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Pte. Thomas Elliott
British Army 12th Btn. King's Royal Rifle Corps.
(d.19th September 1916)
Hartley Wespall Military Funeral, 30th September 1916
On Saturday afternoon the mortal remains of Pte. Thomas Elliott, King's Royal Rifle, were laid to rest in the churchyard of his native village with military honours. He had been on active service for the past 11 months and was severely wounded in the head on the 5th inst.; after preliminary attention at the Base Hospital he was removed to the Duchess of Connaught's Canadian Red Cross Hospital, Taplow. Subsequent reports gave ground for hope of recovery, but he gradually grew worse, and passed away on the 19th inst. Owing to indisposition the Rector of Hartley was unable to conduct the service, and this duty was kindly carried out by the Rev. J. B. Barker, Rector of Sherfield. There was a large concourse of people, practically the whole parish, where the deceased was very well known and popular, showing their sympathy by attending the sad ceremony. The deceased, previous to joining the Army, had been an enthusiastic member of the Hartley Boy Scouts and enlisted in the Army although under age. This token of bravery, which has culminated in giving his life for his country's cause, has brought forth expressions of admiration on all sides. The body, borne by soldiers, ten of whom attended, enered the church whilst the organist (Mr. R. N. Ruddle) played the air O rest in the Lord. The hymn On the resurrection morning was sung during the service, and the Nunc Dimittis was chanted as they left for the grave, which is situated under the shadow of the church where the deceased had been accustomed to attend. At the conclusion of the service the Last Post was played by two buglers, and was very impressive.
The mourners included Messrs. Ernest, Charles and John Elliott, Mrs. C. Elliott, senr., Mr. and Mrs. Wingrove, Mrs. Cummins; Misses Edith, Ethel and Agnes Elliott, and there were also present Mr. and Mrs. Durnford, Miss Durnford, Mrs. J. B. Barker and many others. There were numerous wreaths of especial beauty from Joe, Charlie and John; Mrs. Wingrove and Charlie; Edie; Mrs. Cummins; Ethel, Agnes and Mother; Mrs. Sewry; Ed. and Willie Coring; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Vass; from the staff at hospital; Dick Cummins; Misses F. A. and E. Lawrence; Mrs. Armsworth; Mrs. Leadbetter; Mr. and Mrs. Hoare; Mrs, Willis and Mrs. F. Hoare; Mrs. Hall: Miss Barter; Mr. and Mrs. L. Smith; Mrs. Lomer; Mr. and Mrs. Durnford; his loving friend Flo; Mr. and Mrs Mulford and children.
