'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 2 - In memory of Private Frank Peace, 1885 - 1916
As we remember those who sacrificed their lives during the World Wars, this story is taken from the Penistone War Memorial which stands by the gate at the west side of the Church.
Frank Herbert Peace was born in Penistone in 1885, by 1911 the family was living in Victoria Street and he was working as a Boiler Firer at Saw Mills. He was probably no different from many of his friends and was looking forward to an untroubled life in rural Penistone. He played for Penistone Church Football Club and is pictured here on the 1908 - 1909 team photo of that year, when they were playing in the Sheffield Amateur League. He was also a member of the District Bowling Club at that time.
Following the outbreak of the first World War, Frank, like many of the local young men at the time, enlisted on 9th September 1914. He joined the Sheffield Pals - the 12th Battalion Yorkshire and Lancaster Regiment. He served in England until he was posted to France on 5th April 1916. At the end of June 1916 the Battalion took up their positions and made their attack on Serre (on the Somme) on 1st July. Many of the Sheffield Pals died on this day and Frank was amongst them, he was 30 years old. His body was never recovered and he is commemorated not only on the Penistone Memorial but also on the Thiepval Memorial in France. There is also a special dedication at the Penistone Church Football Club.
The new Penistone War Memorial was unveiled in 1924 and now bears the names of 57 men who gave their lives in two conflicts. The memorial inscription reads:
'In grateful memory of those from this township who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1919.'
Many local families were devastated by the loss of loved ones during these conflicts including Private Frank Peace – we thank you for your service and we thank you for your sacrifice. Steve Lavender Chair Friends’ of St John’s Penistone Nov 2020.
My thanks go to Janet and Rex Dyson for their wonderful work in 'The Stories behind the Names' (2014), a book available from the Archive Group and to Dave Hampshire of Penistone Church Football Club. Steve Lavender, Chair Friends of St John’s Church Penistone. November 2020.
From Wikipedia, Penistone Church Football Club was founded in the year 1906, after a merger of Penistone Choirboys and Penistone Juniors. This was not long before the above photograph was taken. It was common to have football teams dedicated to their local church in those days.
Further reading:
William Wordsworth - "For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago."