Alfred George Armitage (1918-91), signalman and station master

Alfred George Armitage was a son of Alfred John Armitage (1893-1957) who was a brother of my grandmother Emma Ivall nee Armitage (1883-1970).

Alfred was born on 16 March 1918 in Brentford, the second of six children (five boys and one girl who died aged 1) born to Alfred John Armitage and his wife Ethel Emily. Their other children were Leslie John (1915-86), Leonard Frank (1920-2004), Robert Melton (1920-93), Betty M (1922-24) and Stanley Thomas (1925-94). Electoral registers show the family living at 19 Sandbrook Road, Stoke Newington (North London) in 1919 and 1925 In 1926, Alfred’s family moved to 207 Samuel Lewis Trust Buildings, Dalston Lane, Hackney. They lived at number 207 until 1934, when they moved to number 202.

In 1938, Alfred married Vivian Violet Wills. They were both aged 20. The 1939 Register shows the couple living at 5 Lansdown Drive, Hackney. Alfred had joined the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1938 and was working as signalman when he enlisted voluntarily in the Army soon after the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939. He served in Military Transportation units at home and abroad.

It seems that Alfred and Violet's marriage had ended by 1946, as Alfred married Edith Daphne Katherine (known as Kay) Babington in Staines that year. Their first child (a son) was born 1947 in Thanet. They later moved to Watford where two more children (a son and a daughter) were born in 1949 and 51.

Alfred returned to work on the railways in 1947. After a period of training in several signal boxes he was appointed District Relief Signalman Class 1 in February 1950. A Relief Signalman would take over from the normal signalman if he was not available for work.  

On 8^th October 1952 there was a major train crash at Harrow and Wealdstone Station. Alfred started work in the Harrow No 1 signal box at 6am that day. It was foggy but had begun to clear by 8am. Alfred switched the points to allow a local train travelling from Tring to Euston to stop at Harrow and Wealdstone station. At 8.19am, whilst the local train was in the station, it was struck heavily at the rear by an express train from Perth moving at 50-60 mph. The resulting wreckage spread across the tracks and was hit by another express train at 60 mph. 112 people died in the crash and 157 had injuries that required hospital treatment.

The Ministry of Transport appointed an Inspector to conduct a public inquiry to establish the reason for crash. Newspapers reported on the inquiry.

From Yorkshire Post 16 October 1952

The Inspector in his report dated 12 June 1953, stated in the conclusions

“Generally, Armitage appeared to be an able relief signalman who was thoroughly conversant with the working at Harrow, and his record is very good. I can find no evidence to show that he failed in any way to comply with the regulations in his signalling of the local and Perth trains, and the state of shock in which he was found should not be held against him. In view of his temperament, which was described as sensitive – and I had the same impression at my Inquiry – I can well understand his reaction to the disaster which had taken place under his eyes…..I consider, therefore, that he should be exonerated from all responsibility for the accident.”

The report concluded that the accident was caused by the Perth train not stopping at danger signals, as it should have done (the driver of this train was killed in the crash).

Another one of my relations, Daniel Durnford Ivall, who was Assistant Chief Officer in the Middlesex Fire Brigade, played a leading role in the rescue following the Harrow Train Crash and was awarded an OBE in 1953 for his work.

Alfred could not face working as a signalman after the crash and he became a station master at Cromford in the Peak District. His fourth child (a son) was born in 1960 at Bakewell, Derbyshire. Alfred later became a station master at Harlington near Luton.

Reorganisation within BR led to the abolition of station masters at local stations. Around this time Alfred left the railway and became a pub landlord at the Red Lion in Dunstable. He later became a school caretaker. He died 1991 in Luton aged 73.

Ellen Armitage nee Pinnuck (1855-1913)

This attractive lady is my great grandmother Ellen Armitage nee Pinnuck,  presumably with one of her sons. The date of the photo is not known but I would guess it is about 1900. If so, the child could be her youngest son George Henry Armitage (1898-1936).

Ellen was born on 25 November 1855 in Enfield, a village about 12 miles north of London. She was the second of six children (three girls and three boys) born to William Ambrose Pinnuck (1822-77) and his wife Frances Eleanor nee Brown (1823-1910). William was an agricultural labourer. In 1876 Ellen married Robert Melton Armitage (born in 1846). The article on Robert gives information on their lives together and his suicide in 1910. They had seven children (three girls and four boys) that survived into adulthood. Ellen died on 12 May 1913 aged 57 in Hackney and is buried in Abney Park cemetery.

David Pinnuck (1837-1922) and Edward George Pinnuck (1843-1927), immigrants to Australia

David and Edward Pinnuck were sons of George Pinnuck (1808-58), who was a brother of my ancestor James Pinnuck (b1799). The following article is based on information from Lee Ross, who lives in Australia and is a descendant of Edward Pinnuck.

