Priestley, Major

Priestley, Major
Priestley, Major
Priestley, Major
Watercolour portrait of Major Priestley.

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Was a member of the firm of JW Waud & FN Priestley Ltd Woollen Manufacturers, Liversedge. For several years he was in command of the Heckmondwike Battery of the West Riding Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorials) and soon after the outbreak of the war he took up the command at the Valley Parade Artillery Barracks, Bradford. He threw great enthusiasm into the task of raising and giving preliminary training to recruits and he was instrumental in securing very large promotions of Bradford Artillery men who joined the colours. He has addressed meetings at every opportunity and his men were devoted to him.

His only regret was that he could not accompany them in the firing line. Three of his sons were in the forces.

He was a director of the firm of JW Waud & FN Priestley, a member of the Cleckheaton Chamber of Commerce, the vice president and life member of the textile section of the Leeds University, a life member of the Yorkshire Naturalists Union and a member of the York county Association Territorial Force. He took great interest in the Boy Scout movement and was very popular in his district. A troop has been named the Major Priestley Troop. The Major was closely associated with all Saints gymnastic club of which he was vice president. He died, August 1918."
Year
1916
Creator
John Sowden
Image filename
sowden-342
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