Salford Rugby Club WW1 deaths

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CWGC gives:

Name: WILLIAMS, THOMAS
Initials: T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry
Age: 39
Date of Death: 17/10/1915
Service No: 3395
Additional information: Son of Edward and Emma Williams; husband of Caroline Elizabeth Hancock (formerly Williams), of 38, Clement St., Lower Broughton, Manchester. Born at Penrhiwfer, Glam.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: D. 58.
Cemetery: ALEXANDRIA (CHATBY) MILITARY AND WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY

SDGW gives:

Birth Place: Cardiff, Glam
Residence: Pendleton
Death Date: 17 Oct 1915
Death Location: Gallipoli
Enlistment Location: Manchester
Rank: Private
Regiment: Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (incl. Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps)
Battalion: Duke of Lancasters Own Yeomanry
Number: 3395
Type of Casualty: Died
Theatre of War: Balkan Theatre


News has been received that Sapper Tom Williams, of the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry, has died in hospital at Alexandria from enteric fever. Sapper Williams went to Egypt in September 1914.
He leaves a widow and five children to mourn his loss.

HIS COMING AND HIS SALFORD SUCCESS

Williams was captain of Salford Football Club. The Rugby game was then at its height of popularity in this district. Immediately on joining the Northern Union at the end of 1895-96 season the officials of the Salford Football Club succeeded in securing from Wales a number of expert players of the game, who assisted materially to raise that organisation to a high place amongst its contemparies.
One has only to mention Gray, Griffiths, Jack Williams, Jack Rhapps, Joe Hoskins, Dan Smith, Phillips, Dai Davies and last but not least Tom Williams, whose name was one to conjure with, and whose meteoric career was the admiration and envy of rival club managers, to call to mind the football glory of those days, and to recognise that the Principality then turned out some of the finest exponents of Rugby football that ever wore a jersey.
We much regret to record the death of the last-named and also to offer our sympathy to his widow and the five children who mourn his loss.
Tom was one of the most companionable fellows to be met with in the proverbial day's walk, and his football reputation was of the highest.
Before coming to Salford he had been captain of the Llwynypid club and also a Welsh International, and later he secured county honours Lancashire.
He joined the Borough Club at the beginning of September 1897, and took part in the opening match of the season against Wigan, he and Hoskins scoring a try each and Benny Griffiths kicking a goal.


Part 2 to follow soon.

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The defensive strength of the team also was sufficiently good to prevent the “Colliers” from recording any points. In that season the “Reds” scored 139 tries, Williams contributing 38 and Hoskins 30, and 52 goals, 17 which were kicked by the former. The combination of this pair at centre and wing respectively was perfect, and the brilliant passing runs down the right wing a feature of almost every match. Towards the end of January Frank Miles turned out again and scored 17 tries on the other wing, and looking back one can easily see how Salford won 27 matches and drew 3 out of the 39 played, and how large crowds were the rule at New Barnes. This was William’s greatest season, for a year after his points had fallen away to 4 goals, 17 tries – not one-half of his earlier record. In 1899-1900 he scored 16 tries; in 1900-1901 14, in 1901-1902 13, in 1902-1903 3, in 1903-1904 his name does not appear amongst the scorers, in 1904-1905 he scored a try against Wigan at Weaste, in 1905-1906 his name is again missing, but in 1906-1907 he crossed the line in the Liverpool City match at the Willows. For some time he suffered greatly from water on the knee and eventually underwent an operation for the removal of a cartilage. This practically closed his football career, although he was transferred to Swinton and played in either one or two games. Tom had many friends, especially in football and sporting circles, who will never forget his brilliant form, his speed, and the fine finish of his work on the field. The falling away of his scoring record may perhaps be traced to want of opportunity, for in 1901-1902 Lomas was secured for the Salford Club from Bramley by Mr. Victor Wright, and from this time until the Cumbrian went to Oldham his name is written very large on the club’s score sheet. William’s was captain of Salford for four or five seasons and under his leadership the club did very well. He played in the cup finals of 1900 and 1902 against Swinton and Broughton Rangers respectively and scored at Fallowfield. Williams for some time managed the Park Inn, Tatton street, Salford, but prior to enlistment was engaged in checking work at the docks. When war broke out Williams, then 40 years of age, joined the Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry as a sapper and went with his regiment, as before stated, to Egypt in September of last year.

