Luddenden History - User contributions [en]

Donald Clay

2026-01-25T15:09:45Z

John Saxton:

=== DONALD CLAY d.17th June 1940 aged 21===
Donald Clay was born in 1918 to James and Emily Clay. In 1921, the family lived at 4 Albion Terrace, Luddendenfoot.[[File:Image.png|thumb|none|''1921 England Census:'']]

The family moved to Durban, South Africa around 1930. Donald’s father, James, took the family there as he had taken a position of manager of a woollen mill. The family returned home after James had an illness and had to give up his position. This journey turned out to be quite an adventure as the liner they were sailing on, the Winchester Castle, went ashore off Portland Bill in Dorset. This incident was recorded as below:
[[File:Imagezcxc.png|none|thumb|639x639px]]
[[File:Imagedc 3.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian. Wednesday 19th February 1936.'']]
[[File:Imagedc4.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian. Wednesday 19th February 1936.'']]

Donald’s father, James, died in 1937 and by 1939 Donald and his mother were living at 2, Gordon Bank Cottages in Luddendenfoot alongside George and Clara Mallinson.

Donald worked at Homfray and Co, Ltd in Sowerby Bridge and attended Halifax Technical College during 1938 and 1939 achieving certificates in book-keeping, Commerce, English and commercial law.
[[File:Imagedc5.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:'']]
[[File:Imagedc6.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:'']]
[[File:Imagedc7.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:'']]
[[File:Imagedc8.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday 24th July 1939:'']]

Donald was 20 years old and training in the militia when the Second War broke out.

Donald served as a corporal in the Royal Engineers 1st Supply Base, as a part of the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940. When the Germans attacked France, Belgium and Holland, Donald’s unit was separated from the main British Force. The unit retreated through France and was still in the country after the famous Dunkirk evacuation had completed on 4th June 1940.
[[File:Imagedc9.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''SS Lancastria.'']]
Donald’s unit retreated to the port of St Nazaire, where Operation Aerial was underway to evacuate British troops from France. Donald boarded SS Lancastria as part of this evacuation. It is unclear how many boarded this ship but estimates range between 4,000 – 9,000. Shortly after leaving port, the ship was attacked by six Junkers Ju88 aircraft. The ship was hit by a number of bombs, listed to one side and sank within twenty minutes. Estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 people died. Donald was one of these people.
[[File:Imagedc10.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''The sinking of SS Lancastria.'']]
Concerned about morale in the country Winston Churchill censored this news, stating that the newspapers "have got quite enough disaster for today at least" forbidding the press and survivors from speaking about this tragedy.

This may be the reason that it was not until January 1942, eighteen months after the tragedy that news of his death was received.
[[File:Imagedc11.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Friday 30th January 1942:'']]
[[File:Imagedc12.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday 31st January 1942:'']]

Donald is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial.
[[File:Imagedc13.png|none|thumb|Dunkirk Memorial.]]
Donald died on 17th June 1940.

He was twenty-one years old.

File:Imagezcxc.png

2026-01-25T15:09:07Z

John Saxton:

Albert Cowan

2026-01-25T15:07:25Z

John Saxton:

= Albert Cowan. =
'''“Home has changed in many ways,'''

'''But one thing changes never.'''

'''The memory of those happy days,'''

'''When we were all together.”'''

Albert Cowan was born in Liverpool on 13th April 1913 to Kate Dower, his recently widowed mother. Albert was the fourth born of five children. It appears that Kate moved the family first to Lancashire and then to Halifax where Kate married John Taylor in Halifax in 1918.
[[File:Albert Cowan .png|none|thumb|400x400px|''The Cowan Family, circa 1915.'']]

By 1921, the family were living at 27, Chapel Street, Luddenden and by 1939 had again moved, this time to 19, Halifax Lane, Luddenden.

[[File:Imageac2.png|400x400px|none|thumb|''1921 Census Return for 21, Chapel St.'']]
[[File:Imagezx.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''1939 Census Return for 19, Halifax Ln.'']]

Albert belonged to the Luddenden Cricket club and in 1922 he was both elected as the General Secretary of the club whilst also winning second place in a raffle at a whist drive and dance.

[[File:Imageac4.png|400x400px|none|thumb|''Halifax Courier Saturday 22nd April 1939.'']]
[[File:Imagezc.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''Halifax Courier Saturday 22nd April 1939.'']]

Albert worked for Willie Parker builders of Sowerby Bridge and is described in the censuses as a bricklayer, heavy worker and demolition man.

