A small ledger / Kerbstone lays near to the Commonwealth War Grave commissioned Headstone, marking the burial of John Wood Gartside, who was buried 22/01/1913. He was a Team Man who died at Railway View, Uppermill, aged 49 at a cost of 19/- s.

He married Annie Maria (nee Peters) sometime in 1882. She was buried 19/06/1915 aged 53 at a cost of 6/- s.

Their Son, Private Frank Gartside (M2/ 174519) is remembered on the CWG headstone.

Frank enlisted first in the Territorials in 1906 in Uppermill, then 14th April 1908 as Private 194 in the 7th Battalion West Riding Regiment. He was living at Railway View, Uppermill at the time. On 13th September 1909 he joined the Royal Field Artillery Special Reserve. he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 16 June 1915. and in 1916 he later joined the Royal Army Service Corps as a private. Frank became seriously ill and was admitted to Grange Military Hospital in Southport.

About the Regiment
The British Army was already the most mechanised in the world when the Great War began, in terms of use of mechanical transport. It maintained that leadership, and by 1918 this was a strategically important factor in being able to maintain supply as the armies made considerable advances over difficult ground. All Mechanical Transport Companies were part of the Lines of Communication and were not under orders of a division. The 621st Mechanical Transport Company were formed in January 1916 at Aldershot they had a bases in Catterick and Southport during 1917 when they became a reception and discharge depot.

Events leading to death
Franks was suffering from Bright’s disease. This serious kidney condition was caused by the exposure he suffered in the trenches prior to joining the 621st Mechanical Transport Company and is similar to acute Nephritis. Despite treatment in hospital Frank died from the condition.

Funeral details if known
Five of Frank’s friends, who were on leave from the army, acted as pall bearers. The Reverend William Thwaites officiated at the burial. The cost of Frank’s burial was 9 shillings (45p). 10th August 1917.

War Memorial Listings
St John the Baptist Church, War Memorial, Roughtown, Mossley.
St Chad’s Church, Uppermill, Roll of Honour.
Uppermill Section of the Pots and Pans War Memorial, Uppermill.

Medals
British War and Victory Medals.

Census

• 1891
  Age 1. Living at Shaws, Saddleworth.
• 1901
  Age 11. Living with parents on Shaw Lane, Uppermill.
• 1911
  Age 21. Serving with the military and not listed. Parents live at Railway View, Uppermill.

Sources Parish Records, Facebook St Chad War Graves and Memorials and Find a grave