Walter (Wally) Wale 1897-1917, age 20

Barnsley Independent 22nd December 1917 
A snip from a group photograph of Barnsley clerks who joined the Y&L Territorials.
Thanks to Barnsley Archives.

Born: 1897 Q2 in Gamlingay, Cambridge, full name Walter David Purvis Wale.

Son of: Mrs L Larkins of 27 Racecommon Road, Barnsley.
Husband of: Lily Wale nee Smith of 2 Spencer Street, Mansfield, Notts. They married in Mansfield in 1917 Q3. Wally was a clerk in the employ of Messrs McLintock and Sons, Summer Lane, Barnsley. 

Military Service: Walter was a Lance Corporal in the York and Lancaster Regiment, 2/5th battalion, (Territorials), service number 5/2375, and 200648. He attested on 3rd September 1914, giving his age as 19 years (his actual age was 17) and his address as 27, Racecommon Road, Barnsley

Death: 27th November 1917 in France.

Remembered: Cambrai Memorial, Louveral, France, panel 9 and 10. Walter has no known grave.

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

Note: The Barnsley Independent on 22nd December 1917 reported:
"[...] On Sunday last, information was received that Lance Corporal Wally Wale was missing. The news was conveyed in a letter written by Lance Corporal A. Jackson, who stated 'We went over the top on November 27th, and the last that was seen of Wally was about seven o'clock in the morning. I can tell you that I miss him because he was my chum. We both came out from Clipstone together.' Lance Corporal Wale who is 20 years of age was only 17 when he joined the Army and spent his eighteenth birthday in the trenches. Invalided home he spent some time at Clipstone where he was Quartermaster Sergeant and in August last was married. His wife resides at Mansfield and his mother Mrs Larkin at 27, Racecommon Road, Barnsley.[...]"

William (Willie) Thorn

Survived the War and the sinking of the 'Transylvania.'

Barnsley Independent 1917
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1875 in Dodworth.

Military Service: Willie enlisted on 13th January 1915, declaring his age to be 36 years and 8 months. As there is evidence that he was baptised on 9th May 1875 in Dodworth, his true age was about 39 years, approaching 40. The upper age limit at the time of enlisting was 38 years (later increased to 40 in May 1915). It appears that Willie was desperate to 'do his bit'.

Willie was a Private in the Highland Light Infantry, service number 9566, later transferring to the ASC, service number S/440597. 

A miner, living at 33 Shaw Lane, Barnsley, he married Lucy Crick at St George's Church in 1897, and after her death at the age of 25, he married Margaret Ann Williamson in Bishop Aukland in 1907. 

Willie's brother Stanley Thorn was killed at the Battle of Loos on 25th September 1915.

Sinking of the 'Transylvania'

On 4th May 1917 Willie was on board the liner 'Transylvania' when it was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean whilst carrying troops to Egypt. He described his experience in a letter to his father:

[...] Nearly all the men were on parade on deck at the time and lots of us saw the torpedo coming. When the explosion occurred we were practically ready for it. [...] 

The lowering of the boats proceeded with as much speed as possible, me helping as much as I could, when the second torpedo struck us. Directly after the second torpedo struck us I rushed across the deck to see what help I could render, when, as a boat was just being lowered from the top deck with only two soldiers in it, I was told to get into the boat. There was only about six of us in the boat when she touched the water so we picked up as many men as we could and I held the rope whilst the men climbed down it until we got as many on the boat as she could carry - about 70 altogether. 

The sea was very rough as there was a high wind blowing and we had great difficulty in getting the boat away from the ship. We succeeded after a while and managed to get about 500 yards from the ship when she went down nose first and very quietly. 

An Italian torpedo boat picked us up after about 2 hours tossing about. With the sea being rough they had to throw us ropes, one of which I held until the troops were nearly all transferred. I had a narrow escape as just as I was getting out of the small boat on to the destroyer the wave suddenly went down and I lost my grip and nearly fell into the water, and what with assisting in the loading and unloading of the boat and being sick I was just about finished. [...]

Willie's home address at the time of the sinking was 17 Knowsley Street, Barnsley. The Transylvania sank with the loss of 412 lives. 

