In remembrance

Honouring the Fallen
At Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge, our war memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men of our community during the Great War of 1914-1918 and the Second World War of 1939-1945. This page is dedicated to those who gave their lives for their country, ensuring that their courage and sacrifice are remembered for generations to come.

Explore the Names on Our War Memorial

Our memorial commemorates those who served and lost their lives in the two world wars. Here, you can find information about each individual—who they were, where they lived, and their role in the war. We invite you to explore their stories, learn more about their lives, and remember the cost of the freedom we enjoy today.

World War I (1914–1918)

During the Great War, many young men from Sowerby Bridge and the surrounding area enlisted to serve their country. Below is a list of those remembered on our memorial who fell during this devastating conflict.

  1. Corporal James Albert Aspin

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 16th March 1918
    • Age: 22
    • A local mill worker before enlisting in August 1914, lived on Claremont Street.  He was killed in action - Polygeneveld, Ypres salient

  2. Corporal Joseph Whiteley Aspin

    • Regiment:2nd/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 21st November 1917 
    • Age: 20
    • Joseph along with his brother James lived on Claremont Street and was also a mill worker.  He was hit in the forehead as he was leading his section through a village and died instantly in Cambrai.

  3. Private Sydney George Baily

    • Regiment: 9th Staffs
    • Date of Death: 26th April 1917
    • Age: 26
    • Sydney was born in Maidstone, Kent.  In 1907 he married Dasie Annie Berry in Cambridge, eventually living on Summerland Terrace.  He enlisted in October 1915.  He was stuck by a shell and killed in action.

  4. Private John Alfred Barraclough

    • Regiment: Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 20th July 1918
    • Age: 26
    • Employed by W & RK Lees as a cotton piecer, living on Exeter Steet.  He was killed in action at la Bassee.

  5. Stoker 1st Class Thomas Barron

    • Regiment: Royal Navy
    • Date of Death: 1st November 1914
    • Age: 30
    • Born in Barkisland, he lived on Claremont Street.   He was a cotton spinner piecer then a general labourer and possibly employed in the goods yard at Sowerby Bridge Railway Station.  He married Lilian Maud.  Lost in heavy cruiser HMS "Good Hope" at battle of Coronel.

  6. Driver Thomas Bottomley

    • Regiment: Royal Field Artillery
    • Date of Death: 1st May 1916
    • Age: 29
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge, and living on Chapel Lane, he was a regular soldier for 8 years.  Thomas drowned at Agra, India while swimming horses in the river

  7. Boy 1st Class William George Callaghan

    • Regiment: Royal Navy
    • Date of Death: 31st May 1916
    • Age: 17
    • Born in Birmingham.  he lived with his parents on Upper Fountain Street.  He was an apprentice gas meter inspector with Sowerby Bridge UDC. Was a member of Christ Church & Sunday School.  William was killed in Jutland when Battle-cruiser HMS "Indefatigable" blew up with the loss of over 1000 lives

  8. Rifleman Harry Coble

    • Regiment: Kings Royal Rifle Corp.
    • Date of Death: 25th August 1918
    • Age: 21
    • Harry was born in Sowerby before moving to Oxford Street.  He was a booking clerk at Sowerby Bridge railway station.  He was accidentally killed while returning to line from rest-billets in France

  9. Private Albert Cockroft

    • Regiment: Durham Light Infantry
    • Date of Death: 15th June 1917
    • Age: 29
    • Born in Elland, he married Beatrice Longward in 1913 at Saint John the Evangelist, West Vale. They lived together on Washer Lane.  He worked for Ingham Dyeworks and played football for Norland AFC.  Albert was killed in Action.

  10. Gunner Albert Ernest Cross

    • Regiment: Royal Field Artillery
    • Date of Death: 9th March 1917
    • Age: 24
    • Born in Birmingham he settled on Chapel Street, He was employed by Siddall & Hilton Limited. Albert along with his nephew were killed while filling sandbags.

