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| Private Fred Stott |
Royal Irish Fusiliers,
Killed in Action,
4th December 1917
Age 23
Buried at Ramleh War Cemetery
Private Fred Stott, 45118,
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Fred Stott was born on 2 September
1894, son of James Robert Stott and Mary Ann Stott, née Whitham . He grew up in
a large family, having two older and two younger brothers and three younger
sisters. Fred was 14 years old when his father died aged 42. On 4 September
1915, aged 21, Fred married Ellen Feathers at Trinity Baptist Church,
Haslingden. Ellen was the daughter of John Blake Feathers, a Farmer of Higher
Cockham Farm, Haslingden. At the time of his marriage Fred was working at
Alliance Mill, Baxenden, as a Weaver. The couple did not have any children. In
September 1916, Fred made the journey to Preston to enlist in the army. Fred
was accepted into the army and as Pte Stott, 28311, was put in the 3rd
Battalion East Lancashire Regiment and two days later began his training. His contract
with the army was 'for the duration'. Fred remained with the 3rd Battalion East
Lancashire Regiment until December 1916 when he was transferred into the
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. On 26 December 1916 he set sail from
Southampton, arriving in Le Havre, Holland, the following day. From there he
travelled to Marseilles where he embarked once more to sail to Salonika,
Greece, where he arrived on 11 January 1917. On 25 February 1917 he was
officially transferred to the 2nd Battalion (Princess Victoria's) Royal Irish
Fusiliers. On 11 March 1917 Fred was reprimanded for losing 'by neglect' a pair
of wire cutters and some cannons. His punishment was to 'pay for the
deficiency'. On 17 September 1917 Fred once more set sail, leaving Salonika for
Alexandria, Egypt, on 21 September 1917. During its time in the Middle East the
2nd Battalion (Princess Victoria's) Royal Irish Fusiliers was involved actively
in the conflict. Between 10 November 1917 and 27 December 1917 it took part in
the third Battle of Gaza, the capture of the Sheria Position and the capture
and defence of Jerusalem. Fred was killed on 4 December 1917. The Battalion War
Diaries for the time of his death report a day where "enemy sniping [was]
fairly active… after dark this increased considerably." Only two men from
the Battalion were killed during the month of December 1917. Fred is buried in
Ramleh Cemetery. (The above information is kindly supplied by his Great Niece - Anne Yates)
Newspaper Reports:
A memorial service was held at Trinity Baptist Church, Haslingden on Sunday for Private Fred Stott, who was killed in action in Palestine on December 4th 1917.
Twenty three years of age, he was married and lived at Meadow Brook Farm, Baxenden, and was employed at Alliance Mill, Baxenden, when he joined up in September 1915.
He sailed for Salonica on Boxing Day, 1915.
Two of his brothers are with the colours, another is discharged, and his step-father is at the front.
Newspaper Memorials:
In loving memory of my dear Husband Private Fred Stott, who died December 4th 1917.
"Oft I think of you, dear husband,
And my heart is filled with pain,
Oh! this world would be a heaven,
Could you share our home again"
From his dear Wife Nellie.
"For one long year we've sadly missed you,
Oh, how much no tongue can tell;
Not a day have we forgot you,
Sure you bid this world Farewell".
From Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.
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| Pte Fred Stott - Memorial (click to enlarge) |
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