Private Charles William Kerridge

Service Number: 240908

2nd/5th Bn. East Lancashire Regiment

Died of Wounds 29th March 1918, aged 24

Son of Annie Kerridge, 56 Holbeck Street, Burnley, and the late William Kerridge

From the Burnley Express dated 13th April 1918:  WEAVER DIES FROM WOUNDS

During the week official news has been received by Mrs. Kerridge of 56 Holbeck Street, of the death in the 12th General Hospital, Rouen, of her son, Pte. Chas. W. Kerridge, 240908 East Lancashire Regiment. on March 29th.  The deceased soldier, who was 24 years of age last August, was, previous to voluntarily joining the Army, a weaver at Queen Street Mill, Harle Syke.  He was single, and enlisted in September 1914, and went abroad when those who had been training in Colchester were sent out.  The deceased was an enthusiastic footballer as a boy, and was a member of Collinge's eleven.

Mrs. Kerridge has received two beautiful letters from Nurse Harlan Marshal, of the hospital, (St. Louis U.S.A.), and the Rev. John O'Neill, the priest-in-charge.  The former gives the particulars of the soldier's wounds, and expresses her sympathy with the recipient.  Pte. Kerridge was badly wounded in the leg, and lost his right arm, and profuse hemorrhage caused his death, which was peaceful and quiet.  All that was possible was done for the patient, whose one wish was to "get to Blighty" and see his mother.  During the last two days his life was peaceful: he was comfortable, he ate, smoked and talked to the soldiers about.

The Rev. Mr. O'Neill informs the mother that her son had a most holy death, and received all the last sacraments while he was fully conscious, and that he was buried with the rites of the Church.  The rev. gentleman adds a few words of comfort and "trusts the blow will be considerably softened by the knowledge that the poor boy had such a good death".

Buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France: P. VII. H. 3A