Roll of Honour
The First World War

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Henry Ernest Armstrong 16/411

I am indebted to Paul Cooper who has very kindly sent material which is reproduced here.
Alyson Jackson

Sergeant E Armstrong, Northumberland Fusiliers, son of Mr Wm Armstrong of Brooklyn, Scriven, was killed in action on July 1st 1916.

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Robert Asdale 3/8755

I am indebted to Paul Cooper who has very kindly sent material which is reproduced here.
Alyson Jackson

Private Robert Asdale, West Yorkshire Regiment, son of Mrs Grafton of Knaresbroough, was killed in action on July 1st, 1916.

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Henry Arthur Barker 200041

Details from the Records held at The National Archives
Henry Arthur Barker was born in Halifax and at the time of his enlistment in October 1909 he was 17 years and 8 months old and living in Knaresborough. He was employed as a Yeast Dealer by Mr Smith of Church Lane, Knaresborough and was living at Blands Hill, Low Bridge.

He and his wife, Mary, were later living in Jockey Lane but his parents, Annie and Harry Barker, and his borther William, sisters May and Nancy, and half-brother Goerge Barker were all living in Bradford. He had two children, Mona and Francis. They were aged 11 and 3 respectively in August 1919 when a statement was made detailing Henry's close relatives.

Henry enlisted initially for 4 years, then was re-engaged and served with the 5th Bn. West Yorkshire Regiment until he was Killed in Action 20/07/18.

One watch, one pipe and one penknife were returned to his wife. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, and the Territorial Forces War Medal.

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Ernest Benson 245222

Details from the Records held at the The National Archives
Ernest Benson was a draper in Knaresborough when he enlisted in December 1915 at the age of 38 years and 9 months. The record for Ernest Benson reveals that he had a far-flung family: at the time of his death he had a brother Arthur in Leeds, a brother Hugh Charles who remained in Knaresborough and was living in the Market Place, and a brother Walter who was in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He also had two sisters - Louisa Amy Milnes and Emily Maude Bushby - both of whom were living in Harrogate.

Louisa was sent his effects which included: letter, cards, photos, wallet, pipe, wrist watch and strap, protector, 9ct. gold ring, tobacco pouch, match box holder, pencil case, knife, badges and coin.

He died of wounds received in action on 16th October 1917, when he was serving with the 13th Battalion the Durham Light Infantry.

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T Birnie

I am indebted to Paul Cooper who has very kindly sent material which is reproduced here. Alyson Jackson

Mrs. T. Birnie, Prospect Avenue, Knaresborough, received an intimation from the War Office stating that her son, Private T. Birnie, Northumberland Fusiliers, had been missing from July 12th. In a letter received by his sister on the Wednesday following, the sad news was conveyed that he had been killed in action.

The best candidate in Soldiers Died in the Great War is a Thomas Birnie 19/1407, Northumberland Fusiliers, 19th Battalion (Tyneside Pioneers), born Alberta, Canada, enlisted North Shields, KIA 11/07/1916 France & Flanders.

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William Bowler 201564

Details from the Records held at The National Archives
William Bowler was born in Wentnor, Shropshire on December 1st 1877 to John Henry Bowler, a tailor, and Emma Frances Bowler (formerly Pugh) - possibly in a village called The Bog.

It is not recorded when the family left Shropshire, but William was educated at Durham Cathedral Chorister School.

William enlisted into the West Yorkshire Territorials and signed his Attestation Papers at Harrogate on December 11th, 1915 at the age of 38. At this time he was an Assistant Overseer (Knaresborough) and was living in the Market Place in Knaresborough with his mother.

Barely a month later, on January 15th 1916, he was appointed Paid Lance Corporal and in April of the same year, in quick succession, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (on the 1st) and Acting company Quartermaster (on the 15th). In November of the same year he joined the Machine Gun Corps.

Early in 1917 he applied for admission to the Officer Cadet Unit. On his Application Form his good moral chgaracter was attested to by H. E. Hancock, Clerk-in-Holy Orders, Knaresborough Vicarage. His good standard of education - suitable for commissioned rank - was attested to by F. S. Denneth M.A.(Cantab), Headmaster of the Cathedral Chorister School, Durham.

