Mathias Mason

Born 1882, Whittle le Woods

Age: 33

Reg no: T4/056114

Rank: Dvr

RASC

His name is on the Whittle le Woods 1914-15 Roll of Honour.

In 1901, Lived with his parents, Samuel and Mary, also 5 sisters at Carwood Farm, Whittle le Woods

In 1911 he lived at Sandy Lane, Whittle le Woods, and was a Drayman at the Brewery.

With his wife Honor and children, Samuel and Mary

In 1915 he was living at Sandy Lane

In 1939 he was a widower, Drayman at the Withy Trees Inn

159

Thomas Maher

Born

Age:

Rank:

Reg no:

Name is on Whittle le Woods 1914-1915 Roll of Honour

Possibly lived at Martin House, Whittle le Woods in 1915

160

Robert McCarthy

Born in 1885

Age: 29

Rank: Gnr

Reg no: 57287

C Battery  53 Brigade?

Royal Field Artillery

Enlisted on 28 December 1914

Discharged on 27 August 1918 after suffering from the effects of shrapnel wounds received in action at Montauban, France

Possible was wounded on 10 August 1917? 

Lived at 12 Swansea Fold, Whittle le Woods

Died c1960

161

Henry Marlborough

Born in 1889 Bengal, India

Age: 26 in 1915

Rank: Trooper

Reg no:

Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry

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

He is also called James Henry Marlborough

Born Lucknow, India, say Bengal, India in 1891 census

His Parents are Henry Marlborough, an Army Pensioner, and Mary

Looks like they were in India about 1889 and then came back to England

Domestic Servant at Crooke Hall in 1911, home of the Cross family, including Ronald Cross

Wonder if he got into the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry via Ronald Cross, as he was in the same Regiment!

Possibly married Dorothy Bradley in 1914 

Son James H Marlborough, born 1915, Chorley 

An Update as of 28\3\2023

After not being able to find anything for years, I was browsing through every page of the British Newspaper Archive, relating to Whittle le Woods

When I came across by pure chance, a few clues! 

Tuesday 07 September 1915, Penrith Observer article

"Trooper Marlborough (Duke of Lancaster's). who is a Whittle-le-Woods harrier, and has also run with the Leemicsa Polytechnic"

There are a few more mentions in newspaper articles about him that I need to look at.

In the 1921 Census, James Henry Marlborough is a Butler at the house of Edgar Hugh Brassey, a retired Lt. Colonel, 1st Life Guards, British Army

162

Albert McCourt - Updated as of 4\1\2022

Born 1897, Whittle le woods

Age: abt 18

Rank: Pte

Reg no: GS/105750

43 Royal Fusiliers

His name is on the Whittle le Woods 1914-15 Roll of Honour

Also served as-

415493, 906 A E Co Labour Corp

24445 1 Royal Welsh Fusilier's 

Lived at Oakwood, Whittle le Woods in 1911 and he was a Weaver.

Son of George Bernard McCourt, a Joiner for the Canal Co, and Elizabeth Kellett.

Other siblings are Tom Bernard, Lillie, and Jane, another was dead as of 1911.

Think he married Gwendolen W Kezer in 1927

Did not find anything about him until the above date so I'm really happy to find some information.

I think he may have been injured at some point.

163

Richard McClellan

Born in 1891. Alston, Longridge

Age: 24

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 17280

1 Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Brother of Robert McClellan KIA

16 Rock Villa Road

A Print Labour in 1911

Enlisted roughly about 22 June 1915

Served in France 

Discharged as of 22 November 1917, due to wounds.

In 1921, now aged 30, 3 months,  Richard McClelland is at his sister, Elizabeth Ann Murphy's (Thomas Murphy) house 

He is employed in the Machine Room at Low Mill Printing, Mr Joseph Crossley.

164

Frank Melling

Also known as Francis Robert Melling

Born 27 Aug 1890, Ramsbottom

Age: 25

Reg No: 12454

Rank: Pte

2/5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

1 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment? 

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

Son of John and Ellen

Brother of Sarah Ann, Maggie and Edgar, James, Elizabeth

In 1911, they lived at Hawthorn House, Clayton Green

He is a Time Keeper in a Cotton Mill

Suffered from V D H

Discharged on 26 March 1919

Think they had moved to 9, Hope Street, Chorley

Not related to my branch of Melling's

165

Albert Miller 

Born 1884, Whittle le Woods

Age: 31 in 1915

Rank;

Reg no:

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

Possibly the Son of John and Ann

Sister called Ann,

Penrith House, Clayton le Woods 1911

On 28 April 1922, he is on board the ship "Samaria" heading to Boston, Massachusetts, USA

166

Alfred Monks

Born

Age: 40

Reg no: 25554

Enlisted on 9 December 1915 

3 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 9 December 1915 at Chorley

Discharged on medical grounds. Not likely to become an efficient soldier. On 31 August 1916.

Deaf on one side

Defective teeth

Stiff movements

Married Elizabeth Alice Blundell at Leyland, St Ambrose on 28 Jun 1900

and lived at Union Street 

Had 3 Children, Lily, Ada, and Elsie.

He was a Labourer

167

James Moon-  Interesting record found 15\8\2023

Born 1889, Chorley 

Age: 26

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 21056

14 Kings Liverpool Regiment 

James Moon's name is on the Whittle le Woods 1914-1915 Roll of Honour

He Enlisted on 2 November 1914, at Chorley

And Posted to the Depot on 3 November 1914

On 7 November 1914, he was posted to the 14 Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment 

Married to Elizabeth Jane Bouskill, Cotton Weaver in about 1910

They had 3 children, John Edward born in 1911, James Leo born in 1912, and Agnes born in 1914

Lived at 14 Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods in 1915 Electoral Register

Living at Dolphin Brow, Whittle le Woods

Calico Printworks Labourer

Before joining up he was employed by J C Crossley, Waterhouse Green, Whittle le Woods

According to his record, he also served at Home and in France.

Embarked at Marseilles, France on 28 October 1915, heading for the Balkans.

On 21 March 1916, he was admitted from the O.C Unit to 4 Canadian Gen Hospital suffering from an Abscess- Sub Scap 

On 10 April 1916, he was sent to St John Hospital, Malta suffering from an Abscess Sub-Scapular

Embarked for Egypt on 28 May 1915, Sailing on FRANCONIA (?)  Arriving at Alexandria on 31 May 1916

Sent to Salonika on CORNCAN (?) on 16 July 1916

Absent without leave on 16 July 1916 until 17 July 1916 (?)

Punishment with forfeiting 2 days' pay 

Rejoined Unit in the field on 23 July 1916

68 FA, admitted on 10 August 1916 to CCS

29 General Hospital  with Diarrhoea and discharged to duty on 28 August 1916

Wounded in Action on 14 September 1916, in the field and taken by 28 CCS with G.S.W 

Moved to 28 General Hospital as of 16 September 1916

Awarded Military Medal on 27 September 1916 or 29 September 1916

On 4 October 1916, he was sent to Hospital in Malta

Sent to two camps

3 Nov 1916 he is listed as "Wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office.

This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916

On 11 December 1916, James Moon rejoined his unit and was Wounded in Action, in the field on 8 May 1917

Admitted to 35 CCS with G.S.W right foot

Again taken to 28 General Hospital

30 Hospital, Salonika on 17 August 1917

On 2 October 1917, he suffered from Malaria and was sent to 48 General Hospital, Salonika until 17 October 1917

From DDMS Base, he embarks for Malta via HS BRAEMAR CASTLE (Malaria RMT) on 8 February 1918

Disembarks at Malta on 11 February 1918

Admitted to St Andrews Hospital, Malta. GTCC... Mal? on 16 October 1918

Invalided from Malta to the UK via HT ROSE(?) suffering from Malaria on 11 November 1918

On Medical Record-

In August 1916\1917, in Salonika, he suffered from Malaria whilst on active service

Invalided from Salonika with Malaria, the last attack was in July 1918

Admitted to 2nd Western General Hospital, Stockport on 1 December 1918 until 21 January 1919 suffering from Malaria 

Not sure when, but he also spent time at these Hospitals-

30 Hospital, Salonika

48 Gen Hospital, Salonika

St Andrews, Malta

Greek St.

Hollywood Pk?

Town Hall Hos, Stockport 

Transferred to Class Z Reserve on 25 February 1919

Looks as if they moved to Padiham 

This picture of James Moon was kindly offered for use from Burnley In The Great War website 

Brother of both below

168

John Moon

Born

Age:18

Enlisted on 8 January 1917

Reg no: 43737

C Coy, 2/4 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Formerly 5th and then 1st Border Regiment posted to 2/4 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 2 September 1918

On 12 April 1918, he is Wounded in Action with GSW to the head (flesh wound, no fracture) and taken to 17 CCS and then to 22 GH

Possibly at a place called Camiers

Mentioned in the 10 Jun 1918, UK, WWI, Daily Reports: Missing, Dead, Wounded and POWs, 1914-1918

Entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorized under Army Order 204 of the 6th of July 1916

