Ernest Raine was the son of Thomas Raine. Thomas was born c1839 in Bradford. He married Sophia Horn 28 July 1866 at Bradford Cathedral. In 1871 they were living at 63 Quarry Road in Shipley with Thomas working as a wool scourer. Sophia died in 1878 leaving Thomas with two young daughters. Widowed Thomas married Sarah Pitts 28 September 1879 at Bradford Cathedral; Sarah had been living in Caroline Street in Saltaire. In 1881 the married couple were living at 22 Fanny Street in Saltaire.

Ernest, the eldest of two sons to Sarah, was born 1882 in Saltaire. By 1901 the family were living at 8 Fanny Street in Saltaire where they remained throughout the war. Ernest, working as a painter, married Alice Todd 23 October 1917 at Christ Church Windhill. They had two sons; Wilfred born Baildon 23 June 1910 and Eric born Baildon 9 September 1913. In 1911 they were living at 25 Lane End in Baildon.

Ernest enlisted 14 December 1916, by which time he had moved his family to his parent's home in Fanny Street. Ernest survived the war after undertaking garrison duties at home with the 23rd Provisional Battalion. Around 1928 he moved his family to 28 Dallam Avenue in Shipley where Ernest remained until his death in 1952.

 

Miles Raistrick was the son of William Raistrick. William was born c1869 in Pudsey. He married Emma Elizabeth Preston 18 May 1889 at St Wilfrid Calverley. In 1901 & 1911 they lived at 1 Whitaker Place in Windhill with William working as a weaver then as a mason's labourer.

Miles, the eldest of 10 children, was born 1890 in Windill. In 1911 he was working as weft lad. Miles survived the war having served with the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment and the Army Ordnance Corps. In March 1917, Miles was reported as being in Netley Hospital near Southampton suffering from trench feet.

From 1915 to 1918 he lived at 12 Constance Street in Saltaire. Miles married Clara Pickard in 1920; Clara died in 1929. Widowed, Miles married Dorothy Woodhead 12 April 1932 at Bradford Cathedral.

Miles was an insurance agent and he lived in Shipley and Baildon where he died in 1953.

 

Thomas Ramsbottom was the son of Charles Walter Ramsbottom. Charles was born 28 February 1869 in Bradford. He married Polly (surname unknown) in 1893.

Thomas, the second of four children, was born 26 July 1895. In 1901 the family lived at 58 Valley Road in Shipley with Charles working as an overlooker. By 1911 they were living at 4 Sterling Place in Shipley with Thomas working in a worsted mill. Thomas married Florence Mary Alderton 18 May 1918 at St. Pauls Shipley. They lived with Florence's parents at 25 Victoria Road in Saltaire.

Thomas served in and survived the war. After the war he lived with his family at 10 Mountain Street in Shipley. In 1939 they were living at 7 Lockwood Street in Saltaire. From 1945 they lived at 9 Westfield Grove in Shipley. Thomas died in 1974.

 

Ramsden, Harry Sutcliffe
20 February 1891 – 1967

Harry Sutcliffe Ramsden was the son of Joseph Ramsden.

Joseph was born c1856 in Liversedge. He married Hannah Walker, 18 March 1876, at All Saint’s Dewsbury. They had three sons.

Harry, their youngest son was born 20 February 1891 in Wilsden, where his father was a refreshment housekeeper. By 1901 they were living at 50 Saltaire Rd, Shipley, where Joseph was a fish fryer. In 1911 they were living at 1 George St (renumbered 49 Bingley Rd), Saltaire, with Harry working as a wool sorter in the mill.

Harry married Blanche Beaumont, 8 April 1914, at St Paul’s, Shipley. Harry served in WW1 as a private with the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. Living at 11 Peel St, Bingley he enlisted in January 1916. He saw action in France from 6 August 1916 to 4 May 1917, when he returned home with a gun shot wound to his right arm. In 1917 his wife was living at 15 Wainman Street in Shipley.

Having survived the war Harry lived with Blanche at 3 Ashley Rd until around 1929 when they moved to his parent’s old house, 49 Bingley Rd. They remained here until 1934.

In the 1939 Register they were living in Blackpool where Harry was a café supervisor.

Harry died 1967 in Lancashire.

 

Raper, John Hodgson
2 April 1889 – 17 October 1961

John Hodgson Raper was the son of William Raper. William was born c1848 in Sowerby, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire. He married Sarah Hodgson at St Columba’s Topcliffe, near Northallerton in North Yorkshire. They had five children. In 1881 they were living at Dalton in Thirsk with William working as an agricultural labourer.

