Main CPGW Record
Surname: FAWCETT
Forename(s): John
Place of Birth: Castle Bolton, Yorkshire
Service No: 40330
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Battalion / Unit: 18th (Service) Battalion. (2nd Bradford)
Division: 31st Division
Age: ---
Date of Death: 1917-06-16
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: III. H. 36.
CWGC Cemetery: AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: BEAMSLEY, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: BOLTON ABBEY, YORKSHIRE
Local War Memorial: CASTLE BOLTON, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
John Fawcett was the son of Ann Fawcett (born Castle Bolton, c. 1843), daughter of John and Mary Fawcett.
1881 Castle Bolton, Yorkshire Census: John Fawcett, aged 1 year, born Castle Bolton, grandson of Mary Fawcett, widow.
1891 Castle Bolton, Yorkshire Census: John Fawcett, aged 11 years, born Castle Bolton. [John and his mother Ann were living with her mother, Mary Fawcett, widow.]
1901 Castle Bolton, Yorkshire Census: John Fawcett, aged 21 years, born Castle Bolton, son of Ann Fawcett, single.
1911 Alwoodley, Leeds, Yorkshire Census: John Fawcett, aged 31 years, born Castle Bolton, Yorkshire. [John was employed by Harry Kent, Farmer.]
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte John Fawcett, 40330, W. York. R. D. of W. 16.6.17.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte John Fawcett, 40330, 18th W. York. R. Died of Wounds 16.6.17.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte John Fawcett, 40330, 18th Bn W. Yorks. Date and Place of Death: 16.6.17 France. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Cousin and Administratrix - Mrs. Annie Wade £7 15s. 6d. [Annie was the wife of John Jackson Wade and daughter of Robert and Isabella Horn, née Fawcett.]
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) for John not found.
A Roll of Honour, with photographs of those serving in the Great War, existed in the Wesleyan Chapel at Halton East. John Fawcett is the only one, of fourteen, whose name is known (see 'Craven Herald' 28 June 1918).
The informal title of the 18th (Service) Bn Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (2nd Bradford) was the 2nd Bradford Pals.
Short biographies of John are included in:
‘Wensleydale Remembered – The Sacrifice made by the Families of a Northern Dale 1914-1918 and 1939-1945’ by Keith Taylor (2004).
‘Swaledale & Wharfedale Remembered – Aspects of Dales’ life through peace and war’ by Keith Taylor (2006).
Data Source: Local War Memorial
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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
FAWCETT, John, West Yorkshire Regiment, Halton East, killed in action June 16, 1917.
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Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Prince of Wales’s Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 31st Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
28 June 1918
HALTON EAST – Anniversary Services
The Wesleyan Chapel at Halton East was crowded to excess on Sunday last, the occasion being the Sunday School anniversary. Two eloquent sermons were preached by the Rev. H. P. Thomas, of Silsden, who also said special prayers for the soldiers who had enlisted from the village. Most of them have passed through the Sunday School; fourteen having joined the Colours, and one has paid the supreme sacrifice (Private John Fawcett). The singing was much appreciated, the children’s efforts being a credit to Miss Soulby, the Sunday School superintendent. Mrs. Walker, of Skipton, was the soloist and she was in fine form. The Roll of Honour was read out at both services, and the collections amounted to £4 0s. 4d. It has been decided to forward 5s. each to the young men serving with the Forces from Halton. Their photos are hung in the chapel. Miss Walker accompanied for the soloist, and Miss Soulby played for the other part of the service.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
06 July 1917
HALTON EAST SOLDIER KILLED
Official news has been received from the War Office by Mrs. J. Wade that her cousin, Pte. John Fawcett, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in action on June 16th. Prior to enlisting he was employed by Messrs. John Green and Sons, Bolton Abbey. He is the first man from Halton East to lay down his life for his country. A memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday last.
06 July 1917
FAWCETT – Killed in action, June 16th, Pte. John Fawcett, West Yorks. Regiment, of Halton East, near Skipton.
06 December 1918
Bolton Abbey and the War
The ecclesiastical parish of Bolton Abbey, which includes Beamsley, Barden, Bolton Abbey, Halton East & Hazlewood with Storiths, has worked with untiring energy and zeal since the commencement of the war. The following amounts have been raised for War Charities:– By collections in the Abbey church, £38 2s. 11d; by collections in Beamsley Wesleyan Chapel, £12 8s. 1½d; by collections in Barden Church, £3s. 3d [£3 3s]; by the Bolton Abbey working party, £385: by concert, arranged by Mrs. Herbert Carr £18 18s.; making a grand total of £459 15s. 3½d.
The roll of honour contains 97 names; eleven have given their lives in the great cause. These are:– Sylvester Hartley, John Fawcett, Basil Newall, Gill Morell, Herbert Holmes, George Binns, John Thomas Ideson, John Mitchell, William Mitchell, William Johnson and James Atkins. Two are at present prisoners in Germany, Dixon Robinson, Allan Hudson; three have been discharged as unfit, Alex Nelson, Norman Nelson, Frank Higgins; and one presumed killed but not definitely notified, Sec. Lieutenant C. Boothman, R.F.C. Each Christmas the lads from Bolton Abbey have received a parcel, and the greatest credit is due to the committee and Mrs. Downs, who has been secretary, for their labour of love.
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