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William WAGGITT

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Surname: WAGGITT

Forename(s): William

Place of Birth: Tunstall, Yorkshire

Service No: 12901

Rank: L/Corporal

Regiment / Corps / Service: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion / Unit: 10th (Service) Battalion

Division: 23rd Division

Age: 26

Date of Death: 1916-10-04

Awards: ---

CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 6 B.

CWGC Cemetery: ---

CWGC Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

Non-CWGC Burial: ---

Local War Memorial: ADDINGHAM, YORKSHIRE

Local War Memorial: ILKLEY, YORKSHIRE

Additional Information:

William Waggitt was the son of William (John) and Jane Ann Waggitt, née Robinson and brother of Gunner John George Waggitt (87051) (q.v.). William (John) was born at Tunstall and Jane Ann at Scotton, Yorkshire. Both died in March 1932. William (John) Waggitt was the son of John and Hannah Crabtree, née Waggett [sic]. Why he changed his surname from Crabtree to Waggitt is not known.

1891 Tunstall, Yorkshire Census: William Crabtree, aged 1 year, born Catterick, Yorkshire, son of William and Jane A. Crabtree.

1901 Nosterfield, Yorkshire Census: Masons Arms Inn - William Crabtree, aged 10 years, born Tunstall, Yorkshire, son of William and Jane Ann Crabtree.

1911 Addingham, Yorkshire Census: Moor Side - William Waggitt, aged 21 years, born Catterick, Yorkshire, son of William and Jane Ann Waggitt.

British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte William Waggitt, 12901, West Riding Regiment. Theatre of War first served in: (1) France. Date of entry therein: 15 July 1915.

Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry

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Entry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:

WAGGITT, W., son of Mr. J.J. Waggitt, farmer, Addingham Moorside, killed in action in France, 1916.

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L/Corporal William WAGGITT

L/Corporal William WAGGITT

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 23rd Division

Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 23rd Division

Data from Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 - 1919 Records

Soldiers Died Data for Soldier Records

Surname: WAGGITT

Forename(s): William

Born: Tunstall, Yorks

Residence:

Enlisted: Ilkley, Yorks

Number: 12901

Rank: L/Cpl

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Battalion: 10th Battalion

Decorations:

Died Date: 04/10/16

Died How: Killed in action

Theatre of War: France & Flanders

Notes:

Data from Commonwealth War Graves Commission Records

CWGC Data for Soldier Records

Surname: WAGGITT

Forename(s): William

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Service Number: 12901

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)

Unit: 10th Bn.

Age: 26

Awards:

Died Date: 04/10/1916

Additional Information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Waggitt, of Moorside Farm, Ilkley, Yorks.

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'Ilkley Gazette' (26 November 1915)

Wounded Addingham Man

Private W. Waggitt an Addingham man in the 9th West Riding Regiment who was recently wounded in France has had one of his fingers amputated. He is in hospital in Surrey and going on well expecting to get home very shortly.

BRITISH BATTALIONS ON THE SOMME, by Ray Westlake (Pen & Sword Books Limited 1994)

10th (Service) Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment)

To front line Le Sars (2/10). Small party entered Flers support north off Bapaume Road (4/10) – held until bombs and ammunition ran out. In support during attack on Le Sars (7/10).

[William Waggitt was killed in action on the 4 October 1916.]

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1917

WAGGITT William of Moor Side Farm Ilkley Yorkshire a private in the West Riding regiment died 4 October 1916 in France Administration Wakefield 15 March to John Waggitt farmer. Effects £106 16s.

1932

WAGGITT John of Moorside Farm Moorside Ilkley Yorkshire died 18 March 1932 at The General Infirmary Leeds Administration London 25 May to William Townson and William Lancaster farmers. Effects £253 8s. 2d.

WAGGITT Jane Ann of Moorside Farm Moorside Ilkley Yorkshire widow died 25 March 1932 Probate London 6 May to William Townson and William Lancaster farmers. Effects £316 6s. 2d.

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St Peter's Churchyard, Addingham

St Peter's Churchyard, Addingham

Family gravestone - detail of memorial inscription

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Craven Herald and Wensleydale Standard Logo

11 September 1914

ADDINGHAM – A LOCAL COMPANY FORMED – Enthusiastic Scenes

A very enthusiastic and largely attended open-air meeting was held on Saturday evening, presided over by Mr. A.V. Mason, C.C., for the purpose of asking for men willing and able to give their services for the safety and well-being of their country.

