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Soldiers of the Regiment

Private Frank Holland

Private Frank Holland, number 1706, and after the 1917 Army-wide renumbering of the Territorial Force Battalions, 240309, served with the 2nd/5th Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.  He was tragically killed by accident on 23rd May 1917.

 

From Local Newspaper:

“Mr and Mrs Holland, Saxon Lea, Galgate, have lost their son, Private Frank Holland, Royal Lancaster Regiment. On 30 May 1917 Mrs Holland received a letter from the army chaplain, dated 24 May 1917 saying “It is with very great sorry that I have to tell you of the death of your son. He was brought in here (the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station) last night, suffering from very severe internal injuries. I saw him soon after his arrival; he was then quite conscious. He asked me to write to you and give you his love. I do not know if he realised that he was dying. I saw him a couple of hours after, but he was unconscious, and he passed away just before midnight. His end was quiet and peaceful, and I was with him at the time. I laid him to rest this afternoon in a little cemetery nearby. A cross will be erected over the grave. I can only offer you my very deep sympathy, and pray that you may have strength to bear your very great trial. You can be cheered by the thought that your son has done his duty, and died in service for his King and country. You must try and realise that the separation is only temporary, and that you will see your boy again in the land where there is no more sorrow.”

In a later letter received from Captain W H Satterthwaite, it appears that Private Holland was accidentally shot by a comrade on the evening of the 23 May. There had been an inquiry into the affair, and there was no doubt it was a pure accident. The two lads had been pals, and had left Aldershot together and had never had a quarrel. All that could be done for the boy was done by the medical officer, he he died on the 23 May. “We are all sorry to lose him. He was a general favourite with the company, and on behalf of the officers and men of the company I wish to convey to you and your family their sincere sympathy at the loss you have sustained.

A pal writes as follows: “It is with great regret I write to express my sorrow for the accident which happened on the 23rd. I was cleaning my rifle, and replaced the magazine before closing the bolt, and so fired the round. It was a great mistake, and a great misfortune. Your son and I have been the best of pals for many months, and for a good bit next to each other in the lines. I am sorry for the trouble which has come to you. It will take me a very long time to forget it. I will close with best wishes and hope you will forgive me for the trouble I have brought to you.”
Private Hulland enlisted in the Territorials…..”

the newspaper cutting ends here.

Private Frank Holland is recorded as being buried in Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerk
Newspaper Cutting Accession Number: KO1095/05
 

 

 

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 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.

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