place recently, and last Saturday his
parents received the sad news,
officially, that Pte. Roberts died of
his wounds on Sept. 27. The official
intimation was accompanied by the
King and Queen’s letter of
sympathy. Private Roberts, who
was 25 years of age, joined the
forces with his brother on Sept. 3rd
of last year, and in the memorable
battle of Neuve Chapelle, he
received no fewer than nine
wounds, from which he eventually
recovered. After leaving hospital he
spent a brief leave at home, an
returned o the trenches but five
weeks before receiving his fatal
wounds.
County Advertiser 09 October 1915
 Sergeant Sidney Clifford Rooker
South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 57 Parkes Street
Occupation: Glassmaker Table and Fancy
Age: 23
Date of Death: 28/02/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: PROUVILLE CHURCHYARD Country: France

Son of Thomas and Ester Ann Rooker, of 128, Station Road, Brierley Hill, Staffs.

KILLED AFTER PROMOTION -
Brierley Hill Sergeant’s Sad Fate -
Lieutenant’s Tribute - Within a week
of his promotion, Mr. and Mrs.
Rooker, of the Firs, Station Road,
Brierley Hill, on Monday received
the sad news that their son, Sergt.
Sidney Clifford Rooker, of the 1.5th
South Staffords, has been killed.
The information was conveyed in
the following letter, which the
hero’s parents received from Lieut.
T. F. Rowley, Acting C.O. 1/5th South
Staffords:- "Dear Sir, - It is with the
deepest regret that I have to inform
you of the death of your son, Sgt.
Sidney Rooker. His death was due
to the accidental bursting of a
bomb. He died shortly after the
accident. He was a most efficient
solder, and has won his rapid
promotion by sheer merit." Sergt.
Rooker was but 23 years old, and
prior to enlisting in the Brierley Hill
Territorials was a Scoutmaster in the
Pensnett Troop of Boy Scouts.. He
went out with the batch of
Territorials, and since being in
France has not had a furlough.
Sergt. Rooker was exceedingly well
known in the district, and general
sympathy will be felt with Mr. and
Mrs. Rooker and family in their
great bereavement.
County Advertiser 11 March 1916

Private Bert Roughton

Worcestershire Regiment 1/7th
Associated Address: 164 Commonside
Occupation: Working At Home
Age: 22
Date of Death: 22/08/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: WARLOY-BAILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Country: France

Son of William and Emma Roughton, 164 Commonside

Private Daniel Barnett Round

South Staffordshire Regiment 2/6th (T.F.) Battalion
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 24/09/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium
 Private John Thomas Rowley
South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 20 Albion Street
Occupation: Glass Cutter
Age: 21
Date of Death: 14/12/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of John and Rose Rowley, of 37, Albion Street, Brierley Hill

BRIERLEY HILL HERO’S DEATH. - Sad
Sequel to Unexpected
Homecoming. - The present war has
been fruitful of many strange
happenings, but none so strange
and tragic as that accompanying the
unexpected return of Tuesday last
of Pte. John Thomas Rowley of the
famous 1st/5th South Staffords.
Private Rowley, the third son of Mr.
and Mrs. John Rowley, of 37, Albion
Street Brierley Hill, and only 21
years old, was attached to the
Territorials before the war, and was
one amongst the first of the local
lads to volunteer for active service.
It speaks much for the merits of the
gallant hero that from the time his
Company left Brierley Hill until the
time he was wounded, he acted as
orderly to Lieut. Allday, that heroic
young officer who so nobley gave up
his life in leading the 1st/5th into
the memorable action of October
13th. Pte. Rowley received a gun
shot wound in the leg previous to
that charge, and for some time his
injuries were treated in a hospital in
France. Private Rowley’s unexpected
return late on Thursday night was a
surprise and a source of
unspeakable joy to his parents and
relatives, and apparently he was
none the worse for his trying
experiences. On Saturday, however,
he visited Wordsley Military
Hospital and was told he would have
to become an inmate. The young
hero immediately returned home to
inform his parents, who thought
their son’s illness not serious
enough to give rise to any undue
anxiety, but by Monday night he
passed away. The sympathies of the
whole district go out to Mr. and
Mrs. Rowley in their sad loss, and
their grief must be all the more
harrowing so recently upon their
rejoicing at having their son with
them once again. Previous to his
enlistment Private Rowley was
employed at Stevens and Williams’s,
Brierley Hill.
County Advertiser 18 December
1915

