Born: 1884, Bradford
Died: 3 May 1917
Buried:
Address: 226 Kensington Street, Bradford, formerley of Thackley
Parents: Brooksbank & Elizabeth
Spouse:
Siblings: Frederick, Florence, Edith, Emma
Occupation: Stuff Merchants Agent’s assistant
Organisations/clubs: Airedale Harriers
Military
Rank: L Cpl
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Arras Memorial
Children:
Regiment: West Riding
William Edward Knapton
William Edward Knapton was born
in 1884, the son of Brooksbank and
Elizabeth Knapton. At the time of
the 1901 census the family were
living at 27 Crag Hill Road,
Thackley.
By 1911 Willie and three of his
sisters were living at 226
Kensington Street, Bradford and he
was given as a stuff merchant
agent’s assistant.
Willie was killed on 3 May 1917.
The report of his death didn’t
appear in the Shipley Times &
Express until 27 July and
concentrated on his sporting
achievements.
A deservedly popular sportsman in
the person of L Cpl Willie E
Knapton, formerly of Thackley,
was killed early in May whilst
leading a bombing party in an
attack.
A son of Mr B Knapton, for many
years manager at Castle Mills when
those works were run by Mr R
Sutcliffe, Willie was a fine
sportsman and was an ardent
supporter of the Airedale harriers,
the oldest harriers’ club in
Yorkshire.
For his club he had a great
affection. As hon secretary and
committeeman he never wavered in
his adherence. When difficulties in
managing the affairs of the
organisation came along, he always
did his best to surmount them, even
to taking up the secretarial pen he
had relinquished some time before.
Hence the members insisted on
bestowing what honour they could
upon him by electing him the
president of the club.
As an athlete he won many
trophies. In the Bradford Walk he
proved to be a good walker and in
1906 he secured second prize in the
Yorkshire handicap.
When the family lived in Thackley
Willie, like his brother and sisters,
was associated with the Idle Parish
Church and Sunday School.