Thurgoland
Thurgoland War Memorial is situated at the junction of Smithy Hill and Sheffield Road. The inscription is:
ERECTED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THURGOLAND, IN HONOUR AND MEMORY OF THEIR FALLEN IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918 AND 1939 - 1945
ERECTED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THURGOLAND, IN HONOUR AND MEMORY OF THEIR FALLEN IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918 AND 1939 - 1945
Gnr D Matthewman, RA
Pte S Illingsworth, KOYLI
Gnr J R Stagg, RA
Ord/Seaman T Beet, RN
Pte J Bower, Welsh Reg
Pte G Warttig, Green Howards
Lt Comm Eugene Esmonde VC DSO, RN
Pte S Illingsworth, KOYLI
Gnr J R Stagg, RA
Ord/Seaman T Beet, RN
Pte J Bower, Welsh Reg
Pte G Warttig, Green Howards
Lt Comm Eugene Esmonde VC DSO, RN
Holy Trinity Church Plaque
Thurgoland Parish 1939 Roll of Honour - Holy Trinity Church
The roll of honour lists those who served during the war. It shows those who died as:
John Robert Stagg - RE - Killed in Action Jan 43 Thomas Beet - RN - Killed in Action April 43 George Warttig - GH - Killed in Action 20 Feb 44 Casualties listed elsewhere are shown as: D Matthewman - RA - Discharged Arnold Thawley - C Gds - POW |
Additional Details
Douglas Matthewman
Gunner - Royal Artillery
23 August 1943, aged 23
Born in Penistone in Q4 1919
(son of Colin and Alma Matthewman; husband of Dorothy Matthewman)
Not listed on CWGC
In 1940 mother was living at Belmont Terrace, Thurgoland
Family lived at Mount Pleasant, Thurgoland in 1921. Father died 17/8/1921
Lived at 97 Closefield Grove, Monkseaton
Married in Northumberland South - Q1 1942
Died in The Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.
Gunner - Royal Artillery
23 August 1943, aged 23
Born in Penistone in Q4 1919
(son of Colin and Alma Matthewman; husband of Dorothy Matthewman)
Not listed on CWGC
In 1940 mother was living at Belmont Terrace, Thurgoland
Family lived at Mount Pleasant, Thurgoland in 1921. Father died 17/8/1921
Lived at 97 Closefield Grove, Monkseaton
Married in Northumberland South - Q1 1942
Died in The Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.
Stanley Illingsworth (14590933)
Private - Durham Light Infantry - 9th Bn.
14 June 1944, aged 20
Born in Barnsley in Q3 1923
Son of Mary Myers, of Oxspring, Yorkshire.
Lived at Pickliffes, Oxspring
Bayeux War Cemetery
The gravestone carries the inscription - In loving memory Of my dear son Killed in action. Always in our thoughts
Originally buried at Tilly 7F/1 1/50,000 807686 before being reburied in present location on 3 August 1945
Killed in action in Normandy on D-Day+8. At Lingevres (MR 805685) on 14th June 1944 the battalion was ordered to attack on a two company front.The two right hand Coys succeeded in gaining their objective whilst the two left hand companies failed to push on. The two Companys were attacked by enemy Tiger and Mk IV tanks, an anti-tak guns were resonsible for beating off tank attacks for a period of seven hours and in conjunction with a troop of our own tanks for the destruction of nine enemy tanks.
War Diary for 14th recrds - 04:00 hrs. We shelled and mortared the wood at 805.89, as patrols report enemy still in the area. 09:50 hrs. Bn. Commences to new position, H-Hour being 10:20 hrs. By 11:00 hrs the Bn was fully engaged in woods at MR8069, and B.M reported all going according to plan. At 11:20 hrs. the Bn. Began to consolidate at 805684 and prisoners started coming in. 28 prisoners in by 12:03 hrs., some of them wounded. 12:15 hrs Lieut.Col. H.R. Woods, DSO MC & Bar, was shot and fatally wounded. Major H.J Mogg assumed command of Bn. Tanks were sent forward through the Bn. Area, and by 13:00 hrs we were holding the village, joined ten minutes later by 6 DLI. 14:00 hrs. two Tigers knocked out by PIAT's also other vehicles.Everything fairly quiet until extra enemy infantry were seen infiltrating E. of road at 812 682; later at 16:43 hrs. tanks are seen moving forward as well as enemy Inf. 17:50 hrs. then enemy began to drive in on left, and the attack developed until the fwd. troops were almost surrounded by enemy. 18:35 hrs. Bde say R.A.F. is coming to assist use. 19:20 hrs. Typhoon rocket the enemy position, and the situation is eased somewhat. 19:45 hrs. had news, 3 A/TK.guns and carriers surrounded and destroyed by enemy at X road 805084.
