http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/513664/WALTHEW,%20ERNEST%20JOHN

Ernest’s name is on the Memorial.

Ernest John Walthew: 46th Divisional Signals Company, The Royal Engineers provided communications for 46th (North Midland) Division. The North Midland Division was a formation of the Territorial Force and was mobilised for war service on the 5th of August 1914. The Division concentrated in the Luton area by mid August. They proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne in late February being first complete Territorial Division to arrive in a theatre of war when they joined the BEF in the Ypres salient. On the 12th of May the Division was retitled 46th (North Midland) Division. They were in action during The German liquid fire attack at Hooge and The attack at the Hohenzollern Redoubt in October. On the 23rd of December the were ordered to proceed to Egypt via Marseilles leaving the DAC, Divisional Train and the Mobile Veterinary Section behind. All units had arrived by the 13th of January 1916 but they spent just a few days in Egypt, being ordered to return to France where the units left behind rejoined. On the 1st of July 1916 they took part in The diversionary attack at Gommecourt. In 1917 they were in action during the Operations on the Ancre, Occupation of the Gommecourt defences, The attack on Rettemoy Graben, The German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, The attack on Lievin and The Battle of Hill 70. In 1918 they saw action in The Battle of the St Quentin canal, including the passage of the canal at Bellenglise, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line, The Battle of Cambrai, The Battle of the Selle and The Battle of Sambre. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/royalengineers46divsigcoy-gw.php#sthash.QJ8xkRIT.dpuf

Born: 1876 Heaton Norris Stockport. Vol 8a Page 32 A/M/J Qtr.
1881 Census: Living at Didsbury Road, Heaton Norris aged 5yrs.
1901 married Maud Clegg daughter of Sir William Clegg
1901 Census: Living at Heath House, Stockport Road, Cheadle with wife & 2 Servants aged 25yrs.
Occupation: Cotton Spinner & Doubler employer of people.
1911 Census: Living at Green Moor, Fairfield aged 35yrs now retired.
1914: Volunteered for the Royal Engineers Territorial Forces.
1918: Died whilst making a reconnaissance.
1919: Probate left £  27.486.5s.9d to widow Maud.

 Report of death in Buxton Advertiser.

It is with deep regret we announce the sad news that Lieut-Colonel E J Walthew, Royal Engineers, who was attached to the Sherwood Foresters, has fallen at the front. It was in May 1915, that Lieutenant Walthew who it will be remembered married Miss Maud Clegg, daughter of Sir William Clegg, of Sheffield, left that city with the local engineers. In the succeeding month  he was preferred to the rank of temporary Captain, and in 1917 was raised to the rank of Major. Then in January of this year (1918) he, for bravery on the battlefield, was awarded the Military Cross  and later promoted to a lieutenant Colonel. It is only lately that Colonel Walthew received an appointment to Divisional Headquarters and it was while discharging his duties there that he met with an instantaneous death. With his widow and two daughters great sympathy is expressed in the very sad bereavement they have been called upon to bear. The deceased officer was well known in Buxton, where he resided for some years, and made lots of friends. He was a man of most affable disposition, cheery and optimistic, and took a great interest in local affairs. In April 1910, he was elected a member of the then Buxton Urban District Council, and continued in that capacity until 1914. Colonel Walthew was then member for east ward. Deceased performed most useful work on the Finance, gas and Water, Sanitary (of which he was chairman in 1912-13).  Baths and Pump Room, Advertising and Free Library Committee. He likewise held high office in the Buxton Lodge of Freemasons (1688), a prominent member of the Conservative party, he was a real worker in the cause. It can with safety be said that his untiring efforts were due much of the extensive progress made in this division. Amongst the numerous other public offices so ably filled by the late Colonel was that of the membership of the committee of management of the Devonshire Hospital, and he was also connected with the Union Club. A sportstman Colonel Walthew held an enviable reputation. he was a keen follower of the High Peak Hunt, and also discharged the duties of secretary to the Hunt Steeplechases, his horse ‘Wiseman’ will be remembered by sportstmen as the winner of the Point-to-point Steeplechase in 1912 and in 1913 the success was reported.  The owner of the winner of this event held the Hunt Challenge Cup for one year succeeding each success. He also presented the Walthew Sheild for competition between the Buxton and Fairfield Constitutional Clubs. Afterwards the deceased left Buxton and went to reside at Churchdale Hall, Ashford. Mrs Walthew became the first commandant of the Bakewell Red Cross Hospital and envinced the greatest interest in the good work. This she continued until removal to Devonshire where she and her daughters now reside. To say that Colonel Walthew will be greatly missed is to largely understate the facts, he leaves a vacant place in our social life which with only the greatest difficulty will be filled.   

