[Listed as CLIFF on memorial] Private 49531, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 6 August 1918. Aged 18. Enlisted Peterborough, Northants. Son of Jacob and Annie Cliffe, of Splash Lane, Castor. In the 1901 census he was aged 1, born Peterborou8gh, son of Jacon and Annie Cliffe, resident Rogers Street, Peterborough, Peterborough Within, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he ws aged 11, born Peterborough, Northants, son of Jacob and Annie Cliffe, resident Castor, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. No known grave. Commemorated on Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. Panels 54 to 56.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 31 August 1918, page 3:

PTE. ARTHUR H. CLIFFE, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Cliffe, of Castor, was killed in action early in August whilst fighting in France. Deceased was in the Northants Regt, and had been out a few months. He was a promising young man, and a general favourite. he was only 19 years of age.

Private 12060, 1st Battalion [CWGC states 2nd Battalion], Grenadier Guards. Killed in action 8 November 1914 [SDGW states 26 October 1914]. Born Dunford, Cambs [sic - s/b Duxford], enlisted Northampton. No known grave. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 9 and 11.

Photograph from from Peterborough Standard

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 22 May 1915, page 5:

Pte. W. Cox was a native of Ailesworth. His father used to live at Upton Lodge, and was horse keeper for the late Mr. Alfred Tebbutt. As a lad Pte. Cox worked for Mr. Amos Brown, of York Cottage, Sutton. Upon leaving there he had a situation in the Thorney district, from whence he enlisted. Two brothers are still working at Sutton.

Private 13899, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds at Rouen 16 February 1916. Aged 31. Born Seething, Norfolk, enlisted Northampton. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Crane, of Kirstead, Brooke, Norwich; husband of Harriet Crane, of Bampit Row, Weston, Spalding, Lincs. Buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. Section A. Plot 17. Grave 22.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 26 February 1916, page 6:

DEATH OF PTE. CRANE, OF CASTOR

We much regret to recod the death of Pte. D. Crane, 6th Northants Regiment, of Castor. Pte. Crane was seriously wounded in the back while on active service in France on Jan. 28th. he was atken to the casualty clearing station, where he reamined nine days. He was then moved to the base hospital at Rouen, but he was too seriously injured (he had a fractured spine) to recover, and he died peacefully on Feb. 10th. he was laid to rest with full military honours on Feb. 17th, in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen where many more of our brave English boys who have given their life for King and country repose. The Rev. Dr. Richards, chaplain to the 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, officiated. Mrs Crane cannot speak too highly of the care and attention bestowed upon her husband by the nurses and their kindness in writing to he full particulars of his state. They speak highly of his patience and courage and gratitude, nd cheerfulness. In a letter to Mrs Crane, the chaplain also speaks of Pte. Crane's great courage and fortitude, and the Commissionary of Graves has promised to send a photograph of the grave to Mrs Crane. Deceased was a great favourite with his comrades at the Front, who speak highly of his good qualities. He is the first of the Castor contingent to lose his life in the war. One of his comrades who was fighting by his side says that when wounded Crane, although in terrible agony, wold not even groan and let them know how badly he was wounded, until the fighting was over. Canon Hulbert most sympathetically alluded to him in his sermon on Sunday evening, when Mrs Crane and her children were at the service. The sympathy every one goes out to the widow and her three children in their sad bereavement. Pte. Crane was a most affectionate husband and father, writing home almost daily. He was also very much liked and esteemed by his master (Mr. Gordon Smith) and his fellow workers.

Aircraftman 2nd Class 57239, 25th Kite Balloon Section, Royal Air Force. Died of wounds 22 January 1919. Aged 38. Son of Mrs. Charlotte Ellis and the late Mr. William Ellis, of Ailsworth, Peterborough.

Photograph from from Peterborough Standard

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 1 February 1919, page 7:

SAD NEWS AT CASTOR.
SOLDIER'S SUDDEN DEATH AT A C.C.S.

The sad news has been received at Castor that 2nd A.M. W. Ellis, of the Kite Balloon Section, 5th Company, has died in France.

The deceased soldier was son of Mrs. Ellis and of the late Mr. Wm. Ellis, of Ailsworth.

He joined up in the Army three years ago and two years ago next March went to France. He was unmarried.

The news of his death was conveyed to his mother in the following letter:—

14th C.C.S.
Jan. 22nd.

