Dr. Pickles.
Dr. Phillip D. Pickles, H.M.S. “Russell,” and formerly of Earby, died in hospital at Malta as the result of injuries received during the sinking of his ship in the Mediterranean. A son of Dr. J. J. Pickles, Camp Road, Leeds, he was the eldest of six brothers, all trained in the medical profession. Deceased was a member of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and was called up for duty on the “Russell” on August 2nd, 1914. As Surgeon in the R.N.V.R., he took part in the grand review at Spithead, and joined H.M.S. “Russell” on August 2nd, 1914. Dr. Pickles was one of five brothers who joined H.M. Forces—three in the Army and two in the Navy—four of them being medical officers. He was 33 years of age and unmarried.
Lieut. Edwards.
Lieut. H. W. Edwards, West Yorkshire Regiment (Bradford Pals), killed in action in France, resided at Manor Hill, Sutton, for a few years, and was very well-known and popular in the village. He formed an excellent troop of Boy Scouts in connection with St. Andrew’s Church, Kildwick, devoted his spare time to furthering the Boy Scout movement in the district, and for a time was District Commissioner. For over ten years he was on the staff of the Bank of Liverpool at Keighley, and was also manager of the Crosshills branch for a few years. At the outbreak of hostilities he joined the ranks of the West Yorkshire Regiment, rising to the rank of Sergeant. After about twelve months’ foreign service with the “Pals” in Egypt and France, he was promoted to commissioned rank. His father was a Vicar of Nelson.
2nd Lieut. Berry, M.C.
2nd Lieut. John Granville Berry, M.C., West Yorkshire Regiment, officially reported missing on the 16th August, 1917, was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Berry, of Hawthorn House, Earby. 2nd Lieut. Berry was only 20 years of age, and was educated at Skipton Grammar School. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty in taking command of his Company, when his company commander had become a casualty, and leading them for two days, during which time he displayed most remarkable initiative and determination. He attained all his objectives in the face of heavy fire, and was repeatedly to the fore in repelling counter-attacks. His personal gallantry won the admiration of all ranks. Lieut.-Col. Jefferies wrote to Lieut. Berry’s father as follows:—“He was one of my very best and trustworthy officers. He was commanding a company and would have been a Captain had he remained with the Bn. I always knew that when he undertook a job it would be carried out to the letter, and this is one of the very highest recommendations it is possible to give a soldier. The Regiment could ill afford to lose him, as officers of his type are far from being common.”
Major Mostyn E. Cookson, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, was the first Officer connected with the Skipton Parliamentary Division to give his life for his country’s honour. His name was in the official casualty list issued by the War Office on Sept. 18th, 1914, and he was classed among those who were missing. It was hoped that he might have become detached from his Regiment, but on the 23rd September, the official intimation was that he had been killed in action in France on September 14th, 1914. The son of the late Major Cookson, of Skipton and Settle, who was for many years Adjutant of the 3rd Vol. Bn. Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, the deceased officer—a typical Britisher in every sense of the word—was educated at the Skipton Grammar School, and was one of a family held in deep respect in this part of Craven. His youngest sister was the late Lady Holden, who, previous to her marriage, resided with her sister at Gargrave. Major Cookson was 46 years of age.
2nd Lieut. Harry Rishworth, 2/6th Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, son of Mr. C. F. Rishworth, Moorfield, Utley, Keighley, died on September 15th, 1918, from injuries received in a motor accident in the Sheffield neighbourhood. Lieut. Rishworth was 22 years of age, and joined the 6th Duke of Wellington’s. He obtained a commission in 1915, and was for some time attached to the 3/6th Duke of Wellington’s Regt.