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Godfrey Henry ERMEN

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Surname: ERMEN

Forename(s): Godfrey Henry

Place of Birth: Barton-upon-Irwell, Lancashire

Service No: ---

Rank: Captain

Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 2/6th Battalion

Division: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division

Age: 38

Date of Death: 1915-05-04

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: ---

CWGC Cemetery: GARGRAVE (ST. ANDREW) CHURCHYARD

CWGC Memorial: ---

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: GARGRAVE, YORKSHIRE

Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

Godfrey Henry Ermen was the son of Francis John George and Johanne Ermen, née Ermen. Both parents were born in Germany.

1881 Dumplington, Barton-upon-Irwell, Lanacshire Census: Godfrey Ermen, aged 3 years, born Barton, Lancashire, son of Francis jr. and Johanne Ermen.

1901 Eccles, Lancashire Census: The Elms - Godfrey H. Ermen, aged 23 years, born Barton, Lancashire, son on Francis J.G. and Johanna Ermen.

Godfrey was married to Nora Boggs in 1904.

1911 Gargrave, Yorkshire Census: Milton House - Godfrey H. Ermen, aged 33 years, born Barton-on-Irwell, Lancashire, husband of Norah Ermen.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Capt Godfrey Henry Ermen, 1/6 W. Rid. R. (TF). Theatre of War first served in: 1 - France. [Capt Ermen did not serve abroad.] Date of entry therein: ?/?/? Died 4.5.15.

Record of Officers' Effects: Capt G. H. Ermen, 6 West Riding. Date and Place of Death: Yorks. 4.5.15. To whom issued/Amount: Widow - Mrs Norah Ermen. £42 18s. 6d.

UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: Capt & Adj. Godfrey Henry Ermen, W. Riding. Name(s) on card(s): Widow: Mrs Norah Ermen. Address 1. Sefton Lodge, 207, Richmond Road, Kingston on Thames. Address 2. 165C, Haverstock Hill, Hampstead, N.W.3. Widow Norah died 17.7.79.

A short biography of Godfrey is included in: ‘From Mills to Marching and Back Again – A History of Gargrave from 1900 to 1925’ by Sue Lyall and Donavon Slaven with contributions from George Ingle, Ray Jones and Martin Thompson (2019).

See also photograph of officers in CPGW book (page 45).

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

View Entry in CPGW Book

Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:

ERMEN, Captain and Adjutant Godfrey, 6th West Riding Regiment, died on May 3, 1915 at his residence, Milton House, from acute influenza.

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Captain Godfrey Henry ERMEN

Captain Godfrey Henry ERMEN

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: ERMEN

Forename(s): Godfrey Henry

Born:

Residence:

Enlisted:

Number:

Rank: Capt

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion: 6th Battalion (Territorial)

Decorations:

Died Date: 04/05/15

Died How: Died

Theatre of War:

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: ERMEN

Forename(s): Godfrey Henry

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number:

Rank: Captain

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Unit: 6th Bn.

Age:

Awards:

Died Date: 04/05/1915

Additional Information:

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England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1915

ERMEN Godfrey Henry of Milton House Gargrave Yorkshire died 4 May 1915 Probate London 11 June to Norah Ermen widow. Effects £4113 2s. 10d.

1924

ERMEN Francis John George of 9, Cavendish-place Bath died 16 May 1924 Probate London 18 October to Walter Francis Anthony Ermen dyer’s manager and Johanna Ermen widow. Effects £37311 0s. 1d.

1979
ERMEN Norah of 4 Bramhall Park Rd Bramhall Cheshire died 17 July 1979 Probate Manchester 12 October. £3885.

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St Andrew's Churchyard, Gargrave

St Andrew's Churchyard, Gargrave

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16 October 1914

OFFICERS GAZETTED

In the 'London Gazette' of Tuesday the following appointments were officially notified:–

To be Majors (temporarily) – J. Mackillop, late Major of the 6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment; Edgar Dewhurst, late 3rd Volunteer Batt. Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment (October 14th).

