A few words...

George Ainscough

77th Labour Corp

Age: 28 and 10 months

Reg no: 37650

Rank: Pte

12 Border Regiment

Also 20478

He was given notice by Edward Coxhead

Enlisted 9 December 1915 at Chorley (Whittle le Woods) and joined up on the 10th December.

Posted to the 12 Border Regiment on 5 March 1916.

Transferred to the Labour Coy, Cheshire Regiment

Served as part of the Expeditionary Force as sent to France on 3 April 1916

As of 12 June 1916, George is with the 18th Labour Battalion

Transferred to 56 Coy, Lab Corps on 14 May 1917

He was posted to the 77th Labour Corp on 31 December 1918 and was still with the 77th Labour Corp as of being demobilized on 28 March 1919.

His character described as good.

He is a Cotton Weaver by Trade as of enlistment

Lived at Chorley Old Road

He married Ada Lancaster in 1920

George Ainscough died in 1929

1

Tom (Wilson) Ainscough

Born 13 January 1896

Reg no: 15839

Rank: Pte

11 East Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 22 September 1914

Transferred to 17 Btn Hampshire Regiment as of 29 May 1917 as Reg no 38592

Then to 6 Btn Wiltshire Regiment  as Reg no 47868

He was discharged or Demobilized on 26 February 1919

He would marry Lucy Mildred Ormerod in 1925 at the register office in Chorley

Died on 20 Mar 1982 and at that time he was living at Heeley View, Botany Brow

Probate not exceeding £25000.

He is the Brother of above

Son of Richard a Calico Printers Labourer (1901) and Ann Ainscough

There were 10 of the family living at Chorley Old Road, Whittle le Woods in 1901

Hugh, John, Henry, George, Fred, Jane, Walter and Tom. 

2

Henry Allison*

Born 1892 I think

I believe he may have married Lily Hanson 

Son of Francis and Mary Jane Allison, out of a family of 2 adults and at least 10 living children.

I think he married Lily Hanson

Brother of below

3

William Allison*

Royal Navy

Victory I

Enlisted 6 February 1918

Discharged \ Demobilized on 16 April 1919

*Both sons of Francis and Mary Jane Allison, out of a family of 2 adults and at least 10 living Children.

They lived at Hawksclough Farm, Clayton le Woods

He married Margaret Fowler

I think he died on 27 September 1983

He lived at 717 Preston Road

4

Henry Allsopp

Born c1876

Age 39

Reg no: 8559

Rank: Pte

5 Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Previously served in 4 Battalion Loyal North Lancashire (Vol)

Also 21 Manchester Regiment as Reg no:19577

Enlisted on 10 December 1914 at Manchester

Joined at Manchester on 11 December 1914

Appointed to L / Cpl

Discharged on 2 March 1915 as not likely to become an efficient soldier.

Enlisted on 9 December 1915 at Chorley

Discharged on 7 September 1916

He suffered from Chronic Synovitis, probably in his legs

Trade is an Overlooker

Married Elizabeth Ann Pearson on 10 July 1902 at Brownedge RC Church 

Lived at Tootell Terrace according to his military records

Although I believe they are also recorded in the 1911 census as living at 57 

Brownedge Lane, Bamber Bridge, 

5

James Allsup*

Reg no: 15525

Rank: Cpl

MGC

11 East Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 19 September 1914

Wounded whilst in Z Company on 1 July 1916, admitted to No 2 GH at Le Havre with GSW to shoulder on 4 July 1916 and lucky for him, sent home.

Transferred to 8 Btn East Lancashire Regiment, Reg no 35433

Retrained and joined the MGC

Married Jessie Gollegdge on 8 May 1920

Emigrated to USA in c1921

Died in 1962 and Buried at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Pawtucket, Providence County, Rhode Island, USA

In the picture left to right are Percy, Arthur, Charles and James

6

Percy Allsup*

Born 28 July 1897

Reg no: 15524

Rank: Sgt

11 East Lancashire Regiment

Accrington Pals

Enlisted on 19 September 1914, both he and brother James signed up at the same time.

Wounded on 1 July 1916. And again in 1917  on patrol from MG fire 

Enlisted on 19 September 1914, both he and brother James signed up at the same time.

Became a Police Officer

Emigrated to the USA in  c1921

Married Annie Weaver in 1922

Died 1966

7

Arthur Allsup*

Born on 2 March 1899

Reg no:  27542

14 Royal Scots (Lothian) Regiment

Arthur Allsup was born on the 2 March 1899.

He was one of the sons of James and Susanna Allsup who lived at Clayton Green as of 1911

He enlisted on the 20 November 1915 at Chorley and claimed to be 19 years and 8 months old

Joined at Glencorse on 23 November 1915

He was actually 16 years, 8 months, 19 days on enlistment

Discharged as of 25 December 1915, having made a misstatement as to age on enlistment 

When his true age was discovered!

