Ralph was born on the 5th November 1893 at 258 Cog Lane in Habergham Eaves, Burnley in Lancashire to Ralph (FM001) and Mary (FM002). Below are details of his birth certificate:-
| Registration District Burnley |
| 1893 Birth in the Sub-District of Burnley in the Counties of Burnley and Lancaster |
| No. | When and where born |
Name, if any | Sex | Name and surname of father |
Name, surname and maiden surname of mother |
Occupation of father |
Signature, description and residence of informant |
When registered |
Signature of registrar |
Name entered after registration |
| 57 | Fifth November 1893 258 Cog Lane Habergham Eaves U.S.D. |
Ralph | Boy | Ralph Magnall |
Mary Magnall formerly Haworth |
Cotton Weaver |
Ralph Magnall Father 258 Cog Lane Habergham Eaves |
Thirteenth November 1893 |
Robert Munn Registrar |
Ralph served as a driver in the 122nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during World War I and died on 23rd August 1918 aged 24. These details come from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. He is mentioned on the Myrtle Bank Memorial Tablet.
The Burnley Express on 7 September 1918 published:
Gannow Parents’ Loss
Mr and Mrs Atkinson of 15, Keith-street, Burnley, have received the sad news that their son, Driver Ralph Magnall, 2520, of the R.F.A., has been killed in action. A letter from his chaplain, dated 26th August, says -“Dear Madam,-It is my sad task to inform you that I buried the remains of your son, Ralph Magnall, on the 24th, in a peaceful little cemetery out here. He met his death on the 23rd, at 3:30am, in his dug-out by a shell piercing the roof. He was killed outright and suffered no pain. Under these circumstances, we can only tender the bereaved relatives of our brave man our sincerest sympathy, and I do so unto you. Your son’s comrades speak most highly of him. It was only last week I got attached as chaplain to his division so I was not personally acquainted with him. I pray that your loss will cause you to lean the more on the everlasting arms of our Heavenly Father, Whose strength is our support out here in the waging of this terrific war, and Who can also give you strength to bear this cross now laid on you.”
Driver R.Magnall was in his 25th year, and had been in the Army since March 1915, He was a weaver (before joining up) at Walmsley’s Peel Mill, Rosegrove, and was highly respected by all. He was connected with Myrtle Bank Sunday School and Church, where his name is on the roll of honour. Three of his brothers are serving in France – Frd, in the R.F.A.; Tom in the East Lancashires, and Harry in the Coldstream Guards. There are also twelve cousins serving.
I’m not sure why the letter is addressed to “Mr and Mrs Atkinson”!
[Last updated 13 Nov 2023]