William Curtis Bolton
- Family History
- Military History
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William Curtis was the son of William Henry and Emily Bolton (née Crowe).His father William Henry was born in Thorpe, Norfolk, on 6 June 1867, the son of Curtis and Emily Bolton. His mother Emily Crowe was born in Ireland on 6 February 1864, the daughter of William John Crowe who at the time of his daughter's marriage was an army pensioner. William and Emily, a school governess, were married at St Andrew's parish church, Sprowston & Beeston, Norfolk, on 30 March 1888. They had seven children between 1888 and 1902, two of whom died in infancy. Six children were named on the census between 1891 and 1911: Beatrice Mary b. Norwich 1888 d. 1893, William Curtis b. Norwich 20 August 1890 (J/A/S Norwich) bap. Farnsfield St Michael 3 October 1897, Mabel b. Leicester, Robert Henry b. Hucknall Torkard bap. Farnsfield, Daisy b. Farnsfield bap. Farnsfield and Edith Mary b. Mansfield.In 1891 William Henry (23), a cigar merchant, and Emily (27) were living on Dereham Road, Norwich, with their two children Beatrice (2) and William (7 months).William and Emily's third child, Mabel, was born in Leicester in 1892 but when their daughter Beatrice died the following year her death was recorded in the Basford registration district. By 1901 the family was living on Principal Street, Beek Lane, Farnsfield. William was described as a houseman for a contractor. He and Emily had four surviving children, William (10), Mabel (8), Robert (6) and Daisy (2).In 1908 when William Curtis attested in the Territorial Force he gave his address as 50 Rock Villas, Mansfield.In 1911 William snr, a feed cake and manure manufacturer, and his wife were living at 86 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield. Four of their five surviving children were still living at home: Mabel (18) a hosiery chevenor (hosiery factory), Robert Henry (16) an errand boy (stationer and printer), Daisy (12) and Edith (8). William Curtis was a warehouseman for a London based company, Messrs Cooks, a distribution and warehousing enterprise in London, and living in their staff accommodation.The CWGC record gives his parents' address as Lidgett House, 18 Rufford Road, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, and William, Emily and their unmarried daughter Daisy, were still living at the same address in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled.Emily died in 1934 (A/M/J Southwell) and William Henry in 1943 (J/A/S Southwell).William Curtis' sister Mabel married Albert William Cantrill in 1913 (J/A/S Mansfield. Albert had served in the Royal Navy (Stoker 1st Class) on a 12 year engagement (5 years RN, 7 years Royal Fleet Reserve) from 11 July 1907 to 13 July 1912, transferring to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 14 July 1912. He was moblised on 2 August 1914 and discharged on 4 June 1921.
William Curtis Bolton attested in the Territorial Force (8th Bn Sherwood Foresters, 1266 Private) on 26 October 1908 at the age of 18. He transferred to the 9th Bn London Regiment on 25 January 1911, when he was working in London. He completed his fortnight's annual training each year from 1909 to 1912 and was discharged on 25 November 1912 on completion of his four-year engagement.William attested in 1914 and served initially in the 8th Bn Sherwood Foresters and promoted to the rank of Sergeant before gaining a commission in the York and Lancaster Regiment in 1916.He was awarded the Military Cross in 1916.William was killed in action on 1 July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
William's brother, Robert Henry, and his brother-in-law, Albert William Cantrill, also served in the war; Robert in the Sherwood Foresters (305318 Sergeant) and Albert in the Royal Navy.Information taken from reports published in the Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser, 13 May 1915 and 13 July 1916: Attended Newark Theological College for 2 years. Member of St Peter's Men's class and choir. Agreed with his fellow students to enlist with the men and not accept a commission, however accepted promotion on merit and rose through the ranks from private to 2nd lieutenant. His younger brother, Robert, and brother-in-law Albert Cantrill were also serving. His father had lived at 52 Westgate, Mansfield before moving to Edwinstowe. Nottingham Evening Post, 10 July 1916: ‘Killed. Second-Lieut. William C Bolton. News was received in Mansfield on Saturday of the death in action of Second-Lieutenant William C Bolton, son of Mr WH Bolton, 52, West-gate. The deceased officer, who some months ago was awarded the Military Cross, was formerly a member of St Peter’s Church choir, and showing a bent for the ministry, proceeded to the Kelham Theological College, where he had been studying for two years when war broke out. Then with many other students he joined the colours, and became a private in the Sherwood Foresters. In the spring of the present year he was given a commission in the York and Lancaster Regiment. Some time ago Lieut. Bolton carried out a successful piece of scouting work, which his commanding officer described as a fine performance. At St Peter’s Church yesterday morning the vicar (Rev. FJ Adams) made a sympathetic reference to Lieut. Bolton’s death.’ (ww.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)Mansfield Reporter, 14 July 1916: ‘Lieut. WC Bolton Killed. Second-Lieut. W Curtis Bolton, son of Mr and Mrs WH Bolton, of 52, Westgate, Mansfield, has been killed in France, we regret to state. He was a member of St Peter’s choir at the time he was apprenticed to Messrs. Heane Brothers, but giving evidence of an aptitude for the ministry, he proceeded to Kelham Theological College where he had been studying for two years when the war broke out. Along with many other students he answered the call of duty, and entered the Sherwood Foresters as a private. By stages he became lance-corpl., corporal, and sergeant, and some months ago was given a commission in the 8th York and Lancaster Regiment, with whom he went to France. Along with other students who joined the Colours at the same time, the late lieutenant declined to take a commission at the outset, as he might have done, preferring to start his army career from the lowest rung of the military ladder, and to work his way up to an officership, which he did. During the course of training at the Kelham College, the young student applied himself diligently to his studies, and gave promise of developing into a very capable minister of the Established Church. Many Mansfield people and particularly the members of the St Peter’s Church and congregation, and the members of the Men’s Bible Class deeply regret that so promising and useful a life should have thus been brought to a premature conclusion. On Sunday morning the Vicar made reference to the young soldier’s death. Some months ago he was awarded the Military Cross for courage and daring.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