In 1940, Albert married Gladys Carter of Sowerby Bridge, where they lived in Frinkle Street.
[[File:Imageac7.png|thumb|none|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday June 1st, 1940'']]
[[File:Imageac8.png|thumb|none|''Todmordon and District News, 7th June 1940'']]

Albert and Gladys had one son, Ian, who born in late 1942.
[[File:Imagezv.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''Halifax Evening Courier, 12th October 1942'']]

Before the birth of his son, Albert was posted to serve in North Africa. He served as a private in the 7th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders, part of the famous 51st Highland division.
[[File:Imagezvc.png|none|thumb|''The 7th Black Watch Flag'']]

Albert’s unit was involved in action on the first day of the second battle of Alamein, Montgomery’s famous defeat of Rommel. At the end of this day, the Black Watch were only one of two units to achieve their targets.[[File:Imageac11.png|thumb|none|''7th Black Watch shown on the southern flank of the start line.'']]

Following on from this battle, the Desert Rats chased Rommel across the desert to Benghazi. During the night of 13th December, the 1st and 7th Battalions Black Watch encircled the Mersa Brega from north and south. The 1st Battalion suffered heavily from mines in the dark. The 7th Argylls were moved forward into Mersa Brega to fill the gap between the two Black Watch battalions and found it heavily bobby trapped but abandoned. It was here, on 13th December 1942 that Albert was killed in action.

[[File:Imageac12.png|left|frameless]]

Albert is commemorated at the Benghazi War Cemetery.[[File:Imageac14.png|left|thumb]]

File:Imagezvc.png

2026-01-25T15:05:59Z

John Saxton:

File:Imagezv.png

2026-01-25T15:04:42Z

John Saxton:

File:Imagezc.png

2026-01-25T15:01:53Z

John Saxton:

File:Imagezx.png

2026-01-25T14:58:57Z

John Saxton:

File:Albert Cowan .png

2026-01-25T14:56:41Z

John Saxton:

Albert Cowan

2026-01-25T14:55:21Z

John Saxton:

= Albert Cowan. =
'''“Home has changed in many ways,'''

'''But one thing changes never.'''

'''The memory of those happy days,'''

'''When we were all together.”'''

Albert Cowan was born in Liverpool on 13th April 1913 to Kate Dower, his recently widowed mother. Albert was the fourth born of five children. It appears that Kate moved the family first to Lancashire and then to Halifax where Kate married John Taylor in Halifax in 1918.

[[index.php?title=Media:File.ogg|Media:File.ogg]]

''The Cowan Family, circa 1915.''

By 1921, the family were living at 27, Chapel Street, Luddenden and by 1939 had again moved, this time to 19, Halifax Lane, Luddenden.
[[File:Imageac2.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

''1921 Census Return for 21, Chapel St.''

[[Index.php?title=File:Imageac3.png|link=File:Imageac3.png|frameless|400x400px]]

''1939 Census Return for 19, Halifax Ln.''

Albert belonged to the Luddenden Cricket club and in 1922 he was both elected as the General Secretary of the club whilst also winning second place in a raffle at a whist drive and dance.
[[File:Imageac4.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

[[Index.php?title=File:Imageac5.png|link=File:Imageac5.png|frameless|350x350px]]

''Halifax Courier Saturday 22nd April 1939.''

Albert worked for Willie Parker builders of Sowerby Bridge and is described in the censuses as a bricklayer, heavy worker and demolition man.

In 1940, Albert married Gladys Carter of Sowerby Bridge, where they lived in Frinkle Street.
[[File:Imageac7.png|left|thumb]]
[[File:Imageac8.png|center|thumb]]

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday June 1st, 1940''

''Todmordon and District News, 7th June 1940''

Albert and Gladys had one son, Ian, who born in late 1942.

[[Index.php?title=File:Imageac9.png|link=File:Imageac9.png|frameless]]

''Halifax Evening Courier, 12th October 1942''

Before the birth of his son, Albert was posted to serve in North Africa. He served as a private in the 7th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders, part of the famous 51st Highland division.

[[Index.php?title=File:Imageac10.png|link=File:Imageac10.png|frameless]]

''The 7th Black Watch Flag''

Albert’s unit was involved in action on the first day of the second battle of Alamein, Montgomery’s famous defeat of Rommel. At the end of this day, the Black Watch were only one of two units to achieve their targets.
[[File:Imageac11.png|left|thumb]]

''7th Black Watch shown on the southern flank of the start line.''

