The Normandy Landings.
You will see this day referred to as D-Day, Operation Overlord and The Normandy Landings. All refer to the Allies attempt to gain a foothold in Europe on the beaches of Normandy on 6th June 1944.
You may also see references to Operation Neptune, which was the Naval element of Operation Overlord and involved the largest seaborn crossing of the English Channel in history.
Here are some of the names of local men who died on or about the time of the Normandy Landings. Follow the names which are linked for their stories:
Wounded or killed at Normandy:
Archer John W.
Burgess, Fred
Clayton, Cyril
Curtis, Geoffrey
Davies, Harry
Feather, David
Finch, Ronald
Frankland, George Henry
Helliwell, Arthur
Hird, John Henry
Lee, Frederick George
Milnes, Clifford
Milns, William
Mitchell, William
Newsholme, Geoffrey
Northrop, Vernon
Pickles, Fred
Preece, Clifford Austin
Ratcliffe, William
Robinson, Charles
Roper, Kenneth
Scott, Joseph
Shaw, George Bernard
Thompson, Joseph
Town, Jack
Wright, Keith
Watson, Sam
Wounded or killed in France:
Bates, Harold
Heath, Harold – brother – killed
Heath, Herbert – brother – wounded
Lewis, Frank
Longbottom, Frank
Moore, Alfred
Orton, James William
Pickles, Fred
Smith, Horace
Scattergood, Frank
Newspaper reports:
For D-Day 80 which was in June 2024, we transcribed a section of the news reports for several weeks following the Normandy Landings:
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS,
17 JUNE, 1944
D.F.C. AWARD
Information has been received that Flying Officer Matthew Holliday, of 16, Gladstone Place, Keighley, has been awarded the D.F.C. for devotion to duty. He enlisted in 1939 and has served in North Africa, and is entitled to wear the ribbon of the 1939-43 Star.
He was formerly a Flight Engineer, and got his commission last year. Flying Officer Holliday, who is 23, is a native of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and was educated at St. Mary’s School, Cockfield. Prior to joining up he was employed by John Smith (Keighley), Ltd., crane makers, Keighley.
WOUNDED IN FRANCE
LOCAL MEN IN HOME HOSPITALS
Wounded men from the Normandy beachhead who have arrived in West Riding hospitals included Sergeant Joseph Scott (32), Pioneer Corps, of 31, Caister Grove, Ingrow, who was hit in the face by bomb splinters on the beach, and Private Vernon Northrop (21), of a Parachute Regiment, whose home is at 22, Windy Grove, Wilsden, and who has muscle injuries to his back after landing in Normandy from a plane.
Believed to be the first wounded Bingley man to arrive back in England after the invasion of France is Sapper Joseph Thompson, of the Royal Engineers, of 25, Aireview Avenue, Bingley.
In a letter received by his wife, Mrs. May Thompson, this week, he states that he is at present in a military hospital and is quite comfortable. “I had rather a rough passage,” he pointed out, “and did not get much of a crack at Jerry as I was stopped by a sniper during the landing in Normandy”.
Sapper Thompson, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thompson, of Shipley, was on the staff of the housing department of the Bingley Urban District Council before joining the Forces. He has resided in the Bingley district for several years but is a native of Shipley. He is 32 years of age.
Private Harry Davies, of the Pioneer Corps, has written home to his mother, Mrs. R. Davies, of 12, Walton Street. Sutton-in-Craven, to say that he is in hospital in England after being wounded in France. He is 20 years of age and has been in the Army nearly three years. Before joining the Forces he was employed by W. and J. R. Thompson. Ltd., wood turners, Sutton-in-Craven. His wife lives at Wakefield.
Mrs. Mitchell, of Back Simpson Street, Keighley, has received a letter from her husband, Trooper William H. Mitchell, saying that he is in hospital in England after being slightly wounded in France. He was with the first batch of Commandos to land. Aged 29, in civil life he was a policeman.
News has been received by Mrs, M. Ratcliffe, of 36b, Darley Street. Keighley, that her son, William Ratcliffe, aged 19, serving as an officer’s cook, has been killed in action. He had been in the Navy 16 months and was educated at Holycroft Council School, Keighley. In civil life he was employed as an assistant butcher by Mr. N. A. Smith, Beechcliffe, Keighley
Official intimation has been received by Mr. and Mrs. E. Godfrey, of 101, Emily Street, Keighley, that their son, Private Stanley Godfrey, serving with the Bedford and Herts Regiment, has been wounded in action in Italy. Private Godfrey is 27, and has been in the Army four and a half years and abroad about four years. He was wounded in a previous campaign. Before joining the Forces he was employed in the butchering department of the Keighley Co-operative Society.
Official information received by Mrs. T. Metcalf that her brother, Flying-Officer William Heaton, R.A.F.V.R., of 4. Park Terrace, Keighley, is missing after an operational flight. Aged 22, he has been in the Royal Air Force three years. He was educated at the Keighley Boys’ Grammar School. He received his “wings” in America in 1942. Before joining up he was a student at Loughborough College.
With full military honours, the funeral took place yesterday week of Sergeant Maurice Gregory Hudston, aged 22, who lost his life on active service in England. Sergeant Hudston, who was the elder son of the late Mr. Frank Hudston and Mrs. Hudston, lived at Cudworth, but his family resided in the Bingley district for a good number of years, his father being well known here. Joining the Forces three years ago, he had made many operational flights over enemy territory as a wireless operator air gunner. After attending Snydale Road School, he was later employed by the L.M.S. Railway at Cudworth, being on the staff of the Control Office. Interment took place at St. John’s Churchyard, Cudworth. following a memorial service. A firing party, buglers, bearers and other personnel from his station attended.
Sergeant Navigator Thomas Scott, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who is missing after air operations, has close links with Keighley. His mother was formerly Miss. May Slicer, cookery teacher at Keighley and daughter of Mr. John Slicer, manager of Martins Bank, Keighley, Sergeant Scott’s home is at Banff, Alberta, His father served in the last war and re-enlisted in this, and his eldest sister, Helen, is in the Canadian Women’s Air Corps, and his brother, Jack, is in the Canadian Navy and has served on a ship that was torpedoed and sunk.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS.
