A few words...

Harry Ramsbottom 

Age: 31

Reg no: 80184

Rank: Gunner

RGA

Enlisted on 16 November 1915 at Chorley

Skilled Labourer

5 Waterhouse Green

Shrapnel wounds to feet

GSW Head

As of 19 May 2020, I have found his name in the RGA wounded list in the Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) - Tuesday 04 December 1917

Whilst on furlong he was witness to theft and gave chase, but due to his wounds could not carry on until a taxi pulled up and he managed to overtake and arrest them.

An article in the local newspaper at the time described the heroic deed!

Married Beatrice Moorcroft and had children Margaret and Kathleen.

Discharged in 1918.

189

Edward Ramsbotham

Age:35

Reg no: 51362

Rank:

1/5 East Lancashire Regiment

As of 26 November 1918

Enlisted on 9 December 1915

As of Enlistment, he is living at Sea View Cottages, Whittle le Woods

Married Edith Stringfellow

Demobilized on 20 February 1919 Living at Shaw Hill Cottage

Water House Green in 1949 at the time of death. 

190

James Ramsbotham

Reg no: 3318

2/4 Kings Own Royal Regiment

Enlisted 22 April 1915 at Chorley

Wounded in Action with GSW Right Shoulder on 30 September 1918

Lived at 4 Waterhouse Green

His Wifes name is Margaret

Children- Margaret born 11 August 1913 

Demobilized on  8 January 1918

191

John Ramsbotham 

Reg no: 123663

Rank: Gunner

RGA

355 SB

Served with 32 Coy as of 8 October 1916 then 355 SB as of 19 January 1917.

Enlisted at Chorley on 15 November 1915

On 1 December 1917 is taken to hospital with Influenza

Granted leave to the UK about 1 March 1918

On 5 April 1918  posted to 282 SB

3 May 1918 admitted as wounded

Wounded a couple of occasions-

1 May 1918 - Legs, face and left hand

And then again on 7 June 1918 with GSW to leg, right thigh, the extra small note says thumb and face 

Invalided back to England

As of 19 May 2020 -

I found his name whilst looking in the RGA wounded list in the Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) - Tuesday 16 July 1918

Next of kin is his Sister, M E Ramsbotham of the Bay Horse Hotel, Whittle le Woods

As both, his parents James Ramsbotham and Margaret nee Tuson had died

His trade was a licenced victualler

Demobilized as of 10 February 1919 I think.

Died 27 March 1947, of the Sea View Inn

192

James Carr Reynard

Age: 19

Reg no: 33078

Rank: Driver

170 Brigade RFA

Enlisted on 8 November 1915 at Chorley

A Clerk by trade

Born in Accrington

In 1911 his family lived at West View Terrace, Whittle le Woods

On enlistment, he is living at East Grove, Whittle le Woods

Moved to Manchester? during service.

Suffered from Influenza in 1916 and sent to  Newcastle on tyne Hospital.

Demobilized on 21 January 1919

193

Bernard Richards

Born 12 June 1886 at Fence

In 1891 his family were living at the Schoolhouse in Whittle le Woods

In 1901 his family were living at 104 Park Road, Chorley

His parents were Arthur Jas Richardson, the School Master, and Emily Jane Willetts

He left home and joined the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in 1904

In 1909 he would get married to Alice Coates in Ireland

He fought in the retreat from Mon's, and on being invalided out of the army in 1918 he held the rank of Quarter Master Sargeant 

He would rejoin on 27 October 1939 and be posted to France on 9 December, ending up being Dunkirk and presumed dead.

He was found to be working at the War Office, going around the country using a van and loudspeaker for recruiting campaigns.

I wonder if he ever came back up to Clayton and Whittle?

