William Henry BOLTON

13 August 1915

BARNOLDSWICK SOLDIER'S LEG SHATTERED

It is unofficially reported that a Barnoldswick soldier named Pte. William Henry Bolton, of the 1st 6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment, has had his leg shattered by a shell in the trenches. The information first came through from Pte. William Bowker, another Barnoldswick lad in the same regiment, and it was practically confirmed by Sergt. P. H. Garratt, of the Stretcher-bearer Company attached to the regiment, who was home on leave last week. Sergt. Garratt stated that he was at the dressing station, about half an hour after Bolton was brought in, and learnt that he was in a critical condition from shock and loss of blood and that but faint hopes were entertained of his recovery. Pte. Bolton is 23 years of age and was well-know as an amateur boxer. Strange to say his mother, who resides at 58, Esp Lane, had not up to the time of writing received any official intimation of the sad occurrence which reported to have taken place a fortnight ago.

27 August 1915

'BASHER' BOLTON'S DEATH CONFIRMED

Mrs. Bolton, 58, Esp Lane, Barnoldswick, has received confirmation of the death of her son Pte. Wm. Henry Bolton, of the 1st 6th West Riding Regiment, in a letter from one of his comrades at the front. It will be remembered that Pte. Bolton (whose portrait appeared in our columns at the time) had his leg shattered by a shell in the trenches, and it was rumoured that he had succumbed to his injuries. Bolton was well-known locally as an amateur boxer, hence the sobriquet 'Basher.' He went to France on the 14th April. The letter is as follows:-

Friday, August 30th

"Dear Mrs. Bolton. - I received the letter addressed to Willie last night and am very sorry to inform you that he died of wounds three weeks ago to-day (Friday 30 July).

"The Germans were shelling us very heavily that morning. One shell dropped close to Willie, shattering his leg. He passed away two hours after they got him to the hospital. All in human power was done to save him, but it was of no use. I enquired where he was buried and as soon as we get back for a rest I shall visit his grave at the first opportunity. I, and all who were acquainted with him, offer you our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement.

"We miss him now and often talk about him. I am indeed very sorry for you, but you have one consolation, that he willingly gave his life for King and Country.

"I remain, yours with deepest sympathy, E. Kennedy, 'C' Company."

31 December 1915

INGLETON AND THE WAR - The Sixth Fatality

Amongst those who attested at Settle were the following from Ingleton Fells:-

Thomas Faraday, John Faraday, James Parker, John Mason, Robert Lambert, Bryan Chapman, William Middleton, and William Hilton. These names bring the Ingleton Roll of Honour to 231.

Pte. W. Bolton, 6th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, was killed by shrapnel some time ago. He is the fifth Ingletonian to lay down his life for his country.

Pte. Stanley Thornber was shot through the chest some weeks ago, the bullet passing above the heart. The bullet has not been extracted, as an operation might prove dangerous.

Pte. Harold Howson, who has been in hospital suffering from trench foot, is at home, and Privates Joe Vickers and J. W. Robinson are at home on furlough from the Front.

News has just been received that Pte Cyril Tomlinson, 21 years of age, has been killed in the trenches by a sniper. He was the eldest son of Pte. Edward Tomlinson, Main Street; and went out to the Front with the 6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Immediately on receipt of the sad intelligence, the Union Jack was hoisted half-mast at St. Mary's Church. He is the sixth Ingletonian to give up his life for his King and country. As well as his father he has two brothers and several relatives serving with the forces. His brother-in-law, Pte. H. Routledge, has been gassed and is now in hospital at Lincoln.

Dr. Mackenzie has received a telegram from the War Office intimating that his son, Capt. Gordon Mackenzie, has been wounded in action, but the extent of his injuries is not yet known.

It is also reported that Pte. J. Nash and Pte. J. Waring have been wounded, and Pte. J. Clapham gassed, so that it would appear that the Ingletonians have been in the thick of it recently.

22 February 1918

INGLETON - IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN

A memorial service for Ingleton men who have fallen in the war was held in St. Mary's Church on Sunday evening. There was a large congregation, and the service was of an impressive character. The Union Jack was hoisted half-mast on the tower during the day. At the commencement of the service the organist, Mr. C. Bentham, played 'O rest in the Lord', and at the conclusion the Dead March in 'Saul', 'How bright these glorious spirits shine', and other hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung, as was also the National Anthem. Standing on the Chancel steps, Bugler J. Robinson sounded the 'Last Post', and its solemn and eerie notes reverberated along the aisles.

Before commencing his address, the vicar, the Rev. D. T. Davies, read out the list of those who had fallen, as follows:-

Killed in action: Second-Lieutenant G. Kirk, Sergeant J. Metcalfe, Privates A. Noble, G. Scholey, C. Tomlinson, J. Smith, W. A. Hodgson, J. W. Wadeson, J. W. Robinson, J. Clapham, W. Smith, J. Schofield, J. Kettlewell, W. Marklew, E. Askew, P. Fletcher, G. Metcalfe, A. M. Booth, J. Woodhouse, W. Bolton, and J. [W.H.W.] Wilson.

Died in hospital: Privates W. H. Wignall and C. Newsholme.

Torpedoed: C. Grant.

Missing; Sergeant R. E. Walker, Privates A. Sherwin, W. Northey, E. Robinson, J. Saul, and W. [J.C.] Bradford.

The Vicar, speaking from the words, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends', said that the occasion brought them face in face with a question that was momentous to everyone, and the list which he had just read made them pause and ask the question, "Is the cause for which we are fighting of such a nature that these sacrifices are necessary?" They must remind themselves of the causes which led to the war. Our honour was pledged to protect a small country from an oppressing wrong, and we were compelled to stand by them. They were standing to protect a weak country from a fearful wrong committed by one of the strongest nations in the world - from a military point of view the strongest - a nation that was steadily prospering year after year and which had been training its manhood to satisfy its mad ambition for power. It was becoming clear, especially during the last few weeks, that the dominant note running through their proposals had been their determination that might should conquer over right, and that they would rule as masters over the whole world. When they analysed the causes they saw that the principles of justice and righteousness were struggling against oppression and wrong-doing. They had seen an attempt to impose injustice on the whole world, to impose the doctrine that might is right and mercy unknown by the will of one man, and to sweep away religion, man's guidance, in a moment.