Mexborough and Swinton Times November 10, 1917

Private Walter Skirrow (York and Lancaster),

Private Skirrow of 36, Flowitt street, Mexboro”, aged 28, has been killed in action in France, leaving a widow and four children.

Before enlistment in Nov., 1914, be worked at Manver Main. Three other brotherg are serving: Pte. Joseph Skirrow (York and Lancaster.), who has been wounded; Pte. Hy. Skirrow (York and Lancaster) who was present at his brothers death, and assisted to bury him.

Pte. lames Skirrow has written to his bereaved isister-in-law the following letter: “I don’t know how to tell you the sad news, ‘but you must be brave and bear it as well as you can. Your husband died this morning a hero’s death, fighting for King and country. I helped to carry him to the ‘cemetery behind the fighting line, and. I expect he will be buried, to-morrow. I shall be present at the service, if all is well. His pals all speak well of him. They say there wasn’t a better chum to be found anywhere.

Walt did not speak after he was hit. He died insantly, and it was a shell that killed him. It seems difficult to realize that this end was so near, for we were together at the canteen, laughing and joking, last night. As long as I stay on this front I shall visit his grave, if I have to go ten miles to look at it.”

From C.W.G.C.:

Private
SKIRROW, W
Service Number 16443
Died 25/10/1917
Aged 28
7th Bn.
York and Lancaster Regiment

Husband of Annie Hargreaves (formerly Skirrow), of 27, Oxford St., Mexborough, Rotherham.

BARD COTTAGE CEMETERY