Later he was posted to the Kings Own Liverpool Regiment ( this must be wrong!) at Chilmark, Salisbury with the rank of Company Sergeant Major

He was discharged in 1942 and started working at Whiteheads in Staines on munitions.until the end of the war

Returning to Weymouth he became a deck chair attendant and then a beach inspector during the season and at Roberts sweet factory in winter

Secretary of the Westham branch of the Conservative Association 

Also involved with the Salvation Army

Died Age 72 at Weymouth and was given a Semi-Military funeral

194

Henry Riding

Born 1877

Age: 37

Reg no: 17963

Rank: Pte

7 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 10 November 1914 at Chorley

Discharged for being physically unfit for further war service on 13 April 1915

Married to Margaret Whittle

Children are Sarah, Alice, George, Amelia, Harry, Nellie 

An Overlooker by trade

On his Pension Ledger is says he lived at Mount Pleasant, Whittle le Woods

195

William Riding

He was discharged from the 8th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 2nd December 1914 after joining up in Chorley on the 31st August 1914

The reason was given -  

"Discharged not likely to be an efficient soldier"

"Due to the incontinence of urine"

196

Thomas Riding

Joined the Border Regiment at Carlisle on 2nd November 1914 and went overseas in 1916.

Transferred to the Labour Company on 23rd February 1918

Then discharged due to a shell wound to his thigh on 4th April 1918

Being no longer physically for the service

Both older brothers of George Riding, KIA 

197

Walter Riley

Born in 1877

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 670803

Labour Corp

Discharged as 26 Feb 1919 according to the pension card, likely due to illness or injury. 

Formerly 21794 Cheshire Regiment

He was a Machine Printer Labourer at the Calico works

Married to Ellen 

Children are Eleanor and Annie

Living at Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods in 1911

198

Stephen Robinson - possible

Born 1896

Living at 1 Mount Pleasant in 1911 with parents George Henry, and Alice Robinson

199

William Robinson

Age: 28

Reg no: 12772

Rank: Pte

3 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 1 September 1914 at Chorley

Discharged on 31 July 1917 as no longer physically fit for war service caused by GSW to hand

Trade was a Calico Printers Labourer

Married Sarah Alice Todd

Lived at Waterhouse Green as of 1911,

Children are

Albert Lewis

Hilda

Stanley

William

Lived at 5 Town Lane, Whittle le Woods as of enlistment

200

Charles Ronksley, Also known as John Charles Ronksley

Born in 1894

Died in 1979

Rank: L/Cpl

Reg no: 13781

9 South Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on  6 September 1915

Demobilized on 23 April 1919

Served in France 

Married Lillie Coles in 1921

Brother of below

201

Isaac Ronksley

Born in 1883

Age: 31

Reg no: 13419

Rank: Pte

10 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted at Chorley on 2 September 1914.

Reverted to Private for being drunk on duty on 11 April 1915

Promoted to L/Cpl on 1 December 1914

Repatriated Prisoner of War on 26 December 1918 

As of 19 May 2020, I have found his name in the list of Loyal North Lancashire Regiment men released prisoners of war from Germany found in the Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) - Tuesday 14 January 1919

Demobilized on 1 April 1919

Claimed for disability with GSW to Left(?) Lung

Married Elizabeth Hall on 1 May 1909 at Sacred Heart, Chorley

Children, Sarah Ellen, John, May

Lived at Sea View Cottage as of 1914

Must have moved to 41 Blackstone Road, Chorley in 1919

Parents are John and Sarah Ronksley of New Road Parade? in 1911

All the family are Calico Printers\Weavers

202

Fred Salisbury

Born 1898

Age:18

Reg no: 216715

Rank: Loader

ASC / RASC

Enlisted at Chorley on 3 June 1916

Embarked at Southhampton on SS Connaught to Havre, France on 9\10th November 1916  

Home service until 2 October 1916 then to France as of 9 November 1916 to 9 November 1919

Demobilized 9 December 1919

Lived at Kem Mill

Father is John Henry Salisbury

203

Wilfrid Schofield 

Born 1887 Carrbrook, Cheshire

Parents are George and Rachel Schofield of Shaw Brow in 1901

In 1911 he is married to Margaret Eleanor Braithwaite ?

