News Snippets for 1917

What follows are news snippets with Crich Parish interest from various newspapers for 1917.

This was duringthe war years. A great many of the newspaper transcriptions between 1914 and 1918 relating to the men who served and other parish events were included in the WWI project. To see a full record of those men mentioned in the reports go to: http://www.crichparish-ww1.co.uk/

As with all transcriptions there could be "typos" which is always a possibilty with audio trancriptions, although care has been taken.

The following index shows parish names that appear in some of the reports – allow for spelling variations; plus omissions are possible owing to human error. The list is of transcribed names, there are other names in the images.

ALLSOP CAULDWELL GOUGH LEAFE SEALS
ALLWOOD COLEMAN GREENHOUGH MACDONALD SELF
ANDERSON COWLISHAW HARRISON MARTIN SHELDON
ASHTON CURZON HARTSHORNE MASON SMITH
BINGHAM DAVIDSON HAYNES MELLORS TAYLOR
BOAG DAWES HEATHCOTE NOWELL THORPE
BOWMER DONALDSON HALLAM PATILLA TWIGG
BRANN DUNCAN HOLMES PERRY WALKER
BROCKLEHURST DURIE HOMER PIERPOINT WILLIAMS
BROOKES ENGLAND HURT RANKIN WOOLEY
BROWN FROST KIRK ROE WRAGG
BUCKLEY GIBBONS KNEEBONE ROSS YEOMANS
BUNTING GODDARD   RUSSELL  

In the transcriptions names have been capitalised to aid quick searches; also some transcriptions have had minor edits.

Many of the newspaper reports of weddings at the time contained full details of clothing, bestman, bridesmaids, congregation and a list of presents received. Only the basic marriage details have been transcribed. Similarly funeral reports often gave long lists of mourners and floral tributes received. Refer to the original newspapers if the additional information is of interest.

1917 newspapers

Derbyshire Courier 2 January 1917
On Christmas Day at the Parish Church Crich, the wedding took place of Mr William HAYNES, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Robert HAYNES, of Lower Hartsay, and Miss Bertha HOLMES, second daughter of the late Mr George HOLMES and Mrs HOLMES, of the Old Vicarage, Crich.
[there followed a report of the wedding]
The Crich ringers rang a peal in honour of the event the bride’s father having been a ringer at the church for nearly 35 year. After the service a largely attended reception was held at the Old Vicarage. Many presents included a handsome standard lamp, given by friends from Lea Mills.

Derbyshire Courier 2 January 1917
At the Parish Church, Crich, on Saturday, a wedding of interest to Crich and Heage residents was witnessed, the parties concerned being Mr William ROWLAND, son of Mr and Mrs ROWLAND of Heage, and Miss Edith COWLISHAW, third daughter of Mrs E COWLISHAW of Fritchley.
[There followed a report of the wedding]

Derbyshire Courier, 9 January 1917
CRICH SOLDIER AWARDED MILITARY MEDAL
A Crich soldier, Signaller W COLEMAN, who came over on leave on New Year’s day, has been awarded the Military Medal for keeping up communications under heavy barrage fire. Signaller COLEMAN, along with two companions, was successful in getting messages through after the telephone wires were cut by enemy fire. This was about the middle of November, and in the battle Signaller COLEMAN was hit by shrapnel. As Gunner and Signaller he has been in France for over 18 months. He goes back to active service on Wednesday.

Belper News 12 January 1917
The death took place at Fritchley last week, after a long illness of Mr George BROOKES, who was much respected both there and at Ambergate Railway Station where he once occupied the position of goods foreman but had a stroke while working, from which he never seemed to have quite recovered. Consequently he had to retire from the services of the Midland Railway.

Belper News 12 January 1917
The death of Mr Samuel WOOLEY , aged 61, of Chapel Row, Crich, and formerly of Crich Carr occurred the other day and the interment took place in the Crich Parish Churchyard, the Curate (the Rev James WILLIAMS) officiating.
[A list of mourners followed]

Derbyshire Courier, 13 January 1917
CRICH N.C.O. THREE TIMES WOUNDED

photo John Thomas Wragg soldier 1917

Last weekend Mr John WRAGG, newsagent, Crich, received an official intimation from the Infantry Records Office, Exeter, that his son Lance-Corporal J.T. WRAGG was wounded, and was in the stationary hospital, Rouen. A letter from Lance-Corporal WRAGG states that he has been wounded in the foot. this makes the third time he has been in hospital the result of wounds. The first time was in October 1915, when he was shot in the head by a sniper, and the second time in September of last year. Lance-Corporal WRAGG along with his chum Lance-Corporal Maurice PERRY, joined the Duke of Cornwall’s in the early stages of the war.

Derbyshire Courier, 13 January 1917
Crich Military Cross winner wounded
Sec. Lieut. Vernon BOWMER, Sherwood Foresters, The Cross, Crich, was badly wounded in action on the Somme front last week. A telegram from the War Office, received by Mr BOWMER on Monday night stated that Sec. Lieut. BOWMER had been admitted to the 17th Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, on 8 January, "suffering from serious gun-shot wound in the eye. Further news will be wired immediately received." A few days earlier Sec. Lieut. BOWMER had written home informing his parents that he had been awarded the Military Cross. He is extremely popular in Crich and is well known in football circles. For a time he played with Chesterfield.

Belper News, 19 January 1917
BELPER WEDDING
The marriage took place last week at Christ Church, Belper, of Miss Eliza BOOTH, of Crown Terrace, Belper and Alexander DONALDSON, of Crich, the clergy officiating being the Rev. C.E. BALDWIN and the Rev H. HOWARD. The Bride was attired in cream silk poplin, and wore a wreath and veil. Her sister Miss A. BOOTH was the bridesmaid, and wore white silk with pale blue hat. For a number of years Miss BOOTH has been an ardent worker at Christ Church.

Derbyshire Times, 20 January 1917
CRICH MAN WOUNDED
Mr and Mrs Charles PERRY, Market Place Crich, have received a field service postcard from their son Lance Corporal Maurice PERRY (Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry) stating that he had been wounded and was in hospital. He has been in France for the last two years and has been in almost all the big battles. He has two other brothers in the Army, vis. Gunner Arthur PERRY (R.F.A.) and Private Henry PERRY (Sherwoods). The two latter have also been wounded. The three brothers joined immediately the war broke out.

Extract from SUPPLEMENT to the LONDON GAZETTE: 26 January 1917
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers, in recognition of their gallantry.
Temp. 2nd Lt. Vernon BPWMER, Notts. & Derby. R.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his platoon with great dash and showed marked initiative and ability. He organised bombing parties and accounted for a large number of Germans.