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/774983/WOOD,%20PERCY

Royal Army Medical Corps regimental Badge

Arras Memorial 2014 (Bay 10).

War Memorial at Burbage, Buxton.

Percy is remembered on the Burbage, St Peters and The ‘Slopes’ Memorials.

 Born: 1893 Riddings registered Belper Derbyshire Vol 7b Page 621 O/N/D. to parents Joseph & Esther Wood.
1901 Census: Living @ South Street Riddings aged 7yrs with younger sister Ethel.
1911 Census: Living @ 28 Wirksmoor Road, New Mills Derbyshire Aged 17yrs. Lodger. (1911 Parents living at Fox’s Yard Fairfield).
Percy’s occupation is as an Assistant Porter for the Midlands Railway.

1917: Marriage to Ellen (Nellie) Brindley from Burbage.

Obituary from The Buxton Advertiser 13th April 1918. (researched 2014)

Private Percy Wood
The deepest regret was felt last week-end over a wide neighbourhood when it became known that Pte. Percy Wood had been killed in action. He was the only son of Mr & Mrs Wood, Old Hall Cottage, Fairfield, and in October last married Nellie, the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Brindley, Lime Terrace, Burbage. Our fallen friend joined up soon after the outbreak and had 3 ½ years in France with the Field Ambulance. The following extracts from letters support the testimony received from many quarters paying tribute to the high character of the deceased. Lieut. R A Preston writes: “Dear Mrs Wood, – I am sorry to tell you that your husband, Pte Percy Wood. R.A.M.C., was killed in action on March 24th. I take it you have already heard officially from the War Office, but I wished to express to you my deepest sympathy and all that of his comrades in the Ambulance. He was killed instantaneously by a shell whilst carrying wounded through a heavy barrage. You will, at least have the satisfaction of knowing that he died as a brave man should.” A friend of the fallen soldier, Pte Jumelville, in the course of a letter of sympathy to Mrs Wood say’s:- Percy and I were the greatest of friends until the hour of his death. He was greatly liked by all in the Ambulance, and his death is a big blow to all of us, as he was ever ready to render his services to help his fellow comrades. Please accept the sympathy of all of the 58th Field Ambulance and convey the same to his sorrowing parents. Percy died a hero’s death, taking his part for the course of his country, for the triumph of right over might. Deceased was formerly employed on the railway. We beg to tender the young widow and parents, on behalf of a large number of friends and acquaintances, heartfelt sympathy in their great loss.

Percy is also remembered on the RAMC in The Great War website.

http://www.ramc-ww1.com/profile.php?cPath=274_443_48&profile_id=9866&osCsid=29

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/38486/WILLIAMS,%20O

Owen Williams: Battalion Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), Sherwood The 12th was raised at Derby on the 1st of October 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Third New Army and joined 24th Division as army troops. They trained at Shoreham though the division suffered from a lack of equipment and a lack of trained officers and NCOs to command the volunteers. In April 1915 the 12th Sherwoods converted to be a Pioneer Battalion for same Division. In late June 1915 they moved to Aldershot for final training and they proceeded to France on the 29th of August. The Division concentrated in the area between Etaples and St Pol on the 4th September and a few days later marched across France into the reserve for the British assault at Loos, going into action on the 26th of September and suffering heavy losses. In 1916 they suffered in the German gas attack at Wulverghem and then moved to The Somme seeing action in The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Guillemont. In 1917 they were in action at The Battle of Vimy Ridge in the Spring, The Battle of Messines in June and Third Battle of Ypres in October before moving south where they were in action during The Cambrai Operations when the Germans counter attacked. In 1918 they were in action on the Somme and The Battle of Cambrai and the Final Advance in Picardy. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters12.php#sthash.xpqViG01.dpuf

Born: Owen was born at Glynucha, Langelynin, Caernarvonshire, Wales in the J/A/S 1885 Vol 11b Page 513. He was the son of William and Grace Elizabeth Williams.

