Bernard Gelsthorpe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Bernard was the son of Annie and the late John Gelsthorpe of 'Glenmore' 24 Clairview Road Streatham London. John had been a farmer and miller and together with Annie had a large family of at least 12 children all born at Pinxton. John died prior to the 1901 census on which Annie is shown as a widow and the family living at Carter Lane South Normanton. On the 1911 census Annie was living in London with a number of her children. Three of her sons Bernard, Sydney and Harold, however had moved to Canada. They left Liverpool and arrived at Montreal, Quebec on 19 May 1905 with their occupation listed as farmers. His will read as follows:- Gelsthorpe, Bernard of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, died 15 Sept 1916 in France, probate Victoria, to Harold Stuart Gelsthorpe. Effects £279 5s 10d in the United Kingdom. Sealed London 12 July [1919]
Bernard attested on 12th April 1915 at Victoria British Columbia Canada. sHe had previously served in the 88th Royal Victorian Rifles for 1 month. His medical examination on 9th April 1914 at Victoria showed him fit for service.
From Canada War Graves (circumstance of casualty) Bernard Gelsthorpe Previously reported missing believed killed, now killed in action. On the night of the 15th Sept 1916, he was one of a party engaged in reconstructing an old enemy trench about half a mile west of Courcelette. This trench was heavily shelled and he was one of the many of the party who were killed. The stretcher bearers made as careful a search as was possible under the circumstances and reported that no trace of his body could be found. His name is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France which commemorated over 11,000 Candian men who have no known grave.
