Born: 1889, Idle
Died: 28 April 1918
Buried:
Address: 40 Albion Street, Idle (Barnsley after marriage)
Parents: Jabez & Ameria
Spouse: Florence, nee Dawson
Siblings: Ada
Occupation: Butcher (1916 at time of wedding)
Organisations/clubs: Boys’ Brigade
Military
Rank: L Cpl
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Holy Trinity, Idle; Arras Memorial
Children:
Regiment: Northumberland Fusiliers
Jesse Firth
L Cpl Jesse Firth, Northumberland
Fusiliers, son of Mrs Jabez Firth of
40 Albion Road, Idle, has been
killed in action.
The deceased soldier was a native
of Idle but at the time he joined the
forces – in August of last year – he
resided at Barnsley.
By trade he was a baker and he
served his apprenticeship with Mr
R Sparks.
At one time he was associated with
the Boys’ Brigade in which Capt
John Garnett, of Cavendish Road, still takes a
deep interest and with which have been trained
many local lads who are now serving their king
and country.
In this organisation, L Cpl Firth proved
himself to be exceedingly smart and
attained non-commission rank.
He was 28 years of age and had been
married for about a year.
Shipley Times & Express 25 May 1917
L Cpl Jesse Firth, son of Mrs Firth of
Albion Road, Idle, who has been killed
in action, was a great favourite with
his comrades who have paid him many
tributes for his cheerfulness in all
circumstances and his bravery in
battle.
Here is a letter received by his wife who resides
at Barnsley, from Platoon Sgt A Shepherdson
under the date 15th May.
“Your husband was with me in the advance but
am sorry to say he was amongst the unfortunate
ones. His death was instantaneous and he
suffered no pain.
“Being his platoon sergeant, I miss him very
much and he is sadly missed by all my lads. He
was a bright and cheerful comrade. I hope you
will accept my sympathy with your loss
“He was a real hero and if heroes get crowns
then he ought to shine. He was always
mentioning you when we were together and you
were probably the last who was in his mind
before going into action.”
Shipley Times & Express 1 June 1917
At the end of June a memorial service was held
for Jesse and W P Yates at Idle Wesleyan Chapel.