1891 Census: Owen had an older brother, William John, a younger brother Robert Llewylyn and a younger sister Anne Mary.
1908:  Owen married Lois Norton at St James, Buxton on Christmas Eve. In 1909 the couple had a little girl Edith.
1911Census: Living Mainfields Bakewell aged 26yrs working as a Gardener by now they had another daughter Grace born in February.

1913: The couple were now living in Buxton at 3 West View, Queens Road and now had a son Owen Jnr.
Memorial: 1. A. 27

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/507266/WINSTANLEY,%20WILLIAM

William Winstanley had enlisted into the 90th Field Company, Royal Engineers, the 90th  joined 9th (Scottish) Division in January 1915 at Bordon. They proceeded to France between the 9th and 12th of May 1915 and went into action in the The Battle of Loos. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/royalengineers90fldcoy-gw.php#sthash.pRVW6kix.dpuf

William was born in 1880 at Birkdale, Southport, Lancashire the son of James & Elizabeth Winstanley (James his father is incorrectly named as Joseph on the CWWG Certificate). The family were living at 65 Chester Road, Preston.
1891 Census: Living @ 33 Dover Lane, Preston Aged 13yrs working as an Office Boy . William moved to Buxton at the end of the 1890’s
1900 saw Williams marriage to Annie Palfryman on the 16th May 1900 @ Buxton. Annie was a native of Biggin.
1901 Census: Living @ 33 New High Street, Fairfield. The couple had now had their first child William Turner Winstanley.
1911 Census: Living @ 33 New High Street. Fairfield. James & Annie now have 2 daughters Margaret (1903) & Isobel (1908). Williams occupation is as an Electric Wireman. William had been employed by W R Sanders & Company.

1915: William enlisted on the 6th January, in Buxton, following his enlistment wife Annie and the children moved to 72 Cliff Road, Fairfield. Williams records show he was 36yrs 6mths old on enlistment, he was a Proficient Electrician. He was quickly transferred to Chatham and following training embarked for France on 12th May 1915 arriving the following day, 13th May 1915 in under 2 months William had died on the 5th July 1915 after contracting Typhoid. In total William had served 181 days.

His wife Annie had taken work at Fleetwood Cafe in Spring Gardens & using their headed note paper she wrote a dignified letter requesting her late husbands medals.

Etaples Memorial Grave: 11. A. 14

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/774236/WILKINSON,%20CHARLES%20LESLIE

Born: 22nd June 1897 the son of Charles Edward & Minnie Alice Wilkinson, Charles was baptised 19th July at St Peters Fairfield.
1901 Census: Aged 3yrs living at Underwood Manchester Road Buxton.
1911 Census: Aged 13yrs Student away at Haileybury College Hertfordshire.

Parents living at Ardean, Marlborough Rd Buxton.
1918 Probate: France Charles left £312 17s 7d to his Father Charles Edward Wilkinson.

Arras Memorial 2014 (Bay 7).

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/465132/WHIELDON,%20N

Notts & Derby Regimental Badge

High Peak Newspaper

Norman in training

Born: 2nd December 1891, St Peters, Fairfield, baptised 7th February 1892, the son of Jacob & Martha Ann the family were living at  Marlow Street, Fairfield, Buxton.  

1896: Norman started school at North Road on the 13th April, the families address was 1 Marlow Street, Fairfield.
1901 Census: Living @ 7 Woodland View aged 9yrs, Norman had an older sister Elsa, 2 younger sisters Maud, Gertrude & a younger brother Harry.
1911 Census: Living @ 7 Woodland View aged 19yrswa, Norman was working as an Upholsterer he now had 2 more siblings Mabel & Stanley.

Norman was employed by E C Stott & Co. Ltd.

