William and Beatrice

William Henry Milton & Beatrice Ann Pearson Stamper

At marriage on 28th June 1911 William was aged 23, bachelor and Beatrice was 22, spinster.  William gave his address as Haverigg, whilst Beatrice resided at 170 Holborn Hill, Millom.
The wedding would be attended by William's parents Herbert Milton and Melia Milton (Nee Stephens), and by his sisters Jess, Liz, Mabel & Gin.  On the other side would be Beatrice's mother Esther Holmes (Nee Stamper), with husband John and the three young Holmes boys.  No doubt Wills friends from his sporting connections, and workers from Hodbarrow mines would also attend.


On marriage the couple lived at HOLBORN HILL, MILLOM.
Beatrice called William "Will" and he called her "Beat".

Like his father before him, William sported a moustache.

William was still involved in his sporting activities and it was during the first year of marriage that he won the Cup Winners Medal with Millom F.C.



On 18th September 1912, the year following their marriage, William and Beatrice had their only child, a son, WILLIAM DONALD MILTON. (Donald) 

THE ARMY
In 1914 William enlisted into the Army along with a large number of other Millom men.  He joined the 4th Battalion King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.

His 27th birthday was spent training with the Battalion at UPTON TOWERS, SLOUGH by which time he was a Lance Corporal with "H" Company.

The Birthday Card dated 13th November 1914 sent by Beatrice to William at the Slough Training Camp for his 27th Birthday on the 15th.
This was to be the last Birthday that he would enjoy.






On arrival at Slough the Battalion was divided into Companies which were distributed along the stations alongside the Great Western railway Line from Paddington to Twyford.  At the stations along the line the officers and men were accomodated in the waiting rooms without bedding, furniture or comforts of any description for the next three months.  They were responsible for guarding the line and the bridges.  Food was sent up from Slough in Dixies.  Great ingenuity was displayed by various sections to make conditions as habitable as possible.  The best effort was adjudged to have been made by the Millom contingent, based at Langley Park.  A local refuse tip alongside the railway was scoured and every conceivable item of kitchen equipment salvaged and an up to date kitchen was erected.  With the aid of a huge Beechams Pills advertising board and some ‘borrowed’ waggon tarpaulines, a decent lean-to shelter was erected.  Amazingly, a tame fox and an Airedale terrier were frequent visitors.  Not being used to the speed of the trains a number of country men were killed and injured during this period.  Great responsibility fell on the Officers and N.C.O’s as discipline could be a problem with young and inexperienced soldiers spread over 30 miles of line, in the proximity of London and other places of interest and pleasure. Cross Country Running and Football was engaged in and the Battalion achieved considerable success at both these sports.  In early November part of the Battalion received instructions to prepare for Egypt, but these instructions were changed, leaving the Battalion intact.  By the end of November the Battalion had moved to Sevenoaks and was occupying empty houses at the St Johns end of town. Time here was devoted to training, musketry practice etc.  No Christmas leave was granted.  The last week in February 1915 was spent at Margate prior to a move to Tonbridge on March 2nd.  It remained here until April 18th.

 Training continued in 1915 at TONBRIDGE and it was not long before he gained another promotion, to Corporal.

On May 1st 1915 the Battalion were at BEDFORD being kited out for service abroad, and an advanced party of horses and vehicles was sent   Cross Country Running and Football was engaged in and the Battalion performed credibly in both these sports. ahead.
On May 2nd a Route March in full kit was carried out.
On May 3rd the Battalion entrained for FOLKESTONE, and embarked for BOULOGNE, arriving there at 11pm.  They then marched 2 miles to a temporary rest camp.  There were 31 officers and 759 other ranks.
On May 4th they paraded at 9am, marched to the station and were transported to BERGUETTE, marching to billets at HAM.
On May 6th they marched to CALONNE-SUR-LA-LYS via LILLERS BUSNES-St. VENANT where the billets had recently been vacated by Indian Troops.
May 7th to 13th. Despite being placed on standby on a number of occasions the Battalion remained at CALONNE.  Heavy bombardment was heard to the South East, respirators, sandbags, blankets etc. were issued as was an issue of rum.  Musketry practice was carried out along with drill parades.  The weather generally was fine and warm.
May 14th.  At 2.30am the order was given to be ready to march at 8.30am.
The Kings Own then marched at the head of the Brigade to METERAN (Via MERVILLE & MERRIS). They were now within 4 miles of the Belgian border.
May 18th. Heavy rain. Marched off at 8.15am to LA GORGUE.  The billets were congested and dirty.
May 20th. At 9am marched to VIELLE CHAPELLE and on to LOCON.
The Battalion remained hear until May 25th spending the time cleaning the billets, attending church parade, being instructed in trench warfare and in hand grenade throwing technique, as orders had been received to move into trenches from 25th May.
May 25th. Marched to LE TOURET and from there were guided to trenches to relieve Gordon Highlanders at around midnight.
May 26th. In trenches. Shelled in the evening but no casualties.
May 27th. Enemy artillery bombard heavily, particularly the front line trenches. 3 men killed and 10 wounded.
May 28th. Quiet day. Relieved in the evening by Liverpool Regiment. Moved back ½ mile from front-line.
May 29th. After heavy shelling moved to LE TOURET.
May 30th. Working party sent to trenches, returned after heavy bombardment.
May 31st.  Working parties sent out and all returned except 1 killed.
June 1st. Evening march to RIEZ-DU-VIN (near HINGES) via LOCON.
A number of cases of measles.
June 2nd to 5th. Stayed at billet at CORNET-LE-MALO.  Bathed in canal. Drill parades.
June 6th. Officers proceeded to inspect trenches at 1am.  At 5pm Battalion marched back to LE TOURET and took over the trenches.  ‘D’ Company (Williams) were in the ‘Firing Line’ with’ B’ & ‘C’ in support and ‘A’ in Reserve.
June 7th. Enemy quiet and no bombardment by British Guns.
June 8th.  A heavy bombardment was carried out to cut wire from 10am to 6pm.  Enemy guns were active and shelling of British firing line trench was heavy. 10 men killed and 12 wounded.
WILLIAM WAS ONE OF THE 10 MEN KILLED THIS DAY.

June 9th. The Battalion was relieved in trenches and moved once more to LE TOURET and then on to a position West of LOCON on the 10th.


A letter from the Commanding Officer containing the sad news was received by Beatrice, and the Millom Gazette published a copy on June 15th.

William is commemorated on the LE TOURET MEMORIAL on panels 34 & 35.








BEATRICE MILTON (WIDOW OF WILLIAM)

From the time that William enlisted into the army, his wife BEATRICE and two year old son DONALD, moved to live with a Mrs. Casson at 75 HOLBORN HILL, Millom, and it was at this address that the awful news was received.





Shortly afterwards they moved to 113 HOLBORN HILL, and they were here in 1919 when Beatrice’s mother, Esther, died.


The pendant worn by Beatrice shows husband William on one side and son Donald on the other.  It is still held by the family.  Beatrice actually appears to be wearing it in the photo on the previous page.
BEATRICE

Ten years or so after her husband’s death Beatrice remarried to Fred Dixon, a General labourer, and they moved to Poulton-le-Fylde, living for many years at 46 Tithebarn St.

Beatrice picked up where she left off with her interests, and became a regular communicant at, and supporter of, Poulton Parish Church.  She was a Committee Member of St. Johns Ambulance, in the Mothers Union, and often involved in charity work. 

When Fred died, Beatrice became a widow for the second time.

Beatrice herself died in Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, age 57, on 5th January 1946.  After a service at Poulton St. Chads Church she was buried at Poulton Cemetery on Garstang Rd.  She was soon to be joined there by grandson James Milton who died later the same year on 10th September 1946.
What happened to Beatrice’s half brothers ?

Albert had an accident at the Iron Works when a wagon ran over him.  He later worked at Sellafield and eventually died with Cancer of the throat.  He had married a lady called Mary and had a son Ronnie.

Harry married Elsie and had a son John.  Harry was a Policeman in London and later returned to Millom where he died.

John was in the army in 1919 and just missed his mother’s funeral even though he returned from Germany to try to be there.  He married Molly and had no family.  For some years they lived in Blackpool and he worked for ‘Knowlsons’ Grocers, living at 61 Marl Hill, Grange Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At marriage on 28th June 1911 William was aged 23, bachelor and Beatrice was 22, spinster.  William gave his address as Haverigg, whilst Beatrice resided at 170 Holborn Hill, Millom.
The wedding would be attended by William’s parents Herbert Milton and Melia Milton (Nee Stephens), and by his sisters Jess, Liz, Mabel & Gin.  On the other side would be Beatrice’s mother Esther Holmes (Nee Stamper), with husband John and the three young Holmes boys.  No doubt Wills friends from his sporting connections, and workers from Hodbarrow mines would also attend.