Following on from this battle, the Desert Rats chased Rommel across the desert to Benghazi. During the night of 13th December, the 1st and 7th Battalions Black Watch encircled the Mersa Brega from north and south. The 1st Battalion suffered heavily from mines in the dark. The 7th Argylls were moved forward into Mersa Brega to fill the gap between the two Black Watch battalions and found it heavily bobby trapped but abandoned. It was here, on 13th December 1942 that Albert was killed in action.
[[File:Imageac12.png|left|frameless]]

Albert is commemorated at the Benghazi War Cemetery.
[[File:Imageac14.png|left|thumb]]

James Trevor Cotterell

2026-01-25T14:50:08Z

John Saxton:

= James Trevor Cotterell. =
[[index.php?title=File:James_Trevor_Cotterell.png|link=File:James_Trevor_Cotterell.png|frameless|351x351px]]
'''“Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand'''

'''And the sound of a voice that is still”'''

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.
[[File:Image 1.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.#

[[File:Image1.png|thumb|none|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30th July 1940:'']]

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.
[[File:Image2.png|thumb|400x400px|none|HMS Drake.]]

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

[[File:Image3.png|thumb|none|''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27th, 1944:'']]

James died on 26th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

[[File:Image4.png|thumb|none|''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:'']]

[[File:Image5.png|thumb|none|''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26th April 1946:'']]

[[File:Image6.png|thumb|none|''St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2nd May 1945'']]

[[File:Image7.png|thumb|none|''The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30th, 1945'']]

[[File:Image8.png|thumb|none|''Western Morning News, Saturday 28th April 1945:'']]

[[File:Image9.png|thumb|none|''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30th, 1945'']]

[[File:Image10..png|thumb|none|James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.]]

James Trevor Cotterell

2026-01-24T17:08:24Z

John Saxton:

= James Trevor Cotterell. =
[[File:James Trevor Cotterell.png|thumb|351x351px|none]]

'''“Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand'''

'''And the sound of a voice that is still”'''

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.
[[File:Image 1.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30th July 1940:''
[[File:Image1.png|thumb|none]]

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.
[[File:Image2.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

HMS Drake.

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27th, 1944:''
[[File:Image3.png|thumb|none]]

James died on 26th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image4.png|thumb|none]]

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26th April 1946:''

[[File:Image5.png|thumb|none]]

''St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2nd May 1945''

[[File:Image6.png|thumb|none]]

''The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image7.png|left|thumb]]

''Western Morning News, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image8.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image9.png|left|thumb]]

James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.
[[File:Image10..png|left|thumb]]

Donald Clay

2026-01-24T17:07:27Z

John Saxton:

=== DONALD CLAY d.17th June 1940 aged 21===
Donald Clay was born in 1918 to James and Emily Clay. In 1921, the family lived at 4 Albion Terrace, Luddendenfoot.[[File:Image.png|thumb|none|''1921 England Census:'']]

The family moved to Durban, South Africa around 1930. Donald’s father, James, took the family there as he had taken a position of manager of a woollen mill. The family returned home after James had an illness and had to give up his position. This journey turned out to be quite an adventure as the liner they were sailing on, the Winchester Castle, went ashore off Portland Bill in Dorset. This incident was recorded as below:

[[File:Imagedc 3.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian. Wednesday 19th February 1936.'']]
[[File:Imagedc4.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian. Wednesday 19th February 1936.'']]

Donald’s father, James, died in 1937 and by 1939 Donald and his mother were living at 2, Gordon Bank Cottages in Luddendenfoot alongside George and Clara Mallinson.

Donald worked at Homfray and Co, Ltd in Sowerby Bridge and attended Halifax Technical College during 1938 and 1939 achieving certificates in book-keeping, Commerce, English and commercial law.
[[File:Imagedc5.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:'']]
[[File:Imagedc6.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:'']]
[[File:Imagedc7.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:'']]
[[File:Imagedc8.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday 24th July 1939:'']]

Donald was 20 years old and training in the militia when the Second War broke out.

Donald served as a corporal in the Royal Engineers 1st Supply Base, as a part of the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940. When the Germans attacked France, Belgium and Holland, Donald’s unit was separated from the main British Force. The unit retreated through France and was still in the country after the famous Dunkirk evacuation had completed on 4th June 1940.
[[File:Imagedc9.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''SS Lancastria.'']]
Donald’s unit retreated to the port of St Nazaire, where Operation Aerial was underway to evacuate British troops from France. Donald boarded SS Lancastria as part of this evacuation. It is unclear how many boarded this ship but estimates range between 4,000 – 9,000. Shortly after leaving port, the ship was attacked by six Junkers Ju88 aircraft. The ship was hit by a number of bombs, listed to one side and sank within twenty minutes. Estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 people died. Donald was one of these people.
[[File:Imagedc10.png|none|thumb|400x400px|''The sinking of SS Lancastria.'']]
Concerned about morale in the country Winston Churchill censored this news, stating that the newspapers "have got quite enough disaster for today at least" forbidding the press and survivors from speaking about this tragedy.

