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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment



   York and Lancaster Regiment, 13th (Barnsley) Battalion, known as The 1st Barnsley Pals was raised on 17 September 1914 by the Mayor and Town. After training locally they moved to Silkstone in December 1914. In May 1915 The Battalion joined the 94th Brigade, 31st Division moving to Penkridge Bank Camp near Rugeley, the later to Ripon and Hurdcott Camp near Salisbury. In December 1915 they set sail for Alexandria in Egypt to defend the Suez Canal. In March 1916 The 31st Division left Port Said aboard HMT Briton bound for Marseilles in France, a journey which took 5 days. They travelled by train to Pont Remy, a few miles south east of Abbeville and marched to Bertrancourt arriving on 29 March 1916. 18 days after arriving in France The Barnsley Pals took over a stretch of the front line opposite the village of Serre at the northern most end of The Somme suffering very heavy casualties as the battle was launched. They were also in action during The Battle of the Ancre and in 1917 the Operations on the Ancre before moving north to Arras for The Third Battle of the Scarpe and The Capture of Oppy Wood. In 1918 they saw action in The Battle of St Quentin, The Battle of Bapaume, The First Battle of Arras, they moved north to Flanders and took part in The Battle of Estaires, The Battle of Hazebrouck, The Defence of Nieppe Forest and The attack at La Becque during the Battles of the Lys. During the Advance in Flanders they were involved in The capture of Vieux Berquin, and The action of Tieghem. They crossed the River Scheldt on the 9th of November and at the Armistice the forward units had reached Everbecque and the River Dender. They moved back to the Arques-Blendecques area and demobilisation began.

29th Apr 1915 Sports Day at Redmires  A sports day held at Redmires Camp was a huge success with over ten thousand spectators watching as over 1000 men took part in a range of sporting events. Men from the Sheffield City Battalion, the Barnsley Battalion and 15th Sherwood Foresters took part in heats throughout the mornings, with the finals being held in the afternoon. A Five mile steeple chase was run on a route around the Redmires reservoirs finishing on the parade ground. Most of the events were won by men from the Sheffield Battalion, their superior fitness being attributed to the harsh hilly environment in which they are training. A Company won the tug of war, the football competition and 16 Platoon were victorious in the Inter-Platoon Mile, winning in a time of Seven minutes 45 seconds, each man in full fighting order carrying 50lbs including their rifles.

Sheffield City Battalion - Ralph Gibson & Paul Oldfield



11th May 1915 Advance party leave Redmires  An advance party of 100 men of the Sheffield City Battalion under Capt. Hoette left Redmires Camp and marched to Sheffield Middle station to entrain for Penkridge Bank Camp on Cannock Chase. They were joined at the station by parties from the 13th and 14th (Barnsley) Battalions and seen off by Brigadier Gen. Bowles.

Sheffield City Battalion - Ralph Gibson & Paul Oldfield



Jul 1915 15th BTn Yorks & Lancs Formed  15th (Reserve) Battalion is formed at Silkstone Camp in July 1915 from depot companies of 12th, 13th and 14th Battalions.

26th Dec 1915 13th Yorks & Lancs sail for Egypt  13th Btn Yorks and Lancs sail for Egypt aboard the SS Andania.

1st Jan 1916 Lifeboat drill on SS Andania  13th Btn Yorks and Lancs take part in a full scale Lifeboat drill aboard the SS Andania, enroute Egypt.

6th Jan 1916 SS Andania in Valetta Harbour  The SS Andania anchored in Valetta Harbour, Malta to replenish supplies and fuel. Officers and WO's of the 13th Btn Yorks and Lancs were allowed ashore, the rest of the men were not.

7th Jan 1916 SS Andania departs Malta  The SS Andania sails from Valetta Harbour, Malta heading for Egypt, the 13th Battalion Yorks and Lancs Regt are amongst her passengers.

11th Jan 1916 SS Andania arrives Egypt  The SS Andania berthed at Port Said, Egypt, the 13th Battalion Yorks and Lancs Regt are amongst her passengers.

