William ASTLE

13 April 1917

SKIPTON SOLDIER HONOURED

Corporal W. Astle, of the Prince of Wales's West Yorkshire Regiment, son-in-law of Mr. Thos. Greenwood, carter for Mr. Edmund Hargraves, coal merchant, Skipton, has received from his Commanding Officer the Certificate of Merit:-

For showing exceptional courage, coolness and daring during the attack on the 1st and 2nd Garde Stelling, opposite Hebuiterns on March 3rd 1917. Becoming detached from his own platoon, he was picked up by an officer of another battalion of the attacking force, and with two or three others assisted him in bombing several dugouts and gaining possession of an enemy machine gun. Afterwards he was sent by this officer for reinforcements, which he brought back and reorganised for consolidation purposes, until at length ordered by this officer to join his own battalion.

29 June 1917

SKIPTON CORPORAL SEVERELY WOUNDED

Corporal William Astle, West Yorkshire Regiment (Bradford 'Pals') whose wife, (a daughter of Mr. Thos. Greenwood, carter for Mr. Edmund Hargraves, Skipton) lives at 2, York Place, Waller Hill, Skipton, was severely wounded by gunshot in the left leg on June 15th, and is now in the 2nd Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport, France. In a letter to his wife, Corpl. Astle says that his leg was riddled like a pepperbox.

Formerly a labourer for Mr. Hird Thornton, slater, Waller Hill, Skipton, Corporal Astle joined up in May 1915, and went to Egypt with the Bradford 'Pals' in the following December, proceeding from there to France in March 1916. As recorded in the 'Craven Herald' on April 13th, he has received from his Commanding Officer the Certificate of Merit "for showing exceptional courage, coolness and bravery during the attack on the 1st and 2nd Garde Stelling, opposite Hebuiterne on March 3rd."

Corporal Astle is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Astle, Seedhill Terrace, Steeton.

28 December 1917

SKIPTON CORPORAL GASSED

Corporal Wm. Astle, West Yorkshire Regiment (Bradford 'Pals'), whose wife lives at 2, York Place, Waller Hill, Skipton, has been gassed and is in hospital at Liverpool. Enlisting in May 1915, he has been on active service for two years, and in March last was awarded the Certificate of Merit for gallantry and devotion to duty.

09 August 1918

ASTLE - Killed in action, July 19th, Corporal William Astle, West Yorks. Regt., husband of Mrs. Astle, 2, York Place, Waller Hill, Skipton, aged 31 years.

"May his reward be as great as his sacrifice."

09 August 1918

Corporal William Astle, Skipton

After something like two and a half years' active service, Corporal William Astle, West Yorkshire Regiment, whose wife and four children live at 2 York Place, Waller Hill, Skipton, has been killed in action. He was shot through the heart by a machine gun bullet during an attack on the German lines, and it was impossible at the time to recover the body, though it is hoped to do this later. Thirty-one years of age, Corporal Astle, who is one of the two soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs. Astle, 9 Seedhill Terrace, Steeton, enlisted on May 9th 1915, in the 'Bradford Pals', and was drafted out to Egypt in the following December, and subsequently, in March of 1916, was transferred to the Western Front. For "exceptional courage, coolness and bravery during an attack on March 3rd 1917" he was awarded the Certificate of Merit; and letters from the Front show that he was a splendid fellow and highly esteemed by both his officers and fellow soldiers. He was severely wounded in the left leg on June 15th 1916, and later was badly gassed. A brother and four brothers-in-law are serving.

18 July 1919

ASTLE - In memory of our son-in-law, Corporal Wm. Astle, who made the supreme sacrifice, July 19th. 1918.

"He gave his all - his life."

From Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood and Family, 23 Bennett Street, Skipton.

ASTLE - In memory of Corporal William Astle, West Yorks. Regiment, who made the supreme sacrifice July 19th, 1918, aged 31 years.

"May he rest in peace."

He, sleeps among England's heroes
In the watchful care of God.

From his Wife and Children, 2 York Place, Skipton.