James Hartley CROWTHER

27 October 1916

BARNOLDSWICK – A Drill-master’s Appointment

Staff-Sergt.-Instructor Jas. H. Crowther, of Powell Street, Barnoldswick, has been appointed staff instructor of the Skipton Cadet Company. Mr. Crowther has had twelve years’ service in the Manchester Regiment, from which he was discharged medically unfit three years ago. During the present war he rejoined the Army on Lord Kitchener’s appeal for ex.-N.C.O.’s, but was discharged again for the same reason after four months’ service as instructor in the East Lancs. Regiment. In September of last year he was appointed drill instructor of the Barnoldswick Special Constabulary, and immediately afterwards of the Barnoldswick (E Coy.) Cadets, both of which he has raised to a high standard of proficiency. At a recent inspection of platoon and company drill of the Barnoldswick Cadets, he was very highly commended by Capt. Lord, the Divisional Inspector. The E Company have commenced miniature rifle practice at the Drill Hall where they have taken over the rifles and ammunition lately used by the Barnoldswick Rifle Club.

12 January 1917

BARNOLDSWICK – CADETS’ BENEFIT

By the kindness of Mrs. Palmer benefit performances in aid of the local Cadet Corps were given at the Alhambra Theatre on the first three evenings of the week. The cadets (1st and 2nd Companies) themselves supplied one part of the programme by giving, under the direction of Staff-Sergt. Instructor J.H. Crowther, a military scena illustrative of ‘A Day in a Soldier’s Life.’ Commencing with ‘Reveille,’ the exhibition comprised Swedish drill and other military exercises, in which the lads displayed a remarkable proficiency. A ‘route march’ with drums and bugles during which the young bloods gave tongue to ‘Tipperary’ and other classics tickled the audience immensely. The scena was concluded with the ‘Last Post’ and bivouac. In the second half Mr. Crowther and two young lady pupils gave a clever exhibition of club swinging and single stick exercises.

31 August 1917

CROWTHER – August 26th, 1917, at 44, Mosley Street, Barnoldswick, Staff-Sergeant-Instructor James H. Crowther, aged 39 years.

31 August 1917

BARNOLDSWICK – DRILL INSTRUCTOR’S DEATH AND FUNERAL

The death occurred on Sunday last, at his residence, 44, Mosley Street, of Staff-Sergeant-Instructor James H. Crowther, eldest son of the late Mr. Wm. Crowther, of Buck Street, Barnoldswick. The deceased had served five years in the Manchester Regt., and seven years on the reserve, when he was discharged in 1913, with the rank of Corporal. He re-enlisted on August 5th, 1914, and joined the East Lancashire Regt., in which he was given sergeant’s rank, obtaining his discharge owing to heart affection after seven months’ service. He was 39 years of age and leaves a wife and one child in arms. Both before and since the present war Segt. Crowther took a deep interest in the Boy Scout and Cadet movements and as instructor to both sections exerted a powerful influence over the boys, amongst whom he was held in high esteem. Latterly, he had also acted in the capacity of instructor to the Special Constabulary. The funeral at Gill Church on Wednesday afternoon was of a semi-military character, the cortege being preceded by the local cadets with muffled drums and reversed arms, followed by the special constables, wearing their regulation caps and armlets. The cadets were in charge of Capt. Lord (O.C. for the Keighley District) and Capt. F. Baldwin, and the specials in charge of Inspector Killeen and Mr. F.H. Slater (section leader). The burial service was conducted by the Rev. J. Lord, curate. Wreaths were placed upon the coffin from the officers of the Cadet Corps and the Special Constabulary.