Huthwaite War Memorial Project

Notts Free Press – 17th May, 1918.
PRIVATE A. GASCOIGNE, HUTHWAITE.

“ I am writing to express to you my deep sympathy in the loss of your son, Pte. A Gascoigne. Until some six weeks ago it was my pleasant duty to command the Company in which your son was. I knew him well, for I had good cause to since he was one of the most reliable and trustworthy men in my Company. His own particular job, as you no doubt know, was that of a Lewis gunner, and in that capacity he could not be beaten. He was always refreshingly cheerful, and on all occasions turned up smiling, no matter what was going on. He refused to be downcast, which we all know counts for so much in these days of hardship. You may believe me that he is very deeply missed by all the men and officers in his Company, and particularly by his own friends, for he must have been a friend indeed. The Battalion to which he belonged is undergoing many changes; people come and go, but I know that it is always the going that is hardest, both for those who leave and for those left behind. I will always be pleased to help if it lies within my power.
-From Capt. T.W. Harbey.

Notts. Free Press
Private A. Gascoyne, Huthwaite
Official news has been received on April 18th. of the death from wounds of Private Arthur Gascoyne, 25929, D Company, 9th. Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancasters. He was 22 years of age, and lived in Barker Street, Huthwaite. He went out to Salonika in October, 1917. Three letters have been received which were written by him to different people on the 16th. April. And in them he declared himself to be "in the pink," yet two days later he died of wounds. Before enlisting he was employed at the Huthwaite Co-operative Branch.

Concerning the death of Pte. A. Gascoigne, Barker Street, Huthwaite – recorded in our last issue - the following letters have been received
“I am sorry to have the painful duty of informing you of the death from wounds received in action on April 17th of your son 25929 Pte. Gascoigne. It happened whilst he was on post, a shell unfortunately striking where he and two companions were standing. He died nobly doing his duty, and I extend to you the deepest sympathy of his Company comrades and myself in your great bereavement.” - 2nd Lieut. T. Parker.