David and Edward came to Australia as Assisted Immigrants. The 'Netherby', a 900-ton sailing ship owned by the Black Ball Line, left London in April 1866 bound for Brisbane, 32,000 km away. There were 452 passengers and 50 crew. Among the passengers were Edward Pinnuck (23, single), David Pinnuck (aged 28), his wife Elizabeth (24) and their two sons, Albert (4) and David (2), all from Enfield in Middlesex. The ‘Netherby’ was an old ship but the weather remained fine for the whole journey to Fremantle. It was a well run ship with no brawls and no epidemics of typhoid or dysentery. This was due to the directions of Captain Owens, Second Officer Parry and a fine surgeon superintendent.

To prevent boredom on the ship and the long distance the captain ordered that a journal be written up and the passengers themselves could contribute articles of interest. The captain and medical officer would in turn keep the ship informed of all that happened on board, but were quite firm they would not tolerate petty grievances being aired in the journal. The journal of the voyage presently held in the vaults of the LaTrobe Library in Melbourne makes interesting reading. A few grievances understandably crept into the journal. This was to be expected when one considers that live pigs, fowls, sheep and other animals had the run of the small ship as well as 500 humans, for food rations kept better on hoof in those days unless all meat was salted. So on the crowded decks and narrow companionways up and down stairways, on stairs leading to the bridge there were too many people trying for a few inches of space. Animal droppings and the wet swaying decks tended to make the moving around the ship dangerous. However, tempers remained calm and any differences were settled by the captain before any fights started. To keep the passengers busy, the captain urged them to keep their cabins clean and tidy. Most of them did so, if only to fill in time and cut the chaos of living in such cramped conditions. One wonders how everyone dined on board or even found the room to lie down to sleep. Two small children died of illness and were buried at sea but there were also two births.

The ‘Netherby’ was said to be as good as a ‘Clipper’ which was the latest American sailing ship of that period, with speeds up to 20 knots. ‘Netherby’ had passed six other ships (some ships took six months for the journey to Australia), and in four months was in sight of land of the migrants’ choice. The ship was supposed to take a route to the south of Tasmania but Captain Owens decided to pass through Bass Strait (between Victoria and Tasmania) instead. The ship had encountered extremely rough weather earlier in the voyage that had seen the steerage passengers confined below decks for 14 consecutive days. In taking this route, Owens hoped to avoid further rough weather and ease the burden on the passengers. On July 14, 1866, the ‘Netherby’ was nearing the entrance to Bass Strait. Freakish weather conditions and thick fog at 7:30pm on this day prevented observation being taken on the crude instruments used at the time. To the dismay of the captain the ‘Netherby’ struck rocks on the western shore of King Island (about 100 km NW of Tasmania) near the southern tip on a treacherous outlying reef not in the captains reckoning. It must have been a shock to the diligent captain, having safely passed through the Great Australian Bight and the tricky southern Victorian coastline where many ships had been wrecked with all on board lost. Being in July, night had set in by this time and a high surf had risen. The breakers were so high and the rocks so numerous and rugged it was impossible to take a line to shore. The ship was taking in water fast. The crew took provisions from the lower hold and saved about 10 bags of bread and some bags of flour. The women and children behaved most patiently during this night of suspense. By this time a gale had blown up and rain began to fall and the sails were in shreds. One of the lifeboats was dashed to pieces nearly pinning one of the crew. With much difficulty, under the command of Mr. Jones, the chief officer, another attempt was made to carry a line to shore in a lifeboat, a distance of 300 yards of jagged rocks. They eventually succeed and the rope was fastened to the rocks and hove taut on board, the sea breaking furiously on the shore, which was lined with rocks. On July 15, 1866 at 8am a start was made to land passengers, women and children first, with sailors stationed on the rope ladders. Apparently a boat was hauled backwards and forwards on the rope. The boats kept passing back and forth with a dozen passengers in each, Mr. Parry in command of one boat and Mr. Jones the other. By 3 pm that day all passengers were safely ashore. It was a miracle that no lives were lost, including a Mrs. Cubbin, a pregnant mother who gave birth to a daughter that day on King Island. The lifeboats were nearly swamped by overcrowding but on the whole, passengers behaved very well and waited their turn, with patience and courage. It is interesting, from the captain’s notes, that the saloon passengers, both ladies and gents, refused to leave the ship until all the others were safely ashore.

It was decided next morning, July 16, after a well earned rest, to dispatch a party overland to the Cape Wickham lighthouse on the north of the island, to send for help by telegraphy as was thought to exist there. They did not know it was a walk of 35 miles from the wreck. The party consisted of Mr. Parry, a second officer, one of the crew and a party of volunteers. They started off at 7am with a small supply of bread and any food that could be spared. The people of the wreck left behind were able to save 18 casks of flour and six bags of bread and much of the passengers’ luggage, a tricky business as the sea was very rough. Eight guards were appointed to keep watch on the food to prevent pilfering. Shelters had been made from branches and tablecloths and sails - anything that could be found. Daily rations were ½ lb flour, a little oatmeal, and ¼ lb salt meat to an adult male with ½ lb flour and a biscuit extra to women and children.