Dear Mrs. Ellis.— I very much regret to confirm the sad news of the death of your son, No. 57239, Pte. W. Ellis, R.A.F, 25th Kite Balloon Section. He was admitted two days ago suffering from heart affection. He was not complaining at all, and seemed very well and comfortable. This afternoon he complained of a sharp pain at his heart. The Medical Officer saw him, and ordered remedies, but he grew rapidly worse, and died quite suddenly at 6 p.m. He did not suffer long, and died very peacefully. He left no message, and spoke of no one at home. His personal effects will be sent to you later through the War Office. With very sincere sympathy,

Yours truly
H. M. FERGUSSON.
Sister.

Gunner 86585, 190th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died of wounds 23 July 1917. Aged 22. Born and resident Ailsworth, enlisted Peterborough. Son of Mrs. Jane Garfield, of Ailsworth, Peterborough. Buried in Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Plot I. Row O. Grave 20.

Photograph from from Peterborough Standard

Private 13202, 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action at Pommiers Redoubt 1 July 1916. Aged 24. Born Castor, enlisted Peterborough. Baptised 4 September 1892 in Castor, son of James and Susan Eli9zabeth Hill. Son of James and Elizabeth Hill, of Castor. In the 1911 census he was aged 18, born Castor, a Farm labourer, son of James and Elizabeth Hill, resident Castor near Peterboro, Castor, Northamptonshire. Buried in Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Somme, France. Plot VIII. Row M. Grave 5.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 22 July 1916, page 6:

PTE. ALBERT HILL, of Castor (who was reported wounded in last week’s issue), was killed in action in France on July 1st. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hill, and there is another brother on active service. Pte Hill was always a very steady and promising young fellow, and a great favourite with his brother soldiers. He was a great chum of Pte. Crane, and death has now smitten both of them.

Lance Corporal 16173, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds 7 March 1917. Aged 23. Born Castor, enlisted Peterborough. In the 1901 census he was aged 6, born Castor, Northants, son of John and Hannah Jakes, resident Peterborough Road, Splash Lane, Castor, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he was agd 16, born Castor, Northants, a Domestic gardener, son of John and Hanna (sic) Jakes, resident Castor Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Buried in Bray Military Cemetery, Somme, France. Plot II. Row D. Grave 39.

Photograph from from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 31 March 1917, page 7

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 24 March 1917, page 6:

War Mourning at Castor

LANCE-CORPORAL ARTHUR JAKES, of Castor, was dangerously wounded in action, and died in hospital in France on March 7th. The sad news was conveyed to Canon Hulbert by the Chaplain, who performed the last sad rites. Only 22 years of age, deceased was one of five brothers who responded to the call at the beginning of the war, and had seen much active service in France. The greatest sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Jakes, as another son, Pte. Reginald Jakes [see below], has been wounded, and is now totally blind. Another brother, Sergeant Percy Jakes, also of the Northants Regt. has received the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery and courage on the battlefield, and has been offered a commission, which he has accepted. He has been home to Castor on leave, and is going into the O. T. C. The eldest brother, Lance-Corporal A. Jakes, of the Sherwood Foresters, is an instructor; and the youngest brother, Lance-Corpl. Ernest Jakes [see below], Queen’s West Surreys, is now at the Front. This is a splendid family record.

Lance Corporal G/6907, 11th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Killed in action 1 August 1917. Aged 20. Born Castor, enlisted Shepherd’s Bush, Middlesex, resident Hyde Park, London. Baptised 29 August 1897 in Castor. Son of John and Hannah Jakes, Church Hill, Castor. In the 1901 census he was aged 3, born Castor, Northants, son of John and Hannah Jakes, resident Peterborough Road, Splash Lane, Castor, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he was agd 13, born Castor, Northants, at school, son of John and Hanna (sic) Jakes, resident Castor Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Attested 20 November 1915 for 3 years, aged 19 years 120 days. No known grave. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 11 - 13 and 14.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 11 August 1917, page 6:

LANCE-CORPL. ERNEST JAKES, Queen’s Royal West Surreys, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jakes, of Castor, was killed in action in France on July 31st, aged 20. The sad news was conveyed to the parents by a comrade from Sutton, who was in the same company as deceased. Great sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Jakes as they had previously had one son killed in action, and another son is blind through wounds received in battle. Lance-Corporal Ernest Jakes was a very quiet and amiable lad, and was very much liked by all who knew him. He belonged to the old Castor Scout Troop, and joined the Army voluntarily. He was slightly wounded some months ago, but had quite recovered. His brother, Sec-Lieut. Percy Jakes, late of the Northants, is home on leave.