He was discharged from the West Yorkshire Territorials on March 24th, 1917 having been appointed to a Commission. Records show that the following day he was granted a Commission as Temporary 2nd Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps.

William was evidently keen on mechanical things - he had requested admission to the Machine Gun Corps, and on the form where asked "Whether able to ride" - a question traditionally referring to horse-riding - he filled in "B.S.A. Motor Cycle"!

His father was dead by this time but his mother was still living in the Market Place in Knaresborough.

Up to this time William had remained in England, but on June 6th 1917 he arrived in France and a week later joined 74th Coy., Machine Gun Corps. A few days later he went into action.

He remained with 74th Coy. until he was Killed in Action in Belgium on August 9th 1917. He was 40 years old.

His mother was duly informed by telegram from the Army Council and also received a telegram from the King and Queen.

William died intestate but all of his effects were returned to his mother. These comprised:

• 1 Wrist watch and strap
• 1 Identity disc and strap
• 2 Tie pins
• 5 Studs
• 1 Cheque book
• 1 Allowance book
• 1 Small jewellery box

William Bowler has no known grave and he is therefore commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium on Panel 56. 

Both images © Alyson Jackson 2001

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Arthur Bramley 12108

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George Broadbelt 12108

I am indebted to Paul Cooper who has very kindly sent material which is reproduced here. Alyson Jackson

Corporal Geo. Broadbelt (West Yorkshire Regiment) of Knaresborough, son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Broadbelt, Raw Gap, Knaresborough, who received official intimation from the War Office of his death in action on July 1st. Corporal Broadbelt was 20 years of age, and joined Kitchener's Army in September, 1914, previous to which he was in the employ of Mr. J. Robinson, of Knaresborough, as a whitesmith. He had previously been wounded in the foot and recovered.

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William Percy Clarke 36724

Details from the Records held at The National Archives
William Percy Clarke was living at Fairfield, Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough when he enlisted on 11th December 1915 at the age of 27 years and 9 months. He was unmarried and working as a draper's assistant.

On enlistment he joined the 4th Battalion the Sherwood Foresters but transferred to the 10th Battalion of the same Regiment in March 1917. In September 1918 he was appointed Acting Unpaid Lance Corporal and little over a month later died of wounds received in the Field on 30th October 1918.

He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.

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George Henry Dimmock 10/1329

Acting-Sergt. G.H. Dimmock E.Y., eldest son f Mr. and Mrs. G. Dimmock, 3, Alexandra Grove, Scriven, Knaresborough, was killed in action on August 18th.
This and image courtesy of Paul Cooper.

Details from the Records held at The National Archives
George Henry Dimmock enlisted on th eleventh of May, 1915 - he was a clerk living in Hull. George was 21 years and four months old, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 152 lbs. He was not married at the time but his papers were later amended, however, to give a wife as his next of kin ( originally the next of kin was his father George Dimmock). His wife was Frances, originally Frances Walshaw, and they were married in Knaresborough Parish Church on August 15, 1915, and their home was 3 Bland Lane, Knaresborough.

George embarked for the British Expeditionary Force on the fifteenth of April 1916, to serve in the 10th Battalion. On the fifteenth of May of the same year he was posted to the 8th Battalion, the East Yorkshire Regiment at Etaples and appointed Acting Sergeant on the sixteenth of July. He was killed in action one month later on the eighteenth of August.

At the time of his death his wife was living in Castleford - they had no children - and she was awarded a pension of eleven shillings a week. His father, mother - Mary Ellen - and eighteen year old brother Jack were all living at Copgrove, Burton Leonard, Harrogate.

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Ernest Drury 13720

I am indebted to Paul Cooper who has very kindly sent material which is reproduced here. Alyson Jackson

Official intimation has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Drury, Briggate, Knaresborough, of the death of their second son, Lance-Corporal Ernest Drury (West Yorkshire Regiment), killed in action July 1st. He was 24 years of age, and joined the colours in August, 1914. Deceased was formerly in the employ of the Maypole Company for some six years, and was the second to don khaki out of the firm's hundred shops, his loyalty being fittingly recognised at the time by the firm. He had been out at the Front fifteen months, and his elder brother is in the Yorkshire Dragoons.

