Main CPGW Record
Surname: NEWHOUSE
Forename(s): Ernest Knight
Place of Birth: Bentham, Yorkshire
Service No: C/7720
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment / Corps / Service: King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Battalion / Unit: 1st Battalion
Division: 2nd Division
Age: ---
Date of Death: 1918-03-25
Awards: M.M.
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: P. VI. H. 3A.
CWGC Cemetery: ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: HIGH BENTHAM, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Ernest Knight Newhouse was the son of Stephen and Ann Newhouse, née Knight. Stephen was born at Aughton, near Lancaster and Ann at Kirkby-in-Furness, Lancashire.
1901 Bentham, Yorkshire Census: Todd Hill Farm - Ernest K. Newhouse, aged 6 years, born Bentham, son of Stephen and Ann Newhouse.
1911 Bentham, Yorkshire Census: Todhill Farm - Ernest Newhouse, aged 16 years, born Bentham, son of Stephen and Ann Newhouse.
The British Army Service Record for Ernest Knight Newhouse exists but may be incomplete.
Ernest is referred to in a letter written on the 18 April 1918 by L/Cpl John Hutchinson (267194) (q.v.).
A short biography of Ernest 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:
NEWHOUSE, Ernest, [Bentham], died of gas poisoning, 1918.
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Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 2nd Division
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Additional Photo(s) For Soldier Records
The High & Low Bentham men who gave their lives
Top row (l-r): Rfn Ernest Knight Newhouse, Pte John Thornber, Reverend Theodore Bayley Hardy, Pte Richard Wilson, Pte Maurice Richard Bolton, Lieut John Barclay Clibborn, Pte William Throup, Pte Richard Wilcock Carr, A/Cpl William Robinson, Pte James Auton, Pte William Savage. Third row (l-r): L/Cpl David Percival Dixon, Pte John Emmott, Pte Francis Richard Townson, Pte John Adamthwaite, Pte Robert Carter, L/Cpl John Hutchinson, Pte Alfred Edward Gunn, Pte Ezra Stephenson, Pte Edwin Rawlinson Smith, Pte Richard Wearing, Lieut Basil William Ramsbotton. Third row (l-r): Spr Robert Clark, Act L/Cpl Thomas Wilcock, Cpl William Carr, Pte Lawrence Lancelot Dowbiggin, Pte Edward Magoolagan, Pte Isaac Rucastle, Pte Henry Taylor, Cpl Edward Ramskill, L/Cpl Edward Walton Briscoe, Pte Joseph Jackson, Gnr Ernest Wilcock. Fourth row (l-r): Capt Donald Morrison, Sgt Arthur Dean Blackburn, Pte James William Bell, Pte Leonard Nelson, L/Cpl John Edward Leeming, L/Cpl Albert Lister, Pte Percy Preston Whitfield, Cpl Tom Harry Smith, Cpl Thomas Walker Sanderson, Sgt William Patrick Tobin, Pte (Signaller) W. Wilkinson.
Courtesy of the artist, David Hartnup
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
07 January 1916
HIGH BENTHAM – Home for the Holidays
A good many young Benthamers in khaki have visited the old folk at home this week-end for the New Year, among them being Corpl. Alec Kidd, R.A.M.C., Newcastle; Pte. Lancelot Dowbiggin, son of Mr. L. Dowbiggin, of Summer Hill, of the Lancashire Fusiliers; Pte Ernest Newhouse, of the King’s Royal Rifles, son of Mr. Stephen Newhouse of Toadhill, and stationed at Onslow…
01 February 1918
HIGH BENTHAM – Gallant Deeds at the Front
The ‘London Gazette’ for Saturday contained the official publication of the bravery of Private John Bibby, second son of Mr. Tim Bibby, of Low Bentham, "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches…"
Another gallant Bentham boy, Private Ernest Knight Newhouse, King’s Royal Rifles, has just been rewarded with the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery. News of this has reached his father, Mr. Stephen Newhouse, of Toddhill Farm, and further particulars are awaited. He is the youngest of four brothers at present on the French Front.
15 February 1918
HIGH BENTHAM – For Bravery
The full particulars, as issued by the Major-General of the Second Division, have reached the father of Private E.N[K]. Newhouse, who recently won the Military Medal, and are as follows:– “Rifleman E.N. Newhouse, R.F.C. [K.R.R.C.] – Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field from 17/11/17 to 4/12/17. I have read their reports, and although promotion and decorations cannot be given in every case I should like you to know that your gallant action is recognised and how greatly it is appreciated. – C.E. PERCIVE [Pereira], Major-General Commanding 2nd Division.”