Lived at 17 Swansea Fold, Whittle-le-Woods

Worked at the Rubber Works

Demobilized as of 17 March 1919

169

Herbert William Moon - updated as of 25\1\2021

Born in 1893

Age:

Rank: Pte

Reg No: 38392

King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Also 14139 Kings Liverpool Regiment

Enlisted 4 September 1915

Laborer at Dyers

Lived at 17 Swansey Fold, Whittle le Woods

Another Address given is Greenfield Terrace

Brother of both above soldiers

Demobilized on 11 April 1919

170

Archibald Moorcroft

Born 1887 

Age: 28

Rank: 

Reg no: 24619

Royal Field Artillery

Enlisted on

Joined up on 31 May 1916 at Leyland

Lived at Clayton Bottoms as of enlistment

Married Jane Aston and had children George Clitheroe Moorcroft born August 1916 and died of Gastro Enteritis 

3 months later on 17 October 1916

The death certificate for his son says Archibald Moorcroft was in the 3 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Rubber mixer as trade

Wounded and admitted to 2 Can General Hospital approx 20 March 1918

Moved to 40 Regent Street, Coppull sometime during the war

Discharged on 24 October 1919

Died in 1952

171

James Moorcroft

Age: 23 years and 10 months

Rank: Pte

7 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 3 September 1914 at Chorley

Preston Pal?

A labourer as Trade

5ft 3 1/2 inches

He was married to Margery A Greenwood on 11 October 1913 at the Parish church in Clayton le Moors

No evidence of him was found until 20 December 2021 when I happened to begin trying to get back into doing research for this website!

And I happened to come across an article.

Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 12 January 1915

GAVE HIMSELF UP AS A DESERTER

At church, today, James Moorcroft, formerly of Clayton le Moors, and lately of Whittle le Woods, near Chorley.

A private in the 7th Batt, L.N.L Regiment, was charged with deserting from his regiment at Whitchurch Camp, Hampshire. About seven o'clock last night prisoner met P.C Partington in Whalley Road, Clayton le Moors, and said he wanted to give himself up as a deserter. He was wearing uniform. He said he had been away since January 5th, having left the camp without leave.

Prisoner said he joined the army on September 3rd at Chorley.

He was remanded to await an escort. 

The above information has proved valuable and I have found his surviving service record to help fill in his profile!

He was constantly disciplined for being AWOL and drunk throughout his 1 year, 218 days of service

On 8 April 1915, he was Discharged for Misconduct, struck off the strength when on active service

He would narrowly miss out on going to war as a few months later the 7th Battalion landed at Boulogne as part of the 56th Brigade in the 19th (Western) Division in July 1915.

I don't think he was ever let back into the army.

As of joining up, they lived at Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods 

I think they may have had children, James Moorcroft born later in 1915, and Elizabeth Alice Moorcroft born in 1916.

172

The above picture is of Edward and some of his brothers.

The clipping says they were all in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

But we appear to have different cap badges in the picture!

Edward Moorcroft

Born in 1876

Age: 38

Reg no: 3534

Rank: Pte

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (SR)

Cheshire Regiment, 29177

Enlisted at Chorley on 31 August 1914 with 1 (?) Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment as 3534

Then Transferred to 1 Garrison Battalion, Cheshire Regiment on 9 August 1915 as 29177

Served at Home and France, up to 17 August 1915

and Gibraltar. from 18 August 1915

Demobilized on 27 March 1919

A Weaver by trade and 5ft 3 in height

Married Annie Mayo and as of being in service had four children, Jesse, Annie, Sarah, and Lena

Lived at Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods

173

Henry Morris

Born

Age: 28

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 076296, 12779

52 coy, MT Depot

ASC

Trade is a Motor Driver 

Halls Square, Whittle Springs

Enlisted on 19 September 1914 at Preston

Joined at Woolwich

His Father is John Morris, and in 1901 he is a Boatman on the canal

Henry and James are also Boatman on the canal.

Next of Kin as of Enlistment is Brother James Morris of Halls Square, Whittle Springs

Discharged being no longer physically fit for further war service on 20 July 1915 

SWB list - ASC/436

174

Thomas Mossop

Born on 13 April 1884 in Blackburn

Age:

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 3417

Machine Gun corp

Also 23364 Kings Liverpool

Thomas was living at 23 Victoria Terrace in 1911, a Taper at the Cotton Manufacturer

He is on the 1911 census at that address which was his brother and sister in laws address, after the death of their father Jabez in 1908.

He was serving in France and Flanders and as of 17 June 1916, he was named in the wounded list of the Machine Gun Corp. and wounded again I believe, and named in the War Office Daily List No 5586 on 7 June 1918

He was Demobilized on 25 April 1919.

