Edgar RAW

20 April 1917

RAW – Killed in action in France, April 10th, Pte. Edgar Raw, of the Machine Gun Section (Yorkshire Hussars), son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Raw, of 9, Tillotson Street, Silsden, aged 25.

20 April 1917

SILSDEN SOLDIER KILLED

News has been received of the death in action of Private Edgar Raw, of the Machine Gun Section (Yorkshire Hussars), son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Raw, of 9, Tillotson Street, Silsden. In a letter to the deceased’s soldiers’ parents dated April 13th, Private Frank E. Fentiman, of the same regiment, says:– "I deeply regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son Edgar. He was killed by a shell in the neck, and death must have been instantaneous. There is no doubt about that. I saw Edgar’s horse riderless and bleeding from several wounds, so I went in search of him, and eventually found him lying on his back. He seemed in such a natural position that it as more by his position than anything else that I recognised him before I actually got up to him. He had, however, passed away, so I extracted his papers to give to the officer, and I presume they will be forwarded to you in due course. There were two other men of our section lying within a dozen yards of him. We fully intended burying them all, but unfortunately up to the present we have had no time whatever. I trust that by this time the remains will have been put to rest. The exact time of his death was about 10 o’clock on Wednesday, April 11th. I joined the army the same week as Edgar, did my machine gun course with him, came to France with him, slept with him, shared everything with him, in fact as our term is Edgar was my ‘half section.’ We were always together and I cannot yet realise that he is no more. From force of habit, I look out for him, and then the fact dawns on me that he has gone. Edgar was a good Christian, had high ideals, and kept rigidly to them. In the army it is not easy to lead a Christian life, but Edgar was one of those who did. He was pure in mind, body, and speech, and was always a teetotaller, not even touching the rum that was issued by the army for cold weather. I cannot express how deeply I feel for you in your irrepairable loss, and I hope God will give you help to sustain this great grief. He said to me on several occasions that when he was in danger he had no fear, because he had always been taught to believe in God, and was confident that God would order his life as was His will. I gave the officer a wallet of photographs, etc., that Edgar had carried with him, and I trust that you will receive them in due time as a little souvenir. All the men of our section send their deepest sympathy to you as Edgar was liked by everybody. My mother lives at Shipley, and if return to England I will undoubtedly come over to see you. Please accept my deepest sympathy to your family. My loss is great but yours is infinitely greater.

Private Raw was closely connected with the Silsden United Methodist Church and Sunday school, being a member off the choir, and prior to enlisting was employed at the firm of Mr. J. Walton, Airedale Shed, as a warp twister and loomer. He was 25 years of age.

27 April 1917

SILSDEN – THE LATE PTE. EDGAR RAW

In reference to the death in action of Pte. Edgar Raw, of the Machine Gun Section (Yorkshire Hussars), son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Raw, of Tillotson Street, Silsden, particulars of which we recorded in our last week’s issue, several letters of sympathy and condolence have been received by the deceased soldier’s parents. Among the letters received is one from Mr. and Mrs. James Bailey and family, of Silsden, which reads as follows:– “We are exceedingly grieved to hear of the great loss you have sustained in the death of your son, Edgar. We had a great regard for him and admired his character and disposition very much. We have had several letters from him since he joined the colours, all of a cheerful and helpful character, and full of determination to live a Christian life. We had hoped to see him home again, and taking up his old work and associations… Our consolation and yours must be that he died as he lived in strength and purity for the ideals of righteousness, truth and freedom. It is a great mystery that so much that is good and noble has to be sacrificed in the fight against wrong and selfishness. He was not only a soldier of the King, but also of the King of Kings, and his reward was to be called into the King’s presence and receive His crown of honour and peace.”