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It is believed that 32 players from Salford volunteered to serve during the Great War, of which 7 died.

The other players were:
Jimmy Cook
E Brown
Fred Hope
Dave Preston
George Thom
N Shaw

Assistant trainer J Hopkins also died during service.

Over the coming weeks we hope to discover who these men were, who they served with and where they are remembered. Please post within this thread if you have any information in relation to the names listed.

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George Thom

Name: THOM
Initials: G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Armament Staff Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Date of Death: 30/12/1915
Service No: TD/944
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: H. Diss. 2705.
Cemetery: SALFORD (WEASTE) CEMETERY
Birth Place: Salford, Lancs
Death Date: 30 Dec 1915
Death Location: Home
Enlistment Location: Manchester
Type of Casualty: Died
Theatre of War: Home

George was born in Salford son of George and Mary Thom. In the 1901 census he is said to be a 16 years old living at 12 Ward St, Weaste.

He made his debut for Salford in 1908 playing for 7 seasons and had "turned out" for Salford on 157 occasions prior to attestation to join the Army.

In 1911 he married Annie Rebecca Titley to whom he fathered three children.

His medal card indicates that he landed in France on the 30/08/1915. George was injured in France and rushed back to England to be treated, although expected to survive George died at Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham on 30th December 1915.

In a match program dated 8th January 1916 the following article was printed:

"The late George Thom.
Our first program of the New Year must commence with a note of sorrow. We deplore the passing away at Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham on Dec 30th of George Thom, one of the most honest scrummagers that ever wore the famous red jersey. True - we knew some time ago that his football days were over, consequent upon his accident in France, but the reports were so very favourable that we looked to welcome him to many matches as a spectator.
Alas; 'twas not to be. Our late comrade made a magnificent struggle but the shock proved too great. Although he died in England and now rests in Weaste Cemetery it is none the less certain that his life was given to the service of his country as much as if he had died on the battlefield. At the funeral last Tuesday the club was represented by Mr Rich and Mr Campbell (Directors) and we also sent a wreathe, not only so but a number of players attended spontaneously to show the regard in which they held their late colleague. May the turf rest lightly upon him.
Whilst thinking of the dead in this way we must not forget the living. Our sympathies go out strongly to the young widow and family and it is our intention that the sympathy shall take a practical form, full particulars of which we hope to give in our next issue."

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[mack]

only found one gary.
pte david preston,hes in neil drums book,gods own[with a picture]

mack

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Thanks Mack,

[Deleted]

Could this have been Fred Hope?

Frederick Hope
Birth Place: Worsley
Residence: Hazelhurst, Worsley
Death Date: 25 Jan 1916
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Manchester
Rank: Private
Age: 24
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Battalion: 20th Battalion
Number: 5079
Type of Casualty: Killed in action
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre
Son of Albert and Helena Hope, of 17, Brackley Terrace, Hazelhurst Worsley, Manchester.
Buried: CAMBRIN CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, FRANCE.

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Thanks Ben,

I will check that Fred out.

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Name: PRESTON, DAVID
Initials: D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: Lancashire Fusiliers
Unit Text: 15th Bn.
Date of Death: 01/07/1916
Service No: 25007
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL Pier and Face 3 C and 3 D.
Name: David Preston
Birth Place: Salford, Lancs
Death Date: 1 Jul 1916
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Salford
Type of Casualty: Killed in action
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

David Preston was born on the 16th December 1879, son of William and Ellen. He was a member of the Adelphi Lads' Club and played for the "Reds" for 14 years.


Lance Corporal David Preston's name appeared among the list of "missing" in the great advance of the Salfords at Thiepval on July 1, 1916. His wife who resided at 5 Marsden St, Salford, received information, in June 1917, from the authorities that her husband was presumed to have been killed on that date. David had belonged to D Company of the 15th Lancashire Fusiliers (1st City).
A well known figure on the football field playing at half back for Salford. He had joined the 1st City battalion soon after the outbreak of war and went to France in November 1915.

"Pte Albert Stanley recalled the comradship: 'I was the oldest in my platoon and they called me "Father". Lieutenant E Hampson was my officer and a better one you could not wish for; and Dave Preston, the Salford footballer, was a Lance Corporal in my platoon. He was a jolly chap. We used to like to hear him talk about football."

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Frederick Hope
Birth Place: Worsley
Residence: Hazelhurst, Worsley
Death Date: 25 Jan 1916
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Manchester
Rank: Private
Age: 24
Regiment: Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Battalion: 20th Battalion
Number: 5079
Type of Casualty: Killed in action
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre
Son of Albert and Helena Hope, of 17, Brackley Terrace, Hazelhurst Worsley, Manchester.
Buried: CAMBRIN CHURCHYARD EXTENSION, FRANCE.

'Mr and Mrs A Hope of 17 Brackley-terrace, Hazelhurst, Worsley have received news that their son Fred, a private in the 20th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (3rd Public Schools), was killed in France on January 24th, by a German sniper. Writing on the 25th, Private Hope's officer, Captain Templer, says "I deeply regret to give you the sad news that your son was killed whilst on sentry duty last night. A bullet went through his head and although everything possible was done by the stretcher bearers, he died before we could get him out of the trench. Fortunately he did not appear to feel any pain. May I say how much this is a personal loss to me, and how deeply I sympathize with you? He had been with us from the first, and was always a fit, handy, and cheery man - a British soldier in the best sense of the word. He will be buried tonight in the little churchyard behind the firing line, and a simple wooden cross will mark his grave."
Two of the deceased soldier's comrades, Private Harold Tyson and Private Richard Partington of Hazelhurst Rd, have also written. They saw him buried in the churchyard in a grave next to that of Captain Cane of the same battalion, who was killed the previous day. The captain also formerly of Worsley. Before enlisting, Private Hope, who was 24 years of age, was employed as a clerk with the Phoenix Insurance Company. He was an old scholar of Moorside Independent Methodist School, and on Sunday afternoon the school officials paid a fitting tribute to his memory, whilst the scholars were assembled. A service was held in the evening in the adjoining chapel, when Mr J W Berry, who preached, made an appropriate reference to the sad event. Suitable hymns were sung, and the choir sang the anthem, "Abide with me."'

Fred had been a member of Salford's second team.

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[Deleted]

Whay-hey! i got one right ;D

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Nov 10, 2011 19:34:51 GMT @ben said:

Whay-hey! i got one right ;D

Yep, bulls eye! Well spotted.

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SERGEANT G. THOM DIES THROUGH AN ACCIDENT