John, their youngest child, was born 2 April 1889 in Stockton On Tees, County Durham. In 1891 they were living at Fairfield, East Hartburn, Stockton on Tees. In 1901 they were at Chevet Grange Cottage, near Wakefield. In 1911 John was a cloth miller living with his widowed father at 5 Brighton St, Thackley, near Bradford.

John married Miriam Fieldhouse, 18 May 1918, at the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Saltaire Rd, Shipley. They had two children: Gladys born 15 February 1921 and William born 21 July 1924. Following his marriage John was fined two days pay for overstaying his Army pass from 22 to 24 May 1918.

John served in WW1. Working as a textile export packer, he enlisted, 25 May 1916. He was a Gunner in No. 2 Company Clyde Royal Garrison Artillery. He saw service in India, South Africa, and France. 22 December 1917, he was suffering from bronchitis, asthma, and damaged teeth, caused by being gassed. He was treated in a military hospital in Boulogne, France. He served as a Private in the Labour Corps from 30 January 1918 until he was discharged 16 March 1919. Whilst he was at war, his wife was living with her parents at 27 Dove St, Saltaire.

John survived the war. By 1921, John and his wife were living at 42 Mary St, Saltaire. Around 1929 they moved to 9 Dove St, where they would live the rest of their lives. In the 1939 register John was working as a boiler man at Saltaire Mills.

William Raper, John's son, told his daughter, Patrica Gray, that her grandfather, John, had one of the allotments at the side of the mill and bought some bantam hens. The family were all looking forward to lots of eggs, especially Miriam, John's wife, who did a lot of baking and icing, but no one told John to clip the hen's wings, and when a train went by, startling the hens, they all flew away! John grew a lot of tomatoes and when times were hard William and his sister, Gladys, used to go around the big houses in Nab Wood to try to sell them. William hated doing this! John's granddaughter, Trish commented that a cousin of her father, William, co-incidentally lived next door to David Hockney's mother, who Trish knew as Auntie Doris. World-famous painter, David Hockney's paintings have a permanent display in Salts Mill.

Miriam died in 1956. John died, 17 October 1961, at Bradford Royal Infirmary. In his will he left £1278 1s 11d to his two children.

[Compiled with the help of Neil & Candida Wood, who kindly provided the photograph; and anectdotes of her father, William, and grandfather, John, shared by Patrica Gray. Many thanks.]

 

William Henry Rawnsley was the son of William Rawnsley. William was born c1859 in Guiseley. He married Mary Pawson in 1880. In 1891 they were living in Manningham with William working as a mechanical engineer.

William Henry, the third of four children, was born 30 September 1898 in Baildon. In 1901 the family were living at 9 Otley Road in Shipley. William died in 1904 leaving Mary with two young sons. In 1911 they were living at 27 Shirley Street in Saltaire with John Spencer who had married the eldest daughter, Sarah.

William Henry, working as a pin setter, enlisted 25 November 1915. He was held in reserve until he was mobilised 10 October 1916. At this time he was living with his widowed mother at 19 Dove Street in Saltaire. He served in France from 13 Jan 1917 as a Private with 3/6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. He received a gun shot wound in his right thigh 27 April 1917. It was because of this wound that he was discharged unfit for service 5 August 1918. William Henry married Emily Noble in 1921; they lived at 2 Oxford Street in Shipley. He died in 1975.

 

Ernest Walter Rayner was the son of William Rayner. William was born c1868 in Leeds. He married Margaret Jane Smurthwaite in 1891.

Ernest, the eldest of four children, was born 27 July 1894 in Otley. He was baptised 26 August 1894 at Otley Parish Church. In 1901 the family were living at 1 Browns Court in Otley with William working as a labourer. By 1911 they were living at 11 Park Row in Guiseley.

Ernest, working as a stoker, married Annie Sutcliffe 2 August 1915 at St Peters Shipley. They were both living at 27 Caroline Street. From 1918 they lived in Regent Street in Shipley.

Ernest served in the war and survived. He died 24 March 1949 in Salts Hospital.

 

In 1918, whilst serving his country, Joshua Rayner was living with the Hall family at 4 Edward Street in Saltaire. The relationship between the family and Joshua is not known.

