Tyldesley at War 1914

Tyldesley at War 1914-1918

Click here for a full list of The War Dead of Astley 1914-1918

Like countless other towns in Lancashire and across the nation Tyldesley sent its fair share of young men to war. This was how their mobilization was recorded in the Leigh Journal on 15.12.1914.

" The mobilization of the Territorials (of August 1914) brought the war more nearly home to the townships, for the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley Company supplied about 250 men to the local battalion of the Manchester Regiment .......... the Tyldesley men went to their homes after presenting themselves at Atherton Drill Hall. By the end of 1914 it is estimated that Tyldesley had sent some 900 men to the colours."

By the end of 1916 the Supplement to the Leigh Journal shows portraits of 91 Tyldesley and Astley dead, 13 missing in action and 8 prisoners of war. Tyldesley War Memorial records 250 dead by the end of the war. There were of course many heroes.

Tyldesley and Astley Honours and Rewards recorded in 1916
Bellis , T , Bombardier, R.F.A. Dorning St. Tyldesley Military Cross for gallantry in action
Bleakley , A.D. Second Lieutenant Manchester Regiment Tyldesley Awarded the Military Cross for leading a bombing attack which led to capture of an enemy trench on the Somme.
Bryan Thomas, Private,20 Manchester Regiment ( 5th Manchester Pals) 3 Dingle Fold, Astley : Collier Military Medal for carrying wounded to safety. Killed in action 1 July 1916
Davies , Captain R.A.M.C. Tyldesley Awarded Military Cross for attending to wounded. The Somme.	Tyldesley War Memorial
Fairhurst, A.D. Sergeant 22 Shackerley Road, Tyldesley Military Medal: mentioned in dispatches
Holt , Herbert Granville. Second Lieutenant Leicester Regiment Cross Hillock , Astley Awarded Military Cross for leading a patrol across 400 yards of open space.
Kenny , Martin . Private Irish Guards 26 Higher Green , Astley Received Military Medal for gallantry in action in which he was wounded.
Wlliams , Thomas , Sapper Seaforth Highlanders 380 Tyldesley Road Tyldesley Military Medal
Worthington ,J Sergeant Grenadier Guards 25 New Bank St. Tyldesley Military Medal , killed in action