24 JUNE, 1944
WOUNDED IN INVASION
Local Men From Normandy
Among the wounded invaders in York hospitals is Private Vernon Northrop, whose home is at 12, Windy Grove, Wilsden. He was serving in a parachute regiment, and was injured in the leg when he landed in a tree on D-Day.
“We got a fairly warm reception when we landed about five miles from Caen,” he said. “We had the job of helping to sustain the left flank, and we took up our position with the Americans and had to face very strong opposition from a panzer division,”
The news was received on Sunday afternoon by Mrs. Clarence William Happs, of 14, Harker Street, Sutton- in-Craven, that her husband, Corporal Clarence W, Happs, of the Royal Air Force, had been killed while on active service in this country. Corporal Happs is a member of a family with a splendid record of national service, both in this war and in the Great War. He joined the Air Force in 1918 for 12 years and spent much of the time in Palestine. He rejoined the Royal Air Force in August, 1939, just before the outbreak of war, and was in France nine months in the early days. He was 43 years of age and leaves a widow and three children, He has two brothers, Claude Whiteoak and Douglas Whiteoak, serving with the Royal Air Force, and four cousins, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Happs, of Glusburn, serving with the Forces.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Banbury, of 9, Oakworth Road, Keighley, have received official information that their youngest son, Rifleman Clarence Banbury, serving with the Cameronians in Burma, has been killed in action. Aged 20. he was educated at St. Anne’s School, Keighlely, prior to joining up was engaged in his father’s window cleaning business. Rifleman Banbury had been in the Army two years and had been abroad 12 months.
A Keighley soldier, Private Frank Heaton, has had the remarkable experience of being rescued from the hands of the Germans after being a prisoner. Private Heaton, who was in the York and Lancaster Regiment, serving in Italy, has written to his wife, who lives at 10, Barn Street. Keighley, and says he was wounded during an attack and captured by the Germans. He was in hospital for a while, and well treated. One day an ambulance came to take him and a few others to Germany, but after a while they were machine gunned and they had to pull in at another hospital, as several soldiers had been hit. They stayed at this hospital until the British troops came and set them free. Private Heaton has been in the Army four years and went to Italy in December. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Messrs. Prince-Smith and Stells, Keighley.
Sergeant Harold Poole, of 12, Surgery Street, Haworth, has been wounded in Burma. He is now with the West Yorkshire Regiment. but was formerly with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment and has served throughout the war. In civilian life he was employed by Messrs. Merrall at Sykes Mill
Flight Engineer Douglas Pritchard. only son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Pritchard, of Bridge Road, Silsden, has lost his life on active service. He was 24 years of age and had been in the R.A.F. since April, 1940. Before joining the RA.F. he was employed as a weaving overlooker by Mr. Walter Crane, at Airedale Shed, Silsden. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, the Rev. E. E Peters (Vicar) conducting a service at the Silsden Parish Church. The interment followed at Keighley Cemetery.
Sapper Arthur Moore, of the Royal Engineers, only son of Mrs. T. Moore. of 214, Oakworth Road, Keighley, has been wounded in France, and is now in a military hospital. He has been in the Army 18 months and is 23 years of age. Before joining the Army he was employed by Dean, Smith and Grace, Ltd. Keighley.
Private David Feather, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Feather, of Canal Road, Riddlesden. Keighley, wounded in Normandy, is now in hospital in this country. He is aged 19 and has been in the Army about 14 months.
Private Charles Robinson, of the Royal Corps of Signals, who before joining the Forces was a West Riding police constable stationed in the Fell Lane district of Keighley, and later at Stocksbridge, Rotherham has been wounded in Normandy and brought to England. His wife lives at Bocking Farm, Cross Roads.
Mr. and Mrs. E. Hampton, of 12. Dean Street, Brow, Haworth, have been officially informed that their son, Gunner Arthur Hampton, serv ing with the Royal Field Artillery in Burma, is missing, believed killed. He joined the Forces nearly three years ago and was drafted to India in February, 1942. He is 35 and before enlisting was employed by Messrs Merrall and Son. Ltd Haworth.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS,
1 JULY, 1944
LOCAL ROLL OF HONOUR
Casualties In Burma And Normandy
Captain Geoffrey Newsholme, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Newsholme, of Holme Royd, Woodville Road, Keighley, has been wounded in Normandy and is back in England in hospital. He has sustained a broken leg. Captain Newsholme was wicket- keeper to the Keighley (Bradford League) cricket team before he joined the Forces, and he was associated with his father’s firm, Messrs. C.A. Newsholme And Co. Manufacturers, Aireworth Shed. Keighley.
Mr. and Mrs W. S. Wright. of Littlebeck Hall, have Gilstead, received news that their son, Captain Keith Wright, is wounded and is in hospital in the Midlands. The latest report is that he is comfortable and improving. Captain Wright, who is 23, joined the Army at the age of 18, and was a Territorial before the war. Educated at Giggleswick School, he was a member of the Officers’ Training Corps. and took a keen interest in all Army activities. For over two years he was in Iceland, and since then has been in England. He was the one of the first to land on the beaches in Normandy.
Mr. R. Reynolds, of 18, Guard House Grove. Keighley, has received official information that his son, Fusilier Fred Reynolds, serving with the Royal Fusiliers in Italy, has been wounded. Aged 23, he has been in the Army since the beginning of the war, and has been abroad since November. Before joining up he was employed by Thomas Wilson (Keighley), Ltd. This is the second time in five months that Fusilier Reynolds has been wounded. He was also in the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Official information has been received by Mrs. E. Wormaid, of Marshfield, Marsh, Oxenhope, that her son, Lance-Corporal Wilfred Wormaid, aged 22, has been killed in action in Burma. He had been abroad about 18 months with the West Yorkshire Regiment, and had been in the Army four years. Lance Corporal Wormald was educated at Haworth Senior School, and in civilian life was employed in the building trade.