To be Captains – Capt. J. H. S. Tee from the Territorial Force Reserves; W. Claughton, late captain of this battalion (temp.); N. C. Prince, late Captain of this Battalion (temp.); C. P. Charlesworth, late captain of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion West Riding Regiment (temp.); Capt. J. Groves, from the Territorial Force Reserves; N. A. England, late lieutenant of this Battalion; G. H. Ermen, late lieutenant 6th Battalion Manchester Regulars, Militia (Hon. Lieut. in the Army (temp.), October 14th.

To be Lieutenants – N. Clapham, late lieutenant of this Battalion (temp.); S. J. Rhodes, late lieutenant of this Battalion (temp.); A. E. Booth (temp.), October 14th.

To be Second Lieutenants – J. A. C. Spencer, late Second Lieutenant of this Battalion; W. K. Law, late Cadet, Aldenham School, O.T.C.; G. Broughton, C. D. Bennett, L. Jaques, N. Geldard, R. C. Barrett, G. L. Lupton, G. C. Foulds, C. G. C. Kilner, J. W. Woodhead (October 14th); R. Armstrong, Oxford University; D. V. Bernard. Cambridge University; and … Walker, Sedbergh Grammar School.
Colonel Williamson, in command, was gazetted some weeks ago.

30 April 1915

PROMOTIONS FOR LOCAL SOLDIERS

The 'London Gazette' states that Mr. Eric Aldhelm Forlogh Dutton was gazetted Captain as from March 5th last. This is quick promotion for one so young. He is in the ninth Service Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, and the fifth son of the late Rev. C. A. Dutton, Rector of Lothersdale. The Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshires have a reputation second to none as fighters, and the regiment has two battalions at the front which are being fed by a third battalion stationed at home.

Captain Godfrey Ermen, Milton House, of the 6th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment has also been gazetted Adjutant.

07 May 1915

DEATH OF CAPT. G. H. ERMEN

A painful surprise was created among the officers and men of the lst Reserve Battalion of the 6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment when it became known in the camp at Doncaster that Capt. G. H. Ermen, who only left the Battalion a few days previously on sick leave, had passed away on Tuesday morning at his residence, Milton House, Gargrave.

Capt. Ermen came to this district about six years ago as General Manager of the Belle Vue Mills of the English Sewing Cotton Company, in which capacity he won for himself not only the confidence of his employers but the esteem of the workpeople, in whose welfare he took a very practical interest.

At the outbreak of the War Capt. Ermen relinquished his position to take up military duties, in which he had had previous experience having formerly held a commission in the 6th Manchesters, with which Regiment he saw service in the South African War.

He was gazetted Captain in the First Reserve Battalion of the 6th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment then being raised at Skipton under Col. B. E. Williamson, and remained at headquarters until the Battalion was transferred to Derby. While at Doncaster Capt. Ermen was appointed Adjutant to the Battalion; but had not long enjoyed the distinction when he was compelled to return home on sick leave. This occurred quite recently.

It was not generally known that his illness was of a serious nature and it was anticipated that he would be able to resume duty in a short time. Last weekend it became necessary to consult a specialist, but this proved unavailing, and death took place as stated.

Captain Ermen took a keen interest in the National Reserve movement, and was Officer Commanding the Skipton Companies, in the organisation of which he took a prominent part.

14 May 1915

THE LATE CAPT. ERMEN

The remains of Capt. G. H. Ermen, adjutant of the First Reserve Battalion 6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, and manager of the Belle Vue Mills of the English Sewing Cotton Company, were laid to rest with full military honours in St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Gargrave, on Friday afternoon. Signs of mourning were general in the village and business was suspended both at the New Brighton and High Mills. There was no stoppage at the Belle Vue Mills where the flag floated half-mast since news of Capt. Ermen’s death became known, but a large number of workpeople journeyed to Gargrave for the obsequies. Some indication of the esteem in which the deceased was held by the workpeople is afforded by the inscription on their beautiful wreath “ As a last token of respect to one of Nature’s gentlemen.”