04 May 1917

THE LATE PRIVATE EDGAR RAW, OF SILSDEN – Memorial Service

A very impressive memorial service for the late Pte. Edgar Raw, of the Machine Gun Section (Yorkshire Hussars), son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Raw, of 9, Tillotson Street, Silsden whose death was recorded in our columns a fortnight ago, was held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday morning last. There was a large congregation, and the service was conducted by Rev. Reuben Key (pastor). In the course of his sermon, Mr. Key said that day everyone of them stood beneath the shadow of a great affliction. In this world conflict of the nations, one of the most respected families who attended that church, and the church itself, had been bereaved of one whom they all admired and loved, and of one whom they all expected great things in every sense of the term when this great war was finished. Official news had been received from the War Office of the death of Edgar Raw. In their blindness, and with their limited knowledge when the news first came, they were led to think that the Divine wisdom was at fault in taking away one whose life was so fair, pure, and strong, and so full of promise. But the ways of God were not their ways. There was undoubtedly an element of cloud about the decease of Edgar Raw, but they must rest assured that the Lord doeth all things a well. Death seemed to have completely overshadowed everything, but surely they would see him with the eye of vision serving with that cheerful and that determination of purpose which so much marked his earthly life and work. However, they could not minimise the loss that morning which had come to the family, that church and school, and he might even say the town in which he lived. His was brought up in that school, and became a teacher in it and remained a teacher right up to the time of his enlistment. Just before the war their departed friend brought a great honour to that school and himself. He won a Yorkshire District prize in a United Methodist examination on Dr. Livingstone. He was also a member of the choir, and his position there would be hard for them to fill. He was not a member of that church in the sense of which they counted membership, that he had promised to consider the question when he returned. There was one special feature of his character he would like to pay special attention to, and that was that any task he undertook he would see it definitely carried through. When the call came to arms he could not hold back. He had said to him on many occasions that he could not walk about the streets of Silsden when there was such a great call for active service on the part of young men, and one Saturday afternoon he even cycled to Harrogate in order to enlist. When leaving home that memorable afternoon, he said to his mother and family “God will take care of me,” and when he (Mr. Key) had spoken to him on spiritual matters he remarked “I have no fear, I shall keep straight. I trust in God.” He saw it as his duty to go, and going had left everything entirely in the hands of God. He left home and kindred and friends to fight for higher and nobler ideals, and “greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Repeatedly while he was in training in this country, and whilst out in France he expressed the regret at not being able to do more active work in the field than he had undertaken. But now they thought of their friend that had gone from them. He had gone to the homeland to be with the God whom he honoured and served so faithfully and well. He ventured to say that there was not one of them present that morning who would wish for a better transit from earth’s scenes to the Heavenly, and who would not give all that they had to have such said of their life as was said of him. The sentiments by Pte. Fentiman contained in a letter to Pte. Raw’s parents were worthy of being printed in letters of gold, while his commanding officer had also paid a high tribute to him. Who could say that Christianity was played out when such a man could be produced by it? To the sorrowing family that church’s heartfelt sympathy went out that morning. Edgar Raw was ready for the great transition, and let them all see to it that they were also ready when the time came. Their departed friend was saved much suffering, and it was something to know that his death must have been instantaneous. The preacher urged upon them not to sorrow as those without hope, for although clouds were about them the Lord still reigneth, therefore let them rejoice and be glad. They must cast their care upon Him, knowing that He careth for them, and on the eternal day they would know no tears, and in that day the crooked would be made straight and the rough places made plain.

Mr. Key also referred to another of their brave lads – Garnet Longbottom – whom they feared had fallen never to rise again. He was reported missing after that great attack on July 1st last year, and since that time there had been no news of him whatever. The family were expecting to hear definite news almost every day. Let them pray that the family be sustained during their long and anxious waiting, and that soon they might know the truth concerning their son.

During the service the hymns ‘O God our help in ages past,’ ‘Jesu lover of my soul,’ ‘For all the saints who from their labours rest,’ ‘God of the living in Whose eyes,’ and ‘Peace, perfect peace,’ were sung. Mr. Frank Tillotson also sang the solo ‘When our heads are bowed in woe,’ and at the close of the service the ‘Dead March’ in ‘Saul’ was played by the organist (Miss Mary Longbottom).

Lieut. C.W. Gifford, in a letter to Pte. Raw’s parents, states:– “I am sorry to have to tell you that your son was killed in action on April 11th. We were in -----, where we had just arrived, when a large shell landed almost under his horse’s feet, hitting your son about the neck and shoulder and killing him. He could have suffered no pain, his death being almost instantaneous. We went into some trenches on the edge of the village shortly afterwards, and were relieved about midnight by the infantry. We then went back and had to leave your son’s body where he fell and where he is no doubt buried. I was sorry indeed to lose him. He was my signaller and always did his work well. He was always very keen and very hard working, and one of the best lads in my section. He will be very much missed by me and by all his friends in the section. I am sure I feel for you very much in your great loss, and please accept my sincere condolence in your sorrow.”

15 June 1917

SILSDEN’S GALLANT HEROES – Memorial Service at the Parish Church

A service in memory of Pte. Fred Hardy, Pte. Edgar Raw, Pte. Harry Wade, Pte. Wm. Burton, Pte. W. Saddington, Pte. John Wm. Baldwin, and Pte. Charles Henry Gill, seven of Silsden’s gallant heroes who have recently paid the great sacrifice for their King and country, was held at the Parish Church on Sunday morning last. There was a large congregation, and the service was conducted by Rev. E. E. Peters (vicar). As the congregation assembled the organist (Mr. Herbert Cooper) played ‘O rest in the Lord,’ and during the service the hymns 'The saints on earth, and those above,' 'On the Resurrection morning,’ and ‘O God our help in ages past’ were sung.

In the course of his sermon, the vicar said they were met on that beautiful June morning when all seemed to speak of joy and gladness, in very solemn and very sad circumstances to the honour and glory of God, and to pay their tribute and respect and affection to the memory of seven gallant men who had given their lives for their country – Fred Hardy, Edgar Raw, Harry Wade, Wm. Burton, Willie Saddington, John Wm. Baldwin, and Charles Henry Gill. They were also by their presence, and by their taking part in that service, giving some expression to the heartfelt sympathy which they felt with their sorrowing relations. Fred Hardy had not been resident a great many years in Silsden, but he had many friends by reason of his cheerful disposition and his pleasant, amiable manners. When the call came he left his wife, and his happy and comfortable home, to go forth to do his duty. They all knew how he was wounded, brought to a casualty clearing station, and how for some days there was terrible anxiety as to how the balance would turn. During that time he either wrote himself, or dictated to the good and sympathetic Chaplain, most brave and cheerful letters in which he thought of his wife and not of himself. He derived great comfort from the consolation of religion, and the chaplain was able to write to his wife an assure her of how he died in the faith and fear of Jesus Christ.

