Pte 300412 Archer Wyman

• Age: 22
• From: Widnes, Lancs
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 1st October 1917
• Commemorated at: Tyne Cot Memorial
  Panel Ref: Panel 31-34

Archer Wyman Toole was born in the September quarter of 1895 with his birth registered in Farnworth, Widnes. He was the son of James Toole and his wife Emma (nee Lowry). There are no marriage, birth records of children or James under the name Wyman. However, when Emma's father Daniel Harrison Lowry, died in 1902 probate records show  "to Emma Toole, the wife of James Toole". Emma married James Toole, registered in Prescot in the September quarter of 1894.

Archer was named after his Grandmother whose maiden name was Archer. She had died in 1899.

A sister Phyllis Wyman Toole was born in the September quarter of 1902, her birth registered in Prescot. 

The 1901 Census shows the family are living at at 12 Lugsdale Rd, Widnes. Archer is aged 5, the family are living with Emma's father, Daniel H. Lowry aged 74 and a  widowed estate agent. Both of Archer's parents are recorded with the surname Wyman. His mother Emma  is aged 30 and married, his father James L. Wyman is 36, his occupation listed as Entertainer, Conjurer and an estate agent like his father in law. James was born in Pembroke Dock. Also recorded is Maude Deakin a 19 year old servant.

His father James died on 17th October 1904. Newspaper reports of his death give an indication as to why the name Wyman was used by the family rather than Toole:

"The death is announced of Prof. Wyman illusionist, who was very well known in the profession. He passed away at Widnes, after only a few days illness. 

DEATH OF MR JAMES WYMAN, WIDNES

The death took place this morning, with startling suddenness, at his residence, Lugsdale Road of Mr James Wyman. The deceased gentleman, who had been in indifferent health for a few weeks, only took to his bed two days ago, although his condition then did not give the least anxiety to his family. He was downstairs last evening untilnine o'clock reading and his sudden demise at breakfast time this morning came as a great shock to his many acquaintances.    

His father's probate shows his occupation as a rent collector.

Archer worked for his mother who owned an estate agency in Widnes Road, Widnes. He was educated at Simms Cross School and later attended the Widnes Secondary School. His interests included the Boy Scouts, Hockey and the Runcorn Boating Club.

The 1911 Census shows the family living at 52 Widnes Road, Widnes. His widowed mother Emma is the head of the household. She is aged 40, born in Runcorn in 1871 occupation estate and commission agent. She lives with her two children Archer aged 15, born 1896 and Phyllis aged 8. They have a servant named Catherine McDonald aged 21, born 1890 also living at the address.

Archer enlisted in Prescot in September 1915 and was originally serving as Private 250442 in the Lancashire Hussars Yeomanry and was serving in the 18th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 300412 when he was killed in action on the 01st October, 1917, aged 22,  during the Third Battle of Ypres. He was a signaller in the battalion and was killed by shell-fire when they were in the line at Hollebeke during a routine tour in the trenches. He had only been with the King's Liverpool Regiment since 24th September 1917.

18^th Battalion War Diary for 01st October 1917

Casualties  Killed

Capt. W.T. Chaning- Pearce M.C.

300035 Pte J Jones

300412 Pte A Wyman           

Newspaper reports included references to letters from his officer's that indicate that he was originally buried but this must have been lost or destroyed as Archer has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Those United Kingdom and New Zealand servicemen who died after August 16th 1917 are named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, a site which marks the furthest point reached by Commonwealth forces in Belgium until nearly the end of the war.

The Tyne Cot Memorial now bears the names of almost 35,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Herbert Baker with sculpture by Joseph Armitage and F.V. Blundstone, was unveiled by Sir Gilbert Dyett on 20 June 1927.

The memorial forms the north-eastern boundary of Tyne Cot Cemetery, which was established around a captured German blockhouse or pill-box used as an advanced dressing station.

Robert's death was also reported in the Runcorn Weekly News on the 27th September 1918. 

ROLL OF HONOUR. 

WYMAN - In loving memory of Signaller Archie Wyman of the 18th Batt. King’s Liverpool Pals, who fell in action 1st October, 1917; Also of James L. Wyman, who departed this life 17th October 1904. Ever fondly remembered by Mother and Sister, Widnes Road, Widnes. 

His death was reported in the Runcorn Weekly News on the 12th October 1917:

SIGNALLER A. WYMAN

Much sympathy has been expressed with Mrs E. Wyman, Widnes Road, in the death in action of her only son Signaller Archer Wyman. A letter from a Captain of the King's Liverpool Regiment which informed Mrs Wyman of the sad news reads as follows:- "It is with feeling of deep sorrow and sympathy that I write to tell you that your dear son was killed in action by shell fire early on the morning of the 1st of October. We buried him during the following night and his grave shall be marked with a proper cross. Its position will of course be notified to you officially, but I am not allowed to tell you where it is. Having only just lost my brother out here I feel that I can better understand your grief on learning the sad news. I can only hope that God will give you strength to bear your lost bravely. It is His will." Another letter from a Lieutenant is as follows:- "He was killed outright by a shell and cannot have felt any pain. He is buried behind the trenches." Signaller Wyman was 22 years of age. He enlisted in the Lancashire Hussars in September of 1914, but was a short time ago transferred to the King's Liverpool Regiment. Before the war he was employed by his mother at the office in Widnes Road in the estate agency. He attended Simm's Cross School where he was a patrol leader in the Boy Scouts. Later he attended the Widnes Secondary School where he was very popular. He was also a member of the Widnes hockey and Runcorn boating clubs.

His death was also reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on the 15th October 1917:

WYMAN - October 1, killed in action somewhere in France, aged 22 years, Signaller Archer Wyman, dearly loved and only son of Mrs Wyman and the late James L Wyman, also in loving memory of James L. Wyman who died suddenly October 17 1904, 52 Widnes Road, Widnes.

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Emma, 52 Widnes Street.

His sister Phyllis Wyman is on the 1939 Register, an estate agent at "Gorran" Whiston, born on the 09th July 1902 (surname struck off as Melling?).

Archer is commemorated on the following Memorials:

St Paul’s Church, Widnes

Widnes Secondary School

His mother Emma Toole died in 1930 aged 60.

We currently have no further information on Archer Wyman, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.