He was 16 years, 9 months, 24 days on Discharge

His father James Allsup was sent a letter regarding his Discharge, and other letter suggested James Allsup wanted Arthur to remain in the Army for Home Defence (5 sons went to the front)

8

Charles Allsup*

All brothers and sons of James and Susanna Allsup. Living at Clayton Green in 1911

They all emigrated after WW1 about 1921 to the USA.

9

John Ed Allsup

No service record found so far

Possibly of Bay Tree Cottage in 1911

A clerk at Cotton Spinning Mill

Member of the Freemasons as of 1921

Think he married Nellie Sharples

Living at 184 Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall as of this death in 1966

Likely to be the cousin of the above Allsup's

10

Edward Almond

Born in 1870

Age: 40

Reg no: 47954

Rank: Pte

17 Cheshire Regiment

Enlisted 9 December 1915 at Chorley. He was a Calico Printers Labourer

Lawrence Cotton would be the present

He would join the 17 Cheshire Regiment on 5 August 1916

Married Sarah Alice Marsden at St Andrews, Leyland in 1905.

Children are Elizabeth Ellen born 1909, Robert born 1911 and Thomas born 1914 

They lived at Delph Cottage, Whittle le Woods

Slight Deafness and Stiff movements

He was a member of the Bleachers Society

Discharged as surplus to Military Requirements on 21 January 1919

11

Horace Ambrose

Can't confirm yet who he served with during WW1.

He lived at 25 Victoria Terrace, Clayton le woods as of 1911.

Married Elsie Alice Yates in 1914 at Brindle.

In 1939 they lived at Holt Lane Farm, Brindle.

Horace was a Poultry Farmer.

He was also an Air Raid Warden During WW2.

12

Edwin Ainsworth

Can't confirm yet who he served with in WW1

Son of John and Margaret Ainsworth, Brother is Herbert, 

Living at 2 County Terrace, Clayton le Woods

A Cotton Mill Clerk in 1911

Think he was living in Blackpool in 1939

13

Matthias Astley

Age:

Reg no:  33032

Rank: Pte

8 Welsh Regiment

Also posted to 19th Welsh Regiment

Enlisted possibly on 4 August 1915

Possibly Demobilized on 27 February 1919

PrintWorks Labourer in 1911 

Living at Waterhouse Green, 

Interesting to see William West KIA is bordering there

14

Thomas Baker

His name is on the Roll of Honour for 1914 - 1915

15

Henry (Frederick) Bamber

Age: 33

Reg.no: 343589

Rank: 

Royal Engineers, Transportation Branch

Ended up as a Pioneer in the Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers

Enlisted 25 February 1916 at Chorley

Lived at 14 Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods

Cotton Weaver as Trade

Married Lilian Malley

Children, Annie born 23 December 1916

Demobilized on 6 November 1919

16

William Bamber

Reg no: 24631

Rank: Pte

10 Coy,  Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Discharged on 29 October 1917 because of GSW on Right Arm caused on 11 April 1917

Lived at 22 Swansea Lane

17

Percy Bamber

Service no: F43987

RAF

Served on\at HMS President II from 18 December 1917 until 31 March 1918.

with RNAS

Then with the RAF at Lowestoft as of 1 April 1918 until 22 November 1918

B W Medal ? and LS and GCM w.e.f  as of 18 December 1935 

Grocer by trade

Grocer's Assistant in 1911

Married Amelia Cross in 1920

Lived at Watkin Rd in 1939, a Grocer

Related to him via a marriage on PEEL side

18

Thomas Barton

Born 1885 in Brindle

Age 30

Rank:

Reg no: T/1733, also 96714

ASC

11 Royal Welsh Fusiliers

First, enlisted into West Lancashire Reserves on 7 November 1904?

Discharged to join regular ASC

At time of Demobilization, he was with Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Married Mary Jane Hopwood at St Mary's, Brownedge on 2 June 1906

But Widowed by the time of enlistment!

Children are, John, Agnes, Robert, Thomas, Mary Jane, Catherine?

Living at Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods

And Union Street during the time of Enlistment

At the time of Demobilization, he stated his address was 1 Radburn Brow, Clayton Green on 30 April 1919

His son John was at the St Vincents Orphanage in Preston

Served at Home and Salonika

19

Thomas Beaver 25\1\2021

Born: 1881

Rank:

Reg No: 21662

Machine Gun Corp

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915 and could never find any other proof until this day scouring through pages and pages on ancestry to come across him by chance!

So hope its the correct Thomas Beaver!

His pension record says he lived at Paradise Row, Chorley Old Road, Whittle le Woods

In 1911 there is a Thoma Beaver age 30, a Domestic Gardener and married to a Mary Jane ?

And they have 1 surviving child, Maggie Beaver out of 3 children born. 

