Main CPGW Record
Surname: STOCKDALE
Forename(s): William Digby
Place of Birth: Thornton-in-Craven, Yorkshire
Service No: 13342
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 10th (Service) Battalion
Division: 23rd Division
Age: 21
Date of Death: 1916-07-29
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 6 B.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
William Digby Stockdale was the son of Richard and Elizabeth Stockdale, née Woodhouse. Richard was born at Nunnington, Yorkshire and Elizabeth at Bare, Lancashire.
1901 Thornton-in-Craven, Yorkshire Census: Forge Cottage - William D. Stockdale, aged 5 years, born Thornton-in-Craven, son of Richard and Elizabeth Stockdale.
1911 Thornton-in-Craven, Yorkshire Census: Digby William Stockdale, aged 15 years, born Thornton-in-Craven, son of Richard and Elizabeth Stockdale.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Sgt William D. Stockdale, 13342, West Riding Regiment. Theatre of War first served in: 1 - France. Date of entry therein: 26 August 1915.
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
STOCKDALE, Sergeant W.D., aged 21, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (Machine Gun Section), son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stockdale, of Thornton in Craven, killed in action July 29, 1916.
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Sergeant William Digby STOCKDALE
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 23rd Division
Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records
Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records
Surname: STOCKDALE
Forename(s): William Digby
Born: Thornton, Yorks
Residence: Keighley, Yorks
Enlisted: Skipton, Yorks
Number: 13342
Rank: Sergt
Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion: 10th Battalion
Decorations:
Died Date: 29/07/16
Died How: Killed in action
Theatre of War: France & Flanders
Notes:
Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records
CWGC Data for Soldier Records
Surname: STOCKDALE
Forename(s): William Digby
Country of Service: United Kingdom
Service Number: 13342
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Unit: 10th Bn.
Age:
Awards:
Died Date: 29/07/1916
Additional Information:
View Additional Text
View Additional Text For Soldier Records
BRITISH BATTALIONS ON THE SOMME, by Ray Westlake (Pen & Sword Books Limited 1994)
10th (Service) Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Moved through Contalmaison to front line (28/7). In action at Munster Alley (28/7)-(29/7). Casualties – 205. Relieved and to Scots Redoubt (30/7).
[William Digby Stockdale was killed in action on the 29 July 1916.]
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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
Unknown platoon of 'A' Company, 10th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), Aldershot, 1914
Photograph sent home to his parents at Bolton by Bowland by Pte Henry (Harry) Valance Killeen (13738). Henry is standing, with his hands behind his back, 11th from right. His brother, Pte Reginald Victor Whiteley Killeen (q.v.), was killed in action on the 25 January 1916
Courtesy of Paula Ann Payne (née Bailey), Barnoldswick
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
18 August 1916
STOCKDALE – July 29th, Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Stockdale, Thornton-in-Craven.
If we could have raised his dying head
And heard his last farewell,
The grief would not have been so hard
For those who loved him well.
Too far away thy grave to see
But not too far to think of thee.
From Father, Mother, Sister and Brothers.
18 August 1916
THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN – THE TRAGEDY OF WAR: SERGEANT WILLIAM DIGBY STOCKDALE
The tragedy of war has been brought home to the quiet village of Thornton by the death of Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s (Machine Gun Section), who was killed in France on the 29th July. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stockdale, he was one of the first to respond to the call of patriotism from this village, and has been the first to make the supreme sacrifice at the age of 21 years.
The following are extracts from letters of sympathy received by the bereaved parents from France:–
Lance-Corpl. Wright Firth (Earby):– “The day before he was killed we were in a trench together all day, and we passed the time on champion. He was in action at the time and doing his duty nobly. When I heard, we were so busy that it took us all our time to look after ourselves; but when the rush was over and I realised that Digby was dead, it broke me down. I don’t know how to write to you. Digby was a thorough gentleman, always the same, laughing and cheerful, and he remained so until the end. I saw Walter Robinson the other day, and when he knew he was very much upset.”
Sergeant Stockdale, Wright Firth, and W. Robinson all enlisted together.
Sergeant Tom Pickles (Barnoldswick), of the Machine Gun Section, writes:– “He was killed instantly by a rifle bullet as he climbed the parapet. He suffered no pain whatever and died with his usual smile on his face. The whole section expresses its deepest sympathy with you. Digby was liked by men and officers alike. He only came to the section a few weeks ago, but became a favourite at once.”