With children, Fredrick, Francis and Wilfrid.

Living at Lancaster Lane, Clayton le Woods

A Labourer at the Rubber Works

204

William Schofield

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 8157

1 Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

In a list of men wounded in June and July 1915

As of 10 November 1915 with the Expeditionary Force in France

Wounded in Action.

Town Lane, Whittle le Woods

205

John Sergeant

Age: 36

Reg no: 161772

Rank: Pte

2nd Garrison Battalion, Suffolk Regiment

Labour Corp

541 Agri Coy

Enlisted 9 December 1915 at Chorley

Demobilized on 25 December 1919 and was living at 3 Union Street

Lived at Mount Pleasant as of enlistment

Married Else Maud Morris and had children Doris, Gladys, Ella and Olive.

Moulder at rubber works

Moved to Abbey village

206

William Shorrock

Born in 1878

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 4478

3 Battalion Coldstream Guards

Enlisted at Bury on 4 December 1901

Joined at London on 6 December 1901

Transferred from "A" Reserve, Section A to Section B on 4 December 1905

Re engaged for Section D on 22 October 1913 for 4 years from 4 December 1913.

Mobilized in London on 5 August 1914 and posted to the Reserve Battalion

Then posted to the 3 Battalion on 11 September 1914

4 Battalion on 5 March 1915

5 Battalion on 12 August 1915

1 Battalion on 5 October 1915

Continued in service under Military Service Act of 1916

He was wounded  with GSW to Right side near Guinchy on 14 February 1915

On 16 February 1915, GSW Chest, sent to 10 Gen Hospital at Rouen

On 3 March 1915, GSW to Groin, Sent to England

On same day posted to 4 Battalion and adm to the Royal Infirmary, Sunderland

On 5 October 1915 returned to "Field" , Joining 1 Battalion

12 July 1917 on leave to UK

17 August 1918 granted leave to UK

21 September 1918 to 3rd Army Rest Camp

5 October 1918 has his war pay increased 

3 February 1919 at Heaton Park

Demobilized on 4 March 1919

Possible he was living at Clayton Green in 1911

A Cotton Weaver

Married to Mary Prescott

They had children Agnes, Ann and David

He is the brother of John Shorrocks, Killed in Action 

207

John Sharples

Possible of Holt Lane 

208

Robert Sherrington

Born in 1893

Age: 21

Reg no: 11672

Rank: Pte, then promoted L/Cpl, Sgt

6 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted at Chorley on 25 August 1914 

Joined at Preston on 25 August 1914

Whilst at Tidworth - Offence Committed

Absent from Church Parade at 8.40 am on 18 October 1914, punishment - reprimanded

Last posting to 3 Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment before being discharged for being surplus to military requirements having suffered from impairment since entry into service on 26 February 1919

Lived at Moss Terrace, Whittle le Woods in 1911

Weaver by trade

His parents are William, a Drayman at the Brewery, and Susanna, and his siblings are

Alice, Florence, Elsie and Gladys.

.

GSW to Left Leg

Slight Synovitis Right Knee

Moved to 39 Albert Terrace,  Lytham St Annes

209

Charles Singleton

Born c1880

Reg no: 147245

Rank: Pte

R.A.F

Service starts about  9 June 1916  

Discharged on 28 March 1919

Lived at Town Lane at the time and onwards to 1939

Married to Helena?

Daughter,  Bessie Wareing Singleton born 1911, possibly marrying Richard Prescott

Charles Singleton would pass away 1 month after the 1939 census was taken.