20

George Bishop

His name is on the Whittle le Woods Roll of honour 1914 - 1915

No record of him so far

21

Richard Blackburn

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 53465

Labour Corp

His name is on the wounded list WAR OFFICE WEEKLY CASUALTY LIST, MARCH 12th, 1918. Daily List of March 4th 1918

Discharged on 23 May 1918

Living at the Navigation Inn, Whittle le Woods

22

Arthur Blogg

Born 24 February 1880

Reg no: 27645

Rank: Pte

10 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 

Disabled whilst serving in WW1

According to his Pension Ledger, Arthur Blogg suffered from Chronic Hepatitis that led to a coma

And he died on 28 April 1921  

23

Adam Blogg 

Born 1896

Died 1987

Reg no: 23219, (RE)360904

Rank: Pte \ Pioneer

11th Kings Liverpool Regiment and 14th Signal Company, Royal Engineers

Enlisted at Chorley on 14th November 1914

He was  in the Kings Liverpool Regiment and saw action in the Somme, Ypres and other key battles, But as with many soldiers said very little about his experiences

Adam was also a Signaler in the 14th Signal Company, Royal Engineers as of 26th April 1918.

Passed his Signal test, 1st Class Signaller

Transferred to class "Z" army reserve on demobilization on 11th July(?) 1919

5 Tootell Terrace as of 1919

Brother of above

Father is Barness Blogg

24

James Baxendale

Born c1898

Reg no: 4044

Rank: Sgt

8 Royal Irish Regiment

He also served with the 9 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, as Cpl,  Reg no 13523 as of 25 September 1915

Transferred to A Reserve as of 18 March 1919

He lived Lukes Row, Whittle le Woods in 1911

Brother of Philip Baxendale KIA

25

Lawrence Baxendale

Reg no: 229161

Rank: Pte

657 HS Employment Company, attached 2nd Reserve Cavalry Regiment

Labour Corp

Enlisted on  9 December 1915

Serving in Newbridge, Co Kildare Ireland

Discharged due to Diseased Cavical glands on 19 March 1918

He lived at 11 Dickinson Terrace, Whittle le Woods as of enlistment

Employed as a Coal Bagger

Father is Robert Baxendale

26

William Baxendale

No Trace of him yet!

His name is on the 1914 - 1915 Roll of Honour

27

John Bell - updated as of 25\1\2021

Rank: Pte

Reg No: 207774

Labour Corp

Also 19619, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted as of 25 September 1915

Discharged or Demobilized on 27 Feb 1919 possibly due to an injury

I have found a John Bell living at North Bank, Whittle le Woods between 1914 - 1916 in the Electoral Register

No record of him yet only a Pension Record, however, his name is on the 1914 - 1915 Roll of Honour

28

James Berry

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 601854

Labour Corp

formerly 40446 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 

Disability \ Injury

29

John Bishop

Age: 27 and 1 month

Rank: Pte

Reg no:77887

E Coy RASC

He enlisted on 2 November 1915 at Chorley and then joined up at Aldershot

About mid-1916 It looks like he was also transferred to the 33rd Squadron RFC at Gainsboro during his service

He lived at Chorley Old Road and was Labourer
 

Married Alice Riley on 9 December 1911 at St John's Church, Whittle Le Woods Nr Chorley.

Discharged from the Military Hospital, Kirkham on 14 November 1918 as no longer fit for war service with

Infection of the stomach.

Received the Silver War Badge

Within John Bishop records it states on a letter replied he served 3 years and 13 days in the RAMC   

30

Arnold Blackwell

Born c1891

Reg no: 241240

8 Provost Coy, Royal Engineers

In 1939 he was living with his wife Pheobe and daughter Margaret are living on Preston Road

Arnold was a Joiner Builder, and Pheobe,  Unpaid Domestic Duties, and Margaret was at school

31

Victor (Boothman) Blackwell

Born c1894 in Clayton le Woods

Rank: Pte then L/Cpl

Reg no:14504

4 Kings Liverpool Regiment

Served in France

Date of Disembarkation is 4 March 1915

He was Demobilized I think in 1919

Brother of above and Reginald Blackwell KIA

32

John Blackledge

Age: 18, 2 months

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 55683

B Coy, 22 Labour Battalion.Cheshire Regiment

Enlisted at Chorley on 22 May 1916

Transferred to 280829, 299 Labour Coy on 30 July 1917

Transferred to Class Z Army Reserve on Demobilization on 1 December 1919

He was living at Town Lane, Whittle le Woods

His father was Thomas Blackledge

33

John Bowling

Born 1894

Reg no: 204053, other numbers 042079

Rank: Driver, Cpl, Sgt

ASC

100 Field Ambulance 

Enlisted on 4 January 1915 at Chorley

Joined at Aldershot

Living at White Hill Farm

A Driver, Teams man

Demobilized on 1 June 1919

Father is Ralph Bowling to help distinguish the John Bowlings !!

34

Walter Bowling

Possible Brother of below

Town Lane in 1911

35

William Bowling

Reg no: 67193

Rank: Driver

RFA

Enlisted 19 December 1914 at Chorley

Joined at Preston

As of 3 November 1915, he was serving with 20 Reserve Battalion, RFA

Admitted to 7 Canadian GH with GSW to Back and Chest penetrated at Etaples, also Abdomen  on 4 May 1917

In Rouen on 19 April 1919 when he is demobilized.

