Four members of Pontefract family among war dead names on new banners

Three Turner brothers; Charles, George, and John, lost their lives in World War One.

One of their sisters, Mary Lucy, died of TNT poisoning from filling shells at the Barnbow munitions factory in Leeds.

The three brothers and Mary Lucy were aged 19 to 24 when they died between 1916 and 1917.

Their names are among those of 320 war dead from Pontefract on the banners placed next to Pontefract War Memorial on Cornmarket.

Phil Cook, vice chair of Pontefract Civic Society, created the banners using research by Rebecca Spence of Pontefract Library.

It is planned to display the banners annually ahead of Remembrance Sunday

Rebecca researched the names, date of birth and the place where each was laid to rest.

Phil said: "A lot of them were 18 and 19-years-old. It makes you think, it's a reality check. These kids never had a life."

Rebecca's research shows Charles Turner was born in 1881 to John Turner and Sarah Milner.

Charles had nine siblings: John, George, Mary, Walter, Lily, Eliza, Ivy, Elizabeth and Emily.

In 1901 Charles was listed as living at Back Northgate off Skinner Lane and in 1911 at 16, Denwell Terrace off Skinner Lane.

Charles died in 1917 aged 21 and is remembered on the Cambrai Memorial in France.

George Turner died in 1916 aged 22 and is buried at the Vermelles British Cemetery in France.

John Turner died in 1916 aged 24 and is buried at London Rifle Brigade Cemetery, Belgium.

In 2025 Pontefract Civic Society unveiled a Blue Plaque honouring Mary.

The plaque, which is on a wall above Subway on Beastfair in Pontefract town centre, reads: "Mary Lucy Turner 1898-1917.

"Born in Lemon Alley near this site. Died in Leeds General Infirmary aged 19 of TNT poisoning due to her war work at National Filling Factory No 1 Barnbow Leeds.

"One of many 'Barnbow Canaries' whose skin turned yellow from contact with TNT and picric acid while filling shells."

Rebecca collated information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Ancestry website and the Pontefract and Castleford Express archive from both world wars.

Photographs from The Pontefract and Castleford Express archive of dozens of the war dead are on display at Pontefract Library.

Phil, a retired Eggborough Power Station worker, said: "There's no names listed on the War Memorial in Pontefract so a lot of residents don't know who gave their lives. the names are held in a book of honour at Pontefract Library.

"Through talking with Rebecca we came up with the idea of putting the names on public display at the war memorial for Remembrance Day.

"We had the idea back in May. Rebecca has spent a few months listing them all and providing me with the information to add them to the display.

"I have spent a few weeks getting them printed on banners. It is the first time all the names have been listed publicly in a display around the war memorial including the munitions workers.

"There have been a lot of double checks. Where we have made a mistake and we find out about it, it will be corrected and put right for next year.

"We don't know everything and some families may know more than us. The year of death is not always clear on war records. We may have taken it off census records which may be wrong. I apologise in advance for any mistakes but if so we will put them right.

"A couple of families have been in touch to thank us. Four families we have missed out have been in touch about missing names or incorrect details. They will be put right next year."

"We are really pleased with the way it has turned out. People have responded really well to it."

Royal Navy Commander Bob Herrington is chair of Ackworth and Pontefract branch of the Royal British Legion.

He said: “I think it is absolutely brilliant. It catches the imagination and I think the people of Pontefract will be really proud to see the names up there.

"Pontefract Civic Society have really engaged with the Royal British Legion. We always get a lot of support from them.”

Coun Lukasz Borcz, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for culture and sport, said: “We are really pleased that this work is helping to bring recognition to those who died during the two world wars.

"It is right and fitting that we honour and remember the contribution they made to their country. And I hope it will enable families to learn more about their lost relatives.”

Wakefield Council said the information about all 320 people will eventually be added to the photo heritage site, Twixt Aire and Calder.