1916: Norman married Jane Burdy Poulie J/A/S Qtr.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/820700/WHEELDON,%20S

Sherwood Foresters Regimental Badge

S Wheeldon: The 10th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) was raised at Derby in September 1914 as part of Kitchener’s Second New Army and joined 51st Brigade in 17th (Northern) Division. After initial training close to home, they moved to Wool then to West Lulworth in October and back to to Wool in December. In June 1915 they Moved to Winchester for final training. The division had been selected for Home Defence duties, but this was reversed and they proceeded to France, landed at Boulogne on the 14th of July 1915, the division concentrated near St Omer. They moved into the Southern Ypres salient for trench familiarisation and then took over the the front lines in that area. In the spring of 1916 they were in action at the Bluff, south east of Ypres on the Comines canal then moved south to The Somme seeing action during The Battle of Albert in which the Division captured Fricourt and The Battle of Delville Wood. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/sherwoodforesters10.php#sthash.2R954jp4.dpuf

Born: 1895 Buxton registered Chapel-en-le-Frith 7b 845 J/A/S, the son of George & Sarah Ann Wheeldon. Sam was baptised on 5th February 1896. (I have been unable to find Sam at North Road School however Gertrude attended the school).
1901 Census: Sam aged 5yrs living at 1 Alma Terrace with parents and younger brother John & younger sisters Gertrude & Pricilla.
1911 Census: Sam now has three more siblings Mabel, Leslie and May, the family are now living at 17 Onward Cottages, Fairfield. Sam was working as a “Caddie” at Fairfield Golf Club, this was an occupation for many of the young boy’s in Fairfield at the end of the 1800’s & beginning of the 1900’s.
Thiepval Memorial (Pier & Face 10c).

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/298069/WARDLE,%20MARK%20CLIFFORD

Royal Scots Regimental Badge

Mark Clifford Wardle: Highlanders) Battalion, The Royal Scots 1/9th (was a Territorial unit with HQ at 89 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh serving with the Lothian Brigade, Scottish Coast Defences. They proceeded to France on the 26th of February 1915 landing at Le Havre and joining 81st Brigade, 27th Division. They saw action at St Eloi and in The Second Battle of Ypres. On the 24th of November 1915 they transferred to 14th Brigade, 5th Division and on the 25th of January 1916 transferred to Third Army Troops. On the 1st of March 1916 they joined 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. they were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood and The Battle of the Ancre, capturing Beaumont Hamel, taking more than 2000 prisoners. In 1917 They took part in the Arras Offensive, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Menin Road Ridge and the Cambrai Operations. In February 1918 the British Army was reorganised and on the 6th the 1/9th Royal Scots transferred to 183rd Brigade, 61st (South Midland) Division. they were in action in The Battle of St Quentin and The Actions at the Somme Crossings they then returned to Flanders and were in action in The Battle of Estaires, The Battle of Hazebrouck and The Battle of Bethune. On the 1st of June 1918 they transferred to 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. They were in action in Battle of the Soissonnais and the Ourcq taking part in the attack on Buzancy, and The Final Advance in Artois. – See more at: http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/royalscots9-gw.php#sthash.kRRJK62m.dpuf

Born: 1895 Fairfield registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 839  Mark was born on the 28th May 1895, the only son of John Thomas and Emma Wardle, at 3 Cross Street, Buxton. Mark was baptised 14th July 1895 at St Peters Fairfield. His parents had married in O/N/D Qtr 1894, Mark had four half-brothers and sisters from his mother’s first marriage to Arthur Richards, Isaac, Ellen, May and Arthur. Clifford started North Road School on 7th November 1899.

1901 Census: Living at 3 Cross Street aged 6yrs.
1911 Census: Living @ 51 Windsor Road.
Occupation: Servant.
1916: Attested on 31st August after enlistment on 21st August 1916, he was living at 51 Windsor Road. Marks occupation was a Grocery Assistant. Before serving in France Mark had served in Ireland whilst there he was hospitalized with a Boil on his back. Mark also had 2 separate spells in hospital in Scotland, following his discharge in April 1918 he then went to France with his regiment, he was killed only 4 months later.

Memorial: 11. D. 6
Badge added to Find a Grave Memorial 15/3/13 by wrig.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/524007/VOLANS,%20W

Born: 23rd March 1892 Fairfield registered Chapel-en-le-Frith Vol 7b Page 824 A/M/J. The son of Samuel & Annie Volans. William was baptised on 20th April 1892 St Peters Fairfield. William started North Road School on 17th May 1897, the family were living at 11 Hogshaw Villas.

