Tuesday 20 August 2013

William Astwood's Contemptible Offence - Ecclesall Churchyard



Whilst I was researching the fate of a certain Arthur Gleave earlier this year, I saw this report of William Astwood's activities in Ecclesall Churchyard dating from 3rd September 1925


Obviously the offences that Astwood committed were that serious that they warranted a "special watch" by the police (two constables apprehended Astwood) . And the fine was heavy  as well - over £250 at current prices. In addition the presiding magistrate let his feelings be known in no uncertain terms
.
Nowadays I doubt if anyone would care one jot!

Starved to Death by the Germans - Charles Hurt 1915



I've just posted an article to the site that I came across in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph April 1915. I stated that I know very little about the British POW's in the Great War, but the circumstances surrounding Charles' death are quite harrowing. Their suffering seems forgotten now

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Sgt Wilfred Billingham (1922 - 1943)

I came across this article that was published in The Sheffield Star on Friday 9th August 2013

 The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has this entry for Wilfred

BILLINGHAM, WILFRED
Rank Sergeant
Trade Nav./Bomber
Service No: 1233699
Date of Death: 05/02/1943
Age:  21
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Grave Reference     Sec. C. (Gen.). Grave 2829.
Cemetery SHEFFIELD (SHIREGREEN) CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Joseph and Eliza Billingham, of Shiregreen, Sheffield.

The entry also notes that there are another 68 burials that

"are scattered throughout the cemetery. Two special memorials erected one on either side of the path between Sections G and H, on the right hand side, record the names of two servicemen whose graves could not be marked by headstones."

I wonder why not?? Yet another mystery

And on the excellent Findagrave website there are further details of the tragic accident that cost Wilfred his life, as well as a photo of Wilfred's last resting place