The funeral of Artificer Sergeant George Thom, who was one of the most prominent members of the Salford Football Club, took place at Weaste Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. Thom, who was the son of Inspector Thom, of the Salford Police Force, went to France with the British Expeditionary Force, and falling from the roof of a building shattered by a shell he received such severe injury that his left leg had to be amputated. He never recovered from the shock. His funeral was attended by Councillor F Hampson and several members of the Salford Football Club, whilst Inspector Hoare and other officers represented the Salford Police. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Charles Edgar Leytham, M.A., Rector of Stowell Memorial, Salford, in which church the earlier portion was read. Accompanied by a band and a firing party the cortege proceeded to the cemetery, and at the conclusion of the prayers at the graveside military honours were awarded by the soldiers, and the “Last Post” sounded. Unfortunately the weather conditions caused much discomfort to the large crowd which had assembled, most of whom were thoroughly drenched by the rain and their clothes spoiled by the mud. The members of the family who were present were deeply affected, and it may truly be said that all who gathered round the grave mourned the loss of a friend who was well though of by all who had come in contact with him. His death took place at the comparatively early age of 31 in Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham, where he had been nursed by his wife. He leaves also two children. A Salford forward for a good number of years he was one of the oldest members of the team, and prior to an accident to his leg on Christmas Day 1913, was one of the best scrimmagers the Salford Club ever had. His death will be deplored not only by the Salford patrons and the directors of the club, but by all the Northern Union game in general.
Our Salford correspondent writes – “In his youth Thom was an Association player with the Weaste Amateurs, and his connection with the Rugby game came about through his participation in a Broughton Rangers’ workshops competition, following on which he signed for the Wheaters Field Club. After a short service in the Rangers’ “A” team Thom joined the Salford Club, and after only four matches with the reserves he was promoted to the senior team, for whom he did yeoman service as a forward until an injury to his knee exactly two years ago in a match at Weaste against Broughton Rangers. This brought about a displaced cartilage and caused its subsequent removal. He plated again, and was the recipient of one of the medals and watches presented in connection with the winning by Salford of the Northern League Cup two seasons ago. As a player George Thom’s work was mostly done in the pack, where he was reputed one of the best hookers in the Northern Union, and consequently his name did not often appear on the scoring sheet. Although his parents are from North of the Tweed Thom was born in Salford, where his father is well known as an inspector in the police and is still on active service. Thom stood 5ft. 9in. and scaled between 12 and 13 stone. His regrettable death deprives the game of a fine athlete.” The “Athlete News” commenting on the death of George Thom, has the following appreciative remarks – “George Thom, one of Salford’s most prominent forwards, and a rare exponent of the Northern Union football, died in hospital last weekend as the result of injuries received whilst performing duties on the fields of France with the British Expeditionary Force. Thom. Who was born in Salford, joined the Weaste Club some four or five tears ago, and was always one of the recognised forwards. Though short on stature, as forwards go, he was a keen scrimmager with a fine conception of the game, a rare tackler, and one of the most gentlemanly player who ever stepped into the arena. Still in his prime when the Greater Game called him, he had done well as a soldier. He was in charge of a squad about a month ago taking observations from the roof of an outbuilding when he accidently slipped and hurt his left leg. Taken into hospital at Plymouth it was found necessary to amputate the limb, and the player never recovered from the shock. Sympathy goes out to Mrs Thom and the family from all Northern Union footballers.”
Writing in the programme of the Salford Football Club on December 11, 1915, the Hon. Secretary (Mr A E Crossfield) said – “We are sorry to have to confirm the reports recently circulated in the district concerning this player. We have a letter from his wife giving full information and fell that our friends will like to have this. It appears that George had been on active service some weeks, and whilst on a building in charge of some men darkness came on and, in coming down, George unfortunately missed his footing and fell to the ground – his leg gave way. After passing through a French hospital he was sent to Fort Pitt Military Hospital at Chatham, where he has been for about eleven weeks, during which time he has undergone seven operations, but after all it was impossible to save his leg and it has been taken off below the knee, and it is feared that later on it will be necessary to take a further portion off – including the knee. There was small hope at first, but we are pleased to say that when Mrs Thom wrote from Chatham a week ago George was much better and still improving. We are sure everyone will sympathise with George and his wife in their great trouble.”

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Ernest Cheetham (Salford Reserves player).

