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| Private David Holmes |
King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment),
Died of wounds,
24th August 1918,
Age 18
Buried Houchin British Cemetery.
Newspaper Report:
Mrs. Holmes, a widow residing at 22, Coronation Street, has received information that her son, Private David Holmes, King's Royal Lancaster Regt. who was in his 19th year has fallen. Private Holmes was formerly a weaver at Tomlinson's Plantation Mill, Haslingden, and a regular attender at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel. He was a very promising lad and highly popular. He responded to his call when he was 18, on November 29th, and proceeded to France on July 8th. He fell seven weeks later. Mrs. Holmes received her first intimation from the chaplain. Two days later she received official intimation from the War Office. Pte. Holme's last leave was on June 27th, when his sister was married. He in the first place joined the Lancashire Hussars, but was transferred.
The chaplain wrote to Mrs. Holmes on August 28th. He said Pte. Holmes died of wounds received in action on Saturday the 24th. "Your boy, being a faithful Baptist, came under my cares as Nonconformist chaplain of the brigade. He was buried by me on Sunday last. You can have a photograph of his grave in course of time. I sympathise with you very much in this terrible blow that has befallen you. Many other mothers are in simlar sorrow. God sustain you all. Your dear boy was rather severely wounded on the left leg. I was at the main dressing station when he was brought in. Both there and in the advanced aid post he received all the attention that medical skill could give. When I had the opportunity of speaking to him he was lasping into unconsciousness, but I pointed your boy to the Saviour, and though he could not speak I fancy he understood. I stayed with him to the end. It is well with him, I am sure.
Your boy had a good face, and I am sure was a very good son. His comrades speak well of him.
Newspaper Memorials:
In ever loving memory of my dear Son and our dear Brother, Pte. D. Holmes, K.O.R.L. Regt., who died of wounds in France, August 24th 1918, aged 18 years.
"Could I, his mother, have clasped his hand,
Or raised his dying head,
Have kissed his brow when death was nigh,
Or heard his last farewell,
The pain would not have been so hard,
To one who loved him well.
Somewhere abroad in a soldier's grave,
Lies our dear brother amongst the brave;
His war is o'er his sun has set,
But those who loved him will ne'er forget."
From his loving Mother, Sister and Brother, Lizzie and Frank.
"When last we saw his smiling face,
He looked so strong and brave,
We little thought how soon he'd be,
Laid in a soldier's grave.
So sad, but so true, we cannot tell why,
The best are for the first that are called to die."
From his loving Sister and Brother in Law Florrie and Will.
Sleep on, dear brother, and take your rest,
For God takes those He loves the best;
On earth there's strife, in heaven rest,
They miss you most who loved you best."
From his loving Sister and Brother in law Edith and Fred.
"A good life is often too short,
But a good name endureth for ever."
From Cousin Libby.
Sunshine passes, shadows fall,
But true remembrance outlasts all,
There is a link Death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance last for ever."
from Mrs. Pickup and Family, Deansgrove, Haslingden.
"The face we loved is now laid low,
His fond true heart is still;
The hand we clasped when we said Good-bye,
Lies now in death's cold chill.
His heart was good, his spirit brave,
He slumbers now in a soldiers grave."
From his sorrowing Chums, Sam and George.
"He did his bit like an hero true,
A better pal we never knew;
But now he's gone to the Better land.
Some day we'll understand."
"Gone, but not forgotten."
From his three Pals, Two Frank's and Albert at Ipswich Camp.
"Nothing can ever take away,
The love a heart holds dear;
Fond memories linger every day,
Remembrance keeps him near.
It's grand to know we'll meet again
Where parting is no more;
And that the ones we loved on earth,
Have only gone before."
Always remembered by his loving mother, sister and brother.
"Dearest brother how we miss you,
More and more as time goes by;
But in heaven we hope to meet you,
Where we never say good-bye."
"Time passes, but memory never fades."
From Florrie and Will.
"Not dead to us, we love him still,
For memory's golden chain,
Doth link our hearts to him on high,
Until we meet again."
"Always in our thoughts."
From Edith and Fred.
"Lying wounded, how his thoughts must have flown,
To dear mother, and all at home.
What would I give to have only been there,
My boy's last moments to soothe with a mother's care.
Mother, cease your weeping, angels round me smile,
We are only parted for a little while;
Mother, I am happy, though 'twas hard to part,
But my spirit lingers near your aching heart."
"Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten."
From his sorrowing mother.
"We look around and see him not,
We "list," but hear no more,
The welcome of that well known voice,
That cheered our hearts of yore.
Dear brother, we'll never forget the words,
You said to soothe our pain,
"Don't worry, dears," was your last farewell,
"I shall soon be home again."
Ever remembered by his loving sister and brother, Lizzie and Frank.
"Dear brother, in our hearts you still have a place,
Your home is now lonely without your sweet face;
We think of you always, and oft' breathe your name,
We cannot forget - love will always remain.
Yet again we know we shall meet him,
When our days of life are fled,
And with joy in heaven to greet him,
Where no farewell tears are shed."
Sadly missed by his loving sister and brother, Florrie and Will.
"Dear is the spot where our brother is laid,
Sweet is the memory - it never shall fade;
Leaves may wither, and fall from the tree,
If others forget him, never shall we."
"A day of remembrance, and to recall."
Sadly missed by his dear chums, Sam and George, and Little Miriam.