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Hugh Edwards 63791

Details from the Records held at The National Archives
The records of this soldier are rather sparse. On January 1st 1918 he was 18 years and 1 month old, an unmarried grocer's assistant living with his parents Edward and Eliza and sisters Marie and Anne at 1 Ash Mount, Knaresborough. He was 5 feet and five and a quarter inches tall and weighed 129lbs.

On the nineteenth of January 1918 he went to France and on the twenty-seventh of September of the same year he died of multiple gun shot wounds to the lower extremities.

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Charles Emmett G/1868

I am indebted to Roy Bethune-Emmett who sent this photograph of his grandfather's baby brother. Alyson Jackson

Charles Emmett, the son of Mrs. Bridget Kay, of Whiteley's Yard, Knaresborough, was killed in action at Arras on the ninth of April 1917 whilst serving in the Sixth Battalion of the Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Formerly R/4/062845, A.S.C. He has no known grave and his name is inscribed on the Arras Memorial.

Charles Emmett (1888-1917)

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Matthew William Gill 237732

Matthew Willliam Gill lived in Cheapside in Knaresborough when he joined up in December 1915. He was an unmarried painter of 34 years and 3 months living with his father Fred Gill, mother Annie and brother Fred. He had an older married sister Annie Laura Cooper living at 108 The Avenue, Starbeck and a younger married sister Alice Wilkinson living at Ash Dene, Hambleton Grove, Knaresborough. He died on 28/08/1917 at home - i.e. in England rather than on active service abroad.

Inscription on gravestone, with thanks to Peter Dallas. Pte Matthew William Gill Royal Scots Fusiliers eldest son of Fred and Annie Gill died in Military Hospital at Hove, Brighton Aug 28 1917 aged 35 Also of Fred Gill Father of above who died 22 June 1919 aged 64 years also Annie Gill widow of Fred died 11 Feb 1927 aged 71

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Arthur HEWSON 23446

Arthur Hewson was living in Bradford when, on December 10th 1915 he signed up - his age is given as 29 years and 282 days. His height of 5ft 5½ inches was fairly typical for the time. He had married Clara Emma Gaunt on March 15th 1911 at St Columba's Church and he and his wife were living at 52 Undercliffe St, Bradford Moor. They had one child, William Arthur, born November 8th 1914. Arthur was wounded while in action on March 31st 1918. He had wounds to the head, legs and right arms. He died of his wounds on April 1st 1918. His grave is in Duisano British Cemetery, 4 miles WNW of Arras. His wife made a statement on June 20th 1920 when she had moved to 25 Evelyn Terrace, Mountain Queensbury, near Bradford. Arthur's mother Isabella and sisters Hannah Elizabeth aged 39, and Edith Ann, aged 37 were at 88 Undercliffe Street. Another sister, Clara Louise aged 35, was living at 76 Copthorne Road, Bradford, and a brother, Albert Edward, aged 47, was living at 77 Folkstone Street, Bradford Moor with children Arthur Edward (13), Harold (9), Lizzie Gaunt (5), Winifred Gaunt (3) and Joe Gaunt (2). An aunt and uncle, Lizzie and Robert Hewson, were living at 1 Forest Avenue, Starbeck.

Private property forwarded to his wife: 1 Disc 1 Wallet Letters Photos Belt Cigarette Tube metal mirror scissors Cigarette Lighter Note Book Pouch Wound Bar Locket (damaged)/Small Gold Charm 1 Watch 1 Private Disc 2 Coins attached 1 Coin (farthing)

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William Horsman

From Roll of Honour ed. Marquis de Ruvigny

William Horsman
Private No. 43180 4th (Territorial) Battn. The Kings Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry), only son of John William Horsman, of Gas House Hill, Knaresborough, co, York, Poultry dealer, by his wife Sarah Ann, daughter of William Grayson; born Knaresborough 19 April 1898; educated National School there; was a shop assistant; enlisted 10 dec 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force In France & Flanders from Feb. 1917; was wounded in June of the same year, and died at No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station 01 Aug. 1918 from wounds received in action at Ypres on the 30th of the previous month. Buried in the military Cemetery, Bergues, near Ypres.

