According to the Imperial War Museum this memorial of men who fought in WW1 is lost. It was hand worked on paper enclosed by an oak frame, framed and glazed, names inside three arches, supported by four columns. Research will be done on all names.
***Now that I have access to the 1921 Census, my plans, once I’ve finished the Thornton Library’s Remembrance exhibition, is to check all names in that census, hopefully by 23 October 2023.
Those on the memorial, all fought in WW1, and were:
WW1
Harold Ackroyd, born 11 March 1889. In the 1901 Census he is shown as eldest son of John Robert and Sarah Ackroyd of 79 John Street. He was aged 12 and was employed as a Worsted Spinner. In the 1911 Census the family had moved to 45 Blanche Street, Laisterdyke, and Harold was 22 and employed as a Joiner. He joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force as a Private #52917 sometime in 1915, but was discharged from service on 27 February 1917, after 2 years and 50 days service, due to deafness in his right ear, and abnormal hearing in his left. He married Elsie Annie Hurrell at Wanganui in 1919. He died in Wanganui, New Zealand on 22 June 1980, aged 91, a retired cabinet maker. (Updated 23 February, 2021)
Willie Ackroyd, born c 1876, son of Joseph and Martha Ackroyd of 3 High Street. In the 1911 Census he was living with his mother and brother at 11 Chapel Terrace, and was employed as a Warehouseman in the Worsted trade, aged 34. Also remembered on Kipping Roll of Honour and War Memorial (Updated 23 February 2021) Further research needed.
Willie Austin, born about 1880. Son of Benjamin and Mary Jane Austin, In the 1891 Census the family were living at 21 Back Bricks, Thornton. In the 1911 Census the family had moved to 24 Jesse Street and Willie was aged 21 and employed as a Machine Man. (Updated 23 February, 2021) Further research needed.
Hartley Bancroft, born 16 August 1875, the son of John and Harriet Bancroft of 6 George Street (1881 Census). By the 1911 Census the family had moved to 5 Lowertown, Oxenhope, Keighley where Hartley’s father was a Fruiterer, and his wife Harriet was 59, and Hartley aged 35, were employed as Assisting in the business. Hartley died at 5 Lowertown, Oxenhope on 7 November 1951, and is buried in Oxenhope Cemetery. Updated 23 February 2021) More research needed as to enlistment details.
Clarence Barker, see Thornton War Memorial WW1
Thomas Vivian Barker, born 16 January, 1882, son of Walter and Harriet Barker, formerly of Thornton. In the 1901 Census the family lived at 71 Heidelberg Road. Thomas was aged 19 and was employed as a Grocery Assistant. Gunner, Royal Fusiliers, #165024. Discharged because of a disability on 9 April 1918. In the 1939 Register Thomas was living with his wife Clara, and daughter Constance M, at 17 Briarwood Avenue, Wibsey, and he was a Wool and Art Silk Textile Merchant. (Updated 23 February 2021) Further work needed
Wilfred Henry Barker, born April 21, 1888, elder son of John and Hannah Barker. In 1891 they lived at 23 Back Heights, in 1901 they lived at 16 East View (the East View in Thornton Heights), and Wilfred was a Worsted spinning Doffer, aged 12. In 1911, they lived at 4 King Edward Terrace, and he was a Weaving Overlooker. He married Annie Feather on 6 November 1917, and moved to 34 Albert Street. Wilfred enlisted into squadron 22 of the Royal Flying Corps on May 9, 1916 just before his 28th birthday. By 1 July 1918 he had been promoted to Sergeant Mechanic. He served in France from June 5 1916. He was transferred to Reserve on 12 March 1919. His rejoining station was Catterick, and his discharge date 30 April 1930.
