Garstang War Memorial, Lancashire

Garstang War Memorial (Memorial Garden)
at the roundabout of Park Hill and Croston Road and the edge of the town.

"We will remember them"

1914 - THE GREAT WAR - 1918
In thankful memory of those men who went forth from Garstang and Bonds
to serve and save their country and in doing so LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES

Thomas ARMSTRONG Private 22258 8th Royal Lancaster Regiment killed in action between 26th and 30th April 1917 in France . In 1891 he was living with his parents Joseph and Martha nee Houghton at Eagland Hill, Pilling, Lancashire. His mother died in 1896 aged 32 and his father remarried in 1901 to Elizabeth nee Sturzaker and they lived at Manor Cottage, Garstang. At the time of his death his parents were now at Green Lane, Garstang Lancashire. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Wilson BARTLETT. Private 31687 8th South Lancashire Regiment killed in action 3rd August 1917 aged 24. He was the son of Richard and Rose Ellen of Market Place, Garstang, Lancashire. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium ( I wonder why he is commemorated on the Menin Memorial?, see some notes from his army record) Some notes from what remains of his Army record.
He joined up on the 31st May 1915 into the 3rd Cheshire Yeomanry as Private 1704 and posted to the Army Reserve. He gave his home address as 2a Snowdrop Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool. On the 9th June 1915 he was called to the colours and posted to the 3/1st Cheshire's and on the 12th December 1915 posted to the 1/1st Cheshire's. he embarked Southhampton on the 11th August 1916 and disembarked Rouen on the 13th August 1916. Joined No1 Infantry Base depot at Rouen same day and transferred to 6th Infantry Base depot, Rouen on the 29th September 1916. He was compulsory transferred to the 4th Territorial Force Reserve, South Lancashire Regiment and posted to the 8th Battalion under A.O. 304 and A.C.I. 1499 of 1916 from the 29th June 1916 with new army number 31687. The 3rd of December 1916 he was admitted to 8th Casualty Clearing Station in the field with influenza, on the 8th December he was transferred to 32nd Stationary Hospital, Wimereux. and was discharged to his unit in Rouen, fit for duty. The 3rd August 1917 he was killed in action in France as a Private.
His term in France was from the 11th August 1916 to 3rd August 1917

John Bayman COWARD (memorial has John) 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps , formerly Private 555547, 16th London Regiment killed in action 26th March 1918 aged 19. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Ellen (Cissie )Coward, of The Crown Hotel, Carstang, Preston, Lancs. formerly (1911) Kings Arms Hotel, Blackpool. Native of Nottingham. He is buried at St Pierre Cemetery, Amiens, Somme, France

Edward CROMPTON Private 48963, 3rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers died 30th July 1916 aged 33 at Litherland Camp, Liverpool whilst on active service. He was the husband of Rebecca of Moss Road, Garstang. At the time of his death he was living with his wife at 6, Brunton Road, Lancaster. He is at rest in St Thomas churchyard, Garstang, Lancashire

James CROSS Gunner 126553, G Battery, 5th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery died 26th August 1918. He was born at Pilling Lancashire and enlisted at Garstang also of Lancashire. He was the son of Henry and Alice. In 1911 he was warking for his uncle as a farm labourer at Moss House Farm, St Michael, Upper Rawcliffe with Tarnicar Lancashire. He is at rest in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France

Thomas FISHER Private 30062, 8th Royal Lancaster Regiment killed in action 22nd March 1918 aged 26. He was the son of W and Ellen of Moss Road, Garstang, Lancashire. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France

Richard Albert HALL Private 203432 10th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment killed in action 28th April 1917. He was the son of Richard and Margery of Pilling, Lancaster and brother of George Allen Hall of Old Carr Farm, Pilling. He is at rest in Canadian Cemetery No2, Neuville-St. Vaast, Pas de Calais, France.
Some notes from what remains of his Army record.
He joined up on the 21st October 1916 as private 7210, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment aged 19 years and 11 months and was an apprentice joiner by trade. he lived in Pilling Village, Lancashire. he embarked Folkstone on the 1st March 1917 and arrived at Etaples on the 2nd. On the 21st March 1917 he was posted to the 10th Battalion in the field. On the 28th April 1917 he was reported missing in action.

