The Soldiers

15/1701. Private W. L. Rudkin.

15/1701. Private W. L. Rudkin.
Born Low Moorside, Farnley, Leeds.1896
Missing / Killed in action 9/10/1917  age 21.

William Lionel a single man had attended New Farnley School has a boy and was living with his parents George and Annie Rudkin at 14,School Close, Farnley.

Armley and Wortley News July 1909:
“Farnley Ironworks Village sports day, Second prize was awarded to Willie Rudkin for his Baden Powell costume”

He joined the Pals shortly before recruiting finished early in 1915. This may account for his high service number and why he did not serve overseas with them.

After initial training at Colsterdale serving alongside other Farnley men John Doughty, John Hill, Arthur Jackson and William McNeil he was transferred to the newly formed “Bantams” the 17th battalion West Yorks (2nd Leeds)
He was then transferred to the 1st Battalion with whom he stayed until severely wounded in March 1917,


Pte Willie Rudkin

Armley and Wortley News 23/3/1917.

“Farnley Soldiers…Private Willie Rudkin, West Yorkshire regiment is reported seriously wounded in France.

He was not evacuated to England for treatment, remaining in a hospital in France.

After recovering from wounds he was posted to the 2/8th battalion West Yorks (Leeds Rifles) and continued serving with them until 9/10/17 when his family were informed that he was missing in action.
Another telegram arrived shortly after which stated that he had been killed in action and like so many other Pals,  his body was never recovered.

 


Pte Willie Rudkin

Having no known grave he is commemorated on the Arras memorial to the missing in France, and also on the Farnley war memorial.