Mrs. K. Orton, of 24, Rawling Street, Ingrow, Keighley, has received news that her husband, Driver James William Orton, of the Sixth Airborne Division, was killed while in action over France. He had been in the Army four years. Prior to enlistment he was employed by the Colonial Combing Company, Keighley. He leaves a widow and one child.
Gunner Driver Mechanic John Stott, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Stott, of 30, Woodhouse Road, Keighley, has officially been reported to have escaped from enemy custody in Italy and has now reached southern Italy. He was captured in Crete and has been a prisoner of war in Italy. He joined up four years ago and saw Service in Egypt. He is 30 years old and was previously employed by Messrs. John Hammond, coal merchants, Keighley.
Information has been received that Trooper Cyril Clayton, of 119, Broomhill Avenue, Ingrow, serving in Normandy, has been wounded in the thigh and is now in hospital in England. He has been in the Army two years and before enlisting was an apprentice painter, employed by the Keighley Co-operative Society. He is 18 years of age.
Driver J. Hardacre, of 11, Stoney Street, Utley, Keighley, has been officially presumed killed in action at sea. Mrs. Hardacre has been notified by Records Office that her husband was onboard a vessel which was sunk by enemy action. He had seen service in North Africa. Driver Hardacre was a member of the committee of the Beechcliffe Club and up to joining up he was engaged in the engineering trade. He leaves a widow and a boy of 17.
News has been received by Mrs. R. Horsfield, of 44, Glen Lee Terrace, Keighley, that her husband, Private Frank Horsfield, aged 25, serving with the Royal Scots in Burma, has been wounded. He has been in the Army since the outbreak of war, and has been abroad two years. Prior to enlistment he was employed by Thorpe and Johnson Co. Ltd., Keighley.
Information has been received from the War Office by Mrs. C. Whitwham, of King’s Court, Bingley, that her youngest son, Corporal Norman Whitwham, has been wounded in Burma. Aged 20, he joined the Army three years ago, and has seen service in Burma for nearly 18 months. An old boy of Bingley Grammar School, he was employed by Gallons, Ltd., Main Stteet, Bingley, prior to joining the Forces. He is shortly to enter the O.C.T.U. His brother is serving in Normandy. while his brother-in-law is at present in Burma.
Marine Jack Mitchell, whose home is at 3, Malt Street, Ingrow, has been wounded while on special duties and is now in a general hospital in the Mediterranean. His mother has received the information from official sources that he has sustained a compound fracture of the right forearm. Before joining the Marines four years ago last February, he was employed by the West Yorkshire Road Car Co.
Private Frank Longbottom. of Albert Street, Sutton-in-Craven, is in hospital in England after being wounded in France. He joined up three years ago and was in the Royal Artillery, but was later transferred to an Infantry regiment. In civil life Private Longbottom was a woolsorter, and was employed at Sutton Mills.
Mrs, Winnifred Pickles has received official news that her husband. Private Fred Pickles, R.A.0.C. has been killed in action in France. Private Pickles is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pickles, of 20, Well Street, Keighley. Aged 24. he had been in the Army four years and before joining up was employed by Mr. Fred Davy, plasterer, Cross Hills. He played Rugby for Ingrow.
Private Horace Smith, of Wheatlands Lane, Cross Hills, is in hospital at Liverpool, suffering from a shrapnel wound in the knee, received in France. Private Smith is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith, and joined up in March 1943. He was 21 years of age on 14 April, and in civil life was employed as a nurseryman by Mr. William Newbould, Cross Hills.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS,
15 JULY, 1944
LOCAL ROLL OF HONOUR
News of Men In Normandy
A number of postcards have been received from Japanese prisoner of war camps recently, and among them was one from Captain Erlc Holmes, whose parents live at Earl Villas, Keighley. Captain Holmes was wounded before being taken prisoner, and he says he is still fairly fit and the use of his left arm is now almost fully recovered. He says he has had one letter from his brother last year, but none from home.
Lieutenant Adrian E. B. Hunter. the Rifle Brigade, who is officially reported missing in Italy, is the younger son of the Rev. Edward T. G. Hunter. Rector of Keighley. 1919 to 1926, now of South Perrott Rectory, Misterton, Somerset.
Mrs. M. Maxwell, Bon-Air, Havhills Road, Silsden, has been officially informed that her husband. Driver Mechanic Mawson Maxwell, of the Royal Artillery, is missing. In civil life he was employed by Mr. B. Boothman, Low Fold Farm. He is 29 years of age, and has three sons, aged 4. 5, and 6.
Mrs. Christina Scattergood, of 240, New Road Side, Keighley, has received official intimation that her husband, Private Frank Scattergood, of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment has been killed in action in France. He had been in the Forces since the outbreak of war, and saw service in Iceland. Prior to joining the Forces, he worked as a passenger porter at the Keighley L.M. S. Rallway Station. He was Cub Master in the Ingrow Crotona Scouts for a number of years. He leaves a wife and two daughters.
Private George Henry Thompson. whose home is at 12, Fairfield, Denholme, has been reported wounded and believed to be a prisoner of war.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Helliwell of 45. Marley View. Crossflatts, have received official notification that their only son. Private Arthur Helliwell, of the Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action in Normandy in June. Aged 19, he was educated at Harden Council School. and later continued with his studies at Mornington Road School, Bingley. Prior to joining the Forces he was employed by Messrs. Thorpe, Johnson and Co of Keighley.
Mrs. Archer, of 1, Portland Street, Bingley, received news on Thursday that her husband, Private John W. Archer, has been killed in action while serving with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in Normandy. Aged 28 years, Private Archer was a Territorial and joined a week before war broke out. He saw service in Iceland. An old boy of the Mornington Road School, he was employed by Hempel Bros., Ltd., of Bingley, before going on war service. He leaves a widow and one child.