Charles HILLS, Driver T3/030229, Army Service Corps attached to 273rd Railway Operating Coy. Royal Engineers. he died on the 19th November 1918 aged 25. He was the son of Alfred Ernest and Alice of Hawthorn Cottage, Bonds, Garstang, Lancashire. He is at rest in Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria, Greece. Some notes from what remains of his Army record.
He enlisted on the 1st December 1914 and posted to the Army reserve. He was aged 21 and lived with his parents at Tower Hill, Bowgrave near Garstang. He was called to the colours at Aldershot as Driver 030229 on the 3rd December 1914. He served in France from the 18th September 1915 to 9th November 1915 and the mediterranean from the 10th November 1915 to the 19th November 1918 where he died from Bronco Pneumonia at 2/1st Northumberland Field Ambulance, Salonica.

James LEA, Private 27756, 8th Royal Lancaster Regiment died 12th May 1917 aged 24. He was the son of James and Janet Lea and husband of Elizabeth Annie Lea, of School Cottage, Church St., Garstang, Preston. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Some notes from what remains of his Army record. He joined up on the 9th December 1915 and lived at Bridge Villa, Bridge Street, Garstang, occupation was horse carter. On the 29th May 1915 at Cockerham, Lancashire and they had one child called John born 16th June 1915 at Garstang. He served in France from 24th November 1916 to 12th May 1917. He was reported missing on the 12th. Death assumed by the War Office on lapse of time as having accrued on or since the 12th May 1917

Thomas Patrick LONGWORTH. Sapper 66057, 106th Field Coy, Royal Engineers died 9th April 1918 aged 35. He was the son of Robert Longworth, of 172, Watson's Rd., South Shore, Blackpool and husband of Mary Longworth, of Spring Cottage, Bonds, Garstang, Preston. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Some notes from what remains of his Army record. He joined up 26th January 1915 at the 104th Field Coy, Royal Engineers Dept as Sapper 66057. He gave his home address as, In Fields, Oakenclough, near Garstang and was employed as a blacksmith's striker. His next of kin was his wife, Mary nee Hindle whom he married on the 8th June 1910 at Caldervale, Garstang. They had one issue, Robert William who was born on the 7th April 1911 at Oakenclough. They at this time were living at Spring Cottage. On the 12th December 1916 he was transferred to No4 Depot Coy, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
From there he was sent to France on the 31st August 1915 to 11th December 1916. In that period he was admitted to 22nd General Hospital, Camiers on the 1st December 1916 and transferred to England (Destination and complaint not recorded) on the 12th December 1916. He rejoined his unit in France from Base, No 11 Reinforcement Coy to 106th Field Coy on the 22nd April 1917. On the 9th April 1918 he was reported missing then having died on or since the 9th April 1918.

Albert Edward MATHER Private 23550 8th Royal Lancaster Regiment died 28th March 1918 He was born in Preston Preston enlisted at Corton Manchester and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Pas de Calais, France. In 1911 he was living with his parents Thomas and Elizabeth at 5, Tatersall Street, Calforth, Lancashire.

Arthur PARKINSON Private 2321, 1/5th Royal Lancaster Regiment killed in action on the 23rd April 1915. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium . In 1911 he was living with his parents Willam and Mary of High Street, Garstang w]and was working as an errand boy. Some notes from what remains of his Army record. He enlisted on the 7th September 1914 at Lancaster aged 18 years and 5 months and was employed at a farm labourer. He was serving with the Kings Own 5th Reserve as Private and was living at High Street, Garstang. He embarked Southampton on the 14th February 1915 and was killed in action in the field on the 23rd April 1915. He served in France from the 14th February 1915 to the 23rd April 1915. On the 22nd October 1919 Mrs Mary Davies of 33 High Street, Garstang received his medals. His effects went to his mother Mrs Mary Parkinson of High Street, Garstang

James PARKER Gunner 112947, 241st Siege Battery , Royal Garrison Artillery , died of wound on the 15th October 1917 aged 32. He was the son of Robert and Jane of Garstang and husband of Mary of Wheatfield House, Bowgreave, Garstang. He is at rest in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Some notes from what remains of his Army record. He joined up aged 31 years and 1 month. His wife Mary nee Almonds whom he married on the 11th February 1914 as St Mary and St Michael, Garstang and lived at Scorton, Garstang. They had a son called Joseph who was born on the 6th May 1915 at Scroton. He died in thet 1st Canadian General Hospital, Etaples from multiple gun shots to the head, right hand and both thighs.

