Reather Street-Shortland brothers

[derekhuyton]

I have recently discovered two of my great uncles had been killed in the great war. The family lived in Reather St Salford.
Herbert, 21, was killed in April 1918, Ernest, 19, killed July 1918. Herbert served with 1st salford Pals XVth platoon D coy.

their youngest brother was Alfred, my grandfather. He joined the RAMC before WW2 settled eventually in Ormskirk. I have also become aware of their eldest brother, James Henry Shortland. Born 1894 d 1949. I know he married an Emily Sissons in 1929 but I am trying to trace that line of the family, I don't know if they had children. Can anyone help ?

[shred]

Hi Derek,

To save any confusion Reather Street was off Oldham Road, Manchester.

Herbert Shortland
Birth Place: Manchester
Death Date: 17 Apr 1918
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Salford, Lancs
Rank: Private
Regiment: Lancashire Fusiliers
Battalion: 15th Battalion
Number: 10978
Type of Casualty: Died of wounds
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

Ernest Shortland
Birth Place: Manchester
Death Date: 20 Jul 1918
Death Location: France & Flanders
Enlistment Location: Manchester
Rank: Private
Regiment: Devonshire Regiment
Battalion: 5th (P.O.W.) Battalion (Territorials)
Number: 67581
Type of Casualty: Killed in action
Theatre of War: Western European Theatre

A brave family.

I can find two births that may be children of John Henry Shortland and Emily Sissons.

A James and Margaret Shortland were born after 1930 to a mother whose maiden name was Sissons. I will send you the details by PM.

Best of luck with your research.

[derekhuyton]

Thankyou so much for the information. I can now search for the two children you mention.
I did know the information you gave re Herbert & Ernest. Researching the Great war it seems Herbert attacked with the Pals on 1st July 1916 at Theipval, only to die 2 years later, I think in the battle of Mount Kemmel in the Marne region, one of the casualties suffered by the Allies as a result of the Germans spring offensive. His brother, Ernest, was killed when the allies counter attacked in the same region, 3 months later.

Their mother and sister ( Sarah & Alice Shortland ) were killed in the Manchester blitz, Dec 1940. They refused to go into a shelter and the house on Reather St received a direct hit.

This is just one example of many brave families from that area. It is so important that future generations do not forget