Lives of the First World War

Maurice Baldwin Bolton is also commemorated on this memorial. "This memorial, now listed as an historic monument, was erected at the instigation of Carrie Whitehead J.P. in September 1915 and is recognised as the first community World War One Memorial to be erected in this country. It was given "Grade II Listed Building" status in August 1999. The War Memorial 1914 - 1919 Rawtenstall Cemetery Roll of Honour This cross was erected by Carrie Whitehead, September 1915 that it might be some comfort to those who lost men very dear to them In grateful memory of the men of Rawtenstall who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914 - 1918 He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces. Is. XXV. 8".

Serving in 4th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, 66th Division, and died a Prisoner of War at Le Cateau on the 26th March 1918 from wounds received in action.

On the evening of September 25, 1916, the German Zeppelin L21, commanded by Obeleutnant Kurt Frankenburg, was spotted off the coast of Lincolnshire before it headed over Yorkshire and into Lancashire, where it followed the tracks of the East Lancashire Railway line along the Rossendale Valley. The Rossendale Free Press reported that the first incendiary bomb fell shortly after the Zeppelin passed over Seat Naze at Newchurch. It fell in the grounds of Heightside House, but failed to ignite. Heightside House was the home of the Bolton family and the bomb is currently on display in Whittaker Park Museum, Rossendale. (H. H. Bolton on the display case refers to Maurice Bolton's father, Henry Hargreaves Bolton J.P. b. 1857)

in uniform

The International Prisoners-of-War Agency responded to letters from the soldiers' families requesting information. Very often, the soldier being sought had in fact died in combat and thus did not appear in any list of prisoners. The stamp "Ne pas comm. (comm = communique)" / (no more details received) shown on the attached Index Card indicates that Maurice Bolton was not registered as prisoner and therefore the Agency sent a follow up negative answer on 22.9.19 to Miss Muriel S. Bolton of Height Side, Newchurch who had made the initial enquiry on 16.9.18.

As awarded to Maurice Bolton for Gallantry and Service in the Great War (Medal Index Card)