First World War

Sherwood Forest During WW1

The Warwickshire Yeomanry (soldiers) were stationed in the forest from the start of the war. They were a cavalry (horse) regiment so they commandeered (took over) all the stables in Edwinstowe, behind the Black Swan and the Jug and Glass and local farms.

EDWINSTOWE AND THE WAR –  A PATRIOTIC FAMILY.

Mansfield Reporter – 09 October 1914

The proud distinction of sending five sons to serve their country in its present need belongs to Mr. and Mrs. William Wardale, of Edwinstowe. Whilst two of their sons, Edward and Clarence, are already serving with the fleet in the North Sea, three other sons, namely Ernest. Bernard and Harold, have joined Lord Kitchener’s army. Mr. Wardale himself, who is 74 years of age, is also an old soldier, having served in his younger days with the Ist Battalion of the 14th Bucks and Hants’ regiment, for over six years; four years of this period being spent in the West Indies. On the whole Edwinstowe has made a brilliant response to Lord Kitchener’s appeal, and it is a question if there is a village in North Notts of the same dimensions where such a splendid record is shown. At any rate, it is a record of which the inhabitants are feeling justly proud. At present there are 21 regulars and reservists and 27 volunteers who have left the village itself, whilst there are 14 others who have left the neighbouring villages within the ecclesiastical parish, thus bringing the total to 62. In addition, there were six other volunteers who, however, failed to reach the required measurements. Of the 21 regulars and reservists, no less than 15 of this number are reported to be in the firing line at the front. Appended is a list of the names:— Regulars and reservists: Major H. J. Tilney (14th Hussars), Bernard Rodgers (Gordon Highlanders), Percy Robinson (Royal Field Artillery), Chas. Hope Carton (Royal Army Medical Corps), Edward Wardale (Navy), Herbert Robinson, Erna* Greeves (Navy), Joseph Victor Bell (Life Guards), Joe Else (5th Lancers), Harry Deakin (Grenadier Guards), Alfred Herbert Freeman, Geo. Thompson (Royal Engineers), Geo. Freak. Jebb (Royal Marines), Samuel Steeples, Tom Barker, Geo. Priest (Notts and Derbys), Geo. Ernest Clarke (King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry), Albert Thompson King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry), Fred Doley, Frank Hall (Lincolnshire Regiment), Ed. Savage (Royal Army Vet. Corps), George Stevenson and K. Flintoff. Volunteers: Fred Morley, [Jerk. Morley, Rueben Morley. Fred Rabbitt. Harry Rabbitt, Ernest Wardale, Bernard Wardale, Harold Wardale, Wm. Noel Wright, Arthur Pinder, Sydney Pinder, Fred Parsons, Arthur Parnell, Arthur Reedman. William Fletcher, Geo. Hutton, Tom Jackson, Ernest Meakin, Percy Reavill, Walter Raymond Dixey, Arthur Anteliffe. John James Stokes, Albert Charles Jackson, Wm. Pattison Bell, Percy Bowekill, George Wm. Bennett, Fred Barker, James Lyley, Alexander Talbot, Arthur Walker, Ernest Estrop, Robert, Birdsal, John H. Marlow, John Pottinger, Geo. Hill, Edward Alfred Harvey, B. Hunt. and Matthew Grass.

Edwinstowe War Memorial The Unveiling Ceremony

On Sunday afternoon in the presence of a very large assembly, the Memorial Cross erected by the people of Edwinstowe to the men from the parish who laid down their lives in the war, was unveiled with solemn and simple ceremony. The unveiling was preceded by a service in the Church, which in itself was a tribute to the gallant dead, and an expression of the love and pride the people of Edwinstowe entertain for those who made the supreme sacrifice. *

December 1920

Go to War Memorial to read more.

The Fallen World War 1 – Edwinstowe Parish (Edwinstowe, Clipstone, Budby and Carburton) Including men who had links to Edwinstowe Parish including those who died, served and were wounded. Some details researched are deemed personal to families and are kept in the archives and not published on the website. * Contact us for further details.

All details are as accurate as possible at time of publishing and entries are updated as new information is found.

“If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England.” Rupert Brooke (1887-1915).