30th Jun 1916 Into Assembly Trenches  location map

1st Jul 1916 Attack Made  location map

1st Jul 1916 In Action  location map

1st Jul 1916 In Action  location map

1st Jul 1916 Attack Made

1st Jul 1916 In Action

2nd Jul 1916 Reliefs Completed  location map

2nd Jul 1916 Bringing in the Wounded  location map

11th Sep 1916 Reliefs  At 09.15. 18th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, less details moved into front line in Neuve Chapelle Sector. A, B and D Coys in Front Line C in reserve. Battalion on right is 15th West Yorks. Battalion on left 2/1st Bucks Battalion, Ox & Bucks of 184th Brigade, 61st Division. Details moved to Transport Lines South West of Lestrem. 18th DLI relieved 13th York & Lancasters. Very quiet night.

18th DLI war diary WO95/2361/1



1st Oct 1916 In the Trenches  18th Durhams are in the trenches of the Givenchy Sector. Weather is fine. Quiet on the whole. 11 East Lancs relieved 13 York & Lancs on their left during the night. Mutual rifle grenade & trench mortar activity in late afternoon. 60 reinforcements reported to 18th DLI, Capt. J. B. Hughes-Game was wounded.

18th DLI war diary WO95/2361/1



23rd Dec 1916 Trench Raid  location map

19th July 1917 Diary  location map

26th July 1917 Diary  location map

26th July 1917 Diary  location map

13th. August 1917 Orders  location map

16th Aug 1917 On the Move  18th Battalion DLI entrained at Laurel Siding at 4.0pm and went by train to transport lines at Neuville St Vaast. They left Neuville St Vaast at 8.15pm and marched up to take over from 13th Y&L in support in Acheville Sector. Relief complete at 12.30am on the 17th. Order of battle is 15th WYR in L1. 16th WYR in L2. 18th DLI in support. 18th WYR in reserve. 5th Div on right. 92nd Brigade on left. 18th Battalion DLI HQ was established in Beehive Support.

18th DLI war diary WO95/2361/1



22nd. August 1917 Diary

22nd Mar 1918   18th DLI leave Magnicourt: "Orders received to move under scheme B (by bus) Moved out of Bajus at 7.15am and marched to embussing point between Berles and Tingues. Proceeded by bus via St POL, Frevent, Doullens and the Doullens to Arras Road. Orders received in the morning to billet at Pommier but busses went straight on turning off at Beaumont les Loges and on to Blairville arriving at about 9.pm. Orders given to dump packs, assume battle order and leave out personnel in accordance with SS 135 para 30. Orders received to proceed up to line and take over trenches immediately. Embussed again and marched via Boisleux St Marc to the Army Line near Boyelles. Took over part of the Army Line with HQ in railway cutting. Everything quiet. 13th Y&L in front line on left, W Yorks on right.

18th DLI war diary WO95/2361/1



27th Mar 1918   18th DLI Hq is situated near St Leger

Orders came at about 2.0am that the Y&L and ourselves were to go forward and dig two lines W of Moyenville 120x between lines the front one not to be more than 200x outside of Moyneville. Capt LA Dick having been taken away by the Brigade Major. Capt FG Stone, the Adjt received a message from the Brigadier saying that next officer in seniority was to take over command of the Battalion. Capt FG Stone therefore took over command, ordered Company Commanders conference and explained the work to be done. He then went to 13th Y&L and arranged details of the party. The party was not able to move off until 3.0am (approx.) and by the time they arrived at point to be dug dawn was breaking and the O.C. both parties (Capt Braithwaite Y&L) ordered the whole party to return. Col Gurney took over command of the Brigade. Capt Williams took over Brigade Major. W.D.Lowe M.C. assumed command of the 18th Battalion DLI.

