Ironbridge Gorge Community Archive

William Hall

William Hanley

Albert Higginson

George Jones

Thomas Jones

William H Jones

Herbert J Marshall

Enocl Micklewright

Harry Millward

James Millward

Frank Morgan

William Morris

Samuel Nickless

Thomas W Nickless

William J Norry

George Oakes

William Onions

James Owen

Robert Owen

William H Pace

Bertram R Perry

George H Pugh

 

The second photograph was donated by Joan Griffiths

 

William E. Hall.

27760 - Private Edward William Hall was born in 1891, the son of George and Mary Ann Hall. 

Before he joined the Hereford Regiment (4996) on the 8^th March 1915, Edward worked as a moulder in the Coalbrookdale Works.  He transferred to the Border Regiment and had only been in France 6 weeks when he was killed in action on the Somme 18^th November 1916.

Wellington Journal December 1916

Pv. W.E. Hall, Border Regiment son of Geo. Hall, Sycamore House, Iron-Bridge, died of wounds last month.  He joined the colours on 8^thMarch last, and had only been in France six weeks when he received the fatal wound.  Prior to joining the colours he was a moulder in the Dale Ironworks.  He was a member of Hodgbower Bowling club, and was considered one of the best bowlers in the Iron-Bridge District League.  The young soldier was only 26.  His parents and sisters have the sympathy of the neighbourhood in their sad bereavement.

             He is buried at Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty. Ref.  1V C5

 

William Hanley.

There are a number of William Hanley’s in and around the Gorge area at this time.  It is thought that the man commemorated on the Coalbrookdale memorial is the one below:

32793 - Private William Hanley was born in 1886, in Ironbridge.  His parents were Albert and Unice Hanley.                                                                                                         

A marriage took place at Ironbridge Church, between William Hanley age 22 and Louie Boden, on the 4^thJuly 1908. William’s father was Albert Hanley and Louie’s, John Boden.

William joined the 6^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in action at the battle of Menin Road, on 20^thSeptember 1917. His next of kin was; Lucy Fowler (formerly Hanley) 12 Newbridge road, Ironbridge.

 William and his brother Harry are also remembered on the Ironbridge war memorial.  William is buried at Cement House Cemetery, Belgium.  1.V.F.9

 

Albert Higginson       

There were a number of Albert Higginsons living in the area during the early 1900’s.  This man was a moulder at the Coalbrookdale works, so it is most likely to be the correct Albert Higginson. 

200314 - Private Albert Higginson was the son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Higginson, 84, Burnt Hall, Court Street, Madeley.

Before joining the 1/4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, he was a moulder in the Iron Works.  He was also a member of the Shropshire Territorials, and went with them to India and China, at the out break of war.  After been there for 3 years he came home on leave on 10 days furlough.  He was then drafted to France and was killed in action, at the battle of Passchendale, after been in France only 2 months, on 30^th October 1917

Wellington Journal.

 The 4^thBattalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry had made an attack on the Source Trench near Valet farm, Passchendale, with “A” and “O” companies.  “B” company were placed at the disposal of a Canadian Brigade.  The attack lost its way in the terrible muddy conditions.  The trench was not taken but a vital gap between Source Trench and Varlet Farm was closed.  “B” Company were moved near to Source Farm, via Kronprinz farm.  This move was to support The 5^th Cape Mounted Rifles, who were joining up with “A” and “D” companies as soon as it was dark.

Wellington Journal December 21^st 1918.

Pt. A. Higginson. only son of Mrs. Higginson, Burnt Hall, Madeley.  At out break of War went to India with Shropshire Territorials.  After being there three years he came home on leave on 10 days furlough.  He was drafted to France and after being there the two months was killed in action on 30^th  October 1917. He was formerly a moulder in the Coalbrookdale works.

He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the missing, Belgium.  Panel 112 -113.

 

 

 

 

George Jones.

Why George Jones is remembered on the Coalbrookdale Memorial is unclear.  He may have worked for the Coalbrokdale Company. 

There were several George Jones born in this period of time. This George Jones is also recorded on the Madeley War Memorial. The soldier recorded below is probably the correct man:

12209 - Private George Jones was the son of Edwin and Margaret Jones, Church Street, Madeley.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       George Some information points to George being killed in action on the Somme 31^st August 1916. (although this date is thought to be wrong)

He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme. Pier and Face 12A +12D

 

 

 

 

Thomas Jones.

Thomas Jones does not seem to be from the Parish of Coalbrokdale.  He may have worked for the Coalbrookdale Company.  There were a number of men with the name of Thomas Jones in the area this man seems to be the likeliest candidate.

