The Great War 1914 -1918 - Masonic Roll of Honour
This list of our Brothers who laid down their lives for King & Country is as accurate as we can make it.
No doubt some names are missing here. This page honours all those who made the greatest sacrifice.
No doubt some names are missing here. This page honours all those who made the greatest sacrifice.
Frederick Batley
Marine Engineer from Heckmondwike
258 AMPHIBIOUS LODGE
Died: 30th November 1918 Age: 32
just a month after him being raised and after Armistice.
Initiated 19th June 1918
Passed 21st August 1918
Raised 16th October 1918
Marine Engineer from Heckmondwike
258 AMPHIBIOUS LODGE
Died: 30th November 1918 Age: 32
just a month after him being raised and after Armistice.
Initiated 19th June 1918
Passed 21st August 1918
Raised 16th October 1918
Private George Cooke Batley
of Providence House, Heckmondwike
Timber Merchant from Heckmondwike
258 AMPHIBIOUS LODGE
Died: 5th December 1918 - Age: 30
Recorded in the records of United Grand Lodge of England that he "Died in France - 6th December 1918". The record of Soldier's Effects elaborates further citing cause of death as "sickness", but dated 5th December.
Post War includes all operations in all theatres up to 31st August 1921. This excludes the campaign in Russia against the Bolsheviks. It also includes men who succumbed to wounds post war and who died from various causes whilst still in the services but post war.
Initiated - 17th May 1916
Passed - 14th June 1916
Raised - 12th July 1916
of Providence House, Heckmondwike
Timber Merchant from Heckmondwike
258 AMPHIBIOUS LODGE
Died: 5th December 1918 - Age: 30
Recorded in the records of United Grand Lodge of England that he "Died in France - 6th December 1918". The record of Soldier's Effects elaborates further citing cause of death as "sickness", but dated 5th December.
Post War includes all operations in all theatres up to 31st August 1921. This excludes the campaign in Russia against the Bolsheviks. It also includes men who succumbed to wounds post war and who died from various causes whilst still in the services but post war.
Initiated - 17th May 1916
Passed - 14th June 1916
Raised - 12th July 1916
Captain Jonathan Edward Knowles
974 PENTALPHA LODGE
Died: 23rd August 1914 - Age: 32
Son of Edward Sugden Knowles and Frances Mary Knowles, of Rawdon, Leeds; husband of Viva Brabazon Knowles, of Whitehill Chase, Bordon, Hants.
CAPTAIN JONATHAN EDWARD KNOWLES, 4th BATTN. DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN (MIDDLESEX REGIMENT) Born on the 21st May, 1882, at Sandgate, Queensland, Australia, and was the son of the late Edward Sugden Knowles and Mrs. Knowles, of Hawdon near Leeds. Captain Knowles was educated at Bradford Grammar School Yorkshire. He originally held a commission in the 2nd West Yorkshire Volunteer Battalion, and served with the 4th Durham Light Infantry (Militia) in the South African War, in 1902. He was present at operations in the Orange River and Cape Colonies, receiving the Queen's medal with three clasps. In 1903 he obtained a commission in the 1st Middlesex Regiment (long known as the Die Hards), becoming Lieutenant in January 1906, and being promoted into the 4th Battalion as Captain in February, 1914. He embarked for active service with his battalion on the 13th August, 1914, and fell at Mons on Sunday, the 23rd August, 1914, while cheering and encouraging his men with great bravery. He fell with brother officer and Freemason Capt Kenneth James ROY of Albert Victor Lodge 2328. An account tell us that the attack on the Middlesex position began about 10.30 in the morning of Sunday, August 23, with a heavy artillery fire, which had lasted some while before the German infantry began to advance, disregarding all cover and firing erratically from the hip. Our men were well placed and protected, and offered a stubborn defence against desperate odds. Major Davy's company on the left was hard pressed, and its commander was wounded early in the day. As Major Abell with his company came up to its support he was shot down, as also were Captain Knowles and 2nd Lieut. Henstock. A third of this company fell in the advance ; but the rest reached their comrades in the firing-line, and for the time made the trenches in this part secure. The centre of the Middlesex line was held by Captain Oliver's company, who from a well-concealed trench took a heavy toll from the enemy, peppering away for all they were worth as if at manoeuvres. Here, also, as the day wore on, the pressure became severe, and two companies of the Royal Irish were brought up in support. On the right, at Obourg bridge, Captain Roy had been killed, and Captain Glass was wounded. Captain Knowles was a very keen sportsman, a very good shot with the rifle, obtaining many good heads in India and Burma and was also keen on regimental sports. He married Viva Brabazon Bagot, granddaughter of the late Colonel Charles Oldfield and left three children: Nina Mary, born 1910; Viva Joan, born 1912: and Jonathan Maynard, born 1913.
974 PENTALPHA LODGE
Died: 23rd August 1914 - Age: 32
Son of Edward Sugden Knowles and Frances Mary Knowles, of Rawdon, Leeds; husband of Viva Brabazon Knowles, of Whitehill Chase, Bordon, Hants.
