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Born: 1888, Bradford
Died: 26 March 1918
Buried: Gommecourt British Cemetery
Address: 45 Intake Road, Fagley
Parents: Smith and Eliza, nee Spencer
Spouse: Doris, nee Smith
Siblings: One brother, three sisters
Occupation: Tobacco traveller
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Capt
Medals/awards: D,C,M.
Rolls of Honour: Eccleshill Park and St Luke’s
Children:
Regiment: West Yorkshire
Ellison Murgatroyd
Ellison Murgatroyd was born in 1888 in Bradford, the son of Smith Murgatroyd and Eliza, nee Spencer. On the 30th of June 1908 at the age of 19 years, Ellison joined the Territorial Army with the Royal Field Artillery, 2nd West Riding Brigade as soldier 439. The term was for four years. At this time he was working as a clerk and employed by Frank Condon. In 1911 the family had moved to 45 Intake Road, Fagley. Ellison at 22 years of age was a traveller in tobacco and was a member of Eccleshill Congregational Sunday School. Ellison enlisted in September 1914 as Sgt 16/573 in the 16th Battalion of the Prince of Wales West Yorkshire Regiment. His Regiment moved to Egypt in December 1915 arriving there on the 6th December. He was one of the WW1 volunteers from the firm
John Pilley and Sons to receive a parcel for the Christmas of 1915. His regiment transferred to France in March 1916 in readiness for the big push on the Somme on the Western Front. They were one of the first to go over the top on the 1st of July 1916 in the battle now known as the Battle of Albert. Ellison survived this battle and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on the 20th of October 1916, the second highest to the Victoria Cross. The Shipley Times & Express report read: “Sgt Ellison Murgatroyd has been awarded the DCM. “The War Office notification says: ‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. When his battalion had suffered severely, he took charge of the men around him and organised
the defence with machine guns with great ability. He showed great coolness under heavy shell and machine gun fire.’ “This coveted honour was won on the memorable July 1st while fighting with the Bradford Pals. “Sgt Murgatroyd has now been offered a commission. “Though having had several narrow escapes he has so far come through without a scratch.” On a home leave Ellison married Doris Smith on the 1st of January 1917 at Menston Parish Church. Doris was 24 years of age living at Planetrees House, Burley Woodhead and the daughter of Samuel Smith, a farmer. She was the school mistress at the Burley Woodhead School. Ellison was 28 years of age still
living at 45 Intake Road. He gave his occupation as 2nd Lieutenant in the 16th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, so with his medal came a promotion. Ellison returned to the Front and at some point was promoted to Captain. His Regiment was involved in the 1918 Somme Offensive when on the 26th of March 1918 he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Rosieres. He was 29 years of age. He is buried in the Gommecourt British Cemetery No. 2 at Hebuterne. Apart from the casualties of the 1st July 1916 there are many burials from the spring and summer of 1918 when these fields were fought over again as the great German offensive flowed and ebbed. He left effects to his widow Doris of £127.1.0d plus a War Gratuity of £15.0.0d and also a Will leaving Doris the sum of £491.17.5d. Eccleshill Roll of Honour Eccleshill Roll of Honour Eccleshill Roll of Honour
. Researched and written by Jean Britteon, to whom many thanks
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