22 February 1918
HIGH BENTHAM – On Leave
Private E.N[K]. Newhouse (Military Medalist), arrived home from France on Tuesday morning on a fortnight’s leave from the trenches…
29 March 1918
HIGH BENTHAM – ANOTHER MILITARY MEDALIST DIES
News was received by wire from the War Office to Mr. Stephen Newhouse, of Todhill Farm, Bentham, that his third son, Private Ernest Newhouse, M.M., of the King’s Royal Rifles, had succumbed to gas at the Base Hospital at Rouen. Young Newhouse, who has three other brothers serving in France, enlisted in August 1916, and had been over two years in France with the K.R.R. He came under the notice of his Commanding Officer for very conspicuous bravery in getting the wounded to the rear in very heavy fire from the enemy and obtained the Medal last August. He was home on fourteen days’ leave about a month ago. Great sorrow is expressed on all sides at his death, for he was a general favourite.
05 April 1918
BENTHAM SOLDIER FATALLY GASSED
Mrs. Newhouse, of Bentham, has received the following letter from the Chaplain of the No. 9 General Hospital, dated March 26th:–
“Dear Mrs. Newhouse, – I am very sorry to have to tell you your son Ernest died from the effects of being gassed at 5 p.m. yesterday. I saw him several times, and he spoke constantly of you and of his sister-in-law, Mrs. W. Newhouse. You will be glad to hear that he made his confession and received Holy Communion on Sunday. He was a fine patient and never complained. Though there was a good deal of discomfort he did not suffer much pain, and he was unconscious from Sunday evening. He is to be buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, and his grave will be well cared for. You can get a photograph of it after a time. May God bless and comfort you and grant him rest. With deep sympathy, yours very truly, STANLEY HIDE, C.E.”
21 June 1918
HIGHER BENTHAM – Memorial Service
A memorial service was held at St. Margaret’s Church on Sunday evening. The Vicar, the Rev. G. H. C. Bartley, officiated and there was a full choir, one member, Mr. Alec Procter, being present from the Front on leave. The service was held for the late Private Lancelot Dowbiggin, Corporal Ernest Newhouse M.M., Private John Maudsley, Sergeant Walker Sanderson M.M., Private Edwin Smith, and Private Richard Wilcock Carr – six of the Bentham heroes to make the great sacrifice during the past six months. There was a large congregation, special hymns were sung and a most sympathetic sermon was delivered by the Vicar. At the close the Dead March was played by the organist, Miss. V. Stubbs.
05 July 1918
LOWER BENTHAM – HOSPITAL DAY FETE
War Medal Winners Honoured
Favoured with a beautiful day the annual open garden party in aid of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary was held on Saturday…
At 5-30 p.m. the most interesting feature of the programme took place, when the [surviving] Bentham Medallists were presented with gifts of silver cigarette cases suitably inscribed…
The late Sergeant Walker Sanderson, King’s Own R.L. Regiment [K.R.R.C.], who won the Military Medal “when his officer was killed, took charge of and led his men into action and later gave up his own life on the battle-field.” He was the eldest of five orphans. His sister accepted an enlarged picture of the late soldier.
The late Rifleman Ernest Newhouse, M.M., 1st K.R.R.C., “distinguished by conspicuous bravery in the field from November 27th to the 4th December, 1917.” Since laid down his life in France. The late soldier’s mother received an enlarged picture of him. – The presentation ended with the National Anthem.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
07 January 1916
BENTHAM – HOME ON LEAVE
A good many young Benthamers in khaki have visited the old folk at home this weekend for the New Year. Among them were Corporal Alec Kidd, R.A.M.C., stationed at Newcastle; Private Lancelot Dowbiggin, son of Mr. L. Dowbiggin of Summer Hill, of the Lancashire Fusiliers; Ernest Newhouse, of the King’s Royal Rifles, son of Mr. Stephen Newhouse of Toddhill, and stationed at Onslow. Private John Heaps, of the West Riding Regiment, left Bentham on Monday night for Folkestone, en route for the trenches, after a well-earned 14 days’ leave.