Meanwhile, two of the party going for help gave in and returned to the wreck, the rest kept going with little food and some wallabies they had caught. Reaching the lighthouse on Thursday, Mr. Parry discovered there was no telegraph and found that rescue lay only in taking a boat to Melbourne. At the lighthouse was only a 24ft whaleboat, needing six men to the oars. The chances of making Melbourne seemed so remote that one refused to go which left Mr. Parry and three others to face high winds and rough seas and it is incredible the four reached land near Barwon Heads (on the Australian mainland) a distance of 80km from King Island, on Friday evening, and with luck still with them, met a surveying party who gave them assistance. Mr. Parry was able to borrow a horse and ride the distance of 26 miles to Geelong and after sending news of the wreck to the Chief Secretary in Melbourne, Mr. Parry proceeded to Melbourne by train. On July 20, Captain Owens, with the sailmaker and four sailors, set out on the long walk to the lighthouse to see if Mr. Parry and his crew had even reached the lighthouse and were overjoyed to find they had and had gone for help.

In Melbourne, the Government ship ‘Victoria’ was with all haste provisioned and sent to the wreck with Mr. Parry directing them. At the same time, the Harbourmaster at Williamstown got news of the wrecked ship and set out in his steamship "Paros", with clothing and provisions, and both ships arrived at the scene of the wreck within an hour of each other on July 23 and what a sight for the 500 hungry and shivering people. The two Pinnuck brothers and all other passengers were brought to Melbourne housed in the Exhibition Building, then in the process of being built. A testimonial fund was organized for the destitute people and they were supplied with clothing and other goods. Many of these people liked what they saw in Victoria and those to stay included David and Edward Pinnuck, who proceeded to the Ballarat region where they remained for some years.

David Pinnuck’s youngest child was born in Trentham in 1873, making a family of three boys and two girls. David moved to Broken Hill in 1886 with his family and died there in 1922 aged 84. His two sons, who were in the wreck, moved back to Victoria in 1895 to Strathmerton (about 200km north of Melbourne) and their families still live there.

Edward Pinnuck moved to Shepparton, Victoria (about 150 km north of Melbourne) in 1873 and was one of the first to select land when it became available. He later moved to Strathmerton where he continued farming until 1925, when he retired. He died there in 1927 at the age of 84. From a first marriage (to Henrietta Ball) there were two sons and two daughters. From a second marriage (to Agnes Felstead), two sons and a daughter. The original home built by Edward Pinnuck on land selected in 1873 in Shepparton still stands. Built of red gum timber over 100 years ago, it is situated four miles east of Shepparton on the Old Dookie Rd and is still lived in.

Further information on the wreck of the Netherby can be found at http://netherby.homestead.com

Robert Melton Armitage (1920-1993), train driver

Robert Melton Armitage was a son of Alfred John Armitage (1893-1957) who was a brother of my grandmother Emma Armitage (1883-1970). This profile is based on information from his son.

Alfred John and Ethel Emily Armitage had six children, five boys and a girl (who died aged 1). Robert was one of twins (the other was Leonard Frank Armitage) born on 30 January 1920 in Hackney, North London. He had two elder brothers and one younger. Alfred was a railway guard, based at Broad Street London. Electoral registers show the family living at 19 Sandbrook Road, Stoke Newington (North London) in 1919 and 1925 but they had moved elsewhere by 1928.

Robert grew up and went to school in Stoke Newington before joining the London, Midland & Scottish Railway in December 1936 as an Engine Cleaner at Kentish Town shed on the Midland line of that Railway company. He had become a 'passed cleaner' (certified to act as Fireman as required), when the Second World War began. He applied to join the army, but wasn't released due to his job. During the war he was appointed Fireman at Kentish Town, and by the end of the war had become a 'passed Fireman' (certified to act as Driver when required).

 On 7th August 1948 Robert married Eileen Gladys Grizzell. He had met her through a railway social gathering, as her father, Alfred Richard (always known as 'Dick'), was a wheelwright in the Road Motors division at Kentish Town. They lived at 29 Homefield Road, Edgware, with Eileen's parents to begin with, inheriting the house after 'Dick' Grizzell (died 1949), and Rhoda Amelia (nee Perks, died 1955) had both passed away. Robert and Eileen had a son in 1954.

After the war promotion was slow, as people returned to the railway service from the Armed Forces. Robert was finally promoted to Driver in 1958, still at Kentish Town. He covered a wide variety of routes over the former Midland lines, working to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and Leeds. He also worked over the former London, Tilbury and Southend line to Barking, Tilbury, and Southend. His penultimate steam turn was in 1963, on a special rail tour working to Burton-on-Trent, with locomotive 35003 'Royal Mail', a class 8 Southern Pacific loco, not normally seen on the Midland. Between 1960 and 1966 he also drove the then new 'Midland Pullman' Diesel train between London and Manchester. While learning the new diesel locos a lot of these trips were worked over the now long closed Bedford to Northampton line.