The passage of the cortege from Milton House to the Church was impressive. The Band of the First Reserve Battalion and a detachment of 200 men from the Second Reserve Battalion were lined up on each side of the road at the entrance to the residence. A Union Jack draped the coffin, on which were placed the deceased captain’s sword, belt, and cap, and a gun carriage was the means of conveyance. A number of representatives of public institutions were also present, and, with the military, made up a long procession, which wended its way to the Church to the strains of the ‘Dead March.’ Opposite the lychgate were the children from the Gargrave National and Council, and the Coniston Cold Schools, who stood bareheaded while the body was taken into the Church.

The simplicity of the service added to its solemnity. As the cortege entered the edifice the organist (Mr. E. Borland) played ‘0 rest in the Lord,’ and the xxxix Psalm was chanted by the choir, which included a number of the Gargrave troop of Boy Scouts. There were two hymns – ‘On the resurrection morning’ and ‘Peace, perfect peace.’ The first portion of the burial service was read by the Rev. A. C. Blunt (Vicar), and as the body was borne to its final resting place appropriate selections were played from the works of Dr. Boyce and Beethoven. The rites at the graveside were performed by Brigade Chaplain De Vine, and the ceremonial of volley firing and the sounding of the “Last Post” carried out very impressively.

The mourners were: Mrs. G.H. Ermen (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Ermen (father and mother), Mrs. Stewart (sister-in-law), Mr. B. Ermen, Mr. G . Ermen and Mr. F. Robey (cousins).

The officers from the First and Second Reserve Battalions of the 6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment included Major Mackillop, Surgeon Major Walker, Capt. C. P. Charlesworth, Capt. N. England, Capt. J. D. Horsfall, Capt. B. R. Brewin, Capt. Marriner, Lieut. O. Broughton, Lieut. N. Clapham, Lieut. Grey, Lieut. Mackillen, Lieut. Mann, Lieut. Pearson, and Lieut. Backhouse. The band was in charge of Bandmaster Ramplin, and the detachment from Skipton was under Sergt. Major. May. The firing party from Doncaster under Company Sergt. Major Moore.

The Skipton Company of the National Reserve, of which Capt. Ermen was commanding officer, was represented by Col. Sergt. J. W. Lawson, Sergt. Hillary, Pte. Stony, Mr. T. Rogers, Mr A. Schofield, Mr. F. Perkins, and Mr. T. Milner.

The English Sewing Cotton Company was represented by Mr. Lionel Dewhurst, Mr. A. Dewhurst, Mr. Arthur Dewhurst, Mr. Barlow (secretary) Mr. F. Robey, and the following heads of departments were present from Belle Vue Mills: Messrs. S. Donald, E, Seed, A. Bingham, B. Thornton, F. Peverley, and H. Geldard, with Mr. James Hartley (the architect of the extensions at the Belle Vue Mills carried out during Mr. Ermen’s managership).

The following also attended: Mrs. Davis, the Misses Davis, Mrs. Bracewell, Mr. C. W. Thomas, Mr. Joe. Mason, Mr. R. B. Barrett, Mr. S. H. Walton (Skipton Manufacturers’ Association), Mr. F. H. Garnett, Dr. Wales, Mr. F. Spencer, Mr. R. Fred Wilkinson (New Brighton Saw Mfg. Co.), Mr. J. Taylor, Mr. C. W. France and Mr. J. Hogg. (Gargrave Conservative Club, of which deceased was a vice president), Mr. T. Thompson (Gargrave Mechanics’ Institute), Mr. F. Turner and Mr. B. Walls (Leeds and Liverpool Canal Co.).

The coffin bore the inscription: ‘Godfrey Henry Ermen, died 4th May, 1915, aged 38 years.’ The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. E. Brumfit and Sons, of Skipton.

