John Middleton MORPHET

25 June 1915

CRICKET AT THE FRONT

The following is a report sent by a Lance-Corporal in the Settle Territorials, who is at the Front:–
A cricket match of considerable interest was played between teams of ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies of the 6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment on Thursday evening, 17th instant. The ground situate between two burnt down farm houses, not far behind the firing line, was in a rough condition, dotted here and there with shell holes, and during the progress of the game, shells were bursting not far away on both right and left. The game was keenly followed by men of the companies concerned, with aeroplanes hovering over and around an old game in a new setting. The lads from Settle and Guiseley proved far too strong for the Skiptonians, as will be seen from the scores etc., below, Morphet and Claughton both bowled in fine style, and the men of ‘A’ Company put a very feeble show.

‘C’ Company

Lance-Corpl. J.M. Morphet b Burgess – 12
Pte. H. Claughton c E. Smith b Drummond – 2
Pte. H.M. Claughton c Petty b J. Smith – 20
Pte. Patterson b Lambert – 22
Pte. Chas. Parker c Lieut. Supple b Lambert – 7
Lieut. Whitaker lbw b Lambert – 3
Lieut. Geldard b Lambert – 3
Pte. F. Close lbw b Lieut. Supple – 0
Pte. J. Cardus not out – 11
Lance-Corpl. Denison b Lambert – 1
Pte. C. Peachy b Lambert – 0
Lance-Corpl. Arthur Parker b Lambert – 0
Extras – 16

Total – 97

‘A’ Company

Pte. Burgess c Peachy b Morphet – 4
Pte. Rimmer c Lieut. Whitaker b H.M. Claughton – 0
Pte. Drummond c Denison b Morphet – 0
Lance- Corpl. Ireland c Patterson b Morphet – 1
Pte. Petty c and b H.M. Claughton – 8
Pte. Kaye b H.M. Claughton – 0
Pte. J. Smith b H.M. Claughton – 5
Pte. Walton c A. Parker (wicket keeper) b Morphet – 0
Lieut. E.J.C. Supple c Lieut. Geldard b Claughton – 0
Pte. N. Smith b Morphet – 3
Pte. E. Smith b Morphet – 0
Lance-Corpl. Lambert not out – 0
Extras – 1
Total – 22

A HUMOROUS ANNOUNCEMENT

In connection with the above event Mr. T. Brayshaw, J.P., drew up and caused to be posted in Settle the following announcement:

GREAT CRICKET MATCH!
SPECIAL ATTRACTION!!

On Friday, June 18th (Military Duties, Germans, and weather permitting), it is intended to have a grand Cricket Match,

SETTLE v SKIPTON,

in a field at Fleurbaix (N.W. France), the teams being selected from the men of the above two towns now on active service with the 1st 6th Batt. Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

In order to promote the comfort of the spectators the locality will be carefully cleared of all German snipers beforehand, and visitors will be allowed to carry away fragments of any German shells that may fall on the Cricket Field during the progress of the game.

N.B. – There are still one or two vacancies ‘at the front,’ in case any unmarried young men from Settle wish to join the above teams.

GOTT–STRAFE–SKIPTON

27 August 1915

A WELL-KNOWN SETTLE CRICKETER KILLED

The sad news that Corporal John Morphet, of the 1/6 West Riding Regiment, or Territorials, had been killed in action last Sunday night, was received in Settle yesterday with manifestations of grief on every hand. It appears that whilst mounting a parapet he was struck down and instantly killed by a German bullet.

A Correspondent writes:– “Jack” Morphet, to use the familiar name by which he was known throughout a wide district, came to Settle some years ago, and up to the time of his enlistment held the post of school attendance officer. Possessed of a very genial personality and many manly qualities, he soon drew to himself a large circle of friends, whilst his powers in the field of sport quickly gained him a host of admirers. He will be greatly missed in the recreative life of the town, and especially where men meet together in the manly games of cricket and football.

His clear eye, swinging gait, and athletic figure were symbolical of the man, for “Jack” Morphet was an athlete from head to foot. No game amiss to him, but it was in the national summer and winter games of cricket and football that he excelled. A fine all-round cricketer, he always played the game for sheer love of it, and his successful bowling and batting performances brought him an enviable reputation in the Ribblesdale League. Many indeed are the feats he has accomplished on the Marshfield ground and on the other playing grounds of the league. Moreover, it may be safely said, he gained the respect of every opponent against whom he came.