Second-Lieut. Maurice Tuke (Machine Gun Section) writes:– “It is not for me to try and estimate your loss, but knowing what ours has been I can imagine something of what yours must be. I have known him since the beginning of March 1915, when we were in the same platoon and again out here in the Machine Gun Section. He was one of those who cannot be replaced and who are missed by everyone. He was handling a difficult situation with his usual ability and calmness when he was hit. We shall not forget who he was nor how he died, and we shall always feel honestly sorry that he had to leave us.”
Before joining the Army, Sergeant Stockdale worked as a weaver at Messrs. Shuttleworth’s Victoria Shed, Earby. Two of his brothers are in training, and a third awaiting orders. Mr. Stockdale, snr., is employed by Mr. Nelson, Manor House, Thornton.
A memorial service was held at Thornton Church on Sunday morning, conducted by the Rev. J. F. Tanfield (rector).
27 July 1917
STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dearly loved son and brother, Sergeant W.D. Stockdale, killed in action July 29th, 1916.
Our thoughts they often wander
And tears in silence fall,
To our dearly loved one
In a far and unknown grave.
From father, Mother, Sister and Brothers, and Tom in France.
04 January 1918
THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN – PRIVATE WALTER ROBINSON KILLED
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, Ivy Mount, Thornton, have received official notification of the death of their son, Private Walter Robinson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed in action in France on December 11th, aged 24 years. Private Robinson, who had been thrice wounded previously, was one of the first three who enlisted from the district in September 1914, and it is pathetic to add that of the other two, Private D. Stockdale (Thornton) has also been killed, and Pte. W. Firth (Earby) has lost a leg. They all went out to France together with the ----- Battalion in July 1915, but Pte. Robinson was subsequently transferred.
In a letter of condolence to the bereaved parents, Capt. Godfred Buxton writes:– “I am very sorry you have not been informed before, but I was away at the time. Your son has always been a reliable soldier and done his work thoroughly. I fear it will be a great loss to you, and all ranks in ‘D’ Company join with me in expressing our sympathy to you. He died without pain and was buried near where he fell with some of his comrades, and a cross has been erected over his grave.”
Special reference to the sad event was made by the Rector (Rev. J. F. Tanfield, M.A.) at a memorial service held at Thornton Church on Sunday evening. Private Robinson was formerly employed by Messrs. J. S. Watson and Sons., Albion Shed, Earby.
26 July 1918
STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant W. D. Stockdale, who was killed July 29th, 1916.
Just two years have passed away,
Since our great sorrow fell;
Yet in our hearts we mourn the loss
Of one we loved so well.
The hardest part is yet to come
When the heroes do return,
We’ll miss amongst the cheering throng
The one who’ll not return.
Ever remembered by the Family, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton.
25 July 1919
STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant W. Digby Stockdale, killed in action July 29th, 1916.
He sleeps not on his native land,
But amongst his comrades brave;
Far from his mother, who loved him dear,
In a hero’s grave he lies.
Bright is his glory now,
Boundless is his joy above,
In the bosom of our Lord
He rests in perfect love.
From the Family, Forge Cottage, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton.
23 July 1920
STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. W. Digby Stockdale, who was killed, July 29th, 1916.
One by one earth’s ties are broken,
One by one they’re linked above.
Some day there’ll be a sweet reunion,
In the land of light and love.
Dearer to memory than words can tell
Are the thoughts of him we loved so well.
From the family.
29 July 1921
STOCKDALE – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. W. Digby Stockdale, who made the supreme sacrifice on July 29th, 1916.
Constantly my thoughts do wander,
To a grave so far away;
Where they laid a dear son and brother,
Just five years ago to-day.
The blow was sharp, the shock severe
To part with one we loved so dear.
From the family, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton.
Times do not change our thoughts of you, dear brother,
Loving memories linger still.
From his loving sister, Nelson. Lancs.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
23 October 1914
COMPLAINTS ABOUT FRENSHAM CAMP: A REFUTATION
With reference to the extracts from a letter from Mr. Tom Pickles, re. Frensham Camp, published in the Pioneer, we shall be obliged if you will publish the following remarks:–
1. We have shown the paper to an officer here, and he says that the statements published are quite untrue.
2. The case of seeing a man brought to the mortuary must be imaginary, firstly because there is not a mortuary here and secondly that the only case of death in connection with this camp took place in Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, last week. Surely this is a small death rate out of about 10,000 troops.
3. As regards the ‘sick’, some men will go to the doctor if they have a headache and so try to escape drill, etc., but they get put on police duty and cleaning up the camp. The real cases of sickness are treated as they should be.
4. The statement that no smoking is allowed at camp is also untrue; we can smoke as much as we like, but we cannot buy cigarettes in camp. We can, however, buy as many cigarettes and as much tobacco as we require in the village.
