Main CPGW Record
Surname: FURNESS
Forename(s): Frederick Parker
Place of Birth: Coniston Cold, Yorkshire
Service No: 1920
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 1/6th Battalion
Division: 49th (West Riding) Division
Age: 18
Date of Death: 1915-12-20
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: II. B. 12.
CWGC Cemetery: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Frederick Parker Furness was the son of John and Frances Mary Furness, née Blanshard. John was born at Overtown, Lancashire and Frances at Ledston, Yorkshire.
1901 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 13, Nelson Street - Frederick P. Furness, aged 3 years, born Coniston Cold, Yorkshire, son of John and Frances M. Furness.
1911 Skipton, Yorkshire Census: 28, Brougham Street - Fredrick Parker Furness, aged 13 years, born Coniston Cold, Yorkshire, son of John and Francess [sic] Mary Furness.
The British Army Service Record for Frederick Parker Furness exists but may be incomplete.
Frederick is listed in the Nominal Roll of the 1/6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment): Pte F. P. Furness.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Fredk. P. Furness, 1920, W. Rid. R. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 14.4.15. D. of W. 20.12.15.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Frederick Parker Furness, 6/1920, 1/6 W. Rid. R. D. of W. 20.12.15.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Frederick Parker Furness, 1920, 1/6 W. Riding Regt. Date and Place of Death: 20.12.15. 17 Casualty Cl. Stn. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Father and Sole Legatee - John. £17 17s. 3d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Frederick. Name(s) on card(s): Mrs Francess [sic] Mary Furness. Relationship: Mother. Address: 28, Brougham Street, Skipton.
See also: ‘Guiseley Terriers: A Small Part in The Great War – A History of the 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment’ by Stephen Barber (2018).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
FURNESS, F.P., 6th Duke of Wellington’s, aged 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Furness, 28, Brougham Street, [Skipton], died from gas poisoning Dec. 20, 1915.
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Private Frederick Parker FURNESS
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 49th (West Riding) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
24 December 1915
PRIVATE F. P. FURNESS, SKIPTON
Another must be added to the list of local young men who, during the past few days, have laid down their lives for King and Country.
Yesterday (Thursday) morning Mr. John Furness, 28, Brougham Street, Skipton, received the sad intelligence that his son, Pte. F.P. Furness, 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, had died in hospital from gas poisoning.
The news was contained in a letter from Sister M. Wharton, in charge of the 17th C.C. Station, which was in the following terms:– “It is with much regret that I send you very sad news. Your son, Pte. F. P. Furness, 1920, was admitted to this Hospital last evening, suffering from a severe attack of gas poisoning. He was unconscious and in a most critical condition, and although everything was done that could be done it was of no avail, and he passed quietly away at 1 am. There is one consolation, he did not suffer. He will be laid to rest in our soldiers’ cemetery, and a cross will mark his grave, bearing his name, regiment, number, and the day on which he gave his life for his King and Country. He will have a military funeral and every respect. If any personal things were found in his possession they will be forwarded to you officially, but will take some time to come. In deepest sympathy for you in your trouble.’’
Pte. Furness was only 18 years of age, and prior to the War was employed by Messrs. Marsden and Naylor, iron founders, of Skipton. He stood 6ft 1in., and had been a member of the Territorial Force since he was 15 years of age.
07 January 1916
THE LATE PTE. FURNESS –- AN OFFICER'S TRIBUTE
Mr. John Furness, 28, Brougham Street, Skipton, received on Wednesday last official confirmation of the death of his son, Pte. F.P. Furness, 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment. The date of death is given as December 20th, and the cause gas poisoning. He has also received messages of sympathy from the King and Queen and the Army Council.