CAPTAIN JONATHAN EDWARD KNOWLES, 4th BATTN. DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN (MIDDLESEX REGIMENT) Born on the 21st May, 1882, at Sandgate, Queensland, Australia, and was the son of the late Edward Sugden Knowles and Mrs. Knowles, of Hawdon near Leeds. Captain Knowles was educated at Bradford Grammar School Yorkshire. He originally held a commission in the 2nd West Yorkshire Volunteer Battalion, and served with the 4th Durham Light Infantry (Militia) in the South African War, in 1902. He was present at operations in the Orange River and Cape Colonies, receiving the Queen's medal with three clasps. In 1903 he obtained a commission in the 1st Middlesex Regiment (long known as the Die Hards), becoming Lieutenant in January 1906, and being promoted into the 4th Battalion as Captain in February, 1914. He embarked for active service with his battalion on the 13th August, 1914, and fell at Mons on Sunday, the 23rd August, 1914, while cheering and encouraging his men with great bravery. He fell with brother officer and Freemason Capt Kenneth James ROY of Albert Victor Lodge 2328. An account tell us that the attack on the Middlesex position began about 10.30 in the morning of Sunday, August 23, with a heavy artillery fire, which had lasted some while before the German infantry began to advance, disregarding all cover and firing erratically from the hip. Our men were well placed and protected, and offered a stubborn defence against desperate odds. Major Davy's company on the left was hard pressed, and its commander was wounded early in the day. As Major Abell with his company came up to its support he was shot down, as also were Captain Knowles and 2nd Lieut. Henstock. A third of this company fell in the advance ; but the rest reached their comrades in the firing-line, and for the time made the trenches in this part secure. The centre of the Middlesex line was held by Captain Oliver's company, who from a well-concealed trench took a heavy toll from the enemy, peppering away for all they were worth as if at manoeuvres. Here, also, as the day wore on, the pressure became severe, and two companies of the Royal Irish were brought up in support. On the right, at Obourg bridge, Captain Roy had been killed, and Captain Glass was wounded. Captain Knowles was a very keen sportsman, a very good shot with the rifle, obtaining many good heads in India and Burma and was also keen on regimental sports. He married Viva Brabazon Bagot, granddaughter of the late Colonel Charles Oldfield and left three children: Nina Mary, born 1910; Viva Joan, born 1912: and Jonathan Maynard, born 1913.
Captain Lionel Pilleau Clay
Education & Career : Harrow, Bailliol Collge Oxford Professional Soldier
Unit : Queens Own Yorkshire Dragoons Yeomanry
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 18th February 1918 - Age: 38
He was killed in action at Templeux la Fosse [18th February 1918].
He was buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, France [Grave Ref V B 5].
He is remembered on the Memorial at Halifax Freemasons, on Brighouse War Memorial, on Rastrick War Memorial, and on the Memorial at Saint Matthew's Church, Rastrick
Initiated 24th December 1906
Passed 26th February 1907
Raised 25th March 1907
Education & Career : Harrow, Bailliol Collge Oxford Professional Soldier
Unit : Queens Own Yorkshire Dragoons Yeomanry
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 18th February 1918 - Age: 38
He was killed in action at Templeux la Fosse [18th February 1918].
He was buried at Tincourt New British Cemetery, France [Grave Ref V B 5].
He is remembered on the Memorial at Halifax Freemasons, on Brighouse War Memorial, on Rastrick War Memorial, and on the Memorial at Saint Matthew's Church, Rastrick
Initiated 24th December 1906
Passed 26th February 1907
Raised 25th March 1907
Sergeant Paul William Lovett-Janison
He was an actor, originally from Tamworth.
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 2nd August 1916 - Age: 41
During World War I, he served as a Sergeant with the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He died from gunshot to the chest whilst collecting wounded soldiers [2nd August 1916].
He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France [8C, 9A & 16A], and on the Memorial at Halifax Freemasons.
Initiated 3rd October 1909
Passed 22nd November 1909
Raised 20th December 1909
He was an actor, originally from Tamworth.
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 2nd August 1916 - Age: 41
During World War I, he served as a Sergeant with the 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He died from gunshot to the chest whilst collecting wounded soldiers [2nd August 1916].
He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial, France [8C, 9A & 16A], and on the Memorial at Halifax Freemasons.
Initiated 3rd October 1909
Passed 22nd November 1909
Raised 20th December 1909
2nd Lieutenant Percival Clare Morton
Town Clerk's Assistant
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 13th April 1918 - Age: 36
He was one of about 15 men who were driven out of their position by the enemy and took cover in a ruined farmhouse. They lay flat in the farmyard for some time before he got up to look around, and was hit by a machine gun bullet.
He was reported missing [12th April 1918]. He died as a POW in a German Casualty Clearing Station [13th April 1918]
Initiated 18th December 1913
Passed 14the February 1914
Raised 9th March 1914
Town Clerk's Assistant
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 13th April 1918 - Age: 36
He was one of about 15 men who were driven out of their position by the enemy and took cover in a ruined farmhouse. They lay flat in the farmyard for some time before he got up to look around, and was hit by a machine gun bullet.
He was reported missing [12th April 1918]. He died as a POW in a German Casualty Clearing Station [13th April 1918]
Initiated 18th December 1913
Passed 14the February 1914
Raised 9th March 1914
Captain Ernest Edward Sykes MC
Town Clerk's Assistant
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 4th July 1916 - Age: 30
He died from a shrapnel wound to the stomach, during a heavy German bombardment [3rd July 1916], and was buried at Authuile Military Cemetery, France [Grave Ref E 22].
