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| Sgt William Pilkington |
East Lancashire Regiment,
Killed in Action on his 24th Birthday
9th October 1917
Commemorated Tyne Cot Memorial
Newspaper Report:
News is to hand that Sergeant William Pilkington, East Lancashire Regiment, was killed in action on his 24th birthday - October 9th 1917.
He was the youngest of six sons of Mr. and mrs. Georgie Pilkington of 17, South Street, Haslingden, and he used to weave at Grane Road Mill. Two of his brothers are with the colours.
He was connected with Trinity Baptist Church, where a service to his memory was held on Sunday night, when "The Dead March" was played on the organ.
Mr and Mrs Pilkington have received the following letters from the front:-
"You will have received before now the official notification from the War Office about your son William. I was most sorry to hear that he was one of those who were left to sleep their last long sleep on the battlefield. He was one of our best sergeants, and respected by all.
Having known him for many years previous to the war, I miss his face perhaps more than the others. It may be some consolation to you to know that he suffered no pain, as he was shot by a sniper. Throughout the battle he had kept his men together and done his duty nobly and well."
I enclose a few lines to the Quarter-Master Sergeant's letter to tell you how much we regret and miss Sergeant Pilkington. He would have been promoted to Company Sergeant Major, but he paid the price of duty. His platoon commander, with whom he was so long, was also killed."
Newspaper Memorials:
From his sorrowing Sister, Mary Ann, and Brother in law Robert, who is now serving with the colours, and his Niece Clara.
Sergt, Pilkington (2-5th East Lancashire Regiment), killed in France, October 9th, 1917, on his 24th birthday.
"I think I see his smiling face,
As he bid his last good-bye,
And he left his home for ever,
In a distant land to die.
He sleeps besides his comrades,
In a grave across the foam,
But his name is written in letters of love,
From the hearts of his dear ones left at home."
"Always in memory."
From father, mother, sisters and brothers, 17 South Street, Haslingden.
"Two uyears have passed since that sad day,
When one we loved was called away;
His loving smile, his welcome face,
No one can fill his vacant place.
Upright and just in all his ways,
Honest and faithful to the end of his days;
Forgotten to the world by some he may be,
But dear to our memory he always will be."
From his brother and sister, Dick and Lizzie, 8, Elm Street.
"We mpourn for you, dear brother,
But not with outward show,
For the heart that mourns sincerely,
Mourns silently and low."
From your loving sister, Maggie and brother in Law, Jim.
"Somewhere in France, in a soldier's grave,
Lies our dear son amongst the brave;
His loving smile and gentle face,
No one can ever take his place.
He sleeps besides his comrades,
In a hallowed grave not known;
But his memory is written with love,
In the hearts he has left at home."
"Thy will be done."
From his Father and Mother, Sisters and Brothers, 17 South Street, Sykeside, Haslingden.
"In the midst of life we are in death."
"No one knows the parting,
Or what the parting cost,
But God in His great mercy,
Has gained what we have lost.
"One of the best."
Sadly missed by his sorrowing Mother and Father, and Sisters and two Brothers (in France), 17 South Street, Sykeside, Haslingden.
"Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the Better land,
We'll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, sometime, we'll understand."
From his sorrowing Sister Emily, and Brother in Law Tom, who is now serving in France.
"Somewhere abroad he peacefully rest,
Far from his home and those he loved best;
Still deep in our hearts his memory we keep,
Dear is the grave where he now lies asleep."
From his sorrowing Sister, Mary Ann, and Brother in Law Robert, who is now serving with the colours, and his Niece Clara.
Touch and Take (Birthplace)