18th DLI war diary WO95/2361/1



27th Mar 1918 In Action  location map

28th Mar 1918 In Action  location map

31st of March 1918 Relief Completed  location map

12th Apr 1918 Withdrawal  At about 7.30am messages received from A,B, & D Coy’s 18th Durhams and a telephone message from C Coy to say that enemy were massing in front of them. 2nd Lt Freer reported to OC C COY that troops of 13th York & Lancasters were retiring. OC C Coy held on for about 15 minutes after left of York & Lancasters had withdrawn. He reported patrol coming through Grand Beaumart. D Coy on the left held on for some time longer than other companies and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. B Coy also inflicted casualties before retiring. The 15th West Yorks retired on the left of D Coy 20 minutes before D Coy moved. Orders were issued to Coy’s to hold on to line of the original first objective in the previous nights attack. 3 officers were wounded (seriously & left behind in the withdrawal) 18th DLI Coy’s retiring had (approx) the following casualties: A Coy 70, B Coy 80, C Coy 60, D Coy 60. Coy’s held for a short time this first objective but again withdrew. The CO and Adjutant attempted to form a line 200yards South East of the Rau Du Leet and all Coy’s were at the same time warned to hold at all costs the road running along the Rau Du Leet. About this time our own artillery shelled us very heavily. The CO and Adjutant were only able to get a certain number of men as the front upon which the withdrawal was taking place was a large one and men had retired too far back, but with what men they could get at they formed a line. CO sent Adjt back to get into communications with Brigade HQ at the Farm (originally Battalion HQ) near Cemetery in F.12.a. Instructed all Coy’s in event of being forced to withdraw from line Rau Du Leetto form a strong point at the Cemetery. All Coy’s did not receive this order in time to do so. D Coy Commander with 15 men held on to the line Rau Du Leet to the North West of Blanche Maison. B Coy Commander with a few of his own men & some of 15th West Yorks held on near the Cemetery holding up the enemy advance after the main body had retired well back from the line Rau Du Leet. Battalion HQ also covered retirement of the main body by holding firm on line at Farm F.12.a.7.4. to F.11.a.9.9. Retirement to line of railway from F.5. central to South of Outtersteene. Whole Brigade collected along railway which was a difficult position owing to necessity of men exposing themselves while watching dead ground in front and owing also to the exact fire of enemy machine guns on the railway line. Strength of Brigade on railway about 400. On right 15th West Yorks, centre 13th York & Lancasters, left 18th DLI. This line was held for over an hour when message was received from 15th West Yorks saying that their flank had been turned and that enemy were across the railway and were enfilading us. 15th West Yorks retired. Major Lowe held right half Battalion while Adjt withdrew with the left half through very close country and thick hedges. After withdrawing about 50yards Adjt took up new position facing East in open ground. On right half Battalion withdrawing, it was seen that they were under fire from farms on high ground to the South 300yards away. Right half Battalion formed defensive flank to the right while left half took up position facing South East on North side of the Bailleul to Outtersteene Road where we held for some time until right half of Battalion joined us. After a conference of Maj Lowe MC, Maj Nutt 13th York & Lancasters and all officers it was decided that we were likely to be completely surrounded in a few minutes and decided to work round North & North West to our Brigade HQ at Merris. Putting out advanced guard, left flank guard, and rear guard we worked up behind hedges & after going about 400yards came into contact with Lt Col Tilley 15th West Yorks. CO’s conferred together & Lt Col Tilley & Maj Nutt voted reporting to 33rd Division which were occupying position defending Metern. Maj Lowe wished to work round and report to our own Brigade. Whole Brigade moved back and took up position with the 18th Middlesex Battalion on 33rd Divisional line facing South & East midway between Bailleul and Metern. Arranged with OC 18th Middlesex to take over a line of a few small rifle posts facing South East. Improved these trenches. Very little shelling.

18th Durham Light Infantry War Diary WO95/2361/1



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Want to know more about 13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment?


There are:5261 items tagged 13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.


Those known to have served with

13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Bonell John. (d.28th June 1918)
  • Colbenson Samuel. Pte. (d.16th Jan 1918)
  • Conway Thomas. Pte. (d.1st Jul 1916)
  • Dawson Jarvis.
  • Feasey Francis John. Pte. (d.1st July 1916)
  • Hunt Frederick George. Pte. (d.1st Apr 1917)
  • Lovett William Charles. A/C.S.M. (d.21st June 1917)
  • McPartland Joseph. Pte.
  • Oldfield Wilfred. Bglr.
  • Payne John Henry . Pte. (d.24th Oct 1918)
  • Regan Thomas. Pte. (d.26th July 1916)
  • Rogerson Charles. Sgt.
  • Scargill Harry. Sgt. (d.1st July 1916)
  • Sharman John. Cpl. (d.30th Sep 1918)
  • Smith Guy Wilfred. 2nd Lt.
  • Stevenson Harold George. 2nd Lt. (d.25th June 1917)
  • Stewart MM. Percy Douglas. 2nd Lt.
  • Street Walter. Cpl.
  • Swift Walter. Pte. (d.1st July 1916)
  • Thompson James Edward. Pte. (d.21st Apr 1916)
  • Townend Fred Blackburn. Pte. (d.17th June 1916)
  • Walker Ernest. L/Cpl. (d.1st Jul 1916)
  • Williams Charles. Cpl. (d.20th July 1918)

All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records of 13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment from other sources.


