Colabrookdale WW1 Q-Z
Herbert E Randall
Samuel Rich
Arthur Rogers
Cecil Rogers
Samuel Skelton
William H Jones
John Smallman
Henry Smallman
Alfred Speake
Percy Speake
Thomas Suthon
William Ward
Robert Watson
Richard Webb
Arthur Whitehead
Arthur J Wild
Arthur Wilkes
Bertie Wilton
Jack Wright
James Yapp
The second photograph of the memorial was donated by Joan Griffiths
Herbert E. Randall.
09566 - Second Lieutenant Herbert Ernest Randall was born 2nd March 1896, the son of Alfred Edmund and Constance Hannah Randall.
Herbert was educated at Coalbrookdale Secondary School and played the organ at the Wesleyan Chapel for a number of years. He joined the 7th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry in 1915, and had been in France since December 1917.
Herbert died of wounds sustained at Locon, Bethune, 20th May 1918, age 23. He is buried in Sandpits British Cemetery, Fouquereuil, 1.K.3
Samuel Rich.
12685 - Sergeant Samuel Rich was born on 2nd September 1883, to Frederick and Mary Lambert Rich, and baptized in Ironbridge Church, 8th October 1885
Before Samuel enlisted in May 1915 he was employed at the Woodhouse pits. He joined the 6th Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He was promoted to Sergeant, and was sent to France in September 1915.
He was killed in action at the Battle of Bazentin Ridge on 23rd September 1917. (one reports says 15th July 1916, another 14th July 1917, further research is needed.) Samuel left a wife and two children.
He is commemorated on The Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Arthur Rogers.
37006 - Private Arthur Rogers was the son of Thomas and Jane Rogers, 6, Lightmoor, Dawley.
Arthur joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 2645) before transferring to1/6th Battalion the Gloucester Regiment and was killed in action in France on 9th October 1917. Arthur is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
The potograph of Arthur was donated by Dave Shaw
Cecil Rogers.
31120 - Private Cecil Rogers was the youngest son of Alfred and Sarah Rogers, Holly Road, Little Dawley.
Cecil was employed at the Lightmoor brickworks before he enlisted, in May 1914 with the King Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 3420) He was later transferred to the South Lancashire’s. He died of wounds in Flanders 14th October 1917, age 20.
Cecil was buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension. Ref. 111 D2.
31120 PRIVATE
CECIL ROGERS
SOUTH LANCASHIRE REGT
14th OCTOBER 1917
EVER IN OUR THOUGHTS
LITTLE DAWLEY
Samuel Skelton.
37010 - Private Samuel R. Skelton was the son of Thomas and Hannah Skelton, 21 Holly Road, Little Dawley.
Samuel was a member of the Little Dawley Wesleyan Sunday school and guild. He enlisted in 1914 in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 2829), and died of wounds in Flanders on 23rd March 1918, age 25.
A memorial service was held for Samuel at The Wesleyan Church on 21st July 1917. He is buried in Doullens Communal Cemetery Ex. 1 Ref. B.93.
Thomas Skelton, Samuel’s brother also lost his life in the Great War. He is not remembered on the Coalbrookdale memorial.
John and Henry Smallman.
John and Henry Smallman were the sons of John and Elizabeth Smallman, Shinglers Bank, Ironbridge.
16756 - Private John Charles Smallman married Sarah A. Lewis in the January Quarter of 1915. He joined the 18th Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers, and died of wounds received in France, in Brighton Hospital, on 21st November 1918, age 28.
John is buried in Madeley Church Yard.
With the church on your right, walk along the path to the boundary, take a left turn and a few yards down the path the grave is situated. In Sept. 2007, the stone was laid on its back, with a corner broken off. This has been reported to the C.W.G.C
16756 PRIVATE
J.C.SALLMAN
LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS
21st NOVEMBER 1918 AGE 28
LOVING THOUGHTS
KIND AND TENDER
JUST TO SHOW
I STILL REMEMBER
115256 - Private Henry Smallman, joined the Hereford Regiment (formerly 239210) he transferred to 34 Battalion Machine Gun Corps (infantry). He was killed in action in France on 26th March 1918, age 21.
Henry is remembered on the Poziers Memorial panel. 90-93.
Alfred and Percy Speake.
Alfred and Percy Speake were the sons of Thomas Speake of 15, Lincoln Hill, Ironbridge.
9226 - Private Alfred Speake was born circa 1889. He enlisted in the 2nd Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. He served 4 years in India, and was then was sent with his regiment to France. They then moved to Ypres, in January 1915. Whilst fighting in the trenches he was shot, and died a few hours later, on 2nd March 1915. His brothers Percy and Harry, who were in action nearby assisted in his burial.
(information from the Wrekin Roll of Honour and the Wellington Journal differ in which brothers helped to bury Alfred)
Wellington Journal 27th March 1915.
A photograph of Alfred and the following text appeared in the above newspaper.
