John Edward BELL (2)

06 October 1916

CLAPHAM - On Leave

Ptes. Geoff. Sedgwick, Jack Bell and Edward Fawcett, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, have been home on a six days' furlough.

01 June 1917

CLAPHAM - WAR ITEMS

Private Geoffrey Sedgwick, whose death was chronicled in our issue of the 18th ult., was born at Clapham Post Office, was killed on Easter Monday, and was in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was an 'old boy' of Mr. Edward Barrow, Clapham, and enlisted, along with E. Fawcett (whose obituary notice we gave last week) and Jack Bell. They were pals, and two of them have made the great sacrifice, whilst Bell has not been heard of up to Tuesday for a month.

15 June 1917

CLAPHAM - War Items

The parents of Pte. George Metcalfe, who was posted as 'missing' from May 3rd, have had a letter from the officer of the company, in which he states:- "I am sorry I cannot give you any news of George, beyond that he is missing, after being hit on May 3rd. Some of our wounded were undoubtedly captured by the enemy and I do trust we shall soon have news that he is alive in German hands. I miss him very much indeed from my Company, as he was one of my best Lewis gunners, and he would, I know, be doing his duty well to the front when he was hit. If I hear anything further I will let you know immediately. I give you my deepest sympathy in your anxiety. CLAUDE D. BENNETT, O.C. 'B' COMPANY."

Mr. and Mrs. J. Bell, of the Flying Horse Shoe Hotel, have been notified that their son, Pte. J. Bell, Northumberland Fusiliers, was killed in action on April 28th. He and his two chums, Ptes. Geoff. Sedgwick and E. Fawcett, enlisted at the same time, and were drafted first into the R.F.A., and afterwards into the 'Fighting Fifth'. The two latter went to the Front some time in advance of Pte. Bell. All have made the supreme sacrifice.

And how can man die better than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods.

15 June 1917

CLAPHAM - MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday afternoon a memorial service was held in St. James' Church for local soldiers who have fallen in battle. A large congregation assembled, amongst whom were relatives of the heroes and many were visibly affected by the solemnity of the occasion. A special form of service was used including the lesson from 1. Cor. xv. 20 - 'Now is Christ risen from the dead,' and Psalm 39 was chanted by the choir. Mr. Goddard Barker, A.R.C.O., gave as voluntaries 'Marche Funebre' (Beethoven), 'But the Lord is mindful of His own' (Mendelssohn), and 'Marche Funebre' (Chopin), and Miss A. Harrison feeling[ly] sang 'Nearer my God to Thee' (Carey). The hymns were 'Jesu, Lover of my soul' and 'Lead, Kindly Light.' Canon Rawdon Briggs preached a touching sermon from 1. Philippians, 23rd verse - 'To depart and to be with Christ, which is far better,' and in the course of his remarks said that was an occasion when the people were met to commemorate the sacredness of those dear ones who had fallen in battle. Their words and thoughts were with those who are asleep in the future beyond. There is no death, as the term is only a step into a larger and fuller life beyond. Life is one stage, a kindergarten or preparatory school and the Church states there is no death only a gateway, a closing of the eyes here and opening them there. Those near and dear heroes are moved on to another state. Their lives have not been wasted but developed to higher ones. They should be remembered in people's prayers, for they are serving on the other side of the grave. In conclusion Canon Briggs quoted the verse:-

He is not dead the child of your affection,
But gone into another school;
Where he no longer needs your protection,
For Christ Himself doth rule.