In 1963 Kentish Town steam shed closed, and Robert transferred with most of the staff to Cambridge Street Diesel Depot, which had been opened just outside St. Pancras. His final steam driving turn took place in 1965 when he worked a diverted Dover-Manchester service between Cricklewood and Derby with standard class 5 loco no.73066.

In 1969 he became a Driver Instructor, although this was mainly on an 'as required' basis, with his normal driving duties when not instructing. In 1977 he became a full time Locomotive Inspector, which mainly involved taking others on Rules Exams, and riding with Drivers as part of their 'practical assessments', along with other special investigations and 'rides' when required. By 1979 he had been allocated a 'Divisional' role, whereby he undertook similar work on the 'North Western' lines from Euston, as well as his home territory on the Midland routes. Throughout his railway career he was always known as Bob Armitage.

In 1984 Robert retired aged 64 after 48 years service. He still resided at 29 Homefield Road with Eileen, and spent a lot of time enjoying his hobby of gardening (he had at one time owned an allotment next to Montrose Park). In 1991 he was diagnosed with cancer of the bowel. He had several operations and it was thought that he would recover, but the cancer spread, and he died at home with his family on 5th September 1993. He was cremated, and his ashes scattered at Holders Hill Cemetery London NW7.

Richard Pinnuck (1826 – 1894), convict transported to Australia

Richard Pinnuck was a cousin of my great great grandfather William Ambrose Pinnuck (1822-77). Richard was baptised at St Andrew's, Enfield, London on 14 June 1826. At this time, children were normally baptised about 1 month after birth, so Richard was probably born in May 1826. He was the fourth son of William and Elizabeth Pinnuck who had 18 children (of which at least 8 died in infancy).

The following information is mostly from Wendy Bloomfield of Perth, Western Australia, a descendant of Richard.

Richard, aged 15, was tried at the Old Bailey in London on 12 May 1841. He was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling house of Joseph Field at Enfield on the 11^th April 1841 and stealing 7 pence, 22 halfpence and 20 farthings to which he pleaded guilty. He received 10 years transportation. The sum he stole (1s 11d) is equivalent to about £60 now (estimated in relation to average earnings).

Richard was transported to Australia aboard the 'Elphinstone' (a convict ship) which left from Sheerness on 30 March 1842, arriving in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on 28 July 1842.

Information from Conduct Record :

Name: Richard PINNUCK
Trade: Labourer
Height: 4' 10"
Age: 16
Complexion: Freckled
Head: Oval
Hair: Sandy
Whiskers: None
Visage: Broad
Forehead: High, Broad
Eyebrows: Sandy
Eyes: Hazel
Nose: Medium
Mouth: Medium
Chin: Broad, dimpley
Native Place: Enfield
Remarks: Freckles and scar on back of right hand, small scar centre of forehead.

Protestant, can read and write. Hulk Report: Good. Stated this offence: Housebreaking and stealing money. Single.

Conduct Report - Orderly.

Period of Probation: Twenty months.

Released from 1st stage of probation 17 April 1843.

Jan 1844 : Tailor - Fair. Not yet able to earn a livelihood. In the meantime to be treated with every reasonable indulgence.

27 Feb 1845 : Absent from his gang without leave - six days solitary.

15 May 1849 : Conditional Pardon

Richard departed Van Dieman's Land on the ship John Bull for New Zealand and San Francisco on 26 June 1849. He returned on the ship Eliza from San Francisco on 30 August 1850.

At the age of 24, Richard married Amelia Langley who was 13 (her marriage certificate states 15, but she was born in 1837) in Hobart on 30 September 1850. Richard and Amelia's children were Frances Amelia, born on 14 July 1852 in Hobart and Elizabeth, born on 16 February 1855 at Avoca, Victoria.

On 9 December 1852 Richard and Amelia (both as Pinnock) departed Launceston (on the north coast of Tasmania) for Melbourne on the Ship "Yarra Yarra". The record states Richard was "free", and Amelia "born in the Colonies".

The following item appeared in The Argus, Melbourne Thursday on 5th February 1857:
Notice: I hereby caution the public not to give credit to my wife Amelia Pinnuck, and I will not be answerable for any debts she may contract, she having left my home without any just cause.  RICHARD PINNUCK  

Richard was admitted to Heidelberg Hospital on the 24th April 1894 aged 69 years (Heidelberg is about 6 miles NW of the centre of Melbourne). The record says he was born in England, was a miner, single and his residence was at Beaufort (which is about 110 miles NE of Melbourne).  His death entry is listed as PENNOCK, Richard, Aged 70 years, F: William, M: Elizabeth, Place of death: Heidelberg Hospital. 