Sergeant 15/679, 15th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own). Died of wounds 23 May 1916. Aged 31. Born Castor, enlisted Leeds. Baptised 12 October 1884 in Castor, son of William and Eliza Newborn. In the 1891 census he was aged 6, born Castor, Northants, a scholar, son of William and Eliza Newborn, resident Jackdaw Terrace, High Street, Castor, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 26, born Castor, Northants, a Cycle and motor shop assistant, boarding at 8 Grosvenor View, Leeds, Yorkshire & Yorkshire (West Riding). Buried in Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France. Plot I. Row B. Grave 2.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1916:

NEWBORN Percy George of 8 Grosvenor-view Leeds a sergeant in the 15th West Yorkshire regiment died 23 May 1916 on active military service in France Probate Wakefield 28 July to Percy Ralph Heighton engineer and Joseph Alexander Spankie chauffeur. Effects £188 7s. 6d.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 3 June 1916, page 6.

DEATH OF SERGEANT. P. G. NEWBORN.

The sad news was received at Castor on Wednesday morning that Sergt. P. W. Newborn was killed in action in France, probably last Sunday. Deceased was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Newborn, of Castor, and was a general favourite with all who knew him. He joined the Mayor of Leeds’ Battalion on the outbreak of the war, and served in Egypt for some time. He had been in France only a few weeks, and was in charge of a machine gun section.

Gunner 146339, 112th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 2 August 1917. Aged 20. Born Ailesworth, enlisted Peterborough, Northants. Baptised 11 July 1897 in Castor. Son of Richard and Miriam Julia Taylor, of Malting House, Ailsworth. In the 1901 census he as aged 3, born Ailsworth, Northants, a Telegraph messenger, son of Richard and Miriam Julia Taylor, resident Back Street, Ailsworth, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he as aged 13, born Ailsworth, Northants, son of Richard and Miriam Julia Taylor, resident Back Lane, Ailsworth, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. Buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Grave lost. Menin Road North Memorial 1.

Photograph from from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 1 September 1917, page 7

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 1 September 1917, page 5:

MR. and MRS. R. TAYLOR and FAMILY wish to THANK all for the great kindness and sympathy shown to them in their sad bereavement in the death of their dear son, Charlie, killed in action in France recently.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 1 September 1917, page 6:

GUNNER CHARLES WILLIAM VICTOR TAYLOR, Howitzer Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Taylor, of Ailesworth, was killed in action in France. Official notice of the sad event has not yet arrived, but on Thursday, August 23rd, the following letter was received by Mrs. Taylor:

The sad news, caused great grief in the village, for Gunner Taylor was a great and general favourite with all who knew him. Though only 20 years old, he was a tall, fine-looking fellow and showed great promise. He was of a most amiable and cheerful disposition and very intelligent. After leaving school he was telegraph boy at Castor Post Office for several years, and so quick, willing and obliging was he, that everyone was sorry (in one sense), when he was promoted to Peterborough Post Office. Here again he became very much liked and soon won promotion. He was always so trustworthy and did his work so well, that there is no doubt he would have attained a good position in post office work had not the war stopped his career. He joined the Army quite voluntarily on May 10th, 1916, and soon became a brave and gallant soldier, much liked and esteemed by his comrades and officers. Wherever he went (and he was stationed some time in the North of England and Scotland), he always made friends, and his death will be deeply regretted by many. A staunch Churchman, he was a regular attendant and communicant wherever he was stationed. Whilst living at home he was a member of the Parish Church choir, and a member of the Rectory Bible Class, and for some time belonged to the Castor Scouts. He was always ready to do a good turn to anyone, and his bright and cheerful face and pleasant manner endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He leaves a bright memory behind him, which must be a great comfort to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and family in their sad bereavement. A memorial service was held in the Parish Church on Sunday and was well attended by relatives, friends and parishioners. Mr. and Mrs. R. Taylor (parents), Mr. and Mrs. W. Taylor (grandparents), the Misses B. and G. Taylor (aunts), Mr. F. Taylor and Mr. J. Taylor (brothers), Mr. and Mrs. C. Allen (Peterborough), and many others were present. Canon Hulbert preached a helpful and comforting sermon and spoke most highly of deceased’s many good qualities. The hymns chosen by the parents were:- “Rock of Ages”. “Nearer my God to Thee,” and “Lead kindly light.” The service throughout was most solemn and impressive. Many letters from sympathising friends have been received by Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Over the Roll of Honour in the Church porch some beautiful flowers were placed on Sunday in memory of the deceased. They bore the following inscriptions; “In ever-loving memory of our darling boy,” from his sorrowing father and mother, brothers and sisters, grandad and grandma, and aunties Lizzie and Gertie – “Gone, but never forgotten” : “In loving remembrance of Charlie Taylor, and with deepest sympathy with his parents,” the Rosary, Ailesworth: “In loving memory of “Charlie Taylor,” from H. Q. Deceased was for several years agent at Castor for the “Peterborough Standard.”

