Post by BereniceUK on Apr 17, 2017 15:32:27 GMT
(Lancaster Guardian, 21 November 1914)
G/6052 Private James Shaw, 3rd Middlesex Regiment. Killed on 2nd May 1915, aged 36. Son of David Shaw, of Lancaster; husband of Isabel Shaw, of 29, Ladysmith Street, Shaw Heath, Stockport. CWGC database gives his age as 37.
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Second Lieutenant Robert Gardner, 5th King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Killed on 5th May 1915.
Second Lieut. Robert Gardner.
Many Morecambrians on Sunday heard with the most profound sorrow and regret of the death of Second Lieut. Robert Gardner, at the age of 33. He was a very popular officer, for his geniality and kindness of heart gained him many friends. He joined the 5th King's Own along with a number of Lancaster "Pals," and entered enthusiastically into the world of training, receiving promotion early. As in his business, so he was in his brief, soldier life - thorough and earnest. Although resident in Lancaster he enjoyed the esteem and respect of many Morecambe friends. He was a member of the Morecambe Golf Club and a real sport in every sense of the term. One recalls the many delightful games played with him on the Morecambe links. And he now lies buried in France. Oh, the tragedy of it. There is, however, consolation - inadequate though it may be - that he died in the thick of the fight, while leading and encouraging his men forward. To his mother and family the greatest sympathy is extended in their bereavement.
The news of his death was conveyed in the following letter to his mother from Col. Lord Richard Cavendish: -
"I must write a line to say how deeply I sympathise with you in the death of your gallant son. The battalion was occupying some trenches which were being heavily shelled, and your son at the time he was hit was encouraging his men to hold on. As far as I can learn he did not live for very long after he was hit, so he was spared much suffering. Although he had only been a member of the battalion a comparatively short time he had endeared himself to us all, and it is no exaggeration to say he was one of the most loved and respected members of the regiment. He was an exceptionally fine officer, and his loss is irreparable. Please accept from myself and all ranks of the battalion our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy."
Second Lieut. Gardner was the second son of the late Mr. Robert Gardner, a well-known farmer, of Sandside, Cockerham, and of Mrs. Gardner, Dallas House, Lancaster. He was educated at the Friends School, Lancaster, and was for some years clerk with Mr. W. J. Dixon, solicitor clerk to the Kirkham Bench, and the Registrar of the Preston County Court.
He served his articles as solicitor with Messrs. Clark, Oglethorpe, and Sons.
A few years ago he entered into partnership with Mr. E. G. Clark, solicitor, of Church-st, Lancaster, and a promising career in law seemed before him. He took up the hon. secretaryship of the Lancaster Agricultural Society after the death of Mr. H. Armistead, and both in connection with the show and the annual horse parade he was an enthusiast. In sport he played a prominent part, being captain of the Vale of Lune Club and also the Preston Grasshoppers. He was a member of the Morecambe and Lancaster Golf Clubs.
(Morecambe Visitor, 12 May 1915)
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Lance Corporal Charles Smalley.
Lieutenant Arthur Norman Widdop, 4th, attached 7th, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Killed on 30th September 1918.
Lieutenant George E. Birkett, Royal Army Medical Corps.
(Lancaster Guardian, 12.10.1918)