Private - Durham Light Infantry - 9th Bn.
14 June 1944, aged 20
Born in Barnsley in Q3 1923
Son of Mary Myers, of Oxspring, Yorkshire.
Lived at Pickliffes, Oxspring
Bayeux War Cemetery
The gravestone carries the inscription - In loving memory Of my dear son Killed in action. Always in our thoughts
Originally buried at Tilly 7F/1 1/50,000 807686 before being reburied in present location on 3 August 1945
Killed in action in Normandy on D-Day+8. At Lingevres (MR 805685) on 14th June 1944 the battalion was ordered to attack on a two company front.The two right hand Coys succeeded in gaining their objective whilst the two left hand companies failed to push on. The two Companys were attacked by enemy Tiger and Mk IV tanks, an anti-tak guns were resonsible for beating off tank attacks for a period of seven hours and in conjunction with a troop of our own tanks for the destruction of nine enemy tanks.
War Diary for 14th recrds - 04:00 hrs. We shelled and mortared the wood at 805.89, as patrols report enemy still in the area. 09:50 hrs. Bn. Commences to new position, H-Hour being 10:20 hrs. By 11:00 hrs the Bn was fully engaged in woods at MR8069, and B.M reported all going according to plan. At 11:20 hrs. the Bn. Began to consolidate at 805684 and prisoners started coming in. 28 prisoners in by 12:03 hrs., some of them wounded. 12:15 hrs Lieut.Col. H.R. Woods, DSO MC & Bar, was shot and fatally wounded. Major H.J Mogg assumed command of Bn. Tanks were sent forward through the Bn. Area, and by 13:00 hrs we were holding the village, joined ten minutes later by 6 DLI. 14:00 hrs. two Tigers knocked out by PIAT's also other vehicles.Everything fairly quiet until extra enemy infantry were seen infiltrating E. of road at 812 682; later at 16:43 hrs. tanks are seen moving forward as well as enemy Inf. 17:50 hrs. then enemy began to drive in on left, and the attack developed until the fwd. troops were almost surrounded by enemy. 18:35 hrs. Bde say R.A.F. is coming to assist use. 19:20 hrs. Typhoon rocket the enemy position, and the situation is eased somewhat. 19:45 hrs. had news, 3 A/TK.guns and carriers surrounded and destroyed by enemy at X road 805084.
John Robert Stagg (1802261)
Gunner - Royal Artillery - 297 Bty., 95 Lt. A.A. Regt.
21 January 1943, aged 22
Born in Barnsley in Q2 1920
Son of John Robert and Harriet Stagg; Husband of Freda May Stagg, of Deepcar.
Enlisted 1941
Lived at Steeple Lodge, Stainborough
Married in Wortley - Q2 1940 - 1 Daughter
Thurgoland Cemetery
The gravestone carries the inscription - In memory Of my dearest husband. Beloved, yours the beginning Not the end
Died in the base hospital, Larbert, Scotland
[also listed on Hood Green / Stainborough memorial]
Gunner - Royal Artillery - 297 Bty., 95 Lt. A.A. Regt.
21 January 1943, aged 22
Born in Barnsley in Q2 1920
Son of John Robert and Harriet Stagg; Husband of Freda May Stagg, of Deepcar.
Enlisted 1941
Lived at Steeple Lodge, Stainborough
Married in Wortley - Q2 1940 - 1 Daughter
Thurgoland Cemetery
The gravestone carries the inscription - In memory Of my dearest husband. Beloved, yours the beginning Not the end
Died in the base hospital, Larbert, Scotland
[also listed on Hood Green / Stainborough memorial]
Thomas Beet (D/JX 364499)
Ordinary Seaman - Royal Navy - H.M.L.C.G.(L) 16 26 April 1943, aged 19 Born in Penistone in Q1 1923 Son of John William and Edith Beet, of Oxspring, Yorkshire. Lived at Little Blackmoor, Hunshelf Plymouth Naval Memorial He was one of the crew of Landing Craft Gun (Large) which was lost in a storm, along with LCG(L) 15, off the coast of Pembrokeshire. The vessels were on the way to Falmouth from the builders in Belfast. The sadness is that the vessels had sought shelter in Fishguard harboour but for some un-explicable reason had been refused entry, so had to proceed onwards. |
Joseph Bower (4860204)
Private - Welch Regiment - 1st Bn.
8 October 1944, aged 25
Born in Mansfield in Q1 1919
Son of Joseph and Eliza Bower, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Enlisted in 1939. Served with Leicestershire Regiment during World War Two. Compulsorily transferred to the Welch Regiment 7.4.1942.