Private William Ernest Rubery

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 12/05/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France
 Private Arthur Edward Rudge
Worcestershire Regiment 9th
Associated Address:
Occupation: Pipe Moulder, Iron Foundry
Age: 38
Date of Death: 25/01/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL Country: Iraq

Husband of Mrs Rudge, of 66 Bull Street, Brierley Hill

Brierley Hill Soldier’s Death - Mrs
Rudge, of 66, Bull Street, Brierley
Hill, has received the painful
information that as no further news
has been received of her husband,
Pte. Arthur Edward Rudge, of the
Worcesters, reported missing since
January 25th, 1917, the Army
Council are regretfully constrained
to conclude that he is dead. Pte.
Arthur Rudge, who was in his 39th
year, enlisted in January 1915, and
took part in the Mesopotamia
campaign. He was a pipe moulder
in the employ of Messrs. Bailey,
Pegg and Co. at the Brierley
Foundry. Much sympathy will be
felt with Mrs. Rudge and her family
of five children.
County Express 13 April 1918

Private James Henry Rutter

South Staffordshire Regiment 8th Service
Associated Address: Maythorns, South Street
Occupation: Fitter
Age:
Date of Death: 28/05/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: BAILLEUL ROAD EAST CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGY
Country: France

Husband of Mrs Rutter, Maythorns, South Street, Brierley Hill

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER’S NARROW
ESCAPE - Private J. H. Rutter who is
with the British Expeditionary Force in
France, writing to Mr. and Mrs. W. A.
Edwards, “Glenmore,” Adelaide Street,
Brierley Hill, says:- “I should like to say
a few words on behalf of the boys in
our battalion from Brierley Hill district
who showed such gallant conduct and
pluck during the great onslaught which
the Germans made in their recent
attempt to break through the British
lines round Ypres on February 14th.
They were repulsed with very heavy
losses, despite the terrible
bombardment that preceded the
attack, and the way the gallant South
Staffords held on, man to man, was
thrilling. Moreover, we were so
determined to drive them back that
they were only able to occupy one
section of our trench, and this they
gained by blowing up with mines. It
was one of the hottest times we have
experienced during our march along
the Western front. The Germans
started the attack with shells of very
heavy calibre, including aerial
torpedoes and trench mortars, which
were bursting around us in every
direction, and lasted for a period of six
hours. Afterwards all went quiet for a
time. The Germans thought they had
completely wiped us out, but it was not
so, for we had been eating patiently for
them to commence another attack.
This they were soon doing, and we
were quite ready for them, so they
commenced raining shells of all kinds
and advancing towards our trenches.
We, however, started to fire on them
with our rifles and machine guns, also
throwing grenades and bombs. These
met them straight, and they were
mowed down in front of us, and
consequently lost the trench they had
previously gained. This terrible
bombardment lasted for a period of 48
hours, and it was during that time that
I had a very narrow escape from death.
Bombs and shells were continually
falling in our trenches, while we were
returning the same on them till at last
one large shell fell and exploded in out
trench close to where I was standing.
We all fled for our lives, but one of my
comrades was caught by a piece of
shell, which broke his arm and severely
injured his leg. I had my rifle and hat
blown clean away, besides being
thrown heavily to the ground, but
happily I was not hurt beyond receiving
a severe shaking and making me deaf
for a time. However, I soon gathered
myself up again, only to find our trench
all blown in and my wounded comrade
being carried away to the dressing
room. I shall never forget. At present
we are out of the trenches for a well-
earned rest, and sitting by our camp
fire, made up of a few sticks gathered
from a wood close by. ”
County Advertiser 11 March 1
 Private Wilfred Lowe Sault
Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) 15th/17th Battalion
Associated Address: 15 William Street
Occupation: School
Age: 18
Date of Death: 12/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Joseph and Eliza Salt of 15 William Street, Brierley Hill

Private William Benjamin Rusbadge Share

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: Bell Street
Occupation: Iron Works Labourer
Age: 25
Date of Death: 14/05/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: ST. QUENTIN CABARET MILITARY CEMETERY Country:
Belgium

Son of Benjamin and Alice Share

ANOTHER BRIERLEY HILL CASUALTY
- “A Soldier and Patriot” Initmation
has been received that Private W. B.
Share, of Bell Street, Brierley Hill,
and a local Territorial, has been
killed in action. Share joined the
Brierley Hill Territorials soon after
war broke out and went to the front
two or three months ago. Mrs Holt,
with whom he lived, on Saturday
received a letter from him stating
that he was then all right. On
Monday, Mrs. Holt despatched to
him a pork pie, together with other
luxuries which he had asked for. On
Tuesday morning she received a
communication from Lieut. and Adj.
Lamont. of 1/5th South Staffs.,
dated 15th inst., which states “I
greatly regret to inform you that
your friend Private W. B. Share was
killed by a bullet through the brain
while on sentry go in the trenches.
He died at his post doing his duty as
a soldier and a patriot.
County Advertiser 22 May 1915