At football, too, he had a wide reputation, and the premier association league clubs have more than once cast eyes in his direction. Always cool and steady himself, as though at practice – his steadying influence was always felt in the team, and his cheery advice to his fellow players was always accepted and acted upon with alacrity and benefit. The players of many clubs throughout Craven and the Hawes and Sedbergh district, where he resided before coming to Settle, will learn with sorrow the sad news of his death. Never defeated until the game was lost, he could place his back to the wall and fight an uphill game against any odds, always in the same cheery optimistic manner that hose who have watched him know so well. But the defeat of his side accomplished, he accepted it in the true spirit of sportsmanship. No less noticeable was his modesty in the hour of success, and those qualities made him a popular figure on every playing ground with the opponents and spectators alike.

When the war broke out, with other members of the Settle Cricket Team, he threw aside bat and ball and enlisting in the local Territorials prepared for the stronger game of war and went to France with his battalion. The letter of his Colonel conveying the sad news of his death in which it is stated:– “He was a fine soldier, always cheerful and willing” shows that he carried with him on the battle fields of France and Belgium those qualities which he learnt, and which stood him in such good stead on the battle fields of Craven – qualities which endeared him to such a host of friends.

Settle people will extend their sympathy to those who were near and dear to him and mourn with them in their loss.

“Jack” Morphet leaves behind him memories too numerous to set out in this short appreciation, but those who have watched his grit and sturdy defence in a tight corner when in friendly rivalry, will have no difficulty in conjuring in their minds the sight of him cheerily facing the foes of his country when the stakes at issue are not a silver cup or medal, but freedom and right. It is sad to think that we shall see him no more, but knowing him as we did, what nobler or more fitting tribute could be paid to him than to remember that he died fighting on the battlefields of Belgium as he fought on the playing fields of Craven, “playing the man.” R.I.P.

03 September 1915

THE LATE LANCE-CORPORAL MORPHET OF SETTLE

As reported exclusively in the ‘Pioneer’ last week, Lance-Corporal Morphet, of Settle, was killed in action. The news was received in Settle and district with the utmost regret, as Mr. Morphet was a well-known and popular figure. It appears that he had been repairing the parapet with sandbags, and had got up to beat the sandbags down, when a bullet entered his left arm and went through his heart, killing him instantaneously.

Lance-Corporal Morphet was 38 years of age, and had previously been a solicitor’s clerk at Sedbergh. His parents, to whom much sympathy is extended, live at Gawthrop, Dent. In 1905 he was appointed section attendance officer at Settle, and had charge of the attendance at most of the schools in the area. His cheerfulness and courtesy made him exceedingly popular throughout the district, while in the immediate neighbourhood of Settle his prowess at football and cricket, as we have already stated, greatly enhanced his popularity. He played football in his earlier days with Kendal and Sedbergh, and afterwards played with Aston Villa and Burnley, and in his later days was the mainstay of either Settle or Giggleswick, with whichever team he threw in his lot. His best position was full back, and by his steadiness he, on many occasions, saved his side. Often have the spectators said, “Now, Jack, take it off him”, and he was bad to beat.

On coming to Settle he joined the Cricket Club, and given a place in the team chiefly for his fast medium bowling. In his earlier seasons he met with no great success, but having developed slow leg break bowling in 1908 and onwards, he became a terror to batsmen and a source of great strength to his side, as will be seen from his averages below. In the season 1914, when Settle won the Ribblesdale League Cup, the brunt of the bowling fell on Lance-Corporal Morphet and Lance-Corporal A. Parker, though both joined the forces before the completion of the cricket programme. To Lance-Corporal Morphet’s lasting honour he joined the Army on the outbreak of war, in spite of the fact that he was above the then age limit.

In 1908 he had an average with the ball of 8.45, having taken 40 wickets for a cost of 338 runs, in 1909 8.6 for 48 wickets at a cost of 417 runs, in 1910 9.04 for 74 wickets at a cost of 669 runs, 1911 11.87 for 45 wickets at a cost of 587 runs, 1912 8.76 for 67 wickets at a cost of 587 runs, 1913 85 wickets for 776 runs average 9.12, and in 1914 45 wickets for 465 runs average 10.5. During the past seven years he had an average of over 50 wickets per year. In batting he on many occasions helped his side to victory, and in 1909 his average was 128, 1910 8.59, 1911 20.35, 1912 10.86, 1913 12.76 and 1914 11.6.

Colonel Birkbeck, in writing to the secretary of the Settle Cricket Club said: “You and Settle cricketers will be sorry to hear that Lance-Corporal J.M. Morphet has been killed. He was a fine fellow and excellent soldier, always willing to do anything and always happy under the worst conditions. I am indeed sorry to lose him.”