  11. Private Harry Davill

    • Regiment: Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 9th October 1916
    • Age: 33
    • Son of Harriet & John Davill of Sowerby Bridge, Harry was born in Osberton, Nottinghamshire. He was a Loom Tuner in Rochdale and attended Christ Church.  Harry was killed in action.

  12. Rifleman Fred Dean

    • Regiment: 18th Kings Royal Rifle Corps
    • Date of Death: 15th September 1915
    • Age: 21
    • He was a member of Christ Church & School & Institute, Sowerby Bridge. Started work as an office boy (worsted spinner) before becoming a dyer's labourer employed by H. Sagar Limited, Mill House Sowerby Bridge.  Fred was killed on the Somme

  13. Private John Edward Dullenty

    • Regiment: 10th Bn, Prince of Wales West Yorkshire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 24th February 1919
    • Age: 19
    • Born in Blackburn the son of Julia and Patrick, they lived at 33 Chapel Lane.  John enlisted in September 1916.  He died of pneumonia.

  14. 2nd Lieutenant Geoffrey Otho Charles Edwards

    • Regiment: 9th Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 7th July 1917
    • Age: 39
    • Geoffrey a decorated officer lived at Pye Nest House, born at Ashgrove, Elland, he was educated at Eton & New College Oxford, captain of Oppidans at Eton, a double rowing blue and director at Edwards & Rawsons Ltd.  He was killed on the Somme

  15. Private Clive Farmery

    • Regiment: 1st/6th Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 11th March 1918
    • Age: 33
    • Son of Annie & Robert Farmery. He lived on Byron Street.  He worked at Messrs. Grandage Dyers, Bradford.  Clive died of wounds

  16. Private James Fred Field

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 5th August 1917
    • Age: 26
    • Born in Dewsbury. He was an assistant worsted spinner overlooker employed by Smith, Bulmer & Company Limited.
    • He was killed in action by shell fire at Lambartzijde.

  17. Private Albert Foster

    • Regiment: 2nd Bn. Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 18th July 1918
    • Age: 20
    • Son of Maria and the Late Arthur Foster Born in Sowerby Bridge and baptised at Christ Church, on 5th September 1897.  They lived at 18 Bolton Brow.  Albert was killed in action.

  18. Private Leonard Foster

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 3rd September 1916
    • Age: 18
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge, he lived on Willow Street in Sowerby Bridge, He was a worsted doffer employed by Siddall & Hilton Limited. He suffered badly with trench foot and was hospitalised 3 times before being returned home and admitted to Braeside Hospital, Essex. Leonard was issuing in unsuccessful attack on Schwaben Redoubt, Somme

  19. Rifleman William Gaukrodger

    • Regiment: 18th Kings Royal Rifle Corps
    • Date of Death: 15th September 1916
    • Age: 25
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge. Son of Elizabeth and brother to Harry, he lived at 35 Lockhill, Sowerby Bridge.  William was killed in action - France

  20. Private Ernest William Gelder

    • Regiment: 13th East Yorkshire
    • Date of Death: 29th June 1917
    • Age: 40
    • Born in Middlestown, Wakefield. Worked T. Ramsden & Sons, Stone Trough Brewery. He married his wife, Janet in 1906 at the Halifax Register Office and they lived together at 37 Willow Street, Sowerby Bridge.  Ernest died of wounds

  21. Private William Henry Gibson

    • Regiment: 2/5 Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 20th November 1917
    • Age: 24
    • Son of Mary Ann & Wallace Gibson of 15 Hitchen Buildings, he was educated at Rishworth School.  William was killed in action

  22. Private Harry Wells Gledhill

    • Regiment: 2nd Bn. Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 1st July 1916
    • Age: 22
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge William lived on East Parade. He was a butcher for Harry Firth, Gibbet Street, Halifax. He attended Christ Church and was well known and popular in Sowerby Bridge. He also had a wide circle of butcher friends. Harry went missing on first day of the Somme and was presumed to have been killed on that day.

  23. Private Leonard Greenwood

    • Regiment: 10th Yorkshire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 4th October 1917
    • Age: 20
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge, son of Mary & James Greenwood he lived on Derby Street Sowerby Bridge.  Leonard was killed in action.

  24. Lieutenant Leonard Aspinall Greenwood

    • Regiment: 43rd Squadron Royal Air Service
    • Date of Death: 12th April 1918
    • Age: 19
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge and baptised at Christ Church. He was educated at Earnseat School, Arnside, Westmorland, & Bridlington Grammar School. During World War I, he joined as a Private with the Seaforth Highlanders, then transferred and served as a Lieutenant with the 43rd Squadron Royal Air Service. He was given the choice of remaining in Britain as a flying instructor or going to France. He chose to go abroad. He was injured when his aircraft went out of control and nose-dived to the ground. He sustained a broken arm, a scalp wound and concussion. He died of his injuries at 43rd Casualty Clearing Station.

  25. Gunner Selwyn Greenwood

    • Regiment: 188th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery
    • Date of Death: 21st May 1917
    • Age: 26
    • Born in Warley. He was a member of the Sunday School at Christ Church. Employed as a dyer's labourer at Asquith Bottom Dye Works, Sowerby Bridge. He was killed in action with the Salonika forces

  26. Sapper Robert Miller Gregory

    • Regiment: 11th Field Company Royal Engineers
    • Date of Death: 14th September 1914
    • Age: 30
    • Born in Preston, son of Elizabeth & Robert Gregory. In 1904, he married Rose Lily Watts in Ashford, Kent. They formerly lived at Allan Wood Sowerby Bridge, before moving to Greetland. He was a soldier with 3 years regular service, and 7 years in the reserves.  Robert was killed in action.

  27. Private Ernest Hellawell

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 20th November 1917
    • Age: 24
    • Born in Triangle, Son of William. He moved to Walsdenbefore moving to Sowerby Bridge. He was a member of Christ Church & Sunday School. Was a member of Sowerby Bridge Gymnasium. Employed by Eli Whiteley & Sons, as a cotton twiner piecer at the Hollins Mill.  He lived on West View in Sowerby Bridge.  Robert enlisted in October 1914;  he was killed by shell splinter at Ypres.

  28. Private John William Hellawell

    • Regiment: 2nd/4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 6th April 1917
    • Age: 26
    • Born in Norland, son of Alfred. He was employed by W. & R. K. Lee Limited as a cotton ring doubler. he was killed in action in France.

  29. Lance Corporal Horace Highley

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 22nd December 1915
    • Age: 24
    • Employed as a fitter at Messrs. Asquiths of Highroyd Well, member of the Bolton Brow Working Men's Club, he lived in the Turks Head.  He died of wounds in France

  30. Private James Oliver Hill

    • Regiment: 1/8 Durham Light Infantry
    • Date of Death: 5th November 1916
    • Age: 24
    • Born in Sowerby. He was a member of Christ Church. Employed as a colour blender (worsted spinning) and head of the colour mixing department of Arthur Siddall, worsted spinners, Sowerby Bridge. He was killed in action in France

  31. Private Theodore Hitchen

    • Regiment: 12th Manchester Regiment
    • Date of Death: 12th July 1918
    • Age: 27
    • Born in Sowerby Bridge. He was married to Cissy and they had one son, Jack they lived Tyson Street and his mother lived at 17 East Parade, Sowerby Bridge.  He was killed in France 

  32. Sapper Percival Holden

    • Regiment: 17th Division Signal Company Royal Engineers
    • Date of Death: 19th November 1917
    • Age: 34
    • Born in Sowerby. He married Norah in 1909 at Christ Church, they then moved to Rochdale. In 1915 his wife died and he married Jessie in 1915 again at Christ Church. Percival was a plumber by trade. He was killed in action in Belgium

  33. Private Walter Horne

    • Regiment: 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 7th June 1917
    • Age: 22
    • Walter was born in Sowerby and was a member of the Christ Church Institute. He was unmarried. Walter was employed by Shepherd & Blackburn as a cotton twiner. He was Killed in Action