This may be the reason that it was not until January 1942, eighteen months after the tragedy that news of his death was received.
[[File:Imagedc11.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Friday 30th January 1942:'']]
[[File:Imagedc12.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday 31st January 1942:'']]

Donald is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial.
[[File:Imagedc13.png|none|thumb|Dunkirk Memorial.]]
Donald died on 17th June 1940.

He was twenty-one years old.

File:Imagedc13.png

2026-01-24T17:06:40Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T17:05:47Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T17:04:59Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T17:03:53Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T17:02:49Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T17:01:23Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T17:00:00Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:59:29Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:58:57Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:57:29Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:56:54Z

John Saxton:

Donald Clay

2026-01-24T16:56:00Z

John Saxton:

=== DONALD CLAY d.17th June 1940 aged 21===
Donald Clay was born in 1918 to James and Emily Clay. In 1921, the family lived at 4 Albion Terrace, Luddendenfoot.[[File:Image.png|thumb|none|''1921 England Census:'']]

The family moved to Durban, South Africa around 1930. Donald’s father, James, took the family there as he had taken a position of manager of a woollen mill. The family returned home after James had an illness and had to give up his position. This journey turned out to be quite an adventure as the liner they were sailing on, the Winchester Castle, went ashore off Portland Bill in Dorset. This incident was recorded as below:

Donald’s father, James, died in 1937 and by 1939 Donald and his mother were living at 2, Gordon Bank Cottages in Luddendenfoot alongside George and Clara Mallinson.

Donald worked at Homfray and Co, Ltd in Sowerby Bridge and attended Halifax Technical College during 1938 and 1939 achieving certificates in book-keeping, Commerce, English and commercial law.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:''

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday 24th July 1939:''

Donald was 20 years old and training in the militia when the Second War broke out.

Donald served as a corporal in the Royal Engineers 1st Supply Base, as a part of the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940. When the Germans attacked France, Belgium and Holland, Donald’s unit was separated from the main British Force. The unit retreated through France and was still in the country after the famous Dunkirk evacuation had completed on 4th June 1940.

''SS Lancastria.''

Donald’s unit retreated to the port of St Nazaire, where Operation Aerial was underway to evacuate British troops from France. Donald boarded SS Lancastria as part of this evacuation. It is unclear how many boarded this ship but estimates range between 4,000 – 9,000. Shortly after leaving port, the ship was attacked by six Junkers Ju88 aircraft. The ship was hit by a number of bombs, listed to one side and sank within twenty minutes. Estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 people died. Donald was one of these people.

''The sinking of SS Lancastria.''

Concerned about morale in the country Winston Churchill censored this news, stating that the newspapers "have got quite enough disaster for today at least" forbidding the press and survivors from speaking about this tragedy.

This may be the reason that it was not until January 1942, eighteen months after the tragedy that news of his death was received.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Friday 30th January 1942:''

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday 31st January 1942:''

Donald is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial.

Donald died on 17th June 1940.

He was twenty-one years old.

Donald Clay

2026-01-24T16:51:48Z

John Saxton:

=== DONALD CLAY d.17th June 1940 aged 21===
Donald Clay was born in 1918 to James and Emily Clay. In 1921, the family lived at 4 Albion Terrace, Luddendenfoot.[[File:Image.png|thumb|none|''1921 England Census:'']]

The family moved to Durban, South Africa around 1930. Donald’s father, James, took the family there as he had taken a position of manager of a woollen mill. The family returned home after James had an illness and had to give up his position. This journey turned out to be quite an adventure as the liner they were sailing on, the Winchester Castle, went ashore off Portland Bill in Dorset. This incident was recorded as below:

Donald’s father, James, died in 1937 and by 1939 Donald and his mother were living at 2, Gordon Bank Cottages in Luddendenfoot alongside George and Clara Mallinson.

Donald worked at Homfray and Co, Ltd in Sowerby Bridge and attended Halifax Technical College during 1938 and 1939 achieving certificates in book-keeping, Commerce, English and commercial law.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 16th August 1938:''

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday 24th July 1939:''

Donald was 20 years old and training in the militia when the Second War broke out.

