WW1 Pershore
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Pershore Abbey War Memorial:
Charles Andrews
James Andrews
Reginald Andrews
James Annis
James Archer
William Askew
John Bagnall
John Barber
William Barber
Oliver Barnes
Harry Beard
Arthur Biddulph
Oliver Birt
Arthur Bozzard
Alfred Brant
William Bridgewater
Albert Brookes
Arthur Buckle
Bertram Cartland
Francis Charlwood
Harry Charlwood
William Checketts
John Clark
Albert Coldicott
Alfred Coldicott
Thomas Coldrick
Harold Conn
George Cosnett
Henry Cosnett
John Cosnett
Thomas Cosnett
William Crooke
Albert Dancocks
Robert Deakin
Walter Dolphin
Herbert Dufty
William Dufty
Walter Edwards
Sidney Fell
Henry Fletcher
Alfred Fulcher
Henry Garrett
Frederick George
Albert Giles
Arthur Giles
George Grinnell
John Grinnell
Joseph Grinnell
John Grundy
Arthur Hall
Ernest Hall
George Hammond
George Hands
Frank Harbord
Ernest Haynes
George Haynes
William Hitchings
Douglas Hook
Arthur Hudson
Aubrey Hudson
Edward Hughes
Philip Hunt
Albert Jones
Arthur Kings
Arthur Langford
Cecil Lushington
Nicholas Mann
Charles Marshall
Edward Marshall
Kenneth Mason
Arthur Mayo
John Miller
Harold Moseley
Leonard Moseley
Arthur Moulson
Hiram Moulson
William Mumford
John Need
Douglas Nutting
Edward Palfrey
Francis Preece
Ernest Price
William Pring
Hubert Pugh
Thomas Pugh
Charles Reeves
Robert Reeves
William Richards
Thomas Roper
Maurice Saunders
Henry Smith
John Smith
John Critchley Smith
Percy Smith
Harry Stanton
Charles Surman
William Taylor
Ralph Tinson
John Townend
Charles Twigg
Leonard Twigg
William Winwood
Remembering the Fallen ....... surnames A to D
Private Charles Frederick ANDREWS
Service No: 240111
Age: 28
Worcestershire Regiment Died in France on 9th Oct 1917.
Killed in Action. With 1st/8th Worcestershire Regt, he went
out 8th October 1917.
Buried in Dochy Farm New British Cemetery, Belgium.
Son of James & Eliza Andrews of Head Street, Pershore.
Trooper James Oswald ANDREWS
Service No: 3025
Worcestershire Regiment Died in Egypt on 28th April 1916.
Age: 23
Died of wounds – first wounded 23rd April 1916.
J.O. Andrews, 1st/1st Worcester Yeomanry, 1st Draft,
embarked at Devonport 23rd October 1915 for service with
the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, disembarked at
Mudros 6th November 1915, disembarked at Alexandria,
Egypt on 30th November 1915.
Buried in Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt
Private James Samuel ANNIS
Service No: 43703
Evesham Journal 4 June 1917 - COUSINS KILLED.
"A letter from a Pershore man, Lance-Corpl. John Gould, Royal Engineers, announced the death in a recent action of two cousins, Pte. James Annis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Annis, of Pensham, and Sapper Edward John Marshall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marshall, of the Newlands, Pershore, both of the Lincolns. The sad news has since been officially confirmed, and thus two more names are added to Pershore's Roll of Honour. Pte. Annis was 23 years of age, and his cousin 24. Both joined up under the group system, and were transferred from the Worcesters to the Lincolns. Both families have the sympathies of the Townspeople in their sad loss. In a letter to Mrs. Annis, the lieutenant of the company says her son was a good soldier, who did his duty fearlessly, faithfully, and well. Sapper Marshall's brother Philip, who was badly gassed in action last January, is now a substitute working on the land at Evesham.''
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Photograph from Berrow's Journal - kindly sent to me by Sandra Taylor. Further details on the Remember The Fallen website
An excerpt from The History of the Grimsby Chums (10th Battalion Lincolnshire Regt) details events on 28th April 1917 and can be viewed here. This work is based on the Book "Grimsby's Own - the story of the Chums" by Peter Chapman. We are most grateful to Ian Jackson for allowing us to publish the relevant section here as below:
Private James ARCHER
Service No: 2430
Age: 20
6th Battalion Welsh Regiment.
Died on 16th March 1916.
Buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France
Son of Joseph & Ellen Archer. Born in Birmingham,
lived in Newlands in Pershore.
Evesham Journal 1st Apr 1916 “Pte James Archer of the Welsh Regt. Son of Mr & Mrs Archer of the Newlands, Pershore died in hospital on March 16 from shell wounds.
The Chaplain of the Regt communicated the sad news to the family and a chum of deceased states in a letter:- “We were resting in a village about 4 miles from the trenches hen the enemy sent in a few shells unexpectedly. Jim was hit just as he was fetching his dinner”. Pte Archer was a native of Pershore and prior to the war was a miner in Wales. Joined the Army in Sept 1914 and had been at the front for a year without leave.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private William ASKEW
Service No: 5487
Evesham Journal 9th September 1916 “PERSHORE LAD KILLED.
News has been received from the War Office that Pte William Askew, son of Mr & Mrs A R Askew, late of Pershore, has been killed in action on August 15th last. The deceased lad was a native of Pershore, was well known and respected in his native town. He was until quite recently a scholar of the Baptist Sunday School. He left Pershore in July 1914 for Birmingham and was employed at the British Insulated and Helsby Cable Co. in Livery Street until the time of his enlistment in the R.A.M.C. He joined at the age of 16 and was transferred to the 20th County of the London Regt in May 1916. Was sent to France at the end of June. He, with several others, was blown up by a trench mine. His Captain, writing to his parents spoke of the lad’s pluck and of the great attachment that existed between them.”