 

Read, George
1899 - 3 November 1940

Read, George also served in WW2.
Go to his biography, located in the WW2 section >

 

Arthur Rhodes was the son of John Rhodes. John was born 1854 in Horsforth. He married Eliza Gaunt, 19 July 1873, at St Oswald Guiseley. They had one son before Eliza died in 1876. Widowed John married Sarah Rhodes, (same surname but not related) 19 March 1882. at St Oswald Guiseley. In 1891 they were living in Horsforth with John working as a dyers labourer.

Arthur, the fourth of five children to Sarah, was born, 29 March 1894, in Horsforth. John died before 1901 when widowed Sarah was living in Horsforth with her five children. By 1911 they were living at 15 Caroline Street in Saltaire with Arthur working as a wool sorter.
Arthur enlisted 6 July 1915. He saw service in France from 22 April 1916 as a Private with the Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment.

He left France, 1 August 1916, having a gun shot wound in his left thigh. Arthur was discharged being unfit for service 29 May 1918; by which time his family had moved back to Horsforth.

In 1921 Arthur was living with his mother and sister at 71 Town Street, Horsforth. He was a watch & clock repairer under a Ministry of Labour training scheme. He married Betty Robinson Lupton (or Naylor) in 1924. They had at least one child. In the 1939 Register they were living at 71 Town Street, with Arthur working as a watch & clock repairer.

Arthur died, 20 January 1956. Betty died, 22 June 1978. They were buried/cremated together in Horsforth Cemetery.

 

Fred Rhodes was the son of Anderson Rhodes. Anderson was born c1848 in Baildon. He married Ellen Ellis in 1867. From 1871 they lived at 13 & 14 Katherine Street in Saltaire with Anderson running a butchers shop.

Fred, was born 1882 in Saltaire, the second youngest of five children.  He married Bertha Furniss 24 August 1908 at Saltaire URC. In 1911 they were living at 4 Wensley Avenue in Shipley with Fred working as an insurance clerk. They had a son, Harry, born 26 July 1911.

Fred enlisted 17 November 1915 and he was held in reserve. He was mobilised 9 February 1917 and served with the Royal Field Artillery. Fred was discharged 27 April 1919 and lived with his wife's family at 79 Victoria Road in Saltaire. Around 1931 they moved to Brookfield Avenue in Shipley.

 

Norman Rhodes was the son of William Rhodes. William was born 1872 in Gargrave. He married Emily Hey in 1894.

Norman, the second of six children, was born 1899 in Keighley. In 1901 & 1911 the family lived in Keighley with William working as a machine fitter and Norman as a doffer in a mill.

Norman served in and survived the war. By 1918 he was living with his family at 22 George Street in Saltaire.

 

Albert Edward was the son of Frederick Ridgway. Frederick was born c1870 in St. Albans in Hertfordshire. He married Mary Jane Taylor Quanbury in 1892 in Bourne, Lincolnshire. In 1901 they were living in Battersea, London with Frederick working as a hackney carriage driver. Before 1911 Mary had relocated to Saltaire with her children but without her husband. Her widowed sister, Emma Trotter, was already living in Saltaire. In 1911 Mary and her children were living at 41 Ada Street; by 1918 they had moved to 15 Shirley Street.

Albert, the third of four children, was born 7 October 1898 in Wandsworth, London.  In 1911 he was working as doffer in the mill.

Albert enlisted with the 6th Battalion Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) 22 April 1915. He was discharged the next day as he had lied about his age. He had stated he was 19 when in fact he was only 16. Albert did serve in war later and he survived. After the war he was unable to go back to his wool sorting job as he was gassed in the war and the wool fibres affected his chest. 

Albert married Eva Longbottom  2 December 1922 St. Peters Shipley. They lived at 18 Constance Street in Saltaire. By 1928 they had moved to 14 Melbourne Street in Shipley; by 1939 they were living at 25 Fern Hill Road in Shipley. Albert died in 1981. Albert had an elder brother, Fred, who sadly died in the war.

[Compiled with the help of Bert Thornton, a nephew of Albert, and Pauline Sleight, Saltaire URC member.]

     

Frederick Victor Charles Ridgway (known as Fred) was the son of Frederick Ridgway. Frederick was born c1870 in St. Albans in Hertfordshire. He married Mary Jane Taylor Quanbury in 1892 in Bourne, Lincolnshire. In 1901 they were living in Battersea, London with Frederick working as a hackney carriage driver. Before 1911 Mary had relocated to Saltaire with her children but without her husband. Her widowed sister, Emma Trotter, was already living in Saltaire. In 1911 Mary and her children were living at 41 Ada Street; by 1918 they had moved to 15 Shirley Street.

Fred, the second of four children, was born in September 1896 in Wandsworth, London. He was baptised 11 December 1898 at St Johns Battersea, London. In 1911 he was working as doffer in the mill. Before he was called up to fight Fred was being trained as wool buyer in Saltaire Mill. He served as a Corporal with the 2nd Battalion Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment.

Mouse over images to enlarge

Fred wrote a poignant letter to his mother whilst waiting for an assault by the Germans. He said he was in a wood and "how peaceful it was before the onslaught". They were preparing for battle, casualties had been heavy and he didn't expect to survive. Wild flowers were in bloom and he enclosed one in his letter. It was the last time his mother heard from him.

Fred died 25th May 1918. He is remembered on the Soissons Memorial in Northern France. He is also remembered on the Rolls of Honour at Nab Wood, St. Peters and the Saltaire Wesleyan Church.
Fred had a younger brother, Albert, who survived the war.

[Compiled with the help of Bert Thornton, a nephew of Fred and Pauline Sleight, Saltaire URC member.]

      

Ernest Riley was the son of Ben Riley. Ben was born c1863 in Guiseley. He married Jane Watson in 1887.

Ernest, the younger of two children, was born 1890 in Baildon. In 1891 & 1901 the family were living in Baildon with Ben a shop manager for the co-op. Ernest, working as a miner, married Ethel Taylor 23 December 1911 at St Peters Shipley. They lived with Ethel's parents at 72 George Street in Saltaire.

Ernest served in the war and survived. By 1937 he was living with his family at 39 Caroline Street in Saltaire. He remained there until he died in 1961.

 

Gordon Riley was the son of John Riley. John was born c1840 in Sandbach Cheshire. He was widowed with two sons when he married Hannah around 1872. In 1881 they were living in Horton, Bradford with John working as a leather cutter. In 1891 & 1901 they were living in Shipley with John working as a boot maker.

Gordon, the youngest of 5 children to Hannah, was born 1892 in Shipley. Having lost her husband widowed Hannah in 1911 lived with her children at 28 Constance Street in Saltaire. Gordon married Mary Lee Brotherton in 1915.

Gordon, working as wool combing overlooker, enlisted 13 April 1915. He was posted 9 May 1915 and saw action in France with the 311th Brigade Royal Field Brigade. Gordon was promoted to Corporal 3 January 1916 and to Sergeant 2 December 1917. He was discharged 27 January 1919 when he was living at Otley Road in Shipley. After living in Baildon and Shipley Gordon died 1967.

 

William Riley (known as Willie) was born, 28 July 1885, in Shipley to Benson Riley and Ann Helliwell. In 1881 they were living at 78 Aire Street in Shipley. Around 1894 they moved to 19 Albert Road in Saltaire (renumbered 37).

Willie’s mother died in 1902. In 1904 he was living with his father and siblings at 101 Saltaire Road in Shipley. By 1905 they had moved to 5 Lower School Street in Saltaire.

Willie’s father, Benson, married Anne Elizabeth Heaton in 1908. By 1910 they were at 30 Ada Street in Saltaire. Around 1912 they moved to 35 George Street in Saltaire.

Working as a cloth finisher, Willie married Fanny Neild (b c1886) 25 July 1914, at St. Paul’s, Shipley. They had a daughter, Elsie, born 21 March 1916.

In 1915 Willie was wounded serving with the 2 nd Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. His home was at 26 Mary Street in Saltaire.

Willie survived the war. He was living at 26 Mary Street when his wife, Fanny, died, 4 May 1917, at Bradford Royal Infirmary. She was buried in Nab Wood Cemetery, Shipley.

In the 1921 Census, widower Willie and his daughter were living at 26 Park Street, Shipley, with his parents. He was working as cloth printer at Saltaire Mills. In December 1923, Willie was M.C. at a dance held in the Royal Café, Saltaire, organised by the Saltaire Mills Ambulance Section.

Willie married widow Ethel Mary Thornton (nee Ridgway), 26 November 1927, at St. Peter’s, Shipley. Ethel was born, 30 December 1894. In the 1939 Register they were living at 1 Carlton Walk, Shipley, with Willie working as a silk weaving overseer. They remained at 1 Carlton Walk until after 1960.

It is unclear as to when Willie died.