Mrs. Florrie Bates, of 10, Russell Street, Bingley, received official intimation this week that her husband, Sergeant Harold Bates, of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, has been killed in action during the fighting in France. Aged 25, he was educated at Holycroft School, Keighley, and was employed by Bingley Mills, Ltd. prior to joining the Army five years ago.
Gunner Sam Watson, of the Royal Artillery, and husband of Mrs. Watson. Sackville Road, Silsden, has been wounded in the leg by shrapnel in Normandy, and is a patient in a hospital in this country. Aged 33, Gunner Watson was called up soon after the outbreak of war, and has now twice taken part in the operations in France. He was a postman before being called up as a reservist.
Private Douglas Firth, of the R.A. S. C. who was at Singapore at the capitulation in February, 1942, and was officially reported as missing has sent a postcard to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Firth, of 18. Bungalow Road. Glusburn, from No. 4 P.O.W. Camp, Thailand, in which he says his health is excellent and he is working for pay. He left this country in September, 1941. In civil life he was employed by Messrs. R. H Greenwood and Sons, painters and decorators, Cross Hills.
Information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. A. Wilkinson, of 6, Laythorpe Terrace, Morton that their son Corporal Jack Wilkinson, has died of wounds. Aged 25. he had been in the Army for nearly five years, and was in Iceland for two years. Before he joined up he was employed as a butcher by Messrs. T. Hope and Sons Skipton and Keighley.
Official Intimation has been received by Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Cockcroft, of Ryshworth Bridge Crossflatts, that their only son Pilot Officer Ernest P. Cockroft (R.A.F.), has been killed in action. Aged 24. he was educated at Mornington Road School. Bingley and was employed by Messrs. Holdsworth and Burrill, haulage contractors, Bradford prior to joining the R.A.F. in 1940. Obtaining his wings in Texas, he had since seen service in Africa and the Middle East.
Mrs K Broughton. 3. Moorend Cottages, Brow, Haworth, has been notified this week that her husband, Private Kenneth Broughton who was recently reported missing is a prisoner of war. Private Broughton enlisted in the Forces four years ago and was employed before the war by Messrs. Hattersley Sons and Co., Springhead Mills, Haworth.
HOME FROM ITALY
Haworth And Keighley Men Who Were Prisoners
After escaping from prisoner of war camp and living in the mountains in Italy for many months, Trooper William O Rowland, of 32, Mill Hey. Haworth has returned home.
Driver Mechanic Jack Stott, of 30, Woodhouse Road, Keighley, has also returned home. After escaping from an Italian prisoner of war camp, Stott made for the mountains. One day a party of Germans came into the mountains looking for escaped prisoners. The Germans were armed with Tommy guns. One of the Germans set off along a gully and walked right into Driver Mechanic Stott and took him prisoner, but when the German turned his head, Driver Mechanic Stott ran off. Several shots were fired after him but it was getting dark and they missed him. Driver Mechanic Stott fought in Greece and Crete, and when he was evacuated the ship was dive bombed and he was injured, temporarily losing his sight. After being in hospital in Suez he regained it after two months. He rejoined his unit and fought in the North African campaign, where he was wounded and taken prisoner at El Gazala. He was very grateful for what the Red Cross did for him while he was a prisoner.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS
29 JULY, 1944
GUNNER’S PLUCK
Keighley Man’s Work On Burning Dump
Gunner Albert Henry Huckle. RA of 6. Hartington Street, Keighley has been awarded a certificate of gallantry for outstanding service in the Fourteenth Army area. The citation states: “On 8 February, 1944, an ammunition dump in the Seventh Indian Division’s administration base was set on fire by hostile mortar fire. Gunner Huckle showed outstanding courage and devotion to duty in salvaging high-explosive gun and mortar ammunition from the burning dump in the face of great personal dangers from the exploding ammunition. On the afternoon of 22 February a carrier ammunition column proceeded from the division ammunition base to a brigade area, Gunner Huckle was on escort duty with this convoy which came under enemy shellfire. Gunner Huckle showed outstanding courage and coolness under shellfire.
A military observer with the Forces in India said it was the Seventh Indian Division that first called the Japs bluff in Arakan. Although surrounded, the men of the division refused to evacuate and for 18 days, during which they were supplied from the air, they remained in position inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing Japs.
It is commended by Major General Frank Messerby, who when the Division was attacked at dawn, led the defence in his pyjamas
Gunner Huckle is 23 years of age and before the war was employed by Messrs. Clegg and Murray, Crossflatts, Bingley.
THE ARMY’S NEWS
We reproduce this picture from the current issue of ‘Paper and Print.’ It shows Captain A. P. Perry (foreground) and Corporal Kenneth Gilleard examining a proof of the famous Service paper, ‘Eighth Army News.’
Corporal Gilleard, whose home is at Grange Crescent, Riddlesden, was in civil life a compositor on ‘The Yorkshire Observer.’
Now he’s helping to produce the Eighth Army News. first produced as a proper paper during the critical desert battle of June 1942, when Rommel was advancing toward the Delta.
It was Corporal Gilleard and a Czech refugee who were acting as compositors printers when the paper had the honour of publishing the famous ‘Together we shall hit the enemy for ??? right out of Africa’ message from Monty on the eve of the Battle of Alamein.
LOCAL ROLL OF HONOUR
NEWS OF MEN ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Fusilier Leo Coffey, aged 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Coffey, of 30. Ashbourne Road, Ingrow has received gunshot wounds in the right leg and is now in hospital in England. Fusilier Coffey has been in the Army two years and was educated at St. Anne’s School. Keighley. In civilian life he was employed by Messrs. J. G. Ambler, bottlers, Russell Street, Keighley.
Corporal Rennie Shaw, son of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, of 30, Low Well Street, Keighley, has been killed in action. He had been in Sicily and North Africa. He was 23 years of age and before joining the Forces was employed by Mr. Robert Procter, Stocks House, Farm, Cottingley, Bingley. He was educated at Glusburn Council School.