Information from the Barnsley Independent 1917   

James Harold Causer

Survived the War - awarded the Military Medal 

From the Barnsley Independent 14th April 1917
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

James was born in 1896 and died in 1935 at the age of 39 years. 

Military Service:  Private in the 2/5 York and Lancaster Regiment (Territorials), enlisting in January 1915.

Awarded the Military Medal.

His parents resided at 3 Grafton Street, Barnsley in 1901 and later 51 Racecommon Road, Barnsley. His bother Sam was wounded 3 times by 1917 and was in the 3rd Lincolns.

Information from the Barnsley Independent 14th April 1917   

Walter Jackson Gledhill

Survived the War - awarded the Military Medal 

Barnsley Independent 14th April 1917
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Private Walter Jackson Gledhill was better known as Paddy Jackson

He married Sarah Ellen Goodyear at St Edward's Church in 1911 and resided at 12 Longcar Street, Barnsley at the time of marriage.  By 1917 he had moved to Havelock Street, Barnsley.

Military Service: Enlisted in the 2/5 York and Lancaster Regiment (Territorials) in November 1914. 

Awarded the Military Medal for bringing in his Colonel who had been shot in the ankle on 12th March 1917. They were under fire all the time and both escaped unhurt. 

Member of the Battalion's football team and tug-of-war team. Formerly played for Longcar United and Dodworth Albion in the Barnsley Association Junior League. 

Information from the Barnsley Independent 14th April 1917

Harry Raymond Allden 1898-1917, age 19

Barnsley Chronicle 20th October 1917
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 5th June 1898 in Barnsley and baptised on 10th July 1898 at St Mary's Church in Barnsley. 

Son of: Edward and Elizabeth Allden nee Midgeley. Edward was born in Brierley Hill, Staffordshire and was a glass bottlemaker. He died in March 1899 at the age of 49 when his youngest son Harry was 10 months old. The couple married on 22nd June 1873 at All Saint's church in Silkstone and made their home in Wesley street, Barnsley. They had 8 children. 

• George Henry 1877
• Edith Annie 1878
• John Edward 1881
• Francis Willie 1884-1884, died age 5 months.
• Thomas Arthur 1885-1932, died age 46.
• Cyril Francis 1888
• Florence Mabel Elizabeth 1891
• Harry Raymond 1898

After Edward's death, the children and their mother moved to Western street, and then later to Shaw Lane, Barnsley. 

Military Service: Harry was a Private in the West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) 11th Battalion, service number 42747.

Death: 20th September 1917 in Belgium. 

Remembered: Harry has no known grave and is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium on panel 42 to 47 and 162.  

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Mary's church war memorial, Barnsley

Note: The Barnsley Chronicle on 20th October 1917 reported that prior to Harry's death he had worked at the Barnsley National Shell factory. He was educated at St Mary's Schools and was formerly a chorister at the Parish Church.  

Stanley Thorn 1893-1915, age 22

Barnsley Independent 30th October 1915
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 26th February 1893 in Dodworth 

Son of: Edward Thorn (1850-1936, died age 86) and Elizabeth Thorn nee Jacques. Edward was born in Firbeck, Yorks and was a check weighman at a colliery. The couple were married at St George's Church on 28th May 1871 and had 12 children but only 6 were still living in 1911. The children were born in Dodworth but most of the family moved to the Shaw Lane area of Barnsley by the time war broke out. Three sons served in the war, and Stanley was the youngest and unmarried.

• Thomas Henry 1871-1909, died age 37
• Annie 1873
• William 1875, served in the Highland Light Infantry and survived the sinking of the 'Transylvania'.
• Charles Edward 1881-1944, died age 63
• Alfred 1886, served overseas in the Y&L Regiment. He wrote letters to the local newspapers describing his experiences during the war. In January he wrote to the Barnsley Chronicle from the Stoke War Hospital, Newcastle (Staffs) where he was being treated for a breakdown in health and was unable to walk.  
• Clara Grace 1891
• Stanley 1893-1915 WW1 death 

Military Service: Stanley was a private in the Highland Light Infantry 10th battalion, service number 1782.  