210

John Singleton

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

211

Herbert Slater

Born in 1894

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 203682

9 & 10 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Herbert Slater Enlisted on 4 January 1917

Discharged as of 7 June 1919 from an injury I'm guessing

He did serve overseas

Living in Whittle le Woods

212

James Slater - possible

Think he lived at  Whittle Springs in 1911

Dark Lane as of 1914 - 1916

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

213

Albert Smith

No record found yet

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

214

Joseph Smith

No record found yet

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

There is a Smith family living at Dark Lane in 1901 with an Albert Smith (above) and Joseph Smith

and a J T Smith w

 215

James Snailham

Reg no: 15349

11th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

On 7th September, after hearing about the recruitment from some of his friends, for the Chorley Pals. James Snailham walked the 3 miles from Whittle le Woods to the recruitment office at 17 Market Street, Chorley.

He was only 16 years old.

Worked at Swansey Printworks.

 A well known local soldier who had interviews and books written about him

216

John Snailham

Name is on Clayton le Woods Roll of honour

1 Bridge St, Whittle le Woods in 1911

Brother in law of Miles Weaver, who married Elizabeth Snailham

217

William Snape* 

Age: 21

Served in Mesopotamia

Brother of below and his other Brother's KIA and his name on the memorial

Father is J Snape

Found another William Snape as of 24\1\2021 but with a different father's name, so will cross-reference and see if I can confirm!

218

James Snape*

Age: 19

Served at Blackdown

* Brother of above and another is on the memorial

219

John Swarbrick

Age: 20

Salonika

Found via newspaper report of John Snape (KIA 1918)

He is Half Brother of John Snape (KIA 1918) and to both above 

All three above lived at Bridge Street in 1911

220

James Stainton

No Records found for him yet

The only James Stainton in the area c1911 is too young being born 1909?

However whilst searching for James Stainton I came across another "Stainton" from Whittle le Woods who was Killed in Action

221

Thomas Matthew Stainton

Born in Sedbergh

Age: 40

Reg no: 17234

Died 26 October 1916

"B" Coy, 2nd Battalion, Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Husband of Elizabeth Stainton, of Sheep Hill Lane, Clayton Green

Inscription on stone-

PEACE PERFECT PEACE

Buried at Salonika (Lambet Road) Military Cemetery

His name is not on the Roll of Honour or Memorial/Cenotaph at Clayton\Whittle

As of 15\10\2020, I found his name in the Electoral Register for 1832-1935. 

Living\Owning property at Clayton Green in 1915 and eligible to vote

New Information from a relation of his... 

I too wondered why my grandfather was not on the Whittle and Clayton war memorial.

After a search, I discovered that his name appears on the memorial inside St. Saviours Church in Bamber Bridge, even though it seems to appear on that as JM Stainton, it is rather worn. I do now remember being taken there, as a child, by my aunt who was his daughter.
The James Stainton that you found, who was too young, was probably my Uncle Jim, Thomas’ son who was born in 1906.
Thomas Matthew was born in Cautly near Sedbergh in 1876. He married Elizabeth Birkett also from Sedbergh, in 1901. He was a farmer.

They had 4 children John Birkett, Margaret Agnes, John Robert and my father Thomas William.
They moved to Bamber Bridge after they got married as my grandfather worked on the Cuerden Hall estate as a farmer. They attended St Saviours church and continued to do so after they moved to Sheephill Lane.

We presume that my grandmother chose to have his name put on the memorial there because they would see it every week when they went to church.
My grandfather joined the Kings Own Lancashire Regiment in 1915 and he died of malaria in Salonica on 26th October 1916.
My husband and I went to visit his grave in Lembet Road cemetery in 2016, as it was 100 years since his death.

222

Joseph Staniforth 

Born in 1892, Openshaw

Age: 27

Rank: Sgt

Reg no: 6707

MGC

formerly 32504 Cheshire Regiment

Also known as Joseph Edwin Staniforth

Lived at Swansey Lane, Whittle le Woods in 1911 

Enlisted sometime between 191 and 1915 as his name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

Demobilized on 24 April 1919

Possibly died soon after

Parents are Joseph Staniforth and Frances Heys

223

Mathias Stephenson

Born 1897

Age 23

Reg no: 35347 \ 51736

2nd Cavalry Regiment

Hussars of the Line

Kings Own Royal Lanc's Regiment

Royal Lanc's Depot

Enlisted 11 December 1916

To Reserves 12 December 1916

Mobilized and posted 18 April 1917

Posted to 1st Coy on 28 February 1918

Transferred to 803 AE Coy, Labour Corp on 13 December 1918

Posted to another unit  on 22 July 1919

Transferred on 28 July 1919 to Class "Z" Army for Demobilization 

Lived at Preston New Road, Clayton le Woods

Discharged on 15 October 1919  with Dysentry.

224

Frank Stocks

Born c1898, Ireland

Lived at Sheep Hill Lane, with siblings and parents Samuel and Catherine Stocks

His father served in the Navy from 1873 until 1909

225

Thomas Studholme

No Trace yet

226

Arthur Spivey, (methodist Church info)* 

Born 1899

Think he may have served in the RAMC as Pte 101696

All Sons of George and Emily, other siblings are Amy, Emily, Lilian, originally from the Askham, Nottingham area coming into Whittle le Woods between 1901 and 1911.

227

Frank Spivey* 

Born 1895

Calico Printers Labourer in 1911

All Sons of George and Emily, other siblings are Amy, Emily, Lilian, originally from the Askham, Nottingham area coming into Whittle le Woods between 1901 and 1911.

228

George Spivey*

Born 25 April 1896

Age: 18

Reg no: 13237, 158055

Rank: Pte

8 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Machine Gun Corp

Embarked 25 September 1915

Either Discharged or Demobilized as of 5 April 1919

Cotton Weaver

He married Bessie Savage in Prescot in 1918

*  All Sons of George and Emily, other siblings are Frank, Amy, Emily, Lilian, originally from the Askham, Nottingham area coming into Whittle le Woods between 1901 and 1911.

The surname is also spelt SPIVY

229

Albert Thompson

Age: 36

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 45126

3 Cheshire Regiment

Originally from the Hesketh Bank area

Enlisted 27 November 1915

Transferred to Royal Defence Corp on 8 July 1917

Discharged on 14 November 1917 due to inflammation of spinal cord

Origin, Childhood in Ulverston

Small thin arm and leg comparatively with the opposite side

His vision 6/24  6/60 and has a double squint.

Married Emma Leader and had children Phyllis and Mark

Lived at Town Lane, Whittle le woods

Labourer by Trade

230

Thomas Towers - NO RECORD YET

Born 1895 in Clayton Green

Son of Richard, a Gardener,and Margaret Towers

Living in Clayton Green as of 1911

Labourer for a Twister

231

John Turner

Possible he was born in 1886

Living at lower Copthurst

232

Wiliam Turner

Born 1884

Reg no: Pte

Rank: 65944

South Lancashire Regiment

Demobilized on 18 April 1919

Disability

233

William Turner

Either this is a mistake or there is another William Turner signed up!

234

William Tuson

Born c1883

Reg no: 4479

Enlisted at Bury, Joined at London

1 Coldstream Guards

Enlisted on 4 December 1901

Transferred to Army Reserve as of 4 December 1904 on the expiration of his army service 4 December 1905.

Re-engaged as of 5 September 1913, for four years from 4 December 1913.

Mobilised at London on 5 August 1914.

Poste to various CG Battalions 

"Wounded in the field" at least 3 times with GSW and shrapnel wounds

Finally Demobilised on 4 March 1919.

