Mexborough and Swinton Times February 10, 1939

Presentation to Wombwell Man Who Shook Hands with the King

Scores of men in Barnsley, Rotherham Wombwell, Mexborough and other districts who served in the York and Lancaster Regiment will remember this handsome countenance. It is that of ex Sergeant Wright who had four years in France with that regiment. Serving as a Lieutenant at the same time was his only son, Stanley W. Wright who at one time was the youngest sergeant in the British Army.

Mr. William Wright has just entered into well-earned retirement after many years as a deputy at Darfield Main Colliery.

At a gathering at the Welfare Institute, Netherwood Hall, Wombwell, on Saturday, he received from fellow officials of Darfield Main, a Westminster chiming clock as a mark of good comradeship and appreciation. The company numbered about 80, refreshments being served by the stewards, Mr. and Mrs. Cotton. Mr. W. Barnett (under-manager) presided.

Mr. E. Edwards (manager) said Mr. Wright had been a good servant to the company. He had the reputation of always acting squarely by the men, and at the same time never swerving in his duty to his employers, which was not always an easy thing. In that respect he had set an example which younger officials might confidently follow. Referring to Mr. Wright’s distinguished army record, Mr. Edwards said he had proved himself a man in every phase of life and they would be very sorry to part company with him. He hoped that the sight of the clock which he presented would bring back pleasant recollections of old friendships.

The clock was inscribed, “Darfield Main Colliery. Presented to William Wright by the officials of the above colliery on his retirement, January, 1939.”

Mr. Wright suitably replied.

The presentation was followed by music, dancing and a games tournament in which the winners were Messrs. W. Wraith and J. Hunt.

Mr. Wright was born in 1871 at Shirland in Derbyshire but as a boy went to live with his uncle, Mr. Joshua Bailey, who was an official at Carlton Main Colliery. Mr. Wright started work there as a trapper at the age of 12 and later moved to Catcliffe.

He worked at Manvers Main for fourteen years and went to Darfield Main in 1902 as a collier. Three years later he started a 34 years’ career as a deputy.

Mr. Wright went to Africa with the old Volunteers and remained abroad for about eighteen months, serving at Bloemfontein. Majuba Hill, Laing’s Neck and many other well known places. He had returned to his work as a deputy and seemed to be settled down for the “duration” when the Great War came with another call. He put it this way, “I had just resigned from the Territorials but they would not take any notice of it. It would have been just the same if they had.” He was not compelled to go, but volunteered and as a trained man was soon across the channel—a veteran of 43. As a sergeant Mr. Wright saw service in most of the big actions in France, in-.eluding the Battle of the Somme.

Mr. Wright’s son, Mr. J. Stanley I Wright, who is now a well known north-country architect with offices in Leeds, joined up during the Great War in the Royal Horse Artillery at the age of sixteen and a year later was the “youngest sergeant in the British Army.”    He gained commissioned rank and subsequently won the M.C. and bar.

Mr. Wright senior once had the honour of shaking hands with King George V. He was in the Isle of Man on holiday when he was “roped in” to an ex-Serviceman’s parade and, happening to have his medals with him he put them on. They attracted the notice of Princess Mary and then His Majesty shook hands with him asking, “Are you a Manxman?” He had muttered only a few words in explanation when the King said, “You need not tell me any more. I can hear you are a Yorkshireman.”