Ancona War Cemetery
The gravestone carries the inscription - A loving son A brother kind Beautiful memories Left Behind
Originally buried at Loreto Military Cemetery before being reburied in present location on 20 December 1944
Died during the Italian campaign
Private - Welch Regiment - 1st Bn.
8 October 1944, aged 25
Born in Mansfield in Q1 1919
Son of Joseph and Eliza Bower, of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Enlisted in 1939. Served with Leicestershire Regiment during World War Two. Compulsorily transferred to the Welch Regiment 7.4.1942.
Ancona War Cemetery
The gravestone carries the inscription - A loving son A brother kind Beautiful memories Left Behind
Originally buried at Loreto Military Cemetery before being reburied in present location on 20 December 1944
Died during the Italian campaign
George Warttig (14624135)
Private - Royal Berkshire Regiment - 10th Bn.
26 February 1944, aged 29
Born in Barnsley in 16 July 1914
Son of Charles William and Annis Warttig, of Barnsley, Yorkshire; Husband of Kathleen Warttig, of Barnsley
In 1945 parents lived at Bird Lane, Oxspring
Lived at 246 Doncaster Rd, Barnsley
Married in Barnsley - Q2 1942 - 1 Daughter
Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio
The gravestone carries the inscription - Rest eternal Grant him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him
Died during the Italian campaign
Private - Royal Berkshire Regiment - 10th Bn.
26 February 1944, aged 29
Born in Barnsley in 16 July 1914
Son of Charles William and Annis Warttig, of Barnsley, Yorkshire; Husband of Kathleen Warttig, of Barnsley
In 1945 parents lived at Bird Lane, Oxspring
Lived at 246 Doncaster Rd, Barnsley
Married in Barnsley - Q2 1942 - 1 Daughter
Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio
The gravestone carries the inscription - Rest eternal Grant him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him
Died during the Italian campaign
Eugene Kingsmill Esmonde VC DSO
Lieut-Commander (A) - Royal Navy - H.M.S. Daedalus (825 Sqdn.) 12 February 1942, aged 32 Born in Wortley on 1 March 1909 Son of John Joseph and Eily Esmonde, of Drominagh, Co. Tipperary, Irish Republic. His father died in 1915. Royal Aero Club Aviators Certificate 9441 on 16/3/1930 at Berks, Bucks & Oxon Aero Club (NFS). Address shown as "Dominagh" Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, and RAF Tangmere, and his occupation as RAF Officer. The following details are given in the London Gazette of 3rd March, 1942 : The King has been graciously pleased to approve the grant of the Victoria Cross, for valour and resolution in action against the enemy, to Lieut.-Comdr. Eugene Esmonde, D.S.O., R.N. On 12th February, 1942, Lieut.-Comdr. Esmonde was in command of a squadron of six Swordfish ordered to attack the German battle-cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the cruiser Prinz Eugene, which were entering the Straits of Dover strongly escorted by some thirty surface craft. After ten minutes'' flight his squadron was attacked by a strong force of enemy fighters. Touch was lost with his fighter escort and all his aircraft were damaged. Nevertheless, cool and resolute, challenging hopeless odds, he flew on towards the target through the deadly fire of the battle-cruisers and their escorts. The port wing of his aircraft was shattered, but still he led his squadron on, only to be quickly shot down. His high courage and splendid resolution will live in the traditions of the Royal Navy and remain for many generations a fine and stirring memory. Lived at Royal Naval Barracks Lee-on-Solent Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery, Kent The gravestone carries the inscription - May God unite All minds in truth And all hearts in charity He was the pilot of a Fairey Swordfish which was shot down attacking German ships in what is known as the 'Channel Dash'. He had previously led the aircraft attacking the battleship Bismarck. |
Pathe Newsreel footage of Esmonde's funeral
Arnold Thawley (2658009)
Lance Corporal - Coldstream Guards - 3rd Bn
25 December 1945, aged 25
Born in Penistone in Q1 1920
Husband of A. Thawley, of Gilroyd, Barnsley.
Twin son and daughter both died aged 0 (Staincross)
Lived at 4 Watch House Row, Thurgoland
Married in Staincross Q4 1945 - 1 son 1 daughter
Thurgoland (Holy Trinity) Churchyard Extension
Died in Barnsley
Lance Corporal - Coldstream Guards - 3rd Bn
25 December 1945, aged 25
Born in Penistone in Q1 1920
Husband of A. Thawley, of Gilroyd, Barnsley.
Twin son and daughter both died aged 0 (Staincross)
Lived at 4 Watch House Row, Thurgoland
Married in Staincross Q4 1945 - 1 son 1 daughter
Thurgoland (Holy Trinity) Churchyard Extension
Died in Barnsley