He is remembered on the family grave at St Paul's Church, King Cross, in the Halifax Town Hall Books of Remembrance, on the Memorials at Saint Paul's Church, King Cross, Heath Grammar School, Halifax Bowling Club, Halifax Freemasons, and Halifax Golf Club, Ogden
Initiated 18th December 1913
Passed 14the February 1914
Raised 9th March 1914
Town Clerk's Assistant
61 LODGE OF PROBITY
Died: 4th July 1916 - Age: 30
He died from a shrapnel wound to the stomach, during a heavy German bombardment [3rd July 1916], and was buried at Authuile Military Cemetery, France [Grave Ref E 22].
He is remembered on the family grave at St Paul's Church, King Cross, in the Halifax Town Hall Books of Remembrance, on the Memorials at Saint Paul's Church, King Cross, Heath Grammar School, Halifax Bowling Club, Halifax Freemasons, and Halifax Golf Club, Ogden
Initiated 18th December 1913
Passed 14the February 1914
Raised 9th March 1914
Lieutenant Hefford William Ernest Ainley
Eldest son of John Shaw Ailney, a woollen manufacturer. He was born in Kirkheaton, Huddersfield on 26th June 1883 and was educated at Giggleswick.
275 LODGE OF HARMONY
Died: 4th February 1917 - Age: 33
He obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery in July 1915, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 4th October 1916. He served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the following December, and died at Puchvillers on the 4th February 1917 from shock and pneumonia, caused through burns received two days previously while on active service near Beaumont Hamel during the actions on the Ancre that predicated the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line defences. His Colonel wrote: It is a loss that we all regret. I feel that we have lost a most valuable officer and friend. He was loved by all and as an able gunner and I cannot say too much for him. I had absolute confidence in him at all times and indeed, he was the right-hand man of his present and late Major. His death is a great blow to us all, and we shall find it hard to fill his place. His work was always well done. The cause of his death was, we believe, his anxiety to save a brother officer, which he did successfully; all his comrades deeply deplore their loss. He was married with a daughter.
Initiated 27th September 1906
Passed 1st November 1906
Raised 29th November 1906
Eldest son of John Shaw Ailney, a woollen manufacturer. He was born in Kirkheaton, Huddersfield on 26th June 1883 and was educated at Giggleswick.
275 LODGE OF HARMONY
Died: 4th February 1917 - Age: 33
He obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery in July 1915, and was promoted to Lieutenant on 4th October 1916. He served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the following December, and died at Puchvillers on the 4th February 1917 from shock and pneumonia, caused through burns received two days previously while on active service near Beaumont Hamel during the actions on the Ancre that predicated the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line defences. His Colonel wrote: It is a loss that we all regret. I feel that we have lost a most valuable officer and friend. He was loved by all and as an able gunner and I cannot say too much for him. I had absolute confidence in him at all times and indeed, he was the right-hand man of his present and late Major. His death is a great blow to us all, and we shall find it hard to fill his place. His work was always well done. The cause of his death was, we believe, his anxiety to save a brother officer, which he did successfully; all his comrades deeply deplore their loss. He was married with a daughter.
Initiated 27th September 1906
Passed 1st November 1906
Raised 29th November 1906
Captain Arnold Walker Sykes
275 LODGE OF HARMONY
Died: 30th September 1917 - Age: 42
Son of John Henry and Emmeline Sykes; husband of Mary Sykes, of Netherleigh, Huddersfield. Born at Huddersfield.
31 July - 10 November 1917. By the summer of 1917 the British Army was able for the first time to fight on its chosen ground on its terms. Having secured the southern ridges of Ypres at Messines in June, the main attack started on 31st July 1917 accompanied by what seemed like incessant heavy rain, which coupled with the artillery barrages conspired to turn much of the battlefield into a bog. Initial failure prompted changes in the high command and a strategy evolved to take the ring of ridges running across the Ypres salient in a series of 'bite and hold' operations, finally culminating in the capture of the most easterly ridge on which sat the infamous village of Passchendaele. The Official History carries the footnote ?The clerk power to investigate the exact losses was not available? but estimates of British casualties range from the official figure of 244,000 to almost 400,000. Within five months the Germans pushed the British back to the starting line, which was where they had been since May 1915.
Initiated 9th November 1905
Passed 4th January 1906
Raised 8th February 1906
275 LODGE OF HARMONY
Died: 30th September 1917 - Age: 42
Son of John Henry and Emmeline Sykes; husband of Mary Sykes, of Netherleigh, Huddersfield. Born at Huddersfield.
31 July - 10 November 1917. By the summer of 1917 the British Army was able for the first time to fight on its chosen ground on its terms. Having secured the southern ridges of Ypres at Messines in June, the main attack started on 31st July 1917 accompanied by what seemed like incessant heavy rain, which coupled with the artillery barrages conspired to turn much of the battlefield into a bog. Initial failure prompted changes in the high command and a strategy evolved to take the ring of ridges running across the Ypres salient in a series of 'bite and hold' operations, finally culminating in the capture of the most easterly ridge on which sat the infamous village of Passchendaele. The Official History carries the footnote ?The clerk power to investigate the exact losses was not available? but estimates of British casualties range from the official figure of 244,000 to almost 400,000. Within five months the Germans pushed the British back to the starting line, which was where they had been since May 1915.
