1891 to 25 May 1917
FAR00646
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Killed in action on the 27th of May 1917,
during the Battle of Arras, barely one month after arriving in France
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Egton
1891
George Farndale,
son of John and Susannah (nee Smith) Farndale (FAR00387) of 6 East Street Loftus Yorkshire, was born in Whitby District (Egton)
in 1891. George Farndale’s birth was registered in Whitby District in the second quarter of 1891
GRO Vol 9d page 465).
George Farndale was born about 1891 in Egton,
Yorkshire, youngest son of John Farndale (a Deputy in an ironstone mine, born
about 1851 in Egton, Yorkshire) and Susannah Smith (born 1853 in Cropton,
Yorkshire), who had married around July 1872 in Egton, Yorkshire.
George was born around the time his father, a Farm Labourer, became an
Ironstone Miner, so he would have witnessed quite a change in his young life,
from the pastoral surroundings of Egton village to the hustle and bustle of
Loftus, Yorkshire. His father must have been a quick learner, progressing to
Mines Deputy in 10 years. George followed his father and other brothers into
the ironstone mines, becoming, by 1911, a Blacksmith's Striker, living with his
family at 19 Tees Street, East Loftus
1891 Census, Egton,
Whitby
George Farndale
aged 2 months, son of John Farndale, farm labourer, living at 16 Hazel Head
1901
1901
Census,
Loftus
George Farndale
now aged 10, the son of John Farndale and Susannah, - John is now an ironstone
miner deputy, living at 9 John Street
1911
1911
Census, 189
Tees Street, East Loftus
George Farndale
now aged 20, a blacksmith striker, living with his father John Farndale
and miner’s deputy and his mother Susannah
1914
John
Farndale attended the funeral of his father in law, William Smith in 1914, with
his sons Thomas, Harry, George Farndale, John William Farndale, Edith,
Annie and Sarah Farndale:
Whitby
Gazette, 27 March 1914: FUNERAL OF MR WILLIAM SMITH OF GOATHLAND. A
Veteran sheep breeder. Buried at Egton.
In spite of very inclement weather, the funeral of Mr William Smith, of
Hunt House, Goathland, who died at his residence on Wednesday, last week, at
the advanced age of 92 years, was attended by a large number of
agriculturalists and others from various parts of the North Riding. He was one
of the most familiar figures in the sheep breeding world in this part of the
country, as was stated in an obituary notice in these columns, last week, and
he had taken an especially active part in the breeding of moor sheep. He was
closely identified with the Black Faced Sheep Breeders’ Association for a great
number of years. The internment took place at Egton cemetery, where the old
church used to stand, and many of the stones from which were used in the
building of the church at Egton, on Saturday afternoon, and the large number of
people present were eloquent of the respect in which they deceased was held.
The funeral cortege left Hunt House at 11.30 AM in a heavy rainstorm, and
preceded by Randy Mere, and Egton Bridge, to St Hilda's church, Egton, at which
there was a numerous congregation. The service was conducted by the Rev MC
Dickinson, Vicar of Egton, and the Rev E B Hare, Vicar of Goathland. The hymns
were... The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs Jones Smith, son and
daughter-in-law... Mr J Farndale, son-in-law, Miss Rawnsley, grand daughter,
Mrs Elliott, grand daughter, Loftus, Messrs T H & G Farndale,
grandsons, Mr and Mrs Spencely, Mr J W Farndale, Miss E Farndale, Miss A
Farndale, Miss S Farndale …
1917
George was a Private, Service No. 333852, in
the 9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, although he was
originally Service No. 26456, Alexandra Princess of Wales Own (Yorkshire
Regiment). He was Killed In Action on the 27th May 1917 (a day made infamous by
the French Army mutinies following the disastrous Nivelle Offensive, which left
100,000 French dead), in the German Retreat to the Hindenburg Line. His body
was never recovered and he is commemorated on Bay 8, The Arras Memorial, Pas de
Calais, France.
Medals and decorations: Victory Medal, British
War Medal
333852 Private George Farndale son of John and the
late Susanna Farndale of Loftus (FAR00387),
was killed in action with 9th HLI aged 25 on 27 May 1917. 9th HLI were in 100th
Infantry Brigade of 33rd Division engaged in operations on the Hindenburg Line.
He enlisted at Whitby although he was resident at Loftus. It seems that he
joined the Green Howards and then for some reason was transferred to the 9th
HLI. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal on 9 Nov 1921
posthumously since he had been killed in action in France on 27th May 1917 (ie
born 1891). Seems to fit this George?
(DR and medal roll)
333852 Private George Farndale
Click here for Loftus Family History Site
See also these letters, some of which are reproduced
below
Service
Highland Light Infantry
A resident of Loftus, he enlisted at Whitby
probably in the Gren Howards and was then transferred to the HLI. He was killed
in action on 27th May 1917 aged 26 while serving with the 1st/9th (Territorial
Glasgow Highlanders) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in 100th Infantry
Brigade of 33rd Infantry Division in operations against the Hindenburg Line.