Donald served as a corporal in the Royal Engineers 1st Supply Base, as a part of the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940. When the Germans attacked France, Belgium and Holland, Donald’s unit was separated from the main British Force. The unit retreated through France and was still in the country after the famous Dunkirk evacuation had completed on 4th June 1940.

''SS Lancastria.''

Donald’s unit retreated to the port of St Nazaire, where Operation Aerial was underway to evacuate British troops from France. Donald boarded SS Lancastria as part of this evacuation. It is unclear how many boarded this ship but estimates range between 4,000 – 9,000. Shortly after leaving port, the ship was attacked by six Junkers Ju88 aircraft. The ship was hit by a number of bombs, listed to one side and sank within twenty minutes. Estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 people died. Donald was one of these people.

''The sinking of SS Lancastria.''

Concerned about morale in the country Winston Churchill censored this news, stating that the newspapers "have got quite enough disaster for today at least" forbidding the press and survivors from speaking about this tragedy.

This may be the reason that it was not until January 1942, eighteen months after the tragedy that news of his death was received.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Friday 30th January 1942:''

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday 31st January 1942:''

Donald is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial.

Donald died on 17th June 1940.

He was twenty-one years old.

Gordon Baume

2026-01-24T16:43:06Z

John Saxton:

=== GORDON BAUME d. 30th Sept 1944 aged 21 ===

'''“Resting'''

'''Where no shadows fall'''

'''In perfect peace'''

'''He awaits us all”'''

Gordon Baume Was born in 1923 to Arnold and Eleanor Baume. Gordon was one of three children having an older brother, Dennis and a younger sister, Elizabeth. At this time the Baume family were living on Thorney Lane in Midgley. In 1924, the family moved to 2 Springfield Terrace in Midgley.
[[File:Imagegb1.png|none|thumb|''The District News, Friday 6th August 1926:'']]

In 1926, Gordon won second prize in a fancy dress competition as a Toy Drum Major.

[[File:Imagegb2.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday 4th March 1933:'']]

In 1933, Gordon was a page boy at his Aunt Annie Farrah’s wedding to John Foster Haigh. Thes two articles may be taken as evidence of a happy upbringing.

John Foster Haigh is also commemorated on the Luddenden Cenotaph.

By 1939 had moved further afield to 61, Albert Street in Eland, where Gordon was a member of St Paul’s Methodist Chapel and Sunday School and attended South End Board School. Gordon was also a member of Elland Boy’s Brigade.

Gordon then worked as a clerk for David Sharratt and Sons, a brickmaker based in Eland.

Gordon also attended Halifax Technical College where he gained certificates in Book-Keeping and Stage II Arithmetic.

[[File:Imagegb3.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 6th August 1940'']]
[[File:Imagegb5.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 6th August 1940'']]
[[File:Imagegb9.png|none|thumb|''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Thursday 22nd August 1940:'']]

Gordon was sixteen years old when the Second World War broke out. He served in 2nd Battalion, The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) as a private. During 1944, this battalion was on active service in Italy.

[[File:Imagegb10.png|none|thumb|''Weekly Examiner. Huddersfield. Saturday 21st October 1944:'']]

Gordon died of wounds sustained in battle on 30th September 1944. He was just 21 years old.

Gordon was posthumously awarded the Italy Star; Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45 on 7th December 1948.

[[File:Imagegb11.png|none|thumb|''Florence War Cemetery.'']]

Gordon is buried in the Florence War Cemetery, Italy.

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2026-01-24T16:40:21Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:39:04Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:34:33Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:31:16Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:30:30Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:28:54Z

John Saxton:

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2026-01-24T16:25:57Z

John Saxton:

Gordon Baume

2026-01-24T16:24:49Z

John Saxton: Replaced content with "=== GORDON BAUME d. 30th Sept 1944 aged 21 ==="

=== GORDON BAUME d. 30th Sept 1944 aged 21 ===

James Trevor Cotterell

2026-01-24T16:23:29Z

John Saxton:

= James Trevor Cotterell. =
[[File:James Trevor Cotterell.png|thumb|351x351px|none]]

'''“Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand'''

'''And the sound of a voice that is still”'''

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.
[[File:Image 1.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30th July 1940:''
[[File:Image1.png|thumb|none]]

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.
[[File:Image2.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

HMS Drake.

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27th, 1944:''
[[File:Image3.png|thumb|none]]

James died on 26th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image4.png|thumb|none]]

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26th April 1946:''

[[File:Image5.png|thumb|none]]

''St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2nd May 1945''

[[File:Image6.png|left|thumb]]

''The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image7.png|left|thumb]]

''Western Morning News, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image8.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image9.png|left|thumb]]

James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.
[[File:Image10..png|left|thumb]]

Albert Cowan

2026-01-24T16:17:06Z

John Saxton:

= Albert Cowan. =
'''“Home has changed in many ways,'''

'''But one thing changes never.'''

