William Creary
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Creary (AKA Criery) was born in 1899 he was the son of John Dutton and Agnes Creary née Dixon of 134 Blake Street, Mansfield Woodhouse. John Dutton Creary was born in 1844, Agnes Dixon was born in 1849 both were born in Kirkby, Lancashire, they were married in 1875 in Cumbria, they went on to have 4 children. William married Alma Bright (born 18th February 1890) on 25th December 1908 at St Edmunds Church, Mansfield Woodhouse, their children were Doris, born 21/07/1910, Eleanor, born 13/09/1914 and William born 2nd September 1916, after his father's death. In 1911 William is living at 134 Blake Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, he is 22 yrs and is a coal miner hewer, he is living with his wife Alma 21 yrs and their daughter Doris 8 months of age, His widow was awarded a pension of 20 shillings and 6 pence a week commencing 15th January 1917.
Pte. William Creary, enlisted on 16th June 1915 aged 27 years and 128 days at Mansfield. He served with the 17th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Welbeck Rangers), landing in France on 6th March 1916 and was wounded in action on 3rd July 1916. He was returned to England where he died at Newcastle War Hospital, Newcastle, Staffordshire, on 13th July 1916 He is buried in Mansfield Woodhouse (St. Edmund) Churchyard Extension.
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser: 24/08/1916: Photograph printed. Fatally wounded on 03/07/1916. Has been buried at Mansfield Woodhouse Cemetery. Article published 21st July 1916 in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times :- “PTE. W. CREARY, MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE. “Private William Creary, 134, Blake-street, enlisted in the 17th Sehrwood, [sic] about 14 months ago, and after training at Nottingham and Surrey Camps was sent in a draft to France on March 4th. News that be had been wounded on the 3rd July [1] came from his comrades and later the sad intelligence reached Mrs. Creary that her husband had died on the 13th. He was popular with his fellow comrades. His remains were conveyed to his home, and with full military honours was buried by the side of another comrade, Private Roberts, [2] on Monday. [17th July 1916] A large crowd of spectators lined the route despite the drizzling downpour of rain. The service in the church, and at the graveside, was conducted by the Rev. D. F. Coles. At the grave the hymn, “Abide with Me,” was sung. The coffin, which was placed on a gun-carriage, was covered with the Union Jack. The cortege was preceded by a military band from Clipstone Camp. In addition to the mourners the members of the Sherwood-street social club followed, and placed an artificial wreath and globe on the grave. The poor fellow leaves a widow and two children.” [1] His service record states he was wounded on 4th July 1916. [2] Pte. John Edward Roberts, 10th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, 22nd May 1916. Buried in Mansfield Woodhouse (St. Edmund) Churchyard Extension, he was the 28 year-old husband of Cissie Roberts, of 9 Hospital Terrace, Mansfield Woodhouse. Above article and information is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
