General Discussion
Remembering the fallen servicemen of World War One
News about two further opportunities to remember Dawlish servicemen who gave their lives during World War One. The services are held on the 100th anniversary of their death.
Walter Stoyle will be remembered on Friday 13th March
Dawlish Christian Fellowship, commencing at 12 noon
Walter Stoyle served in the Devonshires and was killed on the Western Front aged 23 .
His commanding officer wrote to his grieving mother
"Your son was very popular with his chums and was one of the best men I had in my section ..... He was a brave lad and you will be proud of him, knowing he died a soldier's death"
Clarence Henry Crook will be remembered on Tuesday 17th March
St Gregory's starting at 12 noon
Private Crook also died on the Western Front, aged just 19. He had been a telegraph messenger before the war, and is thought to have been living with his father in Golden Terrace.
He had been wounded previously, and whilst receiving treatment in September 1914 he wrote home
"The sooner it's well the better, as I want to get back to the front. I can tell you we had a warm time in the firing line.
The bullets and shells were flying past us like the wind. It's a wonder any of us poor devils are alive......
Roll on so that I can go back to the front again"
Please feel free to pass this information to anyone who may be interested in joining the commemorations
If you are free tomorrow at 12 noon, the service for Walter Stoyle is at the Christian Fellowship on Old Town Street
Please don't feel excluded if, like me, you don't have a Christian faith. The important act is the remembering as a community someone lost to Dawlish 100 years ago in the service of his country., No offence is taken if people don't join in the prayers etc.
You are welcome to use that time within the service for your own reflection.
FAO MC:
Just dropped the photo disc in to the Manor House for Bob.
Hope they are of use - he can use them as he sees fit.