Wartime Hoole

From Hoole History and Heritage Society


To commemorate the Centenary of The Great War 1914-18 the Society has been working to identify the names of the Fallen recorded on the Hoole & Newton War Memorial and we would be delighted to hear from you if you can confirm or correct such details as we have already but especially for those men that we have yet to identify who are highlighted on our list.

To mark the 75th anniversary of World War II, names of the fallen on that Memorial have also been identified along with other servicemen with Hoole connections. The Society would be pleased to receive details of any of the servicemen who lost their lives in that conflict.

We are also looking for any information on those who served either in the Armed Forces but also on the Home Front e.g. as nursing or other staff at Hoole Bank, Hoole House, and Chester War Hospitals or in other ways e.g. munitions workers or fund raisers.

The Society is always interested to learn about wartime experiences, and is usually able to help identify and clarify the movement and engagement of members of the armed services. Photographs of local service people are very welcome.

If you have any information that you would like to share, please contact us.

Centenary of World War I Armistice - 11th November 1918[1]

On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of warfare in the “war to end all wars”. 11 November 2018 took on special significance as it marked the centenary of the Armistice which brought the First World War to an end.

Hoole and Newton War Memorial

The War Memorial on Hoole Road, dedicated on 1 April 1923, is familiar to us all. During 2014-2018, Hoole History and Heritage Society learned more of the memorial’s history, and how it came to be erected in its position on Hoole Road.

The creation of a memorial was first discussed in July 1916, the year when, due to the course of the war, conscription had to be introduced by the Government. Hoole Urban District Council (HUDC) considered a Roll of Honour which would list all those who served in the Armed Forces. Further discussion was then deferred.

The proposal was considered again, at a special meeting of HUDC on Saturday 11 November 1918, Armistice Day, and shortly after this, Newton Parish Council was invited to combine to form a Joint War Memorial Committee.

Much debate about the form and the location of the memorial ensued. One consideration was the cost. The building of a Memorial Hall was suggested. A large stone memorial, listing all who served, and sited by the bowling greens in Alexandra Park, was also proposed.

A public meeting was held in February 1919, where “much expression of opinion ensued”. In the end the public meeting voted for a memorial.

The Minute Books of HUDC describe the Joint War Memorial Committee as reporting to both councils.

On the 14 March 1921, a meeting of the full Council of Hoole Urban District received the recommendation of the Joint Committee, to pass a resolution approving the building of a Hoole and Newton War Memorial. The Memorial Hall idea was formally abandoned.

The location was chosen at this meeting, opposite 'The Elms' Council Offices on Hoole Road. The location is just within the boundary of the land locally governed by the Flookersbrook Trust under the Flookersbrook Improvement Act 1876.

At the Ermine Hotel, on Thursday 10 November 1921, Maurice Thomas was appointed ‘a Trustee under the Flookersbrook Improvement Act 1876’ by the meeting called for this purpose by the Parish for the Township of Newton by Chester. Following the parish elections in 1922, he went on to succeed C.P. Smith as the Chairman of Newton-by-Chester Parish Council.

William Williams, Chairman of Hoole Urban District Council, was also Chairman of the Flookersbrook Trust.

"Mr William Williams explained that the Hoole Urban District Council and Newton Parish Council were desirous of erecting a monument in memory of the soldiers killed in the Great War and who had resided in the area under the jurisdiction of the two councils, on part of the land belonging to the Trust."[2]

The trustees ‘had no objection’ to this happening on Trust land in the location where the war memorial stands today. Three designs for the memorial were submitted, from which the one we know, designed by Mr. F. Davies MSA, was chosen.

Hoole & Newton War Memorial Order of Service Easter 1923
Hoole & Newton War Memorial 11 November 2017

A roll listing soldiers from Hoole and Newton who had given their lives in the First World War was to be inscribed. Clegg & Sons, Stonemasons, whose showroom is listed in Kelly’s Directory 1914 at 11 Brook Street, executed the design.

On Easter Sunday 1 April 1923, it was unveiled by Lieutenant General Sir Beauvoir De Lisle.

The photograph of the Order of Service reveals wording linked to the inscription on the War Memorial, shown in the photograph of the base of the memorial.

The service was conducted by the Bishop of Chester, who was assisted by Reverend Pavitt from All Saints’ Church. Chester General Railway Station band played.

Representatives from the Councils, the Hoole Fire Brigade, the British Red Cross, the Guides and the Scouts were in attendance. A large crowd filled all of Hoole Road.

Although the erection of the War Memorial had been an initiative of the two Councils, and the Flookersbrook Trust had ceded the use of the land to this purpose, after the memorial was unveiled, the question of its maintenance and future care remained to be addressed.

The base of the War Memorial and its Inscription

It was recorded in the HUDC minutes of the meeting of 10 September 1923, that HUDC, jointly with Newton Parish Council, resolved to take over the maintenance and all future care of the Hoole and Newton War Memorial.

A panel dedicated to those who gave their lives in the Second World War was installed behind the War Memorial in 1949.

The Community Stops and Remembers[3]

On Sunday 11 November 2018 at 3pm, the community gathered in their hundreds at Hoole and Newton War Memorial to remember and honour the generation from the community who fought and served in the First World War and their families who remained anxiously at home during those years.

Phil Woodworth laying a wreath at Hoole & Newton War Memorial

The community came together for the Act of Remembrance and the laying of poppy wreaths at the War Memorial on Hoole Road, which was unveiled and dedicated opposite ‘The Elms’, the offices of Hoole Urban District Council, by Lieutenant General Sir Beauvoir De Lisle on Easter Sunday 1 April 1923 in a service conducted by the Bishop of Chester, assisted by Rev. Pavitt from All Saints. The General Station band played and there were representatives from the Councils, Hoole Fire Brigade, British Red Cross and the Guides and Scouts, among a large crowd filling all of Hoole Road.

For the centenary of the Armistice, this year, the clergy of the local churches joined together to conduct the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, with four generations of the local community in attendance.

The names of 95 men are listed on the Hoole and Newton War Memorial. Each of their stories has now been recorded for posterity. The stories of 47 other Hoole and Newton casualties, whose names were not listed in 1923, are now known.

Wreaths, expressing the deeply felt gratitude of the community to those who served were laid by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Alex Black, Chris Matheson M.P., Councillor Angie Chidley, families of the young men who gave their lives in the war, the British Legion, the Scouts and Hoole History and Heritage Society.

Gathering at All Saints Church following the Service of Remembrance
Hoole History and Heritage Society Chairman, Ralph Earlam; Vice-Chairman, Linda Webb; Treasurer, Phil Cook; and Secretary, Ruth Ludgate

The Armistice Memorial Service was then held at All Saints Church, where larger numbers could be accommodated for the joint service. The School Choirs of Hoole C.E. Primary School and St. Martin’s Academy contributed songs on the theme of remembrance. Stories of two of those named on the War memorial, representing so many others, Rev. R.C. Morrison and William Joseph Jenkins, were told. After the Act of Remembrance, the children sang of the gift of the “Beautiful World” we have. This led into a Commitment to Peace, looking to the future.

Gathering at All Saints Church following the Service of Remembrance

Refreshments were then served, so that there was time for everyone to share their stories and to see displays provided by pupils of the schools and Hoole History and Heritage Society.

Many relatives of those named on the War Memorial attended on 11th November and laid wreaths, crosses and tributes. Hoole History and Heritage Society looks forward to keeping in touch with the representatives of the families who introduced themselves to the Society on 11th November, and to the people who brought photographs and memorabilia to All Saints’ Church. Additional Armistice Day Hoole 2018 photographs were taken by Monty Mercer.

VE Day, 8 May 1945

Towards the end of the Second World War, in the Spring of 1945, Allied Forces began to overrun Germany from the west as the Russian Army advanced from the east. An unconditional surrender was signed to take effect at 11.01p.m. on 8 May. The 8 of May was declared as “Victory in Europe” or “VE” Day. Chester had its very own VE Day Celebrations 1945.

Details of the Fallen - 'On' and 'Not On' the Hoole & Newton War Memorial[4]

World War 1 Casualties

World War 1 casualties on Hoole & Newton War Memorial

NAME FIRST NAME(S) DATE SERVICE / REGIMENT RANK NUMBER BURIED / COMMEMORATED
BAKER T W THOMAS W 26/03/1918 17 BN LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS PTE 46972 POZIERES MEMORIAL
BENYON J JOSEPH 04/05/1917 1/4 CHESHIRE PTE 18458 SAVONA TOWN ITALY
BOOTE S H STEPHEN HENRY 17/05/1917 ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY 143 HEAVY BDE GUNNER 294121 STRUMA MILITARY CEMY GREECE
BOWE J E JAMES EDWARD 22/09/1917 7 BN SOUTH LANCS PTE 40307 BEDFORD HOUSE IEPER
BRADSHAW T THOMAS 23/02/1915 8 BN CHESHIRE PTE 15623 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY 3042
BURGHALL E EDGAR 20/09/1918 1/5 BN SOUTH LANCS PTE 265036 LOOS MEMORIAL
BUTLER H HERBERT 09/04/1918 6 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 88836 LOOS MEMORIAL
CARLINE T THOMAS 30/09/1918 18 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL attd 15 LANC FUS 2 LT UPLANDS CEMY MAGNY LA FOSSE
CATLEY R R REGINALD ROBERT 26/09/1914 RHA & RFA TERRITORIAL FORCE GUNNER 1009 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY
DAVISON W M WILFRED MILBURN 29/08/1918 13 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS PTE 242054 BECOURT MILITARY CEMY BECORDEL-BECOURT
DAWSON S J SYDNEY JAMES 26/03/1918 1/4 BN KINGS SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY PTE 31490 ARRAS MEMORIAL
DICKINSON W M WILLIAM M 23/08/1915 ARMY CYCLIST CORPS (53 Welsh Div Cyclist Co) PTE 165 HELLES MEMORIAL TURKEY
DINWIDDIE F FREDERICK 24/07/1916 2 BN ROYAL SCOTS (LOTHIAN) PTE 27296 ETAPLES MILITARY CEMY
DODD F FRANK 04/09/1916 1 BN CHESHIRE BANDSMAN 1684 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
DOUBLEDAY C CLEMENT 18/02/1917 14 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS PTE 4272 BARD COTTAGE IEPER
DUTTON H HUGH 17/10/1916 RE BASE SIGNALS SAPPER DAR ES SALAAM (UPANGA RD) TANZANIA
DUTTON S V H STANLEY VINCENT H 29/09/1918 1 BN WORCESTERSHIRE PTE 53067 PIGEON RAVINE EPEHY
EARLAM A ARTHUR 16/04/1918 1/6 CHESHIRE SGT 241401 ST SEVER CEMY EXTENSION ROUEN
EDGE A ALEXANDER 26/10/1918 1 BN BUFFS (EAST KENT) PTE G/26144 ST SOUPLET BRITISH CEMY LE CATEAU
EDWARDS R E ROBERT EDWARD 27/10/1918 2 BN ESSEX REGT PTE 44621 VIS EN ARTOIS MEMORIAL
EDWARDS W H WILLIAM HARGREAVES 01/07/1916 16 BN LONDON REGT (QUEENS WESTMINSTER) L/CPL 1842 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
EVANS G W GEORGE WILLIAM 27/05/1918 ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORP PTE 92243 LA VILLE AUX BOIS AISNE
FAICHNEY J H JOHN HAMILTON 08/10/1918 1 BN ROYAL BERKS L/CPL 220703 RUMILLY EN CAMBRESIS EXT
FOSBROOKE J L JOHN LEE 23/11/1915 2BN ROYAL FUSILIERS PTE 3612 BOULOGNE EASTERN
GOODING J S cwgc S J JOHN S 19/07/1917 2 BN IRISH GUARDS PTE 5194 BLEUET FARM CEMY IEPER
GOUGH W WILLIAM 19/01/1919 1/5 BN CHESHIRE L/CPL 241026 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY
GREAVES A ARTHUR 20/10/1919 1 BN CHESHIRE CORP 10596 POELCAPPELLE BRITISH CEMY
GREAVES G H GEORGE HENRY 13/01/1916 5 BN KINGS SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY PTE 17011 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
GRIFFITHS W R WILLIAM RICHARD 07/09/1915 2 BN SUFFOLK REGT PTE 19431 LIJSSENTHOEK CEMY POERINGHE
GRIFFITHS W S WILLIAM STANLEY 07/10/1918 10 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 356702 LAPUGNOY MILITARY CEMY
HARRISON W A WILLIAM ALLEN 11/06/1917 7 BN KINGS SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INF PTE 26386 DUISANS BRITISH CEMY ETRUN
HIDDLESTONE W B WILLIAM BORTHWICK 28/05/1918 10 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 357042 PERNES BRITISH CEMY
HOLLOWAY H C HENRY CHARLES 28/12/1918 4 BN CHESHIRE att 2/3 Kings African Rifles SGT 241030 DAR ES SALAAM (UPANGA RD) TANZANIA
HOLMES F W FREDERICK WILLIAM 08/08/1917 13 BN CHESHIRE PTE 11901 THE HUTS IEPER
JENKINS W J WILLIAM JOSEPH 30/07/1916 20 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 30144 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
JONES E B ERNEST BRANT 05/01/1918 265 BDE RFA - RHA & RFA TERRITORIAL GUNNER 735987 JERUSALEM WAR CEMY
JONES G E GWILYM EDWARD 30/04/1917 4 BN SOUTH WALES BORDERERS PTE 28424 BASRA MEMORIAL IRAQ
JONES I (information not yet found)
JONES R L RICHARD LLEWELYN 13/03/1917 7 BN CANADIAN INFANTRY PTE 180638 DOULLENS COMMUNAL EXTN
