ECCLES JOURNAL
26th November 1915
Extracts from the newspaper archives
Researched and kindly forwarded by Neil Drum of Irlam, Manchester, Lancashire
An Appreciation and an Appeal From the Trenches
About 130 Cardigan jackets have been despatched by the local Red Cross Committee to soldiers from the district serving with the British Expeditionary Forces in France, the Dardanelles, and Serbia. The first batch were dispatched yesterday week.
Each parcel contains an expression of the good wishes of the committee.
On Wednesday night Mr J. Cooke, honorary secretary, received the first acknowledgement from Pte. Wm. Makinson, of "B" Company, 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, with the British Expeditionary Force in France:
"Just a few lines, hoping to find you, all in good health as it leaves me at present. I received the parcel which the Red Cross Committee so kindly sent to me, and for which please accept my sincerest thanks. I think we are in for a severe winter, and this is a very useful gift." Pte. Makinson's wife and family reside at 10, Dixon St., Irlam.
ECCLES JOURNAL
17th November 1916
Missing Since August
Lance-Corporal William Makinson, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, has been officially reported missing since the 8th August, having been in active service in France nearly two years.
He was 39 years of age when he joined the colours, and was employed at the Steelworks previously.
His wife and seven children, with whom much sympathy is expressed, reside at 10, Dixon St., Irlam.
A second and unwanted report which was later confirmed.