Derbyshire Times 27 January 1917
The funeral took place at Crich Parish Church on Monday of Mr George Kiddy WALKER and his wife Mrs Mary Jane WALKER, of Wood Bank Villa, Crich Common, who died tragically within a few hours of each other on Friday last week.
[there followed a report of the funeral]
Mr WALKER who was 82 years of age was born at Crich where he spent his early years and was afterwards in business as a Draper at Manchester and Bury for about 40 years. Eventually he returned to Crich where he acquired considerable property. He was a prominent member of the Wesleyan community and was a Conservative in politics. His wife who was 68 years of age, was the eldest daughter of a much esteemed and popular old Crich resident Mr Robert BOAG, who also lived and died at the above residence. Mr and Mrs WALKER had both been in delicate health for the past few years, though not confined to bed. On the morning of the 19th they had breakfast as usual, and afterwards a niece, who was staying with them, on coming into the room found Mrs WALKER lying across the chair, and her husband, not realising that she was dead standing by her side. Assistance was procured, and Dr RANKIN on arrival had Mr WALKER conveyed to bed. The shock, however, was too great and he expired the same evening. There was no doubt accelerated by the extreme cold of the past few weeks and in view of their previously ill-health an inquest was not deemed necessary. They were both buried one grave.

Derbyshire Times, 3 February 1917
CRICH OFFICER HONOURED

Photo of Vernon Bowmer soldier 1917

It was announced in the "London Gazette" on the 26th January that His Majesty the King had been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on Second Lieutenant Vernon BOWMER, of the Sherwood Foresters, The official account was a follows: – "For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his platoon with great dash and showed marked initiative and ability. He organised bombing parties and accounted for a large number of Germans" Lieutenant BOWMER is the fifth son of Mr and Mrs John BOWMER of White House, Crich. He enlisted in the Public Schoolboy's Corps in the early stages of the War, and earned his commission whilst fighting on the Western Front. On his promotion he was attached to the Sherwoods. Since he won the distinction referred to above ne has been severely wounded by machine-gun fire, and has unfortunately lost his left eye, but we are glad to hear that he is now making satisfactory progress at St Mark's College, Chelsea, which is now a hospital. Lieut. BOWMER was educated at Crich British and Wirksworth Grammar Schools, and on leaving the latter he elected to enter the Civil Service, and was some considerable time in London. He however left the Metropolis to take up a position at the Derby establishment of Messrs Bemrose and Sons, where he was engaged at the time War broke out. He is a member of the Crich Baptist Church, and in pre-war days took an interest in Sunday School work. An all-round athlete he is a worthy representative of the renown "BOWMER" family of Crich sportsmen. He was the popular outside-right of the Crich Town Football Club, and is also experienced at cricket, tennis, running, etc., and at billiards knows how to handle a cue. Four of Mr and Mrs BOWMER's sons are in the Army. The other being ineligible owing to loss of a limb in an accident years ago. Lieut. BOWMER is 21 years of age and single. His success is particularly gratifying to the inhabitants of the parish of Crich.

Belper News 9 February 1917
We regret to learn that Mr Joseph BOWMER, of Crich Carr, who has been ill for the past month with an internal complaint had to be taken the other day to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, where an operation has been performed. We trust that he may make a speedy recovery.

Derbyshire Courier 27 February 1917
DEATH OF MRS A.F. HURT
[ a report followed of the death and funeral of Mrs A.F. HURT, formerly of Alderwasley Hall]

Derbyshire Courier 3 March 1917
In Crich the old adage “Take care of the pence” might well be changed for “Watch your shillings” just now. A few days ago a respectable customer in all innocence proffered a rather dull looking shilling at a shop in the Market Place. The proprietor, who is a chemist, soon discovered it to be a silvered halfpenny. That the makers intention was fraud was evident for the attempt at a milled edge. As such miscreants are seldom satisfied with one adventure, it behoves Crich people careful. They are usually.

Derbyshire Courier 3 March 1917
Mrs J. SEALS and family desire to thank all friends all their sympathy and kindness shown to them in their sad bereavement: and also for floral tributes sent.
Church Farm, Crich.

Derbyshire Courier 10 March 1917
One of the most familiar figures in the Crich Carr and Whatstandwell district will be missed by the passing away of Mr William KIRK, who died at his home Cliffe Villa, Whatstandwell. He was one of the old type of sportsman now fast disappearing. For a number of years, over half a century ago, he was captain of the Chesterfield cricket team, and he was recognised as a skilled batsman. One of his most prized possession was a large picture, “The Cricket Match,” illustrating Sussex and Kent playing at Brighton in 1849, both players and spectators wearing tall silk hats.
[A report of the funeral mourners followed]

Derbyshire Courier 17 March 1917
An official intimation has been received by Mrs J.SHELDON, of Mansfield, and afterward forwarded to Mr and Mrs George SHELDON, of Crich, informing them that Gunner Joseph SHELDON R.F.A. , was dangerously wounded. The news, which is lacking in detail, has been forwarded from a base hospital in France. Gunner SHELDON, who is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs G. SHELDON, was badly wounded seven months ago, and was in hospital six weeks as a result of being buried for eighteen hours in a trench blown up by the enemy. Gunner SHELDON, who is married, and has one child, was employed at Mansfield before enlisting.

Derbyshire Courier, 24 March 1917

Obituary of John Dawes 1917

Times and Chesterfield Herald, 24 March 1917
CRICH SOLDIER WOUNDED
Mr and Mrs John CAULDWELL, of Crich,, were informed at the end of last week that their son, Private Jack CAULDWELL, of the Notts and Derby Regiment, had been wounded in the left arm and left eye by a German bomb, and that he was now in a French hospital. His regiment was at the time taking trenches. Jack, at the end of last year, was one night on sentry duty when a German threw a bomb and said "take that to be going on with." Luckily it did not explode, so Jack took it up and threw it back to the enemy lines where it burst.

