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The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
Killed in Action,
14th October 1915,
age 28
Buried La Brique Military Cemetery No.1
Newspaper Report:
A service in memoriam of the late Private Herbert Heaton, of the Royal Buffs, was held at Grane Road Primitive Methodist Chapel, Haslingden on Sunday evening, when there was a very large congregation. The choir sang " Go to thy rest " and the anthem " I am with Thee " and also the 121st Psalm. Solos were taken by Mr. Smith and Mr. D. Mills. The Rev. Ralph Shields, who preached, said that of the 4 names on the Roll of Honour of their Sunday School and Church one man, Thos. Fitton, was lying in hospital wounded: another, Granville Lloyd, had succumbed to illness contracted whilst on active service; and a few days ago Private Herbert Heaton was shot by a sniper whilst on duty.
Private Heaton volunteered for the army early after the outbreak of war, and after some months service, during which he was slightly wounded, he was discharged as physically unfit.
After a brief rest he felt the call to him to be irresistible, and he succeeded in joining another regiment. In time he was sent to France, where he had fallen. Private Heaton could legitimately have remained at home after his being discharged, and could have asserted that he had done his bit, but he did not do that. He died at the post of duty, where every brave man desired to be when the call comes. It was no small comfort to the widowed mother and friends to know that the officer in charge of Private Heaton's platoon recognized his fidelity, and sent his sympathy to the bereaved ones. That congregation joined in the expressions of sympathy. Mr. Shields went on to speak of idealism and the present crisis.
Newspaper Memorial:
In loving memory of my dear chum, Pte Herbert Heaton (Bert), who was killed in action on October 14th 1915.
"Oh, mother sad, take comfort,
The son you mourn and miss,
Has passed through war's stern conflict,
To gain eternal bliss,
To where with other comrades, around
The great white throne,
They praised their Saviour Captain,
Who claims them as His own."
"Ever remembered" by his true chum, Private J.W. Nuttall, Mobile Section, France.
"Some day we hope to meet him,
Some day we know not when;
To clasp his hand in a better land,
Never to part again."
"His memory is ours, it can never fade."
"Ever remembered" by his Mother, Sisters, and Brothers.