 

Fred Ripley was the son of Thomas Ripley. Thomas was born c1857 in Wray, Lancashire. He married Margaret Miller in 1888 at Lonsdale, Lancashire.

Fred, their only son and middle child of three, was born 6 February 1891 in Hornby. Thomas was railway station master at Hornby until 1901. He was appointed station master at Saltaire 20 June 1901 and remained in that position until he died 4 December 1920. The family lived at 38 George Street in Saltaire moving to 78 Victoria Road during the war. In 1911 Fred was a manufacturer’s clerk.

Fred served in and survived the war to marry Edith Alice Houghton 18 September 1918 at St. Paul’s Shipley. They had a daughter, Dulcie, born in 1913.

In 1921 Fred and his family were living with his widowed mother at 78 Victoria Road, Shipley. He was a clerk at Saltaire Mills.

Edith died 8 May 1924, aged just 30. She is buried in Nab Wood Cemetery alongside her daughter, Dulcie, who died 15 June 1936, aged just 12.

Fred lived at 78 Victoria Road until 1929. He died in 1960.

 

Alfred Robinson was the son of John Robinson. John was born c1830 in Thornton. He was a widower with seven children when he married Mary Ann Hardy (a widow, maiden name Slingsby) 3 July 1869 at Bradford Cathedral.

Alfred, the youngest of four children by Mary, was born c1880 in Saltaire. In 1881 & 1891 they were living at 6 Katherine Street in Saltaire. John worked as weaver and in 1891 Alfred, aged just 11, was a doffer. By 1901 they had moved to 33 Ashley Road in Shipley, with Alfred working as a stone dresser.

Sometime after 1911 Alfred moved to Lancashire. He served as a Private with the 11th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. Alfred died 20 Aug 1916 and he was buried at Ovillers Military Cemetery near Albert in France.

Alfred is not remembered on any of the memorials in the Shipley area.

 

Ben Robinson was the son of William Bryan Robinson. William was born c1861 in West Clayton. He married Eliza Jane Pitts in 1881. By 1891 they were living at 81 Baird Street in Bowling with William working as a warp twister.

Ben, the ninth of ten children, was born 13 February 1899 in Saltaire. In 1901 they were living at 10 Gordon Terrace (69 Bingley Road) in Saltaire. By 1911 they were living at 15 Albert Terrace in Saltaire. The family remained there throughout the war.

Ben, a munitions worker, enlisted 13 February 1918. He served with the 2nd Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) from 13 June 1918 until he was discharged 10 December 1975.

Ben died in 1975. Fred had five brothers who also served their country and fought in the war; James, Walter, Horace, Tom, and Fred.

 

Fred Robinson was the son of William Bryan Robinson. William was born c1861 in West Clayton. He married Eliza Jane Pitts in 1881. By 1891 they were living at 81 Baird Street in Bowling with William working as a warp twister. Fred, the eighth of ten children was born c1898 in Saltaire. In 1901 they were living at 10 Gordon Terrace (69 Bingley Road) in Saltaire. By 1911 they were living at 15 Albert Terrace in Saltaire with Fred working as a doffer.

Fred survived the war in which he served as a Trumpeter. He spent time recovering from his war wounds in a hospital in Wiltshire.

Fred had five brothers who also served their country and fought in the war: James, Walter, Horace, Tom, and Ben.

 

In 1918 whilst serving his country George Robinson was living with Henry & Lily Sugden at 2 Jane Street in Saltaire. The relationship between them and George is not known.

 

Harry Robinson was the son of John William Robinson. John was born c1861in Bingley. He married Martha Wood 22 April 1885 at St Pauls Shipley. They both lived in Saltaire, John, a labourer, at 4 Lower School Street and Martha at 11 Jane Street. John died before 1891. 

Harry, an only son with two older sisters, was born 1889 in Saltaire. In 1891 widowed Martha, working as a silk weaver, lived with her three children at her parent's house in Jane Street. Martha died in 1897. In 1901 & 1911 Harry was living with his grandparents in Jane Street; he worked as a worsted spinner then as a carter for a coal company.

Harry served in and survived the war, living at 18 Caroline Street in Saltaire.

 

Horace Robinson was the son of William Bryan Robinson. William was born c1861 in West Clayton. He married Eliza Jane Pitts in 1881. By 1891 they were living at 81 Baird Street in Bowling with William working as a warp twister.

