Fred BINNS (2)

'Keighley News' (15 April 1916)

(Kindly supplied by Andy Wade of the 'Men of Worth Project - Oakworth Village')

The death took place at the East Leeds Military Hospital on Monday of Private Fred Binns (33) 2nd Royal Scots, son of Mrs Binns, of 86, Chip Hill, Oakworth. Private Binns had seen nearly fifteen years' service, joining the army shortly before the outbreak of the Boer War, during which he was a gymnastic instructor in this country. He served five years in India, and at the outbreak of the present war, being a reservist, was recalled to the colours, going out to France immediately and taking part in the now famous retreat from Mons, the battles of the Aisne and Marne, and subsequent engagements up to the fighting at La Bassoe [La Bassée] where he was wounded in the foot and back by shrapnel. He was brought over to hospital in Ireland, and the ship in which he came over was sunk by a mine on its next voyage. On reaching convalescence, he spent a few weeks at home, then went to Weymouth, and acted as a military policeman, and after to Edinburgh, where he was a signalling instructor. About three months ago, he visited his home, and being taken ill, was removed to the Spencer Street Hospital, and later to Beckett Street Leeds, where he died on Monday last. Before the war he worked at Barnoldswick as a moulder, and was well known in that town and at Keighley.

The Funeral took place at Christ Church, Oakworth on Thursday afternoon, the Rev. J. Harrison (Primitive Methodist minister) officiating at the house, and the Rev. J.W. Pendleton (Vicar) at the church and grave side. The route to the church was lined with people, and as the Royal Scots were unavailable seven members of the 21st West Yorkshire Regiment from Skipton, in charge of Sergeant Gill, who came by permission of the Commanding officer and at the request of Captain Kent (recruiting officer from Keighley) acted as bearers. There were also present nine wounded soldiers from the Spencer Street Hospital. A number of floral tributes were sent.