Trade was a Weaver 

Lived at Town Lane, Whittle le Woods

Father is James Bowling to help distinguish the Bowlings !!

36

William E Borsay

Age: 33

Reg No: 19378

Rank: Pte

14 Kings Liverpool Regiment

Enlisted at Southport or Liverpool on 7 September 1914

Served in France and Salonika

Debility following malaria

Discharged on 13 February 1919 from Army Service Corps S/445498

Lived at Swansey Lane

Lived at 33 Church Hill, Whittle le Woods as of his death on 16 January 1965 

Possibly married Marjorie Grime, whose brother's were killed in action!

37

Sydney (Arthur) Bradley

Born in 1893

Age:

Reg no: 204331

Rank: L/Sgt

4 South Lancashire

Church House\Cottage, Whittle le Woods in 1911

Parents were Frederick Justice Bradley and Mary Hoddy

He married Annie Whalley

He lived at Fern Villa, as of him being Demobilized on 2 May 1919

According to his Pension Ledger he suffered from a GSW to his right leg and DAH

Died in 1978

38

John Brindle

Age: 30 years 9 months

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 39905

3 (Garrison) Cheshire Regiment

The 3rd Battalion was a training unit and remained in the UK throughout the war, providing drafts for other battalions, although it also took part in the Mersey Defences at Birkenhead

He was a Warehouseman and Cloth Looker and of good character

Married Ann Young and had two known children- William, 1914 and Walter James in 1915 both born at Mount Pleasant

He enlisted on 11 December 1915 at Chorley and was still living at Mount Pleasant as of enlisting

He may have joined at Preston

He was put up to a medical board examination and the report dated 22 November 1916 states his cause of discharge as Physically unfit, Disseminated Sclerosis

Not fit before he joined the service, Preston

His vision is very defective. He is not able to walk in the dark, except with difficulty.

Not a result of & not aggravated by service.

Discharged on 13 December 1916 at Shrewsbury as no longer physically fit for war service

39

Nicholas Brindle

Born in Brindle c1894

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 13294

7 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 

Disembarked on the same day as Edmund Fiddler on 17 July 1915

Class Z res and Demobilized on 21 February 1919

Living in Clayton Green in 1911

40

Peter Brindle

Age: 

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 250868

Labour Corp

Lived at Chorley Old Road

Married Catherine R Young and had children John and Clara.

Weaver by Trade

Discharged on 11 November 1917 as Physically Unfit due to a Hernia that originated in 1897, when he was lifting a weaving skip.

41

William Rawlinson Brindle

Age: 23

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 64800

9 Battalion MGC

Enlisted 9 December 1915 at Chorley

Joined on 4 January 1916

He is living at 14 Rock Villa Rd

Demobilized as of 30 August 1919

Mother is Annie Rawlinson Brindle

42

William Brindle - NEED TO CHECK

Born in c1898

Rank: Rifleman

Reg no: 50720

2/6  (Rifle) Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment

Joined the Battalion on 18 August 1917, when the Battalion received a draft of 384 men some had been destined for the 2/8th KLR.

They were inspected on 21st August by Brigadier-General Bray.

William Brindle as "Wounded" on 13 November 1917,  at Louches

It was described as a time of rest for the Battalion, trips out to Calais or to the baths at Nielle

However, they still did plenty of training and I am wondering if William Brindle may have been wounded by accident

Discharged on 20 May 1918

Possible son of Thomas Brindle and Elizabeth Walmsley

43

Willie Brown

Born 1888

Son of Joseph and Martha Brown

Print Labourer in 1911

Married To Esther in c1911

Lived at Mount Pleasant as of 1911

44

Joseph Burton

Born in c1892

Age: 26

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 45058

WCLC, Labour Coy

Formerly in  Labour coy, Kings Liverpool, possible no 69453

Enlisted at of 9 December 1915

Discharged on 27 May 1918 and he had served oversea's

Entitle to Silver War Badge

Living in Whittle le Woods

Died on 18 February 1921

Wife was Eliza and they lived at 12 Dickinson Terrace

Possible daughter called Emma

45

William Burscough

The only person that comes to a close match lived at St Helens Fold, Brindle in 1911 

46

Charles Herbert Cadden

Born 1887 Shifnal, Shropshire

Moved to Whittle le Woods 

Died 1949

Rank: Pte

Reg no: GS/116019

Royal Fusiliers

Previously served in

HQ Co 31 Div Train

RASC - Driver T4/160021

1 Co 31 Div Train

Married Amelia (Millie) Pass, Daughter of Henry Pass, Licensee of the Old Millstone Inn

47

Frank Cannon, Francis Cannon

Age: 18 ?........... Nice Try Frank

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 32791

2/4 Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Frank Cannon enlisted on 17 April 1915 at Chorley stating he was 18 years old

His birthday is supposed to be 7 June 1899 as if correct then he was actually 15 years, 10 months, 11 days when he enlisted.

He would be Discharged on 17 September 1915 as found to be underage being only 16 years 1 month!

However as of his Discharge, if his date of birth is correct then his age was in fact 16 years, 3 months, 11 days

He managed 6 months of service

Frank and the other Cannons below are Brothers of John Cannon KIA on the war memorial

As of 24 May 2020, I have discovered that Frank, or Francis as he was also known as lived in Whaley Bridge until his death about 1974

He had married Lois Gertrude Irving, the sister of fellow Whittler Jame B Irving, another local who came back from the war 

Took in some evacuee children during WW2, surname Priest 

The picture is c1974 

48

James Cannon

Born on 2 June 1893

Age: 24

Reg no: 38306

Rank: Pte

3 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted 2 July 1917

He lived at Shaw Brow, Whittle le Woods

Discharged being no longer physically fit for war service on 26 October 1917 due to VHD (Heart) According to the medical report.

Originated 6 years previously and not a result or aggravated by military service.

49

Hermon Cannon

Born 1896

Reg no: 12532

Rank: Gdsm

Irish Guards

Enlisted as of 13 August 1915

Also in Royal Horse Guards as Tpr 2025

Brother of the above

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

50

William Cannon

Born 1891

Reg no: 15160

11th East Lancashire Regiment (Accrington Pals)

Wounded at Serre in July 1916

Lived at Waterhouse Green, Whittle le Woods

Was a frequent member of the St Chad church

Married Frances Cuerden (sister of Austin Cuerden - below)

Son John Cannon born in c1920

Died on 21 April 1966

Other Cannon Brother's see above

51

Edwin Carter

Age: 30

Reg no: 14304

Rank: Pte

17 Service Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

Enlisted 1 December 1914

Joined at Bury on 2 January 1915

He is living at Swansea Fold on Enlistment

Father is James Carter

His name is in the wounded list for the Lancashire Fusiliers in the Daily list for 20th Septemeber 1917

within the Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) - Tuesday 25 September 1917

Discharged as no longer physically fit on 17 April 1918

52

William Carter

I believe he may be the brother of the above

Enlisting between 1914 and 1915

53

Richard Chadwick

Age: 24

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 11245

Coldstream Guards

Enlisted on 30 August 1914 at Blackburn

Joined the 4th Battalion Coldstream Guards

Promoted to L/Cpl on 11 November 1914

Posted with the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards on 24 February 1915

Knocked back down to Pte on 23 March 1915

Posted with the 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards on 8 November 1918

GSW to buttock on 4 November 1918 in the field

Transferred to  Class Z for demobilization on 22 June 1919

He was a Papermaker

Richard is the brother of Thomas R Chadwick KIA on the memorial.

Son of Edmund and Martha Chadwick

54

James Christian

Born c1877 in Yorkshire

Reg no: 12433

Rank: Pte

8 Border Regiment

Enlisted 7 September 1914, Joined at Preston

Lived at the "Barracks", Whittle le Woods in 1911, a Printworks Labour

Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods as of enlistment

Had six children

Discharged on 28 May 1915 for being no longer physically fir for war service

Disordered action of the heart, started 4 years previous after fainting at work

Wife is Sarah Ann and has children Edith, Ellen, Susannah, Doris and Emily 

55

Albert Edward Clitheroe

Reg no: 98321

Rank: Pte

Machine gun corp

Enlisted on 10 December 1915

Suffered from dysentery as of 17 January 1918

Believed to have been released as of 24 July 1918 still suffering.

Brother of Stanley, and Son of John Clitheroe both KIA on the war memorial

56

Albert Clitheroe*

See below

57

Frank Clitheroe*

Both sons of Joseph and Isabella, living at Clayton Bottoms,

He lived next door to Daniel Slater and Frederick Leigh.

Nephews of John Clitheroe 

58

Thomas Clitheroe

Born 1893

Rank: Cpl

Reg: 15265

11 East Lancashire Regiment

Kings Liverpool Regiment as 48198

Disembarked on 19 December 1915

Demobilized

Served in Balkan Campaign

Also at Serre on 1 July 1916 being injured in head and arm.

Parents are Robert and Alice nee Walsh. of Shaw Brow in 1911

I believe I am related to Thomas "Tom" Clitheroe, 

His Grandmothers maiden name is PEEL

59

Fred Cuncannon

Age: 29

Reg no: 165741

Rank: Gunner

472 Siege Battery, RGA

Married  to Sarah Jane Miller on 18 April 1911 at St John's, Whittle le Woods

Had a Daughter called Bessie in 1917

Enlisted from 4 December 1915 in Whittle le Woods

Paperwork signed by Lawrence Cotton! 

Demobilized 23 October 1919

A letter dated 16 January 1919 to the Army from Robert Peel says he would welcome back Fred Cuncannon into his employment on his return to civil life! 

He lived at Shaw Brow and his Trade is a Grocer's Assistant

Just a quick glance through his record and I discovered that he was employed by ROBERT PEEL.

