Field Pass Tasker’s birth on the 7th May 1891was registered in Chester in the June Quarter of 1894 (Vol: 8a, Page:404). He was the son of William W & Amelia Tasker and they lived at “Brookfield” Hoole Road, Newton-by-Chester, Flookersbrook, Cheshire.
The family from way back had owned Hotels in Chester. Field Pass Tasker’s Grandfather Edward had been a Cabinet Maker who had married Elizabeth Pass, in 1851 in Chester. Hence we have the explanation of at least part of the unusual name. Edward had gone on to own the George Inn, Black Diamond Street, Saint Oswald, Chester. His occupation was then recorded as a Painter and Victuller. Over 3 censuses the family managed the Bars Hotel at 126 Foregate Street, Chester. William Warhurst Tasker took over after his marriage to Amelia.
On the 1901 census William, 49, was a Retired Hotel Keeper. His wife Amelia was 41. Their listed children were Frank M. 17 who was an Apprentice Plumber, Harry W was 16, Field Pass was 5 and Eric D was 3. There was a domestic servant Mary F. Wright, 21.
The 1911 census records that the family had moved to Moulson House Kilmorey Park Hoole Road Newton by Chester, which had 11 rooms. William Warhurst Tasker, 59, was still head of the household and living on “Private Means,” Amelia his wife of 29 years was 50. She had given birth to 4 children all of whom were still living. Listed on the census were Field Pass Tasker 16,and Eric Dewsbury Tasker 13 both of whom were scholars. There was a General Domestic Servant, Jane Nield, 17.
According to the Hawarden County School Register, Field Pass Tasker had entered the school on the 15th September 1903, previously having had private tuition. His father was described as being an “Owner of property,” retired, House Property left to him by his parents. Field left the school at Easter, 13th April, 1911 to become an Engineer apprentice. His number in the register was 179 (4 in red ink),the number 4 indicating, his number in the School Admissions book, which tells us that he was a Boarder.
Field Pass Tasker’s medal index card, available on www.ancestry.co.uk tells us that his first regiment was the Cheshires where he was Private 2325. He then became 240532 before becoming 2nd Lieutenant Tasker with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. The card states that his first theatre of war was France and he entered it on the 14th February 1915. Also written on the card is the name and address of W.W. Tasker esq, Moulson House, Hoole Road, Chester. (His father)
UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 also on Ancestry, confirms his regimental details as above, and says that he died of wounds. He is buried in the cemetery at Ljissenthoek near Ypres. This was the site of a casualty clearing station and is the second largest military cemetery in Belgium.
Field Pass Tasker’s grave at Ljissenthoek Cemetery, near Ypres.
Field Pass Tasker is also named on the Chester War Memorial in Chester Town Hall.
He is also remembered on the Cheshire County Memorial Roll http://www.cheshirecountymemorialroll.com/t/TASKER/
Additional family Information.
Field’s brother Eric Dewsbury Tasker, apparently emigrated to Canada.
Field’s father William Warhurst Tasker was a Passenger on the Ship “Regina” on a visit to see his Son Eric Dewsbury Tasker, Moulson Ranch, Hornby Island, Vancouver and then on tour. He then made a return journey home from Canada on the “Montcalm,” a Canadian Pacific Steamship in 1922. He died in the June quarter of 1927 in Chester (Vol. 8a, Page: 432). He was 75 years old. His will is below.
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966
Tasker, William Warhurst of Moulson House, Hoole Road, Hoole, Cheshire died 5th May 1927. Probate London 28 October to Henry Ebrey Crane secretary and Frank Moulson Tasker Plumber. Effects £11723 1s 9d. Resworn £12073 10s 3d.
Post script. On the Absent Voter’s List of 1919 there is another soldier who survived the war by the name of Tasker – 3504 Tasker, Henry Wm., 77, Ewart Street, Saltney Ferry. 196905 Gnr., 91st Sge. Bty., R.G.A., B.E.F. . (Trans. to Res. 20/9/19) (No. on the list of the Absent Voter’s List of 1918 was – 6804) – Is he connected?