Thomas Metcalfe BIRTLE

06 October 1916

BIRTLE - Died of malarial fever at Salonika, September 28th, 1916, Gunner Thomas Metcalfe Birtle, Royal Garrison Artillery, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Birtle, Brookhouse, Stainforth, aged 21 years.

06 October 1916

STAINFORTH - War News

Much sympathy has been shown to Mr. and Mrs. Birtles, Beck House, who have received a message that their son, Private Thos. M. Birtles, R.G.A., is dangerously ill with fever contracted whilst serving his King and Country somewhere abroad.

13 October 1916

BIRTLE - Died from malarial fever in hospital at Salonika, September 28th, 1916, Gunner Thos. Metcalfe Birtle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Birtle, Brookhouse Farm, Stainforth, near Settle, aged 21 years.

13 October 1916

STAINFORTH - GUNNER THOMAS BIRTLE'S DEATH

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Birtle, of Brookhouse Farm, Stainforth, have received word from the War Office of the death of their son, Thomas Metcalfe Birtle, from malarial fever on September 28th, at Salonika. The deceased soldier, a fine specimen of healthy manhood, only enlisted in January in the Royal Garrison Artillery and was speedily trained at Bexhill-on-Sea and Newbury for duty abroad.

Previous to joining the Colours he was a clerk under the Liverpool Banking Company at their branch in Settle. He had also been in their branches at Skipton, Bingley, Keighley and Bradford, and was a very capable clerk. He was born at Bingley nearly 22 years ago. For five years he was a pupil at the Boys' Grammar School, Bingley, and did well, and was captain of the football team in 1912 and 1913.

Writing to his parents, one of his managers writes:- "By his death a promising career has been cut short, and we have lost a bright, intelligent and capable clerk, and we all liked him as a colleague."

Another says, "During the time he was with us he gained our highest regard, not only for his business ability but for his kindness of heart and sterling character, and we deeply deplore the tragic loss of a life so full of promise."

The greatest sympathy has been shown to Mr. and Mrs. Birtle by friends from far and near in the loss of so promising a son, who, although not killed in action, contracted the fever within the firing line where he was nobly doing his bit for King and Country.

On Sunday the Dead March was played by the organist in the village church in memory of one who was ever bright, cheerful and esteemed by all who knew him.

28 September 1917

BIRTLE - In loving memory of Signaller Thos. Metcalfe Birtle, R.G.A., who died of malarial fever in Salonica, 28th September 1916, aged 21 years.

In the bloom of life death claimed him,
In the pride of his manhood days;
None knew him but to love him,
None mentioned his name but with praise.

From Uncle, Aunt, and Cousins, Lane Side Farm, West Bradford.

BIRTLE - In loving memory of our dearly loved son and brother, Private Thomas Metcalfe Birtle, R.G.A., who died at Salonica, September 28th 1916.

Father, Mother, Brother and Sisters.

04 October 1918

SETTLE - PRIVATE W. W. WHITELEY DIES IN HOSPITAL

The death took place in a hospital at Glasgow on Saturday from wounds received in action of Private Wilfred Wilkinson Whiteley, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Whiteley of Craven Terrace, Settle. Deceased, who was 29 years of age, on joining-up was attached to the 3rd Duke of Wellington's, but was transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was a man who was greatly respected by all who knew him, and of a quiet and kind disposition. Prior to the war he was a clerk at the Bank of Liverpool, Settle Branch. Out of eight of their staff five have been killed and two wounded - Second Lieut. Hartley Bentham, Corporal J. H. Hitchin (drowned in the Mediterranean), Private T.M. Birtle, Private R.F. Jones, and Private W.W. Whiteley, are those who have died for their country. There was a large gathering of sympathisers at the funeral on Tuesday. The coffin arrived at Settle Station at 11 a.m., and covered with the Union Jack, was taken to the Wesleyan Church, where a funeral service (choral) was held by the Rev. Grimshaw Yates. As the funeral party was leaving the Church, the organist, Mr. W.T. Walker, played the Funeral March. The cortege was headed by the special constables and firing party from the Officers' Training Corps of Giggleswick School (of which school the deceased was an old boy). At the Burial Ground of the Holy Ascension Church, the vicar, Rev. W. E. Linney, read the Burial Service, assisted by the Rev. Grimshaw Yates. On the coffin being lowered, three volleys were fired and the 'Last Post' sounded. The Church bells rang muffled peals, and the flag was at half-mast. Many beautiful wreaths were sent, amongst them being one from the staff of the Bank of Liverpool, Settle, the Wesleyan Choir, and the Settle Tennis Club. Much sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Whiteley in their great loss. Their two remaining sons are on active service.