1901 When sister Gertrude started school in April 1901 the address for the family was given as Ivy Dene? Lightwood. I am unable to locate the Census. However there was Dad Samuel, Mum Annie,  older sister Maggie, younger sister Gertrude & younger brother Noel (all the children attended North Road School).
1911 Census: Boarder 69 Hardshaw Street, St Helens Aged 19yrs, working as a Shop Assistant in the Butter Trade, Mum Annie is now a Widow living 18 Windsor Park Road, Fairfield. There was another sibling Alice.

Service: Gunner
1916: Mum living @ 13 Queens Road, Fairfield.
Memorial: 1. E. 19

Off to War:

Sergt. N. Volans, & Pte. W. Volans two of the son’s of Mrs Volans of Queens road, Fairfield, and well known in Buxton. Noel the Sergeant, is the younger one and was prior to the war, employed at Messers. Hulley’s and Wright’s. In August 1914, he went with the Ambulance Brigade, and was attached to the R.A.M.C. at Aldershot; he was one of the few who stuck to soldiering when he started and is now Sergeant Instructor and stationed at —–. William Volans joined the Royal Garrison Artillery in November last. He was in the Manchester City Police force for 4 ½ years. During that time he was missed by a good many friends in Buxton. He has been stationed at ——, and is now training with the 115th Siege battery at —–. These two brothers are a fine example to shirkers and “Conscientious” objectors, and we wish them both the best of luck and a safe return to Buxton when duty is done.

Obituary from Buxton Advertiser 18th November 1916. (Researched 2014)

Gunner W. Volans:
It is with sincere regret we chronicle the death of Gunner William Volans, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, which took place on the 7th inst. He was asleep in his dug-out when a shell pierced it, and he was killed instantaneously. He was buried a year to the day of enlistment. Gunner Volans was in the Manchester City Police for 4 ½ years. He was the son of Mrs Volans of Queens Road, Fairfield and always wrote home the cheerful letters. He went to the front with a brave heart and in the best of spirits. Deceased will be missed by a wide circle of friends, both in Buxton & Manchester, with whom he was always very popular. A very sympathetic letter has been received by Mrs Volans from Major Robertson, who states that Gunner Volans was buried in a cemetery by his comrades. Major A. L. Burch Canadian Chaplain wrote Mrs Volans as follows:- “Dear Madam,- Before this letter reaches you, you will, in all probability, have been notified by the War department of the death of your son, Gunner W Volans, No. 66950. It is little comfort one can offer to a mother at a time like this. Death is expected and in ever increasing proportions, and yet when it strikes an individual its reality is as deep as human emotion. I a parent deeply sympathise with you. My purpose of writing is to apprise you of the fact that your son was buried in one of the regularly appointed military cemeteries in this area, and that I, a Clergyman, committed his body to the resting place of a real soldier. Unfortunately I am not permitted at present to name the cemetery, but you can obtain the information from the ‘Director of Graves Registration Commission, War Office, St James’ Square, London.’ A cross erected by your son’s companions, will mark the grave.” Second Lieut Baynes has likewise communicated with Mrs Volans, stating that her son was killed instantaneously in the night while sleeping in his dug-out. It would be some consolation to know that he could not have suffered any pain. The writer adds “He was in my sub-section, and layer of my gun, a responsible post, which he always carried out as well as could be desired. He was very popular in the Battery & made many friends. We shall miss him very much…..I know that the whole Battery will wish me to send you on their behalf a message of sincere sympathy in your loss.” With the bereaved parent and relatives the sincerest sympathy will be felt.

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/351146/STREET,%20S%20W

Samuel’s grave at St Peters Church, Fairfield.

Brother of Percy Street 17th November 1916.
Born: 1896 Burbage Buxton to Richard & Louisa Street, Samuel was baptised at Burbage church on 22nd March 1896.

1901 Census: Richard, Louisa, Samuel & elder brother Percy are lodging with the Wain family at 4 Hobsons Court.
1911 Census: Living @ 51 Fairfield Road aged 15yrs.
Occupation: Errand Boy for Newsagent.

Percy & Samuel’s father died in December 1916, between November 1916 & May 1917 Louisa had lost 2 sons and her husband. The Buxton Advertiser on 27th January 1917 saying that ‘Percy & Samuel had been at the front along time, and that Percy had been reported missing’ Percy had died 2 months prior to the article. Samuels papers no longer exist but his Medal Card show he went to France on 29th September 1915 at the height of the Battle of Loos.