In the 1921 census he was living with Annie and their 1 year old daughter, Eva, at 9 Firth Street, Thornton and was employed as a Power-loom Overlooker at Downs Coulter, Thornton. in the 1939 Register Wilfred Henry, Annie his wife (born May 31 1888), and Eva their daughter, born Feb 23 1920 were all living at High View, Wigan Lane Chorley, where Downs Coulter had a Textile Mill. He is shown as Assistant Manager of a Cotton Mill, and as Head Air-Raid Warden. Annie as “Unpaid Domestic Duties, and and Eva as a Shorthand Typist. He died on 2 June 1955, at the Chorley address, probate being awarded to his wife Annie. Annie died at the same address, (high View) on 14 April 1972. (Updated 1 April 2023)
Fred Butterfield, born in 1898. In the 1901 Census ge was livinng with his grandparents, Edwin and Sarah Butterfield of 16 Wensley Bank. In the 1911 Census he was living with his grandfather, who was a widower, and two uncles, Walter and Herbert. He was a part-time scholar and a part-time Firelighter maker. The Bradford Roll of Honour shows he enlisted in the Royal Navy in April 1918 and he was serving in the Royal Navy on H.M.S. Dolphin, which was a Submarine depot ship. He survived the war. In 1921 he was living with his uncle in Albert Street, and was a mechanical engineer. He is not mentioned in the 1939 register. (Updated 1 July 2023)
Herbert Butterfield, see Thornton War Memorial WW1
Norman Drake, see Thornton War Memorial WW1
Sampson Edmondson, born 24 March 1888. In the 1911 Census he was aged 23, living with his parents, Jonas and Elizabeth Edmondson at 20 Granville Place, Allerton. Private, West Riding Regiment, #307040. It was reported in the Bradford Weekly Telegraph of 25 May 1917 that “Pte Sam, West Riding Regiment, Market Street, Thornton, has been wounded and is at present in a Birmingham Hospital. He enlisted in 1916 and for five months has been in France. He was formerly employed by Messrs Knowles, Cook & Co., stuff merchants.” Discharged because of Disability 13 September 1917. In the 1939 Register he lived with his wife Minnie at 3 Wensley Bank (West). He died in April 1970. (Updated 22 August 2023)
Clement Feather, born 7 December 1900, 3rd. son of William Hartley and Annie E. Feather of 4 Hugill Street, Thornton. His father was an Ice Cream maker and a Sweet and Tobacco trader. In the first World War he was either in the RAF (an existing record shows him to have been), and/or a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery or Royal Engineers. Clement survived the war, married Clara Robinson in 1924, was a motor lorry driver in 1939, living at 21 Druids Street, Clayton. (Updated 28 February, 2021)
Daniel Feather, born in 1899 in Blackpool, Lancashire, 2nd son of William Hartley and Annie E. Feather of 4 Hugill Street. In the 1911 Census he was at school and a part-time Bobbin Pegger at a Worsted Mill. Private, 2nd. East Lancashire Regiment #31135. (He may have died in October 1936, but further research is needed – Updated 28 February 2021)
Lewis Feather, born 1 February 1897, son of Newton and Mary Hannah Feather of 23 Sapgate Lane. On 18th April 1908 the family travelled on the S.S. Lucania from Liverpool, arriving in New York on 26 April 1908. In the 1911 Census he was aged 14 and a Firelighter Maker, (note. It is odd that he appeared in the UK 1911 Census as did his father, mother and siblings when there is no record of them ever returning to England.. The is a record of a Louis Feather, whose father was Newton crossing the border from Canada to Buffalo, New York state in 1918,. stating that he was a discharged soldier. In the U.S. Census of 1920 Newton and Mary H. Feather and their daughter Elenda and Son Lewis, together with a boarder, Ada Pullinger formerly from England, together lived at 333 Hazzard Street, Jamestown, New York state. On 27 May 1920 Lewis married Ada Pullinger by the Methodist Minister at Jamestown, NY. The 1925 U.S Census, 1930 U.S. Census and 1940 Census state that Lewis and his wife Ada, and their three sons were living at 333 Hazzard Street. His father and his sister Elinda were living at 327 Hazzard Street in 1930, and just Elinda in 1940. A WWII Draft Registration card showed Lewis and Ada both at the same address, and working at Jamestown Worsted Mills, Inc. Lewis died 29 September 1963 (Updated 2 March 2021)