From the Sergeant-in-charge (Sergt. W.J. Robinson, of Giggleswick) comes the following tribute:– “I feel the loss of Lance-Corporal Morphet very much, as we were the only N.C.O.s in the platoon from Settle, since we came out first. Jack has been attached to us on his promotion. We have since slept together, dined together and roughed it together, and, of course, knowing each other shared each other’s ups and downs. He made himself a genial comrade, and was a most popular N.C.O., and his loss is keenly felt by officers, N.C.O.s and men. Whilst assiduous to duty, he did not fail to take a lively interest in the recreation part of our life out here, and his hand and eye had not lost their cunning in a game of cricket. It may be said that a cricket ball was found in his pack, and I am sure he must have carried is a good few miles. Jack has ‘played the game’. He has taken up his stand in the innings, has fought for his country, and he has been bowled out. He did not suffer, it was short and swift. May he rest in peace. He was buried behind the lines, and two Settle men, Private J. Ward and Private J. Tomlinson, attended his burial, the service being taken by Major Oaks. Lance-Corporal Morphet’s name will for many years to come, whenever cricket is being played at Settle, be on the lips and in the minds of those who used to love to see him getting his opponents ‘tied-up’.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT DENT

On Sunday evening last special reference was made by the Vicar of Dent to the recent death of Lance-Corporal Morphet. He read a letter received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morphet, of Gawthrop, written by his commanding officer, in which the sterling qualities of the deceased were highly spoken of and deep sympathy expressed for his parents thus bereaved. Throughout the dale sympathy is felt for the sorrowing parents.

24 December 1915

CRAVEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR – SETTLE

Lance Corporal John Morphet, 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment, killed in action on August 21st. School attendance officer at Settle for many years. A well-known local sportsman. Thirty-eight years of age.

04 January 1918

SETTLE’S FALLEN HEROES

Memorial Service at the Parish Church

A memorial service for the Settle soldiers who have fallen in the war was held at the Parish Church last Sunday afternoon. There was a large congregation, and the service was conducted by Rev. W. E. Linney (vicar). The hymns ‘God of the living in Whose eyes,’ ‘Jesus lives,’ ‘On the resurrection morn,’ and ‘ O God our help in aged past’ were sung, and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded at the close of the service by two of the local Cadets. The organist (Mr. F. Lord) also played appropriate music as the congregation assembled and left the church.

The Vicar, in the course of his sermon, said they were met to remember the Settle soldiers, men, and boys – some indeed little more than boys – who had laid down their lives for the country at the war, whether during the year which was just drawing to a close or in the earlier stages of the conflict. When he asked them to remember those heroes that day, he knew that he was asking them to do what they were always doing. They were their own dear ones united to many of them by ties of blood – husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, as well as friends. How could they forget them? Were they not reminded of them day by day by the gaps in their home circles, which could never again be filled by them? They all desired in their hearts that God would bless and keep them, and give them peace. and happiness. The Vicar then read the following list of the Settle men who had laid down their lives:– John Edward Bell, Geo. S. Belles, Fredk. Baldwin, John Barrett, Robert Bateson, William Bradley, Frank Bulcock, George R. Bullock, Herbert Clark, John Cokell, Edward Ellershaw, Jas. Ewart, Wm. Ewart, Fredk. Frost, Harold Goss, Alfred Gower, Joseph Lord, John Morphet, John Packard, Chas. Peachey, Thomas Howarth Preston, Albert Ralph, Thos. Stackhouse, George Edward Turner, Derwent Turnbull, Wm. Troughton, Harry Walton, John Edward Wilson, Ernest Wooff, and Robert Wooff. Proceeding, the Vicar said they had a responsibility with regard to those men. They owed them a debt, and he trusted and believed that they were wishful to do all that they could to repay it. “ Our lives are being saved by their death. If we have any future before us on the earth it is because they gave up their futures to secure it. Their right to survive was as good as our own. Many of them would have been of far more use in the world than we can hope to be. The future stands to be only poorer for our surviving in their stead. We are debtors to them for all they have given us. To the future think of all it has lost in them.” How were they going to pay the debt, and in paying it to honour their heroic dead? Surely there could be but one answer – to live to give effect to their ideals. When they were asked what those ideals were, they might be well put in the words of Bishop Walshaw How’s hymn written for the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria, “To make the world a better world for man’s brief earthly dwelling.” If Prussian militarism should gain the ascendancy the world would be scarcely a fit place to live in. What they wanted was the triumph of right and liberty. That was the task they had begun, and many of them, fired by the enthusiasm of a noble cause, literally went singing to their death. The old life which had no loftier aim than a high standard of material comfort had been felt to be unsatisfactory. To ardent youth the higher spirit of self-sacrifice, which was the spirit of Christ, beckoned onward with irresistible attractiveness, and they followed the gleam. They had yet to complete the great task to which they dedicated themselves. That was the way they could honour the memory of their fallen heroes, and with confidence that they had not died in vain.

A collection taken on behalf of the Red Cross Society realised £5 15s.