Roland Edward SISSONS

'Yorkshire Evening Post' (7 July 1916)

(Kindly supplied by Robert Smith, Keighley)

LIEUT. ROLAND EDWARD SISSONS, West Yorkshire Regiment, who has been killed at the Front, was the second son of the late Mr. W.T. Sissons, of Little Preston Hall, Woodlesford, and of Mrs. Sissons, now of Waterloo Manor, Garforth. In a letter to Mrs. Sissons, the Commanding Officer of the battalion wrote:–“I am extremely sorry that it is my painful duty to tell you that your son Roland was killed by the bursting of a shell in his tent. He was killed quite suddenly, and died a painless death, doing his duty like the brave lad he was. All his brother officers and I assure you of our sympathy, and join with you in mourning the loss of one who was dear to us all, and who had proved a most efficient and courageous officer.” Lieut. Sissons, who was nearly 26 years of age, was gazetted to a full lieutenancy on the very day he was killed. Educated at Retford Grammar School, he subsequently became a student at the Leeds Medical School, and had only his final examination to pass when war broke out. He was a member of the Leeds University Officers’ Training Corps for three years, and received his commission almost immediately after war was declared. He was a keen sportsman, and at one time was the captain of the University hockey team.

'Yorkshire Post' (8 July 1916)

(Kindly supplied by Robert Smith, Keighley)

ANOTHER YORKSHIRE OFFICER KILLED

One of the West Yorkshire Territorial regiments at the front has lost another gallant officer in Lieut. Roland Edward Sissons, who was instantaneously killed early on Friday evening last by the bursting of a German shell in the tent in which he was sitting. It is believed one of the rank and file was killed at the same time.

Lieut. Sissons was the second son of the late Mr. W.T. Sissons, of Little Preston Hall, Woodlesford, and of Mrs. Sissons, now of Waterloo Manor, Garforth. As he was widely known, the news of his death will touch a large circle of friends.

In a letter to Mrs. Sissons acquainting her with the sad news, the young lieutenant’s commanding officer wrote: “I am extremely sorry that it is my painful duty to tell you that your son Roland was killed during the early hours of this (Friday) morning, by the bursting of a shell in his tent. He was killed quite suddenly, and died a painless death, doing his duty like the brave lad he was. All his brother officers and I assure you of our sympathy, and join with you in mourning the loss of one who was dear to us all, and who had proved a most efficient and courageous officer.”

Lieutenant Sissons – by a sad coincidence he was gazetted to a full lieutenancy on the very day he was killed – was nearly 26 years of age. Educated at Retford Grammar School, he subsequently became a student at the Leeds Medical School, intending to qualify as a dental surgeon.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1916

SISSONS Roland Edward of Waterloo Manor Garforth Yorkshire died 2 June 1916 in France Probate Wakefield 11 October to William Wyrill Sissons surveyor. Effects £8911 3s.