  34. Sergeant Charles Howley

    • Regiment: 4th Battalion South Wales Borderers
    • Date of Death: 1st May 1917
    • Age: 34
    • Charles was born in Kidderminster and was the son of Annie & Alfred Howley. He ended up living on Willow Terrace. He joined the army early in the war and was twice wounded. Charles died as a Prisoner of war in Turkey

  35. Rifleman Harry Hoyle

    • Regiment: 2nd Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps
    • Date of Death:9th September 1916
    • Age: 25
    • Son of William & Julia. He was connected with Christ Church. Employed as a labourer at W. & R. K. Lee Ltd. There was a mix up between 2 men called H. Hoyle – Harry and Hubert Hoyle – who were both in the King's Royal Rifle Corps. After an announcement in the Halifax Courier [dated 02/09/1916], saying that Rifleman Harry Hoyle had been killed on the 17th of August 1916, Harry wrote home. Harry was then killed a week later [09/09/1916] (aged 25). It had been Hubert who had been killed on the 17th of August 1916. When the mistake was sorted, it was discovered that each family had been receiving the Army pay for the soldier of the other family.  He was killed on the Somme

  36. Private Percy Johnson

    • Regiment: 9th Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
    • Date of Death: 26th April 1918
    • Age: 18
    • Born in Luddenden. Percy was a Sunday School teacher at Christ Church and an apprentice at Wm Ingham, Sowerby Bridge.  He was killed at Mt Kemmel, Belgium

  37. Lance Corporal Joseph Johnson

    • Regiment: 9th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 7th July 1918
    • Age: 18
    • Joseph was killed in Action in 1916, he enlisted in September 1914.  He was originally from Manchester but lived on Tuel Lane.  He was a member of both Christ Church and the Sunday School.  He was also a member of the Church Institute.  Joseph worked in the offices at W & RK Lee at lock Hill Mills

  38. Private Joseph Jones

    • Regiment: 2nd/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 3rd May 1917
    • Age: 40
    • Joseph lived at Wakefield Road End and enlisted in August 1914.  He was born in Luddendenfoot.  He worked for Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council working on the roads.  He died of wounds sustained to his back.

  39. Private Arthur Lumley

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 13th August 1915
    • Age: 21
    • Arthur was a likable lad, born in Castlefield, he ended up moving to Claremount Street.  Prior to enlisting in September 1914, he worked as a blacksmith's striker for Washingtons ltd.  Arthur was shot taking rations across a field in Glimpse Cott sector, Ypres.

  40. Private Arthur Marsden

    • Regiment: 6th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 22nd March 1918
    • Age: 19
    • Arthur was born in Sowerby Bridge, sone of John and Alice.  The family lived on Peel Street.  The family were regular worshipers at Christ Church.  Prior to enlisting Arthur worked at Fairlea Co in Luddenedenfoot.  He was in France when he was killed in action.

  41. Private John William (Jack) Netherwood

    • Regiment: 9th Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 19th December 1915
    • Age: 25
    • Jack was a very well known and popular lad around Sowerby Bridge.  The family lived at New Marsh, Burnley Road.  He regularly attended services in church and was also a member of the Sunday School.  He died following a German gas attack in Hooge sector, Ypres salient.

  42. Private William Henry George Rayner Page

    • Regiment: 10th Battalion Hampshire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 7th December 1915
    • Age: 28
    • William was born in Woburn Sands, Bedfordshire his family lived at Scar Head, Norland.  In 1912 he married Amy at St. Lukes, Norland.  They lived together on Park Street, Sowerby Bridge.  In his youth he was a messenger at the Halifax Courier.  Prior to enlisting in November 1914, he was employed in the locomotive shed at Sowerby Bridge Station. William was killed in action in the Balkans