In the Census of 1901 there was a family living in Farm Lane, Horsehay: George Thomas Jones age 37, his wife Margaret age 34.  Their four children are: Thomas Henry Jones age 10, Eva 8, Sydney 6, and Cecil 3. servant Florence Ada Cluchton age 13 lived with the family.                                                                                                                                   

259012 - Gunner Thomas Jones joined the 126^th Army Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Horse Artillery).  He was killed 1^stSeptember 1918.  The Wrekin Roll of Honour gave his home as Little Dawley.

Thomas is remembered on the Vis-en-artois memorial

 

William H. Jones.

315531 - Private William H. Jones was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, 15, Burrows Bank, Dawley.

William H. Jones was a moulder at the Coalbrookdale Works before he joined up.  He enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 2628) and transferred to 1/5^th Cheshire Regiment.  He went out to France at the end of 1917.  He was taken ill in March 1918, and was brought back to the UK.  He died of illness in Bristol Hospital 8^th May 1918.

 William Jones is buried in Dawley Parva ( St Lukes Church yard.) In 2009 the grave could not be found.

 

Below are William’s medals, the photograph was donated by Dave Shaw.

 

 

 

Herbert J. Marshall.

10/1288 Corporal Herbert James Marshall was the son of William and Matilda Marshall, 17, Lincoln Hill, Ironbridge. 

Herbert had worked as a pattern maker for the Coalbrookdale Company and was a member of the Ironbridge Rowing Club, where he won the Kynnersley Cup for sculling.

He emigrated to New Zealand and joined the Wellington Regiment. N.Z.E.F. and became a New Zealand national.  Herbert was killed in action at the Dardanelles circa 7^thAugust 1915 age 33, and is remembered on the Chunk Bair New Zealand Memorial, Turkey. - ref. 18.

The photograph of Herbert is by kind permision of Neil Evans, Shropshire virtual war memorials.

 

Enoch Micklewright.

56830 - Private Enoch Micklewright was the son of Joseph and Mary Micklewright, The Finney, Dawley.

Enoch was employed at the Lightmoor brick works before enlisting.  He joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 22371) before transferring to the 2^nd Battalion Welch Regiment.

Enoch enlisted in 1916, and had been in France for nearly two years.  He was killed in action in France 5^thMay 1918.  He is buried in Sailly-Labourse Communal Cemetery Extension. G. 23 France.

 

James and Harry Millward.

James and Harry Millward were the sons of James Edwin and Eliza Millward, 49 Wellington Road, Coalbrookdale.  

73816 - Bombardier Harry Millward joined: B. Battery 235^th Brigade - Royal Field Artillery. Before Harry joined up he was a member of the Ironbridge Territorials.  He was wounded 3 times, involved in the retreat from Mons, and had suffered from enteric fever.

Harry Millward was killed in action in France 29^th March 1918, age 23.  He is buried in Foucqevillers Military Cemetery, France. Ref. 111.D.17 

 

 201247 - Private James Millward joined the 1/4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

He married age 23, Mary Emma Lamb, age 21 in Ironbridge Church on 20^th December 1914. They both gave their address as 7, Bellview road, Ironbridge.  Emma’s father was James Lamb.

A child Thomas Edward Millward was born on 29^th November 1915 and baptized in Ironbridge Church.  The parents were: James and Miriam (sic) Millward 7 Bellview road, Ironbridge.

James died of wounds in France 7^th January 1918, age 26. (7^th Jan 1916 has also been quoted) Further research is required.

James Millward is buried in Rocquingny, Equan Court Road, British Military Cemetery, France. Ref. 1x.C.12

 

 

The Millward family

This photograph was donated by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

 

Frank Morgan.

24683 - Guardsman Frank Osbourne Morgan was born on 30^thApril 1891.  He was the son of Samuel Thomas and Emma Morgan, 22 Woodside/Lightmoor Valley, Coalbrookdale.  Frank joined the 4^th Battalion Grenadier Guards and died in hospital in the UK, 23^rd March 1918, age 27.

He is buried in Coalbrookdale  grave yard.

 24683 GUARDSMAN

F. MORGAN

GRENADIER GUARDS

23rd MARCH 1918 AGE 27 

 

William Morris.

William Morris has not been found but a Wilfred Morris of Madeley has.  Further research is needed, but this soldier could be the right man:

12218 - Lance- Corporal Wilfred Morris, the son of Mrs Jane Morris, 26, Station Road, Madeley. He enlisted in the 6^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, and died on 31^st August 1916, age 23.

 Wilfred Morris is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, panel + face 12A + 12 D

 

 

 

 

Samuel Nickless.

