North Yorkshire War Memorials, - Harrogate, St. Peter's Church

The War Memorial in St. Peter's Church, Harrogate
Photo : Paul Marshall

The War Memorial in St. Peter's Church, Harrogate, commemorates 57 soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.
The church is located on Cambridge Road, Harrogate.

Four soldiers who served with the Yorkshire Regiment are commemorated on this memorial, including Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell, VC.

We are very grateful to Paul Marshall of the Yorkshire Indexers who has kindly provided the photos of the memorial and the church.

2nd Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell, VC. 9th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Former professional football player. Son of Smith and Annie Bell, of Western Flats, Queen's Rd., Harrogate; husband of Rhoda Bell, of Wilmslow, Cheshire. Killed 10 July 1916. Aged 25.
Buried GORDON DUMP CEMETERY.

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 29740, dated 8th Sept., 1916, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by a hostile machine gun. 2nd Lt. Bell immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corpl. Colwill and Pte. Batey, rushed across the open under very heavy fire and attacked the machine gun, shooting the firer with his revolver, and destroying gun and personnel with bombs. This very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack. Five days later this very gallant officer lost his life performing a very similar act of bravery.

Private Walter Johnson. 28937. 7th Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment. Son of Joseph and Charlotte Johnson, of Harrogate; husband of Clara Johnson, of 165, South St., Keighley, Yorks. Killed 8 February 1917. Aged 29.
Born Harrogate (Yorks), Enlisted Keighley.
Buried SAILLY-SAILLISEL BRITISH CEMETERY.

Private Robert Thompson. 35264. 5th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Formerly 35173 9th T R Battalion. Son of Matthew D. and Eliza Thompson, of 8, Albert St., Field Lane, Batley, Yorks. Died 11 April 1918. Aged 18.
Born Harrogate, Enlisted Dewsbury, Resided Batley.
Commemorated on Panel 4, PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL.

Private G Sydney Webster. 105715. 1st Battalion The King's (Liverpool Regiment), formerly 39498 the Yorkshire Regiment. Killed 29 September 1918.
Born Law Laith (Yorks), Enlisted Harrogate (Yorks), Resided Harrogate.
Buried FLESQUIERES HILL BRITISH CEMETERY.

St. Peter's Church, Harrogate
Photo : Paul Marshall

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