This is my Great-Grandad, Edward and his son Ted.
Ted was killed in the trenches at the age of 17.
This is how the newspaper reported his death -
One of the first Leeds Rifles to fall in action is Rifleman E. J. Pearce of the 7th West Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in action in France on May 7. His home was at 13 Canvas Street, Holbeck, and he enlisted in October last having been previously employed at Mesars Tetley's Brewery. He was only 17 years of age although for the purpose of enlistment he had declared himself to be 19.
In a letter conveying the sad news to the soldier's parents, Lieutenant E. W. May writes "Please allow me to express to you my deepest sympathy, as well as that of all the other officers of the company, at this most unfortunate occurrence. He was an exceptionally good lad. He always did his best and took a great interest in all his work, and I should indeed be proud if the whole of the men whom I have the honour to command were as good and true soldiers as your son.
It happened while on sentry duty in the trenches about six o'clock this morning. He had been firing a few sniping shots when a return German bullet caught him in the head and death was instantaneous.
The French are now planning to move the war graves, Ted's included, to build a M-Way -
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=55&ArticleID=1861276
Ted was killed in the trenches at the age of 17.
This is how the newspaper reported his death -
One of the first Leeds Rifles to fall in action is Rifleman E. J. Pearce of the 7th West Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in action in France on May 7. His home was at 13 Canvas Street, Holbeck, and he enlisted in October last having been previously employed at Mesars Tetley's Brewery. He was only 17 years of age although for the purpose of enlistment he had declared himself to be 19.
In a letter conveying the sad news to the soldier's parents, Lieutenant E. W. May writes "Please allow me to express to you my deepest sympathy, as well as that of all the other officers of the company, at this most unfortunate occurrence. He was an exceptionally good lad. He always did his best and took a great interest in all his work, and I should indeed be proud if the whole of the men whom I have the honour to command were as good and true soldiers as your son.
It happened while on sentry duty in the trenches about six o'clock this morning. He had been firing a few sniping shots when a return German bullet caught him in the head and death was instantaneous.
The French are now planning to move the war graves, Ted's included, to build a M-Way -
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=55&ArticleID=1861276
Comments
 | 3:39am November 15 2006ashdad said: Neat old portrait; sad story. I hope they work their way around the cemeteries without disturbing them. |
 | 11:41am November 15 2006yellville said: Sad...so young.... |
 | 5:17pm November 15 2006ohhahhwho said: War does steal away our most precious resource. |
 | 10:45am November 21 2006Steve said: A very poignant picture, Karen, and such lovely words about him. |
 | 6:47pm November 26 2006Lowryn said: Thank you for the glimpse into your history |
 | 1:57pm November 29 2006Hippy said: Such a waste and now, such an insult |
 | 12:20am December 15 2006visuallyadaptive said: wow, amazing and sad story. It's good to know you have the photo and the article to remember by |
 | 8:20pm December 28 2006grenthal said: It's so sad... Why they can't leave them rest in peace? |
 | 3:07am June 14 2007Gtc126 said: Super Shot...I know these brings back memories.. a very brave lad!!!! |
 | 5:27pm June 21 2007Ettie said: there's something wrong with moving the war dead... |
 | 10:06pm October 21 2007WesternDreams said: So sad... a young life taken far too soon... I enjoy old photos and stories like this! |
 | 1:06pm January 6 2008Charlestonchew said: A very sad story indeed! A sad story that is retold day in and day out now as well. |
 | 7:36pm January 18 2008Snappa2 said: A sad piece of family history. |
