The Bell Chapel Churchyard, opposite St. James Church, contains several family graves listing men who died in the 1st World War, plus two Commonwealth War Commission war graves. See also Thornton St James Old Bell Chapel Cemetery Graveyard War Graves West Yorkshire WW1 & WW2 2010 a YouTube presentation by Andrew Bolt. References are given to illustrations of grave from this presentation. Men commemorated are:
WW1
Arthur Ackroyd, born in 1887, son of Jonathan Thomas and Matilda Ackroyd, of The King’s Head Hotel, Westgate, Bradford, formerly of 8 Reservoir View, Thornton. In the 1911 Census he was employed as a Hotel Waiter when his father was publican of the Fairweather Green Inn. Lance Corporal, West Yorkshire Regiment, (Prince of Wales Own), #5481. Died 3rd September 1916, aged 29. Memorial reference: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 2 A 2 C and 2 D. YouTube presentation from 1 minute and 7 seconds. (Updated 22 August 2023)
Norman Drake, see Thornton War Memorial WW1 YouTube presentation at 1 minute and 15 seconds
Frank Hanlon, born 9 April 1890, only son of James and Annie Hanlon of 19, Brudenell Rd., Hyde Park, Leeds, and grandson of the late Joseph and Jennet Shackleton of 15 Well Heads, Thornton. At some point between 1911 and 1914, Frank joined the Yorkshire and East Midlands Division of the Labour Department (which at the time formed part of the Board of Trade). Private, West Yorkshire Regiment, (Prince of Wales’ Own), #15/425, (Leeds Pals) Died 31st March 1918, in his 28th year. Grave reference: XX.E.14, Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, Pas de Calais, France Photo of a family grave in the Bell Chapel Churchyard where he is remembered, from 1:24. He is also remembered at the Board of Trade War Memorial, London. Much fuller details of his life are given here from the Board of Trade Memorial website. He is also remembered on the Ministry of Labour War Memorial located in Tothill Street, London. YouTube presentation at 1 minute and 23 seconds. (Updated 21 February 2021)
Fred Hardy, son of William and Elizabeth Hardy, of Manningham, Bradford; husband of Grace Hardy, of 20, Skipton Rd., Silsden, Keighley. In the 1911 Census he was a Confectioners Traveller. Private, 15 Btn Lancashire Fusiliers, #32599, formerly of the Royal Field Artillery #174215. Died 28 April, 1917, aged 37. Grave reference: I.D.13, Cayeux Military Cemetery, Somme, France. YouTube presentation at 1 minute and 32 seconds. (Updated 15 October 2023)
Fred Ingham, see Thornton War Memorial WW1 Fred Ingham (2) YouTube presentation at 1 minute and 42 seconds.
John F. Robertshaw see Thornton War Memorial WW1, Commonwealth War Grave YouTube presentation at 1 minute and 49 seconds.
Edgar Robinson, see Thornton War Memorial WW1 Commonwealth War Grave YouTube presentation at 1 minute and 58 seconds.
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