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private John BAGNALL
Service No: 3149
Age: 23
Evesham Journal, 25 June 1915:-- FROM MISSION HALL TO KHAKI. One of the latest recruits from Pershore, which town has done so well in the shedding of civilian fress for the khaki uniform, is Captain John Bagnell, of the Church Army Mission, who has joined the Worcestershire Yeomanry. The captain will preach his farewell session at the Mission Hall, Pershore, next Sunday evening, and then will immediately leave to commence his military training. His loss will be severely felt by a host of friends who have been associated with him in the work of the mission, of which he took charge nearly two years ago. While the Captain's decision has occasioned much surprise -- his gentle demeanour seeming quite incompatible with the choice of a military life -- his intimate friends knew how deeply he was convinced of the justice of our country's participation in this war. Whether or not it falls to Captain Bagnell's lot to ever again take up religious work in Pershore, he will be long remembered for the good he tried to do.
Evesham Journal, 26th August 1916:-- THE YEOMANRY. Welcome news has been received of the safety of many officers and men of the Worcestershire Yeomanry, who in the first instance were supposed to have been killed in the surprise engagement with the Turks at Katia on Easter Sunday, but the prolonged silence as to the fate of Capt. Bagnell, formerly of Pershore, is regarded by his many friends with the gravest apprehension. Capt. Bagnell was a Church Army Worker in connection with the Church of England, and the influence of his earnest, self-denying labours in the district will long remain. With his delicate physique and pale and thoughtful cast of countenance, it is impossible to say that Captain Bagnell had the appearance of a fighting man, but he was dominated with the thought that for England this was a righteous conflict, and saw clearly involved the great principles of liberty and right, when he resigned his work at Pershore for the stern duty of war."
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Driver John BARBER
Service No 831055
Age: 34
Private William Robert BARBER
Service No 203746
Private Oliver Henry BARNES
Service No 12310
Age: 23
Private Harry James BEARD
Service No 64245
Age: 19
1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's
Own)
Died in Flanders France on 24th September 1918.
Killed in action.
Buried in Trefcon British Cemetery,
Caulaincourt,
France, Grave C.
26
Son of Harry &
Alice Beard of Newlands, Pershore
Sergeant Arthur BIDDULPH
Service No 3914
Age: 38
One feels all the more admiration for the brave sergeant on hearing of how he tried to cheer up his young companion. He was an experience soldier; had served over his time – 22 years – and had been right through the South Africa campaign. He was a tall, fine looking soldier, quiet, reserved, wonderfully efficient in all his military duties, well-liked by the men and valued by his superior officers. He was at Croome training with his regiment when war broke out and was at once despatched to Plymouth, where he worked almost night and day drilling and instructing troops. He went to several other places doing similar work and about Christmas was quite run down in health. Instead of going to hospital, he came home and while in Pershore saw Dr Emerson who told him he needed to take rest. He was too good a soldier, however, to take rest while such a war was going on and in a few days he returned to his duties. For a short time he was at Norton Barracks drilling recruits there and on occasions when at Pershore he gave instruction to the Volunteer Training Corps in Swedish drill and there is not a member of that body who was not favourably impressed by his quiet efficiency and soldier-like qualities. Sergt. Biddulph leaves a wife and three children, one of whom was born in India.
A MILITARY FAMILY. On a representative of the Journal calling on Mrs Biddulph to gain some particulars of the sergeant and request the load of his photograph, he was surprised to learn the extent of the family’s interest in the war. The walls of the cottage are covered with portraits of soldiers. Her Father ‘Ensor’ Jones, who has been thirty years connected with the Army, is now acting as a reservist in Banbury; her Brother, Sergt. Jack Jones, was badly wounded in the fight at Neuve Chapelle – he is a Worcester man and has five Brothers now serving in the trenches and two on garrison duty; her Sister’s Fiancé Pte. Lionel Thomas, a young South African, was killed at Neuve Chapell and the daily lament of her youngest Brother, Albert Jones, who is a Lance-Corporal in the Pershore Boy’s Brigade, is that he is too young to enlist. While justly proud of the record of their family, there is much sorrow in this little home in Pershore over those who will never return and a great unceasing anxiety for the safety of others. Sergt. Biddulp’s age was 38.”
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Oliver BIRT
Service No 3329
Age: 38
2nd/8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Died on 4th December 1916 at Flanders, France.
Buried in Contay British Cemetery, Contay, France,
Grave VIII. C. 29.
Son of Charles Edward and Eliza Birt of Pershore Fields
Arthur Cyril BOZZARD
Service No 325531
Age: 17
Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars (Worcester Yeomanry)
Died on 23rd April 1916 in Egypt. Killed in action.
Commemorated on Jerusalem Memorial, Israel, Panel 3 and 5.
A.C. Bozzard 1st/1st Worcester Yeomanry, 1st Draft, embarked
at Devonport 23rd October 1915 for service with the
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, disembarked at Mudros
6th November 1915, disembarked at Alexandria, Egypt on 30th
November 1915.
Arthur was an employee of Messrs. Phillips & Sons in High St.
Son of George & Alice Bozzard of
Priest Lane, Pershore
Evesham Journal 20th May 1915 lists him as missing, believed Killed.
Rifleman Alfred BRANT
Service No 51871
Age: 22
Rifleman in 2nd/8th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment
(Prince of Wales's Own)
Formerly 20301, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Enlisted in Pershore,
Went out on 20th August 1916.
Killed in action in Flanders, France on 27th July 1918
Commemorated on Soissons Memorial, France.
Son of Edward & Annie Brant of Priest Lane, Pershore
Worked at his Father's wood business. Went out 20th August 1916.
Private William BRIDGEWATER
Service No 18884
Age: 46
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in action on 4th March 1917 at Flanders, France.
Born in Milson, Shropshire, resident of Pershore. Enlisted in
Tenbury and went out in March 1917.
Buried in Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-Le-Grand, France,
Grave VII. C. 19.
Husband of Lily nee Turvey of Head Street, Pershore
Evesham Journal, 12 May 1917 - ANOTHER PERSHORE MAN KILLED.
“Pte. William Bridgewater, of Pershore, who was a sniper in the Worcester Regt. has, it is officially reported, been killed in France. It is but a little more than a year since he married Miss Lily Turvey, of Pershore, who is now left a widow with one child. In a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Bridgewater, Pte. G. Hall, of an E. Lancashire Regt. who was a pal of the deceased, gives a few brief particulars of his death. It appears he was, with four others, in a deep dug out when a large shell dropped close to the entrance, injuring and burying them all. Two managed after a most exhaustive effort to dig their way out and crawled to where Hall was stationed. They said the other two were dead, and Hall writes that he went personally to ascertain if it was correct. It took a long time, he says, to dig down, as the Germans were shelling the ammunition dump just at the back of the trench the unfortunate man was in charge of. He found both were dead, evidently killed by the shock of the explosion. One was Pte. Bridgewater, and the writer forwarded photographs which he found on him. His pocket book and identification disc were handed to the platoon officer. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Bridgewater in her bereavement''
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Albert R BROOKES
Service No 9671
Age: 19
2nd Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
WW1 records show he was born in Pershore.