Initiated 9th November 1905
Passed 4th January 1906
Raised 8th February 1906
Lieutenant James Sutcliffe Shackleton
Son of James and Ann Shackleton, of Hebden Bridge, Yorks; husband of Jessie E. Shackleton, of 6, Oaklands Rd., Bedford.
307 LODGE OF PRINCE FREDERICK
Died: 16th April 1917 - Age: 37
9 April - 16 June 1917. The Arras Offensive consisted of a series of linked attacks starting with the Anglo Canadian assault on the dominant Vimy Ridge feature through the battles in the Scarpe River valley and up to the assaults on the Hindenburg line in the summer of 1917.
Son of James and Ann Shackleton, of Hebden Bridge, Yorks; husband of Jessie E. Shackleton, of 6, Oaklands Rd., Bedford.
307 LODGE OF PRINCE FREDERICK
Died: 16th April 1917 - Age: 37
9 April - 16 June 1917. The Arras Offensive consisted of a series of linked attacks starting with the Anglo Canadian assault on the dominant Vimy Ridge feature through the battles in the Scarpe River valley and up to the assaults on the Hindenburg line in the summer of 1917.
Lieutenant John Ince Liberty
837 DE GREY & RIPON LODGE
Died: 28th November 1917 - Age: 29
Son of Elizabeth Ann Liberty, of 4, Sandwell Mansions, West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, and the late John Barnes Libery.
31 July - 10 November 1917. By the summer of 1917 the British Army was able for the first time to fight on its chosen ground on its terms. Having secured the southern ridges of Ypres at Messines in June, the main attack started on 31st July 1917 accompanied by what seemed like incessant heavy rain, which coupled with the artillery barrages conspired to turn much of the battlefield into a bog. Initial failure prompted changes in the high command and a strategy evolved to take the ring of ridges running across the Ypres salient in a series of 'bite and hold' operations, finally culminating in the capture of the most easterly ridge on which sat the infamous village of Passchendaele. The Official History carries the footnote ?The clerk power to investigate the exact losses was not available? but estimates of British casualties range from the official figure of 244,000 to almost 400,000. Within five months the Germans pushed the British back to the starting line, which was where they had been since May 1915.
837 DE GREY & RIPON LODGE
Died: 28th November 1917 - Age: 29
Son of Elizabeth Ann Liberty, of 4, Sandwell Mansions, West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, and the late John Barnes Libery.
31 July - 10 November 1917. By the summer of 1917 the British Army was able for the first time to fight on its chosen ground on its terms. Having secured the southern ridges of Ypres at Messines in June, the main attack started on 31st July 1917 accompanied by what seemed like incessant heavy rain, which coupled with the artillery barrages conspired to turn much of the battlefield into a bog. Initial failure prompted changes in the high command and a strategy evolved to take the ring of ridges running across the Ypres salient in a series of 'bite and hold' operations, finally culminating in the capture of the most easterly ridge on which sat the infamous village of Passchendaele. The Official History carries the footnote ?The clerk power to investigate the exact losses was not available? but estimates of British casualties range from the official figure of 244,000 to almost 400,000. Within five months the Germans pushed the British back to the starting line, which was where they had been since May 1915.
Sergeant Kenneth Macrae
837 DE GREY & RIPON LODGE
Died: 6th September 1917 - Age: 26
Initiated 13th December 1916
837 DE GREY & RIPON LODGE
Died: 6th September 1917 - Age: 26
Initiated 13th December 1916
Fourth Officer Alfred Morris Briglin
Written on the grave of his wife, Catherine at Grove Road Cemetery, Harrogate: "Alfred Morris Briglin - 4th Officer P.S.S. Franz Ferdinand - who died of heatstroke - July 25th 1916 - Aged 45 Years. Interred at Basra, Persia"
1001 HARROGATE & CLARO LODGE
Died: 25th July 1916 - Age: 41
Initiated 13th January 1910
Passed 11th February 1910
Raised 11th March 1910
Written on the grave of his wife, Catherine at Grove Road Cemetery, Harrogate: "Alfred Morris Briglin - 4th Officer P.S.S. Franz Ferdinand - who died of heatstroke - July 25th 1916 - Aged 45 Years. Interred at Basra, Persia"
1001 HARROGATE & CLARO LODGE
Died: 25th July 1916 - Age: 41
Initiated 13th January 1910
Passed 11th February 1910
Raised 11th March 1910
2nd Lieutenant James Marsden Simpson
1001 HARROGATE & CLARO LODGE
Died: 9th May 1916 - Age: 28
Actions in Spring 1916 covers a number of non specific actions on the Western Front in the period February to the end of June 1916. Much of this period concerned the build up to the Battle of the Somme, particularly the acclimatisation of the Service Battalions (Kitchener Volunteers) to trench routine. As the Battle of the Somme occupied the plans for 1916 no significant efforts were made in other sectors. Many of the casualties could be considered 'routine'. During the period December to June 1916 5845 British soldiers died in 'minor trench operations'.
1001 HARROGATE & CLARO LODGE
Died: 9th May 1916 - Age: 28
Actions in Spring 1916 covers a number of non specific actions on the Western Front in the period February to the end of June 1916. Much of this period concerned the build up to the Battle of the Somme, particularly the acclimatisation of the Service Battalions (Kitchener Volunteers) to trench routine. As the Battle of the Somme occupied the plans for 1916 no significant efforts were made in other sectors. Many of the casualties could be considered 'routine'. During the period December to June 1916 5845 British soldiers died in 'minor trench operations'.
Captain Claude Denham Bennett
2091 CASTLEBERG LODGE
Died: 18th July 1917 - Age: 30
Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Everitt, of Broomhall Park, Sheffield.
Captain Bennett was the Headmaster of the village school. Originally from Skipton, he came to the school in 1911. In the three years before he joined up in September 1914, the entries in the school log book give glimpses of a very enlightened teacher. Each year the school was thrown open for an afternoon so that the parents could observe the children at their work with tea and biscuits supplied. He clearly wanted to broaden the horizons of his young pupils - thirteen excursions are recorded including visits to Blackpool, Liverpool, Morecambe and two one-day trips to London. The itineraries are quite breathtaking and what wonderful pictures they conjure up. Several lantern lessons from different parts of the world are also recorded. All this came to an end when he received a commission as Lieutenant in the 2nd Division of the 6th West Riding Reserve Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, rising quickly to the rank of captain and inspiring great devotion from his men. The role of the 2/6th Battalion initially was that of training and reinforcement, based mainly in Doncaster and it was not until February 5th 1917 that it embarked for France, subsequently taking part in the Battles of Arras and Bullecourt. Captain Bennett was wounded in May 1917 but had made a good recovery. He returned to the front at Lagnicourt on July 11th 1917 to command B company. They were occupying the reserve support trenches but were due to relieve the troops in the front line. On the night of 16/17th July, Captain Bennett had gone to company headquarters to arrange this when he was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper as he was leaving. He was thirty years old. On Monday 6th December 1915 he had been married to Doris Green at All Saints' Church in Preston. He is buried at Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Plot 1, Row K, Grave 9
Initiated 30th November 1911
Passed 1st February 1912
Raised 29th February 1912
2nd Lieutenant John Collinge Chadwick
2695 DORIC LODGE
Died: 25th March 1917 - Age: 38
Second Lieutenant John Collinge CHADWICK, West Yorks Regiment (Leeds Rifles), who was killed on March 25th, was born in 1879. He was the youngest son of the late William Chadwick, of Leeds and Harrogate, and was educated at Rossall, and afterwards became a director in the firm of Messrs Chadwick Bros., cloth manufacturers of Leeds. he enlisted at the Inns of Court OTC, and after training at Berkhamstead and the Curragh, was given his commission in July, 1916. He went to the front on September 22nd the same year. He married in June, 1908, Alice Fowler, daughter of the late John Wilfred Fowler, of Harrogate, who, with two children, survives him. His General writes as follows : He was a very gallant officer and a fine leader. He had gained a great reputation in his battalion, and his commanding officer considered him a very resourceful and capable officer. In addition to this he was much beloved by his brother officers and by his men. I feel that the Division has suffered a serious loss by his death. Sources; Harrogate Herald - 4th April 1917
Initiated 29th April 1908
Passed 22nd May 1908
Raised 17th July 1908
Captain William Needham Everitt MC
139 BRITANNIA LODGE
Died: 18th August 1918 - Age: 41
The citation for William EVERITT's Military Cross reads: LONDON GAZETTE, 15 MARCH, 1916. Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) William Needham Everitt, 1/4th Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), Territorial Force. For conspicuous gallantry and ability. He carried out a daring reconnaissance, crawling up to and on the top of the enemy's parapet, where he lay making valuable observations within 5 yards of the enemy's sentry and close to two parties of the enemy in the trench. During an enemy attack he commanded his platoon in a trench only 40 yards from the Germans. Through his cool-headed and prompt action none of his men were injured, and he telephoned back to Headquarters information of the attack.
The Battle of the Somme 1st July - 18th November 1916 is inevitably characterised by the appalling casualties (60,000) on the first day, July 1st 1916. Having failed to break through the German lines in force, and also failed to maximise opportunities where success was achieved, the battle became a series of attritional assaults on well defended defence in depth. The battle continued officially until 18th November 1916 costing almost 500,000 British casualties. German casualties were about the same, and French about 200,000. The Somme could not be counted a success in terms of ground gained or the cost, but it had a strategic impact as it marked the start of the decline of the German Army. Never again would it be as effective whilst the British Army, learning from its experience eventually grew stronger to become a war winning army. The German High Command recognised that it could never again fight another Somme, a view that advanced the decision to invoke unrestricted submarine warfare in an attempt to starve Britain of food and material, and in doing so accelerated the United States declaration of war thus guaranteeing the eventual outcome. 287 Brethren were killed on the Somme in 1916.
Initiated 10th June 1915
2nd Lieutenant Edward Burra Arnison
296 ROYAL BRUNSWICK LODGE
Died: 18th August 1918 - Age: 41
Born circa 1877, 3rd son (4th child) of Robert and Frances Ann Arnison, of Sheffield. By 1891, resident at 3 Highnam Crescent Road, Nether Hallam, Sheffield living with 2 older brothers Robert (23) and Arthur (16) and a younger brother (12). Interestingly, a grandson of the head (William Maxley) is listed, so Edward is an uncle at the age of 13.
In 1904, as he joined Freemasonry he was resident at 63 Oakfield Road, Stroud Green N. (Sheffield?)
On the 1911 census he is recorded as a visitor on the census return of George William Harwin, perhaps a family friend from his time in Yorkshire.
He was severely wounded by a shell splinter early on Sunday 18-08-18, and died shortly afterwards without regaining consciousness. This was just prior to the Battle of the Somme on 21-08-18. [Adrian Lee]
The records of United Grand Lodge for Royal Brunswick Lodge show an annotation that Edward "Died of wounds - 18th August 1918"
Initiated 11th January 1904
Passed - 11th April 1904
Raised - 10th October 1904
Major Frederick Percy Belcher
296 ROYAL BRUNSWICK LODGE
Died: 18th August 1918 - Age: 41
Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Belcher, of Sheffield; husband of Dorothy Belcher, of Broomclose, Fairmile, Cobham, Surrey.
Joined Holden Lodge No. 2946 on the 13th December 1913 and recorded in this Lodge's details as having been "Killed in Action, 5th August 1918". The records of his mother lodge also show his war service, Died of Wounds received near Lens on 29th July 1918
Initiated 13th February 1911
Passed - 12th June 1911
Raised - 10th July 1911
Sergeant Harry Neill
296 ROYAL BRUNSWICK LODGE
Died: 1st July 1916 - Age: 41
Son of Robert Renton Neill and Emily Margaret Neill, of 21, Whitworth Rd., Ranmoor, Sheffield.
The 12/York and Lancaster Battalion was better known as the Sheffield Pals who led the attack at Serre on the first day of the battle of the Somme. The following account summarises their day: At 7.20am the first wave of the battalion moved 100yds into No Man's Land and lay flat on the ground as the brigade mortar battery and divisional artillery placed a final hurricane bombardment over the German front line. A few minutes later - with the British front line coming under an intense counter-barrage - the second wave took up position 30yds behind the first. At 7.30am the bombardment lifted from the German front line. All four waves rose, took a moment to align themselves, then advanced steadily towards the German lines into a devastating hail of machine gun bullets and shellfire. An ineffective smoke screen exposed the battalion to machine gun fire from the left as well as from ahead. The third and fourth waves, caught on the opposite side of the valley, were reduced to half strength before even reaching No Man's Land. On the left of the battalion front, long stretches of barbed wire had been left uncut. Men brought to a halt in front of the inpenetrable entanglements were reduced to firing vainly through the wire to the German lines beyond. Only on the right of the attack were a few men somehow able to force their way into the German trenches; amongst them were Lt. Charles Elam, 12/371 Pte. Albert Fretwell and 12/1003 Pte. George Mulford. Some found themselves alone and managed to return to the British lines. Others were never heard of again. Within minutes it was as if the battalion had been wiped off the face of the earth. Cpl. Signaller Outram recalled that as far as the eye could see, the last two men left standing on the battlefield were himself and another signaller, A. Brammer. They signalled to each other. Outram turned his head for a moment, and when he looked back Brammer had gone. On the right of the Sheffield City Battalion, the Accrington Pals made greater inroads into the German trenches but were unable to hold on to the hard-won gains. The battle for Serre was lost. The remnants of the battalion were taken out of the line in the evening of 3rd July, having lost 513 officers and men killed, wounded or missing; a further 75 were slightly wounded. Captain William Arthur COLLEY commanded C Company of the Sheffield Pals. The commander of C Company, the veteran, well remembered Captain W. A. Colley, appeared to be struck by a shell. His men say he had expressed a premonition of his death; but he was one of the quickest out of the trench, and went to his fate like a brave English gentleman. Captain COLLEY died that day along with a Brother Mason, Sergeant Harry NEIL also of the Sheffield Pals.
Captain William Arthur Colley
1779 IVANHOE LODGE
Died: 1st July 1916 - Age: 47
Son of Francis William and Sarah Colley, of Sheffield.
The 12/York and Lancaster Battalion was better known as the Sheffield Pals who led the attack at Serre on the first day of the battle of the Somme. The following account summarises their day: At 7.20am the first wave of the battalion moved 100yds into No Man's Land and lay flat on the ground as the brigade mortar battery and divisional artillery placed a final hurricane bombardment over the German front line. A few minutes later - with the British front line coming under an intense counter-barrage - the second wave took up position 30yds behind the first. At 7.30am the bombardment lifted from the German front line. All four waves rose, took a moment to align themselves, then advanced steadily towards the German lines into a devastating hail of machine gun bullets and shellfire. An ineffective smoke screen exposed the battalion to machine gun fire from the left as well as from ahead. The third and fourth waves, caught on the opposite side of the valley, were reduced to half strength before even reaching No Man's Land. On the left of the battalion front, long stretches of barbed wire had been left uncut. Men brought to a halt in front of the inpenetrable entanglements were reduced to firing vainly through the wire to the German lines beyond. Only on the right of the attack were a few men somehow able to force their way into the German trenches; amongst them were Lt. Charles Elam, 12/371 Pte. Albert Fretwell and 12/1003 Pte. George Mulford. Some found themselves alone and managed to return to the British lines. Others were never heard of again. Within minutes it was as if the battalion had been wiped off the face of the earth. Cpl. Signaller Outram recalled that as far as the eye could see, the last two men left standing on the battlefield were himself and another signaller, A. Brammer. They signalled to each other. Outram turned his head for a moment, and when he looked back Brammer had gone. On the right of the Sheffield City Battalion, the Accrington Pals made greater inroads into the German trenches but were unable to hold on to the hard-won gains. The battle for Serre was lost. The remnants of the battalion were taken out of the line in the evening of 3rd July, having lost 513 officers and men killed, wounded or missing; a further 75 were slightly wounded. Captain William Arthur COLLEY commanded C Company of the Sheffield Pals. The commander of C Company, the veteran, well remembered Captain W. A. Colley, appeared to be struck by a shell. His men say he had expressed a premonition of his death; but he was one of the quickest out of the trench, and went to his fate like a brave English gentleman. Captain COLLEY died that day along with a Brother Mason, Sergeant Harry NEIL also of the Sheffield Pals.