'''The memory of those happy days,'''

'''When we were all together.”'''

Albert Cowan was born in Liverpool on 13th April 1913 to Kate Dower, his recently widowed mother. Albert was the fourth born of five children. It appears that Kate moved the family first to Lancashire and then to Halifax where Kate married John Taylor in Halifax in 1918.

[[index.php?title=File:ImageAC!.png|link=File:ImageAC!.png|frameless]]

''The Cowan Family, circa 1915.''

By 1921, the family were living at 27, Chapel Street, Luddenden and by 1939 had again moved, this time to 19, Halifax Lane, Luddenden.
[[File:Imageac2.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

''1921 Census Return for 21, Chapel St.''

[[index.php?title=File:Imageac3.png|link=File:Imageac3.png|frameless|400x400px]]

''1939 Census Return for 19, Halifax Ln.''

Albert belonged to the Luddenden Cricket club and in 1922 he was both elected as the General Secretary of the club whilst also winning second place in a raffle at a whist drive and dance.
[[File:Imageac4.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

[[index.php?title=File:Imageac5.png|link=File:Imageac5.png|frameless|350x350px]]

''Halifax Courier Saturday 22nd April 1939.''

Albert worked for Willie Parker builders of Sowerby Bridge and is described in the censuses as a bricklayer, heavy worker and demolition man.

In 1940, Albert married Gladys Carter of Sowerby Bridge, where they lived in Frinkle Street.
[[File:Imageac7.png|left|thumb]]
[[File:Imageac8.png|center|thumb]]

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday June 1st, 1940''

''Todmordon and District News, 7th June 1940''

Albert and Gladys had one son, Ian, who born in late 1942.

[[index.php?title=File:Imageac9.png|link=File:Imageac9.png|frameless]]

''Halifax Evening Courier, 12th October 1942''

Before the birth of his son, Albert was posted to serve in North Africa. He served as a private in the 7th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders, part of the famous 51st Highland division.

[[index.php?title=File:Imageac10.png|link=File:Imageac10.png|frameless]]

''The 7th Black Watch Flag''

Albert’s unit was involved in action on the first day of the second battle of Alamein, Montgomery’s famous defeat of Rommel. At the end of this day, the Black Watch were only one of two units to achieve their targets.
[[File:Imageac11.png|left|thumb]]

''7th Black Watch shown on the southern flank of the start line.''

Following on from this battle, the Desert Rats chased Rommel across the desert to Benghazi. During the night of 13th December, the 1st and 7th Battalions Black Watch encircled the Mersa Brega from north and south. The 1st Battalion suffered heavily from mines in the dark. The 7th Argylls were moved forward into Mersa Brega to fill the gap between the two Black Watch battalions and found it heavily bobby trapped but abandoned. It was here, on 13th December 1942 that Albert was killed in action.
[[File:Imageac12.png|left|frameless]]

Albert is commemorated at the Benghazi War Cemetery.
[[File:Imageac14.png|left|thumb]]

James Trevor Cotterell

2026-01-24T16:14:11Z

John Saxton:

= James Trevor Cotterell. =
[[File:James Trevor Cotterell.png|thumb|351x351px|none]]

'''“Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand'''

'''And the sound of a voice that is still”'''

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.
[[File:Image 1.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30th July 1940:''
[[File:Image1.png|thumb|none]]

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.
[[File:Image2.png|left|thumb|400x400px]]

HMS Drake.

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27th, 1944:''
[[File:Image3.png|left|thumb]]

James died on 26th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image4.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26th April 1946:''
[[File:Image5.png|left|thumb]]

''St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2nd May 1945''
[[File:Image6.png|left|thumb]]

''The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image7.png|left|thumb]]

''Western Morning News, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image8.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image9.png|left|thumb]]

James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.
[[File:Image10..png|left|thumb]]

James Trevor Cotterell

2026-01-24T16:01:26Z

John Saxton:

= James Trevor Cotterell. =
[[File:James Trevor Cotterell.png|thumb|351x351px|none]]

'''“Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand'''

'''And the sound of a voice that is still”'''

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.
[[File:Image 1.png|thumb|400x400px|none]]

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30th July 1940:''
[[File:Image1.png|left|thumb]]

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.
[[File:Image2.png|left|thumb|400x400px]]

HMS Drake.

