A MOVING tribute has been paid to two servicemen from Cross Roads whose deaths in 1918 have finally been attributed to their service in the First World War.

Air mechanic Tom Raymond Walmsley, who was 21, died in April of that year and Private Arthur Hutchinson eight months later, aged 23.

Both were suffering from tuberculosis, and had been discharged.

After research was submitted to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 2019, it has subsequently acknowledged the two men as official casualties of the conflict.

Now a poignant ceremony has been held at Haworth Cemetery, on Penistone Hill, where both men are buried in family graves.

The Men of Worth Project – headed by Ian Walkden and Andy Wade – researches local people who served in wartime, and made the submission to the commission.

Mick Hey and Tito Arana assisted with the research.

Mr Arana – chair of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council and a member of the Lees and Cross Roads Village Association – thanked everyone who took part in the ceremony.

Amongst those present were Keighley army, air and sea cadets; West Yorkshire deputy lieutenant Robin Wright; district and parish councillors; standard bearers from all branches of the armed forces; the Men of Worth Project and representatives of churches and organisations including the Royal British Legion.

"It was a fitting dedication to these two brave men of Cross Roads," said Mr Arana.

"I would like to sincerely thank all the groups and individuals that were in attendance for helping to make the service such a success.

"I'd also like to say thank-you to all members of the public who came along – your support was greatly appreciated.

"I am so genuinely pleased that these men have finally been recognised.

"Special mention should go to the Men of Worth Project, and also to Mick Hey – who did so much in researching these servicemen and spoke on the day."

Arthur enlisted in the army in January, 1916. He was mobilised with the 2/6th West Riding Regiment in March, but was sent to hospital just ten days later. In May he was relegated to Class B Army Reserve and in early 1918 was discharged as permanently unfit.

Tom enlisted in the Royal Navy in August, 1916. He trained as an air mechanic but was discharged just two months later, in the early stages of tuberculosis of the lungs.