JONES S A SAMUEL ARTHUR 17/09/1914 2BN GRENADIER GUARDS GDSN 15061 LES GONARDS CEMY VERSAILLES
JONES T W A THOMAS WILLIAM ALLEN 31/07/1917 4BN CHESHIRE 2/LT NEW IRISH FARM
JONES W H WILLIAM HENRY 14/07/1916 ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGT PTE 3068 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
KAY W J WILLIAM J 21/08/1918 1 BN CHESHIRE L/CPL 50531 ADANAC MIL CEMY MIRAUMONT
KELLEY W T WILLIAM THOMAS 30/12/1917 1/4 BN CHESHIRE PTE 27570 CHATBY MEMORIAL EGYPT
KING J E JOHN EDWARD 27/06/1916 17 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL REGT PTE 15402 CERISY GAILLY MILITARY CEMY
LAIRD C COLIN 20/09/1917 19 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL CAPT TYNE COT MEMORIAL
LAUDER J (information not yet found)
LAWSON G W GEORGE W 21/09/1916 1/5 BN CHESHIRE - D Coy PTE 2503 DELVILLE WOOD CEMY LONGUEVAL
LEONARD G GEORGE 20/01/1916 13 BN CHESHIRE PTE W/1029 TANCREZ FARM CEMY
LEONARD T (information not yet found)
LEONARD W WILLIAM 01/09/1918 10 BN LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS L/CPL 25923 BANCOURT BRITISH CEMY
LITTLER C W CHARLES WILLIAM 17/10/1916 3 BN GRENADIER GUARDS L/CPL 22472 ST SEVER CEMETERY ROUEN
LLOYD H HARRY 11/04/1917 8 BN CHESHIRE PTE 26468 BASRA MEMORIAL IRAQ
LLOYD S SAMUEL 19/02/1917 ROYAL ENGINEERS SAPPER 446878 ST SEVER CEMETERY ROUEN
LOAM G H GILBERT HENRY 30/08/1916 15 BN ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE PTE 929 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
LOCKLEY G (information not yet found) 19/07/1919 RAMC 35 COY 112595 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY
MARRS J JOSEPH 21/08/1918 9 BN CHESHIRE PTE 52440 SANDPITS BRITISH CEMY FOUQUEREUIL
MCGREGOR C CHARLES 02/09/1918 1 BN CHESHIRE SGT 51812 VAULX HILL CEMY
MEACOCK H (information not yet found)
MORRIS H (information not yet found)
MORRIS T THOMAS 29/09/1916 MACHINE GUN CORPS INFANTRY PTE 19209 THIEPVAL MEMORAL
MORRISON R C ROBERT CECIL 13/11/1916 5 BN CHESHIRE History says 6 BN 2/LT LONSDALE CEMY AUTHUILE
NORCOTT J C JOSEPH CLIFFORD 29/10/1919 2 BN KING'S LIVERPOOL REGT PTE 9707 BROOKWOOD MEMORIAL
NUTTALL S V SAMUEL VINCENT 19/08/1917 1/5 BN CHESHIRE PTE 241029 TYNE COT MEMORIAL
PADDOCK A G ALBERT GEORGE 01/09/1918 10 BN SOUTH WALES BORDERERS PTE 51831 VIS EN ARTOIS MEMORIAL
PARKINSON F FREDERICK 15/08/1916 12 BN CHESHIRE PTE 15296 PIETA MILITARY CEMY MALTA
PARRY N J NATHANIEL JOSEPH 27/05/1917 2 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS SGT 10567 ARRAS MEMORIAL
PRICE T C THOMAS CHARLES 17/06/1918 ARMY CYCLIST CORPS PTE 14538 LES BARAQUES MILITARY CEMY SANGATTE
RABY F A FRANK A 31/07/1917 RAMC SGT 90402 POTIJZE CHATEAU LAWN CEMY
REYNOLDS A (information not yet found)
ROBERTS J S JOHN STANLEY 22/03/1918 6 BN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE PTE 46999 POZIERES MEMORIAL
ROBERTS W WILLIAM 09/05/1915 1 BN ROYAL IRISH RIFLES RIFLEMAN 2283 PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL
ROBERTSON G GORDON 17/11/1915 10 BN GORDON HIGHLANDERS 2/LT VERMELLES BRITISH CEMY
SMITH W WILLIAM 30/09/1918 15 BN CHESHIRE L/CPL 45965 ZANTVOORDE BRITISH CEMY
SPEED H S HAROLD STANLEY 31/08/1918 13 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS PTE 238104 MORVAL BRITISH CEMETERY
STRINGER W WILLIAM 05/12/1916 9 BN LANACASHIRE FUSILIERS PTE 37417 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
SUMPTER A ANDREW 01/08/1917 10 BN CHESHIRE PTE 35147 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
SUMPTER J JAMES 17/10/1918 6 BN SOUTH WALES BORDERERS PTE 40710 HAUTMONT COMM CEMY Mauberge
TANNER J H JAMES HENRY 12/07/1916 RAMC PTE 67238 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
TASKER F P FIELD PASS 06/10/1917 16 BN ROYAL WARWICKS 2/LT LIJSSENTHOEK CEMY POERINGHE
TAYLOR H HAROLD 26/09/1916 I BN LOYAL NORTH LANCS L CPL 26817 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
THOMAS S SYDNEY 21/09/1918 282 BDE AMMN COLUMN RHA & RFA TERRITORIAL BOMBARDIER 735532 GAZA WAR CEMETERY ISRAEL
TILSTON J E JOHN EDWARD 23/04/1917 154 COY MACHINE GUN CORPS (INFANTRY) 2/LT ARRAS MEMORIAL
TULLOCK R G T RONALD GEORGE TULLOCH 21/10/1917 MT 2 DIVN SUPPLY COL AUST ASC PTE 966 YPRES RESERVOIR CEMY
TULLOCK W C WALTER CHELLINWORTH 23/03/1918 25 BN NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS PTE 59303 DERNANCOURT COMM CEMY EXT
WALKER S G SAMUEL G 22/06/1916 2 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS PTE 8457 LOOS MEMORIAL
WALTERS W H WILLIAM HENRY 31/07/1917 20 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 49315 LOOS MEMORIAL
WALTON A ARTHUR 24/10/1918 RAMC PTE 40281 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY
WATSON G W GEOFFREY WILLIAM 01/08/1917 11 BN CHESHIRE 2 LT YPRES MENIN GATE MEMORIAL
WEST A ARTHUR 25/08/1916 16 BN KINGS ROYAL RIFLE CORPS RIFLEMAN R/20313 DERNANCOURT COMM CEMY EXT
WILBRAHAM F FRANK 11/08/1916 11 BN CHESHIRE (1/5 ?) PTE 4130 COUIN BRITISH CEMY
WILBRAHAM F W F W 25/01/1921 25 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 407162 ST JOHN BAPTIST GUILDEN SUTTON
WILBRAHAM S SYDNEY 31/07/1917 10 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 356061 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
WILLIAMS J G JOHN GEORGE 17/04/1918 RAMC PTE M.S/310 GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMY
WILLIAMS R ROBERT 07/04/1918 17 BN LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS PTE 32140 VILLERS BRETONNEUX CEMY

Further details on casualties, where known, can be found where links are shown.

