WHEN it comes to family sacrifice during the First World War there is one Sale family that stands out from the rest.

John and Mary Rogers, of 74 Harley Road, waved farewell to four of their boys as the headed off to join the conflict but only saw one return.

The tragedy was even more profound if one takes into account the speed with which three of their sons died, all within seven months of one another with John, 19, who died a century ago, on October 20, 1914 in repulsing an enemy attack at Violaines, quickly followed by Thomas 21, who died of his wounds on January 4, 1916, followed by Robert 28, who was killed at the end of April, 1915.

The death of John, who was serving with the 1st Battalion of the 8th Cheshire's is reported in the Sale Guardian, which is held at the Trafford local history archive and explains: "Private Rogers of the 3rd Cheshire's, who was one of four brothers with the colours. has met his death whilst in action in France."

He is buried in France and commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.

Rather ominously though, and given the rising need for more troops because of mounting casualties, the Guardian adds: "When it is recalled that little more than 12 months ago there was but small chance of the Territorials(of which John was a member), taking their part in the active line on a foreign soil the deaths are that are now beginning to be reported very sharply put in contrast the former with the present conditions."

Little is reported on the death of Thomas, other than that he was fighting with the 2nd Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, and is buried at Wimereux Cemetery near Calais.

Robert, was in action with the 11th Cheshire's, when he was killed in Belgium. He is buried in Belgium and commemorated at Ypres at the Menin Gate Memorial.

Following Robert's death The Guardian records: "What is additionally sad for the parents is that they have had to rest three sons. They are entitled to the deep sympathy of the community."

After the war, it is not known what became of the surviving brother Stanley, who fought with the 5th Cheshire's or a fifth member of the family who is mentioned but not named in the 1901 census.

Equally, it is not clear what happened to dad John, who had both worked as a railway plate layer and a general labourer, or his wife Mary, who was born in Knutsford.

If any family members are still living in the Sale area and have additional information contact Messenger's Peter Devine on 848 5236.

TRAFFORD Local Studies assisted by a group of volunteers is in the process of researching the lives of soldiers for the Trafford area who were involved in the First World War. Using local newspapers and council archives of the period the information will be added to a database, which when completed will be made available to the public to search. Some of the information already provided has been used in the First World War Centenary "Our Heroes Exhibition, which is currently on display at Waterside Arts Centre. The exhibition runs until November 11.

Anyone with additional information or photographs etc, contact Trafford achives, which is situated at Sale Waterside library or telephone 912 3013