Death: Killed in action on 25th September 1915 at the Battle of Loos.
Remembered: Stanley has no known grave and is remembered on the Loos memorial on panel 108 to 112. 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Independent of 30th October 1915 reported that a letter was received one month ago from another soldier stating that Stanley had been killed, and his father who resided at Shaw lane Barnsley had suffered great suspense and contacted the War Office before receiving official news of his son's death. 

The newspaper reported
[...] "When a youth, young Thorn was apprenticed to learn the engineering trade at Messrs. Qualter and Smith Brothers, engineers and ironfounders, Summer Lane, Barnsley. He subsequently secured a post in the fitting shop at the Church Lane Collieries, Dodworth and was afterwards transferred to the Chemical works at Barugh. He was employed at the last named works when he enlisted early in December last. Since that time he has only visited his home once, and that was last Easter. However he always made a practice of writing home once a week. The following are extracts from the last letter he wrote to his sister 
'Ask father to get me a good thick wool jersey and a pair of good thick wool gloves to wear at nights when it turns quite cold. You will get another silk-worked card about the time you 
get this letter, so look out for it. It has all the Allies flags worked on it and it looks very pretty and neat. You would be surprised to see what a large number are sold. I wish you the best 
of luck and trust that God will bring this war to a speedy termination. It will be a good job when it is finished and the soldiers home safe and sound again'" [...] 

William Montgomery 1893-1917 age 23

 Barnsley Chronicle 2nd June 1917
Thanks to Barnsley Archives 

Born: 17th October 1893 in Barnsley

Son of: William Henry Montgomery (1866-1927, died age 61) and Christiana Montgomery nee Shepherd. William Henry was a grocer and the couple had 3 children, but only their son William survived infancy. Daughter Beatrice died in 1895 aged 7 weeks, and their son George died in 1900 aged 3 years and 6 months.  Their son William was unmarried.  The family lived in Summer Lane, Barnsley before moving to Blenheim Road, Barnsley by the time of William's death. 

Military Service: William was a Private in the York and Lancaster Regiment, 13th Battalion (the 1st Barnsley Pals) service number 649.

Death: 15th May 1917, killed in action in France

Buried: Albuera Cemetery, Bailleul - Sire - Berthoult, France in grave ref South C.17.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Chronicle on 26th May 1917 reported:
Private William Montgomery, the only son of Mr and Mrs Montgomery of 48 Blenheim Road, Barnsley, has made the great sacrifice at the age of 23 years. He was one of the first to join the Barnsley Pals Battalion and through hereditary instincts he took an enthusiastic interest in soldiering. Prior to joining the Battalion in September 1914, he worked at the warehouse at Messrs Richardson, Tee and Ryecroft's factory, Pitt Street, and was held in high esteem by his colleagues at the mill and by a host of Barnsley friends. Last November he sustained a gunshot wound in the thigh and was temporarily buried in a dug out, but he made a quick recovery from the injury and was soon back in the firing line. Profound sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Montgomery in the loss of their only son. They have been much comforted by the receipt of a letter received from Lieut. Huggard. "Tonight (the officer wrote) I have one of the saddest duties a man could have to perform when I write to tell you of the death of your son. This will be a shock to you; it has been a shock to me and and to all his pals. Your son was in one of the finest sections of the platoon in controlling the Lewis gun, and he had some good friends who miss him very much. It was soon after midnight last night when your son, with most of the lads in the platoon, were doing a job of great importance close to the front line when a shell burst amongst them, killing two and wounding four others besides your son William, who died soon afterwards. He had not much pain for the stretcher bearers gave him something to numb it. It seems a shame that such a fine young lad as your son was should be taken away but we must bow to the will of Almighty God. Your son died besides his pals for the sake of his home and country. I was his Platoon Commander but have been moved to another Company, otherwise I should have been with him at the time, for I always shared their dangers with them." [...]

