Isaac Curtis

Father: Isaac Curtis, born 1859 Carlton, Nottinghamshire. Mother: Annie Curtis, born 1861 Radford, Nottingham. Isaac (jnr.) was born in 1883 at Radford, and he had one brother, Thomas, born in 1896 in Nottingham and two sisters; Edith , born in 1896 in Radford and Grace, born in 1900 also in Radford. The family lived at 7 Navarino Terrace, Old Radford, Nottingham. Isaac (jnr.) married Frances Curtis in January 1902 in Nottingham. She had been born in 1885 in Nottingham. They had four children; Lily Elizabeth, born in 1907, William, born in 1906, Helen, born in 1808 and Mary Ann born in 1910. They lived at 12 Meredith Terrace, Hawthorn Street, Meadows, before moving to 11 Hartwell Street, Peas Hill Road, Nottingham.

Coal Miner

Isaac Curtis volunteered for service and following training he arrived in France on 27/12/1915 with 'C' Company, 9th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. The battalion was involved in the attack on Messiness Ridge on 07/06/1917. Mines were exploded under the German positions followed by an intense barrage as the troops advanced. The Germans retreated, and despite the heat the men moved fast reach and capture the ridge. The Germans then shelled them heavily, forcing them to dig in. Pte. Curtis was killed in action during that day, but his body was never recovered. However, his name was commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres.