Fred's story is an incredibly moving one. He enlisted in the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in 1915 and died in Fricourt on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The family archive is extraordinary, consisting of newspaper cuttings, letters, postcards and photographs. The striking thing about the correspondence is the sense of really being able to know Fred. He comes across as a kind, funny young man who loved his family very much, especially his sister Sarah. He remained a central part of family life even from the trenches and family happenings were as important to him as what was happening in the war. In one letter he wrote to thank his parents for the food parcels that they had been sending and to say how much he enjoyed having a salmon tea. However, he also asked them to stop sending them as he knew how expensive it was and he preferred that they spend the money on the household back home. || Letters from Fred to his sister Sarah and father. Photograph of Fred Embroidered postcard sent from France to Sarah Postcards sent to Sarah and his father Local newspaper cutting honouring local men (including Fred) who had signed up Transcription of a letter to sarah || || Letter || Letter from the front to Fred's sister Sarah || Trench Life || || Letter || Letter from Fred to Sarah || Trench Life || || Letter from Fred to Sarah || Trench Life || Letter || || Letter from Fred to his father || Letter || Trench Life || || Photograph || Studio portrait of Fred Findlay before he signed up || || Postcard from Fred to Sarah || Front || Postcard || Trench Life || || Trench Life || Back || Postcard || Postcard from Fred to Sarah || || Trench Life || Postcard || Postcard from Fred to Sarah || Front || || Postcard from Fred to Sarah || Trench Life || Postcard || Back || || Trench Life || Letter || Letter from Fred to his father || || Letter from Fred to his father || Letter || Trench Life || || Home Front || Other || Newspaper cutting from Sheffield press honouring local men who enlisted (including Fred) || || Trench Life || Transcription of letter from Fred to Sarah || Letter

Citation for the Military Medal. Citation from Winston Churchill (Secretary of State for War). Invitation to receive his medal from Dodworth Town Council. Thomas Clarkson - photograph. || My grandfather, Thomas Clarkson, was called up from the Army reserve in 1914. He joined the 9th Btn., the York & Lancaster Regiment and was promoted to Company Quarter Master Sergeant. His act of bravery is described by his commanding officer: On the evening of March 13th 1916 at FLEURBAIX, CQMS T. Clarkson showed great courage, coolness and presence of mind when under heavy shell fire. The billets occupied by 'A' Company 9th York & Lancaster R. were severely shelled with HE and shrapnel, causing casualties to the number of 31 killed and wounded. This NCO was partially buried with bricks, mortar and other debris. The company storeman who was sitting by his side was killed. On extricating himself CQSM Clarkson at once went to the assistance of the wounded men and assisted in bandaging their wounds, and in extricating dead and wounded men from the debris - the whole time the shell fire was continuing. MILITARY MEDAL. Thomas had severe shrapnel wounds to both legs, which were left permanently bowed and deformed. He was awarded the Military Medal, which was presented to him at a meeting of the Dodworth Town Council in March 1919. Like many in the Great War, an ordinary man who found it within himself to do something extraordinary. || || Western Front || Thomas Clarkson || Citation in dispatches for the Military Medal || Official document || || Citation from the Secretary of State for War || Thomas Clarkson || Official document || || Official document || Dodworth District Council - Invitation to Medal Ceremony || || Photograph || QMS Thomas Clarkson, York & Lancaster Regiment

A letter dated 1 June 1916 sent from near Albert, Somme,to his brother and sister in Dublin, Ireland. It describes the Basilica at Albert with the famous leaning statue of the Virgin.