Harold Boylan 1919-1942, age 23

Barnsley Chronicle 6th February 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: Barnsley in 1919 Q2

Son of: Harold and Eliza Boylan nee Green. Harold snr (1891-1968, died age 77) served in WW1 as a Corporal in the York and Lancaster Regiment 5th Battalion, service number 3074 and later in the railway section of the Royal Engineers.  Eliza died in 1946 at the age of 55 years and both are buried in Barnsley cemetery. The couple were married in 1915, resided at 14 Havelock Street, Barnsley and Harold was the second of eight children.  He was unmarried.  

Military Service: Harold was a Private in the Northamptonshire Regiment, 5th battalion, service number 5887772.  

Death: 24th December 1942 in Tunisia. 

Buried: Harold was originally buried at Baharine before being moved to Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia on 9th August 1944, grave reference 18.C.3. His headstone is inscribed with the following words

Most sacred heart of Jesus

I put my trust in Thee

Thy will be done, O Lord.  

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here

Remembered: Barnsley Holy Rood Church Book of Remembrance. 

The Barnsley Chronicle 6th February 1942 reported:

Barnsley Soldier Killed in Tunisia

Was in Dunkirk Evacuation. 

News has been received by Mr and Mrs H. Boylan, 14 Havelock Street, Barnsley, that their son, Pte Harold Boylan (23), Northants Regiment was killed in action on the Tunisian front during December 1942.
Pte. Boylan who had a proud record of service joined the Forces with the first Militia in 1939, went to France in 1940 and returned to England during the evacuation from Dunkirk after a rough passage. Taking a course in bomb throwing at a battle training school, Pte Boylan was wounded and had to spend a few weeks in hospital. Later he embarked for North Africa, and took part in the initial landing of troops. 
A corporal who has written to Mr Boylan, says that Pte Boylan "met his death courageously while in the field."
Pte. Boylan was formerly employed at Silkstone Colliery and attended Holy Rood Schools. His father served in the last war with the 5th Y. and L. (Barnsley Territorials), was in the second gas attack at Ypres and was decorated with three medals.

Brian Martin 1921-1945, age 24

Barnsley Chronicle 7th April 1945
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1921 Q1 Barnsley

Son of: James and Bertha Martin nee Toyne. They married in Catherine's Church in Sheffield in 1916. James (1885-1963, died age 78) enlisted in the R.F.A. in 1915. Bertha, born in 1891 in Sheffield, died at the age of 46 in 1937. The couple had 5 children and three of their sons served in WW2. Brian was the second son and was unmarried. At the time of Brian's death the family lived at 2 Harvey Street, off Racecommon Road in Barnsley. 

Military Service: Brian was a Trooper in the Royal Armoured Corps, 3rd Carabiniers (Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards), Service number 4697017.  

Death: 15th March 1945 in Burma.

Buried: Taukkyan War cemetery, Myanmar, Burma in grave ref 19.A.9. Brian had been originally buried at Mandalay War Cemetery. 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: Holy Rood Church WW2 book of remembrance, and the Co-operative war memorial, Barnsley 

The Barnsley Chronicle on 7th April 1945 reported:

Killed in Burma

Promising Barnsley Swimmer

A feeling of deep regret will be felt in Barnsley at the news that Brian Martin (24), second son of Mr James Martin, 2 Harvey Street, Barnsley has been killed in action during March in Burma. Brian joined the Army at the outbreak of war in the "Under 20's". Enlisting in the K.O.Y.L.I. he soon rose to the rank of Corporal. On transfer to the R.A.C. he was offered, but refused, a commission, as he wished to get on an overseas draft and resigned his rank. 
A well-known scholar of Holy Rood and Longcar Central he will best be remembered as a swimmer of promise. Captain of Longcar Central he helped to win many trophies for that school. Brain swam Squadron for Barnsley Swimming Club and assisted in many polo matches. Employed at Cundy Cross Branch he had held the Co-op Championship Trophy since 1936. He has two brothers, Denis and James D. Martin, serving with the R.A.F. and is a nephew of Mr W. Martin, President of the B.B.C.S. Ltd.

Personal memories:  Brian's youngest sister Pat and brother Don remember their brother with love and great pride.

