Fred GARDINER

19 January 1917

KELBROOK – MILITARY WEDDING

On Saturday afternoon a wedding took place at St. Mary’s Church between Private Fred Gardiner, of the West Yorkshire Regiment (a native of Kelbrook), and Miss Minnie Shuttleworth, of Salterforth. Private F. Gardiner has been on active service in France for some time, and is just over on a short leave. John Gardiner, brother of the bridegroom, acted as ‘best man’. Miss E. Shuttleworth and Miss Gardiner being bridesmaids. The Rev. A.E. Chance (vicar) officiated.

23 November 1917

GARDINER – October 9th, killed in action, Private Fred Gardiner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, 2, East View, Kelbrook.

Fondly we loved him, he is dear to us still,
But in grief we must bend to God’s holy will;
Our sorrow is great, our loss hard to bear,
But angels, dear lad, will guard you with care.
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow,
None but an aching heart can know.

From his loving Wife and Daughter, Hayfield Farm, Salterforth.

A light is from our household gone,
A voice we loved is still;
A place is vacant at our hearth
Which never can be filled.

From his loving Father, Mother, Sister and Brothers, 2, East View, Kelbrook.

23 November 1917

KELBROOK

Private Fred Gardiner, West Yorks. (Pioneers) Regiment, killed in action on October 9th, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, 2, East View, Kelbrook. He was 28 years of age, and had been in France sixteen months. He leaves a wife and child aged 8 months.

A letter from one of his comrades (Pte. A. Bentley) states:– “He was out with a working party at night when it happened. I feel very sorry, as he was a good pal and we have had many a good time together. I feel rather funny now without him, as we hardly ever went out without the other. But, as it happened, on that night I was left in camp, sick. He was buried in a British cemetery behind the line by our own padre.”

01 March 1918

KELBROOK – Conservative Club: A Fine Record

An enjoyable and successful social evening was held in the Church School on Saturday evening on behalf of the Club. There was a good attendance. The Club’s Roll of Honour was read during the evening by the President. Out of a total membership of about 50 when war broke out over one half had joined the Colours, two of whom are now prisoners of war in Germany, namely: Alban Atkinson and Stephen Cowgill. Three of the most respected members have made the supreme sacrifice, namely: John William Driver, Fred Gardiner, and Edgar Parker. The M.C’s were Mr. Albert Watson, Mr. E.H. Bulcock, and Mr. T. Whittaker; and Mr. Higson Walton and Mr. Walter Lawson (two discharged soldiers) supplied the music. They efficiently carried out their duties.

11 October 1918

GARDINER – In loving memory of Private Fred Gardiner, 21st West Yorks. Regiment, killed in action October 9th, 1917.

One year has passed and yet we miss him,
Never will his memory fade;
Loving thoughts will ever linger
Round the grave where he is laid.

From his Wife and Child, Hayfield Farm, Salterforth.

GARDINER – In loving memory of Private Fred Gardiner, 21st West Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action October 9th, 1917.

We pictured you safe returning,
We longed to clasp your hand;
But God has postponed the meeting
Till we meet in the better land.

From Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers, 20 East View, Kelbrook.

10 October 1919

GARDINER – In ever loving memory of Private Fred Gardiner, 21st West Yorks. Pioneers, killed in France October 9th, 1917.

Oh, not lost but gone before us,
He will never be forgot;
Sweet the memory to the lonely,
In our hearts they perish not.

From his loving Wife and Child, Hayfield Farm. Salterforth.