Colin PYE Lieutenant 1st Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, died of wounds on the 8th October 1918 aged 23. He was the son of Septimus and Margaret of Greenbrae, Bowgreave (local k/a Bowgrave) near Garstang. He is at rest in Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy, Aisne France. His medal card shows he was Private 18534 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry and gained his commission to 2nd Lieutenant on the 1st May 1918 and was in France from the 11th August 1915

Richard RICHARDSON Gunner 160935, 119 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action 29th October 1917 aged 24. He was the son of Sylvester and Annie nee Cross of Skye House, Bonds, Garstang, Lancashire and in 1911 was living with his parents at Claughton Green, Garstang and was a farmer and was the husband of Blodwen nee Owen (whom he married in 1915) of Bronwydd Abersoch, Caernarvonshire. He is at rest in Nine Elms British Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

George William RONSON, (Military Medal) Lance Corporal 14401, Coldstream Guards killed in action 27th August 1918. He was the son of Benjamin and Alice nee Swindlehurst . of Garstang. In 1911 his mother had remarried to James Hunter Reynolds of High Street, Garstang and he was a chemist errand boy. H was in France from the 10th August 1915. He is at rest in Croisilles British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France

William THOMAS. (military Medal) 2nd Lieutenant 1/2nd attached to 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment died 7th November 1918 aged 26. He was the son of Joseph and Annie of Market Place, Garstang. In 1911 he was employed as a chemist's assistant. He was married to Florence Louisa, now remarried to Hudson of Roundwood Cottage, Meliden, Prestatyn, Flints. He was born at Garstang, Lancashire. He is at rest in the Caudry British Cemetery, Nord France

Richard Hall WARD Sergeant 200984 1/4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment died 31st July 1917 aged 26. He was the son of Thomas and Annie of Well Farm, Little Eccleston, Garstang He was killed in action in Belgium and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. died at Ypres . Some notes from what remains of his Army record. He joined up on the 9th November 1914 at Preston. He gave his address as the Temperance Hotel, Garstang. He served in France from the 23rd December 1916 to the 30th July 1917 (no mentioned that he served in Belgium) The only mention of him having been killed in Belgium was from his mother when she sent a letter to the regiment requesting his medal and scroll which was promised to her. She gave his rank, number and name and that he was killed in action in Belgium on the 31st July 1917.
His brother, James of the Royal Garrison Artillery survived the war

Noel Trevor WORTHINGTON Lieutenant 6th Royal Lancaster Regiment served in Gallipoli on the 13th June 1915 and died on the 8th August 1915 aged 31. He was the son of Robert of Salmon Pool, Island Bridge, Dublin, Ireland. Probate Calendar on Ancestery .co.uk shows Noel Trevor of Salmon Pool, Island Bridge, Dublin and The Mount, Garstang who died at Gallipoli. His effects went to his sister Mollie Corena Worthington. In 1911 he was living with his widowed father at Chapelizod Road, Kilmainham, Dublin. He is as rest in Embarkation Pier Cemetery, Turkey and Gallipoli

And of those who fell in World War II 1939 - 1945

William Trevor BARNES Sergeant 1077966, 204 Squadron Royal Air Force (VR)
died 1st October 1943 aged 22. He was the son of William Henry and Frances Helen of Garstang . He is commemorated on the Air Force Memorial, Valletta, Malta

Thomas Henry BILLINGTON, Sergeant 1044838, 214 Squadron Royal Air Force (VR) died 12th September 1944 aged 22. he was the son of Leonard and Alice nee Richardson of Garstang. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey

Benjamin CARTMELL. Second Radio Officer, Merchant Navy on S S. Corabella (London) died at sea on the 30th April 1943 aged 22 along with eight other members of crew out of a crew of 48. The ship was on route from Takoradi for Freetown and England when it was torpedoed by U-Boat 515 and sunk. He was the son of Herbert and Agnes Ethel of Garstang. He is commemorated on the Towerhill Memorial, London

Harry COOK, Lance Bombardier 950831, 95th Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery
died 14th November 1942 aged 23. He was the son of Thomas and Isabella nee Foster who were married in 1910 and in 1911 lived at Victoria Cottage, Garstang. His father was a railway engine starter. He is Commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt,

Richard COOKSON, Able seaman D/JX 153141 H.M.S. Repulse, Royal navy died 10th December 1941 aged 20. He was the son of Fred and Annie nee Kay and brother of Norman who also fell. he is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

