222158 Pte. Horace Randolph Powell British Army 2nd Btn. Dorsetshire Regiment from:Southampton (d.14 April 1915) Article in local Southampton paper (Echo?) in February 1915
War Time Wedding
Consummation of Fifteen Years’ Courtship
Home from the Front on five days’ leave, Sergt. Percy Randolph Powell, of the 128th Battery Royal Field Artillery, consummated a courtship of fifteen years by marrying the lady of his choice at St. Denys Church on Tuesday. The bridegroom, whose home is in Bowden Lane, Portswood, only returned from the Continent late on Sunday night and the ceremony, which took place by special licence, surprised even his own relations, who had no idea he was to be married during his short leave. Despite the shortness of time, however, the event became known in the district, and it naturally created a great deal of interest. There was a very large congregation, and although there was an entire absence of the usual festivities attaching to a marriage, the happy couple were given a cordial send-off.
The bride was Miss Agnes Susanna Bennett, and she looked charming in a cream dress, with a veil and wreath of orange blossom. Her sister, Miss Lilian Bennett, was the only bridesmaid, and Mr. Bennett, jun., the bride’s brother, acted as best man. Mr. Bennett, sen., gave his daughter away. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. L. S. Etheridge (Vicar). The bridegroom’s spell of connubial bliss was cut very short, however, and he returned to the Front on the evening of the following day, although his many friends wish him a safe and speedy return.
Sergt. Powell will complete twelve years’ service in the Army next September. He returned from India, where his regiment was stationed for eight years, twelve months’ ago, and was afterwards quartered at Bulford. His regiment was among the first to be sent to the Continent, but Sergt. Powell has, so far, suffered no hurt, though he has naturally had many narrow escapes. He is, it is interesting to note, one of six sons of Mrs. Powell, of Bowden Lane, who are serving their King and country.
Her eldest son, Alfred George Powell, served for 21 years in the Royal Engineers, and he emerged from the service as Corporal a few years ago. Just a few months before the war broke out; he joined the 5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, and has since been promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Mr. William John Powell has served almost as long a period as his brother, though he chose the Navy as his profession. For nearly 21 years he has been connected with this branch of the services, and since the outbreak of war he has been on the North Sea.
Of the eight years which Pte. Horace Powell has served in the 2nd Dorset Regiment, six have been spent in India. His regiment was to have been drafted home shortly before hostilities commenced, and Mrs. Powell was looking forward to meeting her son after his long absence. It was ordained otherwise, however, and he is now engaged in his country’s defence in the East.
Mr. Lewis Herbert Powell is at present engaged on Government work at the docks. For several seasons he has been one of the crew of Sir Thomas Lipton’s yacht the Erin. He was also one of the crew which manned the latest Shamrock, which sailed the Atlantic just before the war to race for the America Cup. It will be remembered that the event, which created a great deal of interest at the time, was cancelled, and the crew had to return home.
For some years Mr. Edgar A. Powell has “followed the sea†and he was, for some time before the war, on the Kenilworth Castle. On the outbreak of hostilities, however, he was transferred to the Glenart, formerly the Union Castle liner Galician, which is now being used as a hospital ship.
Mrs. Powell is naturally very proud of her sons, but she is anxiously awaiting the time when they will return to home and safety.â€
Horace Powell died in Mesopotamia in April 1915 and Edgar Powell died when the Llandovery Castle, a hospital ship, was torpedoed 26 June 1918. Randolph survived the war having been involved in the initial action by the BEF at Mons in 1914 and at the liberation of the city in 1918
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