Private 23532, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Killed in action 4 March 1917. Aged 30. Born Ailesworth, Northants, enlisted Peterborough, Northants. Baptised 6 March 1887 in Castor, son of James and Elizabeth Warr. Son of James and Elizabeth Warr, Ailsworth, Peterborough. In the 1891 census he was aged 3, born Ailsworth, Northants, son of James and Elizabeth Warr, resident Ailsworth, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 14, born Ailsworth, Northants, son of James and Elizabeth Warr, resident The Wheat Sheaf, Ailsworth, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 24, born Ailsworth, Northants, a Butcher's son assisting father, son of James and Elizabeth Warr, resident Wheatsheaf Inn, Ailsworth, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. No known grave. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 11 A and 11 D.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 24 March 1917, page 6:

PTE. WILLIAM WARR, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Warr, Ailesworth, was killed in action on March 4th. The sad news was received by Mr. and Mrs. Warr in a letter from one of the officers, who spoke very highly of Pte. Warr’s character and soldier-like abilities. He was 30 years of age. Another son of Mr. and Mrs. Warr, viz. Trooper Horace Warr, Royal Bucks Hussars, has been invalided home.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 24 March 1917, page 8:

DEATHS

Rifleman R/34448, 2nd Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Killed in action 7 June 1918. Aged 36. Born Peterborough, resident Northants, enlisted Devizes. Baptised 5 March 1882 in Castor, son of William and Caroline Wilkinson. Son of Caroline Wilkinson, of Castor, Peterborough, and the late William Wilkinson. In the 1901 census he was aged 19, born castor, Northants, a Horsekeeper on farm, son of Caroline Wilkinson (a widow), resident Allotments Lane, Castor, Peterborough, Northamptonshire. In the 1911 census he was aged 29, born Castor, Northants, an Assistant forester on estate, boarding at Derry Hill, Calne, Pewsham, Wiltshire. Buried in Cambrin Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Row N. Grave 52.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Saturday 22 June 1918, page 4:

RIFLEMAN WILLIAM EBDEN WILKINSON, King’s Royal Rifles, second son of Mrs. Wilkinson, and the late Mr. W. Wilkinson, of Castor, was killed in action in France on June 7th. Writing to Mrs. Wilkinson, an officer and an N. C. O. both express sorrow and sympathy at the death of a good comrade and friend. Rifleman Wilkinson had been on active service in France nearly two years. About 12 months ago he was wounded at Ypres, and he went out again last December. For several years he was a forester on the Fitzwilliam estate, and was also a member of the Castor Church choir and the Brass Band. After leaving the Milton Estate he was appointed second forester to Lord Lansdowne at Bowood House, Wiltshire, from which place he joined the Army. At the morning service on Sunday, Canon Hulbert made a sympathetic reference, saying what a good son, brother, comrade and Churchman Rifleman Wilkinson had been. At the evening service deceased’s favourite hymn “Art thou weary, art thou languid?” was sung. Mrs. Wilkinson and the Misses Charlotte, Mary and Edith Wilkinson (mother and sisters) were present.