Floral tributes were sent by Mrs. G.H. Ermen, N. and B. Ermen, Mr. & Mrs. N. Ermen, Miss E. A. Ermen, Capt. and Mrs. N. England, Mr. F. H. Garnett, Mrs. T. A. Falcon, Mrs. Bramwell, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Rickards, Mrs. and the Misses Davis, the Directors of the English Sewing Cotton Co. Ltd., Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Roby, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Stewart and Family, Mrs. and Miss Hepworth, Mrs. Macintyre-Boggs, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Thomas and Family, Nurse Wellock, Mr. and Mrs. B. Schwabe, Miss Darwel and Miss Worsley, Mrs. and Miss Fair, Capt. and. Mrs. C. H. Stewart, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Wales, Managers and Staff of Belle Vue Mills, Skipton, Col. R. E. Williamson and Officers of the Second 6th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment; Mr. Jas. Grant, Mr, and Mrs. Donald, Miss Dewhurst, Miss Winifred Boggs, Mr. Lionel Dewhurst, The Officers of the composite Second 6th and Second 7th Duke, of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment stationed at Withernsea, Employees of John Dewhurst and Sons Ltd., Nurse Cockrell, the Officers and N.C.Os and men of A Co. 6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, Mr. and Mrs. E. Schwabe, Mr. and Mrs. F. Robey, Mr. Bernard Ermen, Mrs. Henry Ermen and family, and Miss Agatha Ermen.

18 June 1915

GARGRAVE – The Late Capt. Ermen

The will has been proved of Captain G. H. Ermen, 6th West Riding Regiment, of Milton House, Gargrave, lately general manager of the Belle Vue Mills of the English Sewing Cotton Company, who died whilst training with his regiment (net personalty £3,706); gross value £4,113.

04 July 1919

PEACE SUPPLEMENT TO THE 'CRAVEN HERALD' – CRAVEN'S FALLEN OFFICERS

CAPTAIN G. H. ERMEN

2/6th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, died at Milton House, Gargrave, May 4th, 1915. Formerly general manager of the English Sewing Cotton Company, Skipton.

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09 October 1914

GARGRAVE MEN FOR THE FORCES

Seventeen Gargrave men have, so far, gone to serve in His Majesty’s forces during this time of war. In addition to those names given in our previous issues must be added the names of: W. Briggs (Eshton), Lord Kitchener’s Army (cavalry), Healing, near Grimsby; N.A. England, Town Head, gazetted Captain in the 6th Reserve Battalion Territorial Force, West Riding Regiment; G. Bramwell, Green Head, who has received a commission in the 3rd Northumberland Fusiliers, and is at Newcastle upon Tyne; and G. H. Ermen, Milton House, gazetted Captain in the 6th Reserve Battalion Territorial Force, West Riding Regiment.

23 April 1915

MILITARY PROMOTIONS

5th Battalion the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, Captain Godfrey H. Ermen to be adjutant; the under-mentioned to be second-lieutenants:– Christopher O. Wright (late acting lieutenant 1st Volunteer Battalion Yorkshire Regiment), and Private Geoffrey Astley Ingham (from the 5th Battalion of the Prince of Wales’ Own West Yorkshire Regiment.)

07 May 1915

DEATH OF CAPTAIN GODFREY ERMEN – A Popular Officer

We deeply regret to record the death of Captain and Adjutant Godfrey H. Ermen, of Milton House, Gargrave, which occurred on Tuesday at his residence after a painful brief illness.

The deceased gentleman, who was only thirty-seven years of age, was perhaps best known in Skipton and the Craven district as the manager of the English Sewing Cotton Company’s extensive mills at Skipton; but as a follower of the profession which has, alas, hastened his death, he was both familiar and popular in local military circles. It was whilst engaged in his arduous calling in the Territorial camp at Doncaster, where he was in training with the Reserve Battalion of the 6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, that he was suddenly stricken down by illness, acute influenza, necessitating his removal about a fortnight ago to his residence, where meningitis supervened, and notwithstanding the assiduous care and attention of Dr. Fisher, of Skipton, he died as stated. The inhabitants of Gargrave, among whom the deceased with his family have resided during the past six years, received the news of his death with profound and manifest regret, and his many friends and acquaintances, with the numerous employees at the mills of which he was manager, share the sorrow the bereavement has caused.