Initiated 30th January 1894
Passed - 27th March 1894
Raised - 26th June 1894
2nd Lieutenant Ernest Ronald Shuttleworth
2268 HALLAMSHIRE LODGE
Died: 1st July 1916 - Age: 22
Son of T. E. and Mary Edith Shuttleworth, of 5, Park Avenue, Riverdale Rd., Sheffield.
Ernest SHUTTLEWORTH was born in Sheffield on 21/6/1894. And he was killed in action on 1/7/1916, the First Day of the Battle of the Somme. His height was 5 ft 7.25 inches. He was educated at the Quenford House School, Jersey. His civil occupation was a Chartered Accountants' Articled Clerk. He was a son of Mr. Thomas Ernest Shuttleworth and Mrs. Edith Shuttleworth of 5 Park Avenue, Riverdale Road, Sheffield. His father's occupation was Accountant. He originally enlisted to the Royal Naval Division as an Ordinary Seaman. Afterwards, he was commissioned into the 1/8th Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 10/4/15.
Medical Officer Arthur Robert Steel
154 LODGE OF UNANIMITY
Died: 21st February 1917 - Age: 57
The only STEEL to be found in the records of Marquis of Granby Lodge show "Arthur Robert Steel", a Medical Practitioner, who is reported to have "Died February 1917".
It is assumed that this is the same "Robert Steel" as recorded in the 1921 Roll of Honour Book.
A.R.Steel joined Marquis of Granby Lodge No. 124 on 2nd July 1912 from his Mother Lodge - The Bedford Lodge - No.282 in Tavistock. He had previously joined Lodge of Unanimity No. 154, at Wakefield on 7th October 1889. He also had joined St. Davids Lodge No. 679 on the 11th April 1900 at Aberdare.
Lieutenant Colonel Walter Herbert Wright VD
154 LODGE OF UNANIMITY
Died: 8th November 1915 - Age: 67
He joined the "Volunteer Force" in its early days and for some time he was commanding the Wakefield detachment of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI). On the formation of the National Reserve, he was appointed his first command which was the Wakefield Battalion. This was relinquished as he took up the post of Officer-in-Command of 4th Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I depot at Wakefield. He continued to command this depot, but became a recruiting officer for Wakefield and district.Action :The account mentions that in Easter 1915 he had become ill and remained in the Becketts Park Hospital until his death in November 1915.
Lieutenant Colonel Walter Herbert Wright VD
289 LODGE OF FIDELITY
Died: 15th July 1920
Post war action includes all operations in all theatres up to 31st August 1921. This excludes the campaign in Russia against the Bolsheviks. It also includes men who succumbed to wounds post war and who died from various causes whilst still in the services but post war.
Captain Arthur Newsome Bradley
380 LODGE OF INTEGRITY
Died: 6th November 1918 - Age: 27
17 October - 11 November 1918. The final stage of the British advance saw them cross the Selle and the Sambre rivers as the relentless pressure was kept on the retreating Germans. By the 11th November 1918 the British army had returned to Mons, where it all started for them back in August 1914 when it made its first contact with the Germans, and where the war stopped when the Armistice was declared on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Initiated 16th October 1918
2nd Lieutenant Miles Arthur Hall
380 LODGE OF INTEGRITY
Died: 23rd April 1917 - Age: 31
9 April - 16 June 1917. The Arras Offensive consisted of a series of linked attacks starting with the Anglo Canadian assault on the dominant Vimy Ridge feature through the battles in the Scarpe River valley and up to the assaults on the Hindenburg line in the summer of 1917.
Initiated 22nd December 1909
Passed - 23rd February 1910
Raised - 20th April 1910
Lieutenant Arthur Burnell
910 SAINT OSWALD LODGE
Died: 20th July 1918 - Age: 36
Son of Abel and Sarah Jane Burnell, of Ferrybridge, Yorks.
20 July - 2 August 1918. French intelligence reports suggested a weakness in the German position on the Marne and accordingly two British Divisions were ?loaned? to the French to help their attack. The outcome was entirely successful and the Germans were driven back about four miles. The British Divisions (51st Highland and 62nd West Riding) suffered about 6000 casualties
Initiated 20th January 1909
Passed - 17th February 1909
Raised - 17th March 1909
2nd Lieutenant Alfred Tennyson Exley
910 SAINT OSWALD LODGE
Died: 22nd April 1918 - Age: 26
Son of George Exley and of Susan Selina Exley.
