William Digby STOCKDALE

18 August 1916

STOCKDALE – July 29th, Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Stockdale, Thornton-in-Craven.

If we could have raised his dying head
And heard his last farewell,
The grief would not have been so hard
For those who loved him well.
Too far away thy grave to see
But not too far to think of thee.

From Father, Mother, Sister and Brothers.

18 August 1916

THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN – THE TRAGEDY OF WAR: SERGEANT WILLIAM DIGBY STOCKDALE

The tragedy of war has been brought home to the quiet village of Thornton by the death of Sergt. Wm. Digby Stockdale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s (Machine Gun Section), who was killed in France on the 29th July. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Rd. Stockdale, he was one of the first to respond to the call of patriotism from this village, and has been the first to make the supreme sacrifice at the age of 21 years.

The following are extracts from letters of sympathy received by the bereaved parents from France:–

Lance-Corpl. Wright Firth (Earby):– “The day before he was killed we were in a trench together all day, and we passed the time on champion. He was in action at the time and doing his duty nobly. When I heard, we were so busy that it took us all our time to look after ourselves; but when the rush was over and I realised that Digby was dead, it broke me down. I don’t know how to write to you. Digby was a thorough gentleman, always the same, laughing and cheerful, and he remained so until the end. I saw Walter Robinson the other day, and when he knew he was very much upset.”

Sergeant Stockdale, Wright Firth, and W. Robinson all enlisted together.

Sergeant Tom Pickles (Barnoldswick), of the Machine Gun Section, writes:– “He was killed instantly by a rifle bullet as he climbed the parapet. He suffered no pain whatever and died with his usual smile on his face. The whole section expresses its deepest sympathy with you. Digby was liked by men and officers alike. He only came to the section a few weeks ago, but became a favourite at once.”

Second-Lieut. Maurice Tuke (Machine Gun Section) writes:– “It is not for me to try and estimate your loss, but knowing what ours has been I can imagine something of what yours must be. I have known him since the beginning of March 1915, when we were in the same platoon and again out here in the Machine Gun Section. He was one of those who cannot be replaced and who are missed by everyone. He was handling a difficult situation with his usual ability and calmness when he was hit. We shall not forget who he was nor how he died, and we shall always feel honestly sorry that he had to leave us.”

Before joining the Army, Sergeant Stockdale worked as a weaver at Messrs. Shuttleworth’s Victoria Shed, Earby. Two of his brothers are in training, and a third awaiting orders. Mr. Stockdale, snr., is employed by Mr. Nelson, Manor House, Thornton.

A memorial service was held at Thornton Church on Sunday morning, conducted by the Rev. J. F. Tanfield (rector).

27 July 1917

STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dearly loved son and brother, Sergeant W.D. Stockdale, killed in action July 29th, 1916.

Our thoughts they often wander
And tears in silence fall,
To our dearly loved one
In a far and unknown grave.

From father, Mother, Sister and Brothers, and Tom in France.

04 January 1918

THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN – PRIVATE WALTER ROBINSON KILLED

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, Ivy Mount, Thornton, have received official notification of the death of their son, Private Walter Robinson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed in action in France on December 11th, aged 24 years. Private Robinson, who had been thrice wounded previously, was one of the first three who enlisted from the district in September 1914, and it is pathetic to add that of the other two, Private D. Stockdale (Thornton) has also been killed, and Pte. W. Firth (Earby) has lost a leg. They all went out to France together with the ----- Battalion in July 1915, but Pte. Robinson was subsequently transferred.

In a letter of condolence to the bereaved parents, Capt. Godfred Buxton writes:– “I am very sorry you have not been informed before, but I was away at the time. Your son has always been a reliable soldier and done his work thoroughly. I fear it will be a great loss to you, and all ranks in ‘D’ Company join with me in expressing our sympathy to you. He died without pain and was buried near where he fell with some of his comrades, and a cross has been erected over his grave.”

Special reference to the sad event was made by the Rector (Rev. J. F. Tanfield, M.A.) at a memorial service held at Thornton Church on Sunday evening. Private Robinson was formerly employed by Messrs. J. S. Watson and Sons., Albion Shed, Earby.

26 July 1918

STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant W. D. Stockdale, who was killed July 29th, 1916.

Just two years have passed away,
Since our great sorrow fell;
Yet in our hearts we mourn the loss
Of one we loved so well.
The hardest part is yet to come
When the heroes do return,
We’ll miss amongst the cheering throng
The one who’ll not return.

Ever remembered by the Family, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton.

25 July 1919

STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant W. Digby Stockdale, killed in action July 29th, 1916.

He sleeps not on his native land,
But amongst his comrades brave;
Far from his mother, who loved him dear,
In a hero’s grave he lies.
Bright is his glory now,
Boundless is his joy above,
In the bosom of our Lord
He rests in perfect love.

From the Family, Forge Cottage, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton.

23 July 1920

STOCKDALE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. W. Digby Stockdale, who was killed, July 29th, 1916.

One by one earth’s ties are broken,
One by one they’re linked above.
Some day there’ll be a sweet reunion,
In the land of light and love.
Dearer to memory than words can tell
Are the thoughts of him we loved so well.

From the family.

29 July 1921

STOCKDALE – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergt. W. Digby Stockdale, who made the supreme sacrifice on July 29th, 1916.

Constantly my thoughts do wander,
To a grave so far away;
Where they laid a dear son and brother,
Just five years ago to-day.
The blow was sharp, the shock severe
To part with one we loved so dear.

From the family, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton.

Times do not change our thoughts of you, dear brother,
Loving memories linger still.

From his loving sister, Nelson. Lancs.