Private Wilfred Shaw

South Staffordshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 09/08/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France
 Acting Bombadier Horace Victor Sheriff
Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery Territorial Force
Associated Address: Victoria Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Glass Engraver
Age: 28
Date of Death: 02/05/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: CITE BONJEAN MILITARY CEMETERY, ARMENTIERES
Country: France

Son of Samuel Sheriff; husband of Mary Maria Sheriff, of 2, Victoria St., Brierley
Hill, Staffs. Born at Brierley Hill.

Brierley Hill Bombardier’s End. - action. Lieut. A. K. B. Terrell, his close to him. “He died doing his
Bombardier H. V. Sheriff, F. F. A., section commander, in a letter to duty, and there is no one in the
who lived at 2, Victoria Street, his wife said he was killed instantly battery who does not miss him.”
Brierley Hill, has just been killed in by a big shell, which burst quite County Express 19 May 1917

Private Joseph Simpson

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 46 Hill Street
Occupation: Brick worker
Age: 18
Date of Death: 13/10/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Joseph and Mary Hannah Simpson, of 20, Hill St., Brierley Hill, Staffs

BRIERLEY HILL HERO MISSING -
MOTHER'S APPEAL TO MOTHERS -
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, of 20, Hill
Street, Brierley Hill, have this week
received a letter from Private
Compson, of Hart’s Hill, in which he
sates that their son, and a comrade
of his, Private Joseph Simpson, of
the 1/5th South Staffords, has been
missing since the memorable charge
made by their company on October
13th. Just before the battle, in
which the 1/5th suffered heavy
losses, Mrs. Simpson receive a letter
from her son, but had received none
since. He joined the forces in
September last year, and was
drafted to France in March last.
Previous to enlistment he was
employed by Messrs. Harris and
Pearson Ltd. Another son of Mrs.
Simpson, Trumpeter George
Simpson, is at present in training
with the R.G.A., thist she also has a
son-in-law and three nephews
serving with the colours. Of local
mothers who have sons at the front
she asks that in writing to them they
will enquire as to whether they have
heard or seen anything of her lad,
and we are sure that the appeal will
not be in vain.
County Advertiser 06 November
1915
Mr Joseph Simpson, the foreman in
the council’s roads department, has
this week received official
intimation that his son, Private
Joseph Simpson, was killed in
October, 1915.
County Express 02 September 1916
 Gunner James Simpson
Royal Field Artillery A Bty, 76th Bde
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 27/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: CARNOY MILITARY CEMETERY Country: France

A Brave Soldier - The official
intimation has also been received
that Gunner James Simpson, of
Brockmoor, has been killed in action
in France. In a letter received by his
wife from the officer of the battery,
he writes” “I am exceedingly sorry
to tell you that on the night of 27th
September your husband was killed
by a bomb dropped on the wagon
line. I am afraid this will be a sad
shock to you, and you have my
deepest sympathy. Ever since your
husband has been in this battery he
has been a brave solder, and was
always cheerful under trying
conditions. He is one of the many
who have fallen in this war, and
perhaps in your sorrow you may
find consolation in the knowledge
that he gave his life for his country.
I hope this thought will bring you
some comfort. All the officers and
men of the battery wish me to
express their sympathy with you.”
Only a few days ago, Mr. Arthur
Gibbons received a note from
Gunner Simpson, in which he stated
that he was looking forward to
returning home for a few days.
County Advertiser 07 October 1916

Gunner George Henry Simpson

Royal Garrison Artillery South Midland (Warwickshire) Heavy Battery [RGA-
(TF)]
Associated Address: Hill Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation: Glassworker
Age: 31
Date of Death: 31/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England
Husband of A. M. Simpson, of 4, Gem Terrace, Icknield Port Rd., Birmingham.