Aircraftman 2nd Class 1185673, Royal Air Froce Volunteer Reserve. Diedat Roehampton 8 October 1945. Aged 25. Born 9 February 1920. Husband of Mrs. Mary K. (nee Hopkins) Atkins, married July to September Quarter 1940 in Peterborough Registration District, Northamptonshire. In the 1939 Register he was single, a Transport Driver (Food) Heavy Worker, resident 5 Cow Lane,Castor, Castor, Peterborough R.D., Northamptonshire. Buried in Castor (St. Kyneburga) Churchyard, Castor, Peterborough.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Friday 19 October 1945, page 8:

ATKINS. —Roehampton, Oct. 8, Jack Atkins. .RA.F., of Castor, 25.

Private W/113748, Auxiliary Territorial Service. Died as the result of an accident 23 October 1943. Aged 19. Born 20 April 1924. Daughter of Cardinal and Hilda Hill, of Ailsworth. In the 1939 Register she was single, a Domestic Servant, resident with her parents at Main Street, Ailsworth, Peterborough R.D., Northamptonshire. Buried in Castor (St. Kyneburga) Churchyard, Castor, Peterborough.

Extract from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index 1944:

HILL Maisie Rachel of Main-street Ailsworth Northamptonshire spinster died 23 October 1943 on the road opposite Abbots Cottages North-road Thornhaugh Huntingdonshire Administration Peterborough 25 May to Cardinal Neville Hill farm foreman. Effects £2.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Friday 29 October 1943, page 8:

AILESWORTH A.T.S. GIRL KILLED
Thrown Out of Jeep in Collision

An Ailesworth A.T.S. private, coming home on leave, met her death on the Great North Road, an Saturday afternoon.

The deceased was Pte. Maisie Rachel Hill, aged 19, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal Hill, Mainstreet. Ailesworth. The accident occurred a quarter-of-a-mile north of Thornhaugh. Miss Hill was walking, and accepted a lift in a jeep, driven by a technical sergeant in the American Army. There was a collision between the jeep and a stationary Army lorry, and Miss Hill was thrown out. She received terrible injuries, and died almost at once. The sergeant was not hurt.

Miss Hill had been in the A.T.S. nearly two years. After leaving Castor school, she worked on a farm, and later went to the London Brick Co. Her father is a farm foreman for Capt. W. B. Feeny, of Ailesworth, and there are two sons, Gnr. Reginald Hill, R.A., and Mr. Stanley Hill.

Private 14601247, 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Killed in action 14 August 1944. Aged 36. Born 10 September 1907. Son of William and Ethel Kingston, Castor, Peterborough. In the 1911 census he was aged 3, born Castor, Northamptonshire, son of William and Ethel Annie Kingston, resident Castor, Peterboro, Northamptonshire. In the 1939 Register he was single, a Joiner, resident with his parents at Milton Terrace, Castor, Peterborough R.D., Northamptonshire. Buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France. Plot XXV. Row F. Grave 4.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Friday 25 August 1944, page 1:

Pte. William Cyril Kingston, Royal Warwickshire Regt., second son of Mrs. and the late Mr. W. Kingston. Prince of Wales Inn, Castor : Died of wounds on August 14th in North West Europe. Aged 36, he was educated at Peterborough Technical School. later working as a carpenter for Bagley and Cooper of Peterborough. tie was a member of Milton Cricket Club, and played football for Castor. His younger brother. L/Cpl. John Kingston, is serving in France.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Friday 1 September 1944, page 8:

CASTOR

SOLDIER'S DEATH.—Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. W. Kingston and family in their bereavement through' the death of Private William Cyril' Kingston, on active service. He was' the second son of Mrs. and the late Mr. W Kingston of the Prince of Wales Inn.

Corporal 5889128, 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. Died of wounds in North Africa 29 April 1943. Aged 27. Born 7 January 1916. Son of George and Isabella Thompson; husband of Elizabeth Thompson, of Ailsworth, Peterborough. In the 1939 Register he was married, a Gardener (Nursery Foreman), resident with his wife at Back Lane, Ailsworth, Peterborough R.D., Northamptonshire. Buried in Thibar Seminary War Cemetery, Tunisia. Section B. Grave 25.

Extract from Peterborough Standard - Friday 20 August 1943, page 6:

CASTOR

WHIST DRIVE. —Afternoon whist drives organised by Mrs. Neal for the Christmas parcels funds for the Forces are being held every Tuesday at 2.30 in the Reading Room. Mrs. Neal hopes to organise an evening drive directly after harvest for the benefit of Mrs. F. Thompson of Ailesworth, whose husband was killed on active service a short time ago.