On marriage the couple lived at HOLBORN HILL, MILLOM.
Beatrice called William ‘Will’ and he called her ‘Beat’.

Like his father before him, William sported a moustache.

William was still involved in his sporting activities and it was during the first year of marriage that he won the Cup Winners Medal with Millom F.C.



On 18th September 1912, the year following their marriage, William and Beatrice had their only child, a son, WILLIAM DONALD MILTON. (Donald) 

THE ARMY
In 1914 William enlisted into the Army along with a large number of other Millom men.  He joined the 4th Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.

.His 27th birthday was spent training with the Battalion at UPTON TOWERS, SLOUGH by which time he was a Lance Corporal with ‘H’ Company.
The Birthday Card dated 13th November 1914 sent by Beatrice to William at the Slough Training Camp for his 27th Birthday on the 15th.
This was to be the last Birthday that he would enjoy.









The Battalion had left Ulverston on 11th August 1914 and had traveled by train to SLOUGH. Here they were to spend three months guarding the Great Western Railway and its bridges between Paddington & Maidenhead.  Accommodation along the line for both officers and men was at the station waiting rooms, without bedding, furnishings or comforts of any description.  Great ingenuity was displayed by the members of several detachments to make their quarters more habitable.  The Regimental history records’ The palm must be awarded to the Millom Detachment at Langley Park.’ They had scoured a lineside tip and found every conceivable type of kitchen utensil and erected an up to date kitchen.  With the aid of a huge Beechams Pills advertising hoarding and some ‘borrowed’ waggon tarpaulines a commodious lean-to shelter was also erected.  A tame fox and an Airedale terrier were frequent visitors.  During this period a number of country men, not used to fast expresses, were killed and injured.  Officers and N.C.O’s had a n additional responsibility with discipline, as having young and inexperienced soldiers strung out over a 30 mile stretch in close proximity to London and other places of interest and pleasure had its problems.  The Battalion achieved success in its spare moments at Cross Country Running and at football.  At one point instructions were received to prepare part of the assembly for Egypt, but this order was countermanded, leaving the body intact.  By the end of November a move had been made to Sevenoaks were they were billeted in empty houses at the St. Johns end of town.  Time here was spent in Training and Musketry practice.  No Christmas leave was granted.  The last week in February was spent in Margate prior to a ,move to Tonbridge on March 2nd 1915.


At some point during this period William was promoted to Corporal, and enjoyed a brief period of leave back home.  A family picture was taken (showing his Corporal Stripes.)


