Soldier Record

The Derbyshire Courier, Saturday 4th March 1916

Another of its gallant sons lost

VICTIM OF EARLY MORNING BOMBARDMENT

After a lengthy immunity from casualties Hasland this week mourns the loss of another of its gallant sons in the person of Pte. Sam Hill Rawson of the 8th Lincolnshire Regiment, who was killed in action in France on 23rd February.

The news was conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hill of Kent Street, Hasland (who took to the unfortunate soldier on the death of his grandmother Mrs. Rawson of Winsick with whom he formerly resided ten years ago).

The news was confirmed in a communication received on Monday and dated 24th February from Rev. F. 0. Clifford, Chaplain, who informed Mr. and Mrs. Hill that he conducted the funeral service. He also arranged to have a cross erected over the grave of one who has given his life for his country.

The deceased soldier who was 22 years of age was of a most cheerful disposition well liked by all the young fellows of the village and the news of his death in action was received with much regret. He enlisted in the Lincolns on 29th August.He was joined soon afterwards by several more Hasland lads, several of whom came to grief in the great Battle of Loos on 25th September 1915. After training at various camps he was drafted to France early in September 1915 and for a considerable time has been attached to the Machine Gun Section. Previous to enlistment he worked at the Grassrnoor Collieries.

The news was conveyed to Mr and Mrs Hill this week by the following letters :-

February 23rd 1916

Dear Friend,

It is with deepest regret that I have to write and Inform you that Sam was killed during a bombardment of our trenches which occurred this morning about five O'clock, I expect our parson will let you know all the particulars. All the boys here wish to offer their sincere sympathy to you during your bereavement.There was another young man from Chesterfield killed during the same bombardment; his name is Corp. A. Smedley from Whittington. I saw that Sam was wrapped up in a blanket and that all was done for him as far as it was possible to be done under the circumstances.

Yours Sincerely - Lance-Corp. J.W, Potter.

February 24th 1916,

Dear Mr Hill, I regret to inform you that your nephew, Private S. Rawson.11975, Of the 8th Lincoln s, was killed in the trenches yesterday. It will be some consolation to you to know that he did not suffer. He has given his life for his country. It is this thought that helps those who mourn to bear their cross with a patient and willing obedience. It is only a few days ago that he attended the Church parade. I conducted the burial service this morning, and have arranged to have a cross erected, I am writing to you as your name was given to me as his next- of- kin.

May God comfort and sustain all who mourn.

Yours Sincerely E. O.Clifford.

Chaplain.