Roll of Honour - Lincolnshire

Ministry of Defence

Lest We Forget

The Royal British Legion

MESSINGHAM WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 & 2 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and Copyright © Michael Peck 2007
additional research Peter Bradshaw

The Messingham memorial stands in the High Street at the junction of High Street and Church Street and Northfield Road, Messingham. The memorial takes the form of a three stepped base surmounted by plinth, pedestal and cross. The inscription is on marble tablets placed on the sides of the pedestal with incised inscription in gold painted lettering. There is a Crown carved in relief on the front face of the cross, a Wreath carved in relief at the foot of the cross and a Flower carved in relief on stones placed either side of the base of the pedestal. There are 23 names for World War 1, 9 for World War 2 and one for Bosnia, added in 1997 at the request of his parents. The memorial was originally unveiled and dedicated on 26th September 1920. Details can be found in the Scunthorpe Star 2nd October 1920.

In grateful memory of the men of Messingham who laid down their lives at the call of duty in the Great War 1914 - 1919.

BARKER	Thomas Henry	L/Corporal 17985. 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 25th November 1915. Son of (the late) Harry and Lizzie Barker. Born and enlisted Gainsborough, resident Scotter, Lincs. Buried in CHAPELLE D’ARMENTIERES NEW MILITARY CEMETERY. C.7. “Gainsborough News” 10th December 1915 “ANOTHER MESSINGHAM SOLDIER KILLED News has come to hand of the death in France of Lance-corporal Hy. Barker of the 8th Lincolns. This makes the fourth Messingham boy who has fallen in action. Deceased had only been enlisted six months and had been but a month in France. He was 20 years of age. He had lived all his time in Messingham up to enlisting. He was a young man highly respected by all who knew him. He was attached to the Wesleyan Sunday School as a boy and up to enlisting attended the Wesleyan Church. He was brought up by his grandmother (Mrs Jackson) and much sympathy is expressed to her in her bereavement, also to his sister Mrs Sizer of Scotter.”
BRATTON	John Thomas	Private 25627. 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died 20th January 1917. Born Winteringham, enlisted Scunthorpe and resident Gainsborough, Lincs. Buried in VARENNES MILITARY CEMETERY. I.F.71.
BRATTON	Charles Edward	Private 31257. 7th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, formerly 25767 South Staffordshire Regiment. Killed in action 14th June 1917. Enlisted Scunthorpe, resident Messingham, Lincs. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION (NORD). III.C.8.
CLARK	William H	[Listed as CLARKE on SDGW & CWGC] Private 14437, 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 16th June 1915. Aged 21. Born and resident Messingham, enlisted Grimsby. Son of Henry Thomas and Eliza Clarke, of Northfield Farm, Messingham, Gainsborough. No known grave. No known grave. Commemorated on on YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 21.
COTTINGHAM	Frank	Sergeant 35370. 64th Bde, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Died 20th April 1920, aged 26 years. Youngest son of George and Sarah J Cottingham of Messingham, Lincs. Buried in MESSINGHAM (Holy Trinity) CHURCHYARD.
CHEESEMAN	T Henry	In the 1901 census Henry CHEESEMAN was the son of William & Elizabeth Cheeseman, aged 12, a schoolby, born Messingham and resident Cross Tree Road, Messingham. Also Jonathan CHEESEMAN was a butcher in Messingham, listed in Kelly's Directory of 1909. No further information currently.
GREEN	Arthur Tom	Private 65226. 9th Battalion, Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, formerly 4412 West Yorkshire Regiment. Killed in action 24th October 1918, aged 29 years. Son of Thomas and Mary Hannah Green of Messingham, Lincs. Enlisted Lincoln, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL. Panel 8.
HALL	Arthur Havercroft	Private 2606. 51st Battalion, Australian Infantry, AIF. Died 12th October 1917, aged 24 years. Son of Mrs S.J Hall of 74 Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe, Lincs. Born Messingham, Lincs. Buried in POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY. Plot LII. Row B. Grave 7.
HUNSLEY	Robert	Private 2169. 5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds 25th July 1915. Enlisted Scunthorpe, resident New Brumby, Lincs. Buried in HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY. II.G.1.
JOHNSON	Fred	Private 3123. 5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 13th October 1915, aged 18 years. Son of Benjamin and Hannah Elizabeth Johnson of Messingham, Lincs. Enlisted Scunthorpe and resident Messingham, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL. Panel 31 to 34.