Edgar Raw was one who gave an early answer when the call first came. He had not the pleasure of knowing him personally, but everyone spoke in the very highest terms of him, that he was a most excellent young man, active in religious work, and he left behind him a fragrant memory.

Now they came to one whose loss had been a peculiarly intimate one, to him a personal sorrow, for he knew him very well, and like everyone else who knew him, he had a great regard for him. He referred to Harry Wade, a young man of promise and of blameless character, a true simple-hearted Christian, a loyal churchman, a regular communicant, to whom he had the great privilege of administering on more than one occasion since he joined the army, that Holy Sacrament. He was a young man, home loving, and home keeping, yet one who felt it his duty to volunteer to defend his country. Although he had no tastes for the military life yet he made a thoroughly good soldier, one of whom his officer was able to speak in the very highest terms, one he said who showed his capability. He was always reliable, always trustworthy, and one whom he could choose to do important work, knowing that he would carry it out well. They knew how he had gone to the home above; he had left them, a very heavy loss indeed.

Then there was Wm. Burton who was not known probably to many of them, but those who did know him, had a very high esteem of him. He was a gardener, a man who was thoroughly efficient in his work, and took a very great delight in it. He was very comfortable in his home and happy with his wife and two children. He had gained the confidence and esteem of his employer. He and other three men were killed going to the trenches by a German shell.

Then they came to Willie Saddington, one of their own young men brought up in their Sunday School, and whom they all knew very well. He had the distinction of being one of the five soldiers, who at mobilisation at Silsden, was called up to the colours at the very beginning. He also believed that Pte. Saddington’s father was another of that original five. He had honourable military traditions in his family. He was a Territorial, and as soon as war broke out, he at once volunteered for active service, but he was kept back in England for some time, being a member of the band. At last he went out, and he had not been long at the front when he fell doing his duty honourably and gallantly.

Then they came to John Wm. Baldwin, a man much older than those of whom he had spoken, a soldier of that old original regular army, a man who had served his country in South Africa, who had served his time on the reserve, a man time-expired when war broke out, and well over age, yet he at once volunteered to join the colours again. He was one of those who during those terrible months of the war maintained our cause against desperate odds. He was wounded at Hill 60 of bloody memory, and the scene last week of our great and glorious victory. He never recovered entirely from his wounds, his health was grievously affected, and he died at the hospital at Derby, where he had gained the affection of the staff, and was laid to rest in the Silsden Parish Churchyard with military honours in the presence of a large and sympathetic congregation.

It was only last week that they heard of the death of Charles Henry Gill, one whom the stern necessity of cruel war had made into a soldier. He was a young man of retiring disposition, reserved in his manners to the general public, but one filled with family affection and devoted to his home. He was not robust in health, but he had fallen a victim to the monster called into being by the Prussian lust of conquest.

There were three others he would speak of that morning, who were in a different category, and they hoped they would not have to mourn them as gone from them. They prayed that news might come of them. Three of their men were posted as missing – Sergt. W, Newnes, Pte. N. Phillip, and Pte. Jack Riley – all three intimately connected with that church and brought up in their Sunday School. W. Newnes was one of the most promising young men they had. He was a splendid young man, a choice young man, a Sunday School teacher, gymnastic, and athlete. He naturally made a very fine soldier, and gained the highest testimony from his officers and the men he commanded. The last that was heard of him was that he was seen risking his life for a wounded soldier. They prayed that it might be the will of the Almighty God to restore them back to their families again. They could ill afford to lose them. He wished on his own behalf, and on behalf of all present, to express their deepest sympathy with those there that day in great sorrow and affliction. It was hard to express in anything like adequate terms what they felt, but they all realised the inequality of the sacrifices was one of the sad things all through life, that some had to sacrifice so much, and others whether they were willing or unwilling, were not called upon to make sacrifices of a like character. He assured them that they appreciated in the most complete manner the offerings of their sons, of their husbands, and of those so near and dear to them, which they had made to the common cause of righteousness and truth.

12 April 1918

In loving memory of Pte. Edgar Raw, Yorkshire Hussars (Machine Gun Corps), son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Raw, 9 Tillotson Street, Silsden, killed in action, April 11th, 1917.

Worthy of everlasting love,
A beautiful memory left behind;
A better brother never lived,
A son more true and kind.

– From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

In loving memory of my dear companion, Pte. Edgar Raw, Yorkshire Hussars, and of Silsden, who was killed in action on April 11th, 1917.

Though death divide, sweet memories cling.

– Herbert Whittingham, R.A.M.C., Italy.