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27th, 1944:''
[[File:Image3.png|left|thumb]]

James died on 26th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image4.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26th April 1946:''
[[File:Image5.png|left|thumb]]

''St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2nd May 1945''
[[File:Image6.png|left|thumb]]

''The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image7.png|left|thumb]]

''Western Morning News, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image8.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image9.png|left|thumb]]

James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.
[[File:Image10..png|left|thumb]]

James Trevor Cotterell

2026-01-24T15:59:08Z

John Saxton:

= James Trevor Cotterell. =
[[File:James Trevor Cotterell.png|thumb|351x351px|center]]

'''“Oh! For the touch of a vanished hand'''

'''And the sound of a voice that is still”'''

James Trevor Cotterell was born on 12th March 1923 to James and Edith Eleanor. In 1921 the family lived at 1, New Laithe, Luddenden and by 1939 were living at 220 Warley Road, Halifax.
[[File:Image 1.png|left|thumb|400x400px]]

James worked in the grocery department of the Halifax Co-op.

In 1940, James attended Halifax Technical College and gained certificates in English, Book-keeping and Co-operation.

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday 30th July 1940:''
[[File:Image1.png|left|thumb]]

James enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1942, aged 19 and served as a Leading Seaman aboard HMS Drake. HMS Drake was a Royal Naval barracks at the Devonport naval base. As well as providing accommodation for the crews of ships in the base, HMS Drake provided facilities for training.
[[File:Image2.png|left|thumb|400x400px]]

HMS Drake.

In 1944, James married Hilda Stevenson of Halifax. Hilda moved to Sunnybank, Coombe, Cornwall to be near James.

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Tuesday June 27th, 1944:''
[[File:Image3.png|left|thumb]]

James died on 26th April 1945 in an accident whilst on his first day of leave. James was canoeing with his wife, Hilda, in Coombe Creek, Truro, Cornwall, when their canoe capsized. Hilda managed to swim ashore and call for help. James’ body was recovered the same day.

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image4.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Courier and Guardian, Friday 26th April 1946:''
[[File:Image5.png|left|thumb]]

''St Austell Gazette and Cornwall County News 2nd May 1945''
[[File:Image6.png|left|thumb]]

''The West Briton (Monday Evening’s Edition) April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image7.png|left|thumb]]

''Western Morning News, Saturday 28th April 1945:''
[[File:Image8.png|left|thumb]]

''Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Monday April 30th, 1945''
[[File:Image9.png|left|thumb]]

James is buried in Warley Congregational Cemetery.
[[File:Image10..png|left|thumb]]

Albert Cowan

2026-01-24T15:57:59Z

John Saxton:

= Albert Cowan. =
'''“Home has changed in many ways,'''

'''But one thing changes never.'''

'''The memory of those happy days,'''

'''When we were all together.”'''

Albert Cowan was born in Liverpool on 13th April 1913 to Kate Dower, his recently widowed mother. Albert was the fourth born of five children. It appears that Kate moved the family first to Lancashire and then to Halifax where Kate married John Taylor in Halifax in 1918.

[[File:ImageAC!.png|left|frameless]]

''The Cowan Family, circa 1915.''

''The Cowan Family, circa 1915.''

By 1921, the family were living at 27, Chapel Street, Luddenden and by 1939 had again moved, this time to 19, Halifax Lane, Luddenden.
[[File:Imageac2.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

''1921 Census Return for 21, Chapel St.''
[[File:Imageac3.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

''1''

''939 Census Return for 19, Halifax Ln.''

Albert belonged to the Luddenden Cricket club and in 1922 he was both elected as the General Secretary of the club whilst also winning second place in a raffle at a whist drive and dance.
[[File:Imageac4.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

[[File:Imageac5.png|left|frameless|350x350px]]

''Halifax Courier Saturday 22nd April 1939.''

Albert worked for Willie Parker builders of Sowerby Bridge and is described in the censuses as a bricklayer, heavy worker and demolition man.

In 1940, Albert married Gladys Carter of Sowerby Bridge, where they lived in Frinkle Street.
[[File:Imageac7.png|left|thumb]]
[[File:Imageac8.png|center|thumb]]

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday June 1st, 1940''

''Todmordon and District News, 7th June 1940''

Albert and Gladys had one son, Ian, who born in late 1942.
[[File:Imageac9.png|left|frameless]]

''Halifax Evening Courier, 12th October 1942''

''Halifax Evening Courier, 12th October 1942''

Before the birth of his son, Albert was posted to serve in North Africa. He served as a private in the 7th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders, part of the famous 51st Highland division.
[[File:Imageac10.png|left|frameless]]

''The 7th Black Watch Flag''

Albert’s unit was involved in action on the first day of the second battle of Alamein, Montgomery’s famous defeat of Rommel. At the end of this day, the Black Watch were only one of two units to achieve their targets.
[[File:Imageac11.png|left|thumb]]

''7th Black Watch shown on the southern flank of the start line.''

