Ellel Parish

44148 Pioneer George Stuart, 78th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action in France on 29th February 1916.

Mr. Geo. Stuart, of Makinson's-row, Chapel-street, Galgate, received the sad news on Friday morning that his son, Private George Stuart, had been killed in France, on Feb. 29th. He was one of the first to go from the village at the outbreak of war to answer his country's call, and joined the No. 4 Section, 78th Field Company, Royal Engineers. He had been in the trenches from last July. Previous to joining the army he was engaged as auxiliary postman in the village, and was also later assistant in the bakery, and van man for Mr. J. D. Smith.
Sapper Cecil B. George, writing on March 4th to his father, states: - "You will be surprised to receive a letter from me, but I felt it is my duty to write. It is indeed sad news I have to tell you. Your son, George, was killed on Feb. 29th by a bursting shell. Having been with him all the time since we left Chatham, and living in the same dug-out, I thought you would be anxious to know the particulars concerning his death from me, a friend of his. We were all sitting in the dug-out having our dinner about 4-30 p.m. previous to going to the firing line for night work. The Germans started shelling, and George went out to see where the shells were bursting, as he went out I said "Don't go out" but you see it was to be. A shell burst over him. He was hit in the back just below the shoulder on the left hand side. He called to me "George, I'm hit." I opened the door to go out to him, just as I opened the door he came in and fell at my feet. We lifted him on to a bed, but he died almost immediately. I assure you it was a painless death. His personal belongings I collected and took to our office. They will be sent to you. It must be a great blow to you, as it is to us his friends. . He always did his duty bravely and well. He is buried in a cemetery near here, beside men who have fallen in the Canadian Regiment and the Dorset Regiment. The name of this place is —. I'm putting a cross on his grave tomorrow. It is painted white with black lettering. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss."

Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Stuart (father) and Mrs. Stuart (stepmother), and other relatives of the deceased. A memorial service will take place at the Parish Church on Sunday evening next.
(Lancaster Guardian, 18 March 1916)
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THE LATE LORD KITCHENER. - A service in memorial of the late Lord Kitchener was held at the Parish Church on Sunday evening. Special hymns were sung, and the Vicar (Rev. F. Coleman) paid a high tribute to the qualities of the late Earl, and referred to appropriate terms to the loss the nation had sustained. The organist played Sphor's "Blest are the departed," and the "Dead March" in Saul.
(Lancaster Guardian, 17 June 1916)
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(Lancaster Guardian, September 1916
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241767 Corporal James Barker Whitaker, 2nd/5th King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Killed in action on 9th September 1917, aged 20. Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Whitaker, of Barker House, Galgate.



The deepest sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Whitaker, Barker House Farm, Galgate, in the receipt of the news of the death, on Sept. 9th, of their second son, Corpl. James Barker Whitaker (20), K.O. Deceased was a promising youth. He was educated at Sulyard-street Council School, and was associated with Galgate Wesleyan Church. Prior to the war he was a clerk in the Goods Warehouse at the Midland Station, Lancaster, having previously been at Vicker's Works, Barrow.
On Friday morning a letter was received from Major F. W. Seward, Second Fifth, dated Sept. 10th : "It is with very much regret that I write to inform you that your son, Corpl. J. B. Whitaker, was killed in action on the night of Sept. 9th. As his commanding officer I frequently came into contact with him, and it afforded me much pleasure four days ago, on account of his good services to promote him to the rank of full corporal. I must add that your son died instantaneously from the effects of a bomb thrown by the Germans who attempted to raid the post he was occupying. He, with others, made a good fight, and they were the means of driving the enemy back in disorder. The officers and other ranks of his company, always held your son in the highest esteem, and it will be, I know, some small consolation to you to know that your son died defending his home, his King, and his country. In the name of all the officers and other ranks, I tender you our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement."
A comrade, Ernest E. Mount, on Sept. 10th, wrote : "It is with a heavy heart that I write, but I am fulfilling a solemn promise I made to Jim when we were in England. Little did I realise how hard and painful the task would be. I am very grieved to have to tell you that poor Jim was buried in the village this afternoon. His grave is near the quaint old French Church, the last rites being performed by the Wesleyan chaplain..........Whilst in England, and whilst with him out here, we were bosom pals. I have indeed lost a valued chum, but what must your lot be! He was always cheerful, and his fearlessness surprised us all. His life, godly and pure, was an example to us all, and surely there lies the greatest possible consolation."
Sergt. W. H. Hartley added : "I'm sure there is not a man or officer in the company who, not only respected, but loved him. His geniality and kindly words to men and N.C.O.'s earned him the reward they could only give."
Lance-Corpl. G. J. Woof also sent a tribute to his fellow Non. Com.

(Lancaster Guardian, 6 October 1917)
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Pte. John Edmondson, K.O., has been missing since July 31st. His parents reside at John-street, Galgate.

(Lancaster Guardian, 6 October 1917)
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Lce.-Cpl. A. Southward, K.O., whose father resides at Chapel-street, Galgate, was wounded in the left shoulder on the 1st inst., and is in a base hospital. His brother, John, was killed in action on March 28th this year.
(Lancaster Guardian, 19 October 1918)