The memorial plaque in St. Mary’s Church Lady Chapel bears the inscription:

This Chapel was restored to the Glory of God and in proud memory of the men of Edwinstowe, Clipstone and Carburton who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918. (Names of Clipstone and Carburton men are included because, at the time, those two villages formed part of the ecclesiastical parish of Edwinstowe).

 

 

 

 

Private Ernest Bentley, a Private in the Cheshire Regiment and then in the Highland Light Infantry, was killed in action on 8.8.1917 aged 24. His father George Thomas Bentley. His wife was Monzella (née Simpson) Bentley  He lived at ‘Little John Cottage and was a wagon maker. His wife lived on until 1960. His death is recorded on a gravestone in the churchyard.

Some of our readers are aware of the anguish endured by Monzella Bentley when, for over forty years, she didn’t know where her brave husband, Ernest, was lying after his untimely death in 1917. Their daughter, Violet, and her husband, Norman Boucher, were determined to find Ernest’s final resting place. They made unremitting enquiries into Ernest’s fate and, eventually, his grave was located in Ieper Cemetery in Belgium. Violet was further comforted when a photo of her father was discovered by John Hammond. Violet and Norman visited the cemetery, where it was established that Ernest had lost his life at Ypres. So, in 1986, sixty-nine years after his death, Ernest’s name was added to the village memorial. Thus, Violet was relieved of the darkness and despair which she had long shared with her mother and brother for many anxious years. Clarence Jenkinson Belfield, a Private with the 21st Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, died in September, 1916, aged 25 years, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. He was a relative of Bob Belfield and lived in Old Clipstone. This tribute wouldn’t be complete without reference to Budby which is still part of the wider parish of Edwinstowe. A tall stone cross, twelve feet high on a square plinth, and close to the A616, Ollerton to Worksop road, proclaims:

Charles Bentley  Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded to Drummer C BENTLEY (11919), 2nd Battalion. Notts, and Derbyshire Regiment For conspicuous gallantry and resource on August 9th, 1915, in laying out and repairing telephone wires, and carrying messages all day under a very heavy shell and rifle wire. His devotion duty and bravery were most marked.

Private Charles William Branford, of the 1st Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. He was the son of Walter (general dealer) and Ellen Branford. He was brother to Horace, Frederick, Mable, Albert and Ivy. In 1911 they lived on Town (High) Street Edwinstowe. He was a groom and later a baker. On 23.01.1917 he was awarded his first Good Conduct badge. On 25.02.1915, he was posted to the BEF in France and 44th Field Bakery. He went missing 27.3.18 and in October was declared a POW but he died on 27.10.1918, (2 weeks before the end of the war) aged 23. He is buried in Hautmont Communal Cemetery, Nord, France. Further details at this link NCC Role of Honour https://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/RollOfHonour/People/Details/836

Private Norman Bowyer, of 1st Battalion East Yorkshire RegimentSon of Benjamin E. G. Bowyer (gardener) and the late Hannah Bowyer, of West Lane, Edwinstowe. Norman enlisted on 30.08.1916 at Retford, aged as 18 yrs and 1 month. His address was Thoresby Gardens, Ollerton employed as a gardener.  He was posted to the 10th battalion training reserve and left for Folkstone on 14.08.1917. He landed at Boulogne the same day. He went to Etaples on 15.08.1917 and was then posted to the 1st battalion East Yorkshire Regiment on 25.08.1917. He was killed in action on 24.10.1917 aged 19 years. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. His initials H. H. (not N) are on the War Memorial plaque.

Arthur Pinder – Air Mechanic 1st class, Royal Flying Corps. He was an Air Mechanic 1st Class. Arthur was the son of George (retired pyrotechnist manufacturer) and Elizabeth at Lidgett House and had a firework factory on Sandy Lane. Later, of The Crown Hotel Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk. Arthur was born in Edwinstowe in 1911. He worked as a domestic chauffeur. He was brother to Georgina and Frances May, as well as Sidney who died in action – see below. He died in hospital in Coventry on 1.7.1917, aged 33.                      