The sad news has just been received from the War Office of the death of Private A. Speake second son of Mr. T. Speake, Lincold Hill, Ironbridge. Deceased who was 26 years of age had been in India four years with his regiment, the 2nd Shropshires returning from India a few months ago. He was sent with his regiment to France. Whilst fighting in the trenches he was shot and died a few hours later. His brothers Harry and Albert, who were in the same trenches assisted in burying their brother. Deceased who was a popular footballer, used to play with Madeley Colliers team, Mr. and Mrs. Speake have the sympathy of the whole district extended to them in their bereavements.
Alfred is buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Ref. A28.
4036 - Corporal Percy Speake was born circa 1893, the fourth son of Thomas Speake 15, Lincolnhill, Ironbridge.
Percy worked for the Coalbrookdale Company, before he left the Dale to work and live in Birmingham. He joined the 9th Battalion the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in Birmingham, soon after the outbreak of the war.
A photograph of Percy appeared in the Wellington Journal on 22nd May 1915 along side a photo of his brother Albert and cousin Norman with the following text:
Mr. T. Speake, Lincoln Hill, Coalbrookdale has two sons now serving in his Majesties forces a third son Alfred having already given his life for his country as recorded some time ago. Lce. Cpl. P Speake is with the 9th R.W.F in Hampshire. His age is 22. His brother Pte. Albert Speake whose age is 20 is a member of the machine gun section, 2nd K.S.L.I. now in France. Private Norman Speake who is also with 2nd K.S.L.I. in France is a cousin of the others and is 20 years of age.
Wellington Journal 27th May 1916
Mr. Thomas Speake, Woodlands, Ironbridge, has this week received notification from the War Office that his son Cr. Percy Speake was killed when in action in Mesopotamia on April 19th. Deceased who was 23 joined the Royal Warwickshire’s soon after outbreak of war. His brother Alfred was killed 12 months ago in France. Mr. Speake has two other sons with the Shropshires. Cr. P. Speake previously worked in the Dale, but was employed in Birmingham at the out break of war. Mr. and Mrs. Speake have the sympathy of the whole neighbourhood in their bereavement.
Percy was killed in Mesopotamia on 19th April 1916, age 23 and is remembered on the Basra memorial, Iraq.
Another of Alfred and Percy’s brothers is commemorated on the Ironbridge War Memorial, H Speake. At this moment no trace can be found of H Speake.
Thomas Suthon.
The only Thomas Suthon found so far is recorded in the Wrekin Roll of Honour:
200885 - Private Alfred Thomas Suthon was the 2nd son of Joseph Suthon, Lightmoor, Dawley.
Alfred Thomas worked at the Sinclair works, Ketley and the Coalbrookdale works. He was also a member of Dawley Parva men’s Bible class.
The Wellington Journal published a photograph of Alfred and the following text on the 20th March 1915:
Pte Thomas Southern son of Mr. Joseph Southern joined the 4th K.S.L.I. (C. Company) in October last. He was formerly employed as a moulder at the Sinclair Ironworks works , Ketley. Is at present stationed in South Wales.
Thomas was killed in action in the battle of Passchendale on 30th October 1917 .
Another member of the family was also killed according to a family member. He was Pt John Richard Suthon, killed on 30th November in Palestine, age 31. He was the only son of George Frederick and Emily Suthon
William Ward.
2211 - Acting Sergeant William Henry Ward was born circa 1887, the son of William and Mary Ann Ward, New Road, Madeley.
William Henry age 21, married Eva Elizabeth Whittingham also 21, on 19th April 1908, at Ironbridge Church. Eva’s father was George Whittingham, a coal miner. William lived at Lincoln Terrace at the time.
William and Eva had 4 children: Kathleen Emily was born on 3rd July 1915, when the family lived at Browns Row, Ironbridge. Victor George was born on 27th July 1910, when the family lived at 9, Bellview road. Freda the next child was born 30th September 1912, at 17 St Lukes Road. Their last child Ethel was born 3rd July 1915, at 12 Hodgebower. All the children were baptized at St Lukes Church, Ironbridge
William worked for the Coalbrookdale Company before he enlisted in August 1914. He was orderly for some time for Captain Hill and Lieutenant Addison. He quickly gained promotion, eventually becoming Sergeant. He died at Ramsey Hospital, The Isle of Man on 25th October 1915, age 29, and is buried in Kirk Chris Lezayre, Holy Trinity Church Yard, The Isle of Man. Ref. New Yard 714.
Robert Watson.
9652 - Guardsman Robert Watson was born circa 1881, in Christ Church Luton.
Robert married in 1905, in Luton, Mary Edge. A daughter, Vera Mary Watson was born on 14th September 1906, at Upper Severn Terrace, Ironbridge, and baptized at Ironbridge Church. Robert was employed at the Severn yard, Coalbrookdale, as a moulder.
He enlisted in King’s Company, 1st Battalion, The Grenadier Guards. An army reservist, he had been in France for 10 months, when he was wounded in battle, on 29th September 1915.