The
Highland Light Infantry Regiment raised a total of 26 Battalions, these
included 3 ‘pals’ battalions formed as part of Lord Darby’s scheme but the
Glasgow battalions were never known as such having nicknames each other; The
Boozy First (The 15th), The Holy Second (The 16th) and The Featherbeds (The
17th). The Regiment was awarded 65 Battle Honours and 7 Victoria Crosses losing
10,030 men during the course of the war.
1/9th
(Glasgow Highland) Battalion Territorial force.
04.08.1914
Stationed in Glasgow as part of the H.L.I. Brigade of the Lowland Division then
move to Dunfermline.
Nov
1914 Mobilised for war and landed in France and transferred to the 5th Brigade
of the 2nd Division and engaged in various actions on the Western Front
including;
During
1915
Winter
Operations 1914-15, The Battle of Festubert, The Battle of Loos.
30.01.1916
Transferred to G.H.Q. Troops.
29.05.1916
Transferred to the 100th Brigade of the 33rd Division and engaged in various
actions on the Western Front including;
During
1916
The
Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The attacks on High Wood, The capture
of Boritska and Dewdrop Trenches.
During
1917
The
First and Second Battle of the Scarpe, The actions on the Hindenburg Line,
Operations on the Flanders coast, The Battle of the Menin Road Ridge, The
Battle of Polygon Wood.
During
1918
The
Battle of Messines, The Battle of Hazebrouck, The Battle of Bailleul, The
defence of Neuve Eglise, The First Battle for Kemmel Ridge, The Battle of the
Epehy, The Battle of the St Quentin Canal, The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line,
The Battle of Cambrai, The pursuit to the Selle, The Battle of the Selle.
11.11.1918
Ended the war in France, Petit Maubeuge.
George Farndale was killed in action on the 27th of May 1917, during the Battle
of Arras, barely one month after arriving in France.
The Loftus Family History Group have been
given access to letters he wrote from the Front to his sister Annie, in Loftus,
and letters from comrades and family offering sympathy after his death. Read
them on the Loftus Family History Group website.
8 April
1917
Sunday 8/4/17,
Dear Sister
Just a line to tell you that I arrived at
Folkestone at 7 o clock this morning and I am in a rest camp now waiting of a
ship. It is quiet a fine place here. I think we shall leave here at 10.45 am
for the ship which I think will take us to Boulogne where we will stay over
night. I got a very descent breakfast here and had an extra tea before we left
Catterick. They also gave us 20 packet of cigarettes each. Well tat-ta for the
present will write you again as soon as possible. With Love Geo
19
April 1917
19/4/17
Dear Sister
Received latter on Tuesday last and parcel today.
I must say the parcel was extra. The cake is excellent, also must say that you
could not have sent a more suitable parcel. Well I must send you my sincere
thanks for your kindness also for writing to the Girl. I am sorry I had to send
home for some money, but I only get 5 francs here, and I want to get some of
those French cards to send you as I know you would like some of them. I am
pleased to hear you are all keeping well. I wrote to the Girl on Sunday so I am
expecting to hear from her anytime. Will you send me one of your photos as I
would like one with me out here, please put your name on it. Remember me to all
and Give them my best respects, also down John St. How is Father keeping hope
he isn't worrying about me as I am alright. Well I think this is about all I
have to say so I must draw to a close thanking you once again for parcel also
hoping to hear from you again soon. Well tud-a-lu
With Love
from Your Loving Bro Geo.
P.S. I am not afraid about the watch and parcel,
as I know the young man I left with is honest and straight in every way, and I
told him he wasn't to go down special with it, he was to post it anytime when
he was going to town.
With Love again
Geo.
25
April 1917
Dear Annie
I am just sending you a line to tell you that I am
in a draft and expecting to go out any day. If you haven't wrote and sent the
things I asked for don't trouble, as I may be gone before they arrive and I
sharn't be able to take them with me. If I should be here over the weekend I
will write you again on Sunday if not I will try and send you a line before I
leave. I have got all my kit ready for going but I don't think I shall go
before Saturday or Monday. Well be sure and don't worry about me and tell Father
not to, as I shall be alright, and I must say before I go that you and Father
have been very kind to me as I never wanted for anything and I must say you
have done more than your duty towards me. Of course it may be weeks before I go
into the trenches as am sure to be kept at the base for a week or two. If I
should send for anything when I get to France, be sure and register it, as it
will make it more sure of me receiving it. Well don't write any more until you
hear from me again and don't think anything is wrong if you don't hear from me
for a short time, but I promise you to write you as soon as I possibly can.
Well this is all I have time to say just now, so I will now close, trusting
this finds you all well. Remember me to all. Well be sure and don't worry about
me, and look on the bright side of it as I shall soon be back again.
