Fred Crossley
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Fred Crossley was the second child of Thomas and Clara Crossley (née Lilley). He was born in 1886 in Worksop as was all his siblings, William, Gertrude, Emily, John T and Maud. In 1891 the family resided at 78 Low Town Street but 10 years later were at 7 Shaw Street. Thomas’s lifetime trade was a wood turner and in 1901, both William and Fred were working, following their father’s trade. By 1911, all 3 of the males had married and moved from the parents' family home, which was now at 2 Colbeck Street, Worksop. William married 1903, John in 1907 and Fred married in 1908 to Mary Elizabeth Watkin. They married at St Johns Church, Worksop on the 26th of December 1908 and resided at 18 Cuthbert Street. It was not long before they had children, Thomas Edward on 1st July 1909, Olive May 26 Jan 1912, and Frederick on the 27th November 1914, all born at Worksop. After the death of her husband, she received a pension of 29/7d per week as from 15/7/1918 for herself and 3 children.
Pte Fred Crossley Worksop Guardian 1 November 1918 'Reported wounded and missing since Oct 14th 1917, Pte Fred Crossley, Notts and Derbys, whose widow now resides at 18 Cuthbert Street is now reported to have been killed on or about that date. The deceased soldier, who was formerly a wood turner at Hollely Bros., Ryton Saw Mills, enlisted in March 21st 1917 and was sent out to France on Aug 8th following. The Notts and Derbys were heavily engaged from that time onward and on Oct 4th, Pte Crossley was wounded and nothing more has been seen or heard since. Mrs Crossley has had enquiries made through the Red Cross Society, but unfortunately without result, so there would seem no reason for doubting the conclusion to which the War Office had come. The deceased was 21 years of age and leaves three children. He was the son of Mr T Crossley, Colbeck Street, Worksop and was a native of the town. He was well liked by his associates.'
Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt