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  Pte. Walter Swift 13th (Barnsley Pals) Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment (d.1st July 1916)

Walter Swift was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Robert Jackson






  Pte. James Edward Thompson 13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion Yorks and Lancaster Regiment (d.21st Apr 1916)

James Edward Thompson was a miner and enlisted in the Barnsley Pals on the 7th December 1914 and trained at Silkstone, moving to Penkridge Camp in May 1915, Ripon in July and on to Salisbury Plain in October 1915. On 28 December he embarked at Devonport for Egypt. He then embarked for BEF in France on 11 March 1916. On the 9th April 1916 he received gunshot wounds to both legs and a fractured tibia in his left arm. On the 13th April he was moved by the 17th Ambulance Train to the 1st General Hospital in Etretat arriving on the 14th. Sadly James died from his wounds at 7.20am on 21st April 1916. He is buried in the local churchyard in Etretat.

<p>Clockwise James, Dorothy, Sarah and Margaret Thompson in 1914

Roy Warren






  2nd Lt. Percy Douglas Stewart MM. 13th (1st Barnsley) Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment

My maternal grandfather, Percy Stewart, signed up as a Private, along with one of his brothers, Frank Stewart, in October 1914. They worked in the New Monckton Colliery at Royston, with their older brother, Alec, and brother-in-law, Tom Smith. My Granddad was a promising member of the Monckton Gym, according to Barnsley papers. He was also something of a comedian, performing comic soliloquies and gurning.

In November 1914 and February 1915, the local paper reported that he had been promoted in the ranks to Sergeant. I am not sure which is correct perhaps the second was confirmation of the first? I was told by my mother, Jennie Howard, that he was a PT Instructor in the Army, no doubt because of his prowess as a gymnast.

On 6th of November 1916, he was involved in an action (presumably part of The Battle of the Somme?) which resulted in him being awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field. I am not sure what exactly he did, and want to try and find out, but I believe my mother said he rescued an injured officer, at considerable risk to himself. This needs to be confirmed.

On 17th of February 1917, the local paper reported that: "At the Royston Empire, Sgt. Percy Stewart, recently awarded the Military Medal for valour in the field, was the recipient of a handsome gold watch and chain subscribed for by his fellow workers and inhabitants of Royston. The presentation was made by A.C.F. Assinder in the absence of C.C. Ellison who sent his apologies regretting his inability to attend. He congratulated the Sergeant on his heroism and devotion to duty and hoped he would return safely home after the war and have the pleasure of wearing the watch and chain. Sgt Stewart thanked the residents for the handsome gift. Although he had gained the MM he considered that he had only done his duty to King and country. The watch was inscribed: Presented to Sergeant Percy Douglas Stewart M.M. by his fellow workmen at New Monckton Collieries and the inhabitants of Royston in recognition of his action while serving with the 13th Y&L in France on November 6th 1916." Many years later my mother decided she should pass this precious watch to her younger brother, Doug Stewart, who lived in America. Very sadly, some years later, he suffered a burglary and the watch and chain were stolen.

In November 1917, a local paper reported that Percy Stewart had received a commission in His Majesty's Army and was now a 2nd Lieutenant. I am not sure how accurate this is, as it is a long time after he received the MM, and I thought he received the commission in the field, as a result of his bravery. It could be that he moved to the West Yorkshire Regiment on receiving his commission. One website lists him as being in the WYR when he is an officer.

On 21st of March 1918, during a massive German attack in which 21,000 British troops were captured, my Granddad was captured at Pronville and became a Prisoner of War. There followed months of deprivation, with little food, and a lot of fatalities due to illness. Somehow he was able to keep a diary during this time. It is an extraordinary record of what they went through, and includes a number of wonderful sketches, of guards and prisoners, some very comical. His joy on receiving parcels and letters or cards from home, his feelings about the camp, everything is there. This diary now resides in the Imperial War Museum in London.

