Main CPGW Record
Surname: CROWTHER
Forename(s): Christopher Ernest
Place of Birth: Earby, Yorkshire
Service No: 12097
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 'A' Coy 9th (Service) Battalion
Division: 17th (Northern) Division
Age: 23
Date of Death: 1915-12-19
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: III. C 26.
CWGC Cemetery: MENIN ROAD SOUTH MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Christopher Ernest Crowther was the son of James and Eden Crowther, née Procter. Both parents were born at Earby, Yorkshire.
1901 Earby, Yorkshire Census: 10, Island Square - Christopher E. Crowther, aged 9 years, born Earby, son of James and Eden Crowther.
1911 Earby, Yorkshire Census: 11, Duxbury Street - Christopher Ernest Crowther, aged 19 years, born Earby, son of James and Eden Crowther.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte C.R. [sic] Crowther, 12097, W. Rid. R. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 15.7.15. Died 19.12.15.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Christopher E. Crowther, 12097, W. Rid. R. K. in A. 19.12.15.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Christopher Ernest Crowther, 12097, 9th W. Rid. R. K. in A. 19.12.15.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Christopher Ernest Crowther, 9/12097, 9 W. Riding Regt. Date and Place of Death: 19.12.15. In action. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Sister - Sarah E. Greenwood £1 0s. 0d. Brother - John W. £1 0s. 0d. Brother - Albert £1 0s. 0d. Brother - Emanuel £1 0s. 0d. Brother - Walter £1 0s. 0d. Brother - James C. £1 0s. 0d. Brother - Thos. W. £1 0s. 0d. Sister - Annie Thackeray £0 19s. 11d. Sister-in-law - Florence Crowther £0 9s. 11d. Nephew - Ernest Crowther £0 10s. 0d. War Gratuity: Sister - Sarah E. Greenwood £5 0s. 0d.
Photograph: ‘Burnley News’ (8 January 1916).
See also:
‘Earby in the First World War’ by Stephanie Carter, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2014).
‘Our Finest Crop’ by Steven Marshall, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2020).
Data Source: Local War Memorial
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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
GREENWOOD [sic], C.E., brother of Mrs. Greenwood of Earby, killed in action in Flanders Dec. 19, 1915.
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Private Christopher Ernest CROWTHER
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 17th (Northern) Division
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'Burnley Express' (8 January 1916)
Private Christopher Ernest Crowther
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07 January 1916
EARBY SOLDIER REPORTED KILLED
The death is unofficially reported from France of Pte. Ernest Crawshaw, 9th Duke of Wellington's, whose home is in Grove Street, Earby. The news came in a letter received last week-end from Pte. Mark Woodford, another Earby soldier in the same battalion. Pte. Crowther was 24 years of age, and had been at the front since August.
04 February 1916
AN EARBY SOLDIER’S DEATH
Mrs. Greenwood, sister of the late Pte. C. E. Crowther, of Earby, who was killed in Flanders December 19th, has received the following giving particulars of his death from an officer in his regiment:–
“I was in England on leave at the time but I will tell you all that I have been able to ascertain about his death. He was killed by shell fire whilst rushing up along with the rest of his company and Battalion to support in the gas attack. Many another good lad was killed at the same time, but everyone who died that morning died gloriously. I only hope you will be able to console yourself in your deep sorrow by the thought that your brother has died for his country by the noblest death that any man can die. He died in the hour of glory, for the Battalion won considerable praise for itself that morning by the gallant way in which the men went forward under heavy shrapnel and gas-shell fire. I can assure you that throughout the 12 months that I had known your brother I always found him a most reliable soldier. He was always willing and cheerful, and we all have lost in him a man on whom we could depend at all times. I must convey to you the deep sympathy of his company commander (who is now in command of the Battalion, and who has asked me to answer your letter) and the rest of the officers, N.C.O.s and men of his company. Again, hoping you will find comfort in the thought of his noble death. I remain with deepest sympathy, Yours sincerely, J. W. B. Russell, 2nd Lieut.”
"P.S. I will get any of his possessions that were found sent home to you. As Pte. Woodward has told you, your brother was decently buried near the city of Ypres."
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
07 January 1916
EARBY SOLDIER REPORTED KILLED
The death is unofficially reported from France of Pte. Ernest Crawshaw (9th Duke of Wellington’s), whose home is in Grove Street, Earby. The news came in a letter received last week-end from Pte. Mark Woodford, another Earby soldier in the same battalion. Pte. Crowther was 24 years of age, and had been at the Front since August.
07 January 1916
EARBY SOLDIER’S DEATH
The letter from Pte. Mark Woodward dated December 29th ran as follows:– “Dear Wife, – It is my painful duty to inform you that Ernest Crowther has been killed on the Sunday before Christmas, whilst in action. I have got a few of his things, which I will bring when I come home on leave. Some of his things will be sent home to his sister by the regiment…You may bet it was a hard blow to me when I first heard of it. I don’t seem able to keep him out of my eyes. He was well respected by all who knew him, and he was buried decently. I shall be able to tell you all when I come home.”
Previous to enlistment in August 1914, Pte. Crowther worked as a weaver at Victoria Mill, Earby. He was a young man of good character, and his death is deeply lamented. His parents are both dead.
04 February 1916
AN EARBY SOLDIERS DEATH
Mrs. Greenwood, sister of the late Pte. C.E. Crowther of Earby, who was killed in Flanders on December 19th, has received the following letter giving particulars of his death from an officer in his regiment:– “I was in England on leave at the time, but I will tell you that I have been able to ascertain about his death. He was killed by shellfire whilst rushing up along with the rest of his company and battalion to support in the gas attack. Many another good lad was killed at the same time, but everyone who died that morning died gloriously. I only hope that you will be able to console yourself in your deep sorrow by the thought that your brother has died for his country by the noblest death that any man can die. He died in the hour of glory, for the battalion won considerable praise for itself that morning by the gallant way in which the men went forward under heavy shrapnel and gas fire. I can assure you that throughout the twelve months that I had known your brother I always found him a most reliable soldier. He was always willing and cheerful, and we all have lost in him a man on whom we could depend at all times. I must convey to you the deep sympathy of his company commander (who is now in command of the battalion and who has asked me to answer your letter) and the rest of the officers, N.C.O.s and men of his company. Again, hoping you will find comfort in the thought of his noble death. I remain, with deepest sympathy, yours sincerely, J.W.B. RUSSELL, 2nd Lt.”
“P.S. – I will get any of his possessions that were found sent home to you. As Private Woodward has told you, your brother was decently buried near the city of Ypres.”
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