Rushden Research Group: obituary W F Dobbs 1917

Private Wm. Fredk. Dobbs

34133 1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)

Son of Mr George and Mrs Rose Dobbs
Husband of Mary Josephine Dobbs, of 23 Garden St., Groves, York

Aged 37 years

Died 26th April 1917

Commemorated at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery
Grave IV. B. 64.

Born at Bozeat.

Rushden Argus, 8th June 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Bozeat Sportsman's Death—Pte. Wm. Fredk. Dobbs, of 23 Garden-street, The Groves, York, has been killed in action. He was a native of Bozeat, but early in life settled at the Minister City, and for ten years was in the employment of a bootmaker in Goodramgate, but during the twelve months immediately previous to joining the Colours he was a commercial traveller. He was a popular Northern Union footballer, being a member of the York Castle Rovers’ team, for whom he played full back. He was also a very clever exponent of the Association game, under which code he did splendid service for the York Butchers’ eleven.

Pte W F Dobbs

An all-round sportsman of marked ability, his favourite game was that of cricket. As a batsman and bowler he enjoyed a wide reputation, and for several seasons in succession played for and captained the York Tradesmen’s Cricket Club. He subsequently became associated with the York City Amateurs’ C.C., with whom he made a reputation with his bat. He was a bowler too, of more than average ability, and on six occasions whilst connected with the Amateurs’ club he performed the “hat trick.” He was of an exceptionally kind and retiring disposition. Whilst undergoing his period of training at the northern camp he took part in several regimental matches. He was the mainstay of any team with which he elected to play, his coolness on more than one occasion turning impending disaster into glorious victory for his side. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and three children. We are able to reproduce a good photograph of Pte. Dobbs in the act of bowling by courtesy of “The Yorkshire Herald.”

Rushden Echo Friday 8th June 1917, transcribed by Susan Manton

Bozeat - Pte. Wm. Fredk. Dobbs of York, has been killed in action. A native of Bozeat, early in life he went to York and for ten years was in the employment of a bootmaker, but during the twelve months immediately previous to joining the Colours he was a commercial traveller. He was a popular Northern Union footballer being a member of the York Castle Rovers' Team. He leaves a widow and three children.

Bozeat War Memorial