My Granddad came home in 1919, was married to his girl, Florrie Smith, and my Mum was born later that year. The family moved to London in 1928/9. He had a passionate interest in politics all his life, standing (unsuccessfully) as a Labour candidate in 1945, but was a Labour councillor in London for many years. He died in 1967. My family, especially my cousin, Barbara Lewis, and I, are immensely proud of our Granddad, of his bravery and tenacity, his good humour and passionate nature.

Julia Wade






  Pte. Joseph McPartland 13th Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment

Joseph McPartland served in three different Regiments, 21st West Yorks Regiment, 13th York & Lancaster Regiment and the Northumberland Fusiliers.







  Cpl. Charles Williams 2/4th (2nd Hallamshires) Btn. York & Lancaster Regiment (d.20th July 1918)

Charles Williams died at the age of 35 on 20th of July 1918 fighting alongside the French in the XXII Corps. He had recently been moved to the 2/4th Battalion (Hallamshires) after having served in the 2nd Battalion. Before that he joined up to the Barnsley Pals, 13th(1st Barnsley) Battalion in 1914. The battle that the Hallamshires took part in that day was around the Bouilly-Courmas area in France. Their mission was successful. His name is remembered on the memorial at Soissons. The whereabouts of his body is unknown.

Amanda Williams






  A/C.S.M. William Charles Lovett 13th (1st Barnsley) Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment (d.21st June 1917)

William Lovett was my grandfather's eldest brother. He never married and was the eldest child in a family of 9. He was born in April 1883, making him 34 years old. He was born in Bethnal Green in London so a mystery how he came to be in this regiment and for how long. No photographs exist to my knowledge although still searching. He is buried with his comrades just outside Calais, France.

Janet Dobson






   John Bonell 13th Battalian Yorks&Lancs (d.28th June 1918)

John Bonell was the eldest son of a family of six, living in Pudsey Yorkshire. He was born in 1886. His father ran a 'wet fish shop' and tragically caught typhoid fever and died in 1898 aged 33. The family worked in the local woollen mills and the younger children were cared for by their widowed grandmother. In 1901 Census John was working as a 'piler" aged 15 and his brothers aged 14 and 13 were working as bobbin offer and doffer in the mill.

He was a bachelor unmarried when he was in the army. His service in the First World War resulted in his death on 28th June. The action was centred at Vieux Berquin on the border of Belgium and France. The objective that day was to take La Becque Farm which was completed. The war was to end only months later. My Great Uncle's body was never found.

M.Hall






  Pte. John Henry Payne 13th (1st Barnsley) Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment (d.24th Oct 1918)

My Great Great Uncle Jack Payne served with the Barnsley Pals.

Elizabeth Tayler






  Sgt. Harry Scargill 13th (1st Barnsley) Btn. A Coy. York and Lancaster Regiment (d.1st July 1916)

Harry Scargill was a draper by trade in Eldon Street, Barnsley at the age of 27. One of the first to join the newly formed 1st Pals Battalion on 21st September 1914, he put a notice in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper advising customers that he had joined Kitchener's Army and that his sister, Annie, would look after his trade and that he hoped to be back before too long.

On 1st of July 1916, aged 29 and a Sergeant in A Company of the 13th (Service) Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, he went over the top into No Mans Land with the clearing-up party following the second wave of the Accrington Pals attack against the German trench defences at Serre on the Somme at 07.40am.

Amongst the murderous shellfire and hail of machine gun bullets Harry was killed in action and is buried today in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps. His parents are buried in Barnsley Cemetery and their headstone is inscribed recording his death.

<p>Euston Road Cemetery

Alastair McFarlane






  Pte. Samuel Colbenson 13th Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment (d.16th Jan 1918)

Samuel Colbenson was born in Liverpool on the 31st January 1895, I am not sure why he ended up in Yorkshire but think he may have been a miner. There is a family story about Samuel being caught messing about in a warehouse with his cousin, his cousin I think was sent to Australia to work on a farm and later joined the army, dying in the war with Samuel.