John James Armitage (1881-1953), decorated soldier

John James Armitage was a son of William Armitage (1841-1926), who was an elder brother of my great grandfather Robert Melton Armitage (1846-1910). This profile contains information and photos from John’s son, Patrick and his granddaughter Joanna.

William (b 1841 in Leeds) and Kate (b 1847 in Pimlico, Middlesex) Armitage had five sons and one daughter. John James was the fourth son, born on 8 May 1881 in Colchester. William served as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery between 1861 and 1883. He was stationed at Colchester when John was born. John was baptised in the Garrison Church at Shorncliffe (an army base near Dover) on 14 August 1881.

In the 1891 census William Armitage’s age is given as 48 and his occupation as messenger at the Office of Works. He was living at 17 Chatham Street, Battersea with his wife Kate (aged 44) and their children Thomas (19, a tailor’s porter), Ellen (12), John James (9) and Joseph (7).

John followed his father and his elder brother Robert into the army. He joined the Royal Field Artillery on 24 January 1900 when aged 18, in Gosport. His army record is in the National Archives at Kew. His enlistment papers say he had blue eyes, black hair, height 5’9” and his previous occupation was a porter. His next of kin is given as his sister Miss Nellie (ie Ellen) Armitage, North Lodge, Kensington Palace Gardens (where she was living with her parents, William and Kate).

The 1901 census shows John, aged 20, at Shorncliffe Army Camp, Folkestone. In April 1902 John was sent to South Africa. The Boer War ended in May 1902, but there was a need for an army presence to maintain British control. He stayed there until 1907 when he was sent to India, arriving in Bombay November 1907, returning to Britain in March 1909. The 1911 census records John Armitage aged 29 as a Corporal 114^th Battery RFA at Butt Road, Colchester.

John in his army uniform c 1913

John married Clara Margaret Moss on 29 September 1913 at St James Catholic Church in Priory Street, Colchester. He was aged 32 and she was 22.

John's marriage certificate

John’s occupation is given as a Sergeant in the 115^th Battery, Royal Field Artillery and his address as Artillery Barracks, Colchester. Clara was a tailoress, the daughter of the Warden of the Cavalry Barracks in Colchester. They had three children: Clara Margaret (born 25 November 1914), John William (born 19 Jun 1916) and Patrick James (born in 1926). 

Clara Margaret Armitage nee Moss

Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914. John embarked for France, as part of the British Expeditionary Force, on 16 Aug 1914. He was in the 25^th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery. British forces took a leading role in the First Battle of Ypres (October-November 1914) and sustained heavy casualties. John was promoted to Battery Sergeant Major on 8 December 1914. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (an award given to Non Commissioned Officers and other ranks) on 25 May 1915. The London Gazette dated 5^th August 1915 contains the following citation:

“12835 Battery Sergeant Major Armitage J, 458^th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. For conspicuous gallantry, ability and resource throughout the operations from 18^th April to the 16^th May 1915, around Ypres. He invariably showed exceptional courage and coolness under fire. On one or two occasions of unusual emergency he acted with great ability and judgement, and rendered invaluable service.”

John was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant on 19 May 1915. In March 1916 he came under heavy shell fire at an observation post, which gave rise to what is described in his army record as “neurasthenia”. This term (no longer used) meant a condition of nervous exhaustion in which, although the patient suffers from no definite disease, he becomes incapable of sustained exertion. John was declared unfit for service between May and August 1916 and was treated at a hospital on the Isle of Wight. He later returned to the Western Front and was injured in the left shoulder by a shell fragment on 30 June 1917, which resulted in 3 weeks sick leave from 1 to 21 July 1917 in Colchester. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1917. John was sent to Italy on 25 January 1918 to help the Italian army (who were fighting against Austria) with anti aircraft gunnery. He served there until 1 May 1919.

John in his officer's uniform

In addition to his DCM, John was “Mentioned in Despatches” three times. These were announced in London Gazette issues dated May 1915, 7 January 1919 and 6 June 1919. A certificate was awarded to a man mentioned in despatches, which noted his service details along with a reference to the specific despatch in which he was named. In addition, during the First World War an emblem of bronze oak leaves - which signified that the medal recipient had received a 'MiD' - was also worn on the ribbon of the Victory Campaign Medal.

John’s army file contains a disability report dated 20 April 1919. It says that he suffered from tremors of the tongue and fingers, was easily excited and had a rapid heartbeat. It assessed John as 30% disabled. However, a Medical Board on 29 September 1920 stated his heart and lungs were normal and had nil degree of disablement. John was granted the rank of Captain on his retirement from the army on 4 November 1920, when aged 39. 

The 1921 census shows John (aged 40, a Captain in the Royal Field Artillery) his wife Clara (29) and children Clara (6) and John (4) Armitage as visitors at an address in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. This is a seaside town, other visitors are listed and the census was taken in June, so it seems likely that John and his family were on holiday, staying in a boarding house. John's address on 8 August 1921 was 68 Roman Road, Colchester.