“Wounded but comfortable” was the news received by Mrs. Eva Lewis, of Cragg Wood Farm, Eldwick, last week, of her husband, Gunner Frank Lewis, R.A., who has now returned back to England after serving in France. The official intimation received by Mrs. Lewis from the War Office did not indicate the nature of his wounds, but her anxiety was relieved during the week when she received a letter from her husband stating that he was comfortable and receiving first class treatment. He is hoping to be transferred shortly from the hospital to his home. Gunner Lewis, who joined the Force In 1940, has seen service in Ireland. Shortly after the invasion of Normandy he was sent to France. Over two years ago Gunner Lewis was commended by his commanding officer for his coolness, presence of mind, and efficiency in rendering first aid to Lieutenant W. B. Brown who was wounded in the course of an accident, and has since died.
Mrs. Hilda Frankland, of 34, Chatsworth Street, Keighley, has received official news that her husband, Private George Henry Frankland, has been killed in action in Normandy. He was 25 years of age, and was in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. He was called up on 1 September 1939, and had served two years in Iceland. Private Frankland was formerly employed by Irving Firth and Co., Ltd, Beed Mills, Keighley. He leaves a widow and a son.
News has been received by his sister, that Private George Bernard Shaw, of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. Shaw, of 12, Peel Place, and formerly of North Dean Road, Keighley, has been killed in action in Normandy. Private Shaw was 23 years old and had served two years in Iceland. In civil life he was employed by Walter Slingsby and Co., Ltd, Keighley, and he was educated at St. Anne’s School.
Gunner Geoffrey Curtis, only son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Curtis, of Murton Grove, Steeton, is in hospital in this country suffering from back wounds received in Normandy where, as a member of an anti-tank gun unit, he landed on D-Day. A joiner by trade, Gunner Curtis joined the Army in May 1939. He was afterwards transferred to the Gordon Highlanders, and was at Dunkirk. He is an old scholar of Steeton School, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. T. Whitaker, Eastburn.
Official intimation has been received that Trooper Geoffrey Beck, Cononley boy, is missing at sea. He was 19 years of age in April. Before enlistment he worked in the goods dept. of the L.M.S. Railway at Keighley. His mother lives at Back Lane, Cononley.
On Wednesday Mr. and Mrs. Edward Chapman, of Kirkby, Hazel Grove Road. Sutton-in-Craven, received a letter from an officer of the Lincolnshire Regiment informing them that their elder son, Private Bryan Chapman, had been killed while accompanying a patrol at night. He was buried in an orchard behind a church with as much of a military funeral as was possible under the circumstances. The officer adds that Bryan was one of the best liked boys in the platoon and company. He was 19 years of age and joined the Forces in June 1943. He was apprenticed to Mr. H. Hebden, hairdresser, in Cavendish Street, Keighley. He was closely identified with the Sutton Baptist Church and an enthusiast in the youth movement.
News has been received that Sapper Edward Scott, of 54, Paget Court, Thwaites, Keighley, serving with the Royal Engineers, has been killed in action in Western Europe. Aged 36, he had been in the Army three and a-half years, and was and employed by Messrs. Clegg and Howgate, Crossflatts. Sapper Scott was educated at Utley Council School, and was a member of the Beechcliffe Cycling Club. He leaves a widow and one son.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Cockshott, of Spencer Avenue, Silsden received official information on Monday that their son, Private Walter Cockshott, of the Royal Norfolk Regiment, has been killed on active service. Aged 19, Private Cockshott was a member of the Silsden Home Guard before joining the Forces. He was employed by Messrs. Taylor Bros, Waterloo Mill, Silsden.
Mrs. Murgatroyd, of 44, High Street, Hebden Bridge, has received notification that her husband. Lance Corporal Tom Murgatroyd, aged 28, has died in a British hospital in the Indian theatre of war. He was well acquainted with the Keighley district. having many relatives there. Before the war he was a well known local footballer, playing as goalkeeper for several local clubs. He was on the books of the Chelsea club for a season and a half, and later went to Oldham Athletic.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS
22 JULY, 1944
LOCAL ROLL OF HONOUR
ACTIVE SERVICE CASUALTIES
Official intimation has been received that Private Sam Wadsworth, serving with the Cameron Highlanders, has been killed in action. He had seen service in North Africa and Sicily. Before joining up four years ago he was employed by his uncle at the Rydal Press, Russell Street, Keighley. His mother lives at 32, Fell Lane, Keighley, and his wife at Skipton.
News has been received that Private Kenneth Stephenson, only son of Mr. Harry Stephenson and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jackson, of 5, Ash Street, Keighley, has been killed in action in Normandy. Aged 23, he was in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, and was called up on 1 September 1939. Private Stephenson served two years in Iceland, and before joining up was employed by James Sunderland and Son, painters and decorators, Cooke Lane, Keighley. He was educated at Highfield School, Keighley.
Mrs. A. Milns, of 20, The Grove, Crossflatts, has received news that her son, Private William Milns, of the Pioneer Corps, has been killed on active service in Normandy, after 13 years service in the Army. He was 31, and joined the Forces at the early age of 18. Since then he has seen service in India, Africa, and the Middle East. Born at Crossflatts, he was educated at Crossflatts Council School, and later was employed by Clegg and Howgate, ironfounders, Bingley.
Mrs. Finch, of 1, Station Road, Oakworth, has received official news that her husband, Private Ronald Finch, of a parachute unit, is reported missing in Normandy. Aged 20, he has been in the Army two years. Before joining up he was employed as a bricklayer in London. His home address was 58, Drewry Road, Keighley.
News has been received by Mrs. R. Stringer of 63. Back Berry Lane, Keighley, that her son, Fusilier Jack Stringer, aged 19, of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, has been killed in action. He had been in the Forces since December, 1942, and in civil life was employed by Messrs. Timothy Hird and Sons, Acre Mills, Keighley. Fusilier Stringer was educated at St Anne’s School, Keighley.