  43. Private Alfred Packwood

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 17th October 1915
    • Age: 20
    • Alfred was the son of Albert & Adelaide.  The family lived at 30, Bradley’s Court, Walker Lane, Sowerby Bridge.  The had connected with Christ Church Mission Rooms at the back of Wharf Street. He was a cotton piecer employed by W. & R. K. Lee Limited. Alfred died in hospital of wounds sustained on previous day, in Glimpse Cott sector, Ypres

  44. Private Francis Frank Pettitt

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 26th April 1918
    • Age: 34
    • Francis was born in London.  He and his wife had two children and they lived quite happily on Old Causeway in the heart of Sowerby Bridge.  Francis was awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct. The battalion never went into battle without him. Sometimes he carried ammunition into the firing lines and sometimes assisting wounded comrades. He was killed at Milekruisse, battle of Kemmel

  45. Private John Edgar Prickett

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 29th April 1915
    • Age: 19
    • John was born in Burnley, before his family moved to 46 Albert View.  prior to enlisting he was an office boy in a local worsted mill. John came home to die surrounded by the love of his family.  Whilst at war he had come down with pneumonia and typhoid.  He was given full military honours when he was laid to rest within the family grave at Warley.

  46. Corporal Arthur Rostron

    • Regiment: XVIII Corps Cyclists Battalion Army Cyclist Corps
    • Date of Death: 21st October 1917
    • Age: 22
    • Born in Edenfield, Lancashire he was the son of James & Helen Rostron.  At some point the family moved to 4 Egerton Street, Tuel Lane.  He worked as an office boy for a local dyers & finishers.  Arthur died of wounds he sustained in battle

  47. Private George Sansom

    • Regiment: 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
    • Date of Death: 18th March 1915
    • Age: 29
    • George was native of Wetherden, Suffolk. He married to Martha Bertha and together they set up home on Charlotte Street.  He worked as Sowerby Bridge station as a guard on the goods trains.  George was in France when he was killed in action.

  48. Private Hiram Senior

    • Regiment: 9th Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 2nd August 1916
    • Age: 22
    • Hiram was the son of Henry & Adelaide Senior he and his 3 brothers all lived at Bradley Terrace in Sowerby Bridge.  He was employed by Shepherd & Blackburn Ltd as a He was a cotton twiner.  His three brothers also served including Sam.  Hiram was killed following shell fire in the Somme.

  49. Private Sam Senior

    • Regiment: 31st Battalion Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
    • Date of Death: 26th April 1918
    • Age: 31
    • Sam, older brother to Hiram grew up in Sowerby Bridge.  He started work as a woollen warehouse boy before becoming a woollen finisher.  Sam died of wounds he sustained whilst in battle.

  50. Private William Henry Sharp

    • Regiment: York & Lancaster Regiment 1/4th (Hallamshire) (T.F.) Battalion
    • Date of Death: 20th March 1918
    • Age: 19
    • Williams parents, George & Emma were member of Christ Church. The family lived on East Parade.  We know William worked part-time as a cotton twiner, before seeking employment first as an iron delver then as an iron planer with A. Haworth & Sons, toolmakers.  Whilst serving in France he was killed in action.

  51. Private Edgar Smith

    • Regiment: 2nd/5th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 5th November 1918
    • Age: 29
    • Edgar was born in Lancaster.  He lived on Willow Street.  He was a member of Christ Church and also attended Canon Iven's Friday Night Bible study group.  He was also a member Bolton Brow WMC. He worked for H Sagar, dyers. His brother George was also killed in the war.  Edgar was killed in action

  52. Private George Alexander Smith

    • Regiment: 1st/5th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 16th September 1916
    • Age: 30
    • Like his brother Edgar, George was born over the other side of the Pennines in Lancaster.  He was also a member of the family at Christ Church.  George died of pneumonia and is buried at Sowerby Bridge Cemetery

  53. Private Benjamin Walter Stockton

    • Regiment: 2nd/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 3rd May 1917
    • Age: 21
    • Ben was the son of Crowther and Annie. He grew up in the family home, Lynn Garth on Bright Street. He was a member of both Christ Church and the Institute. He was employed as an assistant in the grocery department at the Sowerby Bridge Co-Op.  Ben was reported missing and assumed to have died at Bullecourt

