William Albert RODWELL

16 November 1917

RODWELL – November 2nd 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Second-Lieut. William Albert (Bert) Rodwell, Royal Engineers, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Rodwell, Westville, Skipton, aged 20 years.

16 November 1917

SKIPTON OFFICER FALLS IN ACTION – LIEUTENANT W. A. RODWELL, R.E.

With much regret we have to record this week the death in action of another fine young Skipton officer – Second-Lieutenant William Albert (Bert) Rodwell, Royal Engineers, younger son of Mr and Mrs. A. Rodwell, of Westville, Skipton, to whom the sympathy of a large circle of friends will go out in their great loss.

The distressing news was received from the War Office on Tuesday afternoon, a telegraphic message briefly stating that Lieut. Rodwell was killed in action on Friday last. This was followed by a letter on Wednesday morning from Major Hudspeth, R.E., stating that deceased was killed instantly by a piece of shell whilst on duty up the line.

Twenty years of age, Lieut. Rodwell was educated at the Skipton Wesleyan Higher Grade School and the Skipton Grammar School, and had commenced studying for the profession of electrical engineer when he was offered and accepted a commission in the Army in October 1915. After the usual training, which he received at Cambridge, Barnard Castle, and Aldershot, he was attached to the 20th Durham Light Infantry and went out to France in May, 1916. Immediately on arrival at the Front he was transferred to the Railway Tunnelling Company and served with them until the blowing up of the Messines Ridge, since when he had had charge of road-making operations. Lieut. Rodwell only returned to the Front on November 1st after ten days’ leave.

The letter from Major Hudspeth to Mr. and Mrs. Rodwell was as follows:– “I am sorry indeed to have occasion to write you this letter, as it is the bearer of very bad news. I much regret to say that today your dear son paid the great sacrifice in the service of his country. He was a dear boy, most popular in the mess, and will be very greatly missed by all. I had known him for a long time since he joined this Company, and can testify to his sterling value as an officer and man. Such long acquaintance must under present circumstances become an attachment, and I feel his loss keenly, but my sorrow will be small comfort to you and I trust that some Higher Power will enable you to stand the blow. It will be some consolation to you to know that he suffered nothing, as he was instantly killed by a piece of shell whilst on duty up the line. Tomorrow he will have a proper burial, and of his resting place you will be informed in due course.”

A letter has also been received from the Rev. H. Cooke, chaplain, who says that a large party of officers and men attended the funeral service, all of whom spoke in the highest terms of deceased’s personal character.

07 December 1917

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

Mr. Slingsby also presided at a meeting of the Rural Council which followed.

OFFICIALS’ BEREAVMENTS

The Chairman first referred in sympathetic terms to the bereavement which Mr. Rodwell, the surveyor, recently sustained in the loss of his son, Sec.-Lieut. Wm. Albert Rodwell, whom, he said, they all loved and respected. Lieut. Rodwell, who had been head boy of the Skipton Grammar School, was as fine a boy as ever walked. In the preparation of the mines for the blowing up of the Messines Ridge he had worked hard for his country, and he was one of those fine upstanding Englishmen whom the country could ill afford to lose. He moved that a resolution of sympathy be adopted with Mr. and Mrs. Rodwell in their great loss.

Mr. Slingsby also moved that a similar resolution be forwarded to Dr. Atkinson, the medical officer, who, he said, had also lost his son in this dreadful war. He had not known Dr. Atkinson’s son personally, but he had heard him spoken of most highly, and he was sure they all felt the deepest sympathy for their medical officer.

Cr. W.A. Procter seconded both resolutions, which were carried in silence.

22 March 1918

MILITARY CROSS FOR SKIPTON OFFICER

This week Mr. A. Rodwell, engineer to the Skipton Rural Council, has received the Military Cross awarded to his youngest son, the late Second-Lieutenant William Albert Rodwell, 171st Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers.

Accompanying the statement of the services for which the decoration was awarded was a letter expressing the Secretary of State’s regret that this gallant officer, who gave his life for his country, did not survive to receive his reward from the hands of his Majesty the King. The following is the statement:–

“2nd Lieutenant William Albert Rodwell, 171 Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers.

“On the occasion of an enemy camouflet having destroyed one of our offensive mine galleries, this officer, by his continuous presence underground with the men on the shift, restored their confidence and encouraged them to push on with their work in an area of enemy mining activity. Later, when gas was encountered underground, he was slightly affected and on recovery resumed his periods of duty with the men, although there was risk of further trouble being experienced with gas, and possibility of another enemy blow. His gallantry and courage under dangerous underground conditions have been very marked and he has done excellent work over a considerable period.”

The late Lieutenant Rodwell joined the forces in October 1915, being granted a commission in the Durham Light Infantry, and after training at Cambridge, Barnard Castle and Aldershot went abroad in the following May. Soon after he arrived in France he was transferred to the Royal Engineers (Tunnelling Section) and did good service in connection with the preparation of the mines at Messines, taking part in the great explosion at that Ridge.

08 November 1918

RODWELL – In loving memory of Second-Lieutenant (Bert) Rodwell, R.E., who was killed November 9th, 1917.

His King and Country called him,
The call was not in vain;
On Britain’s roll of honour
You’ll find our hero’s name.

From Uncle and Auntie Sedgwick, 33 Bright Street, Skipton.

04 July 1919

PEACE SUPPLEMENT TO THE 'CRAVEN HERALD' – CRAVEN'S FALLEN OFFICERS

SECOND-LIEUTENANT W. A. RODWELL, M.C.

Royal Engineers, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Rodwell, West Ville, Skipton. Killed in France November 9th, 1917, aged 20 years.

07 November 1919

RODWELL – In loving memory of Sec.-Lieut. W. A. (Bert) Rodwell, R.E. (M.C.), killed Nov. 9th, 1917.

Comrades hands, by love made tender,
Laid our loved one ‘neath the sod
Where he sleeps with England’s heroes
In the watchful care of God.
Far and oft our thoughts do wander
To that place so far away
Where they laid our well-loved nephew
Just two years ago today.

From Uncle and Auntie, Bright Street, Skipton.

12 November 1920

RODWELL – In loving remembrance of our dear nephew, Sec.-Lieut. (Bert) Rodwell, who was killed Nov. 9th, 1917.

His cheery sunny smile shall never from our memory fade,
Nor shall we forget the noble sacrifice he made.

33 Bright Street.

11 November 1921

RODWELL – In loving remembrance of our dear nephew, Sec. Lieut. (Bert) Rodwell, who was killed, Nov. 9th, 1917.

On the red field of battle you are laid far away,
Still our tribute of love to your memory we’ll pay.

33 Bright Street, Skipton.