Bloxwich Remembers
With Thanks
The references below is where the information on the other pages came from. Some are organisations and books that are readily available for you to continue your research. There are others that have provided information from their own research, and where authorised I have included their names.
Bloxwich Roll of Honour
The information on this site came originally from Bloxwich's Roll of Honour, originally displayed in Bloxwich Library, and now stored in Walsall Local History Centre in Essex Street (http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/localhistorycentre). Should you wish to view it please call the centre first and make an appointment.
Bloxwich Parish Magazines
Additional names were provided by reference to Bloxwich Parish Magazines which listed those who the Rev Hamilton knew had enlisted in WW1, together with a list of pupils from Bloxwich National School and Bloxwich Red Cross Nurses.
"Sorrow into Pride"
Then there were the names on the Elmore Green School memorial, and additionally names of serving family members. These were taken from that excellent book "Sorrow into Pride" written by Ken Wayman and Barry Crutchley and published by Reveille Press. Not only does the book tell the story of Elmore Green School Old Boys' Association war memorial, but it places the "old boys" in the theatres of the war where they fought.
Ken and Barry have researched each of the relevant regimental war diaries, the theatres of war, family members who also served and bound it up in a very readable form. The memorial is now housed in Elmore Green School in Bloxwich. The book should be available in local libraries, bookshops, or online.
Graeme Clarke and Sue Satterthwaite
Some of the information in the "Sorrow into Pride" book was provided by Graeme Clarke who with Sue Satterthwaite provide information to anyone who asks on the "Index to Walsall Newspaper" forum: - http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=86403&hl=+index%20+walsall%20+newspapers . Graeme and Sue have between them an amazing collection of information on servicemen of this area.
Sue is the author of "Walsall Servicemen 1914 -1918 : a Guide to Research", "Walsall People in the Second World War" and others. These books are available at local libraries, and at Walsall Local History Centre in Essex Street (who may have copies to buy), or any good bookshop.
David Jones
David contacted me generously offering names, photographs and other information from his own research.
Imperial War Museum - Lives of the First World War
Highlighted names for First World War servicemen link into the Imperial War Museum's (IWM)Lives of the First World War site. I have taken details from "Sorrow into Pride" book, information gleaned from the 1914-1918 invasion zone forums, and my own research, into the IWM database with the authors permission. Clicking on that highlighted name will take you to their Life Story.
While the First World War was still being fought, the newly-formed Imperial War Museum had a vision to record of the toil and sacrifice of those who had served in uniform or worked on the home front. The vision for this record was that it would be so complete that every individual, man or woman, soldier, sailor, airman and civilian from across Britain and the Commonwealth would find a record of their contribution. But with millions of people involved, not everyone could be named. Many stories could not be told.
Now, in the digital age, the IWM can build the permanent digital memorial to the Lives of the First World War. Life Story pages are created by IWM using information from an official record. Life Stories start out with just a few key pieces of information. Anyone can view information about an individual, as well as add evidence to their Life Story. All information this site obtains will be posted to that individual Life Story.
British Red Cross
Over 90,000 people volunteered for the British Red Cross at home and overseas during the war. The list used was recorded by Rev Hamilton in Bloxwich Parish magazine during the war.
Highlighted names indicate that the Red Cross World War 1 website has further details. Click on the highlighted name and you will be able to view those details. The personnel records for surnames starting with A through to R are currently available. Volunteers are updating the site with more names every few weeks.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that the 1.7 million people or so who died in both world wars will never be forgotten. They care for cemeteries and memorials at a staggering 23,000 locations, in some 154 countries, including Britian. They initially laid out their structure, values and aims, during world war one, in 1917, and continue today.
Bloxwich Cemetery, whilst under the control of the local authority has 38 graves listed on the Commonwealth War Graves web site.
Ryecroft is our other local cemetery, and they report they have 176 records.
Walsall Local History Centre
Walsall is well supported for those interested in family or local history. This centre located in Essex Street has free entry, car parking on site, disable access and is staffed with helpful, well trained and versed people.
The offer access to resources on family and local history ranging in date from c1225 to the present day, including microfilms of local newspapers, a range of local history publications for sale, local history books and archives of the borough.
Should you need more they can offer a paid resource service, or attend one of their introductory sessions, workshops or courses which are advertised on their web site.
Contact them at :- Walsall Local History Centre Essex Street, Walsall, WS2 7AS
Telephone 01922 652212 (International) +44 1922 652212,
Email localhistorycentre@walsall.gov.uk