94630 - Private Samuel Nickless was the son of Harry and Emma Nickless, 32, Lincoln Hill, Ironbridge.

Samuel was formerly 44217 - The Prince of Wales Volunteers (S. Lancashire) He transferred to 13^th Battalion the Kings Liverpool Regiment. 

He was killed in action in Flanders 27^th September 1918, age 19.

This photograph was provided by  Dr. Peter Jones great great grandnephew of Thomas and Sam Nickless.

Samuel is buried in Grand Ravine British Cemetery, Haurin Court, France. Re. A.!9

 

 

94630 PRIVATE

S NICKLESS

THE KINGS LIVERPOOL REGT

27th SEPTEMBER 1918 AGE 19

 

THOUGH YOU SLEEP FAR AWAY

WE STILL MISS YOU DEAR ONE

FROM FATHER MOTHER

(the rest is covered by the flowers in the photograph) 

 

Thomas W. Nickless.

K/14764 - Stoker first class Thomas William Nickless was baptized at Coalbrookdale Church on 23^rdMarch 1893, the son of Samuel and Anna Nickless. 

Before Thomas enlisted he worked for the Coalbrookdale Company.  He became a stoker in the Royal Navy, and had served for 4 years before he was killed on board H.M.S. Acaster at the battle of Jutland, 31^st May 1916, age 24.

Although the ship was not sunk, Thomas was one of six people killed on board. He is commemorated in Aberdeen Cemetery (Trinity).  Screen Wall F. 3 555 (CMP)

 

William J Norry.

21289 - Private William John Norry was the son of Mr. W. Norry, 2 Wellington Road, (Carpenters Row) Coalbrookdale.

Before joining up William was employed at the Severn Foundry, Coalbrookdale. He joined the 1^stBattalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He was wounded at Hooge in October 1915, recovered and returned to the front.

A photograph of William  appeared in the Wellington Journal on the 1^st May 1915, along side a photo of his brother Edward and the following text:

Two sons of Mr. William Norry, Wellington Road, Coalbrookdale. Pte. William Norry (on the left) joined the 4^thK.S.L.I. four years ago and is now serving with his regiment abroad.  He is 23 years of age.  His brother Pte. Edward Norry (on the right) is 29?. He enlisted in 1913 in the 1^st K.S.L.I. and until the outbreak of war was stationed in Ireland. He accompanied his regiment to France and was slightly wounded at Ypres in October since which time he has completely recovered and continues fighting in the trenches.

 William was killed on the Somme on 22^th March 1918. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 7.

The photograph of William was donated by Gail Weston.

 

George Oakes.

11452 - Private George Oakes was the son of Mr. George Oakes of Coalbrookdale. He was employed as a moulder by the Coalbrookdale Company, before he joined the 6^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

There is still some research to undertake in to the Oakes family. There is a baptism of a George Oakes in 1875, father Enoch.  This family appear in the 1881 census,  A George Oakes, with a father George has not been uncovered.

He was killed by a shell in action at Ypres, while asleep on 13^thSeptember 1917, age 42. George was buried in Talana Farm Cemetery.  Ref 111.1.4   

 

 

William Onions

11602 Corporal William Onions was born circa 1888, the son of Isaac and Ann Onions Coalbrookdale. 

William was employed by the Coalbrookdale Company, and was a member of the Hodge Bower bowling club.

He enlisted in the first month of the war joining the 5th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, and was sent to France in May 1915.   He was wounded in August 1915, and after spending 5 weeks in Hospital at Yarmouth, he was given 5 days leave. He went home to spend his leave with his family in Coalbrookdale.  In the October he returned to France, and was promoted to Corporal.

He was killed in action on 8/9 April 1917, age 29.           

The family of his brother Isaac have a letter William wrote to his mother:  He writes to say he really enjoyed his leave and he knows he won’t be home again, love to all.

Wellington Journal 1^st May 1917

Mr. I Onions, Coalbrookdale has been notified by the war office that his youngest son L.C.P. W Onions 2a K.S.L.I has been killed in action.  He enlisted in the first month of the war and was drafted out to France the following May being wounded in August 1915, and after spending 5 weeks in Hospital at Yarmouth, he was given 5 days leave. He went home to spend his leave with his family in Coalbrookdale.  In the October 1915 he was again drafted out to France where he met the fatal bullet.  Prior to joining the forces he was employed by the Coalbrookdale Company.  He was a member of the Hodge Bower Bowling club and the year war broke out he carried off the bowling average and secured a pair of Bowls.  Isaac Onions the old Ironbridge footballer and Quoits player is his brother and is still living in Coalbrookdale.