Lieut. Ralph M. Robinson, of the 1/6th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, has written the following letter from No. 4 lines, Clipstone Camp, Notts:– “I cannot tell you how deeply I sympathise with you in your great loss or how much I myself feel the loss of a good comrade. Your son was one of the best shots we had in the machine gun section, and was always ready and willing to take his part in any work we had in hand, however difficult or dangerous it might be. Such a man’s place will be hard to fill.”
14 January 1916
THE LATE PRIVATE FURNESS – Comrades Tribute
Mr. and Mrs. John Furness of Brougham Street, Skipton, have received the following letter of condolence on the death of their son, Pte. F.P. Furness, First-sixth Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, who was killed in action in the latter part of December:–
France, Jan 1st, 1916
“Just a few lines on behalf of the gun section to express our sympathy with you in your sorrow. Fred and Lance-Corpl. Willan were in charge of two guns next to each other and they were both rather badly gassed as they were very near to the German line, and did not get much warning. Fred was an excellent gunner and for the last few months was in charge of a gun and was generally with me in the trenches. He always did his duty cheerfully and well, and we cannot express how sorry we are to lose him. He is one of the many victims of Hun Kulture, but we shall avenge them all if we get the chance again. Fred did his duty till the danger of attack was over and stuck to his gun until carried away to hospital, and it may comfort you to know he died a hero. He was a fine fellow, always ready for anything that turned up. Hoping you will be comforted a little by the section’s sympathy and my own,
"I remain, yours sincerely, FRED STORK, SERGT.”
22 December 1916
FURNESS – In loving memory of Private Frederick Parker Furness, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment,
who was killed in action, December 19th 1915.
Sleep on, dear son, in a far-off land,
In a grave we may never see;
But as long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
From Father, Mother and Sisters, 28, Brougham Street.
21 December 1917
FURNESS – In loving memory of Frederick Parker Furness, of Skipton, who died in France December 20th 1915.
From the Family.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
24 December 1915
CRAVEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR – SKIPTON
Pte F.P. Furness, 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, and son of Mr. and Mrs. John Furness, 28 Brougham Street, Skipton, died from gas poisoning on December 20th. Eighteen years of age, and formerly employed at Messrs. Marsden and Naylor’s foundry. A Territorial prior to the war.
24 December 1915
YOUNG SKIPTON SOLDIER DIES FROM GAS POISONING
Still one more Skipton lad has made the great sacrifice. Mr. John Furness, of 28, Brougham Street, Skipton, received the sad news yesterday (Thursday) that his only son, Pte F.P. Furness, aged 18, of the 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s), had died from gas poisoning.
The information was received in a letter dated December 20th from Sister M. Wharton, of the 17th C.C. Station, which was as follows:– “It is with much regret that I send you very sad news. Your son, Pte. F. P. Furness, 1920, was admitted to this Hospital last evening, suffering from a severe attack of gas poisoning. He was unconscious and in a most critical condition, and although everything was done that could be done it was of no avail, and he passed quietly away at 1 am this morning. There is one consolation, and that is he did not suffer any pain. He will be laid to rest in our soldiers’ cemetery, and a cross bearing his name, regiment, number, and the date on which he gave his life for his King and Country will be placed upon the grave. He will have a military funeral and every respect will be shown him. If any personal things were found in his possession they will be forwarded to you officially, but will take some weeks to come. With deepest sympathy for you in your great trouble.’’
Pte. Furness joined the Territorials when he was 15 years of age, and was formerly employed at Messrs. Marsden and Naylor’s foundry. Though he was only 18 years old he was a well-built lad, being 6ft. 1in. in height. The deepest sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Furness in their great loss.
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My name is John Whitehead. I was born and brought up in Skipton and Pte Frederick Parker Furness was my great uncle. I never knew him of course but I was made aware of his sacrifice as my father would often tell me about him. Several years ago I made the journey to Belgium to honour his grave at the Lijssennthoek Military Cemetery. I know how much the family mourned his loss for many years after his sad demise, at such a young age, and after the War had ended. I thank all of those who work to keep alive the memory of his sacrifice.