Nineteen year old George Ellis, of 37, Spencer Street, Keighley, who is suffering from a shoulder wound, arrived at Leeds Infirmary last weekend, also as did Pte. W. Bage, Fairfax Street, Silsden, and Sapper Tom Griffiths, Spencer Street, Keighley.
Official information has been received by Mr. F. W. Burgess, of 15, Broomhill Grove, Keighley, that his son, Rifleman Fred Burgess, of the Cameronians, has been killed in Normandy. Mr. Burgess has had a letter from an officer in his son’s battalion in which he says: “Continually in the midst of fire, he did his duty unflinchingly, and much more than his duty, too: he was at all times an inspiration to the other men by his cheerfulness and disregard of personal danger. Last Friday we were defending a small village from an enemy counterattack when your son was killed. His death was instantaneous, and he can have suffered no pain. He the other members of the platoon were largely responsible that the enemy attack failed. His body has been buried in the village where he fell.”
“I have been asked by the padre to tell you something of his conduct on the previous evening. At that time the enemy were holding this same village, and at great risk he volunteered to help the padre recover some of our wounded under cover of darkness. In this way he was directly responsible fer saving the lives of ten of his comrades, who would otherwise have died or been taken prisoner. This noble work won him the admiration of all his friends. He gave his life willingly for a fine cause and, God willing, we will ensure that it was not given in vain.” Rifleman Burgess enlisted in February, 1942, and before that was employed by Robert Clough (Kelghley), Ltd., in the designing department. He was 21, and was educated at the Art School.
Mrs. Roper, of 2, Louisa Street. Worth Village, Keighley, has been informed that her son, Private Kenneth Roper, of the Black Watch Regiment, has been wounded Normandy. Aged 20, he has been in the Forces two years, and prior to joining up was employed at Dalton Mills, Keighley. He was educated at Eastwood Council School.
Mrs. Milnes, of 156, Guard House Road, Keighley, has been informed that her son, Private Clifford Milnes, aged 20, serving in the East Yorkshire Regiment, has been wounded and is in a base hospital. He has been in the Army two years, and before joining up worked at Trico Works, Keighley. When 17 years of age he won a Northern Counties Championship for boxing, and he has also boxed for the Keighley A.T.C. His father, who is also in the Army, is abroad in South East Asia. Private Milnes was educated at St. Anne’s School, Keighley.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kelly, of Holmroyd Avenue, Cross Hills, have received official notification that one of their serving sons, Private Edward Kelly, of the Green Howards, is missing. He has been four years in the Forces and served two and a half years in the Middle East, taking part in the North African campaign. Then he was sent to Sicily, but while there contracted malaria and was sent to England. He rejoined his unit on recovery. Before the war Private Kelly worked at Messrs. T. and M. Bairstows’, Sutton Mills.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS,
5 AUGUST, 1944
LOCAL ROLL OF HONOUR
BINGLEY OFFICER MISSING
News has been received by the parents of Flying Officer Eric Robert Mills, of 11, Longwood Avenue, Bingley is reported missing, believed killed over enemy territory. His father. Mr J. Mills, is in business as a watchmaker and jeweller in High Street, Keighley. Flying Officer Mills mobilised with the Territorials at the outbreak of war, and transferred to the R.A.F. in 1941. He obtained his wings in South Africa and was awarded honours in his training course. He was a member of Bingley Rugby Club and of the Airedale Tennis Club. In civil life he was a member of the Public Assistance staff of the West Riding County Council at Keighley. His brother Jack is serving with the Royal Artillery.
Mr. and Mrs. James Lambert, of High Street, Steeton, received news on Thursday that their youngest son, Signaller Harry Lambert, of the Green Howards, had been killed in action. He was 26 years of age. and very popular in the village. He joined the Army almost on the outbreak of war, and was at Dunkirk and in North Africa. He was employed as a twister by Messrs. Woodrow and Co., Junction Mills, Cross Hills.
Mrs. Dixon, of 7, Allar Villas. Riddlesden, has received official intimation that her husband, Private Hedley Dixon, serving with the Queen’s Royal Rifles, has been killed in action. Private Dixon enlisted in December, 1942. and in civil life had a butcher’s shop in Skipton Road. He was 29 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children.
Two casualties in one Keighley family are reported this week. Mrs. Heath, of 7, Hope Place, Keighley, has news that her husband, Lance Corporal Herbert Heath, serving in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in France, has been wounded and is now in hospital in England. Aged 28, he was in Iceland two years. He was called up at the beginning of the war. In civilian life he was employed by Jonas Wells, Ltd., brass- founders, Greengate Works, Keighley. Lance-Corporal Heath is the son of Mrs. Hume and the late Mr. Herbert Heath, of 95, Hanworth Wood Road, Keighley.
His brother, Lance Corporal Harold Heath, aged 19, has died of wounds in hospital in France. He had been in the Army just over a year and was in the Seaforth Highlanders. Before joining up he worked for the Keighley Corporation Cleansing Department. His wife lives at 41. Cliffe Street, Keighley.
Official information has been received by Mr. Thomas Dovernor, of 19, Exley Road, Ingrow, that his son, Private Denis Dovernor, of the Durham Light Infantry, has been killed in action. Aged 20, he had been in the Army nearly four years was previously employed by G. Hattersley and Sons, Ltd., Keighley. He formerly attended Keighley National School.
Mrs Lee, 141, North Dean Road. Keighley, has received official news that her son, Private Eric Lee, serving with the Lincolnshire Regiment, has been wounded and is now in hospital in England. Aged 19, he has been in the Army about 13 months. Before joining up he was employed by Denby Brothers, Ltd., Marley Street Mills, Keighley.
Official news has been received by his mother that Trooper Geoffrey Beck, R.E.C.C.E.’s Regiment, of Back Lane, Cononley, has been killed at sea. She received the news yesterday week after being notified that he was missing since June.