With Love, From Your Loving Bro Geo
PS. If the writing pad comes I will give it to
some of the boys as it won't be worth sending it back. I shall very possibly be
sending some shirts home.
The Arras offensive, 1917 (Battle of Arras)
9 April -16 June 1917: the Arras
offensive. Once again the British are called upon to launch an attack in
support to a larger French offensive: the battles of the Chemin des Dames and
the hills of Champagne. The opening Battle of Vimy and the First Battle of the
Scarpe are very encouraging, but once again the offensive – often known as the
Battle of Arras – bogs down into an attritional slog. Final attempts to
outflank the German lines at Bullecourt prove terribly costly
The Arras Offensive, 1917
British troops moving
up to the trenches near Arras, 29 April 1917 The Battle of
Arras April to May 1917
27 May
1917
George died on 27 May 1917 aged 26 and
is buried at Bay 8, Arras Memorial, son of John Farndale, 6 East street, Loftus
Yorkshire.
Private George
Farndale, son of John and the late
Susannah Farndale of Loftus, killed in action 27th May 1917, aged 26 (Loftus PR)
George Farndale,
26, 1891 to 1917, commemorated at the War Memorial at East Loftus (junction of
High Street and Water Lane behind town hall, St Leonard’s Church, Water Lane,
Loftus). Pte G Farndale, Loftus, Cleveland.
“Also Pte George
Farndale, their son who was killed in action May 27th 1917 aged 26
years.”
Arras Memorial,
France, Bay 8
Private George
Farndale, 9th (Glasgow Highlanders) Battalion, Highland Light
Infantry.
333852, Private
George Farndale, Highland Light Infantry.
Victory Medal and British Medal.
See
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website
2 June
1917
France, 2/6/17
Dear Mr Farandale
I deeply regret to inform you of the death in Action of your son 333852 Pte G
Farandale on 27th May. He was a good soldier and a popular fellow, beloved by
us all and our deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours at this time.
Believe me, Yours truly, D W Greenhulds, 2Lt, 9th HLI.
June 2nd/6/17
Dear Friend
It is with deep regret I inform you that your Bro George was killed on the 27th
May. He had just gone into the trenches the previous night and before it was
properly daylight a German trench mortar came over and struck George death
being instantaneous. I have know George for a good long time and he was a fine
pal. He was in the Yorks at Hartlepool when I was, and we were transferred to
2/9th HLI together May 1st/16. It was New Years time when I mist him as he was
sent to Scotland and I was left with Batt. Eventually I came out to France in
Feb and it was there at the base I met him again and we have been together
practically all the time. I was next to him on the 20th/5/17 when we went over
and took the German front line trench, which we held for 2 days and then were
relieved. You have my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement and hope you
will find consolation in knowing that he died faithfully doing his duty. The
officer got his pay book and pocket wallet which I expect will be sent on to
you.
Yours Sincerely
R Sellars
332854 Pte R Sellars 9th H.L.I. Glasgow Highlanders
C. Company 11 platoon.
B.E.F. France.
Shingle Hall,
Sawbridgeworth, Herts. Thursday
Dear Miss Farndale:-
I am deeply grieved on hearing from you yesterday
morning that dear George has been killed in action, and all at Shingle Hall
including myself wish to express our deepest sympathy with you all in this dark
hour of sadness.
It was an awful blow to me dear, and is one that I
shall never forget. He was such a nice quiet and gentle boy and was very much
liked by all who knew him in Sawbridgeworth, and no fellow could not think so
much of a girl as your dear brother did of me, and had he been spared to come
back safely we intended getting married. I don't know if he ever spoke about it
to you.
It will be awfully kind of you to copy those
letters for me and shall be most pleased to receive them.
Yes dear, I will see about another doz. p.cs.
being copied and will write and let you know, as I shall be only too pleased to
do anything for you, for the sake of the dear one I have just lost.
He sent me the Yorkshire badge (as he said no one
else should have it but me) also the cap badge of the H.L.I. and bought me a
small regimental brooch of the H.L.I. so I shall always think of the dear boy.
Now dear Miss Farndale I will draw to a close
trusting you will all accept our deepest sympathy once more.
With fondest love hoping to hear from you again
soon
I remain
Your sincere Friend
Dolly.
P.S. Please excuse pencil.
Whitby Gazette, Friday 22 June
1917: PRIVATE GEORGE FARNDALE. Mr. John
Farndale, 10, Cleveland St, Broughton, has received official intimation that
his son, Private George Farndale, Highland Light Infantry, was killed in action
on May 27th. Previous to joining the colours he was employed by Mr J D
Robinson, ironmonger, Loftus. He was 26 years of age and enlisted on 9th
February, 1916. He had only four month's service on the Western Front, the
remainder of his soldiering career having been spent in England.