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The seated man in the photograph is thought to be Alfred York; the other soldier is possibly his younger brother. (copied for a display at Rushden Heritage Centre in 1998)
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Aged 39 years
Died 4th April 1916
Commemorated at Brandhoek Military Cemetery
Grave I. H.2.
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| Born at Irchester, enlisted at Westminster, resided at Thrapston. |
From the Burnt Records
Alfred York enlisted on 19th August 1915 in London, and said he was aged 40 years, a labourer and unmarried. He was examined and found to be 5' 11½" tall, weight 147lbs, 37½" chest (4" expansion), with very deficient eyesight "but well able to do navvy work", and with bad teeth but "they do not interfere with his eating". He named his brother Charles as his next of kin. After his death his wife Hannah had to send her marriage certificate and the birth certificate for their child. She signed a receipt for his effects as his wife Mrs. Hannah Wood (formerly York) of 2 New Road, Thrapston. |
Rushden Echo, May 12 1916, transcribed by Clive Wood
Tribute to fallen Rushden Pioneer
Pioneer C York of R.E. Labour Battalion in France, has received the following message of sympathy in the bereavement he has sustained by the death of his brother, who as we recently reported, was killed at the front : "I very much regret to have to tell you that your brother Pioneer A York, 116354 'A' Coy. Labour Battalion, R.E. was killed, in action on the 4th April. His death is much regretted by his officer comrades. He was always willing and cheerful, and set a good example to others, and was the most popular man in his company. He died almost at once, and did not suffer any pain. In offering you the sympathy of his officers and comrades, I can only say that he died at his post, doing his duty for his King and Country.
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