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Pte. Harry Pilkington
British Army 11th Btn. East Lancashire Regiment
from:Burnley
(d.28th June 1918)
Harry Pilkington died of wounds on 28th June 1918, aged 19. He was the son of Albert James and Lucy Pilkington, of 70, Disraeli St., Burnley Harry enlisted in February 1917 and had been in France since September of the same year. His mother, Lucy, received the following letter from the Rev. Dennis Sudall, Army Chaplain;
"Dear Mrs Pilkington, I am more sad than I can say to hear the news that has just reached me, that your son, Pte. Harry Pilkington (30657), 11th East Lancashire Regiment, has died of his wounds in hospital. Our battalion made an attack on the morning of June 28th, and your boy was wounded early in the fight. We found him lying in a trench, and did all that we possibly could for him, getting him to the doctor, and we all hoped he would recover. He was one of the best, brightest, most splendid lads it has been my fortune to meet, and I personally feel that in losing him I have lost one of my greatest friends out here. For him I know we need not grieve, since we Christians do know that what seems to us to be death is in reality but the beginning of a fuller and freer life beyond the grave. I do know that your boy has already met the Saviour, whom he served so faithfully here on earth. I like to think that God needs lads like your son to teach others, who in this life have not had the chances he had of learning this exceeding love. He will no doubt in previous letters told you I prepared him for confirmation and he was confirmed. It is the greatest joy to me to think of that, and of the fact that just before the fight he and many others came to Holy Communion, which was celebrated in the corner of a field. Everyone was fond of him, as he never shirked anything, but gave all he had to give unselfishly and happily for us all, cheerful always in spite of adversity. I cannot say all that is in my heart, but I hope you realise what I really wish to convey to you. With my earnest prayers and sympathy, believe me, yours sincerely, Dennis Sudall, Army Chaplain."