With thanks to Colin Chadwick for this infomation from de Ruvigny.

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John King 91124

Details from the Records of John King 91124, held at TNA

John King was living at Briggate in Knaresborough with his mother Emily when he enlisted on the 5th of February 1917 at the age of 17 years 8 months. He was a plumber at the time and his medical history describes him as 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighing 120 lbs.

He remained in the Army Reserve until he was posted to the Training Reserve of the Durham Light Infantry in October 1917. On 31 March 1918 he was posted overseas and transferred to the 22nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry on the 14th April of the same year. Three days later he joined his unit and ten days after that he died of wounds received in action. The wounds were in his thigh and appear to have been caused by shrapnel.

John had one brother, Charles, and one sister, Annie, aged 19 and 17 respectively at the time of his death. He himself was unmarried.

His Victory Medal and British War Medal were sent to his mother, as were other personal items: identity disc, letters, photos, pocket book, cards, badge and wallet

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George Large 200151

Details from the Records of George Large 200151, held at TNA

George Large joined up well before the beginning of the First World War on the 18th February 1913. He was 17 years old at the time and employed as a labourer by Mr. A. Scott of Knaresborough. He was living with his widowed mother, Mary Ellen, and his sisters Ethel Elizabeth, Emily and Dorothy at 5 New Row, Bond End, Knaresborough, - he'd not moved far from the place of his birth which is given as Nidd Bridge, Knaresborough. He himself was unmarried. At 5 feet 5 inches George seems to have been of fairly standard height for the times.

George enlisted for four years and was promoted to Lance Corporal in April 1916 and to Corporal in September 1916. On the 6th October he was reported missing in the field (France).

At the time of his death he was unmarried, although his mother appears to have remarried, her new name being Annakin. Ethel Elizabeth was 19 years old, Emily 16 and Dorothy 12.

George was awarded the 1914-15 Bronze Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

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William Victor Lawton 175399

Details from the Records of William Victor Lawton 175399, held at TNA

Records for this young Lieutenant are rather sparse.

William Victor Lawton was born on the third of December 1891, the only son of Catherine Augusta and Charles Lawton of Castle Cliffe, Knaresborough. He joined the Army on the 19th of September 1914 at the age of 22 years and 9 months and signed for four years.

He was posted to France on the 19th July 1915 and was appointed to a Temporary Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on the 25th October of the same year.

He died in No. 3 Casualty Clearing station, France on 8th July 1918 from injuries received in an accident.

In his will he left everything to his mother, his father being dead by this time.

William Victor Lawton is buried in Esquelbecq Military Cemetery, about 24 km south of Dunkirk.

From Roll of Honour ed. Marquis de Ruvigny

William Victor Lawton
Lieut. Royal Engineers, only son of the late Charles Henry John Victor Lawton, of York, Land agent, by his wife, Catherine Augusta (Castle Cliffe, Knaresborough), daughter of the late William Perkin, R.I.B.A., of Leeds; born Barkston Ash, Tadcaster, co York, 3 Dec 1891: educated St. Peter's School, York: was an associate of the Surveyor's institute, and also of the R.I.B.A. (elect); volunteered for active service soon after the outbreak of the War, and joined the Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons (T.F.) as a Trooper 17 Sept 1914; served with the Expeditionary Force in France & Flanders from 15 July, 1915; received a commission, and was gazetted 2nd Lieut. Royal Engineers 23 Oct. 1915; promoted Lieut. 3 May 1916, and died at No. 3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station 8 July 1918 of injuries accidently received while on active service. Buried at Esquelbecq. He was keen on field sports, and a popular player with the Knaresborough Cricket Club and the Harrogate Old Boys' Rugby Football Club.

With thanks to Colin Chadwick for this infomation from de Ruvigny.