Among wounded men, to arrive in Bradford is Gunner Clifford Austin Preece, of Gibb Street, Haworth. Gunner Preece was delighted to have been posted to a hospital so near home, and obviously his wife’s delight was even greater. He admitted that he was lucky that his hurt was not greater, as he was with an anti-tank gun when it was attacked from a rear position by a German Tiger tank which shelled and machine-gunned the post, Inflicting serious wounds on many of the anti-tank gun crew. Aged 32, he previously employed by G F Denby and Sons, Bridgehouse Mills, Haworth.
“I am looking forward to the time when I can play for Keighley again; I have played Rugger ever since I could run about”, said Sapper Ellis to a reporter when seen at Leeds Infirmary on Tuesday. He is one of a number who have just arrived home from Normandy. “I was sent back with shell shock,” he said, becoming a casualty almost 12 months to a day after my brother, in the Gordon Highlanders, was killed in Sicily.” Ellis, who lives at Hillcrest Road, Queensbury, was a plumber before joining the R.E.’s nearly four years ago. A married man, he is hoping to be home in time for the first addition to the family. He was one of the leading players In the Keighley Junior Rugby League before the war and made occasional appearances with the Lawkholme teams.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS,
12 AUGUST, 1944
BINGLEY OFFICER
WOUNDED LOCAL MEN IN ACTION
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Lofthouse, of 26, Sydney Street, Bingley have received notification that their son, Lieutenant Harry Lofthouse, has been wounded on active service, and is at present in hospital at Sheffield. Lieutenant Lofthouse, who is 25, joined the Forces at the beginning of the war. He was educated at Bingley Grammar School and later was employed by Mr. Whitley, accountant, Bingley. He was an active member of the Bingley Cricket Club.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hemingway, of 18, Sydney Street, Bingley, have just received news that their elder son, Flying Officer William Eric Hemingway, has been killed on an operational flight. He had been missing since May, and the official communication soon afterwards stated that his life was believed to have been lost. Confirmation of his death came from the British Red Cross. Flying Officer Hemingway. who was 21, joined the R.A.F. in April, 1942. He was born in Bingley and attended the Mornington Road Council School and later the Bingley Grammar School. He was a member of the Mornington Road Methodist Church, the Bingley A.T.C., and Home Guard. Prior to going on war service Flying Officer Hemingway was employed at Inland Revenue Office, Keighley.
Mr. and Mrs. N. Ettenfield, Morton, have received official news that their only son, Sapper James Norman Ettenfield of the Royal Engineers, has been killed on active service. He had been serving for four years, and has been through all the North African campaign with the Eighth Army, and has not been home during that time. He was 24 years old, and was associated with his father in their window cleaning business in Keighley. He has sung In the Parish Church choir both as a boy and a man, and a memorial service will be held there for him on Sunday evening, 20 August.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Bird. of 33, Stanley Road, Ingrow, Keighley, have been informed that their son, Trooper William (Billy) Bird, of the Royal Armoured Corps, has received a crushed hand while on active service, and is now in hospital in England. Before joining up in July, 1942, he was in the N.F.S. Trooper Bird is 20 years of age. and formerly attended Ingrow Council School.
Mrs. Law. of Aireside Terrace, Cononley. has received official intimation that her son, Sergeant Sam Law, of the Green Howards. has died from wounds. Sergeant Law, who was 26 years of age, was one of the first three Cononley boys to enlist at the outbreak of war. He served at Dunkirk, and then went to Egypt, and was at El-Alamein and later at Messina in Sicily. He came home on leave in November, 1943, and while on leave he was married. His wife lives at “The Oval,” Shortbank Road, Skipton. Prior to joining the Forces he was employed by the Cononley Co-operative Society. He was a playing member of the Cononley Football Club.
Mr. and Mrs. P. Falkingham, of 12. Ebenezer Square, Ingrow, have received official intimation that their only son, Private Robert Falkingham, of a parachute regiment, has been wounded. Aged 19, he has been in the Army a year, and prior to that was employed by Mr. J. W. Boot of Ingrow, plasterer. He was educated at Keighley National School. Later they have received news that he is in hospital in England suffering from multiple grenade wounds.
Official Information has been received by Mrs. Baker, of 3, Calversyke Place, West Lane, Keighley, that her husband, Private Francis Baker, of the Army Catering Corps, has been wounded, and is now in hospital in England. Aged 28, he has been in the Army about 4 years. Before enlisting, he was employed by George Hattersley and Sons, Ltd., Keighley.
After a year of anxiety and suspense, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bailey, of 31, View Valley, Harden, have received official notification that their 26 year-old son, Gunner Peter Bailey, of the Royal Artillery, has reached Allied lines in Italy. A prisoner of war in Italian hands for over two years, Gunner Bailey wrote regularly to his parents up to the capitulation of Italy, and since then no communication has been received from him whatsoever. His parents are now waiting to receive a personal letter from their son. Gunner Bailey is a native of Harden and received his education at Harden Council School and later was employed by Abram and Sons, Ambler Ltd., Wilsden. He was an active member of the Harden Wesleyan Reform Chapel.
After being over 2 ½ years without a word from her husband, Leading Aircraftman Leslie Tetley (34). Mrs. Tetley, of High Malsis, Cross Hills, has word from him that he is a prisoner in Japanese hands.
Private Albert Walker, whose wife lives in Leeds Road. Windhill, Shipley, is reported wounded. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Wolsey. Ltd., Springfield Mills, Keighley.
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS
19 AUGUST, 1944
FORMER SILSDEN MAN MISSING
LOCAL MEN NOW IN BRITISH HOSPITALS
Capt. Derek Inglis Green, aged 22, youngest son of Mr. John Green and the late Mrs. Eleanor Green, of Wood Royd, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, is reported missing, presumed killed. Capt. Green was a native of Ben Rhydding and was educated at Rugby School. Before joining the Marines he was associated with his father’s firm of timber merchants at Silsden. His eldest brother, Capt. Jack Green, was captured last year while serving with an infantry regiment, and is now a prisoner of war in Germany. Their father is president of the Ilkley Rugby Club and Ilkley Golf Club, and is a former Yorkshire and England Rugby captain.