Derbyshire Courier, 24 March 1917
ANOTHER CRICH SHERWOOD FALLS
News was received this week by Mr and Mrs Sherbrooke CROOKES, of Plaistow Green Farm, Crich, that Private Percy BRANN fell in action on 5 March. Private BRANN’s sister at Reading sent a letter in which she says: "It is with deep sorrow that I have to inform you that this morning we had a letter from the chaplain of the – Battalion Sherwood Foresters, telling us that my dear brother Percy was killed in action on 5 March, and that he only lived a few minutes before his life was laid down for his country. It came as a great shock to us all, and especially to mother, and I know you will extend your sympathy to us. His commanding officer said that he was a brave soldier and one who will be greatly missed. He eagerly anticipated coming back to you when this terrible war was over."
Mr and Mrs and Miss CROOKES received a letter from Private BRANN, written the day before he fell, and he said he was in the best of health. "Will CURZON is home now then," he wrote. "Well, he has done his bit, there's no mistake about it, and it's a bad job to lose a limb. I see there are two or three more from Crich who enlisted at the same time as I did who have been killed." Private BRANN whose home is at Reading, was with Mr CROOKES for about 14 months prior to the outbreak of war, and was almost regarded as a son.
He was popular also in the Alfreton district, where he carried out the milk delivery from Mr CROOKES. He had seen service with the colours previously, and he served in India. When the war broke out he could not resist his countries call and at the first recruiting meeting at Crich, in September 1914, he headed the first batch of volunteers for service. During his service of more than two years in France, he passed through a tremendous lot of fighting, and he was badly gassed on one occasion. It is a sad coincidence that of the four men in Mr CROOKES service prior to the war three have fallen in France. The other is still serving there.

Ripley and Heanor News 30 March 1917
In consequence of April 6, the date of the annual fair, falling this year on Good Friday the fair will be held on the following day, Saturday.

Derbyshire Courier, 31 March 1917
CRICH GUNNER’S WOUNDS

photo of Joseph Dheldon soldier 1917

Further particulars have been received by Mr and Mrs George SHELDON of The Tors, Crich, during the week with regard to their youngest son, Gunner Joseph SHELDON. A letter from the Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot, written by a friend states that Gunner SHELDON has been transferred there from the base hospital in France. He's been severely wounded by shell in the left thigh, and in addition is suffering from shell shock and is slightly gassed. The relatives are greatly relieved to hear that he is progressing satisfactorily, as no news had been received since the intimation that he was dangerously wounded. Gunner SHELDON is a fine physique and when living at Crich was a good local exponent with the gloves.

Derbyshire Courier, 31st of March 1917
CRICH SOLDIERS DEATH IN HOSPITAL
After having been in the Army only five weeks, Private John GIBBONS, of Plaistow Green, Crich, died on Tuesday in hospital at Sunderland from spotted fever. The deceased who had been ill for a fortnight, was of fine physique. He was 35 years of age and was married on 2 December last year. He was well known and respected throughout the district, especially by the farming community, being the owner of a shire horse which traversed various parts of Mid-Derbyshire. His wife was informed of his serious condition over a week ago, and she went to Sunderland, where she remained up to his death. It's expected that the body will be bought to Crich for internment.

Derbyshire Courier, 7 April 1917
The interment took place at the Parish Churchyard, Crich, on Saturday, of Private John T GIBBONS, of Wheatcroft, Crich, who died at Sunderland Sanatorium the previous Tuesday. The deceased had been in the Army for a short period, having joined the Sherwoods but five weeks prior to his death. The body was bought to Wingfield Station, and was afterwards conveyed to Crich. The mourners were Mrs J. T. GIBBONS (widow), Mr D GIBBONS (father), Stephen and Daniel (brothers) Sissy and Janie (sisters), Mr Robert MARSHALL (Lea Moor, brother-in-law), Mrs S GIBBONS (sister-in-law), Mrs J ALTON (Plaistow green, mother in law), Mr Philip ALTON (Newton), Mr George ALTON (West houses) Mr Harry ALTON (Nottingham), Mr Leonard ALTMAN (Blackwell), Mr Fred ALTON (Plaistow green brothers-in-law), Mrs P ALTON, Mrs G ALTON, and Mrs L ALTON (sisters-in-law), Mr Thomas PLATTS, and Mr Harold PLATTS. The bearers were the Messrs John WILTON, Freeman THORPE, John HOPKINSON, and Joseph H SMITH. The Rev W BUNTING conducted the service. Floral tributes were sent by the widow, "Father and Mother," "Sissy and Bob," "Stephen and Mary" "Janie" "Mrs ALTON and Fred" "Brothers in law at Newton, Westhouses, Blackwell and Nottingham" J WILTON, Mr and Mrs F BARNES, Mr and Mrs Job HOPKINSON, officers of the Sherwoods, C Company, and NCOs Sherwood Foresters.

Ripley & Heanor News , 20 April 1917
THE NEW CRICH POSTMASTER
Ex-Sergt. William T. CURZON, of Crich, has been appointed postmaster for the village. The appointment has given the greatest satisfaction. CURZON was one of the first to volunteer, and for some time was in training at The Hayes, Swanwick. He went to France in February 1915, and was wounded on the Somme, being hit in the left arm with an explosive bullet, which shattered the elbow. The arm has had to be amputated.

Derbyshire Times 24 April 1917
We regret to record the death of Tuesday of Mrs Jane BROCKLEHURST, aged 87 years, which took place at her son’s residence at the Fish Pond Fam, Crich

Ripley and Heanor News 30 April 1917
Dr G.G.MACDONALD, of Crich, was on Wednesday elected an alderman of the county at the meeting of the County Council.

Ripley and Heanor News 30 April 1917
Mr George Kiddy WALKER, of Woodbank Villa, Crich, who died on January 18, left estate valued at £4308 gross. Probate of his will has been granted to Mr John Walker PIGGIN, of Crich, grocer's assistant, the nephew, the surviving ?

Derbyshire Courier, 12 May 1917
CRICH SOLDIER KILLED ON HIS BIRTHDAY
Further particulars regarding the death of Pte. Alexander ROSS, of Crich, have come to hand. These are given in a letter from a companion, Pte. Walter CURZON, also of Crich, who was with Pte. ROSS up to just previous to the latter’s death. Pte. CURZON writes to his sister: “1 don’t know whether you have heard about poor Alex. ROSS. He wasn’t in the last charge that I have just taken part in, but he got killed by a shell. He didn’t suffer any pain, being killed instantaneously. We gave him a decent burial, the chaplain holding a service over him and I stood close by. There were Alex, and two other pals of mine killed at once. I had only left them two minutes before it happened.” In a letter to Mr. and Mrs. T. ASHTON, of the Common, Crich, dated 29 April, Pte. CURZON writes: “Have, you’ heard about the death of Alex. ROSS? He was killed by a shell as we were stopping by the railway side, his death being instantaneous. It was a lucky shot for me that I wasn’t with him as we had been together all the time until the same night.’’ Pte. ROSS was killed on 15th April, his birthday. He was thirty-seven years of age.