A Labourer as trade

His son Arnold served in WW2 being Killed in Action (27 May 1914)

235

Edward Tuson

Born c1876

Reg no: 45442

Rank: Pte

5 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Kings Liverpool Regiment

76 Labour Corp

543 Agri Coy

Labourer at a Cotton warehouse

Enlisted on 9 December 1915 possibly at Preston

Demobilized on 11 February 1919

Lived at Brownley Street, Clayton le Woods 

Wife Mary Ann, nee Clough with children Isabella and James

Has surgery to remove a Lipoma on his shoulder in July 1916

236

Edwin Walmsley 

Born 1893, Died c1971

Reg no: 15865

11 Battalion East Lancashire Regiment

Chorley Pals

Enlisted on 22 September 1914 at Chorley

He worked at Kem Mill up until he enlisted 

Married Sarah Entwistle

Son of Robert and Elizabeth

Brother of Below and William Justice Jones 

237

Septimus Walmsley

Born 1889

I have not found a WW1 service record for him but found a clue in the Lancashire Evening Post dated Friday 22 September 1916.

With a Pte S Walmsley, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Son of Robert and Elizabeth who were living at Mount Pleasant as of 1901

Brother of above and William Justice Jones 

Died 1970

238

Thomas Warbrick

Born 1889

Reg no: 13916

Rank: Pte

9 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 2 September 1914 at Preston

Posted as Missing on 11 June 1918 

Taken as Prisoner of War

Repatriated on 9 December 1918

Demobilized as of 6 March 1919

Living at Radburn Brow, Clayton Green in 1911 with his father William Warbrick and five siblings.

Henry(Served in WW1), Ellen, Isabella, Mary and Anastasia.

239

Walter Waterhouse - MORE RESEARCH NEEDED, AS THIS SOLDIER HAS SEEN SOME ACTION !!

I have a picture of him 

Age: 19 as of 1895

Rank: Pte, Sergeant (1911) CSM, RSM up to 1919

Reg no: 4929

1 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted on 15 August 1895

Joined at Preston on 16 August 1895

Promoted to L/Cpl on 11 March 1898 with extra pay

Promoted Cpl on 14 March 1900

Extended to complete 12 years with the colours on 3 November 1902

Promoted Sergeant on 9 February 1906

Promoted Company Q M Sergt as of 9 June 1914

Relinquished his new appointment and goe's back to CSM on 30 June 1914

Posted as missing

Prisoner of War as of 30 November 1914

Repatriated Prisoner, as CSM  on 18 November 1918

Elected to draw pension whilst serving as of 23 January 1919

Promoted on 20 June 1919 to (T)emp/ RSM

Discharged 19 April 1920 after approx 25 years of service 

Stationed away at Burtpore Barracks, Hants in 1911

Born in Accrington

Family is living in Whittle le Woods as of 1891 to 1911

Parents are David and Mary Waterhouse

Living at Rockleigh, Horns Road, Stroud, Glos. as of Discharge

Living on a Pension of £92, 13, 7 per annum as of 23 June 1948 

South African Campaign

Wounded at Kalfontien on 23 May 1901

South African Medal & 3 Clasps

Kings Medal & 2 Clasps

Awarded Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct in 1914 

Entitled to wear to Clasp on his 1914 Star Medal and the Roses on the Star ribbon ( I think)

A bar clasp inscribed "5 Aug. to 22 Nov. 1914" was given to all those who qualified for the 1914 Star and who served under fire. Since the same ribbon is used with the 1914-15 Star, holders of the 1914 Star were permitted to wear a small silver rosette on their ribbon when the decoration itself is not worn. On the medal index cards, this is usually noted as the "Clasp and Roses" or "C&R".It was necessary to apply for the issue of the clasp.

Mentioned in Sir John French's Despatches 8\10\1914?

London Gazette on 9\12\1914

Mentioned in Lord Kitchener's Despatch to Secretary of State for War dated Pretoria 8 July 1901

For good service during the attack on enemy to Venterdorp on 23 May 1901?

London Gazette on August 20th 1901?