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COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR LUND D.C.M. 200435

I am indebted to Paul Cooper who has very kindly sent material pertaining to Company Sergeant Major G Lund which is reproduced here. Alyson Jackson

"1-5th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (T.F.) has also received the D.C.M. - For conspicuous gallantry in putting up parapets damaged by shell fire, when a machine gun was firing on the spot. He has invariably exhibited great bravery and devotion in the performance of his duties. Sergt.- Major Lund was badly gassed on December 19th, and has since been in hospital, but was so far recovered that he was able to pay a visit to Knaresborough a few days ago. He is one of five sons of Mr. H. Lund, Plompton Mill, who are all serving." "Sergeant-Major Lund was the son of Mr. Hy. Lund, Plompton Mills. Knaresborough, and one of five brothers serving with the forces. He had the honour of being the first Knaresborough man to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the European War. The fallen hero, just prior to the outbreak, had retired from the Regular Army on pension, having been twenty-one years in the East Yorkshire Regiment, nearly all of which had been spent in !ndia. He received his decoration for gallantry in December last, when he was badly gassed, and afterwards sent to hospital in England. On recovery, at his own request, he was sent from the place where he was stationed with the next draft for the Front."

Sergeant Major G Lund DCM courtesy of Paul Cooper

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William LUND 16314

From Roll of Honour ed. Marquis de Ruvigny

William Lund
Lance-Corporal, No. 16314, 2nd Battn. (14th Foot) The Prince Of Wale's Own ( West Yorkshire Regt.), son of the late William Lund by his wife, Mary Jane, daughter of Thomas Stewart; born Knaresborough, co York, 19 Jan. 1889; educated there; enlisted 23 Nov 1914; served with the Expeditionary force in France & Flanders from March 1915; was wounded at the Battle of the Somme 1 July 1916, and admitted to hospital in France; on his recovery rejoined his regiment and was killed in action on the Somme road 27 Oct. following. He married at Boroughbridge, 23 Nov. 1909, Minnie Elma, widow of the late Robert Chorley, and daughter of William Sheen.

With thanks to Colin Chadwick for this infomation from de Ruvigny.

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Edward Nicholson 1844

From The National Archives: Edward Nicholson was an unmarried farm labourer when he joined up at the age of 18 years and 7 months well before the Great War on 28th November 1907. Even then he had previously served in the West Yorkshire Regiment but had been discharged as being under age! Edward specifically requested to be assigned to the West Yorkshire Regiment and he signed up for 12 years - 7 in Army Service and 5 in the Reserve. P. Addyman, a farmer of Knox, Harrogate and Edward's employer, provided an attestation for him. He described Edward as being 19 years old, 5 feet 6 ½ inches in height and with gray eyes and dark brown hair. He had known him continuously for 2 years and thought him of perfect character - sober, honest and respectable. He knew him to have served in the Volunteers and to be single. On one record sheet in Edward's file he is described as being 5 feet 7 inches and having two scars - one on the left side of his face and one on his left kneecap. The name on this sheet is Charles Nicholson aged 18 years and 7 months with brown eyes and hair. There may be some confusion in the papers or just in different people's perception of eye colour. Why the Christian name is different is unknown. At the time of his enlistment he was living at 24 Park Row, Hey/New Park, Harrogate with his father Joseph and his mother Elizabeth. No papers relating to Edward's service history were found in his file. He was killed in action on the 13th of May 1915.

Edward Nicholson July 1914 courtesy of Paul Cooper

Further Material

I am indebted to Paul Cooper, a relative of Edward Nicholson, who has very kindly sent material pertaining to Edward which is reproduced here. Alyson Jackson

Letter from A G Ingram of Harrogate Hall Farm, March 11^th 1912:

Edward Nicholson was in my employ for three years. I always found him honest & trustworthy & a good worker.

A receipt dated 13 June 1914 for a suit, cap and linen collar, made for Edward by C. Roddis, Master Tailor, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers

CASUALTIES FORM A

From the War Office, dated 1^st December 1915, to Mrs J. Nicholson, 8 Archie St., New Park, Harrogate:

Madam,

In reply to your enquiry concerning 1844 Private E. Nicholson 9/Lancers I am directed to inform you that further enquiries are being made, the result of which will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

Casualties Form letter A

From the War Office, dated 17^th February 1916, to Mrs J. Nicholson, 8 Archie St., New Park, Harrogate:

Madam

In further reply to your enquiry of the 19^th November 1915 I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that (Regimental No.) 1844 (Rank) Private (Name) E. Nicholson (Regiment) 9^th Lancers has now been reported in a casualty list which has reached this office as "missing" since the 13^th May 1915
..........