2nd Lieutenant Alfred EXLEY was killed whilst flying with 986 Sergeant Pilot William James Beadle, in a Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter A8232 over English Channel. The Masonic Roll of Honour 1921 listed him as a Lieutenant. Source David Barnes
Accidents were a minor factor in the casualty list. Our definition is deaths resulting from activities that were not directly associated with 'active service'. We have excluded Naval Accidents which are separately identified because of their numbers and impact. Many accidents involved the aviators, operating at the the limits of technology.
Initiated 1st October 1917
Passed - 30th October 1917
Raised - 4th December 1917
Lieutenant William E Wand
1211 GODERICH LODGE
Died: 13th October 1917 - Age: 23
Enlisted Feb 1916 D Coy, 10/6/16- Wounded but remained on duty 21/7/17- Wounded GSW Right Arm & Cheek, returned to unit 27/7 but was admitted to hospital on 20/8 with 'old wound' Promoted 2/Lt on 24/8/17 and returned to unit 31/8/17. Wounded again (3rd Stripe) 'SW Axilla pen lung' on 12 Oct to 44 CCS. Died 13 Oct 17. Axilla = armpit, SW = Stab wound?
Initiated 4th May 1914
Passed - 8th June 1914
Raised - 6th July 1914
Major James Baxendale Boswell
1221 DEFENCE LODGE
Died: 23rd March 1916 - Age: 40
Initiated 11th June 1910
Passed - 8th August 1910
Raised - 11th September 1910
Sergeant Frank Clayton
2608 HEADINGLEY LODGE
Died: 1st July 1916 - Age: 41
CLAYTON, Frank, Sergeant, 15/West Yorkshire Regiment (Leeds Pals) Frank Clayton was the 4th of 6 children, William, Elizabeth, Charles H, Ralph and Harold. Born to Fanny & Samuel Clayton a commercial clerk master. Frank was an accountant by profession in partnership with his brother William at 72,Albion Street, Leeds. He was not only a ?Fellow of the Society of Accountants & Auditors?, but also a member of the Headingley lodge of Freemasons and for a time connected with the Leeds City football club. On the 4th September 1914 Frank joined the Leeds Pals at the age of 38, He was posted as a Sgt, to ?A? Company of No ?4? Platoon his commanding officer being Lt Robert Huntris Tolson. In July 1916 after the battle, William requested information on his brother?s whereabouts in the ?Yorkshire Evening Post? he received a letter in reply from Reverend C.K.Chappell, the battalion Chaplain that read: ?Little hope of Sgt Clayton?s safety is entertained? Careful enquiries have been made and although I cannot find anyone here? who saw him, I can say with little doubt that your brother his amongst those killed. I am sorry to deprive you of hope, but it is better to know the truth than to bear the pain of uncertainty. We hear that you think, in Leeds, that many have been taken prisoner, but we don?t think here that this is to be relied on. They may have taken 5 or 6 wounded men? Sgt Frank Clayton was killed in action on the 1st July 1916 on the First Day of the Somme. He is buried in Serre Road No1 Cemetery, France He was the Inner Guard of his Lodge. Source; Leeds Pals Website- http://www.leeds-pals.com/
Initiated 14th January 1910
Passed - 11th February 1910
Raised - 11th March 1910
2608 HEADINGLEY LODGE
Died: 1st July 1916 - Age: 41
CLAYTON, Frank, Sergeant, 15/West Yorkshire Regiment (Leeds Pals) Frank Clayton was the 4th of 6 children, William, Elizabeth, Charles H, Ralph and Harold. Born to Fanny & Samuel Clayton a commercial clerk master. Frank was an accountant by profession in partnership with his brother William at 72,Albion Street, Leeds. He was not only a ?Fellow of the Society of Accountants & Auditors?, but also a member of the Headingley lodge of Freemasons and for a time connected with the Leeds City football club. On the 4th September 1914 Frank joined the Leeds Pals at the age of 38, He was posted as a Sgt, to ?A? Company of No ?4? Platoon his commanding officer being Lt Robert Huntris Tolson. In July 1916 after the battle, William requested information on his brother?s whereabouts in the ?Yorkshire Evening Post? he received a letter in reply from Reverend C.K.Chappell, the battalion Chaplain that read: ?Little hope of Sgt Clayton?s safety is entertained? Careful enquiries have been made and although I cannot find anyone here? who saw him, I can say with little doubt that your brother his amongst those killed. I am sorry to deprive you of hope, but it is better to know the truth than to bear the pain of uncertainty. We hear that you think, in Leeds, that many have been taken prisoner, but we don?t think here that this is to be relied on. They may have taken 5 or 6 wounded men? Sgt Frank Clayton was killed in action on the 1st July 1916 on the First Day of the Somme. He is buried in Serre Road No1 Cemetery, France He was the Inner Guard of his Lodge. Source; Leeds Pals Website- http://www.leeds-pals.com/
Initiated 14th January 1910
Passed - 11th February 1910
Raised - 11th March 1910
