Thomas HEAPS

01 October 1915

INGLETON – War Items

Private F. Hawcroft has been wounded, and is now in hospital at Birmingham.–Private J.T. Bradley has been home for 6 days on furlough, and has now returned to the Front.–Lance-Corporal Harry Atkinson, Royal Field Artillery, and Privates T. Heaps and E. Heaps have been spending a few days at home before being despatched to the Front.–The Ingleton Roll of Honour now contains the names of 154 persons. Of these, three have been killed, viz., Lieut. Gerald Kirk, Pte. A. Noble and Pte. E. Askew. The National School roll contains 98 names.

05 May 1916

INGLETON – War Items

Pte. W. Hodgson, 6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Hodgson, Park View, and Pte. Tom Heaps, Canadian Expeditionary Force, son of Mr. R. Heaps, Model Village, both of whom have been at the Front for some time, are at home on furlough. Pte. W. Robinson, 2-6th Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, is also at home on leave.

18 August 1916

INGLETON – War Items

Mr. Abel Marklew, of Oakroyd, has received the sad news that his son, Private William Marklew (King’s Own), who was 24 years of age, had died from wounds received in the Battle of the Somme. The information was conveyed in the following letter from a nursing sister:–

“Your son, Pte. W. Marklew, was admitted to this hospital yesterday suffering from a wound of the right knee. He was in an extremely collapsed condition. We did all we could to revive him, but could not prevail, and he passed away very peacefully. He was only in the hospital a few hours, and was too ill to talk, except to ask for a drink of water perhaps. He will be buried in the Military Cemetery attached to this camp which is near to the front.”

Pte. Marklew received his education at the Ingleton National School, and was subsequently apprenticed as a tailor to Mr. Walter Boyd. He joined the Colours in September last, and was sent to France in December. Mr. Marklew’s second son is now in hospital in France, and his youngest son, who joined the Navy, took part in the naval battle off Jutland.

Private Tom Heaps and Private Edward Heaps are in hospital in Kent, the former suffering from wounds in the back and legs, and the latter from shell wounds in the face. They joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and they are the sons of Mr. Robert Heaps, of Model Village.

Private Eric Capstick (Leeds ‘Pals’) is now reported to be progressing favourably and is in hospital in Huddersfield.

Private Joe Vickers (6th Duke of Wellington’s), who was wounded in the great push, is now in hospital near Sheffield. He is the youngest son of Mrs. Vickers, of Toll Bar Cottage, Ingleton.

20 October 1916

INGLETON – WAR ITEMS

Corporal Tom Heaps, son of Mr. Robert Heaps, Model Village, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field of battle. He joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and was wounded in France a short time ago. He is 23 years of age.

17 November 1916

INGLETON – War Items

During the week the following soldiers have been home on leave:– Corporal Tom Heaps, who a short time ago was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field of battle; Second-Lieutenant G. Walling, who is taking a course of instruction in scouting and sniping in the Midland Counties; Sergeant C. Littlefair, who in civil life is the postman to Chapel-le-Dale; Pte. T. Bonnick, who was wounded by shrapnel in the ‘great push’; Pte. Clarke Redhead, who has experienced the rigours of a winter campaign; Pte. Harold Brown, who is training in the South of England; Sergeant and Quarter-Master J.W. Lambert; Corporal H.T. Morris; Pte. Fred Dixon; and Pte J. Wadeson. – Cadet George Brookes, of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, has been granted a commission after undergoing a special course of training in the West of England. Second-Lieutenant Brookes is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Brookes, printer and stationer, who emigrated to Canada a few years ago. – Pte. Eric Capstick, who lost his right arm in the ‘great push,’ has proceeded to a convalescent home at Roehampton. – Pte. Joe Vickers, son of Mrs. Vickers, New Road, is still in Hospital at Sheffield. He was wounded in July and is not making the progress towards recovery as fast as his friends would wish.

