Michael Metcalfe CURTIS

16 March 1917

CURTIS – Feb. 17th, killed in action in France, Pte. Michael Curtis, of the 2nd Royal Naval Marines, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Curtis, of Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield, aged 20.

16 March 1917

HELLIFIELD – Pte. M. Curtis Killed in Action

Mr. and Mrs. W. Curtis, of Lancashire and Yorkshire Terrace, Hellifield, have received a letter from the Admiralty Records Office stating that their son, Pte. Michael Curtis, of the 2nd Royal Marines, 63rd Royal Naval Division, had been killed in action in France on February 17th. Pte. Curtis, who was 20 years of age, enlisted in June, 1915, and went out to Gallipoli the following October, being later drafted to France. Prior to enlisting be was employed by Taylor’s Drug Co. at Skipton.

23 March 1917

HELLIFIELD – THE LATE PRIVATE CURTIS

Memorial Service

A well-attended memorial service was held at the Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening in memory of Private Michael Curtis, Royal Marines, Royal Naval Division, who was killed in action on Feb. 17th, as reported in last week’s issue. The service was conducted by Mr. M. Brocklesby, of Skipton, whom deceased worked under for several years previous to enlistment. He preached a very impressive sermon from the text “For the Lord God will help me” (Isaiah 1., 7). He said we were passing through sad experiences in this nation at the present time, and many hearts were bleeding and homes were filled with sorrow. We could not understand it, and never would, perhaps, until the day of revelation. They all deeply sympathised with the many families who had been bereaved through this sad conflict, and they prayed that it might soon come to an end in righteousness and that peace might be permanent. They especially sympathized with Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and their family, but it was some comfort to know that he laid down his life in helping to defend his country, and that he had gone home to heaven, and been welcomed there by the Saviour he loved and served for years. It was his joy to be associated with him in the firm they both served, and a more honourable and faithful young man he never knew. He was true to the best in every way. He loved to talk about good things, and the name of Jesus was music in his ears. He had an utter abhorrence of all show and hypocrisy. He believed that all professing Christ should be real, not only preachers but everybody who professed. He had finished his course early, he had kept the faith, and he had gone to his reward. – During the service the choir sang one of deceased’s favourite hymns, and the ‘Dead March’ was played by Mrs. J. Pearcy, after which Mr. R. Bownass, one of the cadets, sounded the ‘Last Post.’ All the local cadets were in attendance.

Writing from France on the 15th inst. to Mrs. Curtis, Lieut. W.S. Greenwood, Royal Marines, says: “Your son was in my platoon, and unfortunately met his death early on the morning of Feb. 17th. We had taken a German position and were digging ourselves in when a shell burst close to him and killed him instantly. I know in your great grief it will be difficult to find any solace, but I can assure you that your dear boy’s end came quite painlessly. From the first day of joining this company I had a real liking to your son, and found him so absolutely genuine and honourable that I made him the platoon runner. This meant that he bore messages when a really reliable man was needed. I hope you will find consolation in the fact that your son died a real hero. He was exceedingly popular with the men, and what is more, always set them a good example. Do please let me know if there is anything further you would like me to tell you. We are out of the line for a short rest now, but before leaving several of his old pals made a cross, and this now marks the spot where they laid him to rest. To me it is a personal loss, but I know how much worse you must feel about it. I pray that you will be given strength to bear up, and feel sure that God in His great mercy has taken your dear boy for some wise purpose. Certainly he is far happier in God’s hands than in this deplorable business. I should much appreciate a photo of him if you have one to spare. I will gladly reply to ant queries.”

30 March 1917

HELLIFIELD – IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday evening at St. Aidan’s Church a special service was held in memory of Pte. Anthony Thompson, Pte. Richard Shorrock, and Pte. Michael M. Curtis, who were reported killed a fortnight ago. A large congregation was present, which included the 6th West Riding Cadets and the members of the V.T.C. The service was very impressive, special lessons being read and special hymns sung. The Vicar (Rev. A.J. Whyte) delivered a very touching sermon, and in his discourse he said all their sympathies went out to the bereaved families. These three men had given their lives for their country that others might enjoy freedom and right. At all times they had been reliable and honourable, thinking only for their comrades’ duty, which was an example of their Christian lives. If these sacrifices enabled us to be uplifted in Christ and to live for others as well as ourselves, then the supreme sacrifice which these brave men have made would not have been in vain. The ‘Dead march’ in ‘Saul’ was played by the organist, Miss D. Wilson, and the ‘Last post’ was sounded by Master R. Bownass.