Tom MILLWARD

30 March 1917

CONONLEY – SOLDIER DIES IN HOSPITAL

On March 17th Miss Hilda Millward, of Aireside, Cononley, received intimation that her brother, Private Tom Millward, of the West Riding Regiment, had died in a hospital in France from septic poisoning in the arm. Pte. Millward, who was a very popular young fellow among his friends in Cononley, joined the Army in August, 1916, and had been some time serving at the Front in France. His brother, Pte. Wm. Millward, is at present in the Training Reserve in England.

The family removed to Cononley about eight or nine years ago from Pateley Bridge, since which the father died in Cononley, the mother having died previous their removal. Much sympathy is felt for the family in their sad loss.

The following letter has been received from Nurse Burlend, formerly of Gargrave, who nursed the young man in his last illness:–

30th General Hospital, B.E.F., France.

“You will have heard from Matron about your brother’s death, but I fe1t.I must write a few lines to you to express my sympathy with you during this sad time, as your brother was in my ward for two days previous to his death. I was particularly interested in him, as he came from Yorkshire, for my home is at Gargrave, just beyond Skipton, so I was able to tell him I had often passed through Cononley. He was very ill when he was admitted to this hospital and, was too bad to be sent on to England, but he was quite conscious the first day and gave me your address and asked me to let you know he was ill.

“He also mentioned your name and asked for you several times, but we knew you would not possibly get here in time. The blood-poisoning started in his right arm and the inflammation very, quickly spread to his shoulder and back. The poor boy was very good and patient when his arm was dressed, and never complained. He was very brave and everything possible was done for him, but nothing could save him. We were all very sorry and deeply sympathise with you.”

The Chaplain writes:–. “I am the Nonconformist chaplain here and have been attending your brother. I daresay you have already heard the sad news that the good fight his poor body fought again the septic poisoning was of no avail. He died early this morning. He has been very ill here, and it was extremely difficult to get a little talk with him. He will probably be buried tomorrow or Tuesday by the local Wesleyan chaplain who will write you when the sad office is over.”

06 April 1917

PRIVATE TOM MILLWARD OF CONONLEY

The above portrait is that of Private Tom Millward of Cononley who, as recorded in our last issue, died in hospital in France from septic poisoning in the arm. He joined the Army in August 1916 and had been at the Front for a considerable time.