Born: 1886, Bradford
Died: 6 November 1914
Buried:
Address: 169 Moorside Road, Eccleshill
Parents: Joseph Richard & Elizabeth Ann
Spouse:
Siblings: Frances, Edith
Occupation: Apprentice tailor (1901)
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Lance Sgt
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Eccleshill; Ypres Menin Gate
Children:
Regiment: Loyal North Lancashire
Laurence Castley
When Mr Castley received the War
Office notice that his son Lance-
Sgt Laurence Castley had been
killed in action on 16 November,
he scoured the papers for more
details.
The family had hoped he would be
home on leave for Christmas, not
realising that as they waited he
was already dead.
In his research, Mr Castley, who
lived at 169 Moorside, Eccleshill,
found that his son’s North
Lancashire Regiment had been
ordered to defend a bridge ‘at all
costs’ against an attack
by the Germans. In doing
so, Laurence was killed.
He had been in the army
seven years before the
outbreak of war. ‘Being a
good penman he was
selected as
Quartermaster’s clerk in
the stores department
and by strict attention to
his duties gained the rank
of Lance-Sergeant.’
He was among the first men sent
to the front and ‘one of the
fortunate 75 out of his
regiment who survived the
terrible ordeal at Mons.
Since then he has been
through several important
engagements.’
In a letter home, written on
20 October, he said he
was ‘pulling through all
right, although feeling very
fagged.
‘I regret to say that very
few of my original chums are now
with me in the firing line, the
battalion having suffered heavy
losses.
‘On October 23rd we won a great
battle, my regiment carrying
distinct honours. I must admit we
have had a very hard time but we
carry a brave front.
‘Our experiences are numerous
and I much regret I cannot relate
them until the end of the war.
Secrecy is the chief aim on this
mission. Roll on England and then
I will tell you all about it.’
