Main CPGW Record
Surname: CRAYSTON
Forename(s): Alexander
Place of Birth: Goose Green, Wigan, Lancashire
Service No: 204558
Rank: Gunner
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Field Artillery
Battalion / Unit: 1093rd Battery 217th Brigade
Division: 43rd (Wessex) Division
Age: 26
Date of Death: 1918-11-03
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Face 1.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: KIRKEE 1914-1918 MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: HIGH BENTHAM, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: LOW BENTHAM, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Alexander Crayston was the son of Alexander and Mary Crayston, née Brockbank. Alexander, senior, was born at Silverdale, Lancashire and Mary at Kendal, Westmorland.
1901 Low Bentham, Yorkshire Census: Seal Hall - Alexander Crayston, aged 8 years, born Goose Green, Wigan, Lancashire, son of Alexander and Mary Crayston.
1911 Ellel, Lancashire Census: Yeat House - Alec Crayston, aged 19 years, born Wigan, Lancashire. Farm Labourer. [Alexander was living with Mary Gardner, widow.]
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Gnr Alex Crayston, 204558, R.F.A.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Gnr Alex Crayston, 204558, R.F.A. Dead 3.11.18.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Gnr Alec [sic] Crayston, 204558, 1093rd Bty 217th Bde R.F.A. Date and Place of Death: 3.11.18. Hoshiapur. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Father - Alexander. £22 7s. 7d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: Gunner Alec [sic] Crayston, 204558, R.F.A. Date and cause of death: 3.11.18. Died of disease. Name(s) on card(s): Dependant: Mr Alec [sic] Crayston. Relationship: Father. Address: Willow Tree Farm, Bentham.
Although Alexander is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial he is buried in Hoshiarpur (Christ Church) Churchyard, India: Row 1. Grave 11.
A short biography of Alexander is included in: ‘Bentham’s Part in the Great War 1914-18’ by Allan and Marilyn Hartley (2019).
Data Source: Local War Memorial
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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record: ---
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Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Field Artillery
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 43rd (Wessex) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
24 March 1916
HIGH BENTHAM – Obituary
The death of Mrs. Mary Craystone [mother of Gunner Alex Crayston], the wife of Mr. Alex Craystone, of Willow Tree Farm, Mewith, in her 52nd year, took place on Wednesday morning last after a long illness extending over seven years. Her death was accelerated by that of her youngest son George, who had been ill for some three years, and died the preceding day at the age of 15 years. Great sympathy is felt and expressed by the farmers of Mewith and neighbourhood for Mr. Craystone, who has been over 20 years in the district as Hind for Mr. James Harrison at Seat Hall, and now on his own account at Willow Tree Farm.
21 September 1917
HIGHER BENTHAM – Soldier boys
The Rev. E. Andrews, a chaplain of H.M. Cockrain, is home on furlough at the Vicarage for a few days. Pte. Arthur Garnett, of the Grenadier Guards, is home on sick leave and Pte. Alec Crayston, of the R.F.A., is home on oversea leave before going out to France…
22 November 1918
LOWER BENTHAM – Thanksgiving Day
Special services of thanksgiving were held at the Parish Church on Sunday, the rector officiating. After evensong a memorial service was held in respect of five gallant lads who have lately given their lives, namely:– Private John Adamthwaite, Private William Throup, Lance-Corporal Percy Dixon, Corporal Edward Ramskill and Private Alec Crayston.
29 November 1918
LOWER BENTHAM – Death of Gunner Alec Crayston
Mr. Alec Crayston, of The Russells, has received a telegram stating that his second son, Gunner Alec Crayston, Royal Field Artillery, died after a short attack of pneumonia, at Jullundut, India, on the 3rd of October. The deceased, who was 26 years of age, had been in India some time, joining the Forces about two years ago. Another brother, Private John Crayston, is in France.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
21 September 1917
BENTHAM
SOLDIER BOYS – Rev. E. Andrews, the chaplain of H.M. Cockrain, is home on furlough at the Vicarage for a few days. Pte. Arthur Garnett, of the Grenadier Guards, is home on sick leave for a few days, and Pte. Alec. Crayston, of the R.F.A., is home on overseas leave before going out to France. Pte. Ed. Butterfield, the eldest son of Mr. R. Butterfield, of Bank Head, of the Northern Cyclist Battalion, is home on his first leave of seven days. Pte. Thomas Lawson, of the ‘Tanks,’ has also been home on leave, and Pte. Edward Windle, of the Duke’s, has been home on leave from France, as has also Pte. Walter Newhouse from France.
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