Robert died as a result of those wounds on 12th October 1915, age 34. He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Roven. Ref. A. - 12. 32.
Richard Webb.
44536 - Private Richard Webb lived in Lightmoor, Dawley. He joined the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 23505) and was transferred to 1st Battalion Prince Albert, Somerset Light Infantry. He was killed in action, in Flanders on 30th August 1918 and is buried in Drury Crucifix Cemetery. France. Ref. 111.A.10
Arthur Whitehead.
The only A Whitehead found to date is an Alfred Whitehead. The Wrekin Roll of Honour records:
Alfred Whitehead - Royal Navy. Son of Joseph Whitehead, head baker at Ironbridge Co-operative Society. Lost at sea on HMS Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland. 31/5/1916, age 17.
Joined the Navy prior to outbreak of war and after leaving the training ship HMS Impregnable was transferred to the Queen Mary.
Wellington Journal 17th June 1916.
Mr. Joseph Whitehead head baker at Iron-bridge Cooperative stores has received official confirmation of the death of his son, Alfred, who went down with the Queen Mary in the recent naval battle. Deceased joined the navy 2 ½ years ago and after leaving the training ship Impregnable was transferred to the Queen Mary. He was a bright and promising youth and Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have the sympathy of the whole town in their bereavement.
Arthur W.J. Wilde.
90956 - Private Arthur W. J Wild was the son of Arthur and Annie Wilde, Broseley, born circa 1899.
In the 1901 Census, the family were living in Church Street, Broseley. Arthur Wilde (senior) was 30 years of age, born in Benthall. His wife Annie 28 was born in Barrow. The couple’s children: Arthur 2 and Cecil 1 were born in Broseley. Eunice Gough 15, a general servant lived with the family.
Arthur joined the 4th Battalion the King’s Liverpool Regiment and was killed on 16th April 1918, age 19. He is remembered on the Ploegsteert Cemetery Memorial, Belgium. . Ref. panel 3.
Arthur Wilkes.
205477 - Private Arthur Ferriday Wilkes was born circa 1895, to Urbane (sic) and Jane E. Wilkes, Madeley Road, Ironbridge.
Arthur enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 200629) then was transferred to 15th Battalion the Sherwood Foresters, Nottingham and Derbyshire Regiment. He died from wounds received in Etaples Hospital, France, in the presence of his mother on 23rd May 1918, age 23.
Arthur was the brother of Mrs Keay, The Shubbery, Madeley Road, Ironbridge. Arthur is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Ref. LXV D 21.
205477 PRIVATE
ARTHUR FERRIDAY WILKES
NOTTS & DERBY REGIMENT
23rd MAY 1918
IN JUSU S KEEPING
Bertie Wilton.
37020 - Private Bertie Wilton was born circa 1894, to Arthur and Jane Wilton, Park Lane Madeley. In the 1901 Census, Arthur Wilton was 39, his wife Jane, 38 years old. Their 3 children: Bertie 6, Hannah 3 and Jack 1, were like their parents born in Madeley.
Bertie was employed at the Lightmoor brickworks before he enlisted in the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (formerly 1904). He was transferred to the 10th Battalion the Gloucester Regiment at the beginning of the War. He had been at the front for 12 months, when he was killed in action in Flanders, on 13th July 1917, age 23.
Wellington Journal 6th October 1916
Mrs. J Wilton, Park Lane, Madeley. Has this week been notified of the death of her son, Pt. Bert Wilton, Gloucester Regt. which took place on July 13th. His Lieutenant in a sympathetic letter to the mother states that a shell burst beside Pte. Wilton and injured him so seriously that death ensured. He was a good natured chap and a very good soldier. I never once heard him complain and we were all sorry he was gone. The deceased soldier was formerly in the Shropshires and transferred to the Gloucester’s at the beginning of the war. He had been 12 months at the front. Before joining up he was employed at Lightmoor brick works. Mrs. Wilton and family have the sympathy of the whole district in their bereavement.
Bertie is buried in Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium. Ref. 1 J 30.
Jack Wright
It was difficult to establish who this soldier was, until this article was discovered.
Wellington Journal 3rd April 1915: A photograph that appeared with this article.
Intimation has been received of the death of Private J..Wright 37 years of age, a native of Coalbrookdale. He served four years in the volunteers before joining the Scots guards in which he served eight years with the colours. Four with the reserves and four with the special reserve. He was with his regiment in the South African war and received two medals with five bars. Private Wright came to Wem about two years ago and joined the National Reserve. He was called up with them in August last, went to the front in February, and was attached to the 2nd Shropshires. He met his death on March 11th. He leaves a widow, but no children.
From the “Soldiers who died in the Great War” CD, was found the following information:
6862 - John Wright age 35 - Private, K.S.L.I. 2nd Battalion. Died 11th March 1915, Lived Shrewsbury.
Enlisted Wem.
Son of the late Charles and Mary Wright, husband of Elizabeth Breakwell, formerly Wright, Hill Top, Clee Hill, Ludlow, Salop.
