Percy Evelyn MACEFIELD

19 October 1917

MACEFIELD – Killed in action, Oct. 7th, Pte. Percy Macefield, of the Manchester Regiment, husband of Mrs. Macefield, of 11, Otley Street, Skipton, aged 34.

19 October 1917

SKIPTON CRICKETER KILLED

News has been received that Pte. Percy Macefield, of the Manchester Regiment, husband of Mrs. Macefield, of 11, Otley Street, Skipton, was killed in action on October 7th. In a letter to his wife Lieut. J. R Thompson writes:– “I very much regret having to write to you to announce the death of your husband, Pte. Macefield, of my platoon. The unfortunate event happened on the evening of the 7th inst., whilst occupying a part of the support line. He was killed by a rifle bullet which passed through his heart, and death was absolutely instantaneous. At the time of his death he and several of his mates were sitting on the edge of a shell hole; and he would feel no pain whatever, the whole incident being only a matter of seconds. His comrades buried his body that same night near the place where he fell, and a cross with his name and number on has been placed over it. It is poor satisfaction for you to know that he passed away doing his duty as it ought to be done, and in doing it, he made the highest sacrifice possible to any man. His quiet unassuming manner won him the respect of his comrades. He took his part bravely, and never hesitated to give a comrade a helping hand when needed. It seems superfluous for me to say, and yet this brief note would be incomplete if I did not state the fact, that you have my deepest sympathy, added to that of the remainder of his platoon for you in this hour of great trial for such a heavy loss, and we can only pray that God in whose hands we all are, will give you the necessary strength and fortitude to bear the burden put upon you.” Pte. Macefield enlisted in July, 1916, in the Northumberland Fusiliers, but was afterwards transferred to the Manchester Regiment. He had only been out in France about three months. He was formerly employed as a tram conductor by the Bradford Corporation, and was also a playing member of the Skipton Second Eleven Cricket Club. Pte. Macefield, who was 35 years of age, leaves a widow and one child to mourn their loss.

03 May 1918

SKIPTON CRICKET CLUB

The annual meeting of the Skipton Cricket Club was held at the Globe Restaurant on Monday evening, Mr. Foster Horner presiding. In presenting his report, the secretary (Mr. F. Furness) said it must necessarily be a short one, as practically no cricket was played on the Sandylands ground during 1917. The ground was opened and kept in good condition, but as the soldiers removed from the district it was very little used. The committee had been active during the winter, and as a result of various efforts that had been organised the debt on the club had been considerably reduced. When the war was over it was hoped that the ladies who had rendered useful service in connection with these efforts would continue their help. One player, Mr. Percy Macefield, had been killed in action during the year, seven members now having made the supreme sacrifice. The committee. which had been augmented by Mr. A. Hodgson, and Mr. C. Pickles, had consented to the appeal made by the Hospital Gala Committee for the use of the ground on the occasion of the annual gala. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that cricket would be in full swing at Sandylands next year, and that the club would once more be linked up with the front rank of Yorkshire cricket. The financial statement, presented by Mr. P. Jowett, showed the debt on the club to be £66. Dr. Fisher was re-elected president, Mr. Fred Furness secretary, Mr. F. Jowett treasurer, and the committee was re-appointed en bloc.

11 October 1918

MACEFIELD – In loving memory of my dear husband. Pte. P.E. Macefield, who was killed in action Oct. 7th, 1917.

May his reward be as great as his sacrifice.

– From his loving Wife and Son. 11, Otley Street, Skipton.