BROTHERS from Barnoldswick travelled to the First World War Battlefields of the Western Front on the hundredth anniversary of the death of a soldier relative.

On September 1, 1918, Private Frank Wharton, a member of the Duke of Wellington's regiment, in the transport section, was killed in action. He had spent almost three years on the Western Front, and was killed just ten days before the Armistice.

In honour of their great uncle, brothers, Neil, Graham, and Ian Berry, travelled to France where following research of records and war diaries, they were able to establish the exact location where he perished.

Frank, previously known as Frank Macnamara, lived at Wellhouse Square, Barnoldswick, and was just 29 years old when he died.

Joining up at the outbreak of war in 1914, he had previously worked as a weaver at Messrs Johnson, Slater and Widdup's (Barnsey Shed) and also for a short time as a carter.

On September 1, 1918 he was part of an attack on the village of Le Transloy, a German strong hold, where he received fatal wounds.

In 1917, he had been sent back to England as a result of being kicked by a mule. He spent three months in hospital before returning to the Western Front in April 1918.

He left a wife, Martha and three children, Frank, Hilda and John. John was killed in World War Two.

The brother's grandfather, on their mother's side, Frank's brother, John Wharton - previously known as John Macnamara - served in the same regiment. He survived the war getting a Gallantry Card for bravery serving as a stretcher bearer.

John was known to many in the town as he built up a successful watch repair and fishing tackle business situated in Cobden Street.

Like many other Barnoldswick volunteers, both Frank and John were involved in battles in France and Belgium.

The brothers are now following up information about Frank's offspring, with a view to making contact with his descendants.