Following on from this battle, the Desert Rats chased Rommel across the desert to Benghazi. During the night of 13th December, the 1st and 7th Battalions Black Watch encircled the Mersa Brega from north and south. The 1st Battalion suffered heavily from mines in the dark. The 7th Argylls were moved forward into Mersa Brega to fill the gap between the two Black Watch battalions and found it heavily bobby trapped but abandoned. It was here, on 13th December 1942 that Albert was killed in action.
[[File:Imageac12.png|left|frameless]]

Albert is commemorated at the Benghazi War Cemetery.
[[File:Imageac14.png|left|thumb]]

Albert Cowan

2026-01-24T15:57:13Z

John Saxton: First edition John Saxton

= Albert Cowan. =
'''“Home has changed in many ways,'''

'''But one thing changes never.'''

'''The memory of those happy days,'''

'''When we were all together.”'''

Albert Cowan was born in Liverpool on 13th April 1913 to Kate Dower, his recently widowed mother. Albert was the fourth born of five children. It appears that Kate moved the family first to Lancashire and then to Halifax where Kate married John Taylor in Halifax in 1918.

[[File:ImageAC!.png|left|frameless]]

''The Cowan Family, circa 1915.''

By 1921, the family were living at 27, Chapel Street, Luddenden and by 1939 had again moved, this time to 19, Halifax Lane, Luddenden.
[[File:Imageac2.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

''1921 Census Return for 21, Chapel St.''
[[File:Imageac3.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

''1939 Census Return for 19, Halifax Ln.''

Albert belonged to the Luddenden Cricket club and in 1922 he was both elected as the General Secretary of the club whilst also winning second place in a raffle at a whist drive and dance.
[[File:Imageac4.png|left|frameless|400x400px]]

[[File:Imageac5.png|left|frameless|350x350px]]

''Halifax Courier Saturday 22nd April 1939.''

Albert worked for Willie Parker builders of Sowerby Bridge and is described in the censuses as a bricklayer, heavy worker and demolition man.

In 1940, Albert married Gladys Carter of Sowerby Bridge, where they lived in Frinkle Street.
[[File:Imageac7.png|left|thumb]]
[[File:Imageac8.png|center|thumb]]

''The Halifax Daily Courier and Guardian, Saturday June 1st, 1940''

''Todmordon and District News, 7th June 1940''

Albert and Gladys had one son, Ian, who born in late 1942.
[[File:Imageac9.png|left|frameless]]

''Halifax Evening Courier, 12th October 1942''

Before the birth of his son, Albert was posted to serve in North Africa. He served as a private in the 7th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders, part of the famous 51st Highland division.
[[File:Imageac10.png|left|frameless]]

''The 7th Black Watch Flag''

Albert’s unit was involved in action on the first day of the second battle of Alamein, Montgomery’s famous defeat of Rommel. At the end of this day, the Black Watch were only one of two units to achieve their targets.
[[File:Imageac11.png|left|thumb]]

''7th Black Watch shown on the southern flank of the start line.''

Following on from this battle, the Desert Rats chased Rommel across the desert to Benghazi. During the night of 13th December, the 1st and 7th Battalions Black Watch encircled the Mersa Brega from north and south. The 1st Battalion suffered heavily from mines in the dark. The 7th Argylls were moved forward into Mersa Brega to fill the gap between the two Black Watch battalions and found it heavily bobby trapped but abandoned. It was here, on 13th December 1942 that Albert was killed in action.
[[File:Imageac12.png|left|frameless]]

Albert is commemorated at the Benghazi War Cemetery.
[[File:Imageac14.png|left|thumb]]

File:Imageac14.png

2026-01-24T15:56:36Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac12.png

2026-01-24T15:55:46Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac11.png

2026-01-24T15:54:58Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac10.png

2026-01-24T15:54:13Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac9.png

2026-01-24T15:53:31Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac8.png

2026-01-24T15:52:14Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac7.png

2026-01-24T15:51:40Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac5.png

2026-01-24T15:49:46Z

John Saxton:

File:Imageac4.png

2026-01-24T15:48:45Z

John Saxton: