The authorities recorded a military funeral at Blackwell parish church A native of newton he was a great sports man and footballer of exceptional attainment. He was possessed of a magnificent physique and a sturdy player. He worked for Hucknall colliery when the war broke out and went to france in the early days. He died from the effects if gas. The body was bought from his home town of Newton with a detachment of 80 soldiers form Clipstone camp, bringing with a gun carriage upon which the coffin wrapped in a Union Jack was taken to church. The band of the Duke of Wellington regiment headed the procession , while a firing party fired of the customary three volleys at the grave side and the buglers sounded the last post.. He left his wife and 2 daughters another daughter had passed away whilst he was at war and the 4th daughter, my nan, was born after his death.

Jane Francis