Defence of Kimberley, Transvaal

240

Clement Waring - NEED TO CHECK

Rank: Pte

Reg no:19985

Grenadier Guards

Think he enlisted at Leeds on 26 October 1914

Did not serve in the BEF

Discharged on 1 August 1916 as being no longer physically fit for war service

Lived at Whittle Springs in 1911

Mother still there at the time of his enlistment 

241

Walter Waring

Born 1895

His name is on the Roll of Honour 1914 - 1915

Possible of Chorley Old Road

Parents are William and Amelia 

Married to Hilda 

Still alive in 1939

Possibly living at Smiths Terrace

242

Leo Waring

Born 1891

Victory II

Royal Navy

Enlisted about 5 August 1916

Demobilized as of 1 May 1919

Parents are William and Amelia

243

Miles Weaver

Age: 35

Reg no:17960

7 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Enlisted at Chorley on 10th November 1914 

Formally in the Volunteer Artillery, Preston for 7 years

Discharged as physically unfit for further war service on 13th April 1915

244

Walter Weaver

From Farrington

Age: 33

Reg no: 23367

Rank: Pte

15 Kings Liverpool Regiment

Enlisted at Chorley on 17 November 1914

Then posted as 28790 to 3 Cheshire Regiment on 12 November 1915 and then 9th Cheshire Regiment on 18 December 1915.

Demobilized on 4 April 1919.

Married Sarah Cooper at St John's on 1 September 1900 and they had four children, William, Edith, Elizabeth and Thomas.

Living at Naylors Fold.

In 1920 they lived at 5 Dickinson Terrace.

Related to Jack Cooper Sharples KIA

245

Wilfred Westhead

Son of James and Ellen Westhead nee Yates 

Living at Lukes Row, Whittle le Woods in 1911

A Labourer at the Bleach Works

In 1939 he and his wife Ellen, are living at Wilson Nook Farm, Town Lane

A Dairy farm

246

Daniel Withnell

Age: 29

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 16918

8 Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Then Bedford Regiment

Daniel enlisted on 30 September 1914 and joined at Preston on same day

On a casualty list C635, wounded on 19 October 1915

GSW on right side of face and neck

Discharged on 18 April 1919

Farm Labourer

Mother Hannah Withnell of Carwood House, Whittle le Woods

247

Thomas Withnell - another interesting soldier 

Born 1872, Whittle le Woods

Age: 18

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 2831

B Coy, Manchester Infantry

Attested at Ashton Under Lyne on 14 March 1890

Posted to 1st Battalion on 18 May 1890, then 2nd Battalion on 22nd May 1892 where he was sent to India for 5 years until 20 January 1898

He served at home from  21st January 1898 until 16 March 1900 when he is sent to South Africa

Serving in South Africa until 19 July 1902

He served at home again until he was demobilized on 12 August 1902 after 12 years and 152 days of service

Recalled to the Colours as of 26 December 1899 and posted the day after on 27th December 1899

and again 27 February 1902

In 1902 he received the sum of £6,10,0 as war gratuity I think on 1 November 1902. 

South African War 1900 -1902 

Awarded the South African Medal 1900 - 1902, clasps

Wittebergen, Cape Colony, Transvaal

Kings Medal Clasps, Sa 01 and Sa 02

First World War

Living at 4 Tootell Terrace and is age 43 3/12

Served at Home as of 26 April 1915 when he is considered fit by the medical examination for 4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

He is posted to 2\4th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment from 26 April 1915 until 2 November 1915 when he is transferred to the 19th Western Battalion, Rifle Brigade which he should have been sent over to Egypt with in 1916.

But I guess he did not go as it's not mentioned on his record.