Maurice Hanson, likely to be (John) Morris Hanson, born January 1899, son of Levi and Ida Hanson of 12 Albion Place. In the 1911 Census Levi and his 2nd wife Judith Ann, his mother in law Mary Ann Leach, and his five daughters and John Morris were living at 16 George Street. John Morris was aged 12 and at school. (More research needed)
Jonas Hey, born 7 December 1897, in Haworth, the son of Newton and Mary Hey of 23 Charles Street, Queensbury. Served in the Royal Navy from 16 November 1916 to 13 August 1919, #J61986. Prior to enlisting he had been employed as Wool Sorter. In the 1939 Register he was a wool sorter, living with his wife Amelia at 13 Whetley Terrace. He died 9 October 1979 while at 91 Springroyd Terrace, Girlington. (Updated 2 March 2021)
Joseph Illingworth, born 7 July 1875, the son of John and Priscilla Illingworth. In the 1911 Census he lived with his wife Susannah, (both aged 35) and a niece Minnie Clayton, at 2 John Street, Thornton, and was a Plush Weaver. Private, Labour Corps #354909. He was discharged from the Labour Corps on 11 March 1918. In the 1939 Register he lived with his wife at 287 Manchester Road, and was employed as a Khaki Weaver. Died 25 May 1953. (Updated 2 March 2021)
Willie Ingham, son of Edmund and Sarah Ann Ingham. In the 1901 Census he was aged 1, and the family were living at 23 Sapgate Lane, Thornton. (further research needed) Updated 2 September)
Clarence Jennings, born 16 April 1893. In the 1911 Census he was the son of William and Mary Jennings of 26-28 Hill Top Road, Thornton. He was aged 17 and employed as a Manufacturer’s Clerk (Stuff machinery). Served as Private, Royal Scot Fusiliers, #301442.The Bradford Weekly Telegraph of 19 October 1917 reported that he was of 11 Moss Street, Thornton and had previously been employed by Messrs. Aykroyd and Grandage. He had been injured in both feet. Discharged with a Disability pension on 22 January 1919. In the 1939 Register he was employed as a Decorator. ( Updated 2 August 2022)
Norman Kershaw, son of Frank and Violetta, lived at 433 Thornton Road, (that house formerly known as in Walton Place). He enlisted on 22 February 1916 and served as a Private in the Lancashire Fusiliers, #63239. Survived the War. Up to 1922 he was living with his parents as above. There is no record of them in the 1921 Census, but it is known that his father lived until the 1930s and his mother until 1969, and Norman was alive in 1922. (Updated 1 July 2023)
Sydney Kitchen, born in 1887 in Leeds, elder son of William and Martha Kitchen, living with parents and siblings, at 34 Ingleby Street in the 1901 census, when he was employed as a cotton spinner.. Registered to vote in 1919 at 25 Back High Street. Full name was Sydney Ashworth Grayson Kitchen. (Updated 6 November 2023)
Ernest Law, More research needed when libraries and archive offices re-open. (Updated 10 March 2021)
Eddie Leach, see Thornton War Memorial WW1
Maurice Leach, see Thornton War Memorial WW1
Percy Leach, son of Joshua and Eliza Leach of 31 Back Lane, and brother to Eddy and Morris Leach who were both killed in WW1 and are remembered on Thornton War Memorial. Born 15 November 1894. In the 1911 Census he was aged 16 and employed as a Weaver (Worsted trade). According to the Bradford Daily Telegraph of 15 November 1914 Percy was a Private in the Bradford Pals Battalion of the Prince of Wales, West Riding Regiment. He survived the war, and the 1921 Census shows him living with his widowed mother, with his wife, Ada, at 31 Back Lane, Thornton. He was employed as a Grocery Salesman at Wilsden Cooperative Society. The 1939 Register shows that he was living with his wife Ada and son Jack at 103 Main Street, Bingley, and was General Manager of Co-op Stores. He died 29 October 1979, in Wilsden. (Updated 1 July 2023)
William James Metcalf, born in July 1885, son of Hardisty and Sarah Metcalf. In the 1901 Census the family lived at 12 Ball Street. He was aged 15 and employed as a School Monitor. In the 1911 Census he was living with his parents at 52 New Road Side, Thornton and was employed as an Elementary School Teacher. In the 1915 electoral roll he lived at 9 Royd Street. In the 1921 he was employed as an Assistant Schoolmaster by Bradford Education Authority at Bradford Council School. He married to Martha Jane Richards in 1913 and by 1921 they had 2 children. (Updated 17 November 2022)
Albert William Simpson Mitchell, born on 12 March 1896, son of Fred and Elizabeth Mitchell of 65 Market Street, Thornton. Fred Mitchell was a Printer and Bookseller. In the 1911 Census Albert was shown as assisting in his father’s business. In the 1939 Register he was living with his wife and two children at 5 May Avenue and was employed as a Letterpress Printer and Compositor. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Tyneside Division #Z/9580. Served 1915-16. He married Eliza A. Walker in 1922. Albert survived the war and died in April 1964. (Updated 22 February 2021)
John W Normington, son of Edwin and Mary Normington of 8 Ball Street, Thornton. He was born om 1 November 1878. In the 1901 Census he was aged 22 and employed as a postman. In the 1939 Register he was living at 1 Foster Avenue and was a retired postman. He died in 1940, aged 61. (Updated 22 August 2022) More research needed
Harold Northrop, see Thornton War Memorial WW1
James Northrop, born about 1899, the son of Daniel and Martha Northrop of 11 West Lane, Thornton. In the 1911 Census he was aged 12 and was a part-time Scholar and part-time Worsted Spinner. (More research needed. Updated 2 March, 2021)
Herbert Pickles, possibly on of Sam and Sarah Pickles of Chat Hill Farm, born c. 1894. He gave his religion as a Wesleyan Methodist. Enlisted 27 September 1914, Private 16th West Riding Regiment, #519 Served in Egypt and France. Transferred to 89th Training Reserve, #76497. Formerly a Dyer’s Labourer. Discharged at Halifax in May 1917 with Shell Shock. His mother lived at 128 Whitby Road. In July 1937 he wrote to the War Office requesting a copy of his Discharge Certificate as he had lost the original. He wrote from an address in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. More research needed when libraries and archive offices re-open. (Updated 10 March 2021)
Ernest (Arthur) Poole, born April 1897, youngest son of Richard and Sarah Poole of 7 Lady Field. In the 1911 Census he was aged 13, a part-time scholar and part-time Fire Guard maker. He attested on 1 November 1916, Private, 1st Btn, West Yorkshire Regiment, #235173, originally #7960. He was discharged in 1919. Hi army records include a postcard stating that he was living in the Taranaki region of New Zealand in 1922. He died on 21 November 1968, leaving his widow, Alice, and is buried at Pihama Cemetery, Taranaki region, North Island, New Zealand. (updated 6 March 2021)
Harold Poole, born 26 August 1893, 2nd (of 3) son of Richard and Sarah Poole of 7 Lady Field, Thornton. In the 1911 Census, Harold was aged 17, single, and employed as a Plush Weaver in a Silk Mill. He served in the Royal Air Force from 1916, at which time he was a Weaving Overlooker, #RAF/RFC 45540. He married Ada, née Hill, on 10 August 1918. He died in Wrose, Shipley on 4 June 1973. (updated 6 March 2021)
Willie Poole, born 7 August 1891, eldest son of Richard and Sarah Poole of 7 Lady Field, Thornton. In the 1911 Census, Harold was aged 19, single, and employed as a Plush Weaver in a Silk Mill. Private, 4th West Riding Regiment, #202757, originally #5778. He served in France. He was admitted to hospital 5 times, including for Trench Foot, and Fever, and Catarrhal Jaundice He was furloughed, and then discharged in March 1919. He married Hilda Hanson in March 1921. He died 4 August 1939, aged 47. (Updated 6 March 2021.)
