Charles Rushworth EARL

31 May 1918

EARL – Killed in action April 29th, Corpl. Chas. R. Earl, of the West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Earl, of 25, Elliott Street, Silsden, aged 19.

31 May 1918

CRAVEN AND THE WAR

Silsden Soldier Killed

Mrs. Earl, of 25, Elliott Street, Silsden, be received official information that her son, Corpl. Charles R. Earl, of the West Riding Regiment, was killed in action on April 29th. Inquiries were made on behalf of Mrs. Earl as to how her son met his death, with the result that a letter has been received from Sec. Lieut. G. Liddle, who states that Corpl. Earl was hit by a bullet through the head so that death must have been instantaneous. A cross now marked the place where this brave boy fell, fighting to the last in front of -----. Cpl. Earl, who was 19 years of age, was a member of the local Territorial band, and was serving in 1914. He went to France about the middle of March last. He was formerly employed by Messrs. Prince Smith and Son, Burlington Shed, Keighley, and was connected with the Silsden Bethesda United Methodist Sunday-school.

07 June 1918

SILSDEN – THE LATE CORPORAL C. R. EARL

A service in memory of the late Corpl. Chas. R. Earl, of the West Riding Regiment, son of Mrs. Earl, of 25, Elliott Street, Silsden, who was killed in action on April 29th, was held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday morning last, and was conducted by Rev. R. Key (pastor). The hymns ‘Before Jehovah’s awful throne,’ ‘For ever with the Lord,’ ‘The morning flowers display their sweets,’ and ‘It is not death to die’ were sung, and at the close of the service the organist (Miss Mary Longbottom) played the ‘Dead march.’ Mr. Key, preaching from the text “Jesus Christ Who hath abolished death and hath brought immortality to light,” spoke of the world’s intimation, man’s speculation, and the Christian positivism in regard to immortal life. Referring to Corpl. Earl, the preacher said that that day, though their hearts were sad because they knew that never again in the flesh would they see Corpl. Earl, yet abounding hope, nay even joy, should come to them not because of what the world taught them or even because of the way in which they were led to speculate. They should rejoice because they knew that he having experienced the great transition, now lived more truly than ever before; “Christ hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light.” A few weeks ago Corpl. Earl was home on his last leave in the full vigour of young manhood. Shortly afterwards he was sent to France, and in quick time, where so many brave men have gone under, he fell. His death, according to reports, was instantaneous. As they thought of the departed they should think of him while memory lasted as one who possessed a great heart and a strong yet gentle personality. He had a keen sense of duty, and though he had not yet reached manhood’s estate, he knew and was prepared to do in the homestead all that would be required of him. Had he been spared his would not have been an easy task. They felt that in him they had lost one who might have been a source of strength to them. He was particularly attached and devoted to the work in their primary department, but they could not mourn for him. His earthly warfare was accomplished, and the good he did here he was continuing yonder. Their fullest and deepest sympathy went out to the mother. These last few years to her had been years of shadow indeed. Her whole hopes were centred in him who had been taken. That day and constantly let them pray that she found strength a comfort in him who promised to be “as a husband to the widow,” and in him who would always bear the heaviest of their cross. Their sister’s whole affections must be towards that world where there were no pain, sorrow, or death. For their sad and darkened spirits let them turn to Him Who showed them that death really meant life. Let them trust still in the loving kindness of Him Who abolished the last great enemy, and theirs would be a path, though thorny, bright.