Sidney Reuben Pinder, a Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. Sidney was the son of George (retired pyrotechnist manufacturer) and Elizabeth at Lidgett House, and had a firework factory on Sandy Lane. Later, of The Crown Hotel Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk. He was brother to Georgina and Frances May as well as Arthur who died in action – see above. He was killed in action at Marquillies, France, on 19.2.1918, aged 29. Arthur’s and Sidney’s names appear on a headstone in Edwinstowe churchyard, along with the name of Gunner Wilfred Dennis (killed in action at Grenway, in France, near Lens., aged 36), who had married their sister, Georgina Pinder. * Below the account of the action – click on the date:

19 February 1918 – 80-84

Camel aircraft

Private Frederick Parsons, of the 6th Lincolnshire Regiment, enlisted on the 2nd September 1914. He was killed in Gallipoli, Eastern Turkey, in the Dardanelles campaign, on 9.8.1915, aged 20. He was the son of John (gardener) and Sarah Ann of Mansfield Road. Fred when 16 years old, was a horseman on a farm. His name appears on a headstone in the churchyard, along with the names of his mother and father, with the inscription, ”Peace, perfect peace.

Fred’s death as recorded in Parish Magazine October 1915:

News was received through H. Rabbitt from the Dardanelles at the end of August, that Fred Parsons had been killed in action. The sad news was confirmed by the War Office at the beginning of September, Fred was of a bright, cheerful disposition, popular with his companions and a very young yet, promising soldier. He was one of those who readily volunteered for service, when his country needed him, and whose name and memory must ever be honoured by us. We must deeply sympathise with Mr. Parsons and his daughters in their sad bereavement. Harry Parsons, his elder brother, joined the Police at the outbreak of war.

Driver George William Coupe, he was son of William, a railway plate layer, and Edith Coupe, of East Lane. He was sister to Edith. He was a driver in the 179th Inf. Bde., Army Service Corps formerly Leicestershire Regiment. He died on 5.11.1918, aged 19 on active service at Ramleh, Palestine. He died of Malaria. He was held in the highest esteem throughout the village. His name appears on his parents’ gravestone. * His parents placed a “Memorandum” in the Mansfield Reporter for many years,  ‘Though he died two years ago. —Too dearly loved to be forgotten by his Mother, Father, Sister and Brother. Edwinstowe.’

“Mansfield Reporter 7th November 1919 – COUPE.—In loving memory of our dear son, Dvr. 0. W. Coupe. A.S.C.,died of malaria in Egypt, November 5th, 1918, aged 19 years. A faithful son, a loving brother. One of God’s best toward his mother; He always strove to do his best. And looking for the future to the rest. No one knows only those who’ve lost, What Victory means, and what it cost! —From his loving Mother, Father and Sister (Edwinstowe).”

 

William Coupe, father of George.

Lance Corporal Simon Riley Harrison, of the 2/8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. He was son of Mrs. Hannah Harrison (charwoman and laundress), of East Lane and lived on Town (High) Street with his elder sister, May, and younger brothers Willie and Sidney. Before his call up he was a farm worker.  William was killed in action, aged 20, on 27.04.1917. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

Private Ernest Richard Dorsey, He was the son of Richard and Ruth of Edwinstowe; husband of Louisa Dorsey Forrest , of 80, Seville Place, Strand Rd., Dublin in 1915. He joined the 73rd Coy. Labour Corps formerly Royal Army Medical Corps R.A.M.C. He died on 2.11.1918, aged 33, 9 days before the end of the war. He is buried in Terlincthun British cemetery Wimille, Pas de Calais, France.

Private Walter Rabbitt. He was the son of Joseph ( woodman labourer) and Maggie and the brother of Ephraim  (aged 20 see below), and Lewis Rabbitt. In 1911, he lived at Mill Lane and later 7 Hazel Grove, of the 11th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, died on 8.10.1918. Walter enlisted on 27.11.1915, giving his age as 20 yrs and his occupation as labourer. Later he joined the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at Pontefract on 30.11.1915. He landed in France on 6.10.1916 and was serving with the Durham Light Infantry when he was wounded on 25.04.1917 and died as a result of his wounds that day. He is buried in the Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.