KIRK	John William	Private 10740. 6th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. Died of wounds at sea 10th August 1915, aged 21 years. Son of George and Sarah Ann Kirk of Ashby, Lincs. Born Frodingham, Lincs, enlisted Middlesbrough, Yorks and resident Ashby, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL. Panel 55 to 58. “Gainsborough News” 10th September 1915 MESSINGHAM SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION The sad news of the death by wounds of John Wm. Kirk, of his parish, came to hand last week. The deceased joined the army almost on commencement of the war, and had been in training ever since. For some time past he had been with his Company, the 6th Yorks Regiment in the Dardanelles, and when last heard of he was well. The sad news came as a great blow to his father and married sister, also to the whole of the parish. Much sympathy has been shown to them in their bereavement. Deceased was much respected and memorial services were held at the places of worship on Sunday last. Two Messingham lads have now been killed, viz. J.W. Kirk and W. Stow.
LEE	William Matthews	Private 2676. 1st Leicestershire Yeomanry. Died of wounds 9th March 1916, aged 26 years. Son of Thomas Wakefield and Edith Emily Lee of Messingham, Lincs. Joined H M Forces December 1914 from Witchley Warren, Rutland. Born Messingham, Lincs, enlisted Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire and resident Messingham, Lincs. Buried in AIRE COMMUNAL CEMETERY. I.D.7.
LOCKWOOD	Fred	Private 140757. 19th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), formerly 25133 South Staffordshire Regiment. Killed in action 26th March 1918, aged 34 years. Son of Mrs S.A Lockwood of Messingham, Lincs. Born Messingham, enlisted Scunthorpe and resident Messingham, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL. Bay 10.
LOCKWOOD	William Ingram	Private 23243. 10th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, formerly 11736 Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds at home 10th July 1916. Son of Witham Lockwood of Messingham, Lincs. Born Messingham and enlisted Brigg, Lincs. Buried in MESSINGHAM (Holy Trinity) CHURCHYARD.
MASSEY	Frank	Corporal 2763, 1st/5th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. Killed in action 13th October 1915. Aged 22. Enlisted Oakland, Rutland. Son of Peter and Emily Ann Massey, of 43, Raglan Rd., Retford, Notts. Buried in QUARRY CEMETERY, VERMELLES, Pas de Calais, France. Plot/Row/Section B. Grave 9. From Gainsborough News 29th October 1915 MESSINGHAM SOLDIER’S DEATH On Wednesday the news came to Messingham by wire of the death in action of Corpl.. Frank Massey in France. At the time the war broke out he was living at Oakham (as a draper’s assistant). Previous to that all his life had been spent at Messingham, and his trade was learned at Mr. Lane’s, draper, etc. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Massey, now residing in Gainsborough. He was highly respected by everyone in Messingham and a heavy gloom was thrown over the village when it became known he had been killed. He was attached to the 5th Leicesters, and was in the charge on the 13th October. He was nearly 23 years of age. He was very well thought of by the Wesleyans. At the time of leaving he was a member of the choir and Sunday school teacher, and was most popular in the village and district, and his services as a tenor singer were much sought after. He was ever ready to help in any work for the promotion of good in the village. The following letter has been sent to his parents:- “It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that I write to tell you of the death of your son Frank, who was killed in action during a charge on Wednesday last. It may be of some comfort to you to know he died fighting nobly and his end was quite painless. He was my greatest friend. We had been pals from Oakham and I cannot tell you how sorry I am that he has gone. All who knew him in the Regiment and his many friends are most grieved about it, as he was a most sunny, bright and helpful personality, and no one could help liking him. I looked upon him as a brother. You all have my sympathy in your great loss.”
NAYLOR, MM	Samuel	Sergeant 8548. 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 23rd October 1916, aged 27 years. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Naylor of Cross Tree Road, Messingham, Lincs. Born Messingham, enlisted Gainsborough and resident Messingham, Lincs. Awarded the Military Medal. (M.M.). No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL. Pier and Face 1c.
SPINKS	Frank	Spink on both CWGC/SDGW. Private 37212. 8th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, formerly 3133 Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 18th November 1916. Enlisted Scunthorpe, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL. Pier and Face 5A and %b.
STOW	Walter	Private 1747. 5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died of wounds 28th April 1915. Born Messingham, enlisted Frodingham and resident Gainsborough, Lincs. Buried in BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION (NORD). I.D.26.
STOCKS	Frank	Private 6585. 4th Battalion, West Riding Regiment. Killed inaction 17th September 1916, aged 24 years. Son of Henry and Eliza Stocks of High Street, Messingham, Lincs. Enlisted Lincoln, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL. Pier and Face 6A and 6B.
TINDALL	James	L/Corporal 241621. 2/5th Battalion, West Riding Regiment. Killed in action 3rd May 1917. Born Messingham, enlisted Scunthorpe and resident Messingham, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on ARRAS MEMORIAL. Bay 6.
WAKEFIELD	Frederick J	Probably Frederick Johnson Wakefield. Private 1749. 8th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 3rd July 1916. Born Wimblington, Cambs, enlisted Scunthorpe, Lincs and resident Wimblington, Cambs. No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL. Pier and Face 1C.
WILSON	George Everitt	Private 240702. 5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 10th October 1918, aged 21 years. Son of Charles and Dinah Wilson of Blyborough, Lincs. Born Messingham, enlisted Scunthorpe and resident Kirton in Lindsey, Lincs. Buried in BUSIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION. IV.C.33.
WILSON	Joseph	Unable to identify CWGC/SDGW possibly Joseph WILSON, Private 15569, 7th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Killed in action 23 September 1917. Aged 29. Born and resident Stallingborough, Lincs, enlisted Scunthorpe, Lincs. Brother of Mr. T. Wilson, of 174, Willingham St., Grimsby. Buried in BROWN'S COPSE CEMETERY, ROEUX, Pas de Calais, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 56.
Their name liveth for evermore
In grateful memory of the men of Messingham who laid down their lives at the call of duty in the Great World War 1939 - 1945.
1939-1945
BARLEY	Ronald Amos Rawson	Distinguished Service Medal. Chief Motor Mech P/MX117033. HM MTB 710, Royal Navy. Died 10th April 1945. Son of Rawson and Fanny Gertrude Barley of Messingham, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL. Panel 89. Column 3.
CARPENDALE	Henry Ernest	Sergeant 5046398. 2nd Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment. Died 23rd April 1943, aged 29 years. Son of Arthur Bernard and Eva Carpendale, husband of Edna Carpendale of Weaverham, Cheshire. Buried in MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY. II.J.18.
HILES	Richard David	Leading Aircraftman 656197. Royal Air Force. Died 17th November 1941, aged 26 years. Son of John William and Edith Hiles of Messingham, Lincs. Buried in OTTAWA (Beechwood) CEMETERY. Section 29. Lot 1. Grave 115.
MAW	Robert	Private 14801446. Gordon Highlanders. Died 15th April 1945, aged 20 years. Son of Robert and Ada Maw of Messingham, Lincs. Buried in BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY. 3.D.15.
MILLSON	Leonard	Signalman 2369066. 10 Indian Div Sigs, Royal Corps of Signals. Died 17th August 1942, aged 25 years. Son of John Thomas and Florence Millson of Messingham, Lincs. No known grave. Commemorated on ALAMEIN MEMORIAL. Column 52.
NORTON	Cyril	Private 14826165. 8th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). Died 11th April 1945, aged 19 years. Son of William Maurice and Rhoda Norton of Messingham, Lincs. Buried in MESSINGHAM (Holy Trinity) CHURCHYARD.
POOL	Brian Richard	Flight Sergeant (Pilot) 1434100. 358 Squadron, Royal Air Force VR. Died 29th May 1945, aged 21 years. Son of Jesse Richard and Annie Elizabeth Pool of Messingham, Lincs. Buried in KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY. 2.C.76.
RABY	Allen Roy	Leading Stoker P/KX90691. HMS Victory III, Royal Navy. Died 12th September 1942. No known grave. Commemorated on PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL. Panel 68. Column 1.
WILMOT	Charles	Private T/281779. Royal Army Service Corps. Died 27th December 1941, aged 23 years. Son of Herbert and Hannah Wilmot of Messingham, Lincs. Buried in MESSINGHAM (Holy Trinity) CHURCHYARD.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them
In memory of others of Messingham who have lost their lives in conflicts since 1945
WITHERSTONE	Graham Shane	Airtrooper 25033395. Army Air Corps. Died 20th August 1995, aged 20 years, in Bosnia. Born 7 February 1975. Buried on the North side in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church, Messingham, Lincolnshire. Grave 1822.

Last updated 17 December, 2022

War Memorials Trust