Norman COOKSON. Able Seaman P/JX630325, H.M.S. Lundy, Royal Navy died at sea on the 5th November 1946 aged 21. He was the son Fred and Annie nee Kay and brother of Richard who also fell .He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. His father was the son of Richard and Ellen. In 1911 his mother was a widow He and his siblings were all living at Bowgreave Garstang, working as a painter.
Some notes from what remains of his Army Record. He joined up on the 4th June 1901 aged 18 years and 11 months. He was posted to the Royal Lancaster Regiment as Private 1095. He had to do the compulsory annual training. At Hornby from 30th July 1910-14th August 1910. Kendal from the 30th July 1911 to 13th August 1911. Kirkham Camp 30th July 1912 to 11th August 1912. and 30th July 1913 to 10th August 1913 at Denbigh. In 1913 he left the army at the termination of his engagement. At the outbreak of the war he was recalled to the colours and joined on the 5th August. His occupation was given as a Butchers assistant and his father, Richard was given as his next of kin, but was struck out. He embarked Southampton on the 14th February 1915 for France. The 3rd April 1915 he was wounded in action in the field and was admitted to 85th Field Ambulance, transferred on the 15th to No 11 Stationary Hospital, Rouen with a gun shot wound to his left forearm. On the 27th April he was invalided to England from Rouen.

Dennis Ronald DAGGER, Rifleman 3393238, 1st King's Royal Rifle Corps, died 30th April 1943 aged 23. He was the son of Harry and Ethel nee Neate of Garstang. He was born in Chapel en le Frith, Derbyshire and is at rest in Madjez-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia

John GREEN, First Radio Officer of S.S. Tremoda (London) Merchant Navy, died at sea on the 27th august 1941 aged 22. He was the son of John Francis and Mary Gertrude of Garstang. The ship was on passage from London to Duala when she was torpedoed and sunk on the 27th by U-Boat 557 west of Achill Island. West of Ireland. Her crew of 26 and 6 gunners were lost. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Neville Proctor Bayning GREEN, Flight Sergeant, Wireless Operator 1079710, 40 Squadron, Royal Air Force (VR) killed on the 10th May 1944 aged 21. He was the son Robert Pearson Green and Jane of Garstang. He is at rest in Mazaries War Cemetery, Marseilles, Boucher-du-Rhone, France. His father served in the army in the great war and this is some notes from what remains of his Army record.
When he joined up on the 9th December 1915 he was posted as Private 1134 in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps into the Army Reserve aged 28 years and 5 months. He gave his home address as Park Hill, Garstang, working as a house painter and his parents were George and Elizabeth. (1901 they were at Bonds) on the 10th December 1904 he married Jane Proctor and they were living at Park Hill . On the 6th February 1917 he was mobilised and was posted as Sapper 232361 Royal Engineers. On the 28th February 1917 he was transferred to 414 Lowlands Field Coy, Royal Engineers at Chatham. On the 28th December 1918 he was station at Curragh, Ireland. The 6th February 1919 he was transferred to the dispersal centry heaton Park, Curragh for demobilisation the next day at Chatham to Class Z, Army Reserve. Quite He died on the 26th May 1955 at Sharoe Green Hospital, Fulwood, and was still residing at Park Hill, Garstang

Arthur HALL, Able seaman D/JX208267, H.M.Submarine H43, Royal Navy, died on the 7th October 1941 aged 20. He was the son of William C and Mary M nee Parkinson of Garstang. He is at rest in Londonderry City Cemetery, Northern Ireland

Lionel LUND, Private 3861305, 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment died 26th May 1943 aged 29. He was the son of William and Rebecca and husband of Dorothy of Garstang. He is at rest in Ranchi War Cemetery, India

Thomas SALISBURY, Gunner 1156612, 145 Field regiment, Berkshire Yeomanry, Royal Artillery died 14th June 1945 aged 21. he was the son of Alan and Francis May of Garstang. He is at rest in Delhi War Cemetery, India. His father served in the Great War and he was the son Peter and Ellen who in 1911 were at Bond's Villa Farm near Garstang This is some notes from what remains of his Army record. On the 8th January 1915 at 8am he left Garstang railway station in civilian cloths and a Great Coat bound for Army Service Corps Depot at Aldershot as Private 041970, Royal Army Service Corps (butcher). He gave his age as 27 years and 2 months and was living with his parents at Bond's Villa. On the 5th November 1915 at 158 Depot Unit Supply he was promoted to Lance Corporal and the 16th December 1915 promoted to Acting Sergeant and Sergeant 17th June 1916. He embarked Southampton on the 7th January 1916 for Le Harve arriving the next day He served in France from the 7th January 1916 to 7th December 1917. Italy 8th December 1917 to 26th February 1919
In England on the 27th February 1919 and demob at Woolwich Dockyard to Class Z (Army reserve) on the 28th March 1919

