The Stories from the Stones 12 - By Steve Lavender

'Stories from the Stones'
Please visit the Contents Page for this section, where you will find other 'Stories from the Stones.'

These same stories are also published on Penistone Archive Group's Facebook page, their Journal and in 'The Bridge' magazine issued by St John's church, Penistone. Many thanks to their tireless author, Mr Steve Lavender, for his worthy contributions to local history and this website. - JB.

Story 12 - Private Frank Fearnley, 2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment. Died 15th September 1916.
November is the time of remembrance when we take time to think of those who gave their lives in the service of their country. For this story we return to the War Memorial by the lychgate of the Church. The War Memorial was unveiled on 9th August 1924 and now includes the names of those lost in both World Wars from the Penistone area.

Frank’s parents Alfred and Ann were the hosts of the White Bear pub which was in Penistone Market Place (accessed through the ginnel by Clark's Chemist, later to become the Royal British Legion). Frank was born in April 1893 and had seven brothers and sisters. Frank’s father Alfred passed away in 1901 and by 1911 the family were living in Castle Street on Green Road. Frank was employed just up the road at the Steel Works in the Tyre Forging Department. He was a well-known local cricketer.

Shortly after war had been declared in August 1914, the young men of Penistone were encouraged to enlist. On 8th September, in the shed of the Rose and Crown hotel, a recruiting meeting was held. Many of Penistone’s finest young men enlisted on this day and found themselves about to leave the quiet life they had known for a horrific journey from which many would not return.

Frank joined the Sheffield City Battalion (the 'Sheffield Pals'), Service No. 12/364. He was 5’ 8’’ tall, weighed 10st 6lbs and was 21 years old. He joined the 3rd Entrenching Battalion on 23rd April 1916 and was posted on 14th May 1916 to the 2nd Battalion Yorks & Lancs and was sent to Belgium. In due course the Battalion became involved in the Somme Offensive at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on 15th September 1916.

This Anglo-French attack against the German 1st Army was to last only a few days (15th to 22nd Sept 1916) but the strategic objective was not achieved and there were almost 30,000 casualties. This battle was, however, important in that it was the first time that tanks had been used in warfare.

Commentators have various views on how the use of tanks contributed with some saying that they were brought to battle before they were truly ready. Indeed the records show that of the 49 tanks deployed to Flers, 36 reached the front line, 27 crossed no-mans land, only six reached what was termed the Third Objective and, by 16th Sept, only three were operational. The arrival of the tank did, however, have a serious effect of the German morale and began a new era in warfare.

Frank was killed on the first day of the attack – 15th September 1916, aged 23 years. He has no known grave and is commemorated in France on the magnificent Thiepval Memorial. His brother Albert would receive his effects in January 1917 and he was awarded the British and Victory medals.

As well as being named on the Penistone War Memorial he is also listed on the Sheffield City Battalion Roll of Honour.
We thank Frank and all those lost for their service. We will remember them

My thanks to Ancestry.com and to Rex and Janet Dyson – 'The Stories behind the names' – Penistone War Memorial.
Steve Lavender, Chair Friends of St John’s Penistone, November 2021.

See also Private Frank Fearnely at RBL's 'Everyone Remembered.'