And as I am related to the PEEL's, I believe this to be the Robert Peel of 1 Rock Villa Road, Chorley Old Road.

60

Thomas Corless* - Need to double-check

All brothers and I think some moved to Canada after 1911. Serving in Canadian forces etc

61

Alfred Corless*

Reg no: 25507

Grenadier Guards until c1920 

62

Arthur Corless*

63

Nuttall Cotton

Born c1894

Died 8 February 1921

He is also known as James Nuttall Boothman Cotton

 After joining up between 1914 - 1915, he was injured in a training exercise and transferred out.

And died 8 February 1921 

Son of Lawrence Cotton who died a few months later on 7 May 1921

Married Gladys Harling in 1918 and their daughter Frances Coatsworth Cotton was born in 1918

At the time of his death on his probate, they were living at Edenhurst, Preston New Road, Blackburn

Effects £1074 7s 6d

Brother of John Cotton Killed in Action on the memorial

64

James Coupe

Age: 29, 10 months

Reg no: 435670

Rank: Pte

Kings Own Regiment

Prior to enlisting, he worked as a Solid Tyre Builder

He enlisted on 8 December 1915 and was mobilized on 7 April 1916

He is at 23 Infantry Base and then posted 1 Battalion at Etaples on 16 March 1917

To "D Company",  1 Battalion "In the Field" on the same day

He is wounded on 10 April 1917 and admitted to 27 Field Amb with a "burns wound"

The day on the 11 April 1917, he is sent to 18 General Hospital with "burned back" whilst fighting at Pomiers

Sent back to the UK on the 13 April 1917 and joins the 535 Employment Company \ Labour Corp on 23 October 1917

Then 362 Res Company

Compulsory transferred to the ASC (MT)  on 6 March 1918

Passed the learner test for a senior vulcanizer on 15 April 1918 

Possibly Transferred to 978 Coy, RASC, no 275885

Transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve when demobilised on the 25 September 1919,  age 34 and was noted with disability due to the effects of being burned.

Married Margaret Ellen Slater on 2 September 1918 at St Chad's

Lived at 1 Spring Bank, Wheelton later at the end of the war

His mother was called Margaret, living at Town Lane, Whittle le Woods on enlistment

As of 27 May 2020, I discovered there are two James Coupes serving in the war from whittle le woods

The NEW James Coupe is now added to the Returned to Duty extra names A - Z  list

65

John Cowell

His name is on the Roll of Honour

However, just to make me suffer, I have discovered there are two John Cowells living in Clayton le Woods\Whittle le Woods as of 1911

There is John Cowell c1880, of Brownley Street in 1911 who married Margaret Heatley, Had a Daughter Rose in 1909

Brother-in-law of William Heatley, Which makes him related to me!

The other is John Cowell c1870, a Cotton Weaver of County Terrace in 1911, married to a Margaret Cranshaw

66

John/James Craven

Reg no: 14303 other number 3436930

1 Lancashire Fusiliers

Enlisted 29 December 1914 at Chorley. Joined up at Bury

Lived at Mount Pleasant as of joining up, then moved to the Blackburn -Burnley area sometime before September 1916

He is mentioned as wounded on the same advert as Paul Gent, dated 8 September 1916

67

Ronald Cross

Also known as Sir Ronald Hibbert Cross, 1st Baronet, KCMG, KCVO, PC

Rank: Second Lieutenant, then Temp Lieutenant as of 3 December 1915

Duke of Lancaster Own Yeomanry

Then joined No 23 Squadron, RFC and flew with Eddie McKay

They flew the DH2 and then SPADs

His name is on the Roll of Honour 

His family live at Crooke Hall in 1911

His family are still there in 1917

The most famous person to be associated with Whittle le Woods to serve WW1 and then have a very high powered political career.during WW2 and after

He married Louise Marion Green-Emmott on the 7th January 1925 at St Peter's parish church, Pimlico, Middlesex

Five children

68

George Crook

No record of him yet

Possible he lived at  Brownley Street

69

Alfred Crook

No record of him yet

There is an Alfred Crook living at Swansey Fold as of 1914 -1916

70

Austin Cuerden

Reg no: 15850

Rank: Pte

11th East Lancashire Regiment (Accrington Pals)

As a stroke of luck, I believe I have managed to find Austin Cuerdens name in the PALS book

(William Turner).

He is listed within the C Company list, as advertised in the Accrington Observer & Times on Tuesday, February 23, 1915.