On April 14th instructions were received that the Battalion was to proceed abroad, and on the 18th they moved to Bedford and were kitted out with new equipment and clothing.  Vehicle and animal transport was also allocated and on May 1st an advance party of horses and vehicles was sent ahead.
On May 3rd they entrained for FOLKESTONE and embarked for BOULOGNE, arriving there at 11pm. They then marched two miles to a temporary rest camp..  There strength was 31 officers and 759 other ranks.
On May 4th they paraded at 9am, marched to the station and were transported to BERGUETTE, from where they marched to HAM-EN-ARTOIS.
In the early days of the war everything was primitive with regards to both billets and feeding arrangements.
On May 6th, in the evening, they moved via BUSNES, ROBECQ and ST. VENANT, to CALONNE-SUR-LA-LYS where they met members of the Indian Native Troops.
May 7th to 13th.  Despite being placed on standby on a number of occasions the Battalion remained in CALONNE.  Heavy bombardment was heard to the South East.  Respirators, sandbags, blankets etc were issued, as was an issue of rum.  Musketry practice was carried out along with drill parades.  The weather was generally fine and warm.
May 14th. At 2.30am the order was given to be ready to march at 8.30am.  The Kings Own then marched at the head of the Brigade to METERAN (via MERVILLE, NEUF BERGUIN and VIEUX BERGUIN).  They were now within 4 miles of the Belgian Border.
May 18th. Heavy rain.  Marched off at 8.15am to LA GORGUE, near ESTAIRES.  The billets were congested and dirty, with an inch of mud on the floors.
May 20th.  At 9am marched to VIELLE CHAPELLE and on to LOCON.
This was a more congenial place with the local canal providing a swimming facility.  They remained here until May 25th spending the time cleaning the billets and equipment, attending a Church Parade, being instructed in trench warfare and in hand granade throwing techniques as orders had been received to proceed into trenches.
May 25th.  Marched to LE TOURET and from here guided to trenches to relieve Gordon Highlanders at around midnight.  They were in a section near to Ferme du Bois close to Richebourg L’Avoue.
May 26th.  In trenches.  Shelled in evening but no casualties.  As bodies of troops engaged in the last assault lay unburied, the collection of identity discs, burial of the dead, heavy trench construction work and being constantly ready to repel an attack kept everyone fully occupied.  It was hot in the day but intensely cold at night, and there was a water shortage.
May 27th.  Enemy artillery bombarded heavily, particularly the front line trenches. 3 men killed and 10 wounded.
May 28th.  Quiet day. Relieved in the evening by Liverpool Regiment.  Moved back ½ mile from frontline.
May 29th.  After heavy shelling moved further back to LE TOURET.
May 30th/31st.  Working parties sent to trenches, and returned after heavy bombardment.
June 1st.  Evening march to RIEZ-DU-VINAGE (Near HINGES and via LOCON0.  A number of cases of measles.
June 2nd to 5th. Stayed at billet at CORNET-LE-MALO.  Bathed in canal.  Drill parades.
June 6th.  Officers proceeded to inspect trenches at 1am.  At 5pm Battalion marched back to LE TOURET and took over trenches.  These trenches were in the much fought over FESTUBERT area and were German constructed and rather indifferent, affording little protection or comfort. The Millom iron ore miners wrought wonders with pick and shovel on a number of occasions to the amazement and admiration of less skilled comrades.  ‘D’ Company (Williams) were in the ‘Firing Line’ with ‘B’ & ‘C’ in support and ‘A’ in reserve.
June 7th.  Enemy quiet and no bombardment by British guns.
June 8th.  A heavy bombardment was carried out to enable barbed wire to be cut from 10am to 6pm.  Enemy guns were very active and shelling of the British firing line trench was heavy. 10 men were killed and 12 wounded.

WILLIAM  HENRY MILTON WAS ONE OF THE MEN KILLED THIS DAY
EXTRACTS FROM THE WAR DIARIES AND REGIMENTAL HISTORY OF THE 4TH BATTALION KINGS OWN

On June 9th the Battalion was relieved in trenches until the 14th.

A letter from the Commanding Officer containing the sad news of Williams death was received by Beatrice, and the Millom Gazette published a copy on June 15th.

William is commemorated on the LE TOURET MEMORIAL on panels 34 & 35.





























From the time that William enlisted, his wife BEATRICE and two year old son DONALD, moved to live with a Mrs. Casson at 75 HOLBORN HILL, Millom, and it was at this address that the awful news was received.

Shortly afterwards they moved to 113 HOLBORN HILL, and they were here in 1919 when Beatrice’s mother, Esther, died.

Ten years or so after her husband’s death Beatrice remarried to Fred Dixon, a General labourer, and they moved to Poulton-le-Fylde, living for many years at 46 Tithebarn St.

Beatrice picked up where she left off with her interests, and became a regular communicant at, and supporter of, Poulton Parish Church.  She was a Committee Member of St. Johns Ambulance, in the Mothers Union, and often involved in charity work. 

Beatrice, by now a widow for the second time, died in Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, age 57, on 5th January 1946.  After a service at Poulton St. Chads Church she was buried at Poulton Cemetery on Garstang Rd.  She was soon to be joined there by grandson James Milton who died on 10th September 1946.

Funeral mourners at Beatrice’s death included:-
Mr.Mrs. W.D. Milton.  Mr. Jim Culshaw. Mr. Mrs. John Holmes. Mr. A.G. Holmes.(Cumberland). Mr. H. Holmes (Croyden). Miss D. Stamper (Croyden). Mrs. Croft. Mrs. Poultney. Miss M. Bailey. Mrs. Crowe (Burnley). Mrs. Storey (Cumberland). Mrs. Burns(Barrow). Mrs. S. Mitchell. Mrs. L. Jordan (Cumberland). Mrs. Teasdale (Cumberland).

Most of the above were relatives.