Then transferred and posted to 805(?) Area Coy, Labour Corp from 8th December 1917

Then the transfer is officially cancelled as of 1 January 1918

Demobilized on  22 March 1919

Served at home as part of the Expeditionary Force until 22 March 1919

At this point, he is about 47 years old! and done about 16 years service

Father William Withnell, Whittle le Woods

Mother Isabella

His family was living next door to my relations the Peels in 1901 

I also believe I am related to him

248

John Withnell

Possibly Jack Withnell

No record yet

249

Richard Withnell

A Gardener

Possible he is the husband of Ada,

Father of Ellen and William

Possible brother of Thomas Withnell above 

In 1939 living at "The Glen", Preston Road

250

Charles Williams 

Born 1894

Age:

Reg no: 13835

Rank: Pte

Cyclist

His pension card says he was Discharged as of 12 March 1919 due to 

neurasthenia,

It was a common diagnosis during the war for "shell shock"

He also suffered from Heart Palpitations 

Cotton Weaver

He was living at 10 Smiths Terrace, Clayton le Woods

Mayor of Chorley in 1951 and also a founding member of the Chorley Historical & Archaeological Society

Brother of below

251

George Williams 

Born 1896

Age 19

Lived at 10 Smith Terrace, Whittle le Woods

Reg no- 28906

Enlisted at Chorley on 11 December 1915

18th Lancashire Fusiliers

During his service, he is wounded in action

He was 5ft 2 inches

Father is Joseph Williams

252

John Wilson

Age:

Rank:

Reg no: 66294

S Lancs

Living at Halls Square, Whittle Springs in 1911 and up to 1919

A Labourer for a Canal Company

253

John Whittle

Enlisted: 14 November 1914 

Reg no: 15933

8 Kings Own Lancaster Regiment

John Whittle was born on 28 April 1899

He enlisted on 14 November 1914 at Chorley and joined the 8th Battalion  of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

He claimed to be 19 years and 7 days old and 5ft 2 3/4 inches.

However, he would be discharged under Para 292 VI Kings Regulations having made a misstatement as to age on enlistment on 31 May 1915. 

Age on his papers says he is actually 16 1/12 as of Discharge (16 years and 1 month)

So he was only aged 15 years, 6 months and 18 days when he enlisted

He managed 6 months 18 days of service out of the 3-year term of service he signed up for

I am wondering if he signed up later on?

Father is John Whittle of Bridge Street, Whittle le Woods

He was a Weaver

254

John Wilding

Name is on Clayton le Woods Roll of Honour

Possibly born 1885

The one from county Terrace as of 1911

Son of  John and Margaret

Need to Check

255

William Wilding

Could it be William Henry Wilding? born 1880

Name is on Clayton le Woods Roll of Honour

Possibly this is the one from Brownley Street as of 1911

Married to Louisa

He is likely to be the brother of above and son of John and Margaret

As the 1891 and 1901 census's tie in

Need to Check

256

John Wilkins

Reg no: 9812

Rank: Pte

Scots Guards

Enlisted as of 2 April 1915

His  card says he served in France

Discharged with Disability

Lived at Fern Villa, Whittle le Woods according to pension ledger

257

William Wilkinson

Born c1868 

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 7212

12 TF RDC

Discharged as of 1 March 1918

Living in Whittle le Woods

258

Frederick William Wood

Rank: Pte

Reg no: M/349456

RASC

Discharged on 13 April 1920 due to suffering from Hammer Toe

Living at Springwell, Whittle le Woods

259

Samuel Wood

Born in 1892

Reg no: S/382993

Rank: Pte

RASC

Discharged on 9 April 1919 due to GSW and loss both testicles and also suffered pul tub, which I believe means Pulmonary Tuberculosis 

He lived at 2 Swansey Fold, Whittle le Woods

Son of Joseph And Elizabeth Wood

260

Henry Wrennall

Age: 28

Rank: Pte

Reg no: 326681

ASC

488 Coy RASC on 31 May 1919

Enlisted 9 December 1915 at Clayton le Woods

Demobilized on 21 October 1919

Cotton weaver by Trade

Married Ada Lucas 14 August 1918

Living with Ada at 27 Swansea Fold in 1939, a Farm Labourer

261