Margaret Osborne






  Cpl. Walter Street 13th (Barnsley Pals) Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment

My grandfather was Walter Street of Hope Street, Mapplewell, Barnsley. He was born in 1895 and was a miner. He enlisted with the Barnsley Pals on 7th of October 1914. His Commanding Officer was J Hewitt. He trained at Ripon and Cannock Chase Camps in Staffordhire. Below are the dates from his service records:
  • 28/1/15 Embarked for M.E.F. to Eygpt from Devonport
  • 11/3/16 Embarked for B.E.F. to France
  • 28/12/16 Married Sarah A Wright in Pontefract
  • 31/5/17 From O.C. Gold add pay @ 1/- (Tailor)
  • 23/9/17 From O.C. Unpaid acting Lance Corporal in the field
  • 30/9/17 From O.C. Appointed paid Lance Corporal
  • 13/12/18 Depot Posted Corporal - Medical sent home from France
  • 19/12/18 Furlough (unpaid) issued from Ripon Camp.

Walter served four years and 102 days. He remarried in 1937 to Florence Preston who died 1951. He remarried in 1952 to Marion Isles. He was never divorced from my grandmother Sarah Ann Wright with whom he had two children.

Mary Baker






  Pte. Fred Blackburn Townend 13th Btn. York & Lancaster Regiment (d.17th June 1916)

Fred Townend served with the Barnsley Pals and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

Margaret Knapton






  2nd Lt. Harold George Stevenson 13th Btn. York & Lancaster Regiment (d.25th June 1917)

Harold Stevenson served with the 13th Btn. York & Lancaster Regiment

S Flynn






  Sgt. Charles Rogerson 13th Btn. Yorks and Lancaster Regiment

Charles Rogerson served with the 13th Btn. Yorks and Lancs and later in the Royal Flying Corps

Charles Ward






  Cpl. John Sharman 13th Btn. York and Lancashire Regiment (d.30th Sep 1918)

John Sharman was my great uncle. He was the brother of my maternal grandmother. My mother always said that her mother had told her that he sacrificed his life after his "sweetheart" had "dumped" him, so he felt he had nothing to live for. Sadly I have no photos.

Granville Baveystock






  2nd Lt. Guy Wilfred Smith 13th Btn York & Lancs

My grandfather was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Hull Pals (13th East Yorks) and he recalled on the eve of the Somme he was detailed in charge of men from the Chinese Labour Corps to dig grave pits in anticipation of the coming battle in the morning.

As a decent amateur tenor singer before and after the war - mainly Gilbert and Sullivan - he entertained his men with a rendition of "Little Home (or house) in the West" - in his few mentions of the Somme he referred to the bloody sugar factory at Serre. He was, of course, lucky in that the 3rd and 4th Hull were held in reserve as the 1st and 2nd Hull Pals (10&11th East Yorks) went over the top .

Martin Smith






  Pte. Frederick George Hunt 13th Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment (d.1st Apr 1917)

Frederick George Hunt served with the 13th York and Lancaster Regiment. He died on 1st April 1917.

Wayne Davison






  Pte. Thomas Conway 13th Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment (d.1st Jul 1916)

Thomas Conway was my grandad he lived at Hope Street, Low Valley, Darfeild. He was in the 13th Battalion Yorks and Lancs and was killed on the 1st July 1916. His name is on the Theipval Monument in France. He was married to Mary Conway and had three children James, Kate and Thomas (my father). He enlisted at Silkstone.

Cathy Heggie






   Jarvis Dawson 13th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment

Jarvis Dawson was my Grandfather, he never used to talk about the war and seemed quite bitter about it, but I remember that from time to time he had blisters that would erupt from being Mustard Gassed. He served with the 13th Battalion, Yorks and Lancaster Regiment

Ian McFarlane






  Pte. Thomas Regan 13th Battalion Barnsley Pals Yorks and Lancs Regiment (d.26th July 1916)

Private Thomas Regan 14/1417 died on the 26th July, 1916, aged 29. He lived at 17 Hunt Street, Harland Common, Barnsley. Enlisted 15th September 1915. His name can be seen on Panel 8 at Ploegsteert Memorial,Belgium.

Susan Platt






Recomended Reading.

Available at discounted prices.



Barnsley Pals

John Cooksey


A history of the two battalions raised by Barnsley and the story of the men who enlisted in them, culminating in their virtual destruction at Serre on 1st July 1916. A superbly researched work with many personal experiences of survivors, fascinating, contemporary photos and exceptionally fine maps.
More information on:

\image of book cover

Barnsley Pals








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