BORN HULL 17/08/1897. SON OF WALTER MATTHEW FARNILL (1865-1954) & NANCY HARDBATTLE (1869-1949), OF 3 FOSTER BUILDINGS, NORTH STREET, HULL (CWGC ADDRESS). BEFORE THE WAR HE WORKED FOR BLUNDELL’S PAINT WORKER. HE WAS AN OLD BOY OF ST CHARLES SCHOOL, PRYME STREET. DESCRIBED AS 5 FOOT, 9 INCHES TALL, 39-42 INCH CHEST, ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION.
HE ENLISTED IN THE HULL PALS, ON 18/11/1914, GIVING HIS AGE AS 19. HE SERVED WITH THE 13TH EAST YORKSHIRE REGIMENT, IN EGYPT AND FRANCE. HE WAS OFFICIALLY REPORTED TO HAVE DIED OF WOUNDS, ON 09/09/1916, AGED 19.
HE WAS RECORDED ON THE BLUNDELS WW1 MEMORIAL PLAQUE. HIS DEATH WAS REPORTED IN THE HULL DAILY MAIL WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPH ON 20TH SEPTEMBER 1916. *
HE IS BURIED AT CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY. HIS GRAVE INSCRIPTION READS, “O JESUS OPEN WIDE THY HEART AND LET HIM REST THEREIN”
