Edith Mary Mason and William Blaylock grew up as next door neighbours on Northgate in Heptonstall.
Born 2 August 1919
Edith’s father, Samuel Mason, was Clerk to the Parish Council and William’s father, Elias Blaylock, was a lay preacher and Superintendent of the Methodist Chapel Sunday School.
Edith and William were married at the Methodist Chapel on 16 November 1940.
Their wedding reception was held in the Upper Room of the Heptonstall Coop.
William’s family
William has four brothers, all of whom served in World War II
Stanley Blaylock – Royal Engineers & Chindits
Ronald Blaylock – Royal Air Force
Charles Blaylock – Royal Navy
Joseph Blaylock – Royal Navy
Stanley was due to come home on leave, but the day before his leave began, he was called to his commanding officer and told he was being seconded to the Chindits. The Chindits were the SAS of their day.
Unfortunately, he was dropped behind enemy lines in Burma in 1944 and his company were ambushed by the Japanese.
He was killed in action.
A memorial plaque can still be seen on the wall of the Heptonstall Methodist Chapel.
Stanley’s parents received a letter of sympathy from the King and Queen, which can be seen below, alongside a photograph of him astride an elephant while in Burma.
William left school at 14 and got a job at the Coop. Because of his young age, his father had to sign the agreement of service, detailing how much he would be paid each year between 14 and 18.