Ernest SPENCE, Sergeant PO/X115872, 41 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines. He died on the 21st July 1944 aged 34 and was the son of James William and Edith Mary nee Spence of Church Town, Garstang. His father in 1911 was living at 22 Marsh Street, Barrow in Furness with his parents George and Sarah Ann nee Waite

George Pollitt TAYLOR, First Radio Officer on M.V.Corbis (London) Merchant Navy. He died at sea on the 18th April 1943 aged 32. He was the son of George Edgar and Mary Annie and in 1911 he aged 4 months was living with his parents at 14, Starkey Street, Heywood. (Wills and Probate, Ancestry.co.uk) had his home address as Rathmone, Moss Lane, Garstang and his effects went to his father a gas company manager. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London

James Alfred WOODS, Private 14573624, 7th South Staffordshire Regiment died 8th August 1944 aged 19. He was the son of James and Margaret of Bowgreave, Garstang. He is at rest in Banneville-La-Campagyn War Cemetery, Calvados, France

All information is provided in good faith but, on occasions errors may occur. Should this be the case, if new information can be verified please supply it to the author and corrections will then be made.

This memorial has been compiled with additional information by kind permission of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Also from Ancestry.co.uk


The following are from Poppy Crosses that were left at the War Memorial

Poppy Wreath at Garstang War Memorial
Lance Corporal, 25048995 Jonathan McKINLAY, 1st Rifles Born 7th November 1977, killed in action in Afghanistan 14th September 2011. He is at rest in Tidworth Military Cemetery.


Poppy Cross at Garstang War Memorial
Private 3526536 John CONNOLLY 2nd Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment fell on the 22nd July 1941 aged 25. He is at rest in Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery, Syria

Poppy Cross at Garstang War Memorial
Captain Albert BALL, V.C., M.C., D.S.O., Order of St George
Captain Royal Flying Corps, 56th Squadron. formerly 7th (Robin Hood) Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) died of wounds received in action 7th May 1917 aged 20 V C, D S O and 2 Bars, M C. Legion d'Honneur (France); Order of St. George, 4th Class (Russia). Son of Sir Albert Ball, J.P. and Harriet of Stansted House, Wollaton Park, Nottingham.
Citation:
An extract from the "London Gazette" dated 8th June 1917, records the following:- "For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during which period Capt. Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Capt. Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Capt. Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill." He is at rest in Annoeullin Communal Cemetery and German Extension, Nord France

Poppy Cross at Garstang War Memorial
Staff Sergeant 7588742, Thomas Gerard MYERSCOUGH, 27th Armoured Brigade,
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. died 17th June 1944 aged 33. He was the son of James and Ada Winifred Myerscough, of Preston, Lancashire and husband of Ann Harrison Myerscough, of Longridge, Lancashire. He is at rest in Hermanville War Cemetery, Calvados, France

Poppy Cross at Garstang War Memorial
Flight Sergeant 1014109, George Ball HARDMAN, 27 Squadron, Royal Air Force (VR) died 14th September 1942 aged 25. He was the son of William and Elizabeth of Walkden, Greater Manchester. He is at rest in Fajara War Cemetery, Gambia


Poppy Cross, Garstang War Memorial
James Alfred WOODS, Private 14573624, 7th South Staffordshire Regiment died 8th August 1944 aged 19. He was the son of James and Margaret of Bowgreave, Garstang. He is at rest in Banneville-La-Campagyn War Cemetery, Calvados, France

Poppy Cross, Garstang War Memorial
Stoker 1st Class, P/KX92861 John Joseph GREENALL, H.M.S. Arbutus, Royal Navy died at sea 5th February 1942 aged 27. He was the son of William and Sarah of St Helens, Lancashire. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire

Poppy Cross, Garstang War Memorials
Les KAY, Scots Guards 1920-2007
Sydney JONES, Military Medal
Jack LEVER