William Marsden

William Marsden of Market Rasen and Ann Scott of Carlton married in Worksop in1879 and resided there at 63 Marecroft, Worksop where William worked as a coal miner. By 1901, the couple had had six children, George born in 1880, William born 3/9/1882, Edwin in 1887, Annie in 1891, Arabella in 1892 and Frances Gert born 1898. and were living in Pelham Street. A nephew of George Marsden, 7 year old Frederick Scott, also resided with them. When he was 26 years old, William was married to Isabella Bird at St Johns Church, Worksop, in 1908. Three years later, William senior is living with his son, Edwin at 15 Pelham Street. The maternal run Marsden family home was now at 4 Plants Yard in Worksop with the head of the house being Ann Marsden. Other household members include 2 of Ann’s daughters, Frances and Arabella, son William and his new wife, Isabella, two grandchildren and a boarder called Walter Malkin. William fathered 3 children, one in 1911, followed by Lucy in 1913 and Gwendoline in 1916. William enlisted on the birthday, 3rd September 1914.

Lance-Corpl. W. Marsden Worksop Guardian 5 October 1917 A few weeks ago,-July 20th,-We reproduced a photograph of Lance-Corpl. Wm. Marsden, Royal Marines, Lewis Gun Section, residing at 2? Trent Street, Worksop, on the occasion of him being awarded the Military Medal. This week comes the news of the gallant soldiers death “Killed in action,”- a brief but noble epitaph,-on September 16th. The official intimation is supplemented by a letter which Mrs. Marsden has received from a comrade of her husband’s, Pte. T. Kelly, of the same Battalion. Writing on Sept. 17th, he says:- “Dear Mrs. Marsden,-just a few lines of sympathy to tell you that we regret the loss of your dear beloved husband, Bill. I hope you will bear it the best way you can. I know it is a heavy burden for you to bear, but never mind; he died a hero’s death, doing his duty for England, home and beauty. He suffered no pain, and we took him back to the Divisional Cemetery, so he will have a good funeral. It is a thousand pities. All the boys are very sorry to lose such a good and gallant comrade, and they all sympathize with you in your bereavement. I gave his belongings to the Captain of His Company, so he will be sending them on to you when we get down the lines. I was one of his pals, and went with him from Derby to Portsmouth, and we have been good pals ever since the day we met. It is hard to part, is it not, but I know it is harder for you. I shall be home on leave before long, if I have the luck to get through, and I will come to see you and tell you how it happened.” Pte. Kelly adds that his home is at Mansfield and that he is married and has four little children. “All those poor women with a family are fighting a hard battle in the absence of their husbands. But God will reward you. Your husband has been a good soldier, and God will help you and your dear family, so don’t week and trouble. May God help you to bear this?” Lanc. Corpl. Marsden, who was 37 years of age, was a reservist when the war broke out, at which time he was employed at Manton Colliery. He had nine month’s service at the Dardanelles, and there met his nephew, Pte. F. Scott. Sherwood Foresters, who was killed in August, 1915. He himself was wounded by shrapnel in the right shoulder and side, and was invalided to Malta. After recovery he returned to England and was in Worksop in August last year, since when he has been in the thick of it in France. He leaves three children, aged 6 and a half, four years, and twelve months respectively. Poor fellow, in his last letter to his wife he was looking forward to being at home this week-end. Much sympathy is expressed with Mrs. Marsden and her family.

Commemorated on the Naval Trench British Cemetery, Gavrelle, France. Extra information from Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves:- Widow: Isabella, 24, Trent Street, Worksop, Notts. Research by Colin Dannatt