MILITARY FUNERAL AT BRIERLEY
HILL - The funeral of the son of our
esteemed road foreman, Mr.
Simpson, whose second sad
bereavement was sympathetically
referred to at the last meeting of
the Council, took place with military
honours at the Parish Church Burial
Ground on Saturday. He was
Gunner George Simpson, of the R.
G.A., and was badly gassed in
France. He was brought to the
Sunderland Hospital where he died.
His parents live at Hill Street. During
his last illness he wrote home saying
that he had been badly gassed and
had been blinded for a month. He,
however, cheerily hoped to be
home soon again to see his parents,
his wife and his children. A
telegram however, was received
and his mother and wife went to the
hospital and stayed with him until
he passed away. At the funeral the
remains were borne to the grave by
a firing party from Wolverhampton
and after the service, conducted by
the Rector - Rev. H. W. Jones - (Mr.
T. Williams playing appropriate
music on the organ) three volleys
were fired over the grave and the
Last Post sounded. There was a
large concourse of sympathetic
onlookers and friends. The
mourners were father, mother, two
sisters, little Bertie, his wife and two
children, Dicky and George. Mr. and
Mrs Simpson three years ago lost
another son in the war, who was
only 18 years of age and a brother-
in-law of the deceased is serving in
France. There were some beautiful
floral tributes from Father and
Mother, Sisters, little Bertie,
Neighbours and Friends, his aunts
and uncles, workmen, Mrs. George,
a Yorkshire friend, Mr. and Mrs. Job
Wood, and Mrs. C. Harris and
others.
County Advertiser 16 November
1918
 Private Howard Siviter
Lincolnshire Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: Hall Street, Old Hill
Occupation: Moulder
Age: 37
Date of Death: 08/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL Country: France

Husband of Myra Siviter, of 42, Bent St., Brierley Hill, Staffs and father to
three children

Another Brierley Hill Man Killed. -
News has reached Brierley Hill that
Pte Howard Siviter, of the 2nd
Lincolns, whose home is at 42, Bent
Street, Brierley Hill, was killed in
action in France on October 8.
Private Siviter, who was 37 years of
age, joined the forces two years ago
last June, and crossed over to
France four months later. He leaves
a widow and three children. Before
going up Pte Siviter was employed
at the Stourbridge Glazed Brick
Company, Moor Lane Works. He
was a native of Old Hill, where his
mother, who is 83 years of age, still
lives at Best Street. Tomorrow week
a memorial service is to be held at
the Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Old
Hill, where the deceased
worshipped before removing to
Brierley Hill.
County Express 02 November 1918

Serjeant William Skelton

South Staffordshire Regiment 5th
Associated Address: 81 High Street
Occupation: Hatter and hosier
Age: 32
Date of Death: 02/05/1919
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Son of David and Margaret Ann Skelton, of 150, High St., Brierley Hill;
husband of Frances Hilda Skelton, of High St., Kinver, Stourbridge

MILITARY FUNERAL AT BRIERLEY
HILL. - Pte. Williams Skelton, son of
Mr and Mrs David Skelton, High
Street, Brierley Hill, was interred
with military honours at St Michael’s
Church on Wednesday. Pte. Skelton
was mobilised with the Brierley Hill
Territorial Company in August, 1914,
and later went to France. In October
1917 he was invalided home with
rheumatic fever. Following recovery
he married, and went to reside at
Kinver. In January last he had
another illness, and was moved to
the Military Hospital at Lichfield,
where he remained until April 30,
and was then brought to his father’s
home at High Street, Brierley Hill.
Death occurred two days later at the
age of 32. Much sympathy is felt for
his widow and his parents and
family. As the funeral six sergeants
of the Staffords attended from
Lichfield, and acted as bearers, and
a firing party were also present. A
choral service was rendered in the
church.
County Express 10 May 1919
 Private Josiah (Joseph) Slater
Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 19 Bull Street
Occupation: Cupola Worker
Age: 33
Date of Death: 06/08/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Country: Turkey

BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER’S DEATH. -
Information has been received that
Private Joseph Slater of Silver End,
Brierley Hill, an old boy of the
Brockmoor Council School, has been
killed in Gallipoli. Private Slater went
on with the draft to the 4th
Worcesters in July, and was in the
great attack on the Turkish
fortifications at Suvla Bay in August.
Writing recently to Mr Arthur
Gibbons, headmaster of Brockmoor
Council School, he said: “We are
close to the firing line, and go into
the trenches again tomorrow, I will
let you know how we get on. Our
regiment has won a fine name out
here, I think this part of the war will
soon be over, as we are advancing a
lot now. I shall then be able to see a
few of the old faces once more.”
County Express 27 November 1915

Private Edward Smith

Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/6th
Associated Address: Court 3 No 3 Level Street
Occupation: Miner Door Opener Underground
Age: 21
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No.2 Country: France

Son of Mr. J. Smith, of 68 Level St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Mrs A. Smith, 68, Level Street, the Royal Warwicks, reported years old and had previously worked
Brierley Hill, has received official missing on July 1, is now reported as the Old Level Ironworks.
tidings that her son Pte. E. Smith, of killed in action. Pte. Smith was 20 County Express 02 September 1916

L/Corporal John Bernard Smith

King's Shropshire Light Infantry 6th
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 20/06/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: FAVREUIL BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France
 2nd Lt Walter T Smith
Bedfordshire Regiment 8th
Associated Address: Moor Street
Occupation: Soldier
Age: 36
Date of Death: 03/03/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: CAMBRIN MILITARY CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Mrs Thomas Smith, Moor Street

Second-Lieut. W. T. Smith Killed. -
The townspeople of Brierley Hill will
learn much regret of the death in
action of second lieutenant Walter T
Smith, son of Mrs Thomas Smith,
Moor Street. Second Lieut. Smith,
who was 36 years old, entered the
army 17 years ago and served in the
South African War, and was
awarded the King’s Medal. Later he
had 5 1/2 years’ military service in
India. When war broke out in 1914
he held the rank of sergeant. He
proceeded with his regiment to
France, was later promoted to
sergeant major, and a year or so ago
was gazetted second lieutenant. He
has twice been wounded, the
second occasion necessitating sick
leave at home for some four
months. As the beginning of
February Lt Smith again proceeded
to France, and on March 3 he was
instantly killed.
County Express 17 March 1917

Private George H Summers

Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) 11th
Associated Address: 7 New Street
Occupation: Boatman at Colliery
Age: 27
Date of Death: 07/06/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Jane Summers of 7 New Street, Brierley Hill

“Helped in Great Victory” - Mrs
Summers, New Street, Brierley Hill,
has received from an officer in the
Sherwood Foresters serving on the
Western front, a letter of sympathy
in connection with the death of her
son, Private George H. Summers,
who was killed in the fighting on
June 16th. The officer says: “He did
his duty bravely and willingly, and
met his death in helping to win for
his country one of the greatest
victories that has been won in this
war.”
County Express 1st September 1917
 Private Harry Sutton
Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment) 2nd
Associated Address: 50a New Street
Occupation: Bucket Factory
Age: 23
Date of Death: 02/04/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Walter Sutton, of 28, New St., Brierley Hill, Staffs, and the late Sarah
Ann Sutton

The parents of Pte. Harry Sutton, of
the Yorkshire Regiment, and of New
Street, Brierley Hill, have received
official intimation that he has been
missing for some weeks. He went
into action in the first week in April,
and has not been heard of since. He
was 22 years old, and came of a
family of soldiers, his grandfather
having gone through the Crimean
War, and his uncle through the
Gallipoli campaign.
County Express 26 May 1917

Private Charles Sutton

Devonshire Regiment 9th (Service) Battalion
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 22/06/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Private Wilfred Thompson

South Staffordshire Regiment 7th Service Battalion
Associated Address:
Occupation:
Age:
Date of Death: 07/08/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: HELLES MEMORIAL Country: Turkey
 Private Arthur Tomlinson
Northumberland Fusiliers 1st/6th
Associated Address: 13 Seagers Lane
Occupation: School
Age: 18
Date of Death: 11/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Mrs. Lucy Tomlinson, of 63, Bank St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Sergeant William Henry Tompkins

South Staffordshire Regiment 1/5th (Territorial Force)
Associated Address: 18 Parkes Street
Occupation: Painter's Builder
Age: 24
Date of Death: 29/06/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Mr and Mrs J Tompkins, Parkes Street, Brierley Hill

Brierley Hill Sergent’s Death.
“Always one of the Best.” Mr and
Mrs J Tompkins, Parkes Street,
Brierley Hill have this week received
a letter from acting Regt.Serg.-
Major Frank Hawse, stating that
their son, Sergt. W. Harry Tompkins,
has been killed in action. Sgt Maj
Howes writes: “It is with the
deepest regret that I have to write
this sorrowful letter to you, telling
you of the death in action of your
son and my dearest chum Harry. It
has upset me since the night he was
killed. I know that he will be a great
loss to you and Mrs Tompkins. He
was always one of the best,
goodhearted soldiers that I ever
knew. He never feared. I knew Harry
since I was a boy. We went to
school together, grew up together,
and enlisted together and I can
assure you it is almost as hard for us
lads to lose a friend like Harry as it is
for his parents to lose him. I can
assure you that he hardly suffered
any pain. He has been buried
respectively, as we always bury
Comrades. He was respected by all
the officers and men of his
company. Please accept my
sympathy and that of all his
comrades.” Mr and Mrs Tompkins
have also received a letter of
sympathy from Corpl. Wm
Robertson, stationed at
Wolverhampton, but no intimation
has yet been received from the War
Office. Sergt. Tompkins was a
member of the original Brierley Hill
Company of Territorials, mobilised
during the first week of the war, and
embarked for France early in 1915.
County Express 21 July 1917