William is buried in Tilloy British Cemetery,  Tilloy-Les-Mofflaine, Pas de Calais, France.

 

James Owen.

 More research is needed to determine the identity of this man.   A Dawley man would seem to be the only candidate to be this soldier.  His details are below.

24065 - Private James Owen, enlisted in the 1^st Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.  He died on 10^th March 1917. 

James is buried in Marac British Cemetery, Grenay, France Pas de Calais.

 

Robert Owen.

200324 - Private Robert Owen was born circa 1895, the son of William and Mary Owen, nee Sergeant, 18 Newbridge Road, Ironbridge.

Robert Owen enlisted in the 7^th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and died of wounds in France on 24^th October1918, and is buried in  Awoingt British Cemetery. 1.1.A.1

   Wellington Journal 2^nd November 1918

War News - A brave family

The Royal Humane Soc. Have decided to present a certificate to Mr. S Owen for saving 2 lives from drowning in the river Severn.  The father Mr. W Owen, New Bridge road has had 6 sons fighting for King and Country.  Two are now dead, one having been killed.(See Frank Owens obituary from the Wellington Journal  in the Ironbridge memorial book)

  Shrewsbury Chronicle   21^st May 1915, page 7

Ironbridge - Six sons fighting for England-

Mr. W. Owen, labourer, has received the following letter of appreciation from the King:  “I am commanded by the King to convey to you all expression of his majesty’s appreciation of the patriotic spirit which has prompted your six sons to give their services to the Army.  The King was much gratified to hear of the manner in which they have so readily responded to the call of their Sovereign and their country, and I am to express to you and them His Majesty’s congratulations on having contributed in so full a measure to the great cause for which all the people of the British Empire are so bravely fighting.

Wellington Journal 6^th February 1915. The above photograph of Robert and his two brothers John and Frank appeared in the newspaper along with the following write up:

Three sons of Mr. W. Owen, 18 New Bridge Road, Ironbridge.  Private John Owen, 4^thBatt. K.S.L.I, is 26 years of age, and is now with his Batt. at Burma. He was a moulder in the Dale Works.

Private Frank Owen who is 22 years old, enlisted when war broke out in the 9^thBatt. Staffs.  Previous to which he was a collier at Longton. He is married.

Private Robert Owen, who is 20 years of age, belongs to the 4^thBatt. K.S.L.I. now stationed in Burma.  He is a moulder by trade.

 

William Henry Pace.

2600 - Gunner William Henry Pace was born circa 1890, the son of Hugo and Sarah Jane Pace, Coalbrookdale.

William volunteered in March 1915, and went to India and Mesopotamia. He came through some of the fiercest fighting in the retaking of Kut, and several other offensives.  In 1918 he was sent to Palestine, for the big offensive in September of that year.  William died in hospital of dysentery, in Alexandria, 14^th October 1918, age 26.

Wellington Journal

Coalbrookdale

Gn W.H Pace R.F.A eldest son of Mr. H. Pace, Strethill Lodge, enlisted in March 1915.  He is 26 and previous to enlisting was employed at a maltster’s in Shrewsbury.

(A photograph  appeared with this write up.   

 William is buried in Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery. Ref. B4

A great deal of research into the Pace family has been under taken by Gordon Pace, Canada. He has

a web site with information regarding pace families.

 

 

Bertram R. Perry.

135624 - Private Bertie Reginald Perry was born on 2^ndFebruary 1885, to Samuel and Jane Perry. He was baptized at Coalbrookdale Church, 4^th March 1885.

Bertie became a Canadian National and joined the 1^stBattalion Canadian Mounted Rifles, Saskatchewen Regiment.  His wife was Edith L. Perry, 99, Rainsford Road, Toronto.

Bertie Perry was killed in action in France 15^thSeptember 1916, age 31. He is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France.

 

George H. Pugh.

200932 - Private George Henry Pugh was born circa 1895, the son of Thomas and Esther Pugh, 36 Wesley Road, Ironbridge.

George joined the 1/4^th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in 1914.  After service in China he returned with the Territorials to France. 

George H. Pugh was killed in action, at the battle of Bapaume 25^thMarch 1918, age 23.  He is buried In Walencourt British Cemetery. Ref 1V B36.          

 Wellington Journal 7^th September 1918 

Ironbridge war news.

 Missing

Pt. George Hy. Pugh. K.S.L.I. son of Mr and Mrs T Pugh, Wesley road, Ironbridge, joined the forces 4 years ago and after service in China, returned to the Territorials in France.  The parents have been notified that he has been missing since 23^rd March last.  They will be pleased to hear from comrades and others any particulars as to his where a bouts.

Mr Pugh has had 5 nephews killed in the war.