Ernest FORD

‘Burnley Express’ (4 August 1917)

(Kindly supplied by Robert S. Richardson)

THIRTEEN FROM ONE FAMILY

Mrs. Ford, formerly of Blair-street, Burnley, and now residing at Cowling, has got a letter from which it appears that her husband, Lance-Corpl. Ernest Ford, has been killed in France. It is a letter from Second-Lieut. S. Greaves, who says: “I was very sorry indeed that your husband was killed, and I am sure that he will be missed very much by members of this company. He was struck by pieces of a 4.2 German shell, and was killed instantly, thereby suffering no pain before he died. His funeral took place this afternoon in a small village behind the lines with full military honours, two officers and several men from this company being present, and the Last Post was sounded over his grave. He was an excellent soldier, and very much liked by all members of his section.”

Lance-Corpl. Ford (34817) belonged to the Lancashire Fusiliers, and was 27 years of age. He enlisted in June, 1916, and went out to France seven months ago. He was slightly wounded about a fortnight before his death unfortunately took place. He had a father living, and leaves a widow and two young children. He was formerly employed at the Burnley Corporation Gasworks, and was also well known as a former railway employee. He was the youngest of five brothers. A brother, Sergt. Fred Ford, is now in hospital wounded. His brothers Tom and Albert are also in the Army. His wife has three brothers serving in France, besides one wounded and discharged. There are also five brothers-in-law, three of whom are serving now, and two have been wounded and discharged. The family may, therefore, claim to have supplied at least thirteen men for the Army.