Lived at the top of Newlands, Pershore and his former occupation was working for Smith's Chemist in Pershore. Enlisted in Worcester.
Pershore Almanac 1915 lists Albert as having served 4 years in the Army at the time of his death.
Killed in action on 21st October 1914 at Flanders, France.
Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium, Panel 37 and 39.
Son
of Mrs Susan Cosnett of Newlands, Pershore. Stepson of Samuel Cosnett.
Evesham Journal 28th November 1914 - DEATH OF PRIVATE A.R. BROOKS, A CRACK SHOT
Another Pershore young fellow, Private Albert Ralph Brooks, whose portrait we reproduce below has fallen fighting for his country. He was killed in action on October 21. The sad news was communicated to his Mother from the War Office with a brief but poignant letter from Lord Kitchener expressing the “very real sympathy of the King and Queen”. Private Brooks, as his photo indicates, was a well set-up young man and though scarcely 20 years of age, had served four years in the Army.
As a lad he worked for Mr A W Smith, Chemist of Pershore but his Mother says “A soldier’s life for me” was the burden of his talk and the evident great desire of his heart. On presenting himself at the recruiting office he was told he was big enough but not old enough and therefore went back for about eighteen months. He then spent the intervening time in assisting his Step-Father, Mr Sam Cosnett, in making those patent fruit-picking ladders for which he has required a name. On the expiration of the time waiting, he became a soldier in the King’s Own Riffles in the same regiment in which Mr H C Porter of Birlingham was then a Lieutenant. About a year later, he transferred to the Oxfordshire Light Infantry (the old 53rd) of which, singularly enough, another local officer, Col H Davies son of the late General H F Davies of Elmley Castle was commander.
In this regiment, in which he died, Private Brooks attained great proficiency in shooting. Some two years ago when General Davies went to see his son, he brought back a message which he straight away delivered to Private Brooks’ Mother “that her son during the short time he had been a soldier had gained honours which a man would be proud to have after 20 years’ service”. This message was delivered by the Rev. Hawkes Field, then master of the Pershore Troop of Boy Scouts to which the young soldier formerly belonged. Private Brooks won numerous money prizes for good shooting and in 1913 secured possession of the cross guns. His latest success in this all-important feature of military service was the winning of a beautiful silver watch for the championship in Class B. He sent this proud trophy home to his Mother who now possesses it.
Private Brooks fought in some of the earliest engagements of the war and while his letters to his Mother were cheerful and encouraging, as it was his kind intention they should be, those to his Aunt Mrs T Brooks of the Newlands revealed he was experiencing tremendous hardships. These letters also display the same spirit actuating the rank and file as of those higher in position and authority, who perhaps realise more deeply the tremendous issues of this universal conflict – that is “the Germans must be crushed and we (the British) shall do our part towards this object”.
We subscribe our sympathy towards the Mother in the loss of her gallant soldier boy, to whom she was as deeply attached as he was to her.
Evesham Journal 20
February 1915:-- HOW PRIVATE
BROOKS DIED.
Since the death of Pte. A.R. Brooks, of Pershore, whose portrait we published in the ``Journal,'' together with the sympathetic and eulogistic remarks of Colonel Davies, the commander of his regiment (the Oxford \& Bucks Light Infantry) his mother has received several accounts from his comrades of the fierce conflict in which he received his death wound. One of the latest of these comes from Lance-Corpl. H.J. Hastings, who has just received the great honour by being awarded the D.C. Medal for an act of exceptional bravery -- sticking to the defence of a pass when all his near comrades had fallen, and putting no less than twenty-three Germans out of action. The exciting incident has received a good deal of attention in the general press.
Lance-Corpl Hastings thus writes to the mother of poor Arthur Brooks:-- ``I am afraid I cannot tell you very much, at least, of the attack. Even though one may succeed in keeping very cool at the critical moment, one's impressions and thoughts form a strange jumble afterwards. However, I will do my best. At about 11 a.m. on the morning of the 21st October we advanced to attack a German position. Our `A' Company was in reserve to `C' Company, and therefore was about 300 yards behind the firing line. We forced our way in rushes for about half a mile, losing a man here and there, but sustained no serious losses. Then we came to several hedges, which had to be broken through. I have some recollection of your son here with the rest, breaking gaps with our rifle butts and bayonets, then I was through, and gradually the company massed behind another hedge which the Germans raked with rifle fire. Here our losses began to get heavy. I with one or two others were bandaging the wounded and we came across your son. He was shot through the head, but still alive. We bandaged him up and then had to leave him for others. Shortly afterwards we advanced to reinforce the firing line and I was amongst the first to go. Next I heard that he was dead and had been buried by a Sergeant Jeffries, of this Company. This sergeant was killed two weeks later. Arthur was a nice young fellow, rather reserved with the majority of the Company, but fairly popular. My chief impression of him now is of a curly black beard he had grown while on the retirement and re-advance, although so young (Pte. Brooks was but 19 years of age). Thank you for your kind letter. I quite agree it seems a cruel and horrible thing that so many of us are killing and being killed in a quarrel we did not begin, and of which we have but little knowledge.''
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Photograph courtesy of Kevin Fuller
Private Arthur BUCKLE
Service No 22798
Age: 33
4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Died of wounds on 29th October 1916 in Birmingham.
Born in Pershore, enlisted in Birmingham where he was living at that time.
Went to Dardanelles 1915. Came back discharged. Rejoined and went out to France.
Husband of Florence Elizabeth Buckle of Bull Entry, Newlands, Pershore.
Son of William & Hannah Buckle of Newlands. 3 of his Brothers also served during WW1.
Evesham Journal 27th May 1916:- "Son of late Mr and Mrs Buckle of Pershore has seen a lot of fighting in more than one theatre of war".
