A soldier of the Great War remembered = 1st May 2018

The grave of a Cleckheaton soldier, Ernest Gould who died in the Great War has only just been located and a headstone has been erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the Church grounds of St. Michael's Church in East Ardsley.

The graveyard at St. Michael's Church in East Ardsley was the setting for a commemoration service on Tuesday the 1st May 2018. exactly 101 years to the day since he succumberd to wounds received during his war service.  The commemoration was performed by the Vicar of St. Michael's, the Reverend Glenn Coggins in the presence of The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Jane Dawson with the standards of The Royal British Legion, East & West Ardsley and Spenborough branches in attendance.

Born around 1895 he is recorded as being in a workhouse in London with two siblings, all possibly orphans.  Later in 1910 age 16, he was working as a coal miner with a family in Tanner Street, Hightown enlisting in the KOYLI (Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry) in 1914 aged 20, he embarked for France on the 25th May 1915.

He fought in battles around Ypres in Belgium before moving on to the Somme in early 1916.  After being gassed on the 8th September 1916 he was evacuated to England within a few days.   Being deemed unfit for further service due to the effects of TB and gas on his lungs, he was admitted to the Cardigan TB Hospital, East Ardsley where he died on the 1st May 1917.

Ernest Gould was awarded three Great War medals for his service, but sadly these went unclaimed.  At least his story can now be told and his grave suitably marked.

The headstone was dedicated by Reverend Coggins and wreaths were laid by East & West Ardsley and Spenborough Branches of The Royal British Legion, The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Jane Dawson, local Councillor Lisa Mulherin for the Village of East Ardsley and schoolchildren from East Ardsley School placed crosses.

Reverend Coggins leading the parade to the Grave of Ernest Gould.

The Chairman of East & West Ardsley branch Mr Chris Newman welcoming everyone at the grave side.

The history of Ernest Gould if read out by The Chairman of Spenborough branch Mr Eddie Morton.

Two minutes silence during the playing of the last post.

The end of the dedication service for photos.