Herbert SHIRES

11 January 1918

BARNOLDSWICK – MISSING AND WOUNDED

Anxiety is felt as to the fate of another Barnoldswick soldier, Private Herbert Shires, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was reported wounded on the same date (November 27th), but of whom no further tidings have been received. A letter from his officer states that he was last seen at the dressing station on his way to hospital. He is one of five soldier sons of Mrs. Brown, 30, Lower North Avenue, who will he very grateful for any news of him Another son was severely ‘gassed’ a short time ago, and is still undergoing hospital treatment.

03 May 1918

SHIRES – In loving memory of Private Herbert Shires, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mrs. M. A. Brown, 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick, presumed killed on or since November 27th, 1917.

A loving son and brother kind,
A beautiful memory left behind;
In the midst of strife he passed away,
We miss him most who loved him best.

From his Mother, Brothers and Sweetheart, 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick.

03 May 1918

Private Herbert Shires, Barnoldswick

The War Office have notified Mrs. M. A. Brown, 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick, presuming the death of her son, Private Herbert Shires, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who had been missing since November 27th. He was 24 years of age. Two of his brothers are in France, one in Egypt, and another a prisoner in Germany. The family are natives of Wennington.

03 May 1918

WOUNDED AND MISSING

In response to enquiries through the Red Cross, Mrs. M. A. Brown, 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick, received yesterday (Thursday) morning the following communication with reference to her sone (missing since November 27th):– “We deeply regret to inform you that the name of Pte. Herbert Shires, West Riding Regiment, appears in the official German list of dead.”

29 November 1918

SHIRES – In affectionate remembrance of Private Herbert Shires (Duke of Wellington’s), reported dead and was buried while in the hands of the Germans, November 27th, 1917, aged 24 years.

We often think of days gone by
When we were all together,
A shadow o’er our lives is cast–
A dear one gone for ever.
We prayed for a safe return,
And longed to clasp his hand;
But God has postponed the meeting
Till we meet in the better land.

From his Mother, Stepfather, and Brothers, 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick.

SHIRES – In ever loving memory of Private Herbert Shires (Duke of Wellington’s), reported dead and was buried while in the hands of the Germans, November 27th, 1917, aged 24 years.

There is a link death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance live for ever.

From Mary, 34 Church Street, Barnoldswick.

02 May 1919

SHIRES – In affectionate remembrance of Private Wilfred Shires, West Riding Regiment, who was killed in action in France May 3rd, 1918, aged 20 years; also his brother, Private Herbert Shires, who was killed on or about November 27th, 1917, aged 21 years.

Two loving sons, two brothers kind,
A beautiful memory left behind;
None but aching hearts can know
The unknown grave is the bitterest blow.

From his loving Father, Mother, Brothers and Sister-in-law and dearest friend, Mary Widdup; also his brother Jack in Egypt. 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick.

28 November 1919

SHIRES – In ever loving memory of our dear sons and brothers, Pte. Herbert Shires, 2/5th Duke of Wellington’s who was reported missing November 27th, 1917, at Bourlon Wood, aged 24 years; also his brother, Pte. William Shires, 1/6th Duke of Wellington’s, who was killed in action in France May 3rd, 1918, aged 20 years.

Sleep on, dear sons, as days go by
No flowers can we lay on the grave where you lie;
For the broad wide ocean does keep us apart,
Your ever smiling faces shall dwell in our hearts.
As we look at your pictures, that hang on the wall,
The smile on your faces we can’t but recall.
We miss you, God knows, and mourn you unseen,
And dwell on the memories of days that have been.

From their ever loving Mother, Stepfather, Brothers, Sister-in-law, and Mary, 30 Lower North Avenue, Barnoldswick.