Corporal Ephraim Rabbitt  was the son of Joseph ( woodman labourer) and Maggie and the brother of Walter (killed in action 8.10.1918 see above), and Lewis Rabbitt. In 1911, they lived at Mill Lane and later 7 Hazel Grove. Both Joseph and Ephraim were woodman labourers. He enlisted on 27th November 1915 at Worksop. He joined the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at Pontefract on 30th November 1915. His training was at Cannock Chase. He landed in France on 6th October 1916 and was serving with the Durham Light Infantry when he was wounded on 25th April 1917 and died as a result of his wounds that day.  Ephraim is buried in Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, Pas de Calais, France.  He was highly respected by his workmates. The deceased was of a quiet and unassuming character, and of sober and industrious habits. * It was recorded that he was one of the very best N.C.O.’s. Ephraim was a man on whom we could always rely to do his best and be cheerful. 

Private Fred Rabbitt. Fred was born in 1887 the son of Samuel (gardener) and Maria née Cottam of High Street. He married Edith Harriett Marrison (dob 20.11.1890) in 1914.  He enlisted in the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters on the 5th September. He went into his training at Crown Hill Barracks, near Plymouth. He was drafted out to France in the following December and went in to the trenches for the first time on Christmas Eve. He had 19 months of fighting in France without having been wounded, though he had been in hospital suffering from frost bite. His death on 8.7.1916, aged 29,  was instantaneous being due to shell-shock.

He was a member of the Men’s Bible Union and Parish Church choir, possessing a natural alto voice, a regular communicant and a man of prayer. He was held in highest esteem throughout the parish, and universal regret was extended to his wife and mother. *  Touching reference was made by the Edwinstowe Vicar, the Rev E V Bond, who said,  “No words can adequately express our sympathy with his wife, mother and family in their bereavement. He was one of those quiet unassuming men whom we in the parish, and in fact England, can ill afford to lose.”

Harry Rabbitt, son of William and Maria Rabbitt and brother to William, Arthur, Theresa, Ida and Ivy Rabbitt. In 1911, they were living at Kirkstall Lodge, High Street, Edwinstowe. He was a Labourer in Woods. He joined the 9th Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)  Further details at this link NCC Role of Honour.

https://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/RollOfHonour/People/Details/851

 

Lance-Corporal James William Creamer, a Lance-Corporal with the 1st/3rd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, who died on 17.10.1918, aged 24 and is buried in Fresnoy le Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, Aisne, France.  He was the son of James and Annie of White House, Sutton Road, Mansfield.

Henry (Harry) Deakin. Henry was born in 1884 the son of Ephraim (coal miner) and Emma née Ward. In 1911, they lived at Bullivant’s Yard, Town Street (High Street), Edwinstowe. Henry at 27 was a mining road layer and living with his wife Mabel 22 yrs. He enlisted as a Private with the 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters, who died on 14.12.1915 of wounds (shrapnel spinal injury) in Paris, and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. He is buried in Levallois-Perret Hauts Seine.  A tribute was paid to him by the British Consult-General in Paris, Walter Risley Hearn, published locally on 10th July 1915 in the Nottingham Evening Post  (click on link below)

https://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/RollOfHonour/People/Details/31935

Reported in the Mansfield Recorder. A HIGH TRIBUTE. I regret to inform you that there passed away in the Hertford British Hospital in Paris, on Sunday, the 4th July, one of the finest and bravest Nottinghamshire men it has been my fortune to meet. ” Henry Deakin was born at Hucknall in April, 1884, the son of Ephraim and Emma Deakin. From the age of 13 to 20 he worked in a coalmine at Hucknall, but when he married at the age of 24, Mabel Heighton, of Edingley, they went and lived at Edwinstowe. At 21 he enlisted in the 1st. Battalion Grenadier Guards, in which he served three years. He later joined the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, and with them came to France in the Expeditionary Force, and they formed part of the Fourth Guards’ Brigade, which was engaged in the first battle of Ypres. “Henry Deakin was wounded there on November 12th, 1914, by shrapnel in the base of the spine, and was brought to the British Red Cross Hospital in Paris, where he arrived on November 18th, and, paralysed I in his lower extremities, remained there until that hospital was closed. On February 3rd, 1915, he was moved to the Hertford British Hospital, where he remained till he passed away. “His case was hopeless from the first, and in March his wife came out to him and passed her time in making him comfortable and happy for the four months that he lingered on after she arrived at the hospital. Deakin endeared himself to everyone in the hospital, and to all who visited him there. Helplessly bedridden, and often suffering intense pain and discomfort, he was always cheerful, and had a kindly word for everyone, and a ready wit, especially when it concerned a too pitying or sanctimonious visitor he was as brave in his bed as he had been in the trenches, and bore his cross with exemplary patience and unselfishness, and during the six months I knew Henry Deakin I felt that it was a privilege as well as a pleasure to visit him, and that he could not but exercise a good influence , on those who came in contact with him. “He was buried this morning, July 7th, in the plot of the cemetery at Levallois-Perret given by the municipality for British soldiers. The funeral was attended by the Mayor, the chief of the veteran soldiers, the doctors and nurses of the Hertford British Hospital, by myself, and many of those who had known him well during his last months here. The Rev. Anstruther Cardew officiated, and the Mayor of Levallois-Perret and the chief of the veteran soldiers made patriotic and friendly addresses at the grave side. The coffin was covered with the Union jack and many flowers, and a contingent of British and French soldiers acted as escort and bearers.”