Corporal Harold Tonks

Worcestershire Regiment 1/7th
Associated Address: Amblecote Road
Occupation:
Age: 22
Date of Death: 09/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Son of Mrs. M. A. Tonks, of 46, Amblecote Rd., Brierley Hill, Staffs., and the
late John Tonks.
 Corporal George Tubb
Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) 194th Coy
Associated Address: 39 John Street
Occupation: Postman
Age: 27
Date of Death: 21/09/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium
Husband of Lilian Sarah Tubb of Bradley Moor Road

Brierley Hill Postman’s Death. -
General regret will be felt in Brierley
Hill at the death in action of Cpl.
George Tubb, a local postman,
especially as only a few weeks ago
news came that he had been
awarded the Military Medal for
conspicuous bravery. Corporal Tubb,
who was 27 years old, leaves a
widow and one child, who reside at
39, John Street, Brierley Hill. He was
a native of Abingdon, Berkshire, and
was transferred to Brierley Hill Post
Office seven years ago. He served in
the Royal Berkshire Volunteers, and
at Brierley Hill joined the 7th
Worcesters. He volunteered for
Army service 12 months last July,
and was a member of the Machine
Gun Corps. He was an all-round
sportsman, delighting in football,
cricket, and shooting; had most
genial disposition and was liked by
all. Letters received by Mrs Tubb
state that her husband was killed by
a shell while nobly doing his duty
with his gun. His sergeant and
another comrade were wounded by
the same shell which fell quite close
during a heavy German counter
attack. He felt no pain, his death
being instantaneous. He was well
beloved by all N.C.O.’s and men
alike. He was buried at dawn, and a
cross is erected to mark his last
resting place.
County Express 29 September 1917
BRIERLEY HILL POSTMASTERSHIP -
RETIREMEN OF MR. M. A. LONG
…Mr. Long cordially welcomed his
guests, especially those who had
happily returned from military
service to civic duties.
Unfortunately one of their number,
Mr. George Tubb, had made the
great sacrifice. In 1914 the staff at
Brierley Hill included six men
indoors and 15 outdoors. Of these
all the indoor and 10 of the outdoor
men entered the Army; of the
remains five, three were over age
and one was medically rejected.
Three of the indoor and nine of the
outdoor men had returned. Whilst
they were away the places were
filled by young ladies, and he had
not yet to meet a body in the postal
service with whom it had been more
pleasurable to work - (applause)….
County Express 07 June 1919
 Private Albert Tunley
Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) 7th
Associated Address: 31 Little Cottage Street
Occupation: Glass decorator
Age: 19
Date of Death: 18/08/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY Country:
France

Son of George and Elizabeth Tunley, of 11, Little Cottage St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Killed in Bombing Accident. - Brierley
Hill Soldier’s Sad End -Private Albert
Tunley, of the Royal West Kent
Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs G.
Tunley, 12, Little Cottage Street,
Brierley Hill, has been killed in France
at the age of 19 and a half. The sad
news was conveyed home in a letter,
dated August 21st, sent by a second
lieutenant of his company to Mrs
Tunley. The officer said: “It is my sad
duty to inform you that Private Tunley
was accidentally killed on August 18 in
a bombing accident. My deepest
sympathies are with you in this loss.
During the practice of live bomb
throwing your son, with an officer and
N.C.O. were killed by a defective
bomb. This may be some consolation
for you to know that death was
instantaneous stop he had only joined
us a few days, and all his comrades
spoke well of him; and it seems hard
that such a good fellow should meet
his end by an unfortunate accident. He
was buried on Sunday, August 19th, in
the British military cemetery at St.
Omar. His comrades placed a wreath
on his grave.” Pte. R. V. Rushton, of
the same regiment, who also sent
news of the sad events to the young
hero’s parents, expressed the sorrow
of “all his comrades who have been
with him from the beginning.” He, too,
says that a beautiful wreath was laid by
his comrades on his grave, and a cross
erected. Private Tunley was an old boy
of Brierley Hill Church of England
School, and prior to joining the army
was a glass decorator in the employ of
Messrs. Stevens and Williams, Ltd.
Brierley Hill.
County Express 01 September 1917

