On January 1st 1918, my great grandparents, James and Ellen Ward, were sent the dreaded telegram informing them of the death of their eldest son.
Two days later, the sad news was published in the local press. I am very grateful to Garry Helsby of the Salford War Memorials for forwarding the following clippings from the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Daily Post.
The Leigh Journal also published the news, quoting letters from Philip’s Company Commander and Commanding Officer. I am indebted to Hannah Turner from Leigh Local Studies, Wigan Council for the following.
Soon afterwards, on January 5th, the War Office opened the Report of Death, filing and recording all the correspondence associated with the winding up of Philip’s affairs. The ensuing paper trail can be found amongst the 43 files still kept at The National Archives in Kew, London.
The Report shows that the Army appeared to take great care in ensuring deceased soldiers had paid their mess bills and bereaved families received all effects and savings. This trail of paperwork shows that Army Agents Cox and Co. were consulted and the Post Office Savings Bank was contacted.
The documents kept in The National Archive also include correspondence from both his father, James, and Uncle Ernest, brother of James. Ernest was writing to follow up James’ request for a copy of the Certificate of Death which was needed for insurance purposes. Uncle Ernest, who was a vicar at St Chad’s Rectory at Ladybarn, Manchester, would no doubt have had to visit many of his parishioners in order to console bereaved parents, wives and relatives.
From 1919 until sometime into the 1920s, next of kin of dead servicemen were sent Army Form W.5080 which requested information of the deceased’s family (see The Next of Kin Memorial Plaque & Scroll). The family would then be sent a bronze Memorial Plaque and a Memorial Scroll. On my father’s death the original scroll was passed to me. Sadly there is no information as to the the location of the Memorial Plaque.
As mentioned in other parts of this site, I have been deeply touched by unknown people who have found something and have got in touch with me. In April 2024, some nine years after creating this site, I was contacted by a Chemistry master’s student from Manchester University. Through his research into Manchester’s Chemistry alumni, Sam Greenbank uncovered a memorial card for Philip. Intrigued, Sam did some research into what happened to Philip, came across this site, and was kind enough to send me a photograph of the card. I believe there is now a mention of Philip in Sam’s master’s project highlighting ‘Ordinary lives in Chemistry’ at Manchester University. Thank you Sam.
Memorium Card, Manchester Univerisity
Further reading
What happened to soldiers who died in the war?
References
The National Archives, 2/Lieutenant Philip WARD The Manchester Regiment.
The Great War 1914-1918, The Next of Kin Memorial Plaque & Scroll
2nd Lt. Philip Ward 1898-1917 