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It's a pity photographs don't come up on here. In the middle of this is a photograph of the cemetary where he's buried -

In Memory of
Private GEORGE SYKES

61647, 206th Coy., Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
who died age 31
on 13 May 1917
Son of Joe and Sarah Ann Sykes, of Moor Lane, Netherton; husband of Mary Ellen Sykes, of North End, South Crosland, Netherton, Huddersfield.
Remembered with honour
ARRAS MEMORIAL

Commemorated in perpetuity by
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

If you copy this into your browser you should see the photograph -

http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=1671802

I think we are!!!

Edward (of the twin scenario) from original post must be a red herring, but like I say mum mum can't swear, now quesitoned, that they were twins, nor that the brother was called Edward, it's been a lifelong assumption, but I'll check the graves for certainty.

Wilfred features heavily in my family history, I think he's Ethel's husband (baker of wonderful cakes), I'll follow that up, Ill recognise the names if I see them.

Aw, thanks Christine. I'll keep that pic.

So sad he died so young. But also explains why Grandma was an only child and she wouldn't have known him. It also explains the strong matriachal figures in my Grandmas life, and a lot about her character too. I didn't know this til this morning.

You should have plenty to go at now Suzanne :)

If you get stuck again just give us a shout :)

p.s. You're very welcome.

Yes I do. Thanks everyone. This forum's great! :)

I'll try to be better informed next time I get stuck!! ;)

I've been to Arras cemetery.
It is kept beautifully, as are all those cared for by the Commonwealth Graves Commitee.

If you click on George's memorial page and then click on the red writing about the cemetery there are more details about the site.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1671802

Arras town has many underground tunnels which were used in the War. They are open to the public and the guides tell you about the part they played. Very interesting and worth a visit.

Gwyn

It is beautiful isn't it Gwyn. A friend of mine goes every year to the various cemeteries and gives me photographs to post on another site.

I couldn't resist a look for his parents marriage Suzanne and I came across a surprise. I had never come across the first name of Wright before until the father of Mary Ellen Lunn. Then when I found what I think Is Joe Sykes father in 1881 his father also seems to be Wright Sykes,
Joe is a joiner and his father Wright is a Woolen weaver.
In 1891 after Joe's marriage in June 1895 to Sarah Ann Lodge, they are living next door to his parents and his widowed sister.

1881 -

Name: Joe Sykes
Age: 26
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1855
Relation: Son
Father's Name: Wright Sykes
Mother's Name: Mary A. Sykes
Gender: Male
Where born: Netherton, Yorkshire, England

Civil parish: South Crosland
County/Island: Yorkshire
Street Address: Marten Nest
Occupation: Joiner

Registration district: Huddersfield
Sub-registration district: Honley

Wright Sykes 57
Mary A. Sykes 56
Joe Sykes 26
Mary H. Sykes 20
Ellen Sykes 33

1891 -

Name: Joe Sykes
Age: 36
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1855
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Sarah Ann Sykes
Gender: Male
Where born: Netherton, Yorkshire, England

Civil parish: South Crosland
Ecclesiastical parish: Holy Trinity
Town: Maglordship
County/Island: Yorkshire

Registration district: Huddersfield
Sub-registration district: Honley

Joe Sykes 36
Sarah Ann Sykes 34
Arthur Sykes 5
George Sykes 3
Harriett Emily Sykes 2

It's an unusual name isn't it? Must descend from a surname somewhere in the past. Seems to end with Wright Lunn though. Perhaps i I'll have to bring back in!

Thanks Gwyn/Christine for the further info. :)

I also found on one of the censuses, can't recall which now, a 'George Bates', listed as Uncle (with the Lunns) That's a surname that might link in somewhere eventually.