Horace, the fifth of ten children was born c1892 in Bradford. In 1901 they were living at 10 Gordon Terrace (69 Bingley Road) in Saltaire. In 1911 Horace, a wool warehouse man, was a boarder with the Mason family at 25 Beatrice Street in Shipley. Horace married Hannah Gibbard in 1913. They lived at 21 Edward Street in Saltaire. They remained here throughout the war.

Horace served as a private with the 1st/6th Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. He died 1 November 1918 when his battalion was involved in capturing the city of Valenciennes in Northern France. He is buried at the Maing Communal Cemetery, just south of Valenciennes.

Horace is remembered on the Rolls of Honour at Nab Wood, St. Pauls, St. Peters and Saltaire Wesleyan Chapel

Horace had five brothers who also served their country and fought in the war: James, Walter,Tom, Ben and Fred.

 

James William Robinson was the son of William Bryan Robinson. William was born c1861 in West Clayton. He married Eliza Jane Pitts in 1881.

James, the eldest of ten children was born c1882 in Bradford. By 1891 they were living at 81 Baird Street in Bowling with William working as a warp twister. In 1901 they were living at 10 Gordon Terrace (69 Bingley Road) in Saltaire with James, a hairdresser. James married Phoebe Edwards in 1906. They had one son, Norman who was born 1909 in Saltaire. In 1911 they were living at 22 Leeds Road in Ilkley.

James was a hairdresser working for Demos Barraclough at 79 Bingley Road (15 Gordon Terrace) when he was called up in October 1916. He was with the 16th Battalion Prince of Wales Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment (1st Bradford Pals). Going to France early in 1917 he was soon badly wounded. In March he was transferred to Graywingwell Hospital in Chichester. Despite the best efforts of the hospital staff, James died 3 April 1917. On the 9th of April his coffin was transported from his residence at 19 Whitlam Street, Saltaire on a gun carriage. Crowds lined the route to Nab Wood Cemetery where he was buried. He left behind a widow and a young son.

James is remembered on the Rolls of Honour at Nab Wood, St Peters and Saltaire Congregational Church.

James had five brothers who also served their country and fought in the war: Walter, Horace, Tom, Ben and Fred.

 

Tom Robinson was the son of William Bryan Robinson. William was born c1861 in West Clayton. He married Eliza Jane Pitts in 1881. By 1891 they were living at 81 Baird Street in Bowling with William working as a warp twister.

Tom, the sixth of ten children was born c1893 in Bradford. In 1901 they were living at 10 Gordon Terrace (69 Bingley Road) in Saltaire. By 1911 they were living at 15 Albert Terrace in Saltaire with Tom working as a carter. The family remained there throughout the war.

Tom survived the war in which he served as a driver. Tom had five brothers who also served their country and fought in the war: James, Walter, Horace, Ben and Fred.

 

Walter Robinson was the son of William Bryan Robinson. William was born c1861 in West Clayton. He married Eliza Jane Pitts in 1881.

Walter, the third eldest of ten children was born c1888 in Bradford. By 1891 they were living at 81 Baird Street in Bowling with William working as a warp twister. In 1901 they were living at 10 Gordon Terrace (69 Bingley Road). By 1911 they were living at 15 Albert Terrace in Saltaire with Walter working as a labourer. The family remained there throughout the war.

Walter survived the war in which he served as a driver. Walter had five brothers who also served their country and fought in the war: James,Horace, Tom, Ben and Fred.

 

William Robinson was the son of William Thomas Robinson. William Thomas was born 1 September 1859 in Stockton, County Durham. He married Emily Leng 2 January 1883 at Stockton Registry Office. They lived the rest of their lives in Stockton with William Thomas working as a steam crane driver and a labourer.  

William, the seventh of fourteen children, was born 27 March 1895. William served as a Stoker in the Royal Navy whilst he lived at 29 Constance Street in Saltaire. He married Ethel Elizabeth Catherine Ward 26 May 1919 at St. Peters Shipley. They had three sons; Colin, Harold & Clifford.

William died 7 May 1957 in Stockton.

 

Willie Robinson was born c1878 to parents unknown. He married Ruth Chester 23 May 1903 at Bradford Registry Office. They had three daughters; Laura (b1904), Phyllis (b1908) & Doris (b1910). They also had a son, Harry, who died as an infant. In 1911 the family were living at 31 Helen Street in Saltaire, with Willie working as a warehouseman.

