PRIVATE JOSEPH RENTON, 9th BATTALION WEST RIDING REGIMENT (ILKLEY PALS COMPANY)


PRIVATE JOSEPH RENTON, 9th BATTALION WEST RIDING REGIMENT (ILKLEY PALS COMPANY) DIED 27TH NOVEMBER 1914,AGED 18 YEARS.




Private Joseph Renton was the first of the 'Ilkley Pals' to die. Aged 18 years he had volunteered during the recruiting meeting held at the Kings Hall on 31st August 1914. Within a few days the 'Pals' were transported to a vast camp at Bovington, near to the Dorset Coast, where they would be trained to be soldiers. Here, young Joseph injured his foot and contracted blood poisoning. He was sent to Dorchester County Hospital and died on 27th November 1914.

 Joseph Renton had lived with his parents at 5 Springs Terrace and worked as a gardener. His body was was brought back to Ilkley and he is buried in the towns cemetery. 

Joseph's name is remembered on Ilkley War memorial


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