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Major Bertram James Falkland CARTLAND
Age: 42
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in action in Flanders France on 27th May 1918
Commemorated on Soissons Memorial, France.
Husband of Mary Hamilton Cartland of Amerie Court, Pershore.
Father of Dame Mary Barbara Cartland the author.
Was a Captain at the outbreak of war and is listed as such in the
1915 Pershore Almanac and Evesham Journal reference. Lived for a while at Amerie Court at the top of Newlands in Pershore. Mentioned in Dispatches 22nd June 1915, 5th May 1916 when he was a Captain, 18th December 1917 when he was a Lt. Col. There is a memorial to him in the churchyard of Tewkesbury Abbey. Two of his sons died in WW2 and his wife Mary are also listed on the memorial. He is listed on the Ashchurch (Glos) war memorial and the Roll of Honour in Worcester Cathedral.
Evesham Journal, 8 June 1918 MAJOR CARTLAND KILLED. We regret to announce the death of Major J.B.F. Cartland. Mrs. Cartland received the news late on Wednesday evening that Major Cartland had been killed in action on May 27th in the battle of the Aisne. For many years, Major and Mrs. Cartland resided at Amerie Court, Pershore. Major Cartland was widely known in political circles. He was secretary of the Pershore Primrose league Habitation and also Provincial Secretary of the Primrose League for five counties, including Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. He was also private secretary to the member for South Worcestershire, Lieut.Com. B. Eyres Monsell, R.N., M.P.
On the outbreak of war, being in the General Reserve, he was attached to the
5th Batt. Worcesters at Tregantle. He went out to France in November 1914, as
A.P.M. on the Staff of the 8th Division under General Davies (now Lieut. Gen.
Sir Francis Davies, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Military Secretary). He held that post
for eleven months, returning to England on sick leave, after which he went to
Leaford as Garrison Adjutant for eight months. In November 1916 he went out
again to France as Instructor at the G.H.Q. School at St. Omer. That school was
done away with in March 1917 and he was attached to the 10th. Batt. Worcesters.
He went all through the Messines battles with that battalion, returning to
England sick in August, and was in hospital for over a month. He went out again
to France in November 1917, to the 3rd Batt. 25th Division, and was all the
winter on the Cambrai front. In March of this year he
got orders to join another battalion as second in command, and he remained with
that battalion till he met his death on May 27. He was the only son of the late
Mr. James Cartland, of Bectis Lodge, Edgbaston. He was born in May, 1876. He
was educated at Eastbourne and Charter House, and in 1900 married Mary
Hamilton, fourth daughter of the late Col. Scobell, of the Down House,
Redmarley, Gloucester, and leaves one daughter and two sons, besides his widow,
to mourn his loss.
Evesham Journal September 28 1918 MAJOR J.B.F. CARTLAND KILLED. Major
J.B.F. Cartland, Worcestershire Regiment, previously reported killed May 27,
then reported missing, is now reported to have been killed by shell fire on
that date.
The Act. Capt. Pratt, now a prisoner in Germany, has written to his wife telling her
Major Cartland was killed at his side by a shell.
Private Francis A CHARLWOOD
Service No 30291
Age: 31
9th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in action on 15th December 1916 in Mesopotamia.
Francis was in 5th and 9th Worcesters. Joined up 29th
May 1916. Buried 2 miles South of Kut.
Commemorated on Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 18 and 63.
Son of Joseph & Elizabeth Charlwood of London Bank
(Allesborough), Pershore.
Evesham Journal 30th December 1916 – “Official news has just come through that another Pershore man and a popular young fellow, Ptd. Francis Charlwood of the New Road has been killed. He leaves a widow (who is in a Birmingham munition factory at present) and two children. He was the son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Charlwood of London Bank Pershore”.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Sapper Harry CHARLWOOD
Service No WR/257025
Age: 38
Royal Engineers – joined in 1916.
Died on 23rd October 1918 in Pershore from Pneumonia in Norwich Military Hospital after serving abroad.
Buried in Pershore Cemetery Grave N.194
Great Western Railway Roll of Honour:
Harry Charlwood Packer/Engineer/Droitwich Sapper 275th
Railway Company, Royal Engineers Died 23/10/1918.
Son of Joseph & Elizabeth Charlwood, Brother of Fred and Frank
of London Bank (Allesborough), Pershore.
Corporal William Frank CHECKETTS
Service No 43100
Age: 25
3rd Royal Berkshire Regiment - formerly No 1514 of
1st/8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Died of war-related sickness on 3rd July 1920.
Buried in Pershore Cemetery, Worcestershire, England, Grave J. 16.
Son of Hubert & Ellen Checketts of Head St, Pershore
NB. Ref AL listed him as a private; he was a Corporal in the Territorials, and saw action until 1916; he was released for important war work but later recalled into the royal Berkshire Regt. ( Private 43100) until the end of the war. One source says the 1st, [AV18][AV19] say it was the 5th Royal Berkshire. Lived in Head Street HIs health broken y his experiences, he died 3rd July 1920 age 25. Buried in Pershore Cemetery 14th July 1920.[EJ140926][AL] [AV18][AV19][AB]
Private John CLARK(E)
Service No 10213
(Spelt Clarke on
Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Soldiers Died in the Great War. Also on
Birlingham War Memorial & St James’ Church)
Age: 35
2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Killed in Flanders France in action on 10th March 1915
Enlisted at Worcester. Came from Africa to France 1914.
Commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, France,
Panel 17 and 18.
Pershore Abbey War Memorial - surname spelt Clark
Birlingham War Memorial & St James’s Church spelt Clarke.
Born and resident Pershore
Brother of Maudie Playdon of Engine Terrace in Priest Lane. Son of John & Maltida Clarke of Pensham.
Evesham Journal 27th March 1915 – ANOTHER PERSHORE SOLDIER KILLED. “Private J Clarke of the 1st Worcesters was killed in action on March 10. He was a native of Pershore and the youngest of a family of twelve. He joined the Army nine years ago prior to which he worked for the late Mr Thomas Kings of The Chestnuts. He was re-called from Egypt on the outbreak of war and went straight into action. He took part in several hot engagements and was invalided home about Christmas suffering with frost-bitten feet, a complaint which has affected many of the Worcesters who have been called upon to bear their full share of the hardship of battling in the trenches. After a month’s furlough, he returned again to France on the 1st inst., and nine days later was killed by a bullet. He was 38 years of age.”