John's wife Clara and children Clara and John, c 1922

After he left the army, John got a job as a representative of the Colchester Brewing Company. He co-founded the West Mercia Bus Company but this was not successful. He later met Patrick Sandeman, who he had known as a subaltern in World War 1. Patrick, who was part of the family who owned the Sandeman port and sherry company, offered John a job as a sales representative in Worcester. John accepted and worked for the company until he retired.

John and his family moved back to Colchester in about 1935. In 1936, John was acquitted of drunk driving. A newspaper report on the case is shown below.

From Chelmsford Chronicle, 17 July 1936

John is listed in the 1939 national register as a wine shipper's manager living at 8 Old Heath Road, Colchester with his wife Clara and daughter Clara (shown as "incapacitated"). The health of John’s daughter, was damaged by meningitis when she was young. She lived with her parents until 1943 when she died aged 28 of pneumonia.

John retired in 1952, aged 71. He had good health during most of his life but developed throat cancer and died at Essex County Hospital, Colchester on 3 December 1953 aged 72. John was cremated at Ipswich Crematorium on 7 December after a funeral service there. His ashes were scattered in the Garden of Rest. 

Probate records show that administration of John's estate (£1,592 5s 10d) was granted to his widow Clara. She died in 1967 aged 75.

William George Pinnuck (1896-1915), killed in WW1

William George Pinnuck was a great grandson of William Pinnuck (b1802) who was a brother of my great great great grandfather James Pinnuck (b1799).

William's birth was registered during Q2 1896 in Enfield. He was the second of five children born to William Frederick Pinnuck and his wife Clara, whose maiden name was Livermore.

The 1901 census shows William Pinnuck, aged 28, a builder’s labourer living in Enfield with his wife Clara (28) and their children Charles (6), William (4), Sarah (3), Bert (1) and George (2 months).

William Pinnuck senior died in Q1 1909 aged 36 when his son William was only 12. It must have difficult for Clara to bring up her children. She can’t have had much money.

Following the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, William volunteered to join the army. He was a private in the 2^nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment and arrived in France 9 February 1915. He died just over a month later on 12 March 1915 aged 18. The War Diary for William’s Battalion is in the National Archives at Kew. The entry for 12 March 1915 reads

“It was arranged that 7^th Brigade would attack Spanbroek Molen at 8.40am, but owing to mist it was postponed until 4.10pm. East trench was heavily shelled by our own artillery causing many casualties. The attack was not successful. Casualties killed Lieut J.H.L. Haller, 2^nd Lieuts L.B.G. Crabb, J Kirtland, J.O.G. Becker, J.P. de Buriatte and 27 men. Wounded Lieut R.H.H. Jackson and 41 men. Missing 7 men.”

A more detailed description is given in the “History of the East Surrey Regiment”, a copy of which is in the Imperial War Museum.

On March 11th three trenches held by the Battalion were evacuated by order, to facilitate shelling the German trenches close in their front. These trenches were reoccupied after dark without mishap. In the evening orders were received by the Commanding Officer concerning an attack on Spanbroek Molen to be made on the following day by the 7th Infantry Brigade, through the line held by the Battalion. For the purpose of this attack all barbed wire was to be removed in front of certain portions of the line, and flying bridges were to be made where required. All these preparations were completed before dawn on the 12th.

March 12th was an unfortunate day for the Battalion which suffered heavy, losses through the course of events in an attack in which it was not intended to take an active part. The early morning was very misty, and for that reason the preliminary bombardment of the German trenches, timed for 7 a.m., did not commence till 2.30 p.m. The attack was consequently postponed from 8.40 a.m. to 4.10 p.m. Units were duly informed of the postponement. Trench E.l left was evacuated at dawn, as ordered, and E.l right (the southernmost of the trenches held by the Battalion) became very crowded owing to some of the assaulting brigade having worked up into it. This trench was heavily shelled by the enemy and was also swept by the fire of two machine guns on its right front, so that the trench became choked with dead and wounded, 2nd Lieuts. J. O. G. Becker and J. P. de Buriatte being among those killed. Our own guns unfortunately also shelled the trench, and 2nd Lieut. J. Kirtland then gave the order for unwounded men to retire. The order was obeyed, but 2nd Lieut. Kirtland was killed by a rifle bullet, and the men lost heavily. Sergt. Bull and four men at the extreme right of the trench, who were engaged with the two German machine guns, did not retire and succeeded in holding their ground. Captain Le Flemming reported to Brigade Headquarters that the Battalion was being heavily shelled by our own guns, but the telephone line was just then cut by a shell. Captain Hewitt, who was in command of the Battalion supports, fearing that Trench E.l right might be rushed by the enemy, ordered 2nd Lieut. L. G. B. Crabb with twenty-five men to reoccupy it. The order was gallantly obeyed, and the party had nearly reached the trench when a machine gun opened on them, killing or wounding all but three. 2nd Lieut. Crabb was killed by a shot through the head. Reoccupation of the trench by daylight being obviously impossible, Captain Hewitt waited till dark, and then sent 2nd Lieut. Walliker with twenty-five men to the trench. This party arrived without loss.

