Arthur HARGREAVES (2)

20 April 1917

SUTTON – WOUNDED SOLDIERS

Mr. and Mrs. Smith Whiteoak, of Glusburn Bridge, have received information that their only son, Pte. Harry Whiteoak, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, has been wounded, though no particulars are yet to hand. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hargreaves, of Scott House Farm, have also received word that their son, Pte. Arthur Hargreaves, of the same regiment as his friend and pal, Pte. Whiteoak, has been wounded. The information is sent by the chaplain, who states that the wound is in the back. Both these young men joined up a year last Saturday, and went out to France in July last.

27 April 1917

HARGREAVES – Died of wounds in France April 19th, Pte. Arthur Hargreaves. of the Northumberland Fusiliers, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hargreaves, of Scott House Farm, Glusburn.

27 April 1917

GLUSBURN SOLDIER DIES OF WOUNDS

Deep regret is felt throughout the village by the death of Pte. Arthur Hargreaves, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hargreaves, of Scott House Farm. The family were notified last week regarding their son being wounded. Mr. Fred Hudson, a friend of the deceased, received a birthday card on Monday stating that he hoped to be able to come to England. In the letter he states:– "You will have to be satisfied with a few lines as I am in hospital at the base, having been wounded on Easter Monday at the start of the push, in the left side of my back.” He stated that he had not much pain. The family were cheered on Monday evening by seeing the message, but their hopes were painfully short-lived as the same evening they received a letter from the matron at the Y.M.C.A. Hospital stating that their son had died on Thursday last. The letter was as follows:–

“I am very sorry to tell you that your son died quite suddenly this morning (19th) at a quarter to eight. He was seriously wounded in the chest when brought to us, but was going on well and the doctors were quite satisfied with his progress. He had written to you himself yesterday, I enclose his little note. He had a very good night, and slept quite comfortably until 7 a.m. Then when he awoke he collapsed quite suddenly. The doctors came at once and everything was done for him, but his heart failed, and he died at quarter to eight a.m. I am sorry to have to send you such bad news. Your boy was so good and brave, and was looking forward to being sent to England as soon as well enough to travel. He will have a military funeral and be buried in the military cemetery here at Etaples.”

27 April 1917

GLUSBURN – A MESSAGE FROM THE HOSPITAL

Mr and Mrs. Smith Whiteoak, of the Corn Mill Bridge, Glusburn, have received a message from their only son, Private Harry Whiteoak, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who was wounded during Easter week, and is now in hospital in Lincoln, stating that he is getting on A1 again, his health being much better. He further adds that he has got amongst a lively lot of fellows who don’t know what it means to be downhearted, and so they have plenty of fun and laughter. He also refers to his friend, Private Arthur Hargreaves, of Glusburn, who was also wounded (but now dead). He thinks they were both lucky to pull through, as it was a desperate affair. Private Whiteoak’s brigade were picked to make the first attack of the big push on the German 4th line, he being one of the first to go over the top. He kept with his pal until hit. He succeeded in getting back to the line, and was then hurried away. He closes with the phrase “And I was not half happy I can tell you.”

24 August 1917

TWO GLUSBURN COUSINS

Private Harry Whiteoak Gains the Military Medal

Mr. and Mrs. Smith Whiteoak, of the Corn Mill Bridge, Glusburn, have received information that their only son, Pte. Harry Whiteoak, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal. The award is for “good work and for sticking to his gun when twice wounded.” The work referred to by his officer happened on April 9th (Easter Monday) at the Battle of Arras. Pte. Whiteoak’s action showed real pluck and tenacity of purpose, although he himself only regards the affair as “simply doing his duty.” It appears that orders were given to go over at 6-30 in the morning, and Pte. Whiteoak received the first wound in the arm during the first few seconds, but he determined that he would not go back for a slight wound, although it turned out worse than he thought. He received another wound while working the gun. Others of his pals were also wounded. As long as he could use his arm at all he felt it his duty to hold on, which he did until the arm refused to respond to the will which was still for “sticking it.” The time when he was compelled to seek shelter in a dug-out at the request of his pals was 11-30, he having held on for five hours. The officer in command regarded the action as very plucky and praiseworthy. The holding on of Pte. Whiteoak was the means of silencing the enemy guns that had for some time been harassing our men from a little hillock. After being taken to the dressing station he was in hospital at Etaples for a week, then he came to dear old Blighty and was for a time at Lincoln hospital then at Bowine, where he was visited by his mother. He spent a furlough at his home some three months ago, and then returned to camp at Sutton-on-Hull, and went out again to France some two months ago.

Pte. Whiteoak joined the colours in April, 1916, and went out in July. Prior to joining he was employed at Messrs. John Binns and Sons, Cowling. He cannot lay claim to having any desire to be a soldier, but now that he is one he feels it his duty to do his bit well. He is cousin to Sergt. Edgar Green, D.C.M., of Sutton. In his letters home to his parents he refers often to the great loss he has sustained by of his pal, Pte. Arthur Hargreaves, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hargreaves, of Scott House Farm, Glusburn. The two were close companions as civilians and soldiers, being village lads together.

Sergt. Edgar Green, D.C.M., Gassed

Sergt. Edgar Green, D.C.M., son of Mr. Joseph Green, of Sutton, who won the D.C.M. for conspicuous bravery under heavy shell fire, was admitted to Netley Hospital on August 10th suffering from the effect of gas poison. It is understood that the effect is not serious. Sergt. Green has seen some very hard fighting and was slightly wounded some time ago. When Sergt. Green won the D.C.M. the inhabitants of Sutton regarded the honour as belonging to the village, and a purse of money was presented to him. He was also presented with a watch by Mr. Sam Sunderland, Fleece Mills, Keighley, where he was employed as gear cutter. He joined the army in September, 1914, and has the signal honour of being the only one in the district to gain the D.C.M. His cousin, Pte. H. Whiteoak, has gained the Military Medal. Both are grandsons of the late Mr. Joshua Green, of Surgill Farm, Cowling. Mr. Green was a native of Grassington, where, he served his apprenticeship as shoemaker. He was well known in the dales as farmer and shoemaker, and very highly respected. He died last year, being over 80 years of age.

19 April 1918

To the dear memory of Pte. Arthur Hargreaves, of Scott House, who died at Etaples, France, April 19th, 1917.

Sleep on, dear friend, in a far off land,
In a grave we may never see;
But as long as life and memory lasts
We will always remember thee.

– Mr. and Mrs. Smith Whiteoak and Harry, Glusburn Bridge.