Arnold CONSTANTINE

18 February 1916

CLAPHAM – MILITARY NEWS

Lance Corporal Arnold Constantine, 9th Service Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, has been home on sick furlough. He has been at the Front since last July.

Gunner John Slinger, R.F.A. West Yorkshire, came home for five days’ furlough prior to his leaving for the Front.

01 June 1917

CLAPHAM – WAR ITEMS

News reached the parents of Private Arnold Constantine, Duke of Wellington’s, on Tuesday morning from York, that he has been posted as ‘missing’ since April 25th.

15 June 1917

CLAPHAM – MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday afternoon a memorial service was held in St. James’ Church for local soldiers who have fallen in battle. A large congregation assembled, amongst whom were relatives of the heroes and many were visibly affected by the solemnity of the occasion. A special form of service was used including the lesson from 1. Cor. xv. 20 – ‘Now is Christ risen from the dead,’ and Psalm 39 was chanted by the choir. Mr. Goddard Barker, A.R.C.O., gave as voluntaries ‘Marche Funebre’ (Beethoven), ‘But the Lord is mindful of His own’ (Mendelssohn), and ‘Marche Funebre’ (Chopin), and Miss A. Harrison feeling[ly] sang ‘Nearer my God to Thee’ (Carey). The hymns were ‘Jesu, Lover of my soul’ and ‘Lead, Kindly Light.’ Canon Rawdon Briggs preached a touching sermon from 1. Philippians, 23rd verse – ‘To depart and to be with Christ, which is far better,’ and in the course of his remarks said that was an occasion when the people were met to commemorate the sacredness of those dear ones who had fallen in battle. Their words and thoughts were with those who are asleep in the future beyond. There is no death, as the term is only a step into a larger and fuller life beyond. Life is one stage, a kindergarten or preparatory school and the Church states there is no death only a gateway, a closing of the eyes here and opening them there. Those near and dear heroes are moved on to another state. Their lives have not been wasted but developed to higher ones. They should be remembered in people’s prayers, for they are serving on the other side of the grave. In conclusion Canon Briggs quoted the verse:–

He is not dead the child of your affection,
But gone into another school;
Where he no longer needs your protection,
For Christ Himself doth rule.

08 November 1918

CLAPHAM – A FAMILY’S SACRIFICE: Three Sons in One Family

Much sympathy has been extended to Mr. and Mrs. Chris. Constantine in that they have lost three sons who have made the supreme sacrifice. Word came to hand on Friday morning that their eldest son, Corporal Tom Constantine, had been killed on the Western Front. Corporal Constantine was awarded the Military Medal for devotion to duty on the 19th of September 1917. Another son, Private Arnold Constantine, was killed on April 25th 1917, and previous to that Pte. Chris. Constantine, on August 15th 1915, laid down his life for his country, and Private Arthur Constantine was wounded, and has now been discharged. An uncle, Private Fred Constantine, is now a prisoner of war in Germany.

Regarding Corporal Constantine, Second-Lieut. W. Starkey writes:– “I am writing to offer you my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement in the loss of your son, Corporal Constantine, M.M. He was one of our best N.C.O.s, and his death came as a shock to all of us in his platoon. We were waiting to go over when your son was hit by a piece of shell and he died instantly. I know this will be a hard blow to you and trust that God will help you to bear your great sorrow and comfort you in your time of need.

25 April 1919

CONSTANTINE – In loving memory of our dear son and brother Lance-Corporal Arnold Constantine, West Riding Regiment, killed in action April 25th, 1917.

A loving son and brother kind,
A beautiful memory left behind.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Manor View, Clapham.