Army Form B

From the Cavalry Record Office, Canterbury Station, dated 28^th June 1916, to Mrs E. Nicholson:

Madam,

It is my painful duty to inform you that no further news having been received relative to (No.) 1844 (Rank) Private (Name) Edward Nicholson (Regiment) 9^th Lancers who has been missing since 13-5-15, the Army Council have been regretfully constrained to conclude that he is dead, and that his death took place on the 13-5-15 (or since).

I am to express to you the sympathy of the Army Council with you in your loss.

Any articles of private property left by missing soldiers which are found are forwarded to this Office, but they cannot be disposed of until authority is received from the War Office.

Application regarding the disposal of any such personal effects, or of any amount that may eventually be found to be due to the late soldier's estate, should be addressed to "The Secretary, War Office, London, S.W.," and marked outside, "Effects."

Transcript of a letter from the officer for whom Edward acted as servant (from a newspaper clipping):

June 1916

Dear Mrs Nicholson,
I expect by this time you have received information from the War Office that your son has been missing since May 13th. It is with great sorrow and regret that, although I cannot be positively certain, yet I fear greatly that he has been killed. We had been fighting hard on the 13th near Ypres. I sent for your son in the evening and he was nowhere to be found. I had all the ground where he was likely to be carefully searched, but could find no trace of him. I felt sure he must have been wounded and taken to hospital. I regret, however, to say that in spite of all inquiries I can find no trace of him, and I very much fear he must have been blown up by a high explosive shell, which would account for no trace of him having been found. Of course there is a chance he may be alive, but I fear it is a very slender one. I cannot tell you how much I feel his loss; he was my servant, and a better one no officer ever had. He was a great favourite in my household at home, and was liked and respected by all who new him. You have my greatest sympathy, but you must try and console yourself with the thought that your boy gave his life for his country and died the most gallant death that any man can die. Of course his affairs will not be settled up till after the war, when any pay due to him will be sent to his next-of-kin. I, however, enclose a cheque for £7 which was due to him from me as his extra pay as my servant. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
With sincerest sympathy,
Yours, etc.,
David G. M. Campbell
Brig.-General, 6th Cavalry Brigade
Expeditionary Force
The above address will find me.

Royal Sympathy

Letter from the Cavalry Record Office, Canterbury Station, dated 24^th July 1919, to Mrs J. Nicholson at 8 Archie St.:

I am directed to transmit to you the accompanying "1914 Star" which would have been conferred upon N^o1844 Nicholson E  9 Lancers had he lived. It is now sent to you in memory of his services with the British Expeditionary Forces employed in France and Belgium between the outbreak of war and midnight 22nd/23rd November, 1914.

In forwarding this decoration I am commanded by the King to assure you of His Majesty's high appreciation of the services rendered.

I am to request that you will be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of the decoration on the attached form, which is to be returned to the above address.

From The Command Paymaster, Eastern Command dated 27^th October 1919, to Mrs J. Nicholson at Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada:

I beg to advise you that a War Office Effects CMO for £5/-/- being the amount due from the estate of the late 1844 Pte. E. Nicholson, 9 Lancers has been despatched to you this day.

Please note that the order has been made payable to yourself.

Will you please sign the subjoined receipt and return this paper to me.

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Details from the Records of Kenneth Croft North 175399, held at the TNA

It is not obvious from his records why Kenneth Croft North appears on the Knaresborough War Memorial as no connection with the town is mentioned.

Kenneth Croft North was born on the 31st of March 1887, the son of Mary Fearnley (née Croft) and Arthur North, a solicitor of Oak Lea, Far Headingley, Leeds.

Kenneth North was examined for admission to the Royal Military Academy or the Royal Military College in June-July 1906. At this time he is living at Field Head, Wakefield and his father is described as "Gentleman". He had no previous military service and had been educated at Rugby, Sept. 1901 to July 1906. He had a brother, Eric Harrison North, and a sister Irene Harrison North (later Theakston).