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald, 12 May 1917
CRICH SOLDIER KILLED
Sincere sympathy is felt in Crich with Mrs ROSS, whose husband, Pte Alexander ROSS, has been killed in action. Pte ROSS only joined up last November, and he is the first married man from Crich to be killed, He leaves three young children.

Derbyshire Times 19 May 1917
Mr and Mrs Jno Hy GOUGH, who lately left Crich Parish to live at Belper, received the sad news on Saturday last that their son Gunner John GOUGH (RFA) was killed in action. He has been two years in France is 24 years of age, single and previous to enlisting worked at Messrs Yalverton Dawbarns, Whatstandwell.

Derbyshire Courier 19 May 1917
DERBYSHIRE MEN ON THE ROLL OF HONOUR

photo of John Goush soldier 1917
GUNNER J. GOUGH
Crich
Killed

Derbyshire Times , 19 May 1917
Mrs WRIGHT of Park Head, Crich received the news on Monday that Pte Christopher DRURY, who was one of the first to enlist from Crich, had been killed at the front. He was a native of Liverpool and joined a Liverpool Regiment. He was about 24 years of age, single and worked at Crich for many years.
[Note that there are reporting errors in the newspaper obituary, the name should be Durie not Drury, he was aged nineteen not twenty-four and his regiment was based in Lancaster not Liverpool]

Derbyshire Times, 19 May 1917
Mr and Mrs Edward WRAGG, “The Tors”, Crich, late of Thurlow Booth Whatstandwell, would be grateful to receive further information as to the whereabouts and condition of their son, Pte George WRAGG, No. 70545, Sherwood Foresters, “C” Co., 12th Platoon, B.E. France, who was reported as wounded on the 9th April last. They received a letter from his officer, but have heard nothing since.

Derbyshire Times, 19 May 1917
Mr and Mrs Stephen SELF of Whatstandwell have received the news that their youngest son Lance Corporal S. SELF of the Sherwoods, was wounded on the 25th ult by the bursting of a shell from which he received a compound fracture of the right arm and a wound on the left side to the neck. He is now in hospital at Chatham. Previous to enlisting he worked as a miner at Staveley where he enlisted in January 1915 and has seen nearly two year’s service at the front. He is single 34 years of age, and a native of Whatstandwell.

Derbyshire Advertiser 26 May 1917
A Crich farmer named THORPE was applied for by Mr A.R. FLINT. He said he farmed 55 acres of land, and had an opportunity of taking 20 acres more. He was a dairy farmer, and also made butter. He had had the farm five years. His brother was also a farmer about a mile away from him, and he farmed 65 acres. Conditional exemption

The Mansfield Reporter & Sutton Times: 25 May 1917
Lnce-Corpl R. PIERPOINT (MGC), Mansfield has been wounded.

Ripley and Heanor News 1 June 1917
DEATHS
On May 26, at Crich, William MARTIN, aged 66 years.

Derbyshire Times, 2 June 1917
Crich Casualties
Private J. T. SMITH, of the East Yorkshire Regiment, was seriously wounded in the thigh whilst in action on the Western Front on the 13th May. He is now lying at the Kitchener Australian Red Cross Hospital, Brighton, from which place he has written to his mother, Mrs Arthur SMITH, of The Archway, Crich, as follows: – I should not have sent you the field card, but that I thought you would be wondering what had become of me. I had begun to think that I would not get out of here. You have no need to worry, as my leg is going on as well as it can. I was under the X-Rays, but nothing was found in. I thought I had a bad wound until I got to hospital, but then I saw many much worse. The week before I was hit we had bad luck: the place where I was billeted – a large warehouse with shells stacked outside – took fire. There were between two hundred and three hundred men in the place, and it was a rush to get out, many having neither coats nor boots on. Everything was burned. I received my wound when going to the front line whilst I was in the communication trench. ‘Fritz’ had started sending shells over and one burst just at the back of me, and a piece of the case must have hit me”.

Derbyshire Times 2 June 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Mr and Mrs James MELLORS of Crich have received news of the death of their second son, Pte John MELLORS, of the King’s Yorkshire Light Infantry, who was killed in action on the 3rd of May. He was wounded 13 months ago in France, and had seen much fighting. He had enlisted at the beginning of the War, while at Doncaster. He was 25 years of age and married. The deceased’s brother Cprl. Walter MELLORS, of The Sherwoods, who enlisted at the same time is now a prisoner of war in Germany.

Derbyshire Times , 2 June 1917
Crich Casualties
Details of Gunner John H SMITH’s wounds have been received in a letter he sent to his uncle and aunt Mr and Mrs J Roe SMITH of Ashbourne House, Roes Lane, Crich. He says that he was wounded by a shell, which caused severe injuries to his right side and arm. After being taken to a hospital in France, he underwent two operations, and later was drafted to England. He is now at Bellahouston Red Cross Hospital, Glasgow, where he is improving. His chum, who was hit by the same shell, died in the next bed to his shortly afterwards. Gunner SMITH went across to France in May this year. Before joining up he was a butcher, and had a business on the Market Place, Crich.

Derbyshire Courier: 2 June 1917

photo of Robert Pierpoint soldier 1917
Robert Pierpoint –wounded –Crich

Derbyshire Times, 2 June 1917
Crich Casualties

photo John Thomas Smith soldier 1917
Pte J.T. SMITH – wounded– Crich

Derbyshire Courier 8 June 1917
CRICH CASUALIES

photo of John Mellors soldier 1917

Mr and Mrs James MELLORS of the Common, Crich, received new on Whit-Monday that their second son Private John MELLORS KOYLI has been killed. The news came from Mr T. MARSHALL of Nottingham with whom Private MELLORS was living before the war. Mr MARSHALL wrote as follows : – " I am sorry to tell you that we have had bad news this morning that Jacky was killed in action on 3 May. We do not know any details at present." Private MELLORS who was 25 years of age enlisted at the beginning of the war, and was wounded over a year ago. His younger brother Lance-Corporal Walter MELLORS, has been a Prisoner of War in Germany for nearly twelve months. Before joining the Army Private Mellors was employed as a traveller for a Nottingham drapery firm.

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 8 June 1917
BELPER RURAL CASES
A Crich grocer and hawker named J.W. YEOMANS appealed against the decision of the local Tribunal in refusing his application. He stated that when he originally volunteered for service with the colours, he was totally rejected, and acting upon that decision, he has since entered into business obligations which made his calling up a matter of hardship. He had since been passed in class C2. The appeal was disallowed and appellant was ordered to report on August 1st.

