Main CPGW Record
Surname: BIRKETT
Forename(s): John
Place of Birth: Shadwell (Leeds), Yorkshire
Service No: 2478
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 'B' Coy 1/6th Battalion
Division: 49th (West Riding) Division
Age: 25
Date of Death: 1916-09-16
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: I. G. 6.
CWGC Cemetery: BLIGHTY VALLEY CEMETERY, AUTHUILLE WOOD
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EMBSAY-WITH-EASTBY, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
John Birkett was the son of Walter and Mary Ann Birkett, née Rodgers. Walter was born at Shadwell and Mary Ann at Laytham, Yorkshire.
1901 Holbeck, Leeds, Yorkshire Census: 33, Willoughby Crescent - John Birkett, aged 8 years, born Shadwell, Yorkshire, son of Walter and Mary A. Birkett.
1911 Embsay, Yorkshire Census: West Lane Top - John Birkett, aged 17 years, born Shadwell, Yorkshire, son of Walter and Mary Ann Birkett.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte John Birkett. 6/2478, W. Rid. R. K. in A.16.9.16.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte John Birkett. 6/2478, 1/6 W. Rid. R. K. in A.16.9.16.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte John Birkett. 6/2478, 1/6th Bn W. Riding. Date and Place of Death: 16.9.16. France. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Mother and Sole Legatee - Mary Ann. £18 4s. 4d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for John. Name(s) on card(s): Dependant: Mrs Mary Ann Birkett. Age: 47. Relationship: Mother. Address: 24, Greenfield Street, Broughton Road, Skipton.
A short biography of John is included in: ‘Though lost to sight to memory ever dear – Embsay-with-Eastby First World War Roll of Honour’ by Jane Lunnon, David Turner, Chris Lunnon (2018).
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:
BIRKETT, J., aged 23, West Riding Regt., son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Birkett, 24, Greenfield Street, Skipton, killed in action Sept. 16, 1916.
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Private John BIRKETT
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 49th (West Riding) Division
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WEST YORKSHIRE PIONEER ILLUSTRATED WAR RECORD
Private John Birkett
Blighty Valley Cemetery, Authuille Wood
CWGC Headstone
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
29 September 1916
BIRKETT - September 16th, killed in action in France, Pte. John Birkett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Birkett, 24, Greenfield Street, Skipton, aged 23 years.
29 September 1916
ONE OF THREE BROTHERS SERVING - ANOTHER SKIPTON SOLDIER KILLED: PRIVATE JOHN BIRKETT
We regret to record the death of another Skipton soldier, Pte. John Birkett, one of the three soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Birkett, of 24, Greenfield Street, Skipton. Deceased was serving with the West Riding Regiment and apparently met his death through being buried in a dug-out by the bursting of an enemy shell. The sad news reached the parents during last weekend from Captain Sam H. Clough, the officer in command of 'B' Company whose letter was as follows:-
"It is with the greatest sorrow that I have to tell you of the death of your son, Pte. Birkett, of this Company. It occurred about 6 p.m. on the night of the 16th inst. We were being shelled and unfortunately your son was buried by one of them, and when he was dug out he was quite dead. He was buried yesterday in a small cemetery about half a mile behind the line in a place set apart for soldiers killed in action. We are all very much upset by his death, as he was a most popular fellow and always most willing and obliging, and what is most important, always most cheerful. He was a bomber and one of the best we had, and we shall all miss him very much indeed. Please accept the very deepest sympathy of the officers, N.C.O.s and men of this Company."
Deceased, who was only 23 years of age, enlisted soon after the outbreak of war, and was formerly employed as a labourer by Mr. Benjamin Kirk, contractor, of Skipton. His parents formerly lived at Embsay, and at one time Pte. Birkett was a member of the Embsay Football team. Mr. and Mrs. Birkett have two other sons in the Army - Pte. William Birkett, who is with the R.F.A. in France, and Pte. James Birkett, who is training with the West Riding Regiment in England. They have also a son-in-law serving - Pte. Tom Burnett, who has been a prisoner of war since the early days of the struggle. An old soldier, Pte. Burnett was called up as a reservist at the outbreak of the war.
06 October 1916
EMBSAY - MEMORIAL SERVICE
On Sunday morning a service was held in St. Mary's Parish Church in memory of the death of Private John Birkett, who was killed in action in the recent fighting in France. A large number of relatives and friends were present to pay loving and respectful tribute to the memory of the brave lad who had made the great sacrifice for his King and Country. Special hymns were sung, and the Rev. C. V. Brown, M.A. (vicar), in his sermon paid special tribute to those who, like Pte. Birkett, had made immediate response to the call of the nation at the outbreak of War. At the conclusion of the service the Dead March in 'Saul' was played. The flag was flown at half-mast during the day. This is the fourth memorial service that has been held in connection with the Embsay brave.
21 September 1917
BIRKETT - In loving memory of a dear son and brother, Private Jack Birkett, killed in action, 16th September 1916.