World War 1 casualties not on Hoole & Newton War Memorial

During the course of our research of the men named on the Hoole & Newton War memorial we have also identified a number of other men who died during their WW1 service, have some kind of connection to Hoole or Newton but who are not named on the Memorial.

We have listed those we are aware of and we would be very grateful for any corrections, additional information, photographs, documents or any new names that you may like to share.

NAME FIRST NAME(S) DATE SERVICE / REGIMENT RANK NUMBER BURIED / COMMEMORATED
AIRTH E J EDWARD JAMES 27/05/1918 5 BN DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY PTE 91498 SOISSONS MEMORIAL
ARMSTRONG H HARRY 19/06/1916 5 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 4138 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY 3870
ATKINSON W WILLIAM 21/03/1918 HAWKE BN ROYAL NAVAL DIVISION ABLE SEAMAN R/4259 ACHIET LE GRAND COMMUNAL
AYLING E J EBENEZER JOSEPH 23/08/1917 11 BN SOUTH WALES BORDERERS PTE 29417 TYNE COT MEMORIAL
BAILEY J O JOHN OCLESTON 14/04/1918 MACHINE GUN CORPS INFANTRY SGT 68292 CANADIAN CEMY No. 2 NEUVILLE ST VAAST
BOWKER W WILLIAM 07/06/1917 13 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 243199 WULVERGHEM LINDENHOEK ROAD
BOYD RG REGINALD GEORGE 08/09/1917 11 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 243780 LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMY
BOYLING H HAROLD 29/07/1917 COLDSTREAM GUARDS PTE 20689 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
BRAZENDALE E EDWIN 13/12/1918 DUDULAR RAILWAY STORES ROYAL ENGINEERS SAPPER WR 29596 MIKRA BRITISH CEMY KALMARIA GREECE
BROWN S SAMUEL 08/03/1915 1 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 10507 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
BURROWS D ** DONALD 11/1918 ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS MAJOR
CATHERALL E EDWARD 01/07/1916 19 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL PTE 21479 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
CORFE W WILLIAM 02/10/1918 19 BN LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS L/CORPORAL 37418 BELLICOURT BRITISH CEMY
DAVIES R C RICHARD CECIL 17/05/1917 ROYAL ENGINEERS WESTERN  COMMAND (CHESTER) MAJOR CHESTER GENERAL CEMY 4235
DODD F FRANK 03/09/1916 11 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 4393 BLIGHTY VALLEY AUTHUILLE WOOD
ELLIS W WILLIAM 01/01/1917 HMS CADMUS SHIPWRIGHT 345696 CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
EVANS J V JOHN VICTOR 24/03/1918 15 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 36652 POZIERES MEMORIAL
HARRISON C R CHARLES ROBERT 25/10/1915 5 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT SGT 2176 SUZANNE COMMUNAL
HASSALL A H ARTHUR HORACE 15/10/1918 17 SQUADRON MACHINE GUN CORPS (CAVALRY)   L/CORPORAL 101630 HAIFA WAR CEMETERY PALESTINE
HAYES H U HARRY URMSTON 13/10/1915 1 BN BLACK WATCH ROYAL HIGHLANDERS 2/LT LOOS MEMORIAL
HORNER W WILLIAM 03/11/1918 8 BN OX & BUCKS LIGHT INFANTRY CORPORAL 28066 TARANTO TOWN CEMETERY ITALY
HUGHES H HARRY 11/07/1918 1 BN WELSH GUARDS PTE 3388 ST HILAIRE EXTENSION
HUGHES W WALTER 01/03/1919 1 BN GRENADIER GUARDS RSM 11487 COLOGNE SOUTHERN
IMISON C CHARLES 09/08/1916 17 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL SGT 15718 ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL
JONES A ARTHUR 31/12/1918 2 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 315224 MIKRA BRITISH CEMY KALMARIA GREECE
KEENE E EDWARD 04/09/1915 8 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 11232 ALEXANDRIA CHATBY MILITARY CEMY  & WAR MEMORIAL EGYPT
LAVENDER H H 15/08/1917 45 BATTERY CANADIAN FIELD ARTILLERY GUNNER 348514 FOSSE NO.10 COMMUNIAL SAINS EN GOHELLE
MARTIN P J PERCY JOHN 25/01/1917 24 BN LONDON RGT PTE 723489 LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMY
OWEN N NEIL 21/09/1915 8 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS L CPL 11667 AZMAK CEMY SUVLA TURKEY
OWENS J JOHN 04/11/1918 16 FIELD BAKERY ASC PTE S4 21878 TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMY
PARRY J H JOSEPH HENRY 29/04/1915 1 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 11215 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
PHILLIPS I IDRIS 08/09/1917 2/6 BN ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE PTE 260177 LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMY
PHILLIPS W WILLIAM 07/11/1918 ROYAL ENGINEERS RAILWAYS SAPPER WR/289939 GAZA WAR CEMY ISRAEL
PINCHES N G NORMAN GORDON 30/07/1916 19 BN KINGS LIVERPOOL L CPL 21589 GUILLEMONT ROAD CEMY
PLEAVIN C CHARLES 02/03/1919 1/4 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS L CPL 203108 WREXHAM CEMY
PRICE C L CHRISTOPHER LEWELLYN 14/10/1918 7 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 268302 PERTH CHINA WALL IEPER
RHODES G GEORGE 29/04/1917 16 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 50438 GRAND SERAUCOURT BRITISH
ROGERS F FRANK 25/09/1915 1 BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS L CPL 10867 LOOS MEMORIAL
SANSAM G GEORGE 05/10/1917 21 FIELD AMBULANCE RAMC PTE 4708 TYNE COT MEMORIAL
SHARKEY J T JAMES THOMAS 18/02/1915 2 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 8171 MENIN GATE MEMORIAL IEPER
STEAD L LANCELOT 30/03/1918 B COY 12BN RIFLE BDE RFM S/7521 POZIERES MEMORIAL
STOCKTON F FREDERICK 03/09/1917 2/6 BN ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE PTE 260186 TYNE COT MEMORIAL
STUBBS J JIM 26/05/1918 11 BN CHESHIRE REGIMENT PTE 11552 CHAMBRECY BRITISH CEMY
SUTTON A ARTHUR 17/05/1920 5 PROV COY ROYAL ENGINEERS PNR 604960 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY 2349
TAPSELL K M ** KATHLEEN MARY 03/11/1918 RED CROSS VAD NURSE
WELSFORD G K GEORGE KEITH 20/101916 11 SQN ROYAL FLYING CORPS LIEUT ARRAS MEMORIAL
WILBRAHAM T THOMAS 30/04/1917 1/7 BN MANCHESTER REGT PTE 276605 EPEHY WOOD FARM CEMY
WILLIAMS T T THEOPHILUS TUNSTALL 10/12/1918 268 COY LABOUR CORPS ( EX 21 LAB COY LPOOL) PTE 51454 CHESTER GENERAL CEMY 1358
WILLIS A S ARTHUR SIDNEY 28/03/1918 230 SIEGE BATTERY ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY GUNNER 69406 AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMY

Further details on casualties, where known, can be found where links are shown, and there is more information on casualties marked ** on the Hoole Hospitals 1914 - 1919 page

Listen to Dave Rees talk on Local Radio on some of the stories of Hoole and the Great War. Interview on Local Radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwzVCp6q98A&feature=youtu.be

World War 2 Casualties

World War 2 casualties on Hoole & Newton War Memorial

NAME FIRST NAME(S) DATE AGE SERVICE / REGIMENT UNIT RANK NUMBER BURIED / COMMEMORATED
ALLMAN S A STANLEY ARTHUR 25/05/1940 19 ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS 1 Battalion FUSILIER 4196017 ABBEVILLE COMMUNAL, FRANCE
ANWYL J L JOHN LLOYD 02/12/1942 33 MERCHANT NAVY SS Serooskerk Netherlands SECOND OFFICER TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, UK
BERRY L LESLIE 12/07/1944 32 ROYAL ARTILLERY 382 BTY 116 LT AntiAircraft Regiment GUNNER 4205422 ST MANVIEU CEMY CHEUX, FRANCE
BOYER F FREDERICK 24/09/1944 23 ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE RGT 2 Battalion PRIVATE 2091478 MIERLO CEMY NETHERLANDS
BROCKLEY D C DONALD CHARLES 26/03/1942 ROYAL AIR FORCE 61 Squadron SERGT/WOPAG 971199 REICHSWALD FOREST, GERMANY
COOPER S H (information not yet found)
DUTTON F FREDERICK 17/02/1942 20 ROYAL AIR FORCE 460 Squadron RAusAF SERGT/WOPAG 1006728 OVERLEIGH CEMETERY CHESTER, UK
DUTTON J H JAMES HENRY 26/08/1943 23 ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS 196 Field Ambulance PRIVATE 7394425 KANCHANABURI, THAILAND
FEILD T H THOMAS RICHARD 30/11/1943 20 ROYAL ARTILLERY 3 Survey Regiment GUNNER 14221718 SANGRO RIVER CEMETERY ITALY
FISHER F FRANK 21/12/1942 19 ROYAL AIR FORCE 103 Squadron SERGEANT FLIGHT ENGINEER 577301 MAUBEUGE CENTRE CEMETERY, FRANCE
FROST H S HENRY SHELMERDINE 05/03/1941 27 CHESHIRE RGT Att. 51 Commando CAPTAIN 51425 KEREN WAR CEMETERY ERITREA
GANDER A J ALFRED JOHN 16/09/1941 42 ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS Cheshire Yeomanry WO2 SQMS 547021 DURBAN STELLAWOOD SOUTH AFRICA
GATLEY S E STANLEY ELLIS 18/01/1943 23 ROYAL AIR FORCE Comms Flight RAF Iraq & Persia LEADING AIRCRAFTMAN 970215 TEHRAN WAR CEMETERY IRAN
GERRARD C W CECIL WILLIAM 24/05/1941 25 ROYAL AIR FORCE 30 Squadron CORPORAL 535176 PHALERON WAR CEMETERY GREECE
GREEN G A M GEORGE ALEXANDER MCKENZIE (ALEC) 24/04/1941 19 ROYAL ENGINEERS 3 Field Squadron SAPPER 2091496 ATHENS MEMORIAL GREECE
GRIFFITHS H de G HAROLD de GRAY 22/05/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE 57 Squadron SERGEANT AIR GUNNER 2211356 ASSENS FYN NEW CEMETERY DENMARK
HEWITT G S GEORGE SUMMER 12/04/1944 25 CHESHIRE RGT 7 Battalion LANCE SERJEANT 4127578 BEACH HEAD CEMETERY ANZIO ITALY
HUGHES M C MAGNUS COLIN 09/10/1942 21 ROYAL NAVY HMS Osprey ABLE SEAMAN D/SSX23637 HAWARDEN ST DEINIOL CHURCHYARD
HUTCHINSON L LEONARD 14/03/1945 24 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS Cheshire Yeomanry SIGNALMAN 558279 OVERLEIGH CEMETERY CHESTER, UK
JACKSON P C PHILIP CORFIELD 13/06/1943 31 ROYAL AIR FORCE 180 Squadron FLYING OFFICER 131159 RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, UK
JACKSON S H SAMUEL HARRY 10/09/1942 22 ROYAL AIR FORCE 102 Squadron FLIGHT SERGEANT WOP/AG 1101252 FLUSHING NORTHERN NETHERLANDS
JOHNSTON J F JAMES FRANCIS 21/09/1944 28 ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS 253 Airborne Divn Comp Coy DRIVER T/188996 JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY NETHERLANDS
JONES J R J JOHN ROBERT JOSEPH 05/12/1941 22 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS 18 Line Section SIGNALMAN 2360128 TOBRUK WAR CEMETERY, LIBYA
LACEY J A JOHN ANTHONY 19/08/1942 22 ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS 3 Commando PRIVATE PIHEN LES GUINES CEMETERY FRANCE (DIEPPE)
LAWTON F T FRANCIS TAYOR 28/06/1942 34 ROYAL ARTILLERY 238 Battery 88 HAA Regiment GUNNER 1738445 ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, EGYPT
LEACH A ALFRED 18/02/1944 31 ROYAL NAVY HMS Penelope LEADING SIGNALMAN P/SSX14381 PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, UK
LEECH A (information not yet found)
LINDSEY H R (information not yet found)
MOORCROFT W H WILLIAM HENRY 25/10/1942 23 ROYAL ENGINEERS 2 Field Squadron SAPPER EL ALAMEIN WAR CEMETERY, EGYPT
NEWNS P PAUL 23/10/1943 22 ROYAL AIR FORCE 48 Squadron FLIGHT SERGEANT 1083467 MALTA MEMORIAL, MALTA
PARRY F FREDERICK 26/06/1943 ROYAL AIR FORCE 115 Squadron FYING OFFICER (AIR BOMBER) 131560 NANTES PONT DU CENS CEMETERY FRANCE
PAUL W E D WILLIAM EDWARD DAVID 19/10/1940 ROYAL WELCH FUSILIERS 4 Battalion 2 LIEUTENANT 90305 BROOKWOOD MEMORIAL, UK
PAYNE A W ALBERT WILLIAM 05/03/1943 26 ROYAL ARTILLERY 7 Coastal Regiment GUNNER 851467 SINGAPORE MEMORIAL SINGAPORE
REDDINGTON T TREVOR 28/04/1943 23 GRENADIER GUARDS 5 Battalion GUARDSMAN 2616239 MEDJEZ AL BAB WAR CEMETERY TUNISIA
ROBERTS W A WILLIAM ARTHUR 05/07/1944 ROYAL AIR FORCE 57 Squadron SERGEANT AIR GUNNER 1030803 AUBERMESNIL CHURCHYARD FRANCE
SHONE G E GEORGE ERNEST 29/07/1942 29 ROYAL AIR FORCE 75 Squadron WARRANT OFFICER 564432 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY GERMANY
SMITH B J BENJAMIN JAMES 07/04/1943 32 ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS 1 Battalion FUSILIER 3779336 RANGOON MEMORIAL, MYANMAR (BURMA)
SPRUCE T THOMAS 02/08/1944 24 GREEN HOWARDS YORKSHIRE RGT 7 Battalion LANCE CORPORAL 3658346 BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, FRANCE
THOMPSON J E JOHN ERNEST 08/03/1945 22 ROYAL AIR FORCE 57 Squadron FLIGHT SERGEANT 1458564 RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, UK
VEATER C W CLARENCE WILLIAM 22/02/1945 27 ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS 61 Training Regiment CORPORAL 14323375 OVERLEIGH CEMETERY CHESTER UK
WATERS T W THOMAS WILLIAM 07/01/1944 27 ROYAL AIR FORCE 255 Squadron SERGEANT NAVIGATOR 1424091 BARI WAR CEMETERY ITALY
WILCOXON E EDWARD 03/07/1945 27 ROYAL NAVY HMS Queen Charlotte ABLE SEAMAN D/JX553229 OVERLEIGH CEMETERY CHESTER UK
WILCOXON F W FREDERICK WILLIAM 22/05/1941 21 ROYAL MARINES HMS Gloucester MARINE PLY/X2263 PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, UK
WOODFINE W WILFRED 22/08/1944 36 ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS 9 Royal Tank Regiment TROOPER 7926161 ST DESIR WAR CEMETERY FRANCE