When the attack of the 7th Brigade developed the 2nd Battn. East Surrey covered the advance by rapid fire and rifle grenades. While firing over the parapet in the performance of this duty, Captain J. H. L. Haller (3rd Battn. attd.) was shot through the head and killed. Captain Haller was a very good officer and a man of talent. He had served with the 1st Battalion in the early part of the War. Three other casualties to officers occurred this day: 2nd Lieut. Strong who had been recently promoted from Band Sergeant in the Bat­talion and was temporarily attached to the 3rd Battn. Middlesex Regt., was killed by a shell; 2nd Lieut. R. H. H. Jackson was wounded; and 2nd Lieut. J A. H. Wood was slightly wounded and returned to his trench after having had his wound dressed. The behaviour of all the officers on this trying day was beyond praise.      .

The total casualties of the Battalion were as follows:

­            Officers: Killed, 5; wounded, 2.

N.C.O.'s and Men: Killed, 36; wounded, 39.

I have a map showing the Ypres Salient in WW1. Spanbroek Molen is in Belgium, near the border with France, about 6 miles south of Ypres.

William is commemorated on the Menin Gate at Ypres. This implies that his body was not available for burial (this was common in World War 1 as bodies were blown to pieces, lost in the mud or could not be retrieved due to the risk of enemy fire).

The same day, also at Spanbroek Molen, Lieutenant Cyril Gordon Martin (56th Field Company Royal Engineers) won a Victoria Cross for his bravery.

Clara, William's mother, was sent 16s 6d (his effects) by the Army after his death in 1915 and a war gratuity of £3 in 1919. 

William’s brother Charles also fought in World War 1 (he was in the Royal Garrison Artillery). Their brother Bertie joined the Royal Navy in January 1918. Both Charles and Bertie survived the war.

Robert Melton Armitage (1874-1953), career soldier

There are four people called Robert Melton Armitage in my family tree. The subject of this profile was a son of William Armitage (1841-1926), who was an elder brother of my great grandfather Robert Melton Armitage (1846-1910).

William (b 1841 in Leeds) and Kate (b 1847 in Pimlico, Middlesex) Armitage had five sons and one daughter. Robert Melton Armitage was the third son, born on 16 Apr 1874. He was baptized on 19 Jun 1874 at St Mary Magdalene Church, Woolwich. His father was a Gunner in the 17^th Brigade, Royal Artillery.

William served as a soldier between 1861 and 1883. The places of birth of his children show where he was posted at the time. The 1881 census shows William (aged 40) and Kate (33) Armitage living in Artillery Barracks, Colchester St Giles, Essex with their children Robert Henry (aged 9, born Dover). Thomas William (7, b Ireland), Robert Melton (6, b Woolwich) and Ellen (2 b Colchester). William left the army in 1883 and lived, with his family in Battersea.

It is perhaps not surprising that Robert Melton also became a soldier. The National Archives at Kew have his army record. He joined the Royal Artillery at Woolwich on 31 Dec 1890 signing up for 7 years with the colours and 5 years in the reserve. He gave his age as 18 years 2 months although he was actually 16 years 8 months (it was common for men to exaggerate their ages when enlisting). His previous occupation was as a printer’s labourer. He was 5’6”, 8st 5lb with grey eyes and dark brown hair.

Robert’s army record shows that he was located in the UK until 22 Sep 1892, then in India until 3 Nov 1896, then in the UK until 20 Jan 1900, then in South Africa until 23 Feb 1907 and finally in the UK until 21 Nov 1912. He was in South Africa during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The South Africa Medal Roll (W 100/137 at Kew) shows that was Robert was in the 2^nd Battery, Royal Field Artillery and that he was awarded the South Africa Medal with 3 clasps (for three engagements that he fought in).

Robert was promoted to Bombardier in 1896, to Corporal in 1897, to Sergeant in 1898, to Battery Quarter Master Sergeant in 1900. In 1902 he was re-engaged to complete 21 years with the colours.

On 26 July 1898 Robert married Anne Hutchinson  (b 1875 in Richmond, Yorkshire) at St Mary Abbotts, Kensington. He was 24 and she was 22. They had three children: Henry Maclachlan born 20 June 1899 in Shornecliffe (an army base near Folkestone), Ellena Kathleen Natalia born 12 June 1904 at Mori River, Natal, South Africa and John James William born 29 June 1906 at Middleburg, South Africa.

Anne and Robert Armitage

Robert’s elder brother Thomas married Anne’s elder sister Elizabeth in 1899.

Robert’s first wife died in 1910 aged 35. She is buried in Colchester Cemetery. The 1911 census shows his children Henry (aged 11) and Ellena (6) living at North Lodge, Kensington Palace Gardens with their grandfather William (71) and Robert’s sister Ellen (32). Robert himself was listed as aged 37, a Battery Quarter Master Sergeant 145 Battery at Wellington Lines, Aldershot.

On 28 Feb 1912 Robert (aged 38) married Sarah Chandler (a spinster aged 35) at St Paul’s, Kingston Hill, Surrey. They had two children, Edward b 17 May 1913 in West Derby (a registration district that includes several suburbs of Liverpool) and Mary born 13 Jan 1915, died 27 Nov 1917 aged 2.

Back row: Sarah Armitage (nee Chandler,  Robert's 2nd wife), John Armitage (9), Ellena Armitage (11), Front row: Edward Armitage (2) and baby Mary Armitage in 1915

On 5 Feb 1912, Robert was promoted to Regimental Sergeant Major. He was based at Aldershot at the time of his second marriage and was transferred to the 44^th Brigade at Glasgow in April that year. However, in spite of his numerous promotions he was discharged from the army on 26 Nov 1912 against his wishes. His discharge papers contain this statement from him :

“I protest against being discharged before completing my time to enable me to secure the pension of my rank. On the statement of one man, taken in private, and not in my presence, I am being discharged without an opportunity of justifying myself.

R. M. Armitage.”

Underneath is this comment :

“This Warrant Officer’s discharge was applied for on the grounds of general inefficiency and unfitness for his position owing to his inability to maintain discipline - specific instances being quoted in the letter asking for his discharge. It was not owing to “the statement of one man” as he says above.

W Laidlaw, Lt Col Commanding 44^th Brigade Royal Field Artillery.”
Robert was aged 38 when he was discharged and his height was 5 foot 10.5 inches. His total army service was 21 years and 331 days.

Britain declared war against Germany on 4 Aug 1914 and Robert re-enlisted at Seaforth (near Liverpool) on 19 Sep 1914. He rejoined the Royal Field Artillery and was immediately promoted to his old rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. He served in the UK until 3 July 1915 when he embarked from Devonport as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. He disembarked at Port Said in Egypt on 14 July 1915. He embarked from Alexandria on 18 Oct 1915 arriving at Gallipoli on 25 October 1915. He took part in the action at Sulva Bay, where he was wounded. He was invalided out of Sulva on 20 Dec 1915 to a hospital in Port Said. After he recovered he was transferred to the Western Front in January 1916 and took part in the Somme offensive later that year. He was in France until 5 Feb 1917 when he was invalidated back to the UK with rheumatism. He returned to France on 14 Aug 1917 and was transferred to the Labour Corps on 9 Nov 1917. This unit did work such as moving stores, building and maintaining roads, railways, telegraph and telephone systems in support of the war effort. Robert stayed in France until 1 Apr 1918 when he was declared no longer fit for active war service. He returned to the UK and was given a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to temporary Lieutenant on 2 Oct 1919 and ended his army career as an acting Captain, being discharged at Ripon on 26 Nov 1919 aged 45.      

A paragraph describing Robert’s war service is in the National Roll of the Great War, a copy of which is in the National Archives Library at Kew.

Robert Melton Armitage c 1919

The 1921 census shows Robert (aged 47) as a boarder in a boarding house in Bootle. He was a ship supervisor and checker working for Swift Beef Co, Church St, Bootle. His wife Sarah (44) and children Ellena (17, a cinema attendant), John (14, a painter's improver) and Edward (8) were living at 1 Wolseley View, Burley, Leeds. Harry Kendall (29), Sarah's nephew is also listed at the address.

In 1926, Robert was a freight clerk living at 33 Johnston Avenue, Bootle. Robert (a retired shipping clerk) and his wife Sarah were still living at this address in 1939 (as shown by the national register compiled that year). 

Robert died on 22 Nov 1953 aged 79. Probate records show that his address was 50 Dumbarton Street, Walton, Liverpool and that he died at Kirkdale Homes, Liverpool. Administration of his estate (£712) was granted to his wife, Sarah, who died in 1955, also aged 79.

Henry Maclachlan Armitage (Robert's eldest son) was a Sergeant in the Royal Signals Regiment in World War 2. He was captured on 29 April 1941 and held as a prisoner of war at the Wolfsburg Camp (Stalag XVIII A, Lienz) in Austria. He died in 1980 aged 80.

Ellena, Robert's daughter, married George Matthews in 1926 in Liverpool. They had four sons and two daughters. She died in 1977 aged 72.

Ellena in later life

Robert’s son, John James William Armitage, a gunner in the Royal Artillery, died in 1941 aged 34. More information about his life is in my article about him on this blog.

Edward Robert Armitage, Robert's son by his second wife, married Vida Florence Cratchley in 1942 in Stroud, Gloucestershire. He died in 1990 aged 77.