William MOORHOUSE

19 October 1917

MOORHOUSE – October 6th 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Private William Moorhouse, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, son of Mrs. Moorhouse, Primrose Hill, Skipton, aged 21 years.

19 October 1917

DEATH OF ANOTHER MACHINE GUNNER

On Tuesday morning Mrs. Moorhouse, Primrose Hill, Skipton, received the sad news of the death of her son, Private William Moorhouse, in the following communication from Lieut. H. G. Boxer, of the Machine Gun Corps, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment:–

“Dear Mrs. Moorhouse, – It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son, William Moorhouse, was killed in action on the sixth of this month. This is the earliest opportunity I have had of writing to you. I am all the more sorry about his death, as he has been under my command for over a year. He has always proved himself such an excellent fellow and was popular with his comrades. He died instantly and painlessly, and I am glad to be able to say that he has been buried on the spot where he was killed, and a cross marks his resting place. Once again, assuring you of my deepest sympathy in your loss.”

Pte. Moorhouse, who was a Territorial, enlisted at the outbreak of war, and went out to France in April 1915 with the Machine Gun Corps of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. He was in his twenty-second year, and his two brothers are also serving in France.

02 November 1917

THE FATE OF A SKIPTON GUNNER

Mrs. Moorhouse, 6, Primrose Hill, Skipton, whose son, Private William Moorhouse, Machine Gun Corps, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, was killed in action on October 6th (as reported in our issue of October 19th) has received fuller particulars of his death.

Corporal Edgar Binns says:– “When you get this letter I expect you will have heard that your son has been killed. I was very sorry indeed when I heard of it, because he was one of the best liked lads in the section, and he always kept a cheerful heart and a smiling face whatever happened. By what I can gather he was in a dugout when the shell came. I think there were four killed altogether by the same shell and one wounded. He did not suffer any pain because he was killed at once. I hope that God will give you strength to bear up under your sad loss. I can’t tell you how much I miss him because he was my closest pal.”

A letter from Sergeant F. Turner states:– “On behalf of the N.C.O.s and men of our section, I desire to send you our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. Perhaps it will be a little consolation for you to know that his death was almost instantaneous, and I fully believe painless. It was a great blow to us all, because he was so well known among the lads, being one of the oldest in the section. He was a fine lad and always did his duty cheerfully and well. We miss his presence amongst us very much, but I know that you will feel it much more keenly when all the other lad are coming home. We buried him as best we could under the circumstances, along with some of his comrades, and placed a wooden cross in their memory. He gave his life for us and England and in due time he will receive his reward.”

Pte. Moorhouse was a Territorial, and enlisted at the outbreak of war, prior to which he was employed by Mr. George Mattock, High Corn Mills. He went out to France in April 1915. He was in his 22nd year. His two brothers are also serving in France.

04 October 1918

MOORHOUSE – In sweetest remembrance of (Billie), Private William Moorhouse, who gave his life for his friends at Passchendaele, October 6th, 1917.

“He was staunch to the end, against odds uncounted, and fell with his face to the foe.”

From all who loved him at No. 12 Duckett Street, Skipton, and from his chum, Herbert, in France.

11 October 1918

MOORHOUSE – In ever loving memory of a dear son and brother, ‘Billie,’ Private Wm. Moorhouse, who was killed in action at Passchendaele, October 6th, 1917.

Dear love of our hearts, you sleep with the brave,
Where no tears of a mother can fall on your grave.

“Greater love hath no man than this.”

From Mother and all at home, Brothers in France, and Lizzie, 6 Primrose Hill, Skipton.

MOORHOUSE – In unfading memory of our dear nephew (‘Billie’), Private Wm. Moorhouse, Machine Gun Company, who gave his life on the altar of duty at Passchendaele, October 6th, 1917.

He gave his heart to his home,
His life to his country and his soul to God.

Rose and Pemmy, 6 Primrose Hill, Skipton.

03 October 1919

MOORHOUSE – In loving memory of Private William Moorhouse, M.G.C., killed in action October 6th, 1917.

“Called to higher service.”

From his pal Benson.

10 October 1919

MOORHOUSE – In loving memory of my dear nephew (Billie) Private W. Moorhouse, M.G.C., who was killed at Passchendaele, October 6th, 1917.

“Too dearly loved to be forgotten”

Rosie

MOORHOUSE – In constant memory of a dear son and brother, Private W. Moorhouse, M.G.C., who fell at Passchendaele, October 6th, 1917.

“Think only this of me. ‘That there’s a corner in a foreign field that is for ever England.’”

Mother and Family.

08 October 1920

MOORHOUSE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Pte. Willie Moorhouse.

Your silent tent of green
We cannot deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been –
Your memory shall be ours.

From Mother, Sisters and Brothers, Primrose Hill.

MOORHOUSE – In loving memory of our dear nephew, Willie Moorhouse, M.G.C., who was killed at Paschendale, October 6th, 1917.

From his Aunts Rosie and Pemmy.

07 October 1921

MOORHOUSE – In loving memory of Gunner William Moorhouse, killed in action, Oct. 6th, 1917.

An unseen string from memory’s harp
Is softly touched today.

From Mother, 6 Primrose Hill.