" I know Brian was promoted first to Lance Corporal and then to Corporal and once or twice after that when he transferred to the RAC he was again promoted to Lance corporal and then demoted again.  Brian was a rebel and I'm sure he preferred being one of the lads. I remember being taken before the war to watch him play in a Co-op water polo match against Wakefield Police at Barnsley Baths. Brian had fouled the Police a few times and kept being sent out of the pool to sit on the side. It was at the end of the match when both teams were swimming to the sides that the Police made a concerted attack on Brian, ducking him several times. Brian broke surface grinning from ear to ear and called out "Help. Police!" The spectators roared with laughter. I have the silver Championship trophy cup that you mention." 

Brian's father received a letter from the wife of the second in command of the Regiment who was responsible for next of kin welfare and it is produced in part below, with thanks to Pat. 

"At Kadojeik, 2 tanks of no. 6 Troop were ambushed by Japanese infantry. Tpr Martin was driving the leading tank. It's armour was penetrated by an anti tank grenade fired at very close range, and the tank caught fire; all the crew evacuated. Meanwhile Lt Lothian, who commanded the other tank tried to manoeuvre in to a position from which he could cover them. But in doing so, his own tank was penetrated by a second grenade and he himself severely wounded. Ammunition in the evacuated tank started to explode and the crew, including Tpr Martin ran for our own lines. Some were killed immediately but Tpr Martin, fatally wounded managed to reach the forward infantry. He died in the F.A.P."  (our note: F.A.P. = First Aid Post)

Pat also says;

"The account differs from what I was told at the time. Sometime after Brian's death I remember being told that a soldier who had been in the same unit as Brian visited my Dad and told him that Brian was driving a tank with the 'lid' up. This was strictly against the rules but in the jungle the inside of a tank became like a pressure cooker and leaving the 'lid' up was common practice. He said that a Japanese soldier who was hiding up a tree threw a hand grenade into the tank and the rest of his story agreed with the official statement. I can't see why the soldier would have made the story up but I can see that the official statement would have been more politically correct."

Brian is remembered on the family gravestone in Barnsley cemetery which is inscribed with the words, 

 MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

HAVE MERCY ON THE SOULS OF

SHEILA MARY MARTIN

DIED JANUARY 18TH 1926

BERTHA MARTIN

DIED MAY 19TH 1937

BRIAN MARTIN

KILLED IN ACTION 1939-1945

JAMES MARTIN 

DIED MARCH 31ST 1963

R.I.P.

Leslie Walter James 1924-1945, age 20

Barnsley Chronicle 5th August 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1924 Q2 in the Barnsley registration area. 

Son of: Walter and Adelaide May James nee Barnett. Walter (1898-1978, died age 80) married Adelaide May at Gawber Church on 17th November 1923. Leslie was the eldest of their 5 children and his parents lived at Cross Street in Barugh Green.  

Husband of: Hannah Agnes James nee Corker.  Agnes and Leslie married at St Mary's Church, Barnsley in 1944, Q1. They had no children. 

After Leslie's death in 1945, Agnes married Wilfred R Birch in 1948.  

Military Service: Leslie was a Trooper in the Reconnaissance Corps of the Royal Armoured Corps, 15th Regiment, Service number 14333225. 

He was wounded in 1944. The Barnsley Chronicle on 5th August 1944 reported:

Wounded Barnsley Trooper Progressing Favourably.

Visiting him in hospital at Driffield last week, Mrs L. W. James, 57 Shaw Street, Barnsley found her husband, Trooper Leslie W. James (20) Reconnaisance Corps, progressing favourably after sustaining burns on the face and hands while on active service in Normandy. He joined the Army in November 1942 and arrived in France on June 28th. 

It appears that he was on an armoured car moving along a village road when a German sniper lobbed a hand grenade in the car. Trooper James was severely burned and he says he never saw the accompanying officer again. 

Formerly a clerk at the Abattoir, Pontefract Road, he was married only 18 weeks ago at St Mary's Church, his bride being Miss A. Corker, daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Corker, 7 Shambles street. The son of Mr and Mrs Walter James, 3 Cross Street, Barugh Green, Leslie attended Higham Methodist Chapel and was a Lance Corporal in the Home Guard. His father served in the last war. 

Death: 27th March 1945 in Germany.  

