William Rose
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William was born at Arnold in 1895, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Rose of 54 West Street. His father, Jacob, was born on 4 August 1855 (d. 23 February 1901) and his mother, Elizabeth (nee Peck) was born in 1853; they were married in 1878 (marriage registered J/F/M Basford). They had eight children of whom one died in infancy: John (b. 1878), Millicent (b. 23 January 1882, registered J/F/M Basford), Samuel (b. 14 August 1883, died 27 March 1886), Harriett (birth registered 1887 J/F/M Basford), George (b. 1890, A/M/J Basford), Samuel (b. 1891 O/N/D Basford), Thomas (birth registered 1894 J/F/M Basford) and William (b. abt 1896). All the family were born in Arnold. In 1881 Jacob (25), a framework knitter, and Elizabeth (28) were living at St Alban's Road, Arnold, with their first child, John (2). By 1891 they had moved to West Street, Arnold. Jacob and Elizabeth now had four children: John (12), Millicent (9), Harriett (4) and George (10 months). Another son, Samuel had died in 1886. Jacob died in February 1901 and at the time of the census the same year his widow was still at the same address and described as a grocer-shopkeeper 'on her own account'. Her seven surviving children were still living at home: John (22) a baker, Millicent (19) a laundress, Harriett (14), George (10), Samuel (9), Thomas (7) and William (5). By 1911 Millicent (29) was assisting her mother in the grocery business, Harriett (24) was a hosiery mender hand, George (20) and Samuel (19) were hosiery hands, William (15) was an errand boy and Thomas (17) was a student, probably training to be a teacher as this was his future occupation. George married Minnie Webster in 1916 (marriage registered A/M/J Basford); they lived at 1 Albion Terrace, Calverton Road, Arnold. Samuel married Agnes Anthony, also in 1916 (marriage registered O/N/D Basford); they lived at 67 Nottingham Road, Daybrook, Nottingham. At least three of William's brothers - George, Samuel and Thomas - also served in the war. Samuel served in the 2nd Bn King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (42872 Private) and died of wounds on 25 November 1917 aged 26 (St Julien Dressing Station Cemetery Belgium) and George served in the 7th Bn Royal Warwickshire Regiment (second lieutenant) and was killed in action on 28 June 1918 (Thiennes British Cemetery France). In June 1919 Thomas Rose completed a form for the army listing William's surviving relatives: Thomas was still living at 54 West Street with his widowed mother and his unmarried sister, Millicent, John was living on Furlong Street, Arnold, while their married sister, Harriett Driver was living at 52 West Street, Arnold. Elizabeth Rose died on 23 August 1947 aged 95; her home address was 50 Acton Road, Arnold. Of William's siblings, Harriett had married Frank W Driver in 1913 (marriage registered J/F/M Basford). The widowed Harriett died on 7 September 1963; her home address at the time of her death was 11 Acton Road, Arnold. Millicent probably married in 1922 (Scattergood) and died in 1970 age 88 (death registered June, Basford). Thomas became head teacher at Front Street British School, Arnold.
He enlisted at Nottingham on 31 August 1914 into the Sherwood Foresters and was initially with the 7th (Robin Hood) Battalion and the 3rd (Training Reserve) battalion with which he carried out his training. He went to France on 9 February 1915 and on 16 February 1915, along with 113 others, he joined the 1st Battalion of the regiment at La Gorgue, and was posted to serve in “C” Company. He was killed in action during the battle for Neuve Chapelle. His body was never identified and he is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France (Panel 26 and 27). He served a total of 194 days and qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
He is also commemorated on the Family Headstone in Redhill Cemetery Arnold, Nottingham. The inscription reads: ‘Sacred to the memory of Jacob Rose, born Aug. 4th 1855, died Feby. 23rd 1901. Also Samuel Rose born Aug. 14th 1883, died March 27th 1886. Thy will be done. Also of William Rose who was killed in action at Neuve Chappelle, March 12th 1915 in his 20th year. His sun is set while yet tis day, too soon his course is run, we scarce had time to mark the way while lo, his work is done. Also Samuel son of the above and beloved husband of Agnes Rose who died of wounds near Ypres, Novr 25th 1917, aged 26 years. Also George, another son, and beloved husband of Minnie Rose, killed in action June 28th 1918, aged 28 years, buried at Thiennes, France. And with the morn those angel faces smile which we have loved long since and lost a while.’ Nottingham Evening Post, In Memoriam, 12 March 1918: ‘Rose. In loving memory of Private W Rose, 54 West-street, Arnold, aged 19, killed in action March 12th 1915. Sweet is the memory of ones we loved so dear. Mother, sisters, and brothers.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, In Memoriam, 12 March 1918: ‘Rose. In ever-loving memory of our dear brother Pte William Rose, killed in action in France March 12th 1915. Gertie and Tom.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Probate: Rose Jacob of Arnold Nottinghamshire died 23 February 1901 Probate London 28 June to Elizabeth Rose widow George Peck hosier and William Herbert Higginbottom architect Effects £993 6s. 10d. Probate: Rose Elizabeth of 50 Acton-road Arnold Nottinghamshire widow died 23 August 1947 probate Nottingham 6 December to Thomas Rose head teacher and John Samuel Scattergood coal merchant. Effects £410 10s.
