Captain William J. Stackhouse, eldest son of the late Major Stackhouse, J.P., of Ingfield Hall, Settle, and Mrs. Stackhouse, of the Grange, Casterton, Kirby Lonsdale, and husband of Theodora Charlotte Stackhouse, of “Laguna,” Suffolk Rd., Bournemouth. This gallant officer, the owner of a considerable estate in the Settle district, was killed in action in France on March 12th, 1915, aged 32 years, and his death plunged one of the oldest families in the neighbourhood into mourning. Captain Stackhouse was born in 1883, educated at Harrow and Sandhurst, whence he gained a commission in the 4th Lancashire Fusiliers, and when the latter Regiment was disbanded in 1906, he was offered a Lieutenancy in the 2nd Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby). He received his captaincy in 1913. Prior to going to the front in October, 1914, the deceased officer was Adjutant to the 10th Bn. Of a cheery and kindly nature, he was extremely popular with his men, ever ready to help and encourage them, and his delightful personality made him a host of friends. He was a keen sportsman, polo, shooting and motoring being his favourite recreations.
2nd Lieut. Kirk.
2nd Lieut. Gerald Kirk (The King’s Own Lancaster) Regiment (Territorials) a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton. When the war broke out, Gerald Kirk joined the King’s Own Lancashire Territorials as a private. He was quickly marked out for promotion, and a commission was offered to him before he had completed his training and embarked for the front. He met his death in the fierce fighting in France on April 24th, 1915, and the news was received with general regret in the Ingleton district, where he was a popular figure and a general favourite. He was a clean and clever sportsman. In particular, he loved Association football, and was identified for many years with the Ingleton Football Club as Captain, in which capacity he frequently led his men to victory. At the invitation of the Bradford City Club he played with that combination as an amateur at centre half; later he played for Leeds City, after which he again threw in his lot with the Ingleton Club and remained with them after taking up his residence at Warton. The deceased officer was one of the original promoters of the Ingleton Conservative Club, and acted as its first Hon. Secretary until his removal to the Carnforth district. The same qualities he exhibited on the football field were prominent on the field of battle. On March 9th, 1916, at St. Mary’s Church, Ingleton, a memorial tablet to the deceased officer’s memory was unveiled by the Vicar (the Rev. J. Llewellyn). It bears the following inscription:—“In loving memory of Gerald Kirk, 2nd Lieut., 5th Bttn. King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regt., son of Alfred S. and Isabella Kirk, of Greenwood Leghe, Ingleton. Born July 14th, 1883; died at Poperinghe, Belgium, April 24th, 1915, of wounds received at St. Julien the previous day. This tablet is erected by his wife.”
Captain Ellis.
Captain T. M. Ellis, son of Dr. W. H. Ellis, formerly of Ravenshaw, Carleton, Skipton, was killed in action in France on April 18th, 1915. Captain Ellis, who was unmarried, saw service in the South African War in the 33rd Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment. In 1909, he returned to Bradford and acted as Adjutant to the 6th Bn. West Yorkshire Regt. (T.). At the expiration of his term of office, he rejoined the 2nd Bn. Duke of Wellington’s, then stationed at Dublin. At the outbreak of war, the “Duke’s” had a rough experience, and at the battle of Mons, Captain Ellis and a few others penetrated right through the German lines and were unable to retrace their steps, being posted by the military as missing. For days, Captain Ellis and his companions were befriended by Belgian peasants, being disguised and hidden in straw in barns. They were conducted across country by night, and eventually reached the coast. Captain Ellis embarked at Ostend and reached England in safety, subsequently enjoying a brief furlough at his father’s house, Oak Avenue, Manningham. When next he crossed to France, he was attached to the West Yorkshire Regiment, with which he was serving when he met his death.
Captain Ermen.
Captain G. H. Ermen, of the 2/6th Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, of Milton House, Gargrave, who, in civil life, was general manager of the Belle Vue Mills of the English Sewing Cotton Company at Skipton, died at his residence on May 4th, 1915, aged 38 years. At the outbreak of war, Captain Ermen relinquished his position to take up military duties. He had previously held a commission in the 6th Bn. Manchesters, with which regiment he saw service in the South African War. He was gazetted Captain in the first Reserve Bn. of the 6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, which was raised at Skipton under Colonel R. E. Williamson, V.D., and remained at Headquarters until the battalion was transferred to Derby. While stationed at Doncaster, Capt. Ermen was appointed Adjutant to the Battalion, but had not long enjoyed this distinction before he was compelled to return home on sick leave and died, as stated, to the sincere regret of many sorrowing friends. Capt. Ermen took a keen interest in the National Reserve Movement, and was Officer Commanding the Skipton Companies, in the organization of which he took a prominent and useful part.