David NELSON

28 May 1915

LOW BENTHAM – Wounded in Action

The news was sent by one of his pals that Private David Nelson was wounded by shrapnel just below his heart on May 9th. No official news being forthcoming, his father wrote to the commanding officer of the regiment in France for particulars, and he received a reply confirming the news that his son was wounded on May 9th. Private David Nelson is the elder son of. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Nelson, of Highfield Terrace, Low Bentham, and he enlisted in B Company of the 5th King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment last August.

04 June 1915

NELSON – May 9th, Pte. David Nelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson of Highfield Terrace, Low Bentham, died of wounds received in action in France, aged 17 years.

04 June 1915

LOW BENTHAM – FIRST ARMY VICTIM

Profound sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, of Highfield Terrace, Low Bentham, through the death of their elder son, Private David Nelson (who was reported wounded in our last week's issue). His parents received a note from the Record Office at Preston on Friday morning which stated:– “We regret to have the painful news to inform you that your son, Pte. David Nelson, No. 2395, of B Company, 5th King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, died on the field from wounds received in action on May 9th.”

Pte. Nelson is the first Low Benthamer to lose his life in the terrible campaign. He was only 17 years old, and he joined his regiment last August.

19 November 1915

LOW BENTHAM’S ROLL OF HONOUR

Low Bentham has responded to the Country’s call for men better than the majority of the villages in the district. The framed Roll of Honour at the Bentham Parish Church now contains 65 names, and the following have still to be added:–Mr. Edw. Downham, Mr. Tom Carter, Mr. Robert Carter, Mr. Albert Townley, Mr. Percy Prince and Mr. Albert Brayshaw, making a total of 71, while no fewer than seven of the village young men have been rejected. Two of the village lads, namely Private James W. Bell and Private David Nelson, have been killed in action, and three have been discharged through being unfit for further service.

Amongst the families who are doing their bit is that of the late Mr. Thos. Carter and Mrs. Carter, of Oysterber House, Low Bentham, who are represented by their following four sons:–Pte. John Carter, the eldest son, joined the R.A.M.C. at Leeds on March 13th this year. He was a silk dresser at the Silk Mill, Low Bentham, he having worked there for nearly fourteen years.

Sergeant James Carter, of the 2nd British Columbia Regiment, is the second son. He emigrated in March, 1912, to Arrow Lakes, British Columbia, and on the day that war was declared he enlisted at Victoria, in British Columbia, and after being in training for a few months he came over to England with a contingent, arriving here about the middle of last March. After being stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, near Folkestone, a short time he went out to France with his Company, and about the latter end of May he was wounded. After being invalided home, he returned to Shorncliffe Camp, where he was transferred into the clerical department, and afterwards promoted from the rank of a private to a sergeant.

Pte. Tom Carter and Private Robert Carter, the third and youngest son respectively, both joined the Royal Fusiliers at Lancaster last Saturday, and they left Low Bentham on Wednesday, along with Mr. Albert Townley.

24 March 1916

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT LOW BENTHAM

On Sunday afternoon at the Bentham Parish Church, a special memorial service for the three Low Bentham boys who have fallen in the war was held. Owing to the unfavourable weather that prevailed the congregation was smaller than usual. In making reference to the boys, the Rector (Rev. Percy Coates) said he did not know much about Private David Nelson, as he did not live in Low Bentham long. As regards Private James W. Bell, not a finer and more straightforward lad ever stepped; and Private Maurice R. Bolton – five weeks’ ago he (the Rector) shook hands with him and he was in good spirits. He came all the way from Canada to do his duty for his country. A better and more straightforward lad one ever could wish to see. Both James Bell and Maurice Bolton were bright lads. The Rector asked all the congregation to join in prayer, and the service was very impressive. Mr. Edward Holmes very effectively rendered a solo entitled ‘Behold the Dawn.’