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Nov 22, 2012 21:28:46 GMT shred said:

SERGEANT G. THOM DIES THROUGH AN ACCIDENT

The funeral of Artificer Sergeant George Thom, who was one of the most prominent members of the Salford Football Club, took place at Weaste Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. Thom, who was the son of Inspector Thom, of the Salford Police Force, went to France with the British Expeditionary Force, and falling from the roof of a building shattered by a shell he received such severe injury that his left leg had to be amputated. He never recovered from the shock. His funeral was attended by Councillor F Hampson and several members of the Salford Football Club, whilst Inspector Hoare and other officers represented the Salford Police. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Charles Edgar Leytham, M.A., Rector of Stowell Memorial, Salford, in which church the earlier portion was read. Accompanied by a band and a firing party the cortege proceeded to the cemetery, and at the conclusion of the prayers at the graveside military honours were awarded by the soldiers, and the “Last Post” sounded. Unfortunately the weather conditions caused much discomfort to the large crowd which had assembled, most of whom were thoroughly drenched by the rain and their clothes spoiled by the mud. The members of the family who were present were deeply affected, and it may truly be said that all who gathered round the grave mourned the loss of a friend who was well though of by all who had come in contact with him. His death took place at the comparatively early age of 31 in Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham, where he had been nursed by his wife. He leaves also two children. A Salford forward for a good number of years he was one of the oldest members of the team, and prior to an accident to his leg on Christmas Day 1913, was one of the best scrimmagers the Salford Club ever had. His death will be deplored not only by the Salford patrons and the directors of the club, but by all the Northern Union game in general.
Our Salford correspondent writes – “In his youth Thom was an Association player with the Weaste Amateurs, and his connection with the Rugby game came about through his participation in a Broughton Rangers’ workshops competition, following on which he signed for the Wheaters Field Club. After a short service in the Rangers’ “A” team Thom joined the Salford Club, and after only four matches with the reserves he was promoted to the senior team, for whom he did yeoman service as a forward until an injury to his knee exactly two years ago in a match at Weaste against Broughton Rangers. This brought about a displaced cartilage and caused its subsequent removal. He plated again, and was the recipient of one of the medals and watches presented in connection with the winning by Salford of the Northern League Cup two seasons ago. As a player George Thom’s work was mostly done in the pack, where he was reputed one of the best hookers in the Northern Union, and consequently his name did not often appear on the scoring sheet. Although his parents are from North of the Tweed Thom was born in Salford, where his father is well known as an inspector in the police and is still on active service. Thom stood 5ft. 9in. and scaled between 12 and 13 stone. His regrettable death deprives the game of a fine athlete.” The “Athlete News” commenting on the death of George Thom, has the following appreciative remarks – “George Thom, one of Salford’s most prominent forwards, and a rare exponent of the Northern Union football, died in hospital last weekend as the result of injuries received whilst performing duties on the fields of France with the British Expeditionary Force. Thom. Who was born in Salford, joined the Weaste Club some four or five tears ago, and was always one of the recognised forwards. Though short on stature, as forwards go, he was a keen scrimmager with a fine conception of the game, a rare tackler, and one of the most gentlemanly player who ever stepped into the arena. Still in his prime when the Greater Game called him, he had done well as a soldier. He was in charge of a squad about a month ago taking observations from the roof of an outbuilding when he accidently slipped and hurt his left leg. Taken into hospital at Plymouth it was found necessary to amputate the limb, and the player never recovered from the shock. Sympathy goes out to Mrs Thom and the family from all Northern Union footballers.”
Writing in the programme of the Salford Football Club on December 11, 1915, the Hon. Secretary (Mr A E Crossfield) said – “We are sorry to have to confirm the reports recently circulated in the district concerning this player. We have a letter from his wife giving full information and fell that our friends will like to have this. It appears that George had been on active service some weeks, and whilst on a building in charge of some men darkness came on and, in coming down, George unfortunately missed his footing and fell to the ground – his leg gave way. After passing through a French hospital he was sent to Fort Pitt Military Hospital at Chatham, where he has been for about eleven weeks, during which time he has undergone seven operations, but after all it was impossible to save his leg and it has been taken off below the knee, and it is feared that later on it will be necessary to take a further portion off – including the knee. There was small hope at first, but we are pleased to say that when Mrs Thom wrote from Chatham a week ago George was much better and still improving. We are sure everyone will sympathise with George and his wife in their great trouble.”