Private Ernest Estrop, a Private with the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. He lived at Low Buildings Clipstone. He was the son of John, a farm worker from Rushton, Lincs. and Emma, from Rufford. He was one of 13 children of whom 10 were still living when he died on 1.7.1917. He was buried in Loos British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

Private William Charles Dumbarton, of the 66th Auxiliary Patrol Company, R.A.S.C..His father was John (farm labourer) and Emma Estrop née Vernon.  William (gardener) married Agnes Barker dob 2.4.1895,) on 19..01.1914 at Edwinstowe Parish Church. They lived in Portland Row, Edwinstowe with their daughter Edna May who was born on 13.6.1914. He died by shrapnel on 11.07.1917 and is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. 

Private Joseph Dalby (Dolby) 14141 The son of Rebecca Dolby. He lived in Carlton in Lindrick with his grandparents. His grandfather was the local village policeman. He became a gardener and worked at Welbeck Estate. He enlisted early on in the Local regiment when the war was announced. He served with the 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He went to France on 4.01.1915 and was killed in action, on 11.03.1915 during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial, France.

Worksop Guardian 7 May 1915 reported, “Pte. Joseph Dolby, 1st Sherwood Foresters was killed in action on March 12th. Dolby was an under-keeper at Welbeck when the war broke out, and had been in that employment for four years. He enlisted in September last, and in due course went to the front where he did his duty bravely and undauntedly. The news of his death occasioned much regret, Dolby having made many friends and being well respected. His parents reside at Church Gresley, Burton on Trent, and he was engaged to Miss Jackson, Blyth Road, Worksop. Much sympathy is expressed with her and Pte Dolby’s relatives.”

Joseph is remembered on 5 different Memorials.

Private Charles Albert Jackson of the 8th Battalion Prince of Wales (North Staffordshire) Regiment having previously served in the Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He was a Farm Day Boy and lived with his father, Charles Gregory Jackson and mother, Frances Fanny Jackson at Mill Cottages, Hazel Grove, Edwinstowe. His father, Charles, was a Carter for the Estate. He had two younger brothers, Lawrence and Horace and two younger sisters Fanny and Doris, all born in Edwinstowe. He died on 12.04.1918. He is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, West-Vlandeeren, Belgium.

Private Bernard Rodgers, of the Seaforth Highlanders died on the way to the coast of India on the 11.09.1914 ages 27 years from tonsillitis. His regiment was en route for the front. He was the eldest son of Charles and Alice Ann of High Street. Deceased lad had of a very quiet and unassuming disposition, and great sympathy was felt throughout the village.  Buried in Karachi Cemetery and remembered on the Delhi Memorial, India Gate. His brother, Sydney see below, was also a war casualty.

Private Sydney Rodgers, enlisted on 15.06.1915 with the Battn, Lincolnshire Regiment aged 19 years. He was the second son of Charles (general labourer) and Alice Ann of High Street. He was a farm labourer. He was born in Sheffield. Sydney trained at Grimsby and was drafted to France at the end of November. He died 28.02.1916 aged 20 when he was shot in the trenches by a sniper. He is buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. Bernard, above, was his older brother and another war casualty.