Further details on casualties, where known, can be found where links are shown.

World War 2 casualties not on Hoole & Newton War Memorial

During the course of our research of the men named on the Hoole & Newton War memorial we have also identified a number of other men who died during their WW2 service, have some kind of connection to Hoole or Newton but who are not named on the Memorial.

We have listed those we are aware of and we would be very grateful for any corrections, additional information, photographs, documents or any new names that you may like to share.

NAME FIRST NAME(S) DATE AGE SERVICE / REGIMENT UNIT RANK NUMBER BURIED / COMMEMORATED
BASTOW A ALAN 16/10/1944 30 ROYAL ARTILLERY CAPTAIN CALAIS CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY, LEUBRINGHEN, FRANCE
BROMLEY T L THOMAS LESLIE 17/04/1943 22 ROYAL AIR FORCE 15 Squadron SERGEANT RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY
CALVERT L D LESLIE DOUGLAS 19/09/1944 52 BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 30 Battalion COMPANY QUARTERMASTER SERJEANT DELY IBRAHIM WAR CEMETERY, ALGERIA
CLARKE P H W PETER HENRY WOODTHORPE 02/03/1945 23 LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT MAJOR REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY, GERMANY
DAVIES H A HUGH ABBINETT 16/02/1943 25 ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY 1 Regiment LIEUTENANT DURNBACH WAR CEMETERY, GERMANY
DEMPSEY E R ERNEST ARTHUR 06/04/1944 21 ROYAL AIR FORCE 6 Operational Training Unit SERGEANT-WIRELESS OP/AIR GUNNER SILLOTH HOLME LOW UK
GILLEN S SHEILA 29/11/1940 25 CIVILIAN WAR DEAD CIVILIAN CHESTER, RURAL DISTRICT, UK
GRISTWOOD F L FRANK LUTTMAN 08/06/1944 33 ROYAL ARMY ORNANCE CORPS MAJOR BAYEUX MEMORIAL FRANCE
HIGGINS P J W PATRICK JAMES WILLIAM 31/01/1942 23 ROYAL NAVY H.M.S. Belmont LEADING STOKER PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
HOUSTON W P WILLIAM PETER 18/12/1943 21 ROYAL AIR FORCE 270 Squadron SERGEANT RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL, UK
JOHNSON J R JAMES RUSSELL 23/04/1945 29 ROYAL AIR FORCE Flying Training Command SQUADRON LEADER CHIPPENHAM (LONDON ROAD) CEMETERY, UK
KENDALL J A JON ALEXANDER 04/07/1941 50 MERCHANT NAVY ss Robert L Holt MASTER TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, LONDON UK
LANGFORD H C HENRY CYRIL 24/06/1944 26 ROYAL NAVY VOLUNTEER (WIRELESS) RESERVE HMS Nith LEADING TELEGRAPHIST PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, UK
LOCKLEY E G ERIC GEOFFREY 24/05/1940 29 ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards LANCE SERGEANT DUNKIRK MEMORIAL, FRANCE
NIBLETT C H CHARLES HERBERT 21/07/1943 33 ROYAL MARINES 3 RM HAA MARINE SYRACUSE WAR CEMETERY, SICILY, ITALY
PARKIN T T THOMAS THOMPSON 24/03/1944 31 ROYAL NAVY H.M.S. Illustrious. LEADING SEAMAN TRINCOMALEE WAR CEMETERY, SRI LANKA
PRATLEY A J ARTHUR JAMES 12/03/1942 ? ROYAL AIR FORCE 77 Squadron SERGEANT - PILOT EDMONTON CEMETERY UK
RIMMER J JAMES 16/10/1944 25 CHESHIRE REGIMENT LIEUTENANT FAENZA WAR CEMETERY, ITALY
RIMMER J R JOHN REUBEN 19/07/1942 28 ROYAL ARTILLERY 28 Field Regt. BOMBARDIER TEL EL KEBIR WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY, EGYPT
ROBERTS W M WILLIAM MERRICK 11/06/1941 23 ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE 53 Squadron SERGEANT LLANDUDNO (GREAT ORME'S HEAD) CEMETERY, UK
SCOTT P PETER 12/01/1945 58 ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS Cheshire Yeomanry MAJOR CHESTER (BLACON) CEMETERY, UK
SELZER B BERNARD 25/03/1943 26 GENERAL LIST LIEUTENANT IBADAN MILITARY CEMETERY, NIGERIA
STONES T R THOMAS ROBY 20/01/1944 22 ROYAL AIR FORCE 10 Squadron SERGEANT - FLIGHT ENGINEER BERLIN 39-45 WAR CEMETERY, GERMANY
STOTT W L WILLIAM LESLIE 08/05/1945 35 ROYAL AIR FORCE Transport Command SERGEANT CHESTER (OVERLEIGH) CEMETERY, UK
TAYLOR N W NORMAN WILLIAM 27/05/1942 31 ROYAL TANK REGIMENT R.A.C 3 Battalion CORPORAL ALAMEIN MEMORIAL, EGYPT
VICKERS R RONALD 08/07/1944 19 SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 7 Battalion PRIVATE CAMBES-EN-PLAINE WAR CEMETERY, FRANCE
WATSON J M JOCK MARTIN 24/06/1944 22 ROYAL AIR FORCE 7 Squadron SERGEANT - FLIGHT ENGINEER WORMHOUDT COMMUNAL, FRANCE
WILBRAHAM H HENRY? 14/08/1941 29 WELCH REGIMENT PRIVATE ALLERTON CEMETERY LIVERPOOL UK