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Albert Austin COLDICOTT
Service No 39717
Age: 19
4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment formerly of Worcester
Yeomanry.
Died on 28th October 1916 in Flanders France.
Buried in Longueval Road Cemetery, France, Grave H. 6.
Son of Alfred and Jane Coldicott of Broad St, Pershore
Evesham Journal 25th November 1916 – PTE. COLDICOTT
KILLED. “Pte. Albert Coldicott or ‘Cherub’ as he was always called in Pershore, was recently killed in action on the battlefield in France and the townspeople generally refer to the event in terms of the deepest regret. He was only a lad of 19 and was as popular in the town as his Father ‘Bussy’ Coldicott which is saying a good deal. His nickname ‘Cherub’ did not perhaps express his personality just as faithfully as Nuttall’s Dictionary does the precise meaning of the word; nevertheless it was quite a good one and contained, as Pershore nicknames usually do, quite a subtle humour. He was nice looking with an unalterable merry countenance and an infectious cheerful spirit. Therein lay the source of his popularity. He was as full of mischief as an egg is full of meat. He was the most juvenile member of the Working Men’s Club and if at times his exuberant vitality led him to dance instead of play on the billiard tables, the elders could not look on that countenance and chide such conduct as of course it ought to be chided. And now he is dead, his roguish pranks and audacious sayings are everywhere recalled in affectionate memory and with many a sigh that he will never in his life be seen or heard again.
Two years ago when he was 17 years of age, he joined the Worcestershire Yeomanry as bugler and as he persistently expressed his desire for more active service – quite in keeping with his character – he was eventually transferred to the Worcesters. He had only been out in France seven weeks before he met his death. But he saw a good deal of fighting in that time and wrote and told his Mother how he put his first German hors de combat.
Major Blew, the Commander, in a letter to the parents bears out exactly that estimate of his character which this little report has endeavoured to imply. ‘It is a sad letter I have to write you to express my deep sympathy to you in the sad loss of your boy who was my cheery little trumpeter for so long during the weary months of training. I heard from his Sergeant who wrote and told me of his death and how he fought and died acting up to the highest traditions that have made the name of the Worcester lads so famous. I knew he was the right stuff and you have every reason to be proud of him. I should like you to know the esteem of your lad was held in by his mates and officers and that you and your family are not alone in your grief. I shall never have another trumpeter like him’.
A good deal of sympathy is felt for Mr & Mrs Coldicott in the loss of their youngest boy. It is only a year ago since their third son, Alfred, also of the Worcester died in Parkhurst Hospital, Isle of Wight. Another son, Harry of the Royal Field Artillery is at the front while the eldest son, Will, who was formerly a Butler to Bishop Gore is working in a munition factory”.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Alfred COLDICOTT
Service No 1405
Age: 19
4th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Died in training on 6th March 1915. Buried with military honours at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Buried in Parkhurst Military Cemetery, Grave III. F. 72.
Son of Alfred and Jane Coldicott of Broad St, Pershore
Evesham Journal 13th March 1915 – DEATH OF A PERSHORE SOLDIER
“We regret to record the death of Pte. Alfred Caldicott, the third son of Mr & Mrs A Coldicott of Broad Street, Pershore which occurred on Saturday last at Cowes, Isle of Wight. Pte. Coldicott was twenty years of age, joined the Army some years ago but left the service on account of heart trouble. On the outbreak of war however, he rejoined his old regiment the 4th Warwickshires and was stationed with them at Warwick until his regiment was moved to the Isle of Wight. The first intimation the bereaved parents received that their son was took ill was by wire on Saturday and Mrs Caldicott at once took the train to Cowes. She was, however, too late to see her son alive. The funeral took place at Cowes on Tuesday afternoon. Pte. Caldicott’s early death is greatly deplored by his many friends while deep sympathy is expressed for his parents and relatives. Pte. Caldicott’s younger brother is a bugler in the 1st Reserves Worcester Yeomanry and is at present stationed at Worcester.”
Lance Corporal Thomas COLDRICK
Service No 23562
Age: 28
7th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action in Mesopotamia on 18th December 1915.
Born in Gloucester and was a resident of Pershore. Enlisted
in Gloucester. Left England 5th September 1915.
Husband of Ellen Costins (formerly Coldrick nee Clarke), 13 Park Head Rd., Dudley, Worcestershire formerly of High Street in Pershore.
Evesham Journal 6th January 1917 (Continued from the George Thomas Coldrick entry) “Lance –Corpl. Thomas Coldrick of High Street has been officially reported to have died of wounds in Mesopotamia. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Coldrick. The Lance-Corpl who was 28 years old, joined two years ago as a Territorial but in a few months was discharged as medically unfit. A short time afterwards, however, he joined up with the Gloucesters and went through the Gallipoli campaign. He contracted trench fever here and had six months in hospital in India. It was only recently he was sent out to Mesopotamia. Previous to the war, Lance-Corpl. Coldrick was employed at the Atlas Iron Works in Pershore and before that he was ostler at the Royal Three Tuns Hotel”.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Harold CONN
Service No 15585
Age: 19
1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers
Died of wounds in Flanders France on 29th December 1916. Buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France Grave VI. A. 46.
Second Son of Edward & Ellen Conn of 1, Victoria Terrace, Pershore
Evesham Journal 13th January 1917 – ANOTHER PERSHORE LAD’s DEATH.
“Pte. Harold V Conn of the Royal Fusiliers has Fallen in the fight. His parents, Mr and Mrs Edward Conn of Victoria Terrace, Pershore, received the authoritative report this week that he was wounded in France. The matron of the hospital wrote expressing her sympathy and stated that the surgeon did all that he could to save his life but the case appeared hopeless from the first. He died without regaining consciousness and was buried with military honours in the cemetery, a little cross marking his last resting place. This happened on December 29th. A fortnight before Mr and Mrs Conn heard from him and he then said he was going into a rest camp and should probably be home for
his Christmas dinner. Pte. Harold Conn had seen two years of the war and yet was only 19. He was a strapping 6ft tall young fellow and though he had been through some of the hottest of the fighting, he always wrote the most cheerful letters home. Prior to the war, he was a gardener in the employ of Mrs Gauntlett, Ash Villa and afterwards for Mr W T Chapman. Mr Conn’s eldest son, Pte. Edward Thomas Conn of the Worcesters is also lying wounded in a hospital in Hertfordshire”.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private George Henry COSNETT
Service No 5503
Age: 19
1st/5th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Formerly 30254, Dorsetshire Regiment
Died of disease on 18th November 1918 in Egypt.