Willie enlisted 28 November 1916 and he was mobilised 23 May 1903. He served as a Driver with the Horse Transport Section of the Army Service Corps. Willie was discharged 1 July 1919 and he lived with his family at 7 Wycliffe Court in Shipley. From 123 they lived at 32 Rhodes Street in Saltaire.

 

Rogers, John Joseph  
1890 - 6 February 1963

John Joseph Rogers was the son of John Rogers. John was born c1857 in Wales. He married Catherine in 1877. In 1881 they were living in Wolverhampton with John working as a labourer.

John Joseph, the seventh of ten children, was born 1890 in Halifax where the family lived before moving to Saltaire. In 1901 they were living at 30 Shirley Street and by 1911 they had moved next door to no 31. During the war they lived at 7 Alva Terrace in Shipley.

John Joseph, working as a joiner, enlisted 2 March 1916 and was mobilised 31 January 1917. He saw action as a Sapper with the Royal Engineers until he was discharged in January 1919. John Joseph married Gladys Murgatroyd in 1920. His home was 7 Alva Terrace when he died 6 February 1963.

 

Thomas Rooke was the son of Richard Henry Rooke. Richard was born c1862 in Windhill, Shipley. He married Sarah Ann Dunning 31 July 1888 at St. Wilfrid's in Calverley.

Thomas was born c1893 in Windhill, the third of five children. In 1911 he was living with his family at 43 Aire Street in Windhill. He was a labourer for a cabinet maker. He married Carrie Pedley in the 3rd Quarter 1917; they lived at 28 Shirley Street in Saltaire.

Thomas died 20 Jul 1918; he was a Private in "A" Company, 5th Battalion, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He is buried at Courmas British Cemetery near to Reims in France. Thomas is remembered on the Rolls of Honour at Nab Wood and St. Peters.

 

Bertrand Frederick was the son of George Ruddock. George Ruddock was born c1868 in Suffolk. In 1891 he was working as a plush carder and he was boarding with Lilah Neale at 27 Constance Street in Saltaire.
He married Annie Elizabeth in 1892.

Bertrand, the second of four children, was born 1898 in Saltaire. In 1901 the family were living at 23 Herbert Street in Saltaire with George working as a wool sorter. By 1911 they were living at Ingrow near Keighley with Bertrand working as a doffer in a worsted mill.

Bertrand served as a Private with the 23rd Battalion Machine Gun Corps. He died 29th Jun 1918 and his grave can be found in Barenthal Military Cemetery in the Italian province of Vicenza.

Click on image to magnify

Image countesty of Ian Watston, with thanks.

Bertrand is not remembered on any of the Rolls of Honour in the Shipley area.

 

Robert John Thompson Rutherford was the son of John Rutherford. John was born c1861 in Northumberland where he married Euphemia Maggie Thompson in 1888.

Robert, the eldest of four children, was born 1890 in Bellingham, Northumberland.  In 1891 they were living in Northumberland with John working as a shepherd. By 1901 the family were living at 23 Whitlam Street in Saltaire with John working as a railway labourer. John died in 1904 and by 1911 his widow, Euphemia, was living with her children at 34 Thompson Street in Shipley.

Robert, working as a clerk, married Ethel Moore, 29 January 1916, at St. Peters Shipley. Robert was living at 21 Shirley Street in Saltaire and Ethel living at 11 Katherine Street. Robert served in and survived the war. He lived with his wife at 11 Katherine Street until they moved in 1925 to 13 Tower Road in Shipley.

Robert died 1958 in Blackpool. He had a younger brother, Tom, who sadly lost his life in serving his country.

 

Tom Thompson Middleton Rutherford was the son of John Rutherford. John was born c1861 in Northumberland where he married Euphemia Maggie Thompson in 1888. In 1891 they were living in Northumberland with John working as a shepherd.

Tom, the third of four children, was born 1899 in Baildon. By 1901 the family were living at 23 Whitlam Street in Saltaire with John working as a railway labourer. John died in 1904 and by 1911 his widow, Euphemia, was living with her children at 34 Thompson Street in Shipley. By 1916 they had moved to 21 Shirley Street in Saltaire. Tom was a member of Crag Road Primitive Methodist Chapel and he was employed by Messrs. May & Hanmel, shippers of Bradford.

Tom Thompson Middleton Rutherford
Image, courtesy of Deborah Burns, grandniece of Tom's.

