Re: World War 1
 

It tells you in the news clipping why he is shown as Blackpool, I have dozens of Greater Accrington Soldiers whose parents or wife moved to Blackpool, Lythan, Southport, etc, it appeared to be their main aspiration to get away from Accrington. I've also quite a few who never returned home to this area after the war, most settled down south, some even emigrated & qualified for assisted passage. One was demobbed in India and spent the next 19 years there before coming home.

Re: World War 1
 

Just as a matter of interest, it would seem that Samuel's mother, Ann, remained in Blackpool for the rest of her life as she passed away in 1933 (at the age of 80) at Blackpool South.

Re: World War 1
 

This morning listening to 5live driving to work I ended up misty eyed...

Nicky Campbell recited a letter from his grandfather describing how he he had given a fag to a bloke under guard. He described the next morning he had seen this bloke being escorted by a few soldiers, some of whom were carrying an empty stretcher, walking towards a wooded area. His grandfather heard some shots and the soldiers returned carrying the bloke he'd given a fag to on it. His grandfathers letter said that he'd hoped that his fag had comforted him in his last hours.

Campbell said that he'd tried to chase this letter up but got nowhere, but the BBC with it's resources in this centenary year had brought in the real experts.

Turns out that this bloke was a Lancashire Fusilier. This was the final letter of that 'deserter'...obviously shell shocked (or as it is now known PTSD)..made an example of by the donkeys, politicians and inbred royalty....saying sorry to his mum and dad.

BBC Radio 5 live - In Short, Emotional story behind grandfather's WW1 diary revealed to Nicky Campbell

Re: World War 1
 

Re: World War 1
 

Hi I wonder if you can help . My grandma's oldest son William Morton or as 1911 census William Alfred morton born in Ancoats ,Manchester. In 1901 and 1911 cencus they are living in 20 SCAITCLIFFE STREET ACCRINGTON.
I can find mention of another W.A. Morton but parents are wrong .
Hisory has it that he was killed in WW1 but as yet have been unable to trace him. Thanks.

Re: World War 1
 

Maybe it has something to do with "bushido".

Re: World War 1
 

William Alfred Morton born 1894, lived 20 Scaitcliff St Acc. Joined 11th service batt E.L.R. 16-Sept.1914. several # attestation # 15250 other # 64190. Married Martha Alice Jerume 18-Sept-1916 in Accrington. Sorry can't find any war death notation.

Re: World War 1
 

In Accrington Cemetery there is a gravestone to
Private W A Morton who died on the 15th August 1919 aged 24.
If Retlaw does not have the info on him I am happy to look him up in the paper for you next time I am at the Library.

Re: World War 1
 

William died of T.B. Aug-15-1919, buried in Acc Cem grave E.H. 17.
His service records have survived you can log on to Ancestry at any Lancashire Library

Re: World War 1
 

Thanks everone . most of his brothers and sisters emigrated and it has been difficult to find information about him. I am moving to Lancashire soon and will be able to visit the cemetary . Will check on ancestry . Thanks again.

Re: World War 1
 

Just found this again on accringtonpals site.

MORTON, Pte. William Alfred, 15250; b. 1895/6 at Manchester, s. of William Henry Morton and Amy Morton (née Earl); e. 16th September 1914; served in munitions and with 12th Bn., East Lancs. Regt. before being transferred to 75th Training Reserve Bn. 1st September 1916; m. Martha Alice Jerume 18th September 1916 at Accrington; transferred to 2nd Garrison Bn., Manchester Regt. 21st October 1916; transferred to 5th Garrison Bn., Royal Welsh Fusiliers 7th February 1917 as 64190; posted to 3rd Garrison Bn., Royal Welsh Fusiliers 28th July 1917; lived at 5 Park Street, Accrington; dis. 5th August 1918; d. 15th August 1919 (24); bd. Accrington Cem. [21A as MORETON,

Is information on parents usually correct as these are not my grandparents names .

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Check this. He is on Acc War Mem. as MorEton. A man has to declare his true identity if he is going to make an allotmet from his pay, in the case of wives and children certifcates must be produced

Re: World War 1
 

Thanks Retlaw.
Checked 1911 census and thats the address they lived at . That must be him. This has been bugging me for years since I started finding out about my mothers side. As i will be moving to lancashire soon I started my family tree again. Have just returned from Ypres and the Menin gate . Very moving experience.
Will have to send for marriage and death certificates.
Thanks very much again ..Max.

Re: World War 1
 

Q. How many folk like Maxrr has Retlaw helped on here since he started the thread all those years ago ?

A. Hundreds in one way or another. I'm one of 'em and I want to thank him on here ( if only because he won't want it and it will annoy him).

Re: World War 1
 

Retlaw - have you any information regarding my great grandfather, Arthur Beckett from Oswaldtwistle? He was in the reserves and called up during WW1 2/4th East Lancs. I have photos of him in his uniform. He survived the war and lived to the 1960s.
Also, any information on a Sergt. J Sharples of 1st Volunteer Battalion East Lancs Regt 'K' Clayton - le-Moors Company? I'm struggling to find any information about this man, but he must be somewhere in my family tree!