Mr. Mason said:–“We are engaged in a life and death struggle with a strong and merciless foe. Thank God, we have a strong fleet, strong enough to protect our shores and keep open the source of our food supplies, but we need a larger army to crush the power of Germany. We want young men to join the Army, to fight for their country.” Married men could be perfectly sure that their wives and families will be well looked after. Messrs. Lister and Co. had offered to keep open the place of any man who volunteered and take him back at the same wages.

Captain Mercer, who gave a splendid address, reminded them that our army was suffering loss, and men were wanted to take their places. He had served his country 48 years; therefore he was entitled to stand aside for younger men. Yet when his country needed him he was ready to say “Here am I, take me.” If it had not been for our Navy where should we have been now? We should have been where the Belgians are to-day. If German troops were to land here what would they do? They would drive our women and children before them, just as they had done in Belgium. Savages would not treat their prisoners worse than the Germans had done. He believed all the German Army had been located except three corps, which he thought were in readiness to invade this country if by any chance the German Fleet were to be successful or we were to suffer any great damage through floating mines. He had every confidence in our Navy, although it had not been in battle for a great number of years. We wanted young men to rise as one man, to be ready to fight for their country’s sake. It was the men of the country who alone can fight their country’s battles. “Join the Army now and fight for your freedom” (applause).

Mr. F.H. Humphray, J.P., said 153 men had been sworn in and he hoped he would be busy that night and every night; he did not mind if he sat all night.

Captain T.H.S. Tee also spoke, exhorting the young men to join the Army and defend their country’s honour. He announced that the company would be called the Ilkley and Addingham Company, and as far as possible the men would be placed where they wished.

The Ilkley recruits sworn in marched to Addingham, accompanied by the Ilkley Brass Band, and all attended the meeting, after which hearty cheers were given as the men came up to join. Twenty-one recruits were sworn in on Saturday; several had been sworn in earlier at Ilkley and a few on Sunday and Monday. The following is a list of men from Addingham and Bolton Abbey who have gallantly joined the army:–

Addingham–Corporal Hy. Horsman, F. Burke, W. Hall, C. Moulding, H. Spencer, H. Leech [Leach], G. Thompson, J. Hargreaves, R. Townson, F. Hartley, A. Wade, H. Wade, G. Bailey, F. Chaplin, W.H. Young, J. Lister, J.W. Fisher, F. Fisher, W. Spenceley, W. Wroe, C. Fisher, H. Tunnicliffe, J. Kettlewell, W. Waggott [Waggitt].

Bolton Abbey–N. Nelson, C. Binns, J. Mitchell, G. Robinson, W. Nelson, E. Woolston, J.T. Roberts, A. Nelson.

On Monday the streets of the village reminded one of the now defunct Club Feast (which, singularly enough, would have been on that day), as they were crowded with people. All traffic was held up, the reason being that the Addingham contingent were lined up in readiness to fall in with the full company on their way to Halifax via Keighley. It was about 4.15 when the strains of ‘Off to Tipperary’ were heard in the distance, and very soon the company of recruits for Lord Kitchener’s Army came in sight. A halt was called for refreshments and to take up the Addingham men. It was very pleasing to see such a fine sample of manhood all enrolled in their country’s call. Ilkley Brass Band headed the company from Ilkley to the outskirts of the village.

19 November 1915

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT – WOUNDED MAN’S THANKS

Private Willie Waggitt, who has been wounded in France, and has had to have one of his fingers amputated, writes from the War Hospital, Surrey:– “I got your parcel all right. It has been on the way a few days. This is the second hospital I have been in since I left Woodford on October 30th, but everything was quite good. Thanks very much for your kindness. I am getting on all right and expect to be home for a few days before long.”

22 September 1916

ADDINGHAM – SOLDIERS’ LETTERS

Mr. Flint has received the following letter in acknowledgment of parcels sent out:–

Gunner W. Brown writes – “I was delighted to receive your parcel for which I thank the good old Addingham friends. We had rather a rough time of it last night. The old Germans began gas shelling at about two o’clock in the morning and kept it up until about four o’clock. Of course we had our gas helmets on all the time and I am pleased to say it did not take any effect on us, but when we took them off the little bit left in the dug-out made our eyes smart, but it was nothing to make a song about, and we are all going strong. I was sorry to hear that F. Stapleton had got wounded; I hope he is going on all right. Poor James Townson died from his wounds. Old Addingham has lost a lot during the last two months.”

