Fred Baxter

Corporal: 241360. 2nd/5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.

Born: 1874 in Linthwaite.

Son of Eliza and the late Samuel James Baxter.

Brother of Ernest.

Married Ada Collinson on 20th October 1894 at St. Peter's Huddersfield.

Address: 38, New North Road, Crimble, Slaithwaite.

Occupation: Employed by Messrs. John Haigh, Oil Merchants, Slaithwaite.

Enlisted: October 1915.

Died of wounds: 7th May 1917. Aged 43.

Buried at St. Sever Cemetery extension. Block P. Row J. 12A.

Fred's parents had moved to live in Altrincham by the time he was 15 years old. He remained in Huddersfield, staying with his aunt and uncle, Tom and Caroline Bailey. He then became a boarder at the Swan Inn, Golcar. At the time of his marriage he was working as a cotton spinner and living at Two Gates, Slaithwaite.

Fred's wife Ada received a telegram from the Territorial records office to say her husband had died of wounds in hospital at Bouen. He was previously reported to be dangerously ill, suffering from gunshot wounds in his arm and thigh. He had joined the army in October 1915 and been sent to France in January 1917.

His name appears on the Roll of Honour at Huddersfield Drill Hall, Slaithwaite War Memorial, St. James Church, Slaithwaite and St. John's Church, Golcar.