His parents are Jabez and Nancy Mossop, and he has siblings Albert, Lenora, Lizzie

I think he died in 1954 in Bolton

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

Thanks to Brenda Hamer for additional information.

175

John McIvor- NEED TO CHECK

Born 1889

Age: 25

Reg no: 029316

Rank: Driver

207 ASC, Horse Transport

Enlisted on 16 November 1914 at Chorley

He was a Driver as Trade 

Joined at Aldershot

On 7 December 1914, he forfeited 6 days of pay

Absent on 25 May 1915, Returned to duty on  3 June 1915

Embarked on SS Menominee from Marseilles on 7 January 1916 

Disembarked with 80 Field Ambulance in Salonika on 16 January 1916

More punishments -

7 days CB for absenting himself from stable duty without permission on 6 March 1916

5 days CB for using disrespectful language to an NCO on  31 March 1916

possible more punishments in between dates

On 2 March 1917, he is given 7 days CB for being absent from morning stables

On 20 April 1917, he joins 112 Coy  

14 July 1917 admitted to 28 CCS with a Malaria relapse

22 August 1917 discharged to CAMP SUMMER HILL?

3 September 1917 he is admitted to 48 General Hospital, likely to be with Malaria as that's what that hospital was for.

In 1918, he is transferred several times including, 209 Coy ASC, 8 Con Dept, and also sent home

The file states he was affected by MALARIA and not to be sent to a theatre of war other than France or Italy

On 13 November 1918 refused to obey an order

AWOL, from 3.30 pm until 9.30 pm same date

Deprived 3 days pay

Served in France and Salonika

Demobilized on 16 February 1919

Married to Ada Pearson at St Chad's church on 23 November 1913

At the time of enlistment, he is living at Gorse Hall Cottage, Whittle le Woods

With Children Mary and James

Later on in 1919, I believe he is living in Wheelton 

An interesting soldier's record!

176

Richard McIver

Age: 21

Reg no: 39581

Lancashire Fusiliers,

ASC 

3 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment,  posted 5 April 1916

Was in "A" Reserve as 11 December 1915 until 2 April 1916

Enlisted at Preston on 3rd April 1916

Went to France as of 20 July 1916 until 14 September 1919 when he was discharged.

Suffered from a Gas attack on 22 November 1916, also recorded as missing. 

I'm guessing he either found his way own back to his trenches or was found by others.

I think he may have been in the 15th Lancashire Fusiliers as of this date, which means he was at Beaumont-Hamel.

As of 18 May 2020 I have found new information whilst searching through the lists in  Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) - Tuesday 04 September 1917. 

He is named in the wounded section

Lived at 3(?) Brownley Terrace, Clayton le Woods.

Mother as next of kin, Mary McIver.

Died on 27 July 1926

Buried St Bede's Chapel, Whittle le Woods

177

Hardman Myers (Hardy Myers)

Born 6 May 1899, Clayton le Woods

Age: abt 19

Service no: 167943

Served in the RAF as of 15 May 1918

Father is Thomas Myers

Married Doris Fishwick in 1927

As of 1939, he is a Waterworks Engineer 

Living at Waterworks House, Preston Road

Lived at 371 Preston Road

Died 16 March 1983  

178

Thomas Nolan - New name found as of 22/11/2019

Born c1884

Reg no: 480288

Rank: Pte

2/2 Mon Regiment (as 237576)

418 Agricultural Regiment

582 Agricultural Regiment

Enlisted on 11 December 1915 at Chorley

Name not on the 1914-15 Roll of Honour !!

Suffered from Myalgia and Rheumatism, Influenza as of 27 Nov 1917 to 18 December 1917.

Living at Bridge Street,  Whittle le Woods

Married to Mary Ann Cain at St Bede's, Clayton Green  on 15 October 1904

Their children are Margaret, Mary and William

Solid tyre moulder at Rubber Works

179

John James Parkinson

Born in 1881

Age: 36

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 470225

77 Coy, Labour Corp

Late 12 Labour Coy,  Liverpool Regiment

Another number 46054

Suffered from Neurasthenia in 1913

I think he Enlisted on 27 February 1917 at Chorley

He went over to France on 16 March 1917 to 24 May 1917

Then sent back to England from 25 May 1917 until 10 July 1917

Discharged on 10 July 1917 at Nottingham with Degeneration of Cornea, which originated in 1896.

Not due to any military service

Gardener by trade

Lived at Shaw Hill Cottage, Whittle Le Woods as of 1917

180

Joseph Kellet Pickup - new as of 14/2/2019 Need to add information 

Born in 1893

Age: 22, and 1 month

Rank: A/Cpl

Reg no: 243277

1/5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

 His number was 7825, with the 4/5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 1 December 1915 at Chorley

Moved to Army Reserve on 12 December 1915

Mobilized on  31 January 1916

His number was 7825, with the 4/5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Until July 1918, when he transferred to the 1/5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Served oversea with both 4/5 and 1/5 

Attached to P.O.W coy Labour Corp?

His Parents are Roger Pickup and Emma 

Lived at 5 Spring Gardens, Whittle le Woods

Injured on 26 September 1918

Appointed (unpaid) on 13 March 1919

Discharged on 1 October 1919

He was married to Ethel Bamber in 1922

In 1939, they are living at 1 Dog Bridge, Whittle le Woods

His occupation is High Explosive Worker at ROF 

181

William Pickup

Age: 19, and 2 months?

Rank: Pte

Enlisted on 12 November 1914 at Chorley 

Reg no: 23220

E Coy, 3rd Battalion, Kings Liverpool Regiment

Inflammation of Glands (Neck) from 1909 and TB

He enlisted on 14 November 1914 at Chorley

and was a Twister as a trade

Discharged on 16 November 1915, being no longer physically fit for war service

He was in Home Service on light duty at home

Trade was a Twister 

Father was Roger Pickup

Brother of above

182

William Pickup, with Whittle Rose Football Team

Before the War

George Phillipson

Born on 14 Jan 1879

Age: 36

Rank:

Reg no:

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

I think he was born in 1879 in Whittle le Woods

Son of Richard and Margaret Phillipson

In 1911 he is living on Sandy Lane, Whittle le Woods and he is a Brewers Labourer

George Phillipson 32 
Lucy Phillipson, nee Taylor 27, Wife

Margaret Alice Phillipson, age 5, Daughter
Sarah Ellen Phillipson, age 2, Daughter
John Phillipson, age 1, Son

In 1939, George Phillipson and his family were still living at Sandy Lane

183

Richard Phillipson- Possibly need to move this profile!?

Born

Age:

Rank:

Reg no;

15 Rock Villa Road, Whittle le Woods in 1911

A calico Printer

I think he was born about 1874 and may have enlisted at age 18 in 1892 with the Royal S Fusilier's as 3790 

Chelsea Pensioner

May have made the mistake of putting him here instead of the 1700 -1914 section

Brother of above

184

Harry Prescott- Need to Check

Born in 1886, Whittle le Woods

In 1911, he was age 24.

Living with family at Wilson Nook Farm, Whittle le Woods

He has 6 other siblings

 Also, known as Henry Prescott

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

The problem is there are two Henry Prescotts in the area!

Henry Prescott

Born in 1874, Brindle

Age 37

In 1911, Living at 6 Pheasant View, Clayton le Woods

Cotton Weaver

Married to Ellen 

Children-  Ann Prescott, age 1

He would be age 40 in 1914 

185

Richard Thomas Prescott

Born in 1886, Wheelton 

Age: 29

Rank: Gunner

Reg no: 92788 

110 Siege Battery, RGA

Enlisted on 10 November 1915 at Preston 

Was gassed and reported in sick, taken to Huddersfield War Hospital from 16 October 1917 until 17 December 1917, Bronchitis

Whilst at Scotton Camp on 20 February 1918 is punished whilst on active service for overstaying his embarkation leave from  6.60am on  20.2.18 to 6.30 am on 22.2.18

(Absent 47hrs and 50 mins)

Punishment - 4 days FP no 2

Forfeits 3 days pay RW 

His name appears in the WAR OFFICE WEEKLY CASUALTY LIST, JUNE 8th, 1918 as being wounded whilst serving in the RGA

Demobilized on 17 July 1919

Lived at Swansey Fold, Whittle le Woods

Married Isabella Crook at St Bede's Church in November 1909

Children are 

Daniel Gerrard was born on 1 February 1911

Mary was born on 20 February 1912

Worked at Wood-Milne LTD, Leyland since August 1914 according to a letter of recommendation from his employer.

186

John T Smith

Born in 1881

Age:

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 37295

10 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Previously served in 9 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and 2/4 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment 

Discharged on 17 January 1919

Living in Whittle le Woods

187

George Quibell

Born

Age:

Rank:

Reg no:

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

No record found yet, and no pension record

As of 20/10/2020, I have found a clue -

He lived at Leyland Lane, Whittle le Woods as of 1915 according to the 1914 - 1916 Electoral Register

188