Sidney Walter Wagstaff accidentally drowned on this day in 1918

Sidney was born 24 August 1892 in Ashton-upon-Mersey, Cheshire. His father was Jesse Braizer Wagstaff (Ironmonger and House Furnisher) of 229, Great Western Street, Moss Side, Manchester.

Before the outbreak of war, Sidney was employed in his father’s furnishing business. He was for many years a member of the Manchester Wednesday Motor and Cycling Club.

In 1913 he won the Anfield 100 CC Mile Unpaced Invitation Race, another 100 mile road race, a 50 mile race and a 30 mile race.

He enlisted in the East Lancashire Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force) on 28 August 1914 and served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Egypt and Palestine from 5 May 1915 proceeding to France in February 1917.

On 22 September 1917, he was wounded and severely gassed.

Some months later, on 28 January 1918, while on leave and visiting Ripon, Sidney died in a drowning accident. His body was taken to Manchester by rail. He was buried, with full military honours, at the Southern Cemetery, Manchester.

705574 Bombadier Sidney Walter Wagstaff, East Lancashire Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force)