Private Edward Turley

Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 45 Albion Street
Occupation: Worker at brickworks
Age: 17
Date of Death: 07/06/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: MALTA (CAPUCCINI) NAVAL CEMETERY Country: Malta

Son of Enoch and Harriet Turley, of 48, Albion St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Young Brierley Hill Soldier’s Death. -
Information has reached his mother at
48 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, of the
death of Private Edward Turley, who
was wounded whilst serving in the
Mediterranean Force with the 4th
Worcesters. Pte. Turley, who was
previously employed as Brierley Hill
works of the Stourbridge Glazed Brick
Company, and listed on September 2nd
giving his age as 20 although actually
he was not yet 18 years old. He was
wounded on April 24, and on June 5
the matron of the Military Hospital, at
Malta wrote his mother as follows: – “I
am very sorry to tell you that your son
got suddenly worse. He had a bad fit
and the doctors think there is very little
hope for him. He is quite unconscious,
and does not appear to suffer any pain,
which is a great mercy. Poor lad, he’s
such a child almost; it seems wonderful
to think of him giving his life for his
country. He has been so good and
patient all through, and everyone has
got very fond of him. I will keep this
letter open until tomorrow as there is
no mail out until Monday at the
earliest, so that I can give you the
latest news of him.” Writing on the
next day (June 6th) the matron said: –
“There is no change in your son’s
condition I am sorry to say.” On June
7th she wrote further: – “I am very
sorry to tell you your son died at 10.10
last night. He was quite unconscious up
to the end, and did not ask for anyone.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in
your great sorrow. If possible I will try
to get a photograph of his funeral, and
will send it to you.”
County Express 19 June 1915
 Private James Henry Turner
Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 10th
Associated Address: 19 Oak Street, Quarry Bank
Occupation: Glass Cutter
Age: 24
Date of Death: 25/09/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: GUARDS' CEMETERY, LESBOEUFS Country: France

Son of Harry and Eliza Turner of 19 Oak Street, Quarry Bank

Private Job Underhill

South Staffordshire Regiment 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 29 Delph
Occupation: Horse Driver General
Age: 31
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Thomas and Sarah Underhill, 29 Delph Road

Delph Soldier Killed. - Mrs
Underhill, who resides at the Delph,
Nine Locks, Brierley Hill, has this
week received the sad news that her
son, Pte. Job Underhill, 16258,
South Staffords, has been killed in
action. He took part in the great
advance on July 1st. Pte Underhill
had taken part in a great battle
previously, and was wounded. After
hospital treatment, he recovered
sufficiently to go back to the firing
line. Mrs. Underhill and family have
been the recipients of many
sympathetic messages.
County Advertiser 10 August 1916

Private Rowland Frederick Burnell Walsh

Gordon Highlanders 6th
Associated Address: Frederick Street
Occupation: Stationary Eninnerman
Age: 23
Date of Death: 23/07/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: MARFAUX BRITISH CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Roland and Martha Walsh, of 116, John St., Round Oak, Brierley Hill,
Staffs
 Private James Henry Walters
Suffolk Regiment 2nd
Associated Address: 32 John Street
Occupation: Glass Decorator
Age: 34
Date of Death: 08/10/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: FORENVILLE MILITARY CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Albert James and Alice Walters, of 119, Bank Street, Brierley Hill,
Staffs

Private William Edward Warren

Gloucestershire 8th
Associated Address: 53 Hill Street
Occupation: Clerk
Age: 20
Date of Death: 28/12/1916
Cemetery/Memorial: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY Country: France

Son of Percy and Kate Warren, of Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Pte. W. Warren, son of Mr. Percy
Warren, of Brierley Hill, is in a base
hospital in France wounded. Pte
Warren who has been injured in the
thigh, in the back, and about the
body, has been visited by his father.
County Express 23 December 1916 -
Pte. Warren’s Last Art Work - Mr
Albert Oakden, (second art master)
wrote mentioning that the pen and
ink drawing by the later student,
Pte. W. Warren, had been framed as
directed by the committee and
inscribed. It was, he said, an
excellent piece of work. The
Chairman said all would agree that
the picture before them was a
spending work - (hear, hear). It was
decided to have the work hung in
the art room. County Express 23
June 1917 - Brierley Hill Art School
will be permanently enriched by the
suspension on its walls of the pen
and ink drawing executed but the
late Pte. W. Warren, a student of
exceptional promise. It was the
gallant soldier’s last art effort, and
has been suitably framed by
direction of the Higher Education
Committee.
County Express 23 June 1917
 Private George Westwood
Gloucestershire 8th
Associated Address: Moor Street
Occupation: Ironworker
Age: 30
Date of Death: 21/01/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: FIFTEEN RAVINE BRITISH CEMETERY, VILLERS-PLOUICH
Country: France