Born and enlisted Pershore. 2nd/4th Dorset regiment Egypt went out October 1917
Buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt, Grave E. 196.
Son of George & Harriett Cosnett of Head Street, Pershore
Private Henry William COSNETT
Service No 70421
Age: 19
2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment
Died of wounds on 28th May 1918 in Flanders France.
Born and enlisted Pershore, Worcestershire. Worked at
Summerton's. Left England about 30th April 1918.
Buried in Marfaux British Cemetery, France, Grave V. D. 2.
Private John COSNETT
Service No 36162
Age: 30
1st Battalion Welsh Regiment
Formerly 13930, 3rd Battalion South Wales Borderers
Died of wounds on 27th May 1915 in Flanders France.
Born and resident Pershore, Worcestershire, enlisted at Newport, Monmouthshire
Buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (NORD), France, Grave I. B. 42.
Son of Thomas & Amelia Cosnett of Church Street, Pershore
Evesham Journal 21st November 1914 – PATRIOTIC PERSHORE FAMILY
From the home of Mr & Mrs T H Cosnett of Church Street, Pershore, six sons have gone on active service. This is a rare and honourable record. Mr Cosnett himself served five years on the medical staff of the Royal Artillery and he recounts with pride the time he passed in the service for his country. Several of his sons have seen foreign service in the Army and they have all acquitted themselves in a way worthy of an Englishman. At the present time there are two serving at the front with the South Wales Borderers. Thomas Herbert who was on the reserve list on the night that war was declared was the first to go to the Post Office at Pershore to get his papers to go to his headquarters. He was in several engagements, got wounded and returned to England to recuperate. He would not come to his home, preferring to get back to the front as soon as the medical officers would pass him for active service again. His parents have now heard that he is again in the fighting line. Another son, Walter, is now in training with the 11th Worcestershire Regiment, now completing their training in the city. Joseph is serving with the Army Service Corps at Aldershot while Charles is in training with the Worcestershire Imperial Yeomanry. Of a family of 15, all but one are alive.
Evesham Journal, February 13 1915 [continues on from the notice of Thomas Herbert Cosnett's death] :-- A BROTHER WOUNDED.
“Private John Henry Cosnett, another son of the family, has just come home invalided. He belongs to the South Wales Borderers, and his regiment took part with the troops of Japan in the battles which deprived the Germans of the important island of Tsing-tau. Here he was twice wounded, in the shoulder and foot., the latter wound necessitating his coming home. He brought home the portrait of his regiment taken in Japanese uniform, which the British soldiers all had to wear to prevent the enemy finding them out, for here again it was against the English that the fiercest hatred was concentrated. Private Cosnett speaks enthusiastically of the fighting powers of the Japs, and said our men got on wonderfully well with them. Mr. and Mrs. Cosnett have five more sons serving under the colours, and their eighth son, George, recently offered himself, but was certified medically unfit.”
Evesham Journal August 13th 1915 - "News has lately come that Pte. John Cosnett of the South Wales Borderers, is home from the Dardanelles and is lying badly wounded in Royal Hospital at Salford, Manchester. He is the third son of Mr & Mrs T H Cosnett of Church Street, Pershore who have given seven sons to the Army, surely a local record. As was reported in this paper some few months back, the second son, Pte. Thomas Herbert Cosnett of the 2nd Worcesters, was killed in France so now there are but six. Pte. John Cosnett, now wounded at Manchester, was with his regiment when the English, in collaboration with the Japs, brought about the fall of the German island Tsing-tau on the 7th November last. That was an important and memorable exploit to have taken part in and after a few days furlough at home, he was sent out to the Dardanelles in February. His Mother went to Manchester to see him last week."
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Thomas Herbert COSNETT
Service No 8467
Age: 31
2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Died of wounds on 19th January 1915 in Flanders France.
Born and enlisted Pershore, Worcestershire. First to go from the
Town.
One of seven sons of Thomas & Amelia Cosnett who all Joined up. The King sent congratulations on 30th November 1915.
Buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France, Grave III. B. 57.
Son of Thomas & Amelia Cosnett of Church Street, Pershore. Brother of John (see above entry).
Evesham Journal, 13 Feb. 1915:-- PERSHORE SOLDIER'S DEATH.
Private Herbert Thomas Cosnett, one of the seven soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Cosnett, of Church-street, Pershore, died on the 29th ult. from wounds received while in action the previous day, The Colonel of the ``D'' Company 2nd Worcesters wrote acquainting the parents with the sad circumstance, and Lord Kitchener's black-edged letter has also been received by them expressing the ``true sympathy of his Majesty and the Queen in their sorrow.'' Another letter, also much treasured by Mr. and Mrs. Cosnett, came from Private William Sharpe, of the same regiment, who evidently saw the last of their son. He wrote: ``Poor Bob was a devoted friend of mine ever since we came to France. A bullet hit him while in action: he died the next day, and was buried with military honours in the town cemetery at Bethune. I must say no one could have shown a braver spirit than Bob; he set an example to all. My comrades and I very much miss him, and greatly sympathise with you in your bereavement.'' Private Bob Cosnett was the second son of his parents, and had seen twelve years in the army. He served throughout the Boer War, and though taking part in several engagements he was lucky enough then to come through scathe less. He went to France with the Expeditionary Force, and therefore took his share in those fierce early engagements, than which there has been nothing since more creditable to the glory of British arms. He wrote many letters home, in which he was always optimistic that he should get through all right, a prediction unfulfilled. Like thousands more ``Tommies'' he was intensely proud of Princess Mary's gift of a pipe and box of tobacco with which was a charming little card wishing the soldiers a Happy Christmas and a Victorious New Year. These gifts he sent home to his father, with the injunction to keep them safe, a request which, needless to say, will now be regarded with greater significance than ever.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Gunner William Charles Samuel CROOKE
Service No 831438
Age: 25
Evesham Journal, 1 June 1918:-- PERSHORE SOLDIER DIES OF WOUNDS.
