The Homecoming of Private Alfred William Holdcroft.
The rededication and positioning of a temporary cross on the grave of Private 200814 Alfred William Holdcroft took place at Burslem Cemetery on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
As researchers, Rob and I often try to connect with potential family members via the Ancestry genealogy website. If we find one of our fallen in someone’s family tree, we will “cold call” by sending a message explaining who we are and our intentions with the Royal Doulton Memorial Project, through this we have managed to connect with a number of families. But also through previous media posts Mike has also made connection with families, we are so pleased to have the support of all the families we have connected with so far, including those of John (Jack) Boulton, Harry Chesters, George Cliffe, Arthur Harrat, Kenneth Hall, Alfred William Holdcroft, Louis Richardson, John Richardson Charles Rogers, William Plimbley and Val Sylvester.
Shortly after the rededication of Private Alfred William Holdcroft’s grave, we made contact with his great-great-nephew, Gareth Holdcroft, through our cold calling method and we were delighted when he replied. On Remembrance Sunday, Mike and I were kindly invited to meet Gareth and his mother, where we enjoyed several cups of tea while discussing the research and Alfred’s rededication service. On Remembrance Day, November 11, 2025, Gareth and Mike visited Alfred’s grave to lay a wreath. Gareth has fully supported our efforts to continue searching for other family members, and until recently, we had not managed to find any further relatives.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, through a wonderful sequence of circumstances, Alfred’s grandson—also named Alfred William Holdcroft—connected with the KilnGate Memorial Project. Following this, Mike Lightfoot swiftly organised a day for Alfred and his family to visit Burslem.
Mike was keen for Alfred and his family to meet the individuals behind the KilnGate Memorial Project and to visit the grave of a grandfather about whom, until recently, he had very little information—other than that he was killed in WWI.
An unprecedented gathering took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Those in attendance included:
Alfred William Holdcroft III, his wife Glenise Mary Holdcroft, and their son Nathan Holdcroft
Mike and Irma Lightfoot
David Williams MP; Councillor Jane Ashworth (Leader of Stoke-on-Trent Council); and Joan Walley DL (former MP)
The Staffordshire Regiment Association: James Bennett (Chairman) and Steve Plimbley (Secretary), both serving as Standard Bearers at the graveside rededication
Ray Johnson (Staffordshire Film Archives)
Ruth Butler (Lead Researcher for the KilnGate Memorial Project, via video link)
Rob Price (Researcher for the KilnGate Memorial Project, via video link)
An
unprecedented day.
Prior to visiting the cemetery the attendees gathered for a breakfast reception at the Swan Café. Formerly the Swan public house, it was once a favoured “watering hole” for Royal Doulton workers after long, demanding days in the heat and dust of the factory. Now reopened as The Well community space, the venue has been refurbished to offer a welcoming environment for residents and support agencies. This connection to Alfred’s daily life added a poignant layer to the day’s events.
Special thanks are extended to David Williams MP and Councillor Jane Ashworth, who adjusted their schedules at short notice to attend. From the beginning, David has been a steadfast advocate for the KilnGate Memorial and supported Alfred’s appeal to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
from right to left: Councillor Jane Ashworth Leader of Stoke on Trent Council. Joan Walley former MP. David Williams MP. Alfred William Holdcroft III. Glenise Holdcroft. Nathan Holdcroft. Steve Plimbley Secretary of the Staffordshire Regiment association. James Bennett Chairman Staffordshire Regiment Association
The group also stood at the future site of the KilnGate Memorial to the Royal Doulton Fallen. Facing down Nile Street, the memorial overlooks the very path those workers once walked daily—men who would eventually take that same route one final time as they left for the front, many never to return. It is believed that this may also have been part of Alfred’s final journey when his body was returned to Burslem.
At the cemetery Alfred, Glenise and Nathan were able to lay their wreath of poppies, a bouquet of red roses, and place a small arrangement of flowers among the wreaths and poppies previously left by Gareth and the civic dignitaries.
In the days surrounding the event, Alfred William Holdcroft III and Glenise Mary Holdcroft expressed their deep appreciation for the effort made to reconnect them with their family history. Alfred shared these moving words:
“We were truly astonished, humbled, and honoured on the day we came down to meet you all. Finding my grandfather was one thing, but to discover the hard work, dedication, and commitment from everyone we met was inspiring.
The work by all of you has allowed an almost forgotten echo of the past to reach into the present and—as I see it—has put a family soul to rest. The story of my grandad has been passed down and will now never be forgotten. It is less about being remembered and more about being found. My family and I are so proud and thankful.”
What began as a personal search to find a grandfather became something far greater. For the Holdcroft family, this was not simply about remembrance—it was about uncovering the truth. Alfred’s story, which passed quietly through generations, has now been brought fully into the light.
Alfred and Glenise returned to Burslem on Wednesday, April 1, this time accompanied by Alf's sister, Elaine, and his niece, Lesley Ann. Lesley Ann had travelled from Cypress, Texas, USA, and was staying with family. Elaine and Lesley thoroughly enjoyed the day, discovering more about their family history.
Mike once again organised a reception at the Well Community Café, allowing the family to meet with James Bennett, Chairman of the North Staffordshire Association, and other descendants connected to the memorial.
Among those present was Terry Richardson, grandson of John Richardson. It was discovered on the day that Terry’s wife, Elaine Richardson, is Glenise’s stepsister. Glenise stated, “It was quite a shock to meet Terry on the day, especially as he has been searching for his grandfather as well.”
Also present was Steve Plimbley, nephew of William Plimbley. Steve, a dedicated advocate of the KilnGate Memorial Project in his role as Secretary of the Staffordshire Regiment Association, was delighted to learn that research had corrected a misspelling of his uncle’s name. Previously inscribed as “Plumbley,” the new memorial will now correctly honour the name “Plimbley.”
During the initial rededication service of September 2025 Joan Walley, retired MP, and I were asked to fold the flag from Alfred’s cross and present it to the Lord Mayor for safekeeping. The intention was to present the flag to family members once they were located. The date for this presentation has been set for May 8, 2026, when we will welcome the Holdcroft family back to receive the flag.