24 November 1916

PRESENTATION TO AN INGLETON HERO – Gallant Conduct Recognised

On Monday afternoon, at the Ingleton National Schools, Corporal Tom Heaps, of the 49th Canadian Battalion, second son of Mr. Robert Heaps, Model Village, Ingleton, was presented with a handsome solid silver cigarette case in recognition of his having been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field of battle.

A few years ago Mr. and Mrs. Heaps, with their family, emigrated to Canada. The parents returned to Ingleton about two years ago, leaving their eldest three sons, John William, Tom and Howard, in Canada. On the outbreak of war, these three sons joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and they have all seen service at the Front, two of them having been wounded.

On June 2nd a German attack was made on the Canadian trenches and Corporal Heaps, who was in charge of a trench howitzer, stuck to his gun to the last. His gun was the last to be put out of action, and only then when he had used up all his bombs. He then seized a rifle, with which he did fine execution against the enemy, after which, although slightly wounded, he assisted in carrying out the wounded from the trenches to the dressing station for 36 hours on end. As a result of this attack the Germans captured two lines of trenches, but some days afterwards they were re-captured by the Canadians, along with the enemy’s first line of trenches. He was wounded in the back of the neck by a high explosive shell, and on July 19th he received his third wound at Armentieres, which necessitated his removal to the hospital at Calais. Since then he has been in hospital at Chatham, Maidstone, and the convalescent hospital at Epsom, finally being sent to the Canadian Camp at Shoreham near Brighton. He is now at home on 12 day’s furlough.

The presentation was made by Mr. George Walling, headmaster, who said he was proud of the part his old boys were playing in the great European war. So far as he knew about 140 old boys were serving their King and Country, and he had no doubt that the School Roll of Honour was unfortunately incomplete; of those at least six were commissioned officers, several were N.C.O.s, and last, but not least, one had been awarded the Military Medal, a distinction of which they should all be proud. He regretted to say that several of the old boys had returned home from the Front minus a limb, and seven had given their lives for their Country, the most noble and glorious death they could die. He then detailed the circumstances under which Corporal Heaps won the Military Medal. He could easily have got more subscriptions, but they had been strictly confined to the teachers and scholars. He was sure they all joined with him in wishing Corporal Heaps the best of luck when he returned to the Front, and that he would come through the war with flying colours.

Corporal Heaps modestly claimed that he had only done his duty, and said he should always value the beautiful present they had given him, coming as it did from the scholars and the teachers of his old school. When he was at school he was afraid he often played truant to follow the hounds, and get into trouble in consequence. He advised them to attend regularly and learn all they could whilst at school, as they would find in later life there was nothing finer than a good education.

Rousing cheers were given for Corporal Heaps, and the scholars gladly availed themselves of the privilege of examining the medal.

01 December 1916

AN INGLETON HERO

This is a portrait of Corporal Tom Heaps, of the Canadian Battalion, second son of Mr. Robert Heaps, Model Village, Ingleton, who, as reported in our columns last week, was presented with a silver cigarette case from the teachers and scholars of Ingleton National School, to mark his having been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field of battle.

05 January 1917

INGLETON – WAR ITEMS

After being four months in hospital, Corporal W. Preston, eldest son of Mr. John Preston, fruiter and fishmonger, is now home on 10 days’ leave. He was wounded in the face with shrapnel, a part of which has not been extracted. He was able to walk to a dressing station in the trenches, and was in the act of climbing over when a machine gun bullet passed through one leg and lodged in the knee of the other. He was between Sergeant J. Metcalfe and Pte. J.W. Robinson when they had the misfortune to be killed.

Other who have been home are: Sergeant W. Routledge (direct from the trenches), Corporal J.W. Routledge (his father), Corporal T. Heaps (Military Medallist) and Private Sherwin.

12 January 1917

INGLETON – MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES

Amongst those mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s recent despatches, whose distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty he considers deserving of special mention, is the name of Captain E. Walling, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Walling, Ferncliffe, Ingleton.

Ingletonians who have previously won distinction and special mention are:– Captain G. Mackenzie (Military Cross) elder son of Dr. Mackenzie J.P., Ingleton; Lieutenant J. Barritt (mentioned in despatches), youngest son of Mrs. Barritt, Dale Bank, Ingleton; and Corporal T. Heaps (Military Medal), second son of Mr. R. Heaps, Model Village, Ingleton.

02 February 1917

INGLETON – ON LEAVE

Amongst those who have been home on leave during the past weekend are the following:- Sergeant Tom Clapham, Canadians; Corporal Tom Heaps, Canadians; Bombardier Arthur Lumb; Private Chris. Newsholme; and Private Harold Howson.

11 January 1918

INGLETON SOLDIERS

Captain E. Walling, of Ferncliffe, Ingleton, who has previously been mentioned twice in despatches, is amongst those to whom the Military Cross has recently been awarded…

Other soldiers on leave are Sergeant Tom Heaps, second son of Mr. Robert Heaps, Model Village, who was awarded the Military Medal some time ago…

25 January 1918

DISTINCTION FOR INGLETON SOLDIER

Corporal John Waring, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Waring, Rock Cottage, has been awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct in the field, and his C.O. has granted him an extra leave to mark the occasion. It is only two or three weeks since be returned to the Front. His bravery and daring are spoken of in high terms by his comrades.

Previous distinction, awarded to Ingleton soldiers are:– Military Cross: Major G. Mackenzie, Captain E. Walling. Military Medal: Sergeant T. Heaps, Sergeant R. Hodgson

Private S. Slinger, who belongs to a family that has contributed several soldiers to the Army, is home on leave enjoying a well-earned rest.

12 April 1918

Sergeant Tom Heaps, Ingleton

Mr. Robert Heaps, Model Village, Ingleton, has received the sad news that his second son, Sergeant Tom Heaps, has been killed in action. Sergeant Heaps was a smart soldier, and some time ago was awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct. In recognition of this distinction he was presented with a silver cigarette case by the scholars of the Ingleton National School, where he received his education. On receipt of the news the Union Jack was hoisted half-mast on St. Mary’s tower.

In a letter conveying the sad news to the bereaved parents, Capt. Bennett, Can. Div. T.M. Battery, says:– “He was a most worthy, reliable and gallant non-commissioned officer, and your sorrow I feel sure will be tempered by the knowledge that he died bravely for his King and Country, and that his death is equally deplored by his officers and comrades.”

Sergeant Hadwell has also written as follow:– “Just a few lines to let you know that Tom has passed away doing his bit for country and right against German domination. He died quickly and did not suffer. I want to offer to you the sincere sympathy of all the boys. He was well loved and respected by all who knew him, and as the days go by we shall think of him, and the knowledge of his sacrifice will help us to continue at this awful business till we have brought it to a successful ending.”

21 June 1918

INGLETON – Memorial Service

The third memorial service for those who have fallen in the war was held in St Mary’s Church on Sunday evening, when the building was packed. The service opened with the hymn ’O God our help in ages past,’ and was of a special character. The lessons were read by Mr. J. Harding, lay reader, and the other hymns sung were ‘How bright those glorious spirits shine’ and ‘Peace, perfect peace.’ The Vicar read out the names of those who had fallen since the last memorial service, viz., Capt. E. Walling, M.C., Flight-Lieut. R.B. Brookes, Sergeant T. Heaps, M.M., Segeant R.E. Walker, Lance-Corporal J. Fletcher, Private W. Metcalfe, Private E. Robinson, Private P. Coulson, and Private L. E. Redhead (missing). The Vicar paid all honour to the men who had made the supreme sacrifice; they had laid down their lives in order that we might live in peace, and what had we done or what were we going to do for these men who answered the call of King and Country? Were we worthy of their sacrifice? He urged them to make themselves worthy and not to mourn for them, for they had entered into their rest, but rather to reserve their sympathy for those who were left behind. The Ingleton Colliery Band played the Dead March, and Bugler Robert Howson sounded the ‘Last Post,’ an impressive service concluding with the National Anthem. A collection of £5 13s 6d. was taken towards a permanent memorial.