Belper News , 15 June 1917
CRICH SOLDIERS DEATH
With reference to the death at the front of Private John MELLORS, Mrs James MELLORS, of Crich, has since received the following note from the officer: – "It is with great regret and heartfelt sympathy that I have to inform you that your son was killed in action on May 3. These are hard days, especially for our mothers and wives at home, but it must be consolation to you to know that your son was a gallant fellow and died like a true soldier. He was beloved by all the men, though he had been with us only a short time. He was killed instantly, so did not suffer.”

Belper News 15 June 1917
The Baptist Church Crich, was the scene on Saturday of a pretty wedding bride being Miss Elsie SMITH only daughter of Mr and Mrs William SMITH, of Church View, Crich, and the bridegroom Mr Alfred LEAFE, of “Sunnybank” Roe’s Lane, Crich.
[There followed a full report of wedding]

Derbyshire Times 23 June 1917
A terrible accident occurred at the Matlock Goods Station at about 8:35 am on Thursday, resulting in a temporary goods porter sustaining fatal injuries. The unfortunate man Mr J.H. GODDARD, of “The Views,” Crich, was it is assumed following his work when he was trapped between the buffers of two goods wagons. He was severely crushed about the abdomen, and was immediately removed to the parcels office. Dr MORTON was quickly on the spot, but the man was beyond human aid, and he breathed his last at 9:10 am. Deceased, who was 45 years of age, was a married man with a family, and he had only been employed at the Matlock Goods Station for a few weeks. An inquest was held on Friday.
[A full report of the Inquest and funeral was reported in the Belper News dated 19 June 1917]

Derbyshire Courier 26 June 1917
Before the Belper Rural District Tribunal on Wednesday, the case of George William DAVIDSON, grocer and farmer of Crich Common, was under review, Exemption had previously been granted and renewed on business and domestic grounds. On this occasion the exemption previously granted was withdrawn, but applicant’s claim for exemption on conscientious grounds was considered. The Military Representative asked if it were true that applicant employed a man of another nationality?
Applicant: no
The Military Representative: Oh, but haven’t you a German servant?
Applicant: Yes, I employ a German nurse.
Later, in entering the official question as to whether he had assisted in philanthropic work, applicant said, “Yes. I employed the German nurse when no one else would do so.”
Members of the Tribunal: Oh! Oh!
The Chairman: that is not philanthropy.
Applicant was granted exemption from combatant service only, and expressed his willingness to go to prison. He is appealing against the decision.

Derbyshire Courier, 26 June 1917
CRICH SHERWOOD A PRISONER OF WAR
Welcome news was received on Thursdayof last week by Mr and Mrs E. WRAGG, of the Tors, Crich, That their son Private George WRAGG from whom they had heard nothing since 7 April, was a prisoner of war in Germany. About the middle of April a letter was sent to Private WRAGG's parents by his officer, stating that he was wounded on 9 April, since when he has been missing. They have now received the intimation from Park Street Derby, headquarters of the Sherwood Foresters Prisoners of War Regimental Care Committee that he is a prisoner. He is at present in hospital at Thuringen.

Derbyshire Courier 30 June 1917
Crich Stand was “captured” the other day. For over four years the famous landmark has kept would-be climbers at its base, the entrance, owing to the towers unsafe condition having been built up. A few days ago, however, a number of adventurous spirits managed to dislodge one of the stones that locked up the entrance, and, squeezing themselves through the small hole thus made, ascended the spiral staircase in triumph. A similar feat was performed in May, 1913 by a number of prominent players of the local United Football Club, who gaining the crest of the tower, placed there a motto, “Votes for Women.” The dislodged stone has been replaced and firmly cemented in position again .

Derbyshire Courier 7 July 1917

newspaper article abour oeace protest 1917

Ripley and Heanor News 13 July 1917
Heage Tribunal
S. EDWARDS, coal merchant, Belper, appealed for George TWIGG, Crich Chase Farm, married, three children, class A. Two months with right of appeal.

Derbyshire Courier, 14 July 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Mrs H. CURZON, of the Common, Crich, received a brief intimation on Friday that her youngest son, Private Walter CURZON, was wounded, and is in hospital in France. The news was sent by a nurse from the institution and states that Private CURZON has been wounded by shrapnel. He is the youngest of five brothers serving with the colours, one, Private Alfred CURZON, having recently been reported killed.

Derbyshire Courier 14 July 1917
At the Derbyshire Appeals Tribunal on Monday, G.W. DAVIDSON, grocer and farmer, of Crich, appealed against the withdrawal of his certificate of exemption by the Belper Rural Tribunal. His grounds of appeal were two, the first being business hardship, in respect of which he was represented by Mr A.R.FLINT, and the second a conscientious objection to war, based on his principles as a member of the Society of Friends. He gave the Court details of his grocery business, which was an extensive one. Appellant was then questioned by Capt. J.W. MOSLEY who suggested that he was employing conscientious objectors. Appellant replied that the only conscientious objectors he employed were sent to him by the Army to work on the land. He had a nurse of German nationality. Mr FLINT complained the Captain MOSLEY was unfair in not asking for the full particulars about the German nurse, as he must be aware of them.
Captain MOSLEY: You may re-examine witness if you want to bring out any further facts.
Mr FLINT (re-examining): Is it a fact that this German nurse came to you direct from Lord LANSDOWNE, by whom she was specially recommended? Appellant: it is.
Appellant, in answer to the Bench said he would be willing to take a larger farm, as work of national importance. The Court allowed the appeal on condition that DAVIDSON is put on the substitution list for agricultural work to the satisfaction of the Tribunal.

Derbyshire Courier, 4 August 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
A chum of Private Harry BOWMER, Sherwood Foresters, of Crich Carr, has written to Mr and Mrs BOWMER informing them that their son has again been wounded. He writes: "Your son, Harry, landed at Southampton the other day and is going on a hospital train to the Midlands. Although wounded in the left arm he seemed to be getting on fine." Confirmation of the news was received from the Infantry Record Office, Lichfield, the official notification stating that Pte. BOWMER was wounded by gunshot in the left arm and had been admitted to the 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, on 20 July. Later Pte, BOWMER wrote himself, informing his parents that he was an inmate of the Stourbridge Section General Hospital. He says that although wounded he came off very lucky, as they had a warm time of it when "going over the top" in the Lens district. Pte. BOWMER was wounded last September, when he was hit by a piece of shell. His brother Pte. Anthony BOWMER, was also seriously wounded at the same time, being hit in both legs by gunshot.

Derbyshire Courier, 7 August 1917

Harry Bowmer soldier 1917
Pte. H. Bowmer, Crich, WOUNDED

Derbyshire Times 11 August 1917
Mr and Mrs Edward WRAGG, of The Tors Crich, have received official information that their son-in-law, Private C. H. RUSSELL has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the Western Front. The official record of Private RUSSELL’s gallantry reads as follows: – “69th Company, Machine Gun Corps, No 8906, Private Charles Henry RUSSELL, Conspicuous energy, ability and devotion to duty while employed as a runner during the assault of the 69th Brigade on the Hill 60 Sector on June 7th 1917. Private RUSSELL, who had already made several journeys as a runner, was sent to find and guide to their positions two gun teams which had been misdirected. This accomplished with success and subsequently guided up a party carrying ammunition to these guns. Private RUSSELL worked indefatigably and cheerfully without any rest for a very long period under trying conditions. Military Medal. (Signed) E. F. Falkner, Lieut. Colonel A.A.and Q.M.G. 23rd Division.” Private RUSSELL was formerly a gardener at Alderwasley Hall.
[He was also known as DUNCAN]

Derbyshire Courier, 18 August 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Mr and Mrs Joseph J. BUNTING of Coddington House, Crich Carr, received a letter on Thursday of last week from a general hospital in France informing them that their youngest son, Private Douglas BUNTING, had been admitted there, the result of wounds received in action on 27 July. Private BUNTING was afterwards moved across to "Blighty," arriving in England on Friday, and next day he was transferred to the Nottingham Military Hospital. Mrs BUNTING saw him there on Tuesday and found him suffering from a severe flesh wound in the right thigh, caused by shrapnel. A portion of the shrapnel has already been extracted, and he is progressing favourably. Private BUNTING, who is 23, was employed at Messrs Dawbarns joinery works, Whatstandwell when he joined up in November 1914. He was drafted with the Sherwood Foresters across to France about a year and eight months ago and has not since had the privilege of leave home. Some months ago he was buried in his dugout through an exploding shell, but he managed to escape very little the worse for his experience. He is the youngest of three brothers serving. Gunner Thomas BUNTING, one of the three, has been wounded on no less than six occasions, and has had some miraculous escapes.

Derbyshire Times 25 August 1917
ANOTHER CRICH LOSS
On Friday news was received by Mr and Mrs John WRAFF of Crich, that their son John WRAGG (21), Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry had been killed in action. Gunner WRAGG had been on ten days leave during this month, and he looked quite happy and cheerful amongst his old Crich friends, who mourn his loss. He enlisted soon after the war began.

Derbyshire Courier, 25 August 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
For a considerable time there have been doubts concerning the fate of Private Alfred CURZON, Sherwood Forester's, of Crich, and, and although no news had been received regarding him since July of last year, it was thought he might possibly have been wounded and taken prisoner. A letter from the British Red Cross enquiry Department for wounded and missing appears to confirm the worst fears regarding his fate. The letter received last weekend by a relative states that his battalion went over the top on 1 July to attack, Gommecourt. The fighting was very violent, and German shells and bombs were falling fast between the lines all that day and even at night.

Derbyshire Courier, 1 September 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
N.C.O. killed
Cpl John T. Wragg, eldest son of Mr John W. WRAGG, newsagent, Crich, has been killed in action. The sad intelligence reached Mr and Mrs WRAGG on Friday in a letter from second lieutenant P.M.WHITELEY, B. Co– Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Lt WHITELEY says – "I am extremely grieved to have to inform you that your son was killed in action on the morning of 16 August whist helping to play his part in the great British advance, being at this time of his death in charge of a Lewis gun team. For a long time he'd been one of the very best men in action in the company, and he took a most intelligent interest in the plan of operations. He will be greatly missed by all of us here. Kindly accept my deepest sympathy." Confirmation of the news has been forwarded to Crich by Cpl Maurice PERRY, who is in the same company. He has written to his parents, who live near the Marketplace, stating that his chum, Cpl WRAGG had been killed. It is only about six weeks ago since Cpl WRAGG was over at Crich for his first leave, after two and a half years in France. During this time he'd been wounded three times, once very seriously, when he was shot in the head by a sniper on 8 October, 1915. His sound physique, however, pulled him through, and he afterwards was often in the thick of the fighting. He and his chum, Cpl Maurice PERRY, joined the Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry immediately at the outbreak of war and throughout the three years they have been together. Cpl WRAGG, who was 24 years of age was a miner at the Oakerthorpe colliery before his enlistment.

Derbyshire Courier 1 September 1917
Mr Samuel SMITH, of the Bulls Head Inn, Crich cut a prodigious cauliflower from his garden last weekend. Its size and weight constitute a local record. It scaled over six pounds. The diameter measured thirteen inches and the circumference three feet four inches. Mr SMITH holds the Crich record for growing the largest as well as the most remarkably shaped potato. It weighed over two pounds and had eight sections, the largest of which exactly resembled a lion’s head.

Derbyshire Courier, 1 September 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
News was received last weekend by Mr George BROWN, Marketplace, Crich, that his youngest son, Private Fred BROWN, had been wounded in action. Private BROWN writing from the 22nd General Hospital says: – "I am getting on all right now again. I got potted on Thursday morning by a machine gun, a bullet going through the flesh of my left thigh. I was very lucky, as my mate went under. It was as my officers said to me when I was coming down to the dressing station, "we have been into hell and got out of it again" I think Fritz got a good peppering although I did not advance far myself I'm highly satisfied with a bit of suffering I have to put up with." Private BROWN who enlisted in the Sherwoods over two years ago has been transferred to the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He is married. His wife lives at Bargate, Belper.

Derby Daily Telegraph , Monday 3 September 1917
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
Wounded 32129 D. Bunting
(Whatstandwell)

Derbyshire Courier, 4 September 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Considerable anxiety is felt by Mr and Mrs T. KNEEBONE, of the Common, Crich, with regard to the whereabouts of their eldest son, Private John T. KNEEBONE, Sherwoods. Nothing has been heard from him since 18 September, when he sent a field card to say he was well. As a result of an enquiry the Lichfield Records Office informs of Mr KNEENONE that his son was posted as missing are on 20 September. Private KNEEBONE, who is 21 years of age, is a finely built young fellow. He was one of the first batch of recruits to enlist from Crich, having joined up in September 1914. For a while he was a military policeman in Ireland, and fifteen months ago he was drafted to France.