The parents of Guardsman Raymond Angus, serving in the Scots Guards, of 190, Guard House Road, Keighley, have received official intimation that he has been wounded and is in hospital in England. Before enlisting in 1940 Guardsman Angus was employed by the West Yorkshire Road Car Company, Ltd. He is 27.
Mrs. Winning, of Station House, Thwaites. Keighley, has received official news that her husband, Rifleman Adam Winning, aged 33, serving in the Cameronians, has been wounded and is in hospital in England. He has been in the Army ten years, and returned to England last September after serving nine years abroad.
Official information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Webster, of 13, Station Road, Oakworth, that their son, Cpl. Norman Webster, of the Green Howards, is reported missing in North West Europe. Cpl. Webster, who is 29, has been in the Army over four years, and has served overseas for more than three years. In civil life he was employed by Rouse Bros., of Oakworth.
Information has been received that Lance Corporal Jack Town, of a paratroop unit, and only son of Mrs. Ethel Town, of 31, Daisy Hill, Silsden, is a prisoner of war in German hands. Lance Corporal Town took part in the first operations in Normandy, and was reported missing soon after. He has been in the Army about two years and joined a paratroop unit a year ago. He is 20 years of age, and was employed by Mr. Fred Watson, heating engineer, Silsden, before joining the Forces.
Driver Mechanic Mawson Maxwell, of the Royal Artillery, who was reported missing about five weeks ago, is now reported to be a prisoner of war in German hands. His wife resides at Bon-Air, Hayhills Road. Silsden.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Hyde, of 4, South View, Cross Hills, have been informed that their son, Pte. Sydney Hyde, of the Lincolnshire Regiment, has been wounded and is in in hospital England. Aged 19. he has been in the Army 16 months, and before joining up was employed in Farnhill. In a letter to Pte. Hyde’s parents, Cpl. H. Stone writes: “While waiting to be taken back, your son, although still under fire, showed a remarkable courage and cheerfulness that was an example to us all.”
News has been received by his mother, Mrs. Dobson, of 29, Skipton Road, Silsden, that her son, Trooper William Dobson, of the R.A.C., has been wounded and is hospital in England. Aged 22. he has been in the Army about four years, and previous to joining up was employed by John Dixon and Sons, Ltd., Steeton Trooper Dobson has four brothers, all of whom are serving in the Forces.
Information has been received that Lance Corporal Edward Arnold Cooper, R.A.S.C., only son of Mr. Herbert Cooper of Four Winds, Skipton Road, Silsden, has been wounded and is in hospital in this country. Lance Corporal Cooper is 28, and joined the Forces a few months after the outbreak of war. He is married and has one child. In civil life he was engaged in the boot and shoe business of his father Mr. H. Cooper who has premises in Silsden, Skipton, Cross Hills, Colne and other towns.
Mrs. John Gelder, of Micklethwaite, has received official intimation that her son, Gunner John Gelder, Commando, has been wounded while on active service, and……………………
THE KEIGHLEY NEWS
26 AUGUST, 1944
LOSSES IN THE WAR
Local Men In the Casualty Lists
News has been received by Mrs. Wade, of 93. Main Street, Wilsden, that her son, Private John Wade, aged 19, has died of wounds. Before Joining the Army he was employ ed by A. Binns and Son, butchers, Carlisle Road, Manningham, Bradford. He attended Wilsden Council School.
Official news has been received by Mrs. Little, of Walk House, Low Bridge, Keighley, that her husband, Petty Officer Arthur Little, who was reported missing in the submarine Usurper, is поw reported to be presumed killed. He joined up in 1940 and served two years on a mine-sweeper before being transferred to submarine work. Aged 22, Petty Officer Little was formerly employed by G. Hattersley and Sons, Ltd.
Mrs. Shorrocks, of 11, Jessamine Place, Junction, Cross Hills, received an official intimation from the War Office that her husband. Private Harry Shorrocks, has been wounded. Mrs. Shorrocks later received a letter from her husband stating that he was in hospital with his left leg fractured between the knee and ankle, and was now as comfortable as it was possible to be with a leg encased in plaster of Paris. He had been wounded by shrapnel. Private Shorrocks joined the Forces over four years ago and was with the York and Lancaster Regiment as cook, but later was transferred to the Manchester Regiment. He has been abroad well over three years. His mother resides in Earby. Before joining the Forces he was on the staff of the Silsden Co-operative Society, and resided with his wife in Bolton Road, Silsden. In hospital he has been visited by Corporal Edward Dickinson, of Sutton.
Mrs. Potter, of 42, Eric Street, Keighley, has received news that her husband, Private Albert Edward Potter, of the Black Watch, has died from wounds in Italy. Aged 27, he has been in the Army about four years, and has served in Italy nine months. He has also served in Gibraltar for three years. Before joining up Private Potter Was employed by W. Slingsby and Co. Ltd., Keighley.
News has been received by Mr. and Mrs. James Tye, 9, Yate Lane, Oxenhope, that their son, Trooper Harold Tye, aged 21, has been killed on active service. Before he joined the R.A.C. in 1942 he was an apprentice overlooker employed by Hield Bros., Oxenhope.
Mrs. Robert Stevenson, of 7, Holmfield, Sutton-in-Craven, has received notification that her husband, Private Robert Stevenson, of the Lincolnshire Regiment, has been wounded on active service. It is four years since he joined the Forces. He says he has been wounded above the left eye and right knee. and has had a small piece of shrapnel taken from the wound above his eye. Before Joining up he was a farmer’s assistant for Mr. Harry Clarkson, and hails from Ravensworth, near Richmond.
Gunner Frederick George Lee, aged 36, serving with the Royal Artillery in Normandy, has been killed in action. He had been in the Army about four years, and prior to going to France had seen 18 months’ service In the Middle East. Before joining up he was employed at the Skipton branch of Taylor’s chemists. His widow and two children reside at 6. Hainworth Shay, Keighley.
