Born: 1886, Idle
Died: 18 May 1917
Buried: NKG
Address: Brompton Farm, Idle
Parents: Edward & Anne
Spouse:
Siblings: William, Laura, Harold, Harry, Edward, Bertie
Occupation: Farm labourer
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Pte
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Holy Trinity, Idle; Upper Chapel, Idle; Arras Memorial
Children:
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry
Fred Marston
Fred Marston was born in Idle around 1886, the fourth of seven children
of Otley-born Edward and his wife Anne, who was born in Horsforth.
In the 1901 census the family were living at Westfield Farm, Idle, but by
1911, Anne now a widow, they had moved to Hope View Lane, Windhill,
where Fred is described as a Railway Employee.
It would appear that some time before 1916 Fred returned to farm work.
The Shipley Times & Express reported on 8 June 1917:
“Pte Fred Marston of Brompton Farm, Idle, is reported missing. News to
this effect has been received by Mrs Ted Hartley, his sister.
“In a letter dated 22nd May, Pte Tom Yellow said: ‘I think he will have
died from wounds received in action. He was a fine lad and his comrades
were very sorry to lose him.’
“When he enlisted a year ago, Pte Marston was 31 years of age. He went
to France in November.
“Before answering the call of his country he was engaged on the farm.”
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission confirm Fred was indeed
killed on 18 May and his name is on the Arras Memorial for those who
have no known grave.