Derbyshire Courier, 8 September 1917
WOUNDED
Pte S. HARRISON, Crich

Derbyshire Courier, 15 September 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Mrs John SEALS of Church Farm, Crich, had received a letter from a son Bombardier Curtis W. SEALS, RFA written from the General Hospital, Le Treport, France on 3 September. in this he says: "as you will see by the address, I am at present in hospital. I have been wounded in the shoulder with shrapnel, this being on 30 August. I am pleased to say it is not serious, and they have taken the shrapnel out. We got a terrible knocking about, I came out lightly. I am going on well, and we have got some jolly good beds here." Bombardier SEALS who is just 21, is the youngest of three brothers serving, Alf. being in France and Victor in Jamaica. Curtis crossed to France about three months ago.

Derbyshire Courier, 15 September 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Private John T SMITH of Archway House, who was wounded in the leg by shrapnel several months ago, is seriously ill in Brighton Hospital. A telegram was forwarded by the matron of the institution on Wednesday to Mrs SMITH to inform her that Private SMITH was in a serious condition, and requesting her to go immediately if she desired to see him. It is understood that he is suffering from septic poisoning, the result of the wounds in his leg, whilst malaria has also set in. During the past few days he has undergone three operations.

Derbyshire Courier, 15 September 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Information regarding Lance Cpl John CURZON's wounds was received at his home on Wednesday following the brief intimation of this admission into a base Hospital in France wounded. Writing from the Wharncliff Hall Hospital, Sheffield, Lance Cpl CURZON says that he was admitted to the Australian General Hospital, Wimereux, France on 29 August suffering from gunshot wounds. Two are at the back of the left shoulder and two in the upper part of the arm. He was transferred to Sheffield last week. In a in a letter written from here he states that he is going on splendidly. Lance Cpl CURZON who is been in France a year joined the Sherwood's and since been transferred to the Royal Warwickshires.

Derbyshire Times, 22 Sept 1917
CRICH SOLDIER KILLED

Albert Amderson soldier 1917

Lance-Corpl. Albert ANDERSON, West Riding Regiment, of Crich, has been killed in action on the Western Front. The sad news was received on Friday last week and caused profound sorrow and regret amongst the inhabitants of Crich, at which place the deceased soldier was well known and universally liked. Lance Corporal ANDERSON resided with his brother-in-law and sister, Mr and Mrs Abram ROE, of Crich Common, and they received the official intimation on Tuesday. The officer in charge, Infantry Record Office, York, wrote saying that Lance-Corpl. ANDERSON was killed in France on August 27th 28th, and Lord Derby also wrote conveying to Mr and Mrs ROE the sympathy of their Majesties the King and Queen. Lance-Corpl. ANDERSON enlisted in November 1915. He was 24 years of age on April 28th last, and was single. Before the war he was employed by the Sheffield Cooperative Society at their Eccleshall Branch. Previous to taking up duties at Eccleshall he was for about six years employed at the Ripley Cooperative Society's Crich branch. He was educated at the Crich British School, and was a member of the Crich Baptist Church and Sunday School. He is the second member of the Baptist Church at Crich to make the supreme sacrifice, and the second to be likewise recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Council School. Lance-Corpl. ANDERSON was wounded last year and on returning to France after recovery received his promotion. His loss will be felt keenly at Crich and Eccleshall, and the sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved relatives.

Derbyshire Courier 6 October 1917

John Martin soldier 1917
Pte J.H. Martin, Crich Wounded

Belper News 5 October 1917
Last week Mrs Harry HOMER, who resides with her parents, Mr and Mrs William CURZON, farmers, Chadwick Nick, Crich, in walking around the farm, came across a giant mushroom, which she gathered and presented to our correspondent. It was found to measure 13 inches in diameter, and is a perfect specimen.

Belper News 19 October 1917
Cpl Alfred MARTIN, Trench Mortar Battery, son of Mr William MARTIN, Coddington has been wounded in the chest by shrapnel and is now in hospital at Chelmsford. Cpl MART enlisted in August 1914, and was wounded in Ireland during the rebellion. In June last he was also wounded in France, and only left hospital at the end of August. He is 22 years of age, and formerly work at Wingfield Manor Colliery.
Mr John ROE, Sun Lane, Crich, received a letter from a nurse in a hospital in France, informing him that his son, Private John ROE, Sherwood Foresters, had been mortally wounded. Private ROE was about 22 years of age.

Belper News, 2 November 1917
CASUALTIES
Mr and Mrs William GREENHOUGH, of North View, Crich, received news the other day that their second son, Pte Vernon GREENHOUGH, Sherwood Foresters, was killed in the recent fighting at the Front. He was previously wounded in France. He was about 26 years of age and prior to joining the army was employed as a miner.

Belper News, 2 November 1917
CASUALTIES
Mrs Willoughby BUNTING, of Crich Carr, received news at the end of last week that her husband, Pte Willoughby BUNTING, Sherwood Foresters, was seriously wounded in action in France. Information has this week been received that his death has taken place. He enlisted in March last, previous to which he was employed at Messrs Charles Lister and Son’s Stone Yard, Whatstandwell.

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal, 2 November 1917
Kings Arms, Crich – to be let, this old established fully licensed Inn, as a Free House, with immediate possession.

Derbyshire Courier, 3 November 1917
ILL IN HOSPITAL
Pte. J. DAWES, Crich
Driver. F. ALLWOOD, Crich

Derbyshire Times , 10 November 1917
CRICH SOLDIER MISSING

John Kneebone soldier 1917

Mr and Mrs Thomas KNEEBONE, of Crich Common, have received news from the military authorities at Lichfield that their eldest son, Pte. John Thos. KNEEBONE who is a gunner in the R.F.A has been missing for about eight weeks. He enlisted in August 1914 and previous to joining the Army was employed at the Manor Colliery, South Wingfield. He is single and 23 years of age.

Derbyshire Courier 13 November 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Considerable anxiety is felt by Mr and Mrs T. KNEEBONE, of the Common, Crich, with regard to the whereabouts of their eldest son, Private John T. KNEEBONE, Sherwoods. Nothing has been heard from him since 18th September, when he sent a field card to say he was well. As a result of an enquiry the Lichfield Record Office informs Mr KNEEBONE that his son was posted as missing on 20 September. Private KNEEBONE, who is 21 years of age, is a finely built young fellow. He was one of the first batch of recruits to enlist from Crich, having joined up in September 1914. For a while he was a military policeman in Ireland, and fifteen months ago he was drafted to France.

Derbyshire Times, 17 November 1917
CRICH SOLDIER KILLED IN DUG-OUT

photo George Parry soldier 1917

Mr Joel PERRY, of the Market Place, Crich, received the sad news last week that his youngest son Pte George PERRY, of the Sherwoods, was killed in action on the 29th ult., as the following letter from Lance-Corpl. SUMMERS indicates: – "It is with my deepest sympathy I have to announce the death of your son, George PERRY, attached to the Sherwoods. It was on Monday afternoon the 29th Oct. that the enemy opened a terrible bombardment on our strong-point, and about 4.30 a shell struck the main dug-out, and the captain and sergeant major and your son and several other fine fellows bravely gave their lives, and I can only thank God that I am here to write these sad lines to you. I and all our men send our deepest sympathy to you, as he was one of the finest men in the Company. If you wish to know further details I am willing to help you." Pte. George PERRY was employed at the Butterley Co's Quarries, Crich, previous to enlisting in August 1914. He was 24 years of age last January, single, and lived with his father. His father is also an old soldier having served the 95th Foot in 1879 and served in Ireland and fought at the Chitral, the Egyptian War, and the Indian Frontier. In fact deceased belongs to a fighting family, as he had six nephews in the present war, and his grandfather, Mr John PERRY, fought in the Crimean War.

Derbyshire Courier, 24 November 1917
CASUALTIES
Private Sidney HARRISON one of the soldier sons of Mr and Mrs William HARRISON of Roes Lane, Crich, is wounded and in hospital. Private HARRISON wrote home from Boulogne Stationary Hospital stating that he was wounded in the right hand. He has had thirteen months in France. In his letter he says, "Be sure to send me the Courier" His brother Bombardier Herbert HARRISON who was admitted to the St George's Hospital, London, about a month ago suffering from gas poisoning has now been moved to Wimbledon Hospital. He writes to say he is improving. His voice and sight which temporarily had left him are now gradually returning.
News reached Crich on Wednesday that Private Wilfred THORPE, of Plaistow Hall, has been wounded in action in France. No further details were to hand.

Derbyshire Courier 1 December 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Mrs E. NOWELL of Church View, Crich, received news from her husband, Sapper Ernest NOWELL, last weekend, stating that he is ill in hospital, having had an attack of “sandfly” fever. Soon after landing in Mesopotamia he had an attack and, after recovery, rejoined his company. A couple of days later the fever again attacked him, and he had to return to hospital. Sapper NOWELL has been in the Engineers since joining up in October last year. He went to the Eastern front last Easter. Before joining up he was water-works inspector at Mold, Wales.

Derbyshire Courier, 1 December 1917
CRICH CASUALTIES
Mrs Philip RADFORD, of Plaistow Green Crich, received news last week that her brother, Private George PATILLA, South Wales Borderers, had been wounded in action. Further details came to hand on Wednesday, the official intimation from the Shrewsbury Record office stating that Private PATILLA had been admitted to the 6th General Hospital, Rouen on 14 November suffering from severe gunshot wounds in the left thigh. He was wounded on 10 November. A letter was also received from Private PATILLA on Wednesday, stating that he was at the Auxiliary Military Hospital, Ashton under Lyne, and that he was making satisfactory progress. Private PATILLA, who was a stone mason at Messrs. A. SIMS’ stone yard, Whatstandwell was in the RE as a sapper, but on being drafted to France last December he was transferred to the South Wales Borderers.

Derbyshire Courier, 1 December1917
CRICH WOUNDED
Letters explaining the nature of Gunner Wilfred THORPE’s wounds have been received by his parents, Mr and Mrs Thomas THORPE, Plaistow Hall, Crich. Gunner THORPE, along with several chums, was in a dug-out, and Fritz was strafing with his long range shells, one of which dropped just over them. Gunner THORPE and several chums were wounded. He was hit in the leg and arm. He was moved to the base hospital, and later to England. He is now at a military hospital at Leicester. Enlisting fourteen months ago, Gunner THORPE went to France with the Royal Garrison Artillery in May. He is the youngest son of Mr and Mrs T. THORPE.

Derbyshire Courier 4 December 1917
ROLL OF HONOUR
This Week's Derbyshire Casualties
ILL IN HOSPITAL
Sapper E. NOWELL, Crich
WOUNDED
Pte. G PATILLA, Crich

Derbyshire Courier, 15 December 1917
WOUNDED
Pte. Maurice PERRY, Crich
Pte. Fred TAYLOR, Crich
Pte. William FROST, Crich

Derby Daily Telegraph 21 December 1917
Norman ALLSOP, butcher’s assistant, Crich, was charged with selling meat exceeding the maximum controlled price at Crich on November 8 and Percy P. TAYLOR, his master, was charged with aiding and abetting. Both pleaded not guilty. They were also charged with not displaying in plain figures the price of the cuts of meat.
[There followed a long report court case]

Derbyshire Times, 22nd December 1917

photo William Taylor soldier 1917

Mrs Taylor, Wheatcroft, Crich, has received news that her only son, Driver William TAYLOR, has been killed in action. The news was conveyed in the following letter from the matron of the Casualty Clearing Station, France, dated November 28th: – “It is with great regret I have to tell you of the death this day of your son, Driver W. TAYLOR, from wounds received in action. He came to us this morning so severely wounded in the abdomen that all we could do for him was of no avail, for he succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission. His end was peaceful and free from pain. It may be of some little comfort to you to know he did not suffer. With sincere sympathy”.
Driver TAYLOR, who was 39 years of age and single, served with the Sherwood Foresters for three years during the South African war. In February, 1915, he joined the Royal Engineers, and six months afterwards was sent to France. He formerly worked at the Oakerthorpe Colliery and is well known in the Crich and Ashover district.

Derbyshire Courier , 29 December 1917
Another Crich soldier to receive commissioned rank is Sergeant Harold ENGLAND, Sherwood Foresters. He has been over on leave during the holidays. Second Lieutenant ENGLAND was badly wounded in France over a year ago. Several old Grammar School boys in the parish now have commissions.

Derbyshire Courier, 29 December 1917
A feature of the holiday has been the unusually large number of local soldiers who have been fortunate in securing Christmas leave. The list includes Sgt C. MASON, from Ecclesall (Staffs), convalescent home; Private J W HEATHCOTE, A S C (Mechanical Transport), from France; and driver William COLEMAN, France – the two latter were over together just a year ago – and Sapper Hy V. SMITH in the Signalling Service, R.E., who came from France on Monday, after eight months across the Channel. Driver Jas H DAWES, Driver James BINGHAM, Lance Corporal W HALLAM, Cpl Jas HOLMES, and Bugler William HARTSHORNE have also been over on leave. The latter, who is staying with Mr A BUCKLEY, of Park Head, is attached to the Canadian Forces. Along with his parents he emigrated from Park Head, cried, to the Dominion before the war, and like his brother, Tom, he enlisted in the Canadians during the earlier stages of the war.