John BLAND (1)

23 July 1915

BARNOLDSWICK SOLDIERS KILLED, WOUNDED, AND MISSING

A letter received by the parents of Pte. Walter Smith (Cecil Street) last week-end stated that two Barnoldswick soldiers, Pte. Henry Bramall and Pte. Rd. Duerden had been killed. Pte. Bramall is a married man whose wife resides at 7, Queen Street, but no confirmation of the sad news had been received up to yesterday (Thursday) morning. Duerdon was a Blackburn reservist working in Barnoldswick at the outbreak of war.

Pte. Thomas Edward Heyworth, of the 2nd King's Own Lancaster Regiment, is lying in a precarious condition at the County of London Hospital, Epsom, suffering from wounds received at St. Eloi on the 8th inst. He was only married at Easter, and his wife resides at 28, Colin Street, Barnoldswick. She went to see him on Monday and found him unconscious. He had been shot in the right elbow and the forearm had been amputated, but news came yesterday that it had been found necessary to take off the entire limb in order to save his life. His brother, Pte. Hy Heyworth of the 1st Border Regiment was wounded in France, and after being home to Barnoldswick on furlough has now gone to the Dardanelles.
The parents reside at 23, Wellington Street.

Pte. John Bland, of the 3rd Duke of Wellington's, brother of Mrs. Peace, Melville Avenue, has been reported missing since the 5th of May.

15 October 1915

HELLIFIELD - Missing

Private John Bland, of the 3rd Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. R. Bland, of Halton West, has been missing since May 5th. He was officially reported missing in June, but his father had received a letter from a friend to say that he was dead. No official information has been received from the War Office, but from enquiries made by the father a letter has been received from Pte. Bland's Major, who is afraid the worst has happened, as the unfortunate man cannot be traced. Private Bland, who was only 19 years of age, joined the forces last November, and had only been in France a few days before being reported as missing. He was formerly employed in farm service at Dale Head. It is to be hoped that the unfortunate man may yet turn up, or that something definite may be known concerning him.

25 February 1916

HELLIFIELD MAN KILLED IN ACTION - PRIVATE JOHN BLAND

Mr. R. Bland, of Halton West, has received official news from the Infantry Record Office at York that his son, Private John Bland, was killed on or about May 5th, 1915. Private Bland was 19 years of age, and had only been in France a few days. It had been previously reported in these columns that he was amongst the missing, but all hopes now are futile, Mr. Bland having received the usual message of sympathy from the War Office.

Private Bland is the first from Hellifield to have sacrificed his life for his country's cause.

17 March 1916

KILLED IN ACTION - LANCE-CORPORAL ARTHUR CHARLES RUSSELL

Quite a gloom was cast over the village of Hellifield last week when it became known that Lance-Corporal Arthur Charles Russell, signaller, of the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, had been killed whilst on active service. The deceased, a strong well-built young fellow of six feet, was 24 years of age and was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. E. H Russell of Station Road, Hellifield.

His Commanding Officer states that the unfortunate soldier was killed instantaneously by the bursting of a shell in his dug-out. There were seven in the dug-out, and of these two were killed and three wounded, the other two being untouched. The officer mentions that Lance-Corporal Russell was an excellent signaller and was always a helpful, cheery fellow.

The Sergeant writes as fellows:- "Lance-Corporal Russell was very much respected by officer and comrade, and I cannot speak too highly of him. He was my right-hand man and was absolutely straight and honourable in all his duties. He was fearless and reliable at all times, always an example to others, and his first thought was for his comrades."

Before joining the forces, when war first broke out, Lance-Corporal Russell was a ticket examiner in the employ of the Midland Railway, and was attached to the staff at Beeston Station, near Nottingham. Previously, he was at Hellifield Station, where he was well-known and highly respected. He was connected with St. Aidan's Church where he was first a choirboy and afterwards an adult member of the same choir. He was of a very reserved and quiet disposition, although always cheerful and happy. Three months ago he came from the trenches for a week's furlough. He seemed to be quite happy in his surroundings, and was never heard to grumble or regret joining the army.

A peculiar coincidence in connection with this tragic incident is that Mr. E. H. Russell's other son, who has been in the Bermudas for the last nine years, arrived in England on the same day and about the same time as the younger son was killed. It may be mentioned that Mr. George Russell has undertaken the long journey across the Atlantic in order that he may serve his King and Country.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday evening at St. Aidan's Church a memorial service was held. Coupled with the name of Lance-Corporal Arthur Charles Russell was that of Private John Bland, who was reported killed a fortnight ago. The 6th West Riding Cadets, in charge of Captain T. C. Sharples and Lieut. W. Ward, paraded in the village and marched to the Church. They were followed by practically the whole of the Hellifield station staff and men connected with other Departments of the railway. The church was filled to its utmost capacity, every available seat being occupied. The service also was very impressive, special lessons being read and a special hymn sung.

The Vicar, Rev. A. J. Whyte, took for his text, 'Greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for his friends.' The reverend gentleman said that one should regard life as a spiritual struggle upon which a character is moulded. Two lives had been taken from their midst, both had made the great sacrifice, but they had not died in vain. He would comment, to all those who had come to pay their last tribute to those brave fellows, as a practical ideal, the character of Arthur Charles Russell as told to them by his sergeant, who said - "He was fearless and reliable at all times, straight and honourable in all his duties, his first thought was for his comrades, he was an example to others." That character had been founded upon the teaching of Christ. His life had not been a question of money or fame, but had been one of purely Christian character.

The Dead March in 'Saul,' 'O Rest in the Lord,' and Handel's 'Comfort ye my people,' were played by the organist, Mr. H. S. Lowe. At the close of the service the National Anthem was sung.

06 December 1918

BLAND - November 29th, at Holme House, Gargrave, Harry Bland, aged 17 years.

[The above obituary refers to the brother of Private John Bland]