Tyne Cot Memorial
Tyne Cot Memorial: Pauline Priano
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
William Rosekilly was born at Lanchester in 1897, the only son of George Robert Jarvis, known as Robert, born July 6th 1870 at Cambridge Place, West Hartlepool and Ruth Rosekilly of Lanchester born 1873, whose parents William and Matilda Rosekilly originated from Colaton in Cornwall. They had married in the district of Lanchester in 1894. William was baptised at Lanchester Parish Church 17th February 1897. However, George Robert died during the 1st quarter (Jan/Feb/Mar) 1900, only 30 years of age, leaving his widow with 3 young children, William was 4 years old, his sisters Matilda 5 and Elizabeth Jane 2 years of age. In 1901 Ruth and her children were living at Front Street, Lanchester where she is listed as the head of the household living under her own means. She gave birth to a son during the 4th quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) 1901 who she named Edward Jarvis, father unknown. She married August 6th 1903, John Minto born 1874 at Carrville, near Durham City. They had 3 children together: Annie Isabella born 1904, John 1907 and Catherine 1908. John Minto supported his family employed as a coal hewer, William (14) worked below ground as a pony driver, Matilda (15) assisted her mother with domestic duties, Edward (9) was a scholar, the younger children were at home with their mother. To increment the family income, they had taken into their home at Front Street, Lanchester, 59-year-old widower John Parry, a coal miner originally from Wales. Ruth Minto-Jarvis nee Rosekilly died during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1911 aged 38 years, John Minto married April 13th 1912, Ethel Gordon Graham with whom he had a son Joseph Stewart Minto born August 22nd 1914.
William Rosekilly enlisted in 1915 when he turned 18 years of age, assigned as Private 18693, 10th (Service) Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, a Kitchener Battalion part of the 62nd Brigade, 21st Division. After initial training in England he would have joined his regiment in spring 1916 during preparations for the commencement of the Battles of the Somme where the 10th Battalion saw action at the opening battle at Albert, July 1st-13th 1916, Bazentin Ridge July 14th-17th, Battle of Flers-Coucelette September 15th-22nd, Battle of Morval September 25th-28th and Battle of Transloy October 1st-18th 1916. During 1917 they fought during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Arras, April 9th-May 15th before moving to the battlefields of the Ypres salient in Belgium and participating during the 3rd Battle of Ypres also known as the Battle of Passchendaele.
William Rosekilly Jarvis is presumed to have been killed October 4th 1917 on the Ypres salient. His sacrifice is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.
Money owed to him by the Army was divided between his sisters Matilda and Elizabeth Jarvis in the sum of 16 shillings 4 pence each and 1 pound 12 shillings 8 pence, to be divided between his step-sisters Annie (13) and Catherine Minto (9), was assigned to their father John Minto as their guardian. Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal he was 20 years of age and single.
His step-father John Minto also served during WW1 assigned, at the age of 40 years 11 months, to the Royal Garrison Artillery as Gunner 278658, as of September 26th 1914 until the termination of his engagement December 21st 1917. Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal. John Minto died aged 81 years, June 28th 1955 registered in the district of Durham.
In God's safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
William Rosekilly Jarvis is remembered at Lanchester on L62.01