  54. Private Ernest Taylor

    • Regiment: 18th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
    • Date of Death: 12th April 1918
    • Age: 32
    • Ernest was the son of Zachariah and Hannah, he was born in Sowerby Bridge and baptised at Christ Church.  He married Annie in church in 1911.  He and Annie set up home on Washer Lane. They had one son Edwin. Ernest was employed as a worsted doffer.  All we know is that he was Killed in Action in 1918

  55. Private Leslie Allan Thomas

    • Regiment: 2nd/1st Home Counties Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps
    • Date of Death: 31st October 1917
    • Age: 23
    • Born in Maidstone in 1894, he was 1 of 10 children to Harry and Christiana. He worked as a linotype operator employed at the Kent Messenger office in Maidstone.  Following the death of his father the family moved to Wakefield Road.  Leslie died in hospital and was buried in Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France.

  56. Private Fred Tidswell

    • Regiment: B Company 13th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 21st March 1917
    • Age: 26
    • Fred was the son of Tom and Sophia, he was born in Sowerby Bridge.  He was a member of this church and employed by his father as a cabinet maker. He married his wife Alice at St. Georges Church, Sowerby in 1915 and they lived on Egermont Street. Fred sustained gunshot wounds in both legs and one hand. He died of his wounds in hospital at Étaples, France

  57. Private Herbert Bedford Tidswell

    • Regiment: 18th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment 
    • Date of Death: 13th November 1916
    • Age: 27
    • Herbert was the son of John & Hannah he was born in Sowerby Bridge, and the family lived at Mearclough House, Walker Lane, Sowerby Bridge. He was engaged to be married to Nelly. He was a clerk for canal carriers before becoming a bookkeeper for Solomon Marshall, stone merchant, Southowram.  Herbert Died of his wounds

  58. Private Percy John Tolley

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 21st August 1915
    • Age: 22
    • Percy was Born in Halifax. He was an iron turner employed by Pollit & Wigzell Limited. He was a member of both Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge and school. Percy was a gymnast & winner of the cup and senior gymnastic championship. He was also an instructor at Bolton Brow Boys' Brigade He was hit in the head by a German sniper and died within the hour in the arms of his older brother Vernon who was in the next trench to Percy

  59. Company Sergeant Major Vernon Stanley Tolley

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 16th October 1915
    • Age: 25
    • Son of William & the late Emma. Worked as draughtsman for Bleachers Assoc Ltd, Norfolk St Works, Manchester. He was Slightly wounded in mouth, but was killed by direct hit on dressing station while being treated, Glimpse Cottage sector, Ypres

  60. Driver Joseph Shaw Townend

    • Regiment: Royal Field Artillery
    • Date of Death: 19th February
    • Age: 29
    • In 1908, he had an accident, in which he fell down a cliff knocking himself out and suffering from severe concussion which led to mental health problems later in life. After serving 151 days, he was placed in detention in Devizes and tried by a court martial. He was sentenced to 56 days' imprisonment with hard labour. He was discharged in 1918, as no longer physically fit. He was described as of low mental intelligence but an obedient and good worker He survived the war, but died of natural causes

  61. Private Fred Albert Wade

    • Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 19th December 1915
    • Age: 20
    • Fred was Born in Huddersfield. but moved to Exeter Street.  He attended Bolton Brow Wesleyan Sunday School, but later attended Christ Church where he was baptised. He was a member of the Church institute. before enlisting in September 1914, he was Employed by Messrs. Kershaw and Wilkinson upholsters, Bond Street, Halifax.  Fred died following a gas attack

  62. Private John Henry Ward

    • Regiment: 2nd/4th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 15th December 1917
    • Age: 31
    • Born in Bradford, Prior to getting married he lived at Clough House Sowerby Bridge. He married Ella Gibson at Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge in 1916 and they set up home in Warley Town

