I have recently been sent a few updates for my tree from a contact including this extract from the Evesham journal:
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD MAN KILLEDMrs Horace Clifford has received a letter stating that her husband was killed on 29th November. He joined up 16 months ago and had been in France 6 months. Two years ago his brother Cecil Raymond Clifford died of wounds. There are still five brothers on active service. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clifford, Park Street, Stow are his parents and there is also a widow and three young children. Much sympathy is extended to the relatives. The Chaplain writes as follows:- If you have not already heard, I am afraid that I have very sad news for you tonight. It concerns your dear husband, Gunner H Clifford, 110817 RGA. Yesterday the enemy shelled near the battery and before your husband had taken suitable cover, he was killed instantly. I can assure you that there was no pain. It was all over in a brief second. Today we brought the body back to a quiet little village cemetery a few miles behind the front line and at 2.30 pm I conducted the funeral service. The grave has been carefully marked and registered and in a few days a little cross with the name thereon will mark the sacred spot. In the course of a month or two the War Office will let you know the location of the cemetery. It is all so sad and I want to assure you of all our sympathy. Out here we mourn with you, for your husband had proved himself a valuable soldier and a popular comrade. What can I say to comfort you? Your dear husband has given his life in an assuredly righteous cause and my prayer is the God will not forget his and your sacrifice. My prayer is that in this dark hour you may find hope and comfort in Jesus Christ, who taught us those blessed truths enshrined in our creed.“The resurrection of the body and life everlasting”
It bringss home the reality of war.
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD MAN KILLEDMrs Horace Clifford has received a letter stating that her husband was killed on 29th November. He joined up 16 months ago and had been in France 6 months. Two years ago his brother Cecil Raymond Clifford died of wounds. There are still five brothers on active service. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clifford, Park Street, Stow are his parents and there is also a widow and three young children. Much sympathy is extended to the relatives. The Chaplain writes as follows:- If you have not already heard, I am afraid that I have very sad news for you tonight. It concerns your dear husband, Gunner H Clifford, 110817 RGA. Yesterday the enemy shelled near the battery and before your husband had taken suitable cover, he was killed instantly. I can assure you that there was no pain. It was all over in a brief second. Today we brought the body back to a quiet little village cemetery a few miles behind the front line and at 2.30 pm I conducted the funeral service. The grave has been carefully marked and registered and in a few days a little cross with the name thereon will mark the sacred spot. In the course of a month or two the War Office will let you know the location of the cemetery. It is all so sad and I want to assure you of all our sympathy. Out here we mourn with you, for your husband had proved himself a valuable soldier and a popular comrade. What can I say to comfort you? Your dear husband has given his life in an assuredly righteous cause and my prayer is the God will not forget his and your sacrifice. My prayer is that in this dark hour you may find hope and comfort in Jesus Christ, who taught us those blessed truths enshrined in our creed.“The resurrection of the body and life everlasting”
It bringss home the reality of war.
Comment