Bernard Grime LODGE

20 July 1917

BAINBRIDGE – NEWS FROM THE BOYS

The Bainbridge and Low Abbotside War Working Committee, who have for several months been sending parcels of comforts, &c. to the men from the district on foreign service, have, through the secretary, Mr. F. Hiscock, received a number of gratifying acknowledgments.

Second-Lieutenant Lodge writes:–“Many thanks to the Committee. Just returned from the trenches, and there was the parcel waiting. It saved my life. There seem to be no cakes like those made in Wensleydale.

07 September 1917

LODGE – August 24th 1917, killed in action in France, Second-Lieutenant B.G. Lodge, D.L.I., only son of Mr. J.J.G. Lodge, Yorebridge House, Askrigg, aged 23 years.

07 September 1917

KILLED LEADING HIS MEN – LIEUTENANT LODGE FALLS IN ACTION

News was received on Saturday by Mr. J.J.G. Lodge, Yorebridge House, Askrigg, that his only son, Second Lieutenant Bernard Grime Lodge, D.L.I., was killed in action on August 24th. Deceased, who was 23 years of age, joined the Royal Fusiliers, U.P.S., in December 1914, having previously offered himself, but was rejected. He objected to trying for a commission until he had gained experience as a private. After training at several camps he went to France with his regiment in November 1915, returning to England as a cadet in April 1916, and was gazetted on the 9th August of the same year as a Second Lieutenant to Special Reserve, D.L.I. In September he again went out to France, and after acting as Company Bombing Officer he became Battalion Bombing Officer and Intelligence Officer till he was killed as stated above.

He was educated at the Minster Yard School, York, Yorebridge Grammar School, and Giggleswick School, where he was a member of the O.T.C. After leaving Giggleswick he entered Messrs. Barclay’s Bank at Northallerton, and was afterwards transferred to the head office at Darlington.

He was a true type of the clean living, big-hearted British lad, and his eagerness to serve his King and Country stamped him as a true Britisher. His cheerfulness under all conditions, his unfailing good humour, and unostentatiousness made him a prime favourite wherever he was known. He chafed at inaction in English training camps, and yearned to be taking his part in that greatest game of all in which he has died the death of a hero, and his death adds another name to Wensleydale’s honoured heroes.

Colonel Morrant, writing to Mr. J.J.G. Lodge, says:– “It is with the deepest sympathy that I write to tell you of the death in action of your charming boy, who was my intelligence officer. A braver, cooler, more reliable young officer could not be found. He had done wonderfully gallant work on patrol on numerous occasions, and whatever the job he had to do, I could absolutely rely on his doing it thoroughly. I know no officer in the Battalion I could have spared less than he. He was brave as a lion. We were counter attacked on the 24th, and I turned out all the men at HQ. He, without any orders, dashed off with the leading men right up to the point where danger threatened. I was quite ignorant of where he was, but my adjutant, who also went up, found his body where the adjutant of another Battalion was also killed, evidently by a machine gun fired from our left flank. For the rest of the day this was a dangerous point and several others were killed there. I don’t know how I shall replace him, as not only was he valuable as an officer, but I was very fond of him, as were all of us.”

The greatest sympathy is felt for Mr. J.J.G Lodge in his great loss.

14 September 1917

BAINBRIDGE – NEWS FROM THE BOYS

The Bainbridge and Low Abbotside War Working Party have received the following replies to letters and parcels sent to local 'boys' at the Front:–

Second Lieutenant B. G. Lodge, who has since been killed in action, wrote:– “Many thanks to the committee for the most acceptable parcel. I expect most folks in Wensleydale will have finished hay. They are busy here with corn harvest, which has been badly flattened during the very heavy rain. It’s very hot here at present, but we have had some good sport, boxing and a few concerts. Kind regards to all friends in Wensleydale.”

14 September 1917

ASKRIGG – THE LATE SECOND LIEUTENANT B. G. LODGE

A memorial service was held in St. Oswald’s Church on Sunday evening, which was largely attended by villagers from Askrigg, Bainbridge, and the surrounding district, who paid their respect and tribute to the deceased officer. The Vicar, the Rev. F. M. Squibb, entered at the West door, preceded by the choirboys bearing the National flag draped in black. The processional hymn No. 540 was sung whilst walking up the centre aisle. The Vicar said they met that night to pay their tribute of respect to a gallant young officer who willingly went (even joyfully) to fight for his country. Placed in a position of trust and responsibility, he shrank not from his duty but stepped into the breach, and by his gallant action doubtless saved many a life while he himself paid the penalty with his own life. Many another like him in this worldwide conflict had done the same. He had fought a good fight. The message that comes to us, and them, is the same as of old: we each one must take our share in the great burden that is laid upon us. We too, with them, are fighting for all that is true and just, fighting for the great cause of God. Bernard Lodge had died for his King and his country. May his loved ones be strengthened in their hour of trial, and may we all have strength to fight unto the end.

A plain laurel wreath was attached to the seat where the deceased had worshipped in the Church bearing the words, ‘From the garden of his home, Yorebridge House. In loving memory of my brave noble boy, from his devoted Aunt Annie.’

Special hymns were sung, and the Dead March was played at the close. The service was very affecting and bore witness to the congregation’s deep sympathy with the relatives.

04 July 1919

PEACE SUPPLEMENT TO THE 'CRAVEN HERALD' – CRAVEN'S FALLEN OFFICERS

SECOND-LIEUTENANT G. B. LODGE

Durham Light Infantry, only son of Mr. J. J. G. Lodge, Yorebridge House, Askrigg. Killed in action on August 24th, 1917.