Son of Mr. And Mrs. H. Westwood, of Moor St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

SERGEANT G. WESTWOOD,
BRIERLEY HILL
The sad news was received on
Thursday of last week of the death
in action in France of Sergt. George
Westwood, at the early age of
30. Deceased was a single man, and
formerly resided with Mrs. Pitt (his
sister) at 96 Moor Street, Brierley
Hill . He was formerly a member
of the 1st Gloucester
Regiment. Prior to the war he was
with the old Volunteers as a bugler,
afterwards serving with the Royal
Field Artillery as a trumpeter, and
upon the disbandment of the latter
joint the Staffordshire
Yeomanry. He served in this
regiment until October 26th 1914,
when he was discharged having
served his time (nearly four
years). Feeling it to be his duty he
once more enlisted in the army on
July 26th, 1915, serving in France
(with one leave granted) until the
time of his death. Writing of his
character, the chaplain of the
Battalion speaks highly of the
deceased soldier, describing him as
always bright, cheerful and very
popular with the officers and men
alike. He belonged the the
Gloucester Bantams, who on June
8th 1916, captured a Maxim gun,
bringing it over “No Man’s Land.” At
the time of his death he was
stationed at Cambrai, the chaplain
further stating that “he was found
practically dead in his dug out on
January 14th of this year,” the
chaplain burying him the next day in
a cemetery near by. Sergt.
Westwood had shell shock about
last June, from which he never
properly recover. Before enlisting
he was employed at Messrs. Hill and
Smith’s Ltd. Hart’s Hill.
County Advertiser 09 Mar 1918

Private Jacob Williams

Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 1st Battalion
Associated Address: 53 Chapel Street
Occupation: General Labourer
Age: 21
Date of Death: 22/12/1914
Cemetery/Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL Country: France

Son of Frederick and Patience Williams of Chapel Street, Brierley Hill

MISSING BRIERLEY HILL SOLDIER - since December 1914, is now, by the NB Pte. Williams is commemorated
Pte. Jacob Williams, of the Delph, War Office, presumed to be dead. in the Belfry at St Michael’s Church,
Brierley Hill, who was serving in the County Express 15 January 1916 Jacob was one of the local
Cameronians, and has been missing bellringers.
 Private Albert Edward Wood
South Staffordshire Regiment 7th
Associated Address: The Hollis, Station Road
Occupation: Glass Blower
Age: 34
Date of Death: 04/10/1917
Cemetery/Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Country: Belgium

Husband of Donah Wood

Private Edward Victor Worton

Worcestershire Regiment 4th
Associated Address: 3 New Street
Occupation: Pipe Moulder, Iron Foundry
Age: 27
Date of Death: 12/12/1915
Cemetery/Memorial: AZMAK CEMETERY, SUVLA Country: Turkey
Husband of Sarah Ann Worton, of 28, Silver St., Brierley Hill, Staffs.

Brierley Hill Soldier Killed - A Fine
Record of Patriotism - Mrs Worton,
28, Silver Street, Brierley Hill, has
received official news of the death
in a action, in the Dardanelles, on
December 12th, of her husband,
Pte. Ed. V. Worton, of the 4th
Worcesters. He leaves three
children, the eldest being six years
old. Prior to enlisting deceased was
employed at Messrs. Bailey Pegg
and Co.s foundry, and his parents
reside at Brettell Lane. Five
brothers and two brothers-in-law of
the deceased are in the army. Four
of the brothers and one brother-in-
law came from Canada with the
Canadian contingents.
County Express 29 January 1916

L/Corporal Arthur Worton

South Staffordshire Regiment 2/5th (T.F.)
Associated Address: Talbot Street, Brierley Hill
Occupation:
Age: 20
Date of Death: 06/04/1918
Cemetery/Memorial: BRIERLEY HILL (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD Country:
England

Military Funeral at Brierley Hill -
The death on Saturday, at his
residence, Talbot Street, Brierley
Hill, of Lance-Cpl. Arthur Worton,
caused much regret, sorrow and
sympathy. This was manifested by
he drawn blinds along the route
which the funeral traversed to St.
Michael’s Church on Thursday
afternoon. The deceased solder was
only 20 years of age, and had been
in the 2/5th South Staffords for two
years. He was wounded some time
ago, and for a period was in the
military hospital at Warrington
before being sent home. Despite all
the could be done for him, he
passed peacefully away on Saturday
morning.
County Advertiser 13 April 1918