Buried: Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany in grave 58.C.11. Leslie was previously buried in Hamminkeln, Germany but moved to Reichswald Cemetery on 17th April 1947. His grave bears the following inscription

"He will receive us

With outstretched arms." 

Find a grave link: here 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  
Remembered: St Thomas Church War memorial, Gawber. 

Frank Thornhill Lawrence 1912-1944, age 32

Barnsley Chronicle 24th June 1944
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1912 Q1 in Barnsley

Son of: William and Grace Lawrence nee Thornhill. William and Grace married in 1894.  William (1867-1943, died age 76) was a barman, and became an underground labourer in 1911 when the family moved from Wright's Terrace to a house with 3 rooms at Craick's Court, Old Mill, Barnsley. William was born in Kensington in London, and Grace (1875-1957, died age 82) was born in Birdwell.The couple had at least 7 children, and by 1911, one of them had died. 

• John Arthur 1895 Q3, born Birdwell
• Alfred 1897 Q3, born Barnsley
• Thomas William 1900 Q1, born Barnsley
• Lily Ann 1906 Q3, born Smithies, Barnsley
• Alice 1909 Q2 born Old Mill, Barnsley 
• Frank Thornhill 1912 Q1
• Albert 1916 Q3

Husband of: Doris Ellen Lawrence nee Linsley. Frank and Doris's marriage was registered in 1939 Q1, Barnsley.  

Military Service: Frank was a Private in the York and Lancaster Regiment, 9th Battalion, Service number 4756402.

Death: 31st May 1944 from malaria in Burma.   

Buried: Taukkyan War cemetery in Myanmar, Burma, grave reference II. F. 7. His grave bears the following inscription

"Treasured memories of my dear husband"

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Chronicle of 24th June 1944 reported

Barnsley Soldier dies from Malaria

News has been received by Mrs Lawrence, 3 Blenheim Avenue, Barnsley, that her husband Pte. Frank Thornhill Lawrence (32) died during May from malaria in the Indian theatre of war. Joining the Forces in 1940 after working as a case maker at the glass bottle works of Redfearn Bros., he had been overseas two years. He was the son of Mrs and the late Mr W. Lawrence, 3 Wharfe Street, Barnsley, and he leaves a wife but no children. 

John William Brown Greaves 1921-1943, age 21

Barnsley Chronicle 24th April 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: 1921 Q3 in Chester-Le-Street Registration District, Durham. 

Son of: John and Agnes Greaves of 20 Racecommon Road, Barnsley.

Military Service: William was a Lance Corporal in the 6th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, Service number 4748444.

Death: 21st March 1943 'by accident' in North Africa.

Buried: William is buried in Tabarka Ras Rajel War cemetery in Tunisia, Grave number 4, C, 20. He was originally buried on the road at Dbl. Abd, but was reburied at Ras Rji on 25th June 1943. His grave bears the inscription 

"Ever in my Memory" 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here  

The Barnsley Chronicle on 24th April 1943 reported

Barnsley Soldiers Death in North Africa

Mr and Mrs J. W. Greaves of 20, Racecommon Road, Barnsley have received news of the death by accident in North Africa of their son Lce Cpl J. William B. Greaves (22) who was well known and popular, particularly in the Worsbro' Bridge area, where he had worked and lived. He attended Worsbro' Dale School and became a member of St James' Church Lads Brigade, Worsbro' Bridge. He worked at Barrow Collieries and was a Territorial, first with the Hallamshires and then the York and Lancasters. 

He went to North Africa in January this year and has a brother, sister and two brothers-in-law in the Forces. His father served in the R.A.S.C. practically throughout the last war, in which two of his brothers were killed. A memorial service for Lce-Cpl Greaves will be held in St James' Church, Worsbro' Bridge on Easter Sunday evening. 

A pathetic feature is that since the official information of death, the parents received a letter from their son, also a letter from the Corporal's brother-in-law, Signaller R. Jessop, who referred to his burial observing that "the place where he lies buried, marked with a cross, will always be remembered by me." "The day before," the letter continues, "we were discussing life after the war, settling down, and of the good times that will never be realised by him."