  63. Private Arthur Gordon Wood

    • Regiment: B Company 26th Battalion Royal Fusiliers
    • Date of Death: 15th September 1916
    • Age: 24
    • One of twins born in Sowerby to Thomas and Elizabeth. Arthur attended Heath Grammar School. Worked as a clerk for Yorkshire Penny Bank Sowerby Bridge and Halifax
    • Killed in Action, first reported wounded then wounded and missing

  64. Private Archer Irvine Firth

    • Regiment: 9th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment
    • Date of Death: 13th November 1918
    • Age: 24
    • Son of Simeon and Lousia, he was born in Sowerby Bridge.  He was employed as a cotton feeder at W. & R. K. Lee Limited.  Died of wounds as a prisoner of war at QuedlInburg Municipal Hospital.

  65. Private Arthur Goulden

    • Arthur is not listed on the war memorial as he did not live within the parish, however is family have strong connections to Christ Church
    • Regiment: King's Royal Rifle Corps
    • Date of Death: 7th November 1914
    • Age: 30
    • Son of Alfred and Elizabeth Goulden, and husband of Naomi, was a man of quiet dedication. Before heading off to serve in World War I, he worked at Sowerby Bridge Train Station and lived in Ripponden. Tragically, Arthur was killed by friendly fire before he ever saw a photo of his newborn daughter, Emily, which had been sent to him during the war. According to his family, Arthur was the first man from Ripponden to lose his life in the war. He is honoured on the Ripponden War Memorial, St. Bartholomew's Church, and Sowerby Bridge Train Station. Arthur’s legacy continues through his daughter Emily, who, along with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, has been a cherished part of the Christ Church community. We remember Arthur not only for his sacrifice but also for the generations of his family who have been a part of our church family.

World War II (1939–1945)

In the Second World War, once again, the people of Sowerby Bridge answered the call to defend their nation. Our war memorial also honours those who gave their lives during this global conflict.

  1. Gunner John Leslie Boyle

    • Service: 21 Lt A. A. Regiment Royal Artillery
    • Date of Death: 3rd July 1945
    • Age: 30
    • Son of Thomas and Annie. John was employed as a Cotton twiner piecer and lived at 56 Industrial Road, Sowerby Bridge

  2. Private Selwyn Hopkinson Boyle

    • Regiment: 2nd/7th Battalion Duke of Wellington
    • Date of Death: 12th June 1940
    • Age: 23
    • Son of Thomas and Annie. Selwyn was employed as a Cotton ring doubler. Like his brother John he lived in the family home, 56 Industrial Road

  3. Private Selwyn Crossley

    • Service: Pioneer Corps
    • Date of Death: 15th December 1942
    • Age: 24
    • Son of Annie & Fred Crossley of Sowerby Bridge he lived on Annie Street.  Selwyn enlisted in 1939.  He was a Prisoner of war in Garut, Java and Died of amoebic dysentery

  4. Sick Berth Attendant Kenneth Oates

    • Service: Royal Navy 
    • Date of Death: 12th February 1944
    • Age: 21
    • Son of Lillian Maud & Richard Henry Oates of Sowerby Bridge. He served aboard the shore station HMS Lanka, Ceylon

Researching the Fallen

If you would like to research further into the lives of the people named on our war memorial, we are in the process of gathering additional information and photographs. Please check back regularly as we continue to update the stories of these brave individuals.

For inquiries or to contribute information or family stories about those listed, please say hello

Our Act of Remembrance

Each year, on Remembrance Sunday, we gather as a community at Crow Wood Park and at Christ Church to honour the memory of those who served. We invite you to join us in remembering the past and praying for peace in the future.

"We will remember them."

Upcoming Events

Friday 18th October
9:30am - 10:15am -
Christ Church School Harvest
Saturday 19th October
10:00am - 11:30am -
Coffee Morning
Sunday 20th October
10:30am - 11:45am -
Holy Communion
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