The reason we write the above is because I think it only right that the parents and friends of soldiers from Barnoldswick and Craven district should be allowed to hear the truth, and because we think that the statements as have been published are detrimental to recruiting. -Yours truly.
T. PATRICK, Barnoldswick
W.D. STOCKDALE, Thornton
W. ROBINSON, Thornton
T.L. LANG, Barnoldswick
C. LEIGH, Barnoldswick
ROBERT HUNTER, Barnoldswick
R.P. WALKER, Gargrave
J. WOLFENDEN, Earby
W.H. DOVER, Earby
W.B. HOLMES, Kildwick
J. KNIGHT, Earby
M.D. SMITH, Earby
C.G. CHURCH, Crosshills
WRIGHT FIRTH, Earby
ALLAN WHARTON, Earby
JAMES WALKER, Earby
All attached to the 10th West Riding Regiment.
Frensham Camp, Surrey
October 19th 1914
18 August 1916
STOCKDALE – July 29th, in action in France, Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, of the 10th Duke of Wellington’s, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stockdale, of Thornton-in-Craven, aged 21.
18 August 1916
SERGEANT W. D. STOCKDALE OF THORNTON KILLED
The tragedy of war has been brought home to the quiet village of Thornton-in-Craven by the death of Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s (Machine Gun Section), who was killed in France on the 29th of July. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stockdale, he was one of the first to respond to the call of patriotism from this village, and has been the first to make the supreme sacrifice at the age of 21 years.
The following are extracts from letters of sympathy received by the bereaved parents from France:–
Lance-Corpl. Firth (Earby):– “The day before he was killed we were in a trench together all day, and we passed the time on champion. . . . He was in action at the time and doing his duty nobly. When I heard, we were so busy that it took us all our time to look after ourselves, but when the rush was over and I realised that Digby was dead, it broke me down. I don’t know how to write to you. Digby was a thorough gentleman, always the same, laughing and cheerful – and he remained so until the end. I saw Walter Robinson the other day, and when he knew he was very much upset.” Sergeant Stockdale, Wright Firth, and Wm. Robinson all enlisted together.
Sergeant Tom Pickles (Barnoldswick), of the Machine Gun Section, writes:– “He was killed instantly by a rifle bullet as he climbed the parapet. He suffered no pain whatever and died with his usual smile on his face. The whole section expresses its deepest sympathy with you. Digby was liked by men and officers alike. He only came to the section a few weeks ago, but became a favourite at once.”
Second-Lieut. Maurice Tuke (Machine Gun Section) writes:– “It is not for me to try and estimate your loss, but knowing what ours has been I can imagine something of what yours must be. I have known him since the beginning of March 1915, when we were in the same platoon and again out here in the Machine Gun Section. He was one of those who cannot be replaced and who are missed by everyone. . . . He was handling a difficult situation with his usual ability and calmness when he was hit. We shall not forget who he was nor how he died, and we shall always feel honestly sorry that he had to leave us.”
Before joining the Army, Sergeant Stockdale worked as a weaver at Messrs. Shuttleworth’s Victoria Shed, Earby. Two of his brothers are in training, and a third awaiting orders. Mr. Stockdale, is employed by Mr. Nelson, Manor House, Thornton.
A memorial service was held at Thornton Church on Sunday morning, conducted by the Rev. J. F. Tanfield (rector).
04 January 1918
THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN
KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, Ivy Mount, Thornton. have received notification of the death of their son, Pte. Walker [Walter] Robinson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed in action in France on December 11th, aged 24 years. Pte. Robinson, who had been thrice wounded previously, was one of the first three who enlisted from the district in September, 1914, and it is pathetic to add that of the other two Pte. D. Stockdale (Thornton), has also been killed and Pte. W. Firth (Earby) has lost a leg. They all went out to France together with the 10th battalion in July, 1915, but Pte. Robinson was subsequently transferred to the 9th and later to the 1st 6th. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved parents, Capt. Godfrey Buxton, writes:– “I am very sorry you have not been informed before, but I was away at the time. Your son has always been a reliable soldier, and done his work thoroughly. I fear it will be a great loss to you, and all ranks in ‘D’ Company join with me in expressing our sympathy to you. He died without pain and was buried near where he fell with some of his comrades, and a cross has been erected over his grave.” Special reference to the sad event was made by the rector (Rev. J. F. Tanfield, M.A.), at a memorial service held at Thornton Church on Sunday evening. Pte. Robinson was formerly employed by Messrs. J.S. Watson and Sons, Albion Shed, Earby.
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