Lives of the First World War

These are articles from the Craven Herald. Article Date: 08 June 1917 CLAPHAM - SOLDIERS WOUNDED AND MISSING Private James Metcalfe, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, at present in Crother's V.A.D. Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, was wounded on May 3rd-the first-time he was in the firing line after returning from a convalescent period in England caused by being hit on the forehead. His present wound consists of serious damage to his thigh. He has undergone two operations, and septic poisoning set in, consequently he is almost helpless. Feeling a little better on Friday last he wrote to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Metcalfe, Clapdale Hall. Pte. Metcalfe speaks in high terms of the food and treatment he and others are receiving at the hospital. Private George Metcalfe, younger brother of the above, and also in the Duke of Wellington's, has been missing since May 3rd. He sent a field card home on May 2nd and all trace of him since that date has been lost though every effort has been made by Pte. Tom Constantine, an intimate friend, to locate him. Pte. G. Metcalfe went out in February and spent his 21st birthday in March in the trenches. Article Date: 15 June 1917 CLAPHAM - War Items The parents of Pte. George Metcalfe, who was posted as 'missing' from May 3rd, have had a letter from the officer of the company, in which he states:- "I am sorry I cannot give you any news of George, beyond that he is missing, after being hit on May 3rd. Some of our wounded were undoubtedly captured by the enemy and I do trust we shall soon have news that he is alive in German hands. I miss him very much indeed from my Company, as he was one of my best Lewis gunners, and he would, I know, be doing his duty well to the front when he was hit. If I hear anything further I will let you know immediately. I give you my deepest sympathy in your anxiety. CLAUDE D. BENNETT, O.C. 'B' COMPANY." Article Date: 29 June 1917 CLAPHAM RESIDENT'S THIRD SON KILLED Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. W. Metcalfe, Clapdale Hall, in the loss of their third son, George. He was posted as 'missing' on May 3rd, but on Saturday morning news came from Private Tom Constantine breaking the sad news of George's death in action. It transpires he was wounded severely and dropped into a shell hole, and laid there with several of his chums. On account of the position no help could be got across to the poor fellows. Pte. Metcalfe was well liked by all the company and they send their sympathy to the bereaved parents and family. Prior to the war, the dead hero was on his father's farm. Joining up in November 1915, he enlisted in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, being trained at Clipstone, and afterwards at Salisbury Plain. An 'old boy' of Clapham School, he is the third to make the supreme sacrifice, and the seventh in Clapham and Keasden. Article Date: 08 March 1918 CRAVEN AND THE WAR - AFTER NINE MONTHS Private George Metcalfe, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Metcalfe, Clapdale Hall, Clapham, who was reported missing after the attack of the Germans on May 3rd last, is now officially reported to have been killed on that date. Twenty years of age, Private Metcalfe enlisted in November 1915, and was previously engaged in farming. A strange coincidence happened on the 4th of May last year when the late soldier's sheep dog was found dead behind one of the doors in an outbuilding at his home. Article Date: 03 May 1918 METCALFE - In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private George Metcalfe, Duke of Wellington's, who was killed in action at Bullecourt, May 3rd, 1917, aged 21 years. Sleep on, dear son, and take your rest, For God takes those He loved the best; On earth there's strife, in Heaven there's rest, They miss you most who loved you best. From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Clapdale Hall, Clapham. He served with the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment) 2nd/6th Battalion. There is no grave but he is listed on the Arras Memorial (bay 6)... aged 21 he was one of the thousands of young men who died in that bloody conflict. He is listed on the memorial to the fallen in Clapham church and in Newby Chapel.

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