Tom served originally with the West Riding Regiment before serving as a Private with the 5th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He died 20 July 1918. The following is an extract from a letter written by a chaplain of the KOYLI to Tom's mother:-

"The battalion was fighting near Rheims last July and received the public thanks of the French General in command. The battalion had some very difficult and dangerous work to do, and did it brilliantly. Your son was at one of the most important posts at that part of the line, and did his duty nobly. He was a good soldier, most trustworthy, and faithful in the discharge of his duty; one whom all respected. We were exceedingly sorry when it was reported that he had been killed at his post while working his machine gun."

Tom's grave can be found at Marfaux British Cemetery near Rheims in France. Tom is remembered on the Rolls of Honour at Nab Wood and St Peters. Tom had an older brother, Robert, who served in and survived the war.

Mouse over medals to magnify

Photograph courtesy of Lars Ahlkvist, 2014
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Thomas Wilfred Ryder was the son of Albert Ryder. Albert was born in 1864 in Bradford. He married Mary Elizabeth Isles 25 July 1885 at Bradford Cathedral.

Thomas was born in 1894 in Bradford. The family lived in Bradford with Albert working as a plush finisher. Thomas served in and survived the war. He married Dorothy Watson 24 October 1916. They had two children.

In 1918 they were living with Dorothy’s parents at 40 Dove Street in Saltaire.

Report from the Shipley Times 30 September 1921: -

The adjourned case in which Thos. W. Ryder, labourer, Bradford, was summoned by his wife, Dorothy Ryder, of Saltaire, for desertion, was heard at the Bradford West Riding Police Court on Thursday (29 September).

Mr. W. Dunn, solicitor, Shipley, appeared for complainant, and explained that his client had declined an offer by defendant to take her back on the ground that she had contracted a certain disease from him; The offer was made only recently after defendant had been away, from his wife over a year. The offer was not a bona-fide one but had been made for the purpose of defending the ease.

Mr. Dunn quoted the ruling in case where it was laid down that where matrimonial offence was committed there the right to take proceedings, and the party could not be deprived of that right. Even supposing that the offer of defendant were bona-fide one there were reason able grounds for declining it.

When the case was heard previously the Bench had deemed it desirable that medical evidence should forthcoming, and the advocate had left no stone unturned in order to obtain the evidence, but without success. The Ministry of Health had given guarantees that treatment for certain diseases should be confidential. The Chairman (Mr. J. Q. Mowat): We quite appreciate that difficulty.

Complainant, in evidence, stated that she was at 'present living with her parents in Saltaire. She was married on the 24 October 1916, and there had been two children of the marriage. Both were living. One was 4 ½ years of age, and the other 1 ½. Witness had been before the Court in March 1920, summoning her husband for desertion. The case was adjourned for two months, and she and her husband resumed co-habitation on 20 March 1920. They went to live at her mother’s home, and whilst there her husband was under-going treatment at the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

At the time witness did not understand her husband’s condition, but she had now found out that the evening and the time he attended for treatment was the time when certain cases were dealt with.

On 6 May 1920, she found it necessary to take medical-advice herself and consulted her own doctor. Her husband asked her to go with him to the Royal Infirmary, where he was receiving treatment but she declined. Ever since that time witness had been under treatment, and had been a month in hospital, from August to September last year.

Her husband left her on May 23 last year. He had never returned to her since then but had sent her the portion of pension payable to him in respect of the children’s maintenance. This portion of pension amounted to 5s. 3d., and he had allowed her weekly amounts varying from 6s. to £1 For some part of this time, a period ending in February 1921 he was in a sanatorium, and she was paid his pension of £2. He ceased to make any payments to her in June 1921.

Since her application to the Court he had resumed payment of the 5s. 3d. weekly. At the present time defendant was in receipt of a pension of 12s. per week, and was working for Messrs. Wm. Ackroyd and Sons, as a dyers’ labourer. Over a period of four weeks defendant average weekly wage had been £2 11s. 10d. Complainant was a weaver and was now working at Saltaire Mills.

Defendant elected to give evidence and made the allegation that when he resumed co-habitation with his wife last year she was already undergoing treatment.

Mr. Dunn: Have you heard your wife state in evidence that it was not until 6 May that she took medical advice? — l don’t think so.

The Chairman (Mr. J. G. Mowat) Why did not you ask your wife in the box?

Defendant: I did not hear her say it.

Defendant, in reply to the Chairman, stated that he was employed as a dyers’ labourer, but was at present on short time.

The Bench made a maintenance order amounting to 30s. week.

Thomas died in 1931.