"Gunner William Charles Crooke, R.F.A., the eldest son of Sergt. and Mrs. S. Crooke, of Bridge-street, Pershore, died in the Canadian Clearing Station, France, on May 23 from his severe wounds received in action a few days before. In the first letter to his wife (who lives at the Paddock, Pershore) the Chaplain (The Rev. J.R. Tibbot) said; ``Will wishes me to say he isn't hurt very much, but I must warn you that his condition is serious''.
Later the Chaplain wrote in sympathetic terms announcing his death, his burial in the British Cemetery, and giving the number of the grave. He added that his severe injuries were shell wounds in the lower part of the abdomen, that he rapidly weakened, and when the end came his mind was not clear, as he left no messages for home.
Many letters of sympathy has been received both by Mrs. Crooke and the parents. A comrade (Gunner E.J. Chapman) wrote ``Will was the most popular chap in his battery. He was always in good spirits and his ready wit and keen sense of humour saved the situation on several occasions. I can't express to you how much we shall all miss him''.
Gunner Will Crooke had been more than two years in France, and though in several big battles escaped injury till he received the grave wounds that ended his career. He came home on a short furlough in February last, and was then married to Miss Bennett, of White Ladies Aston, for whom much sympathy is felt. The parents too, who feel their loss acutely, are deeply sympathised with. Sergt. S. Crooke is now stationed in Ireland. Their youngest son died in a convalescent home a few months ago, and this month their second son Charles, just 18, was called up. Mr. Crooke's mother died last July, and Mrs. Crooke's mother shortly before.
Evesham Journal 6 July 1918 :-- HOW GUNNER W.C. CROOKE DIED.
In a letter to Mrs. W. Crooke of Pershore, Major Penny, commanding `A' Battery of the R.F.A., says:- ``It is with great sorrow I write you with reference to the sad death of your husband, Gunner W.C. Crooke. He was hit by a shell on his way to the observation post and died in hospital on the same day. He had been a member of this battery for three years, over two of which he haad served under me in France, always carrying out his duties faithfully and well. Hard working, with a contempt for any danger, and always cheerful, he was very popular with officers and men, and will be greatly missed by all.''
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Private Albert William Thomas DANCOCKS
Service No 39226
Age: 22
1st Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment
Killed while being carried from the field wounded in Flanders France on 30th November 1917
Commemorated on Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France, Panel 8.
Son of Thomas & Sarah Dancocks of High St., Pershore
Evesham Journal 29th July 1916
“Mr and Mrs T Dancocks of High Street have received official information that their eldest son Pte. Albert W T Dancocks of the Worcesters has again been wounded. He is in hospital in France. Pte. Dancocks, who is but 21 years of age, has been in the trenches 16 months and has been thrice wounded. It is said he was the first to join Kitchener’s Army in Pershore. The Father, Mr Thomas Dancocks, is an old soldier.”
Evesham Journal 23rd December 1916 – PERSHORE MAN WOUNDED.
“Pte. Albert Dancocks of the Worcesters, son of Mr and Mrs T Dancocks of High Street is officially reported wounded and this makes the third time. He has now been wounded in four places by shrapnel and lies in a serious condition in Cambridge Hospital. Pte. Dancocks was the first recruit from Pershore under Lord Kitchener’s first call for men”.
Evesham Journal 24th March 1917 – FROM A PERSHORE BOY.
“ We have received an interesting letter from Pte. A Doancocks of the Royal Berks who tells us that he is a Pershore boy. He says he is a reader of the ‘Journal’ and has learnt through this paper of many of his comrades being killed or wounded and he wishes to express his deepest sympathy with all his Evesham and Pershore friends, whose sons or husbands have fallen in the great war. As to his adventures, he says that he joined the Army on 31st August 19 and after doing six months training at Plymouth he went to France at the end of March 1915 and joined the Worcesters of which regiment he will always be proud. Her served for three months around Ypres and was not sorry when he went elsewhere. His next place was Ploeg-Street near Messines which he describes as a picture palace compared with Ypres. Then he went back for a rest to a village names Penin and after his rest went up to Vimy Ridge and ‘Oh it was Vimy too’. You could not walk along without the ground shaking beneath you, it was so much under-mined. The first night we had it was quiet. On the second night up went a mine and we lost a platoon.’
WOUNDED. He goes on: ‘IT was at Vimy where I received my first wound, being hit by a German sniper in the right knee and the finger of the left hand while we were holding a crater. I had done fifteen months without a scratch. I was glad to get away from the trenches for a little while, if only to have a rest. I did not get home that time but re-joined my battalion. After another rest, we went down to the Somme. After a long march we got to a wood just behind Thiepval and I can say it was warm too. After a few days there we went down to Albert, upon a field up above the town, and stayed there for a night and then up into a charge at La Boiselle. At the taking of La Boiselle I got wounded for the second time, this time in the right shoulder. I was glad to get away for a time and was sent down to the base at Rouen. I did not like being down at the base so as soon as I was able I volunteered for the front again but instead of going back to my old regiment I was sent to the Royal Berks. I was very sorry to leave the good old Worcesters but never mind, I may get back there some day.’
HIS THIRD WOUND. ‘It was then we went up to Delvill Wood. Known as Devil’s Wood but we did not stay there long. We went back to some village for a rest and after that we went to a place called Couin just behind the firing line. Then we did a bit of trench work for about three weeks and afterwards went back to train for a charge which we had to do. We did the training and went back up to the trenches at Beaumont Hamel. It was in this attack on 14th November that I got wounded for the third time, this time being hit in the left side and left hand. Thus it was this time I got home and I was very glad to get there for a rest and to see the people at home. I have been to Evesham and found it quite quiet to what it was before the war’.
Evesham Journal 19th January 1918 - PERSHORE MAN KILLED
"On the 28th ult. Mr and Mrs T Dancocks of High Street, Pershore were officially informed from the Warwick Record Office that their son, Pte. Albert W T Dancocks of the Royal Berkshire Regt. was posted as missing on 30th November. They had previously received the news from a letter which Pte. George Smith sent to his Mother at Pershore but their anxious enquiries have now elicited the grave information of his death.
