William Marks
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Marks was the eldest son born to John and Jane Marks in 1884 in Worksop. He had 3 brothers all of whom were born in Worksop and later worked in the coal mines and joined the colours. Their father John, was a coal miner and died when he was just 39 in 1897. Their mother never remarried but bought up her children on her own at 70 John Street. In 1902, William married Alice Cole at Worksop and lived at 68 John Street next door to his mother. Their first child born in 1906 was called Edna and the second, a boy was called William after his father. 2 more followed later in 1912 and 1914 called Agnes and Robert.
Pte. William Marks Worksop Guardian November 17th 1916 Another Worksop man to make the great surrender is Pte. William Marks, 68, John-street, of the 9th Sherwood Foresters. Pte. Marks was one of three brothers who responded to the call, he, joining up in August, 1914, previous to which he worked at Manton Colliery. He would have been 33 years of age on the 11th inst., and leaves four children, the eldest of whom is ten years and six months, and the youngest of two years. Pte. Marks saw service in the Dardanelles and afterwards in Egypt, and was transferred to France in July this year. He had not been home for 17 months. The news of his death reached his wife in a letter from Pte. H. Cornfield, 16th Platoon, 3rd Worcester’s, who, under date October 20th, writes:-….. “I found the correspondence which I believe relates to your husband between the Germans and our own lines on the 11th inst, in a small case were the letters and photos of his (wife, children, and sister). I burnt the letters, and enclose the photos, which I hope you receive safely. I conclude with deepest sympathy for you and your children. If I can be of any assistance to you in any way please command me.” On receipt of this letter Mrs. Marks communicated with her husband’s commanding officer who in reply wrote, “I deeply regret to inform you that your husband, Pte. W. Marks, was reported missing, believed killed, on September 26th. I have made searching enquiries and regret to say I can find no further particulars. Please accept my deepest sympathy, -Yours faithfully, Sec-Lieut. C. Richardson.” Pte. W. Marks is not the first of his family to fall on the field of honour. His brother, Pte. Leonard Marks, a time expired man, joined the Royal Marines on the outbreak of the war, and was killed in the Dardanelles in May of last year. Another brother, Pte Fred Marks, age 19 is with the Sherwood Rangers at Salonika and his youngest brother, Robert the only boy left at home has been called up. His brother-in-law, Pte. Percy Edeson, of the K.O.Y.L.I. was killed on April 30th last year. Great sympathy is expressed with Mrs. W. Marks and her family in their trouble
CWG additional information:- Son of Mrs. Jane Marks, of 70, John St., Worksop; husband of Alice Marks, of 26, Low Town St., Worksop, Notts. Remembered on the Theipval Memorial His brother, Leonard was also a war casualty and died in a hospital in Alexandria. Research by Colin Dannatt
