Royal Horse Artillery, No 5 Sub-section, C Battery, Service no. 32576
Born 1896. Died 1982, aged 86.
Story
Gunner Wilfred Garton married Minnie Cripwell. Minnie had worked at the Barnbow Royal Ordnance Factory. He became father of Phyllis and Muriel. Wilfred had worked pre-war at the Castleford and Allerton Coop, and after the war, he worked at The Johnny Pit at Bowers Row as a blacksmith. He served as choirmaster and Sunday School Superintendent at the Leeds Road Primitive Methodist Chapel in Kippax for many years.
Phyllis remembers that it was known in the family that following his return from the war, Wilfred had difficulty in being in any crowded space. For example he could not go into a shop such as Woolworths where there would be a lot of people. For quite a long time after he came home he was not able to listen to the organ at the chapel.
During his time in the services, he sent many beautiful postcards, which have been kept (pictured below). He received much encouragement in his Christian faith from Rev. Gregory who was a minister based at Old Hall, Woodlesford.
During the Great War 1914-1918, The Royal Horse Artillery was responsible for light, mobile guns that provided firepower in support of the cavalry and supplemented the Royal Field Artillery. In 1914 there was one battery to each Brigade of Cavalry. The original British Expeditionary Force included only one Division of Cavalry, with 4 Brigades, leading to four batteries RHA, which were organised into two Brigades. As the war progressed further brigades were formed. A battery included 5 officers and 200 men, 228 horses and six 13-pounder field guns.
Kippax Roll of Honour 