Further details on casualties, where known, can be found where links are shown.

Local War Memorials[4]

Dedication of World War I Memorial 1923

The War Memorial on Hoole Road is well known as the district's major place of remembrance for the fallen of two world wars.

The First World War memorial is the cross mounted on a square base with chamfered corners, each face bearing an inscription tablet. It was unveiled by Lt. Gen. Sir H. Beauvoir on Easter Sunday 8 April 1923 and was dedicated by the Bishop of Chester. It was commissioned by Hoole Urban District council and made by Clegg & Sons of Brook Street, Chester. There were originally 88 names but there are now 95 from the Great War (which is how World War I is often referred to). A history of the location and erection of the Memorial can be found at http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pardos/HooleMain.html.

Unveiling of World War II Memorial 1949



The Second World War memorial stone is placed in the wall to the rear. The photograph was taken from the balcony of the Hoole Urban District Council's office at The Elms in 1949. It was unveiled by Major General G.M. Elliot from Western Command, Chester. It contains the names of 44 men.





All Saints Church

All Saints Church World War I Memorial
All Saints Church World War II Memorial


All Saints Church has two panels carved in ash wood to commemorate the fallen from each World War.


A memorial not seen but heard is the tolling bell which was added to the existing five bells in 1925. A myth that the bell is inscribed with the names of the dead of the First World War has been disproved. The inscription actually reads "In memory of parishioners who died in the Great War 1914-1918" so that their names could ring out forever, and the bell is used in the last five minutes of ordinary services and for special services. It was dedicated on 31 May 1925 by the Bishop of Chester and cost £90[5].

Rev. RC Morrison's Memorial Window All Saints Church

Also on the north wall of the Church, is a stained-glass window dedicated to the Rev. Robert Cecil Morrison, who died as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 5th Battalion Cheshire Regiment on 13 November, 1916. He had been curate at All Saints’ before volunteering to serve his country.

St. Peter's Church Plemstall World War I Memorial

St. Peter's Church

St. Peter's, Plemstall Church, which used to be the Parish Church for the townships of Hoole and Newton, has a significant World War I memorial reputedly carved by the then minister, Rev. J.H. Toogood (1907- 46). It contains the names of the fallen and also those who served; these include people from Hoole Village.

World War II Memorial in Hoole Community Centre



Hoole Community Centre

Hoole Community Centre in Westminster Road now displays the World War 2 Roll of Honour originally erected in the Hoole Urban District Council office at what was The Elms, Hoole Road (which was demolished in 1980).


All Saints Boys School World War I Memorial






All Saints Boys School

All Saints Boys School had a memorial commemorating pupils who died during the Great War. A photograph of this lost memorial has been provided by Barbara Nuttall.






Harry Urmson Hayes

Three memorials exist in memory of Harry Urmson Hayes (HAYES H U)who was the son of George W. Hayes of Hoole Bank House. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch, and was killed on 13 October 1915 in the Battle of Loos.

  1. Memorial tablet in Chester Cathedral.
  2. Plaque rescued from Chester Royal Infirmary when demolished commemorating a ward opened there in his name. Now at The Hammond School, (formerly Hoole Bank House), Mannings Lane.
  3. Brass Plate donating Hoole Bank House to The National Institute for the Blind in 1921 in memory of Harry, also at The Hammond School[6].

Grp. Capt. Leonard Cheshire

Grp. Capt. Leonard Cheshire, VC. OM, DSO, DFC is commemorated by the blue plaque on the front elevation of 65 Hoole Road being his place of birth.

Details of some of the fallen of the area not recorded on the main War Memorials can be found on the Society's website. Names may also be found on the Roll of Honour erected in the entrance hall of Chester's Town Hall.

St. Werburgh's Roman Catholic Church

St. Werburgh's Roman Catholic Church has identified many members of the armed forces associated with St. Werburgh's Parish who died during both Wars.

Chester & District Postal Staff World War I Memorial

Occupational Memorials

The Society has also recorded the following occupational memorials:

Postal Staff

  1. Plaque commemorating Chester & District Postal Staff World War I, now at Royal Mail House, Station Road, Chester (Chester Sorting/Delivery Office). Unveiled May 1921.
  2. Post Office staff memorial unveiled on 22 May 1921 under the clock at Head Office (and main post office), St. John Street, Chester. This has now been relocated to the Cheshire Military Museum.


Great Western Railway World War I Roll of Honour

Railway Staff

The Great Western Railway Roll of Honour 1914-18 is in the Ticket Office at Chester Railway Station.


Cheshire Observer 20 December 1919


A Bronze memorial tablet mounted on black marble unveiled on 13 December 1919 commemorating eight men who died in World War 1 and who were employed in the London & North Western Railway Station Sheds located near to Hoole Lane Bridge. Names: George Arundale, John T. Warburton, Samuel Maynard, Thomas Williams, Idris Phillips, Samuel Rathbone, Albert K. Gaulton, John Hughes. The memorial tablet was discovered by the Society in 2020 to be preserved in the traincrew messroom at Chester Station and featured in "The London and North Western Railway: a 150th Anniversary Tribute to the Premier Line” by Edward Talbot 1996. It is understood that Remembrance services were held at the memorial in the locomotive shed for many years on Armistice Day.              

