John Robert RODWELL

04 May 1917

RODWELL – April 22nd, 1917, killed in action in France, Private J. R. Rodwell, West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Joseph Rodwell, 25, Castle Street, Skipton, aged 26 years.

04 May 1917

SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR – PRIVATE J. R. RODWELL

To Skipton’s Roll of Honour has to be added this week the name of Private J.R. Rodwell, West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Joseph Rodwell, 25, Castle Street, Skipton, who was killed in action on April 22nd. Twenty-six years of age, Pte. Rodwell enlisted in August 1916, and had been in France about nineteen weeks. Before joining the Army he was a van man in the bakery department of the Skipton Co-operative Society, and was a member of the Skipton Congregational Brotherhood.

To the bereaved family Company Sergt.-Major A. Day has written as follows:– “I know that any words of mine will be poor consolation for the loss of your dear son, but it may be some comfort to you to know that he did not suffer. He was killed instantaneously, and was laid to rest in a well cared for cemetery. I didn’t know your son very long, but while I have known him I have always found him one of the most cheerful and good living soldiers. He was respected by every officer, N.C.O. and man in his Company, and we feel his loss very much. May God strengthen and comfort you in your great loss.”

Mr. James Foulds, manager of the Skipton Co-operative Society, has also forwarded a touching letter of sympathy, in which he says:– “We all feel his loss deeply, as he was always a conscientious and cheerful workmate and companion. We trust that the knowledge that he was held in the highest esteem by all the employees, and that he died doing his duty to King and Country, will help you in this your time of trouble.”

04 May 1917

CRAVEN AND THE WAR – PRIVATE HARRY WIGGAN

It is also our sad duty to record the death in action on Apri1 12th of Private Harry Wiggan, West Yorkshire Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wiggan, 16, Brougham Street, Skipton. Official news of the sad event was received from the Territorial Records Office, York, on Wednesday morning, but beyond this no particulars have been received. Private Wiggan was 23 years of age, and like Private Rodwell, was an old employee of the Skipton Co-operative Society, being one of the society’s butchers. He enlisted in June 1916, and had been in France about eight months. He was a member of the Trinity Wesleyan Sunday School and of the Chapel choir, and was also a member of the Skipton Liberal Club.

26 April 1918

RODWELL – Sacred to the memory of a dearly loved son and brother., Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack) who fell in action April 22nd, 1917.

We loved him, yes, no tongue can tell
How deep, how dearly, and how well;
Unseen, unknown to the world he stands by my side
And whispers, dear mother, death cannot divide.
But only those who have loved and lost can understand.

From his sorrowing Mother and Family and Edith, Castle Street, Skipton.

RODWELL – In loving memory of Private J. R. Rodwell, who was killed in action April 22nd, 1917.

“A day of remembrance sad to recall.”

From his Uncle and Aunt and Cousins, 27 Otley Road, Skipton.

25 April 1919

RODWELL – In ever loving memory of a dearly loved son and brother, Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack), 1/4th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who fell in action April 22nd, 1917.

Two lonely years have passed,
How much we miss thee still;
A loving son, so good and kind.
The bitter grief, the shock severe,
To part with him we loved so dear.

Deeply mourned.

From his sorrowing Mother and Brother, Joe, 25 Castle Street, Skipton.

RODWELL – Sacred to the memory of our dearly loved brother, Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack), 1/4th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who fell in action April 22nd, 1917.

We are always thinking of you, dear brother,
And our hearts are sad with pain;
Can we e’er forget that footstep
Or that dear smiling face again.

Dearly loved.

From his Brother and Sister, Skipton.

23 April 1920

RODWELL – In loving memory of our dear brother, Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack), who fell in action April 22nd, 1917.

“Cherished memories of one so dear, often recalled by a silent tear.”

From his Sisters and Brother Harry, Skipton.

RODWELL – In loving memory of our son and brother, Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack), who fell in action April 22nd, 1917.

It’s lonesome here without you dear,
And sad the weary way;
Nor is the world the same to us
Since you were called away.

“Dearly loved and sadly missed.”

From his sorrowing Mother and Brother Joe, Castle Street, Skipton.

22 April 1921

RODWELL – Sacred to the memory of our dearly loved son and brother, Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack), 1/4th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who fell in action, April 22nd, 1917.

A messenger of love between
My aching heart and Thee.

“Deeply mourned.”

From his sorrowing Mother and Brother Joe, 25 Castle Street, Skipton.

RODWELL – In loving remembrance of our dear brother, Private John Robert Rodwell (Jack), 1/4th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who fell in action, April 22nd, 1917.

“A sorrow too deep for words.”

“Dearly loved.”

From his loving Sisters and Brother, Skipton.