Other letters and cards acknowledging receipt of parcels have been received from B. Wynn, R. Smith, W. Waggitt and F. Hartley.

20 October 1916

ADDINGHAM SOLDIER REPORTED KILLED

We also regret to announce that Pte. W. Waggitt, son of Mr. J. J. Waggitt, farmer, Addingham Moorside, has been reported killed in action. Although official information has not yet been received, Private R. Smith, who was reported wounded last week, in a further letter home says:– “A few lines to let you know I am in hospital with a few wounds in my back and both my thighs and just a little in my hand. They are bits of shrapnel. I am very lucky to be wounded, for poor Willie Waggitt has gone under and the two behind him; then I came next but luck would have it I was not to be killed. I thought my time had come – I can tell you.”

Pte. Waggitt joined up with the first batch of Kitchener’s men and was wounded on August 8th 1915, and after being in various hospitals it was found necessary on November 5th to remove one of the fingers of his left hand. He was back in the trenches in January 1916. Another brother is serving with the Canadian Forces, and a younger brother is in training.

27 October 1916

WAGGITT – Died from wounds received in action on October 4. Lance-Corporal W. Waggitt, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Waggitt, Addingham Moorside.

27 October 1916

ADDINGHAM – THE LATE LANCE-CORPORAL WAGGITT

Mr. and Mrs. Waggitt have received the following letter from E. Merrell, respecting their son, Lance-Corpl. W. Waggitt:– “It is with deepest regret that I have to tell you of the death of your valiant son, Will, who has been my greatest chum since he joined this Battalion. We always went about together and both got stripes together after the July turn on this front. He was a magnificent soldier and well above the usual standard, smart and hardworking and fearless, also a leader whom the biggest coward could have followed. The morning of the fourth we were informed that our Platoon had to take a Boche position by going up a trench and bombing our way forward. Straight from our lines, Will leading, we came to the first barricade. Taking a shovel he cut through, the second one likewise and the third. Will spotted the Germans and in his jolly way passed it down to us, “They are waiting for us.” Bombs were thrown and the Germans let us have it, bombing us from the sides. One of the bombs dropped in the trench and killed the second man and badly wounded Will. He was assisted back nearly to our lines by Corp. R. Harrison, another of Will’s class of British blood. Bob was wounded along with many more. The Company stretcher-bearers went to Will to look to his wounds, but he refused them saying, “I will not last long, look to the others, they need it more than me.” His last words with a smile on his face were “Cheer oh, lads, the best of luck, I am going.” With these words of encouragement he passed into the arms of his Maker with a clear conscience. The remainder of the Platoon are lost without him, and I wish you to please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss.”

03 November 1916

ADDINGHAM – NEWS FROM SOLDIERS

Private W. Dixon, writing from No. 2 Convalescent Camp, Rouen, says:– “I was sorry to hear about W. Waggitt’s death; R. Smith told me about him; they were both together when he got killed and Smith got wounded. I was wounded the day before. I don’t think the war will last much longer, and the sooner it is over the better. We go down to Rouen nearly every day to the football matches or the pictures. We have a very good football team.”

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19 November 1915

ADDINGHAM SOLDIERS’ LETTERS

The following letters have come to hand in acknowledgement of parcels sent out by Mr. Flint:–

Private Willie Waggett, who has been wounded in France, and has had to have one of his fingers amputated, writes from the War Hospital, Surrey:–

“I got your parcel all right. It had been on the way a few days. This is the second hospital I have been in since I left Woodford on October 30th, but everything was quite good. Thanks very much for your kindness. I am getting on all right, and expect to be home for a few days before long.”

20 October 1916

WAGGITT – Killed in action in France, Pte. W. Waggitt, son of Mr. J.J. Waggitt, farmer, Addingham Moorside.

20 October 1916

PTE. WAGGITT OF ADDINGHAM KILLED

We regret to announce that Pte. W. Waggitt, son of Mr. J.J. Waggitt, farmer, Addingham Moorside, has been reported killed in action.

Private R. Smith, who was reported wounded last week, in a further letter home says:– “A few lines to let you know I am in hospital with a few wounds in my back and both my thighs and just a little in my hand. They are bits of shrapnel. I am very lucky to be wounded, for poor Willie Waggitt has gone under, and the two behind him; then I came next, but luck would have it I was not to be killed. I thought my time had come, I can tell you.”