"Only those who have loved and lost can understand."
From Mother, Brothers and Sisters.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
29 September 1916
BIRKETT - September 16th, in France, Pte. John Birkett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Birkett, of 24, Greenfield Street, Skipton, of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, aged 23.
29 September 1916
ANOTHER SKIPTON SOLDIER KILLED
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Birkett, of 24, Greenfield Street, Skipton, and formerly of Embsay, received word on Friday last that their son, Pte. John Birkett, of the West Riding Regiment, had been killed in action. In a letter to his parents, Captain S. H. Clough, commanding officer 'B' Company, writes:- "It is with the greatest sorrow that I have to tell you of the death of your son, Pte. Birkett, of this company. It occurred about 6 p.m. on the night of September 16th. We were being shelled, and unfortunately your son was buried by one of the shells, and when he was dug out he was quite dead. He was buried yesterday in a small cemetery about half a mile behind the line in a place set apart for soldiers killed in action. We are all very much upset by it, as he was a most popular fellow. He was always most willing and obliging, and what is most important, he was always most cheerful. He was a bomber and one of the best we had. We shall all miss him very much indeed. Please accept the very deepest sympathy of the officers, N.C.O.s and men of this company."
Pte. Birkett, who was only 23 years of age, enlisted soon after the outbreak of war, and he was formerly employed by Mr. Benjamin Kirk, contractor, of Skipton. When residing at Embsay, he was a playing member of the Embsay football team. Mr. and Mrs. Birkett have two other sons serving in the Army - Driver William Birkett, who is attached to the Royal Field Artillery, is at present in France, and Pte. James Birkett, of the West Riding Regiment, is at present in training in England. Mr. and Mrs. Birkett have also a son-in-law serving, Pte. Tom Burnett, who has been a prisoner of war since shortly after the outbreak of hostilities. He was a reservist when war broke out, having served previously in the Army for five years.
06 October 1916
EMBSAY
MEMORIAL SERVICE - On Sunday morning a service was held in St. Mary's Parish Church in memory of the death of Private John Birkett, who was killed in action in the recent fighting in France. A large number of relatives and friends were present to pay loving and respectful tribute to the memory of the brave boy who had made the great sacrifice for his King and Country. Special hymns were sung, and Rev. C. V. Brown, M.A. (rector), in his sermon paid special tribute to those who, like Pte. Birkett, had made immediate response to the call of the nation at the outbreak of war. At the conclusion of the service the Dead March in 'Saul' was played. The flag was flown at half-mast during the day. This is the fourth memorial service of a similar nature that has been held at Embsay.
08 June 1917
ANOTHER SKIPTON MILITARY MEDALLIST
Private Thomas Birkett, of the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Birkett, of 24, Greenfield Street, Skipton, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the field on May 3rd.
Captain Stanley J. Rhodes, in a letter to Pte. Birkett's mother states:- "I expect you will have heard by now that your son has been awarded the Military Medal, and I am certain you will be proud of your son earning this distinction. I thought I would drop you a line and let you know, and congratulate you on your son's gallantry. He was one of my runners, and was with me on May 3rd. Just after the commencement of the attack he was hit in the leg, but still carried on and gave me invaluable assistance in the issuing and carrying out of my orders. He was hit three times before he left me, and then only out of exhaustion through loss of blood. I am glad to know that he is making good progress."
Pte. Birkett is at present in Haxby Road Military Hospital, York. He is 20 years of age, and prior to enlisting about two years ago, he was employed by Mr. Maude, farmer. Bradley. He has another brother serving in France, Driver Wm. Birkett, who is attached to thee Royal Field Artillery, while another brother, Pte. John Birkett, who was formerly employed by Mr. Ben Kirk, of Embsay, was killed on the Somme last year.
13 July 1917
ANOTHER SKIPTON MILITARY MEDALLIST
The name of Private James Birkett, of the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Birkett, of 14, Greenfield Street, Skipton, is given in last Monday's official list as having been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field on May 3rd.
Captain Stanley J. Rhodes, in a letter to Pte. Birkett's mother, states:- "I expect you will have heard by now that your son has been awarded the Military Medal, and I am certain you will be proud of your son earning this distinction. I thought I would drop you a line and let you know, and congratulate you on your son's gallantry. He was one of my runners and was with me on May 3rd. Just after the commencement of the attack he was hit in the leg, but still carried on and gave me invaluable assistance in the issuing and carrying out of my orders. He was hit three times before he left me, and then only out of exhaustion through loss of blood. I am glad to know that he is making good progress."
Pte. Birkett is at present, in Haxby Road Military Hospital, York. He is 20 years of age, and prior to enlisting about two years ago, he was employed by Mr. Maude, farmer, Bradley. He has another brother serving in France, Driver Wm. Birkett, who is attached to the Royal Field Artillery, while another brother, Pte. John Birkett, who was formerly employed by Mr. Ben Kirk, of Embsay, was killed last year on the Somme.
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