The late Captain Ermen was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ermen of Newton Abbot, in Devonshire. He was educated at Rossall School, St. Ann’s on Sea, and having completed his scholastic training entered his father’s business, the Nassau Sewing Cotton Mills at Patrycroft, near Manchester. Some six years ago he was appointed to the responsible position of manager of the English Sewing Cotton Company at Skipton, which office he filled with conspicuous ability and success. Shortly after the outbreak of war in August last he was commissioned to a captaincy in the 1st Reserve Battalion above mentioned, he having been the Hon. Captain in command of the local company of the National Reserve, in which movement he, as an experienced officer, evinced a whole hearted interest from its inception in which he took an active part some three or four years ago.

The deceased’s military experience was gained in the South African War. On the outbreak of that prolonged struggle in October 1899, he was a member of the officer’s training corps at the public school aforementioned, and was awarded a lieutenancy in the 3rd Manchester Regiment of volunteers. He served in South Africa during the last nine momentous months of the war, but returned unscathed, notwithstanding much active participation.

It is a tragic fact that shortly before his removal from Doncaster on sick leave, the late Captain Ermen was appointed Adjutant to Colonel Williamson the commander of the Reserve Battalion at Doncaster, and great hopes were entertained of his promotion to a yet higher military office. His untimely death removed one of the most esteemed and popular officers belonging to the units of Craven Territorials, and it is feared that the stress of his duties proved too much for his not too robust state of health, and robbed him of distinction as he stood on the very threshold of a noble career.

The late Captain Ermen married Miss Nora Boggs, the second daughter of Mr. McIntyre Boggs of Eccles, near Manchester, by whom he had two children.

The funeral, which will be attended by full military honours, takes place today (Friday) at Gargrave.

07 May 1915

THE LATE CAPTAIN ERMEN

Capt. Godfrey Ermen’s death came as a shock to all those Skiptonians who had the pleasure of acquaintance with a pleasing personality, and to none of them more poignantly that the staff and employees of the English Sewing Cotton Company. His quiet and unobtrusive manner had already won for him a large circle of admirers, and as an officer in the local Reserve Battalion he quickly became endeared in no small measure to his colleagues and the men in the ranks alike. It is an early age indeed – he was but in his 38th year – for one so full of promise in both a commercial and military sense to be cut off, and it is cause for lament that so experienced an officer should by ruthless fate be laid low when the work to which he had given his ready hand was done. The late Captain saw service in South Africa, and to few such gentlemen has it fallen to twice offer their life for the country’s weal. Though it is to be surely regretted that he has not lived to fulfil his self-imposed task on foreign soil, nothing can mitigate the honour due to him for this double sacrifice, and the greatest possible sympathy, in which we are sure all the readers of this journal who were acquainted with the gallant gentleman will share, will be extended to his wife and children and relatives who mourn for him.

21 May 1915

CHILDREN’S FEAR OF THE GERMANS

Writing to Mr. Wm. Ewart, of Broughton Road, Skipton, Sergt. Burton, who was employed at Belle Vue Mills, Skipton, says:– “This is war, or murder, which you like to call it. He is a lucky man that gets through it. Day and night one continual roar of guns and shells. But it has to be done, and lives will have to be lost. If you could see the havoc which the Germans have done while they occupied these places it would bring tears to your eyes. If you mention ‘Germans’ the children run to their mothers frightened. Of course, our regiment have lost some good lads both killed and wounded, but you never hear any crumbling. It’s all in the game, and we will have to win. We must never have our children to endure the German yoke.” In a postscript the writer says:– “Very sorry to hear of Capt. Ermen’s death. I found him a gentleman to work under. By his death we have lost a good manager and the King a good soldier.”

24 December 1915

CRAVEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR – GARGRAVE

Captain and Adjutant Godfrey Ermen, 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, died on May 3rd at his residence, Milton House, Gargrave, from acute influenza. He was stricken down by illness whilst in training with his regiment in Doncaster. He was perhaps best known in the Craven district as the manager of the English Sewing Company’s mills at Skipton. He was 37 years of age and left a widow and two children.

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