Maurice Preston, born about 1900, elder son of Watson and Alice Ann Preston of 4 John Street, Thornton. In the 1911 Census he was aged 11 and at school. (More research needed, possibly born 1900, died 1921, in Army Service Corps. Updated 6 March 2021)
Edward G, Rhodes, born 13 June 1897. The 1939 Register shows him living at Thornton Hall Farm, with his wife Maggie, and is employed as a Dairy Farmer. (Updated 10 March 2021)
George Rhodes, Probably Private, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry #49745. Born 1887. Discharged from the Army with a Disability Pension on 1 March 1919. His residence was at Thornton. . (Updated 10 March 2021)
Arnold Richardson,
Arthur L(ewis) Robinson, on of Newman and Clara Robinson (see the entry for Gladwin Robinson, below). Born 7 October 1894. Enlisted in the Royal Navy from 9th March 1916. Occupation stated as “Clerk”. After training at HMS Vivid 1 (Shore establishment) he served on HMS Lansdowne, and HMS Nesmar. On 19 April 1919 he was transferred to the shore establishment HMS Colleen, prior to demobilisation on 16 July 1919. He married Laura Charley at Devenport in 1917. In the 1939 Register he was living at 38 Evelegh Road, Farlington, Portsmouth, and was Managing Director of A.L. Robinson Ltd., Woollen and Textile manufacturers. That company was acquired later by Harrison’s of Edinburgh. He died in 1983 in Hampshire.
Ernest Robinson, born about 1887. The son of Althia (?) and Hannah Robinson, of Moor Royd Gate Farm, married Annie Robinson on 21 December 1898, at which time Ernest was a Carter, living in Chapel Terrace, Allerton. (Updated 10 March 2021)
Gladwin Robinson, son of Newman and Clara Robinson of 21 Back High Street. In the 1911 Census his parents had the following children: Arthur Lewis (aged 16, employed as a Grocery assistant at Thornton Co-op), William (aged 14, employed as a Cotton Weaver), Gladwin (aged 12, part time school, part-time worsted spinner), Edward (aged 10), Reginald (aged 7), Kathleen (aged 6), Agnes (aged 1), and Mary (aged 3 months), and it was noted that Donald Robinson had died. In the 1901 Census there had also been Willie (then aged 4). Gladwin was a Private, Durham Light Infantry, #79229. At the time of his marriage on June 3rd 1922 to Hester Dilworth, he was living at 15 Back Field, and employed as a Textile Worker. He died in 1964 aged 64. (Updated 7 March 2021)
Morris Robinson, the 1939 Register shows Morris, described as a Butcher Shopkeeper, living at 8 Henry Street with his wife Mildred Florence Robinson. He was born on 7 July 1897. (Updated 10 March 2021)
William A. Robinson,
Willie Robinson,
Ernest Southwart, born in Allerton, 27 April 1900, the son of John Alfred and Asenath Southwart, originally of Allerton. In the 1911 Census they lived at 14 George Street, Thornton, and Ernest was 11. In the 1939 Register he had married Gertrude, and lived at 126 Norman Avenue and employed a a Wool Merchant. He died in 1963. No military details can be found. (Updated 7 March, 2021)
Fred Thornton,
Walter Thornton, Claremont, West yorkshire Regiment. Enlisted before 17 September 1915. (Updated 26 April 2023)
Arthur Watmuff, born about 13 August 1896, son of Newton and Harriet Watmuff. In the 1901 Census he was aged 4 and living at 12 Henry Street. In the 1911 Census the family had moved to 22 Henry Street and he was employed as a Spinner in a Worsted Mill. He enlisted at the age of 19, on 28 November 1915, at which time the family address was the Rock and Heifer Inn and he was employed as a Brewer. Private, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment #18466. He was at home from 28 November 1915 to 16 September 1916, in France 7 September 1916 to 20 December 1916, and at home thereafter. He was discharged from the army on 20 February 1918 due to being no longer fit for war service, aged 21. During action in France he received gun-shot wounds to both legs and had one (or both) amputated. He received a disability pension from the army. His army records are not clear as they are incomplete due to the War Department fire in 1940. At the time of his discharge he was living at 6 School Court, Market Street. In the 1921 census he was living at the Ring of Bells, with his father, mother, and siblings, and described as “Injured ex-Serviceman.” He died in 1932 aged 35. . Also remembered on Kipping Roll of Honour and War Memorial (Updated 31 March 2023)
William Windsor, born in Pudsey in about 1897/8. In the 1911 Census he was aged 13, the only son of Isaac and Hannah Mary Windsor, living at 3 Chapel Terrace, Thornton. In 1921 he lived with his parents and sister at 12 Wensley Bank, and was employed at the Refuge Assurance Company on Sunbridge Road, Bradford, as a District Clerk. There were at least 299 men in the First World War called William Windsor. (Updated 17 November 2022)
All About Thornton 