Haley, Herbert - Gunner (L/9264)

Gunner Herbert Haley

"A" Bty, 150th Bde,
Royal Field Artillery,
Died of wounds,
12th October 1916
Buried Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs.

Newspaper Report:

At Grane Road Primitive Methodist Church, on Sunday evening, a service was held in memory of the late Gunner Herbert Haley, of 2 Grane Street whose death in France was recorded in a recent issue.  The choir gave the chorus "Go to thy rest in peace," and the duet "These lands we leave." was rendered by the Misses Mary and Lizzie Richardson.  There were also specially appropriate hymns.

The Rev. W.H. Paulson, supt, minister of the Haslingden Primitive Circuit, went on to say that Gunner Herbert Haley met his death by being struck with a shell whilst asleep in the trenches.  The Sunday School teacher who for many years had taught him spoke of him as a fine young man, full of golden promise for the future.  He had given his life for a great cause, having given his life for his home and country.  A soldier friend, Private Dewhurst, of Dog Kennel Road, Haslingden has written home giving particulars of the death of Gunner Herbert Haley. of the R.F.A., who was killed by a shell while asleep.  Gunner Haley was an agent of the Pioneer Assurance Company.  He enlisted at Easter, 1915, and resided with his mother and step father, Mr. and Mrs. Balshawe of 2 Grane Street, Haslingden.  He was twenty years of age.  He has a brother, Private George Haley, in the R.F.A.  The two had never seen each other for a long time until an accidental meeting which the deceased describes in a letter received by his mother last week.  The deceased was connected with the Primitive Methodist Church and Sunday School at Grane Road.

Newspaper Report:

In affectionate remembrance of Gunner Herbert Haley, killed in action, October 12th 1916.

"A loving son, true and kind,
A beautiful memory left behind."

From mother and dad, George and Hilda, 52 Topping Street, Blackpool, late of 2 Grane Street, Haslingden.

"He gave the greatest gift of all, 
His bright young life, that we might live."

Too dearly loved to be forgotten by Mother and all at 52 Topping Street.