Main CPGW Record
Surname: CAPSTICK
Forename(s): Hector
Place of Birth: Dent, Yorkshire
Service No: 30900
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Battalion / Unit: 183rd Coy
Division: 61st (2/South Midland) Division
Age: 18
Date of Death: 1917-08-27
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Panel 154 to 159.
CWGC Cemetery: ---
CWGC Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: AUSTWICK, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: COWGILL, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
Hector Capstick was the son of Margaret Capstick (born Dent, Yorkshire, c. 1870), daughter of Edward and Agnes Capstick, née Bannister.
1901 Kirkthwaite, Cowgill, Yorkshire Census: Sportsmans Inn - Hector Capstick, aged 2 years, born Dent, Yorkshire. [Hector and his mother, Margaret, were living at the Sportsmans Inn where she was employed as a servant.]
1911 Giggleswick, Yorkshire Census: Blaithwaite - Hector Capstick, aged 12 years, born Dent, Yorkshire, son of Margaret and nephew of Thomas Bentham. [Thomas had married Margaret's sister, Ann Capstick, in 1895. Ann died in 1903 and Thomas married Margaret in 1904.]
The British Army Service Record for Hector Capstick exists but may be incomplete.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte Hector Capstick, 30900, M.G.C.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte Hector Capstick, 30900, M.G.C. Killed in Action 27.8.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte Hector Capstick, 30900, 183rd Co., M.G.C. Date and Place of Death: 27.8.17. In Action. France or Belgium. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother - Margaret Bentham. £20 13s. 3d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for Hector. Name(s) on card(s): Mrs Margaret Bentham. Relationship: Mother. Address: Blaithwaite, Giggleswick, Settle.
A short biography of Hector is included in: ‘Sedbergh and District 1914-1918 – But who shall return the children?’ Compiled by Sedbergh and District History Society. Edited by Diane Elphick (2016).
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: ---
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Private Hector CAPSTICK
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 61st (2/South Midland) Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
14 September 1917
DENT - KILLED IN ACTION
Official news has been received that Pte. H. Capstick, Northumberland Fusiliers, of Cowgill, has been killed instantaneously in action in France. He was of a very cheerful and obliging disposition and was highly respected by both employers and companions.
He was so eager to join the Army that two years ago he declared his age to be 19 when he was only 16. He was, therefore, only 18 years of age when killed.
21 September 1917
CAPSTICK - August 27th 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Pte. Hector Capstick, Machine Gun Corps, second son of Mrs. T. Bentham, Blaithwaite, Eldroth, aged 18 years.
21 September 1917
AUSTWICK - PRIVATE HECTOR CAPSTICK KILLED
News was received on Saturday week of the death in action of Private Hector Capstick (18), Machine Gun Corps, second son of Mrs. T. Bentham, Blaithwaite, Eldroth. In a touching letter of sympathy to deceased's mother, Lieut. Edgar E. Smith, says:- "I am very sorry indeed to have to send you the sad news of the death of your son, Pte. H. Capstick. He died in action on August 27th. He was a brave good lad, and I shall feel his loss very much indeed. It is some small consolation to know that he felt no pain, but was killed instantly. He died at the post of duty, firing his gun amidst an awful bombardment, and carrying on until he was killed. As his officer allow me to express my deep sorrow and sympathy with you at his loss."
Private Capstick enlisted at Whitsuntide 1915, at the age of 16, in the Northumberland Fusiliers, but was later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He went to France on June 15th 1916. Prior to enlisting he was employed on farm work by Mr. Procter, Barkerfield, Clitheroe. He is the second of the Eldroth School 'old boys' to give his life for his country.
04 January 1918
ELDROTH - MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service was recently held at Eldroth Church in memory of the four youths who have paid the supreme sacrifice. The preacher was the vicar, the Rev. A. S. Sutcliffe, who preached a very touching and impressive service, naming Private Joseph Wood, of Bridge End, Eldroth, who died whilst in training at Salisbury Plain; Private Richard Titterington, of the Canadians, who was killed in action last February, the eldest son of Mr. R Titterington, late of Acrill Hall, and now in Canada, and grandson of Mr. R. Titterington, of Bludsgarth; Private Hector Capstick, killed in action in August last; Private William Wallbank, died of wounds a few weeks ago, the fifth son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Wallbank, of Chapman Bank. There was a nice gathering of parishioners in spite of the stormy weather.
23 August 1918
CAPSTICK - In loving memory of Private Hector Capstick, killed in action August 27th, 1917.
Days of sadness still come o'er us,
Hidden tears oft-times flow;
But memory keeps our dear one near us,
Although he died a year ago.
Ever remembered by all at home, Blaithwaite, and his two soldier Brothers.
22 August 1919
CAPSTICK - In over loving memory of our dear Hector, killed in action August 27th, 1917.
Two years have passed - we miss him still -
We loved him in life, we love him still;
From memory's page we'll never blot
Those three little words: Forget him not.
From all at home.
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