Brotton Church Cemetery. There are 11 Commonwealth War Graves in the Churchyard, relating to both the First and Second World wars. Four of these graves are for men who served with the Yorkshire Regiment.

There is also one family headstone for a soldier of the Yorkshire Regiment who is buried in the cemetery, CSM Ernest Radford.

Richard Roberts (<richard.nsw@googlemail.com>) has kindly provided the photographs of the cemetery, and three of the headstones.

Select a thumbnail image of a headstone for a larger sized image to open in a new window.

		Private James F M Clarke. 19698. 10th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Husband of A. E. Clarke, of 5, Marine Terrace, Skinningrove, Carlin Howe, Yorks. Died at home 12 November 1920. Aged 38

		Private Edward Loughran, 39445. Royal Defence Corps, formerly 4916 the Yorkshire Regiment. Died at home 1 June 1917. Born Skinningrove (Yorks), Enlisted Northallerton, Resided Carlin How. Photo : Julie Riddiough <julieriddiough@yahoo.co.uk>

		Private Paul Marshall. 4381414. 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Son of Paul and Georgina Marshall, of 26, Low Errington St., Brotton. Died at home 10 March 1921. Aged 25. Born Brotton. "GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN "

Private James Henry Thomas. 1631. 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Died at home 11 September 1915. Born Brotton (Yorks), Enlisted Skelton, Resided Brotton (Yorks).

A view of Brotton Church Cemetery with the headstone for Private Thomas in the foreground.

Radford Family Headstone

For a larger version of this image. select the thumbnail (above). Close the window that opens to return to this page.

The Radford Family headstone has, with age, become difficult to read. The inscription is as follows;-
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ERNEST RADFORD
COY SERGT MAJOR , 4TH BTN YORKS REGT.
WHO DIED JULY 10, 1919,
AGED 32 YEARS.
"WEEP NOT, HE IS NOT DEAD BUT SLEEPETH"

ERECTED BY HIS LOVONG MOTHER

The above photograph has been provided by Richard Roberts (<richard@nosnailshere.co.uk>).

CSM Radford's Service Record exists and provides the following information;-

Ernest Radford, - a Striker at the Skinningrove Iron Co, Carlin How
Father John Radford, Mother Mary Ann Radford, Brother Henry Radford
Address : 25 Jackson Street, Brotton
Enlisted 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment 12 March 1909 aged 22 yrs 8 months. Regtl No 789.
First in France, 17 April 1915 (Medal Rolls Index Card)
Re-engaged for the duration of the war, 1 November 1915 “in the field” at Armentieres
Wounded 25 September 1916, - gunshot wound left cheek
October 1916 / February 1917 – extensive dental treatment including full upper artificial denture (obviously a result of his wound)
23 December 1918 transferred to 9th Battalion KOYLI. Regtl No 208182.
Shipped back to England from Dieppe, 12 February 1919
“Disembodied (Home)” 14 March 1919
Promoted Corporal 9 June 1913
Promoted Sergeant 25 April 1914
26 June 1915 Reduced to Corporal (?) in the field
26 January 1916 Promoted to Sergeant
31 March 1916 Appointed C S M.
No mention of death (e.g. how / why he died) but there WAS an application to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, - though what for isn’t clear.

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