26 January 1917
BENTHAM – HOME FROM THE FRONT
Quarter Master-Sergeant R. Cumberland arrived at Bentham on Monday from France for a short furlough, he having been recommended for a commission by his commanding officer. Sergt. Cumberland joined the colours at Skipton, where he was in the Liverpool Bank, in October, 1914, and has been out over two years with the Duke of Wellington’s. He has gone through much in that time. He is the only son of Mr. Joseph Cumberland, J.P., of Grove Bank, Bentham. Sergt. Tom Procter is also at home on a five days’ furlough, as is also R. Jackson, of the F.A.V. Mr. Jos. J. Bibby, of the F.A.V., returned to France on Saturday after a nine days’ leave. Pte. Ernest Newhouse, of the K.R.R., is home on his last leave before returning to France.
01 February 1918
BENTHAM
GALLANT DEEDS AT THE FRONT
The ‘London Gazette’ on Saturday contained the official publication of the bravery of Pte. John Bibby, second son of Mr. Tim Bibby, of Low Bentham, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy trenches. He pushed out three of the enemy and captured them with the assistance of a comrade. A machine dun was taken from this post also, and his action in rushing the post undoubtedly saved the second wave from being held up by machine gun fire. Another gallant Bentham boy, Pte. Ernest Knight Newhouse, of the King’s Royal Rifles, has just been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery. News of this reached his father, Mr. Stephen Newhouse, of Toddhill Farm, last week, and further particulars are awaited. He is the youngest of four brothers at present serving in France.
15 February 1918
BENTHAM
MILITARY MEDALIST – The full particulars as issued by the Major General of the Second Division have reached the father of Pte. E.N. [E.K.] Newhouse, who recently won the Military Medal, and are as follows:– “Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field from Nov. 27th, 1917, to Dec. 4th, 1917. I have read their reports, and although promotion and decorations cannot be given in every case, I should like you to know that your gallant action is recognised and how greatly it is appreciated. Major General Commanding 2nd Division.”
28 March 1918
CRAVEN AND THE WAR
Death of Bentham Military Medallist
News has been received from the War Office by Mr. Stephen Newhouse, of The Todhill Farm, Bentham, that his son, Pte. Ernest Newhouse, of the King’s Royal Rifles, had succumbed from gas at the Base Hospital at Rouen, France. Pte. Newhouse. who has three brothers serving in France, enlisted in August, 1916, and has been over two years in France. He was successful in coming under the notice of his Commanding Officer for very conspicuous bravery in getting the wounded to the rear under very heavy fire from the enemy, and obtained the Military Medal last August. Great sorrow is expressed on all sides at his death, for he was a general favourite.
05 April 1918
NEWHOUSE – Died of gas poisoning, March 25th, Ernest Newhouse, son of Mrs. Newhouse, of Bentham.
05 April 1918
CRAVEN AND THE WAR
Death of a Bentham Soldier
Mrs. Newhouse, of Bentham, has received information that her son, Ernest, died from the effects of gas poisoning at No. 9, General Hospital, France, on March 25th. In a letter to Mrs. Newhouse a chaplain states:– "I saw your son several times, and he spoke of you and his sister-in-law. You will be glad to hear he made his confession and received Holy Communion on Sunday. He was a fine patient and never complained. Though there was a good deal of discomfort, he did not suffer much pain, and was unconscious from Sunday evening. He will be buried in a cemetery at Rouen, and his grave will be well cared for.”
21 June 1918
BENTHAM
MEMORIAL SERVICE – A memorial service was held at St. Margaret’s Church on Sunday evening last. The Vicar (Rev. G.H.C. Bartley) officiated, and there was a full choir. The service was held for the late Pte. Lancelot Dowbiggin, Corpl. Ernest Newhouse, M.M., Pte. John Maudsley, Sergt. Walker Sanderson, M.M., Pte. Edwin Smith, and Pte. Richard Wilcock Carr, six of the heroes to make the great sacrifice during the past six months. There was a large congregation, and special hymns were sung. A most sympathetic sermon was delivered by the Vicar. At the close the ‘Dead March’ was played by the organist (Miss V. Stubbs), the congregation standing meanwhile.
05 July 1918
CRAVEN AND THE WAR
Bentham Soldier Gassed
Corpl. Albert Newhouse, of the Army Service Corps, has been badly gassed, and is at a base hospital in France suffering from gas and pneumonia. He was reported to be in a very dangerous condition, but later news was received by his father, Mr. Edward Newhouse, that he was progressing favourably, and the matron stated that she hoped to report him out of danger. Mr. Newhouse has had four sons out in France. One died from gas poisoning after winning the Military Medal for bravery, and another had been sent home with trench feet and fever. Hope is expressed on all sides that Albert may soon recover.
Several Bentham soldiers are not exactly reported missing, but their friends are very much concerned at not having heard from them for six or seven weeks.
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