Private George Gilpin Taylor, son of John Taylor. George married his wife Nellie Hayman Wood (born 23.4.1886) and they lived at Mill Lane Edwinstowe. They had a son Eric Evelyn born 28.3.1913. His wife Mrs Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Heavill of Edwinstowe. George enlisted with the 9th Sherwood Foresters, died from dysentery, at the Dardanelles, 12th August 1915. He had fallen ill after serving at Cape Helles in July 1915 and had been evacuated to a hospital in Egypt for treatment. His wife received a letter from the nurse in charge of the 15th General Hospital, Abbestah Schools, Egypt sharing how everything was done for her husband. He had been patient and brave. The nurse added that George had 2 Turkish bullets which they would bring home, if spared, as a memento for her. His pay-book and his will had been passed to the proper authorities. G.G. Taylor is commemorated on Warsop with Sookholme memorial *

Private William Horace Allcock (also known as HW) was born in Clipstone. He was the son of John and Eliza Allcock of Clipstone. He had a brother called John Frederick and sisters called Mary Anne Edith and Elizabeth Agnes.  He enlisted in the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.  He died 4.3.1917 at the Somme. and is remembrered on Thiepval Memorial, Somme.

Private Frederick Cecil Thomson of the 2nd/8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters  was killed on 27.04.1917 aged 22. Thomson was born in Edwinstowe and was the son of Thomas Jervis and Ada Thomson of Hazel Grove House. His father was a house painter as was his brother Sereack Cecil. He also had a sister Alice Culler. His death is recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.

Private William Henry Little, of the 26th Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment. He was  son of William Henry and Gertrude Little of London.  His wife was Florence May (née Lowe) of  Belper Derbyshire. grocer at Edwinstowe Co-op. He d3.8.1917 aged 30. His name is also entered at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

John George Hill Roberts was a telegraphist on HM Submarine H10, Royal Navy. He volunteered on 14.5.15. He sailed on the HMS Alecto. He was lost at sea aged 19. His body was never recovered and his name appears on the Portsmouth War Memorial. Before his call up he was an apprentice carpenter on the Welbeck estate. He was the son of John W. (forester woods foreman) and Sarah Grace Roberts, of Clipstone Archway, Edwinstowe. He married Sarah Grace Skepper (or Skipper) in Horncastle, in 1895. In 1911, they were also living in Archway House and John was attending Brunts School. He had an elder sister Grace M, and a younger sister Kathleen M. H.

Private George Samuel Steeples. Regimental Number 2910. (Known as Samuel, JS and SG Steeples)  Samuel was born on 27th December, 1891 at Derby. He was the son of Samuel a sand quarry foreman and Louisa née Page. In 1901, the family are listed as living in 27 Bloomfield Street Derby. In 1906 they moved to Villa Real Cottage, Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe.  In 1909, he enlisted at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, in the 20th Hussars as a Private, and then trained at Curragh Camp, County Kildare, Ireland. He then served in Ireland. By at least late 1910, Steeples transferred to the 14th (King’s) Hussars when a draft left England for Bangalore, Mysore, India. In 1911, he transferred to Bangalore, Mysore, India as a Private in “A” Squadron. On 8th of November 1915, Samuel embarked on the Hired Transport Ship Chakdara at Karachi, Sindh, India and disembarked at Basrah (Basra), Mesopotamia on 14th November 1915 with “A” Squadron. He died aged 27 on 16th November 1918 of pneumonia, Senna (Sanandaj), in Mesopotamia.  His name is commemorated on the Tehran War Cemetery Special Memorial, Iran.

Private Charles Henry Wilson He was born in South Collingham, the son of Henry and Sarah Elizabeth of Clumber Gates, Carburton, and worked as an Estate Garden Labourer. In the 1911, the family were living at Clumber Park Lodge, He had 2 younger sisters Alice Elizabeth and Florence May. Charles enlisted in the 2nd/6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment, Charles  was killed in action on 21.03.1915 and having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

Clarence Jenkinson Belfield, son of John & Mary Ellen Belfield. A brother Horace Edgar Belfield. In 1911, they farmed at Clipstone. Mrs. Belfield later moved to the Dog and Duck public house in Clipstone. He was a rifleman in 21st Bn King’s Royal Rifle Corps. He name is also on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. He died 17 .9.1916.

https://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/RollOfHonour/People/Details/25754

Able Seaman Clarence Wardale, born 17.12.1887. He was the son of William and Annie Wardale of Rufford Road. He had 11 brothers and sisters. He was a farm worker before he joined the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman in 4.12.1906, serving in 1911 aboard HMS Albemarle. He went down on H.M.S. Good Hope in the Battle of Coronel off the coast of Chile 1.11.14 aged 26. See 4 brothers below Further information on –

http://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/RollOfHonour/People/Details/861

His name is also on Portsmouth Naval Memorial Hampshire.

Ernest Wardale of the Sherwood Foresters) served in Punjab and South African War, Edward Wardale with North Sea fleet, Bernard Wardale and Harold Wardale with Kitchener’s Army.

Gunner William S. Wilkinson was son of Henry (farmer) and Ann and was husband to Eveline Gertrude Wilkinson of High Street, Edwinstowe. He had two sons called Harry, William  and Kenneth. William died of bronchial pneumonia in Salonica, on the 2.01.1919 aged 31 years. Wilkinson enlisted Royal Garrison Artillery on the 16.06.1916, and went through his training at Woolwich, in Ireland, and at Yarmouth. Prior to his enlistment, Gunner Wilkinson, who hails from Houswell, occupied the position as rural Postman 144 of the Clipstone district, a position he had occupied for the past 17 years. The deceased soldier had seen over two years’ fighting in the East without being wounded, and it is extremely distressing for those at home to lose their dear ones after the fighting has finished. The deceased was held in the highest esteem through the parish, and universal regret was extended to his wife when the sad news was received. Deceased, who leaves wife and three children to mourn his loss, was greatly respected by his officers and comrades alike, as the following letters of sympathy testify.                                                                                                                                 Mansfield Reporter 19.9.1919

He is buried in the Mikra British Cemetery Kalamaria.

Retford Times, 2nd November 1916 reported below;

“In grateful memory of those men from this parish who gave their lives in the Great War.”

Cooper, G. Gratton, J. Knight, * G. Robinson, F. Watkinson. H. Widdowson.

Unaccountably, the name of Private E.G. Mendham, Machine Gun Corps, who died on 12.2.1919, aged 24, is missing. He is commemorated in Edwinstowe churchyard by a gravestone, with a carved crown and crossed rifles. He was born in Budby, the son of Albert and Adah Mendham.

 

* Private John Knight of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the only child of John and Jane Knight of Budby, died, aged 21, as a prisoner of war in Germany and was interred in Berlin Southwestern Cemetery.          

Also, from Edwinstowe: – 

Second Lieutenant Alfred James Bullivant oSherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). Born 1897. He was previously wounded at Hooge, 1915. he died of wounds in France on the 21.07.1916. He is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery CWGC France. He is also remembered, along with 481 Old Boys of Bedford School that fell in the Great War, in the Memorial Hall, in Bedford.

Sapper H G Blackett who joined the Royal Engineers 71st Field Coy. He was husband of Mrs. Mary A. Blackett, of “Hazelgrove,” Mill Lane. He played for the Edwinstowe Football TeamBirklands Swifts’ in 1904/5. He died on 18.12.1915 aged 34. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial Gallipoli Turkey as well as the Nottinghamshire Virtual Memorial.  https://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk//RollOfHonour/WarMemorials/Details/666

“ANOTHER EDWINSTOWE HERO’S GREAT SACRIFICE. We regret to have to chronicle this week the death of Sapper Harry George Blackett, from wounds received in action in the Dardanelles.. Sapper Blackett enlisted at the outbreak of the war in the Royal Engineers, and proceeded to the Gallipoli Peninsula in July last, being attached to the 71st Field Company, in the 13th Division. He was wounded slightly in the shoulder on the Ist October last. and from which he ultimately recovered. A telegram, however, was received by Mrs. Blackett informing her that her husband was dangerously wounded on the 16th December. and was suffering from shrapnel wound in the head received during the memorable retreat from Sulva Bay. Whilst two days later, a letter from the War Office brought the sad news that he had passed away on the hospital ship, “Gloucester Castle,” on the 18th December. In the letter was the customary message of sympathy from the King. Queen, and Lord Kitchener. The deceased, who was very well known and highly respected in the parish, was formerly a member of the Parish Church choir, and enjoyed much popularity among a wide circle of friends, who will hear of his death with great sorrow. Very quiet, unassuming, and of gentle and sober habits, he was one of Dr. Bernardo’s boys, and came to Edwinstowe several years ago, where he worked as assistant to Mr. H. Bowring, tailor, of High-street. Edwinstowe. Sapper Blackett must have died. as he had lived, with a noble character. and a thorough gentleman. “The prim of victory is indeed great.” To Mrs. Blackett and her little daughter much sympathy will be extended. but her only consolation in this great trial must be that her husband died fighting for the good old flag and country and “greater love hath no man than this who gave his life for another.”

The Mansfield Reporter 7th January 1916: 

Lieutenant William Curtis Bolton.  He was the son of William Henry (cigar merchant) and Emily Bolton, of Lidgett House.  The family lived there with their unmarried daughter Daisy, until 1939. William was a member of St Peter’s Mansfield and sang in the church choir. He was a draper’s assistant for a Mansfield company, Heane Brothers, in the Market Place, Mansfield, when he joined the Territorial Force in 1908. In 1911, he was a warehouseman with Messrs Cook, London, but later was a student, training for the priesthood with The Society of the Sacred Mission at Kelham Theological College, Newark. After studying for two years when the war broke out William joined the Territorial Force (8th Bn Sherwood Foresters, 1266 Private) on 26.10.1908 at the age of 18. He transferred to the 9th Bn London Regiment on 25.01.1911, when he was working in London. He completed his fortnight’s annual training each year from 1909 to 1912 and was discharged on 25th November 1912 on completion of his four-year engagement. William attested in 1914 and served initially in the 8th Bn Sherwood Foresters and promoted to the rank of Sergeant before gaining a commission in the York and Lancaster Regiment in 1916. He was awarded the Military Cross in 1916 for courage and daring. William was killed in action on 1.07.1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. His name is listed on the Memorial at Kelham – St Wilfrid’s Church.

https://secure.nottinghamshire.gov.uk//RollOfHonour/WarMemorials/Details/57

Reported in The Parish magazine October 1915 The following men have recently been wounded:-   E. Estrop. W. Fletcher, G. Hill, G. F. Hutton, R. Reavill.

Regulars and reservists:

Major H. J. Tilney (14th Hussars),  Bernard Rodgers (Gordon Highlanders),  Percy Robinson (Royal Field Artillery),  Chas Hope Carton (Royal Army Medical Corps),  Edward and Clarence Wardale (Navy),  Herbert Robinson, Ernest Greaves (Navy),  Joseph Victor Bell (Life Guards),  Joe Else (5th Lancers),  Harry Deakin (Grenadier Guards),  Albert Herbert Freeman, George Thompson (Royal Engineers),  George Frederick Jebb (Royal Marines),  Samuel Steeples. Tom Barker, George Priest (Notts and Derbys),  George Ernest Clarke,  Albert Thompson (Kings Own Yorks Light Infantry),  Fred Doley, Frank Hall (Lincs Regiment),  Edward Savage (Royal Army Veterinary Corps),  George Stevenson, K Flintoff

Private T Barker

Joe Else (5th Lancers)

 Volunteers:

 Reuben Morley, Fred and Herbert Morley, Fred and Harry Rabbitt,  Ernest, Bernard and  Harold Wardale ,  William Noel Wright,  Arthur and Sydney Pinder,  Fred Parsons,  Arthur Parnell,  Arthur Reedman,  William Fletcher,  George Hutton,  Tom and Albert Charles Jackson,  Ernest Meakin,  Percy Reavill,  Walter Raymond Dixey,  Arthur Antcliffe,  John James Stokes,  William Pattison Bell,  Percy Bowskill,  George William Bennett,  Fred Barker,  James Lyley,  Alexander Talbot,  Arthur Walker,  Ernest Estrop,  Robert Birdsal,  John H Marlow,  John Pottinger,  George Hill,  Edward Alfred Harvey,  B. Hunt,  Matthew Grass.

The Choristers who sang before King Edward V111 – Rufford Abbey, September 18th 1907

Before WW1 and showing some of the men of Edwinstowe Parish in Peace Time.

Back Row:  F. Schamach, W Rabbitt, H. Lees, A. Rabbitt, F. Rabbitt

Front Row:  J. Kitchen, S. Parsons, W. Lees, G. Gutteridge, F. Levick (Organist), E. Gouk, T. Musgrove, W. G. Moore, H. Rabbitt