71

James Scott Curwen

Born in 1896

Age: 19 4mths

Reg no: 044367

Rank:

2/3 ASC (Horse Transport)

Enlisted 20 January 1915 at Chorley

As of 10 Septemeber 1915, he is admitted to County of London War Hospital at Epsom until 23 September 1915 suffering from "Nervous Shocks" Debility

Living at Taylors Row, Whittle le Woods

Driver (Horse) by Trade

Father is William Curwen

72

Charles Dillon

No record for him yet

73

Percy Dollin

No record for him yet

74

Percy Dixon

Born in 1894

Reg no: 139453

RAF

Lived at The Square, Waterhouse Green

Discharged 26 April 1919 due to a GSW to the Chest

75

George (E) Desoer - Possible, but hard to tell which George Desoer

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 494349

Training Reserve

599 Agri Company

I think he enlisted on 29 June 1917

Demobilized on 28 February 1919

A Brewers Labourer

Lived at Waterhouse Green, Whittle le Woods in 1917

Married Eliza Seddon at St John's in 1911

Children are Selina, Thomas, George and Lily

Their daughter Lily would die on 20 February 1918 age 9 months because of Whooping cough and Bronchitis. Certified by Dr Charles Peddie

76

Alfred (Alf) Desoer

Born c1894

Service no: 5182

Royal Naval Reserve

Last ship on before demobilized on  was the Victory on 11 ? 1917

Lived at Shaw Brow

Son of Richard and Elizabeth

77

John Edward Duckett

Born in c1877

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 41514

Labour corp

ex Kings Liverpool 46329

Enlisted on 23 June 1916

Discharged as of 22 November 1917 after being wounded

In 1911 he is living at Bridge Street with his wife Sarah (nee Jackson) and children Margaret and Edward

Albert Jackon, Brother in Law, is also staying over and he also served in WW1

He was a Labourer in the Printworks

Died c1923

78

William Fairhurst

Age: 22 and 5 months

Reg no: 5184

Manchester Regiment

I think it could be the 17th Battalion

He enlisted at Chorley on 9th September 1914

He lived at 6 Rock Villa Road, Whittle le Woods

Father was called John Fairhurst.

Discharged for medical reason - Spinal Disease

Discharged on 8 December 1914

79

James Fairhurst

Age: 

Reg no: 680255 

Rank: Gnr, Sig 

Royal Field Artillery

Enlisted in 1914 - 1915

Disembarked  on 30 September 1915

In the Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) - Tuesday 04 September 1917 he is stated as wounded

Likely Brother of the above

80

Edmund Fidler (Fiddler)

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 13299

Possible 9 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted about 17 July 1915

Repatriated Prisoner of War arrived at Dover on 3 December 1916

Possible again Prisoner of War 27\5\1918 Maisy 

Both POW pieces of information are from https://grandeguerre.icrc.org

Demobilized on 25 February 1919

In 1939 he is a Cafe Proprietor in Preston, Widowed

Son of William Fidler and Ann (nee Worthington) 

Related to my friend Melanie (Mel) Chadwick and family of Moss Lane, Whittle le Woods.

I also have connections to the Fidler's

81

Oliver Bateson Fidler

Age: 43

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 3529

3 Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (SR)

Enlisted at Chorley

Oliver was 43 years old when he signed up again with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 31st August 1914,  having previously done 6 years with them.

He was discharged after 2 years on the 30th August 1916 after being discharged for no longer physically fit for war service. - Deafness

The medical board report stated-

Originated about 25 years ago.

Not the result of nor aggravated by service.

Permanent capacity as on enlistment.

No foreign service.

Lived at 16 Smith Terrace, Clayton le Woods.  He was a Weaver.

Related to my friend Melanie (Mel) Chadwick and family of Moss Lane, Whittle le Woods.

I also have connections to the Fidler's

82

William Henry Fidler

Born 1900

Age: 18

Service no: 245465

Think he was enlisted as of 2 May 1918

Served in the RAF

Father is Oliver Fidler

Related to my friend Melanie (Mel) Chadwick and family of Moss Lane, Whittle le Woods.

I also have connections to the Fidler's

83

Isaac Fielding

Age: 34

Reg no: 10997

Rank: Pte

8 Border Regiment

Enlisted at Preston on 9 Septemeber 1914

Joined at Carlisle on 16 September 1914

Living at Bridge Street in 1911, with wife, Isabella and their son John.

Due to an old injury of his elbow, he was discharged as not being likely to become an efficient soldier on 4 November 1914

84

Thomas Fielding

Born in 1887

Age: 27

Rank: 

Reg no: 23224

C Coy,15 Kings Liverpool Regiment

Enlisted on 13 November 1914 at Chorley

Discharged as not likely to become an efficient soldier on 12 February 1915.

Had valve disease of the heart.

"Should never have been harassed into the army" is the last comment on one of the papers by the Medical Officer

Married to Ellen 

Weaver by trade

Lived at Naylors Fold, Whittle le Woods

85

Frank Fishwick- Found in the Methodist church file

Born c1880

Age: 38

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 456868

300 Reserve, Labour Corp

Possibly of Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods according to 1914 - 1916 Electoral roll.

1 Spring Gardens as of Discharge

Discharged 18 March 1918 due to Bronchitis

86

John Fish

Age: 19

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 2164

11 Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

He was only 5ft 4 1/2  

Enlisted on 13 November 1915 at Chorley. Joined at Lancaster.