This news was sent by Sergt. Stacy of the Berkshires. In his letter to the parents he says "As No 7 Platoon Commander, I have had your letter asking information respecting your son handed to me, I have made the fullest enquiries possible and learn from several men that he was killed while going back to the dressing station wounded. I am very sorry to have to tell you this news but I think it is much better to hear the worst at once. I was in charge of the platoon at the time he was wounded and the Sergeant himself was killed. I've had enquiries from other people about him and will write to them also. I hate writing such bad news and offer you my deepest sympathy".
It is said that Private Dancocks was the first in Pershore to join Kitchener's Army. After seven months training, he went with the 3rd Worcesters to France where he went through some of the biggest battles and was twice wounded through the head, back and thigh. Pte Albert Dancocks, who was but 23 years old, was the son of an ex-soldier who has done 28 years with the colours but who, as he himself says, did not see so much fighting during the whole course of that time as his son experience in a couple of minutes. Before the war, Pte. Dancocks worked at Atlas Works. A younger Brother (Harold) in a bandsman in the 6th Worcesters. Pte. Dancocks once wrote to the Journal describing his experiences"
Evesham Journal 15th June 1918 - PERSHORE MAN'S DEATH
A communication from the Record Office, Warwick confirms reports sent by comrades of Pte A W T Dancocks of the Royal Berkshire Regt. son of Mr & Mrs T Dancocks of High Street, Pershore, that he was killed in action last November. Pte. Dancocks was one of the first to join up and went through scores of engagements being wounded several times".
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newsquest Evesham Journal
Lieutenant Robert Hartley DEAKIN
10th JATS and 45th Squadron Royal Flying Corps
Age: 22
Died on 22nd July 1917 near Cassel France.
Gazetted to Indian Army from Sandhurst
Commemorated on Arras Flying Services Memorial, France.
Son of William Robert and Mary Jane Deakin, of Norton Hall, Worcester
Further information on Robert Deakin from: http://www.deakin.broadwaymanor.co.uk/deakin/robert-hartley-deakin.html
Private Walter John DOLPHIN
Service No: 50583
Age 19
2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment
Died in Flanders France on 11th August 1918
Son of John and Alice Dolphin of 3 Church Row, Pershore
Private Herbert Henry DUFTY
Service No 39736
Age: 20
4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
Formerly 2870 Worcestershire Yeomanry
Killed in action 26th November 1916 at Flanders, France.
Born and resident Pershore, enlisted Worcester
Appears on Worcester Guildhall, Worcester St Clements Church, Worcester Post Office Wainwright Road & Pershore Abbey memorials.
Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, France, Pier and Face 5A and 6C.
Son of Postman Frederick & Jane Dufty of Little Priest Lane, Pershore
Grandchild of Mrs Barber, Church Street
Lance Corporal William James DUFTY
Service No 16952
Age: 20
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal
Killed in action on 17th October 1915 at Flanders France.
Lance Corporal, Grenadier Guards, D.C.M.
Commemorated on Loos Memorial, France, Panel 5 to 7.
Son of Captain Hudson's man, Mr & Mrs Andrew Dufty
of Victoria Terrace, Pershore.
Evesham Journal 12th June 1915 - DCM FOR PERSHORE MAN
We are pleased to give publicity to the honour which has come to Lance-Corporal W F Dufty, a Pershore lad, serving the Grenadier Guards. Though not yet twenty years of age, he has taken part in much fierce fighting in France and has now been recommended by his Commanding Officer for the Distinguished Service Medal. Lance-Corporal Dufty is the son of Mr Andrew Dufty, late of Pershore, and who is now coachman for Capt. M Hudson of Birlingham.
He has sent the following letter he received home to his parents:-
"May 28th. Pte.. W Dufty - Your Company Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field on 16th May 1915. I have read the reports and have forwarded them to higher authority for recognition. Promotion and decoration cannot be given in every case but I should like you to know that your gallant action is recognised and how greatly it is appreciated. Signed H P GOUGH. Commanding 7th Division".
With reference to this notable communication enclosed, Corpl. Dufty thus writes to his Mother:-
"I am sending you a paper I received the other day from our C.O. The General commanding our Division thanked me for what I did in action. As I told you in my last letter, this was for throwing bombs up at trench which the Germans were in. 3 of my poor comrades were struck down but I managed to get missed again. Just my luck. You will see by the paper I may get the D.C.M. so you may yet be proud of me. You will also notice that I have been made a Lance-Corporal." Lance Corporal Dufty as a member of the Pershore Boy Scouts and a leader of the Company when the Rev. Hawkes Field was Scoutmaster.
Evesham Journal 11th September 1915 - D.C.M. FOR PERSHORE MAN
Lance-Corpl. William James Dufty, the 2nd son of Mr Andrew Dufty of Pershore, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bomb-throwing in Flanders. His many friends in the Pershore District are delighted to learn of the honour conferred upon him and many have sent their congratulations to the parents. Lance-Corpl. Dufty was only 20 years of age last Good Friday but he joined the 1st Grenadier Guards nearly 12 months before the war broke out. Prior to that he was in the employ of Mr G R Hammond, Fruit Grower, of Pershore. He went out to France with his regiment last November and has seen much fierce fighting and though he has not been injured so far, he has recorded home some miraculous escapes. His eldest Brother, Pte. John Dufty in the Royal Artillery, is now supposed to be on his way home from India to the front."
Evesham Journal and Four Shires Advertiser, Saturday, September 18, 1915:
Lance-Corpl. W.J. Dufty, of the Grenadier Guards, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Dufty of Pershore has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry while engaged in bomb throwing in Flanders.
DCM Citation:
16952 Private W.J. Dufty, 1st Bn., G. Gds. (LG 5 Aug. 1915)
For conspicuous gallantry on the 16th May, 1915, at Festubert, when, with the Company bombers, he was engaged in bombing up to 300 yards of trench. The bombers and one section under a Non-Commissioned Officer successfully blocked and held the trench after the bombs had run out. Private Dufty showed the greatest courage and resource, and gave a fine example of devotion to duty.
With acknowledgements and grateful thanks to Newquest Evesham Journal