Z-Armitage-Edgar

Edgar Armitage 1876 – 1914

Family Details:

According to his baptism Edgar was born in Huddersfield on the 9th June 1876 the son of George and Jane Armitage nee Sykes, who had married on 16 May 1869 at St. Paul’s Huddersfield. He was baptised at St. Philip’s Church, Dewsbury on the 4th February 1879 which was the same day as his siblings Oscar born 21st May 1874 in Birstall and Louisa born 15th November 1878. Thomas Henry was the elder sibling born on 13th December 1871.

In 1881 the family was living at Marriott Street, Dewsbury but later moved to Leeds Road, Dewsbury with the additions of John Willie 1881 and Sykes 1887. George’s occupation was a woollen printer’s warehouseman. In 1891 the three elder boys had all become coal miners.

In December 1893 he enlisted into the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and his records show he was 5ft.5” tall of fresh complexion with dark brown hair. He was appointed a Lance Corporal on 2nd July 1901 and appointed to the Reserve on 1st November 1902. He was re-engaged for four years from 8th December 1905.

He married Frances Emily Buckley on 19th April 1904 at St. Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton and Eleanor was born in 1905 followed by Nellie in 1911. In 1911 the family was living at 2, Tattersfield Yard Staincliffe, Batley.

When war broke out he re-enlisted and joined the local Territorial Force who had been at camp in Whitby when war broke out on 4th August 1914. They immediately came home and went to Doncaster for training.

Edgar had not been in good health for some time and the battalion had a march at Doncaster and a blood vessel burst and he died the following day Wednesday 12th August. His wife worked for Mark Oldroyd and Sons.

He is remembered with Honour at St. Paul’s Church, Hanging Heaton: Earlsheaton Park War Memorial and Moorend Working Men’s Club Memorial (relocated to St. John’s Church, Dewsbury Moor).

He was awarded the South African Medal with 4 clasps and Transvaal King’s Medal with 2 clasps.

Researched by
Members of Batley History Group