• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Holtom William "Spike"

B

Brummiebell

master brummie
William worked at Dunlop and was my Grandfather. He gained the nickname Spike after he apparentley speared a german in the first world war with his own helmet after going over the top just after hearing that his younger brother had been killed. The story was apparentley reported in the press as Spike Holtom kills German and he was known as Spike thereafter. Would love to know more about him and if story is true. Have never managed to locate a copy of story and have very little information about him. I do know that he worked for Dunlop for a long time and wondered if anyone remembered him.
 
Re: William "Spike" Holtom

Hi Brummiebell

can't help with the newspaper article but as you said you have very little about him I wondered if the following is your grandad and his younger brother?

Firstly, from the electoral rolls for absent voters 1918 at 123 Inkerman Street, Duddeston & Nechells Ward

William Henry Holtom - 56219, L-Cpl, 2nd RWelsh Fus
James Freeman Holtom - 42346, 2nd R Berks

James Freeman Holtom died 31/05/1918 and is buried at the Liart Communal Cemetery (taken from commonwealth war graves commission site) He was aged 19

There is plenty more on census and electoral rolls for the family but I don't know how much you have already so haven't posted more?

Suzanne
 
Re: William "Spike" Holtom

Hi SMTR, afraid I don't think this is he. My grandfather was William Richard Holtom and his younger brother I belive was called Walter (he named one of his sons after him and the other after his other brother). From my sister in laws reserch I believe he died in 1916 at flanders field france and was just Nineteen. How terrible it is that before I began this I didn't even know his name, poor boy. Apparentley my Grandfather went mad from grief when he heard of his death which lead to such an amazing feat of bravery. I belive he may have gotten awarded a medal for it. It is strange though as I remember my grandmother talking of Inkerman street and Duddeston is where the family is from. I don't have a James down on the family tree though. I don't have any electroral or census for them. His wife was Clara Holtom if that helps and his children William Henry, Walter and Violet. He had two brothers Henry and Walter and two sisters Ada and Rose.
 
Re: William "Spike" Holtom

William Richard and Clara Holtom lived at 3 back of 22 Freeman Rd,Duddeston in 1927,1930
1935-1939 William Richard and Clara Holtom were at 38 Ingleton Road,Washwood Heath.
William Richard and Clara Holtom were at 185 Bromford Lane in 1945.
1950 they lived at 185 Bromford Lane with married daughter Violet and her husband John McEvoy.
1955 Clara Holtom at 185 Bromford Lane on her own.
 
Re: William "Spike" Holtom

Just to say sorry for not replying for so long, have been off line for a while, however am now back to carry on with the search. Thank you for the info, have checked out the addresses and you are spot on as always, thank you again Maria
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top