(This article was written by John Tattersfield, with inputs and information by John David Tattersfield, who is also the author of the paper, below, about Neville Tattersfield. For its World War 1 information, this article draws on David’s extensive researches for his book “A Village Goes to War”).
This paper seeks to list all Tattersfields, and their close relatives, who were involved in the armed forces in times of conflict. It is not complete, and readers are invited to send in details of other men and women who were engaged in warfare, and whose names are not mentioned. Also any corrections or addition of details, photographs, and memorabilia will be very welcome.
Apart from an overall list, in Section 3 below, the paper sets out, in Sections 4, 5 and 6, more details of a few individuals. It is hoped to increase the number of these as more information is gathered.
The earliest record of a Tattersfield in the army relates to Richard, who was a soldier from 1783 to 1811. In all, seven soldiers are known to have served between then and the Boer War. Three of these ended their military careers in the United States.
World War 1 saw many join the army, either as volunteers or conscripts. Many fought in foreign theatres of war, and not a few were killed or later died as a result of their wounds.
The USA entered the war in April 1917. Although many US citizens wished to volunteer, it was decided that men would be called up, instead of using a volunteering system.
About 1917 and 1918 a few Tattersfields registered in USA. The dates suggest it is unlikely any served abroad or, perhaps, even actually joined up. (The registrations of two Tatterfields are also shown, although their relationship to the Tattersfield family is still a matter of conjecture.)
There must have been a large number of Tattersfields involved in World War 2, but researches so far have brought only a few to light. It is very much hoped readers will send in names and details of their relatives.