Oswald Matthews Holmes was the son of Harry and Clara Holmes, of London; the grandson of Richard Holmes of Pontefract and Samuel Matthews of Halifax and the nephew to Thomas Wayman, former MP for Elland. He worked for the wholesale stationers, C. Morgan and Co., based in Cannon Street, E.C., for whom his father was the manager.
During the war he served with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry receiving his commission early on and in 1916 was invalided from France suffering from gas poisoning. After a period of light duty he returned to another battalion in June 1917 shortly after his marraige to Marjorie Jessie Holden. He died from wounds in France on 25th August 1917, aged 22.
He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, grave reference XVI. A.18. (CWGC)
Oswald Matthews Holmes is commemorated at Lister Lane Cemetery on the gravestone of grave number 2538
Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery
Registered Charity No 1097153
Monumental Inscription
In loving memory of Samuel Matthews, of Halifax, who died November 1st 1895, aged 64 years.
Rest in the lord.
Also Esther, wife of the above, who died November 17th 1913, aged 83 years.
Her end was peace.
Also of 3 infant children of the above.
Also of Oswald Matthew Holmes, 2nd Lieut. King's Own Yorks. Light Inf. son of Harry and Clara Holmes and grandson of the above, who died for his country August 25th 1917, aged 22 years. Buried at Lijssent Hoek, Belgium.
Source of biographical information:
The Halifax Courier, dated September 1st, 1917
The Leeds Mercury, dated August 30th, 1917 (Image of Oswald Matthews Holmes)
CWGC: Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Members of:
Follow us on Twitter
Second Lieutenant Oswald Matthews Holmes