We knew the name of one of the soldiers in this photograph, Harry Rayson (first left on the front row), but asked: ”Does anyone know any of the other men?” We were contacted by Peter Rayson and he tells us: ”I am one of Henry Rayson`s three grandsons, but I am not sure that any of the other men are from East Cleveland, so am unable to assist with possible names. I understand that the Royal Artillery Battery ”151st Heavy” had recruits that were from the Darlington area.” Further researches indicate that the young man to the right of Harry may be Sydney Roe. Sydney was the youngest son of the family Harry lodged with (at 6 Queen Street, Carlin How). Harry moved to Carlin How before 1911 Census to work as an electrician’s assistant at Skinningrove before volunteering at the outbreak of WWI; Sydney enlisted in July 1916.
Abel Roberts was well known in the area when he had a fruiterer’s shop in North Road, Loftus as well as a market stall in the town and also travelled to customers in the district. He was one of many people who served in both World Wars. Abel fought at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and volunteered for duty in World War II, serving with the Green Howards at Dishforth and at Danby Beacon. Abel is seated in the photograph on the left. We asked if anyone could add to this story. David Lambert tells us: ”My dad’s great uncle was called Abel Roberts and on the 1911 census he is down as being a Fruiter! But the census states he resided in Middlesbrough, the family resemblance is as though my grandad was sitting there; in fact the photograph of my grandad in his World War II RAF uniform is nearly a perfect match! Abel Roberts would have been my grandads uncle; he was Arthur Lambert his mother was Martha Ann Roberts (Abel Roberts sister). I have looked for Abel Roberts in World War I and the only one I can find is this one ’ABEL ROBERTS SERVICE NUMBER 4436- THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT’; it would be interesting to find a connection here are the other family members FROM THE 1891 CENSUS FATHER ABEL ROBERTS, MOTHER MARY ROBERTS, BROTHERS HENRY, WILLIAM, “”ABEL””, THOMAS, DAUGHTERS “”MARTHA ANN””, SUSANNAH”. David also adds: ”I can now confirm that this Abel Roberts is my great great uncle my dad confirmed today (31-03-2014) that the Roberts family had a Fruiters shop in Loftus; so it seems I am blood related to John Roberts who provided the image. I have a postcard from the Western Front; from Abel to Martha (his sister) dated around 1915 and signed Abel. I also have a postcard from Abel’s brother William and I have Samuel Pontypool’s dog tags, as well as Abel’s brothers and his medal roll certificate. He was in the Northumberland Fusiliers in World War I, I am really pleased I have put another part of my family history together and even more so I have found another family member who was in World War I, I am now researching William if there is any information it would be much appreciated.” Michele Taylor has told the Archive: ”My dad; Ernest Roberts is Abel and Mary Roberts only surviving son. He is the youngest of their nine children; my name is Michele Taylor was Roberts, I’m John Roberts cousin. I found this piece so intersecting I can’t wait to show my dad. PS my dad will be 87 this year.”Georgina Knox tells the Archive: “My Great Grandma was Abel’s daughter – she was called Mary Amelia Roberts – and I know they originally grew up in Middlesbrough before moving to Loftus. I think it was the Cannon Park area she once told me. She married into the Dadd family who also were fruit and vegetable merchants starting but in Guisborough.”
Thanks to John Roberts (son of Jack Roberts) for the images and information. Also to David Lambert, Michele Taylor and Georgina Knox for the updates.
A lovely wintery view across the icy water and snow- covered landscape; ’The Villa’ on Brotton Road and Crispin Court at Brotton can both be seen in the background.
Commondale Brick and Pipe Works can be seen on the left in this view of the village. The card was posted in 1907 and at that time the brickworks were owned and managed by the Crossleys. A railway track connected the works to the main line from Battersby, making it easy for the bricks to be exported to London and all parts of the country.
Image courtesy of Tina Dowey and information from ”Commondale, The story of a North Yorkshire Village” by Vera Robinson.
1903 saw some of the heaviest rainfalls throughout the United Kingdom, June being described as the wettest on record; with long periods of sustained rainfall. This image of the Esk in flood in 1903, produced by W.H.Earl of Commondale; being a typical example. This view has been taken from above Castleton station.
A postcard view of Lealholm taken about a hundred years ago. The village has been added to over the years, but the stepping stones, chapel and the farms are still there.
Members present at the official opening in 1937 of the new golf course at Loftus. The group includes, secretary Mr H. Davey and the ladies secretary Miss F. Knaggs. Do you know any of the other people on the photo and exactly where Loftus golf course was and when did it close? Once again more questions than answers. J. Wilson assists with: “It was on the cliff top behind Hummersea according to my father.”
Images are from our cuttings file (in the main from the Evening Gazette). thanks to J. Wilson for the update.
The crack in the wall of the home of Mr William Bailey at 74, Gladstone Street Carlin How, as a result of subsidence the house has been condemned, the date of this image was July 1937.
Images are from our cuttings file (in the main from the Evening Gazette).
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