Wilfred Gelsthorpe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Wilfred Gelsthorpe was born in 1895 at Newark and was the son of James a van man for the Co Operative society and Caroline Gelsthorpe née Atkinson of 3 Vernon Street, Newark, His father James was born in 1873 at Newark and his mother Caroline Atkinson was also born in 1873 at Ruddington, they were married in 1892 at Newark and went on to have the following children Arthur b1893, Wilfred b1895, Ernest b1897 and George b1906 all were born in Newark. In the 1911 census the family are living at 156 Barnby Gate, Newark and are shown as James 38 yrs a van man for the Co Operative society, he is living with his wife Caroline 38 yrs and their children Arthur 18 yrs an engineers clerk, Wilfred 16 yrs a moulders apprentice, Ernest 14 yrs an engineers clerk and George 5 yrs.
Lance Corporal Wilfred Gelsthorpe enlisted on 29th August 1914 at Newark, he gave his age as 20 yrs and 79 days and his address as 3 Vernon Street, Newark, he stated he was a moulder and his next of kin was his mother Caroline of the same address. He was posted to the Lincolnshire Regiment and on 18th July 1915 landed at Gallipoli where he served until 11th October 1915 when he contracted enteric fever and returned to England. On 5th December 1915 was posted to the 3rd battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. After recovering in England he went out to France on 22nd March 1916 on 26th September 1916 he was appointed Lance Corporal, he was a lewis gunner and was killed in action on 11th April 1917 and is buried at Cojeul British Cemetery, St Martin-sur-Cojeul, France.
Article published 12th May 1917 in the Newark Herald :- Son of James & Caroline Gelsthorpe, 3 Vernon Street, Newark. Was a member of Charles Street Wesleyan Sunday School and formerly a moulder with Messrs. Simpson & Co., Lowfields, Balderton. Enlisted with his shopmate and chum Jim Whitelock in the early days of the war in “Kitchener’s Army” in the Lincolns. Trained at Belton Park and served in the Dardanelles, later invalided home with enteric fever. About ten months ago went to France and was serving in a Lewis gun section when killed in action.
No Photos