Pte. Waggitt joined with the first batch of Kitchener’s men, and was wounded on August 8th 1915. After being in various hospitals it was found necessary on November 5th to remove one of the fingers of his left hand. He was back in the trenches in January 1916. Another brother is serving with the Canadian Forces, and a younger brother is in training.

27 October 1916

HOW AN ADDINGHAM SOLDIER MET HIS DEATH

Mr. and Mrs. Waggitt have received the following letter from E. Merrell, respecting their son, Lance-Corpl. W. Waggitt:– “It is with deepest regret that I have to tell you of the death of your valiant son, Will, who has been my greatest chum since he joined this battalion. We always went about together and both got stripes together after the July turn on this front. He was a magnificent soldier and well above the usual standard, smart and hardworking and fearless, also a leader whom the biggest coward could have followed. The morning of the 4th we were informed that our platoon had to take a Boche position by going up a trench and bombing our way forward. Straight from our lines, Will leading, we came to the first barricade. Taking a shovel he cut through, the second one likewise and the third. Will spotted the Germans, and in his jolly way passed it down to us, “they are waiting for us.” Bombs were thrown and the Germans let us have it, bombing us from the sides. One of the bombs dropped in the trench and killed the second man, badly wounding Will. He was assisted back nearly to our lines by Corp. R. Harrison, another of Will’s class of British blood. Bob was wounded along with many more. The company stretcher-bearers went to Will to look to his wounds, but he refused them saying, “I will not last long, look to the others, they need it more than me.” His last words with a smile on his face were “Cheer oh, lads, the best of luck, I am going.” With these words of encouragement he passed into the arms of his Maker with a clear conscience. The remainder of the platoon are lost without him, and I wish you to please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss.”

03 November 1916

ADDINGHAM SOLDIERS’ LETTERS

Mr. Flint has received the following letters in acknowledgement of parcels:–

Private W. Dixon, writing from No. 2 Convalescent Camp, Rouen, says: “ I was sorry to hear about W. Waggitt’s death. R. Smith told me about him. They were both together when he got killed. Smith got wounded. I was wounded the day before. I don’t think the war will last much longer. Sooner it is over the better. We go down to Rouen nearly every day to the football matches or the pictures. We have a very good football team, they play Rouen and other teams.”

22 December 1916

ADDINGHAM – SOLDIERS’ LETTERS

Mr. Flint has received the following letters:–Pte. R. Smith writes: “I received your most welcome letter and P.O. I don’t think I shall be long before I get my leave. I expect it just after Christmas, then I shall be able to see you all, if I am lucky. We have just come out of the trenches for a few days. I think I have earned my leave, but never mind, I am living, and that is everything. My friend Waggitt got killed in front of my eyes. I wish all of you a merry Christmas.”

10 August 1917

ADDINGHAM

THE LATE DRIVER WAGGITT – The funeral of Driver John George Waggitt, of the Canadian Field Artillery, whose death was reported last week, took place on Friday afternoon last at the Parish Church burial ground. Members of the Addingham Platoon of the West Riding Volunteers, in command of Sergt. Belper, met the mourners at the top of the village and formed an escort to the church. The service in the church and at the graveside was conducted by Rev. J.W. Hall (rector). The firing party fired a military salute, and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded. The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Waggitt, Miss Waggitt, Miss Hannah Waggitt, Miss Lily Waggitt (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. Lister Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. C. Brown, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Gregson (Moorside), Mr. Capstick Woodhouse (Ilkley), Mr. Matson and Mr. E. Thackray (Netherwood), Mr. S. Whiteoak, Mr. John Rishworth, Mr. H. Todd, Mr. W. Lancaster, Mr. H. Moore, Mr. James Pighills, Mr. Bell, Mr. J. Gill, Mr. J. Rishworth, jun., Mr. A. Kendall, Mr. Charles Dewhurst (Moorside), Mr. L. Stell (Turner Lane), Mr. H. Mason, and Mr. R. Thompson (Gildersber). Wreaths were sent from Nellie, Hannah, Lily and Fred (somewhere in France), in loving memory of our dear brothers John and Willie (Willie fell in France about nine months ago), Mr. and Mrs. Nixon and Masters Everitt and John Nixon. There was a large gathering of the public to show sympathy with the bereaved family.

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