King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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Private Harry Kendal

Private Harry Kendal, number 2280, of the 4th Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment was an early casualty of the battalion when he was accidentally killed at Slough Railway Station whilst the battalion were employed guarding the Great Western Railway.

Private Harry Kendal, 4th Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.
Accession Number: KO3006/01

Private Harry Kendal joined the Millom Detachment of the 4th Battalion (Territorial Force) of the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment in the spring of 1914 at the age of 17 years.  His 18th birthday was celebrated on 13th August 1914 just on the eve of the battalion moving to London in order to guard the Great Western Railway line.

A letter written by an officer of the battalion, dated 9th September 1914, from the Royal Hotel, Slough reads:

"I very much regret to inform you that your son, while on sentry duty on the railway line here, was crushed to death between a cattle siding and a passing train, at 9.30 last night.
I also desire to tender my sincere sympathies with you and yours in your sad loss.  Arrangements will be made here about the coffin and I am telegraphing to you whether you wish the funeral to be here or at Millom.
Yours truly,
W Donald Barrett, Captain."

(Donald Barrett's family were managers of the Hodbarrow Mining Company.)

A newspaper report of the funeral reads as follows:

"A guard of honour of National Reservists under the command of Sergeant S Date assembled at 11 Streel Green.  The coffin was covered by the National Ensign and massed with flowers.  Four reservists acted as bearers.  As the hearse and coaches moved off a large number of people fell in behind and walked in procession to the Parish Church (Holy Trinity) over two miles away, although the rain fell in torrents and many got drenched to the skin.  Crowds also assembled along the route in silent sympathy with the family, while despite the weather the ancient church was filled with mourners of both sexes.  The choir was in good attendance and sang "Fight the good Fight" and "On the Resurrection morning" while at the close the organist played "The Death March" in Saul.
The scene at the graveside was an impressive one and many present were deeply affected.  At the conclusion of the committal service a salute was given by the National Reserve Guard."

Funeral Card for Private Harry Kendal, of Steel Green, Millom.
Accession Number: KO3006/02

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.