Kenneth was married to Frances Evelyn Berry at Moor Allerton on 9th December 1911.

When war broke out Kenneth must have been posted abroad almost immediately because he is reported Killed in Action 31st October 1914 at Hollebeke in Belgium on Active Service. He was a Lieutenant in the 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars.

A letter to Kenneth North's widow says that he was buried under the north bank of a canal bridge, half a mile north of Hollebeke. His father wrote to the War Office expressing his desire to have his son's remains brought home. However, Kenneth North was later reburied at Oak Dump Cemetery, Ypres

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Details from the Records of Harry Powell, 18/822, held at TNA

Harry Powell was 23 years and 9 months old when he enlisted at Sunderland on 24th September, 1914. No doubt the location of his enlistment explains why he was placed with the 18th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry - otherwise famously known as the Durham Pals.

A baker and confectioner by trade, single and with no previous military experience, he was 5 feet five and a half inches tall, with blue eyes and dark brown hair. His mother Jane lived with his two sisters Ethel and Emma in Gracious Street, Knaresborough. They were aged 70, 34 and 47 respectively at the time of his death.

He was in the Expeditionary Force to Egypt 06/12/1915 to 04/03/1916 and then in France. He was killed in action on July 1st 1916 - the first day of the Battle of the Somme. In his records is a note of a letter "from 905 Cpl. Sam R. Wyld 18th Bn., who states man was struck by shell and killed instantly and afterwards [buried?] between villages of Serre and Colincamps".

He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. A medal receipt is dated 28 November 1920 and was signed by Mrs/Miss[unclear] E Powell (new address from Saturday 27th November No. 3 Finkle Street, Knaresborough).

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Details from the Records of Herbert Rennison, 28538, held at TNA

Born in Knaresborough, Herbert Rennison was resident at at 22 Spencely Street, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, with his mother Charlotte, at the time of his enlistment on 10th January 1916. He was 18 years and 6 months old, a warehouseman and single with no previous military experience.

Herbert was in the 12th Bn. Durham Light Infantry and part of the Expeditionary Force to France 15/09/1916 to 04/06/1917 when he was killed in action.

His effects at the time of death are listed as: Cigarette case, wrist watch, (broken), prayer book, photo. They were sent to Mrs Ada Scaife, 48 Ashville Street, Haxby Road, York. There is a note to the effect that Herbert had a sister, Alice.

Herbert was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

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Details from the Records of Norman Smart 77366, held at TNA

Norman Smart was called up and enlisted at Harrogate on 18th August 1916 - he was one month short of eighteen years of age.

At this time he was living in the Market Place, Knaresborough - an umarried man working as a locomotive cleaner i.e. a railway employee. His mother, Jane, was a widow - his father having died on 25th November 1902. He had no brothers or sisters and his closest relatives, apart from his mother, were a grandmother, Mrs Eliza Williamson, and an aunt, Mrs Mary Ellis.

He was medically examined on 27th March 1917 - his height is given as five feet two and a half inches and his weight as 122 pounds. On the 9th May 1917 he was appointed to General Service.

On 21st December, 1917 he was posted to the 18th Bn. Durham Light Infantry but then reposted three days later to the 15th Bn. of the same Regiment. By this time he was in France and it was here that he was Killed in Action on the 17th of April 1918 while serving as a Private in B Coy.

He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.

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Details from the Records of John Swales 200424, held at TNA

At the time of his enlistment on the 8th August 1914 John Swales belonged to the National Reserve and had previously served with the Yorkshire Hussars.

At this time he was living in Kirkgate, Knaresborough, with his wife Hetty and his two children Jack, born 6th July 19[01?] and Irene May born 24th June 1909. He had a brother Job, aged 36, and a sister Jennie [possibly more relatives - damaged document - another relative, Mary, may be his mother].

On 29th September 1916 he was transferred to Class W(I) whilst employed with the National Shell Filling Factory in Pollston [?], Notts., and on 19th June 1917 he was recalled from Class W(I).

On 9th October 1917 he was reported missing while serving in France as a Private with the Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)/1/5th Bn.

He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.

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