Window to remember WWI centenary

George and Elizabeth Ellis placed the memorial window in St Mary’s Church in Mirfield .

Clifford Walker Ellis, 19, was the first to die, being killed in action near Fricourt on July 1, 1916.

Their eldest son George Ronald Ellis, 25, then died on July 26, 1917, during a night time flying accident in Pencartland.

Finally, James Norman Ellis, also 19, was killed in action on December 1, 1917.

The commemorative plaque below the window reads: “In submission to the will of God, George and Elizabeth Ellis have placed ye window above this tablet as a remembrance of the sacrifice of their three sons who gave their lives for their king and country in the Great War.”

They were three of 72 other men from the parish who died during the conflict.

A separate plaque to those men reads: “To the glory of God and in grateful memory. These men went out from this parish and gave their lives for God, King and Country.”

The church grounds also contains a stone cross memorial, on which wreaths are laid during commemorative services.