Lived at Town lane on Enlistment and he was a Weaver by trade

Suffered from Influenza and Bronchitis during service after sleeping in tents without floorboards as of December 1916

Admitted to St Johns Hospital, Etaples and also No2 Stationary, !st Australian, at Abbeville? 

His record shows that he was pretty much unfit throughout his service.

Transferred to Reserve on around 16 March 1919

Father is John William Fish

87

George Fletcher .. 88

William Fletcher..89

Peter Fletcher* ..90

All Brothers lived at Dove Cote Farm,  Clayton Le Woods as of 1911

Thomas Gardner

Age: 39

Reg no: 70362

Rank: Pte

Cheshire Regiment

118 Labour corp

Enlisted 11 December 1915

Rubber Worker by Trade

Union Street, Whittle le Woods

Married Margaret Ann McIver in 1906

Children- Jane, Fred, Robert, James.

Demobilized on 23 March 1919

91

John W Fowler

Reg no: 351433

Rank: Sapper

Enlisted 2 November 1915

RGA

Posted to 73 Brigade HAG on 12 October 1916

Compulsory transferred to Royal Engineers on 28 April 1918

Demobilized on 9 September 1919

Wife is Margaret Little and they married in 1911 at St John the Evangelist

Have two children Harry Standish Fowler born on 10 July 1912 and Raymond Critchley Fowler 23 April 1915

Lived at Dolphin Cottage in Enlistment

Living at 3 Shaw Brow in 1919 

92

Thomas Gent

Born 1895?

Reg no: 62261

Rank: Pte

Worcestershire Regiment

Enlisted 25 March 1915?

Possible he was also in the 8 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment with Reg no: 19038

I think he is the son of Walter and Mary Gent

A Cotton Weaver 

Living at Waterhouse Green, Whittle le Woods

Discharged as of 24 April 1919

93

John Gerrard

Born 1898

Living at Higher Copthurst

A Cotton Loom Weaver

Son of John and Ellen Gerrard

94

John W Gillett

Son of Joseph and Margaret Gillett who was living at 

1 Kem Mill Cottage

Brother of Charles Gillett DOW \ KIA

He married Florence Morris in 1916

Died in 1954

95

Charles Grainge

Born in 1884 in Boroughbridge, Yorkshire

Son of William and Sarah Grainge who lived at Dog Brow in 1911 with their other children

Emily, Annie, Edith, William and Mabel

96

John William Grass

Age: 41 on Enlistment

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 128991

RAMC

Enlisted 10 December 1915, and joined on the 10 May 1915 staying in the Army Reserve but was mobilized on  10 May 1918 with the Medical Corps.

Was with the 154th F A in North Russia at Murmansk?

Married Susanah Nelson on 27 August 1898 at St Johns Church, Whittle le Woods

Had children, Annie, Emily, Jane, Isabella and Elizabeth Ellen.

Lived at Clayton Bottoms

Also, his papers mention Mill Street, Clayton Le Woods

Demobilized on 17 September 1919

97

Thomas Gregson

Born in 1878

Age: 37

Rank:

Reg no: 67084

Cheshire Regiment

Also Kings Liverpool and 193 Labour coy

Enlisted on 9 December 1915(hard to read)

Discharged as no longer physically fit for war service on 23 February 1918

Married Elizabeth Alice Walmsley at St John's in 1909

Children, Evelyn and William

Lived at 9 Rock Villa Road

98

Cecil Griffiths

Age: 27

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 23748

3 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 9 December 1915 at Chorley

During service he suffered from Contusion Back, Trench Foot, between 29 January 1917 and 24 April 1917 whilst at 2nd NGH \ Highfield, Macton?

Then admitted to hospital again on 27 July 1917 suffering from "Shell Concussion" and transferred to Spingsfield War Hospital, Tooting, London SW 17

He stayed there until 21 January 1918 suffering from the "Shell Concussion" and Neurasthenia.

Discharged being no longer physically fit for war service on 11 February 1918

Living at Waterhouse Green

Weaver by Trade

99

John (Jack) Grimshaw- new as of 14/2/2019

Born c1878

Reg no: 17065, 61642

Rank: Gunner

2 Royal Lancashire Regiment

MGC

Also 103065 Royal Garrison Artillery

His name is not on the 1914-1915 Roll of Honour !!

Married Elizabeth Hart at St John's, Whittle le Woods in April 1899

Entry into the theatre of war is 18 May 1915.

Discharged on 17 March 1919 

Waterhouse Green on Pension Ledger

The Fort was to defend the Mersey Estuary and was manned by about 100 men

Died 1948 at 10 County Terrace, Clayton le Woods

100

 Fred Grime 

Brother of Thomas and Richard  both Killed in Action

Two other brothers served

101

James Grundy

Reg no: 2287

RA (mct) / 2 London Sanitary Coy

Enlisted on 14 January 1915 at Chelsea.

Discharged on 6 April 1916 as not likely to become an efficient soldier on medical grounds.  

Lived at Blackburn Road, Whittle le Woods. 

A Mason by trade

Sister Annie Grundy, same address as next of kin.

102