Bradley's Outfitters, City Road

Details of a Roll of Honour dedicated to its employees who were engaged in World War 1 has been located in the Cheshire Record Office.






Hoole Auxiliary Hospitals during World War 1

Following Britain's declared war on Germany and her allies on 4 August 1914, and the subsequent mobilisation of the Army. It was soon realised that the scale of the conflict and the number of casualties would require many more nursing facilities and much more medical care than the country could then provide. Nation-wide, premises were found to accommodate Auxiliary Hospitals. In Hoole, three were opened; Hoole Bank House; Hoole House; and Chester War Hospital. These are described in greater detail in Hoole Hospitals 1914 - 1919.

Lady Madeleine Frances Mackinnon CBE[7]

Lady Mackinnon's VAD Card


Lady Madeleine Frances Mackinnon (1854-1926) was the wife of General Sir William Henry Mackinnon KCB, KCVO (1852-1929). The Cheshire connection came about because he was appointed General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command from 1910 to 1916 when the headquarters were at Watergate House in Chester. The official residence was Government House in Dee Hills Park, which was where they were recorded as living in the 1911 Census. Their daughter Nora Mary Fynvola Mackinnon (1882-1953) married Lieutenant Colonel Egerton in 1905 and Major Bruce in 1918.


Lady Mackinnon's actual offices are cited differently in various publications, but as the Vice-President or Commandant of the Cheshire Red Cross she played far more than just a titular role, and various documents show her active engagement in many of its activities e.g. the organisation of an event on Chester Roodee involving the Duke of Westminster in 1913 when Lord Methuen inspected the Voluntary Aid Detachments of the Chester Division of the Red Cross Society; addressing a conference at the Imperial Services Exhibition, also in 1913, on the need for finance to be made available to support the VAD's; in the last week of July 1914 she is reported as overseeing a four day training exercise on the Roodee. The Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith had been expected to visit but was confined to London on account of the international crisis, World War 1 being declared on 4 August.

Newspaper Article 15 August 1914

On 15 August 1914, the Mayor of Chester received the offer from Mr. George Hayes at Hoole Bank House for the house to be used as a hospital; the Mayor replied “A thousand thanks. After consulting Lady Mackinnon consider Hoole Bank would be most acceptable as convalescent home upon being fitted up.


In August 1915 at the opening of Hoole House as a Red Cross Hospital, Lady Mackinnon thanked Mrs. Wardle Yerburgh for the magnificent present of that beautiful home, the remodelling of the drainage and installation for electric lighting. She also thanked Mr. J.S. Welford, who had recently lived there, for equipping the Hospital “to the utmost farthing”. She announced that her health had broken down completely and that she had received orders not to live in Chester. “She used to be so happy with all of them (the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment)”.

The oral history of John Faulkner[8], a civilian volunteer with the Red Cross Chester Division from 1912, suggests that when earlier her husband was appointed to head the City of London Imperial Volunteers in 1900 and subsequently the (national) Territorial Force in 1905, it was realised that while the regular army had medical units, volunteer units did not. That is how Lady Mackinnon became involved with Voluntary Aid Detachments of the Red Cross from 1900 onwards.

She copied what had been done in London in Cheshire. Following her death in October 1926, The Times reported "Sir Ernest E Wild K.C. Recorder of London writes:- She was the apostle of patriotism. It was owing to her initiative that, when her husband was Commander-in-Chief of the Western Command in 1911, the Red Cross came into existence in that district".

Strangely a history of the Great War in Chester written in 1920 by F.W. Longbottom[9] does not mention Lady Mackinnon in its section about the Red Cross, although it does say that she was President of the Girl Guides; neither Western Command nor her husband are mentioned. The diaries of the Atcherley family who lived at Poole House in Flookersbrook from 1910 to c1917 state that two daughters, Hope and Hester were with the Girl Guides of Hoole and went on to do voluntary work as VAD workers, their pink cards recording “pantry work and nursing at Hoole House hospital” together contributing over 11,000 hours between December 1914 and January 1919. The 2015 book “Chester in the Great War” by Susan Chambers records that Lady Mackinnon was Vice-President of the Soldiers and Sailors Families Association.

General Sir Henry Mackinnon
Sir Henry Mackinnon 1906

John Faulkner also recalled that volunteers were regularly invited to tea with the Mackinnons at Government House. He was involved in the transport of the wounded from the railway station to various hospitals in the area, mentioning The Infirmary (Matron Mrs. Walmsley), Hoole House, Hoole Bank House, Eaton Hall and Richmond House. He also carried out nursing duties.

Although General Mackinnon moved to become Colonel of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment from 1916 to 1923, it appears that Lady Mackinnon continued to be President of the Cheshire Red Cross and also President of the City of London Branch - recognised when she was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1920. Even when they were living in Chester, they continued to play a large part in the social life of London, being frequently mentioned in Court Circulars as attending functions, state, royal and civic.

At the start of World War 1, Lady Mackinnon’s brother-in-law the Reverend David Whincup, the British chaplain at Hanover, was detained by the German authorities at Bentheim, arrested and placed in prison. Her sister was allowed to proceed to the frontier and reached England in a distressed and penniless condition. She complained of having been very brutally treated by German soldiers, and that she was stoned and spat upon and subjected to other indignations. Mrs. Whincup arrived in Chester where she stayed with her sister at Government House.

Lady Mackinnon’s ill health continued, and she died during a cruise off Athens in 1926.

There are numerous references to the General on the world wide web, including pictures of him: photographs, a cartoon and he was even featured on a cigarette card. He was a very distinguished soldier, recognised for his service in the Boer War. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography states that his father was the son of William Alexander Mackinnon (1784-1870), the 34th Chief of the Mackinnon Clan.



References

  1. Article researched and written by Linda Webb, July 2018, Hoole History & Heritage Society
  2. Minute Book of the Trust, August 1921, courtesy of Flookersbrook Trust
  3. Article researched and written by Linda Webb, November 2018, Hoole History & Heritage Society
  4. 4.0 4.1 Article researched and written by Dave Rees, Hoole History & Heritage Society, with additional research by Alison Greenwood and other members of the Society
  5. © IWM (WMR-18244) Imperial War Museums website http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/18244
  6. © IWM (WMR-9915) Imperial War Museums website http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/9915
  7. Article researched and written by Ralph Earlam, January 2019, Hoole History & Heritage Society
  8. John Faulkner's oral history (four reels approx. 1 hour) is available from the Imperial War Museum
  9. F W Longbottom's book contains sections on a number of organisations in Chester and their role in WW1 and ends with a list of Chester citizens who lost their lives