Notes
The All About Thornton website (see References) states: ‘Charles Farrar, D.C.M., born 24 September 1893, the 2nd eldest son of Alfred and Mary Louisa Farrar, of Thornton, Bradford. His father was a Quarry Owner. Charles Farrar was educated at Ashville College, Harrogate and Bradford Grammar School. He was employed as a traveller by Messrs. Pawson and Co., blouse manufacturers of Halifax. He was a member of Thornton Liberal Club, and played in the billiards team.
He enlisted in September 1914 West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales’s Own) 16th Bn., #637. Died 2 March, 1917, aged 23. Grave reference: I. I. 61., Varennes Military Cemetery, Somme, France. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has performed consistent good work throughout, and has at all times set a splendid example.” (from the London Gazette of 14 February 1917). He was a Corporal at the time, and later made a Serjeant. De Ruvigny’s Roll; of Honour states: “(he) left for Egypt on 7 December 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 7 March 1916; took part in the Battle of the Somme in July, and died at no. 47 Casualty Clearing Station on 2 March 1917, from wounds received in action during an attack on Rossimol Wood, near Gommecourt. The Chaplain wrote of him: You will have some little consolation in knowing that your children did not fail when the great call came. I can still see your son’s splendid figure and fine face, with the riband of his honour well deserved on his breast.”
He was one of 3 brothers who joined the “Bradford Pals” upon the formation of the Battalion. Only one brother, Sgt William Edward Farrar of the Army Medical Corps, survived the War. The Bradford Daily Telegraph of the 7th March 1917 reported: “The deepest sympathy of Thornton people will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Farrar, in the loss they have sustained by the death from wounds of their second son, Sgt. Charles Farrar of the West Yorkshire Regiment. He joined the 1st Bradford Pals Battalion soon after the outbreak of war together with two younger brothers, one of whom, Sgt John Farrar, has also made the supreme Sacrifice. Another brother is also serving with the R.A.M.C in France”. The second bereavement is all the more sad for the reason that only recently Sgt Charles Farrar was decorated with the DCM, and in fact of the brave service for which he received the honour has not been gazetted….” Image ©De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour. Also remembered on Egypt Methodist Church Memorial window.'