Maurice Richard BOLTON

03 September 1915

LOW BENTHAM - News From Low Bentham Soldiers

The Rector (Rev. Percy Coates) also received the following letter from Private Maurice R. Bolton (youngest son of Mr. Wm. Bolton, of Town Head Cottages, Low Bentham), of 'D' Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Canadian Division, British Expeditionary Force, dated August 22nd, 1915, describing his experiences:-

"I had a letter from my father in which he said that you would be pleased to have a few lines from me.

We have just got back to billets for eight days after fifteen days in the trenches, that is the second time I have been in the front line since I came here on July 16th, and so far I am liking the life fine, and about my only trouble is that I was not fortunate enough to get any leave to go home, but of course, there were a good many of us the same way and it is to be hoped that we will get it in the future.

I left Canada on June 3rd, and our stay in England was not of a long duration. When I left Canada my brothers Herbert and Lawrence were enjoying the best of health and they would no doubt have been over here if it had not been for the fact that they are in the Toronto Police Force. The Police Commissioners only allowed 40 of their men to enlist, so there was quite a rush to be one of the required number when they have over 700 able bodied men in the Force.

I must thank you very much for being so kind as to have my name placed in your Church and I might mention that it has also been placed in the Church I used to attend at Toronto, so I certainly ought to be proud.

I am enjoying the best of health and trust that Mrs. Coates and yourself are both well.

I am sure your village will be proud when they think what a number has left to fight for their 'King and Country,' and it is to be hoped that they will return safe and sound.

My best wishes for the welfare of your Church.

Yours respectfully, Maurice R. Bolton."

24 March 1916

THE THIRD LOW BENTHAM VICTIM

On Friday morning Mr. William Bolton, of Town Head Cottages, Low Bentham, received a letter stating that his youngest son, Private Maurice R. Bolton, had been killed in action.

The letter read as follows:-

1st Canadian Infantry Brigade,
British Expeditionary Force,
11th, March 1916.

"Dear Mr. Bolton, - Possibly before this reaches you, you may have heard the sad news that your son, Private M. R. Bolton, No. A4620, 3rd Battalion, 1st Canadian Division, B.E.F., was killed in action on Wednesday night. He and his friend Archibald were on "sentry go" together in a somewhat exposed part of our line, when a German bullet, evidently fired more or less at random, killed both instantly. As so often happens, our best and bravest have been taken.

"Mr. Gardiner, the Battalion Grenade Officer, tells me that in these two friends he has lost two of the finest soldier's he ever knew.

"I well know what the loss must mean to you, but you have the great joy of knowing that your son "fought a good fight" and has met the end that a true soldier would wish.

"On Thursday afternoon we laid the body reverently to rest in the military cemetery, where more than a score of his comrades lie. The grave will be marked with a suitable cross, and will be properly kept.

"Those of us still spared can only hope that we may be able to do our work as he did his.

"With heartfelt sympathy, Yours faithfully, ALEXANDER H. GOHEEN, CHAPLAIN."

Profound sympathy has been expressed with Mr. Bolton in the sad loss he has sustained by the death of his youngest son, who was only 25 years of age, and was a young man of great promise. Prior to emigrating to Canada about 5 years ago, he was in farm service at Freckleton, near Kirkham, Lancashire, for a period of 18 months. He joined his regiment in January, 1916 and on June 3rd he left Canada for his native land. After being stationed at Sharpcliffe Camp near Folkestone for only a few weeks he left there with his regiment for France, and nearly five weeks' ago he was over at his home in Low Bentham on furlough, when he was in the best of health and spirits.

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.'

31 March 1916

TRIBUTE TO BENTHAM SOLDIER

Last weekend Mr. William Bolton, of Bentham, received a further letter regarding the death of his youngest son, Private M. R. Bolton, whose death was reported in our last week's issue. The letter read as under:-

Billets, March 20th, 1916

"Dear Mr. Bolton, - You have no doubt already been advised of the death of your son, but I thought you might like to know the exact particulars.

"Your son was in the Battalion of Grenadiers, which I have the honour to command. It happened on the night of March 8th or 9th about 4am. He and others of the Grenadiers were out on an important listening post at the time. An enfilading bullet passed through his head, also the head of a companion next to him, killing both almost instantly.

"It is extremely sad, and I sympathise with you from the depth of my heart in your bereavement. He was a splendid soldier, always willing and extremely keen for his work. The Grenadiers are all volunteer men, and he was one of the longest with me.

"The body was buried in a small cemetery for Canadian soldiers about a mile in rear of the line. Eight of his friends constituted the burying party.

"There may have been some particulars I have overlooked, and if there is anything further you might like to know about I shall only be too pleased to hear from you.

"In sympathy, J.A. GAIRDNER."

14 April 1916

LOW BENTHAM - Tribute to Low Bentham Soldier

Last week Mr. William Bolton, of Low Bentham, received a further letter regarding the death of his youngest son, Private M.R. Bolton, of the 3rd battalion, 1st Canadian Division, B.E.F. The letter read as under:-

"Dear Mr. Bolton,

Will you kindly accept my sincere sympathy and condolence in the decease of that worthy citizen and heroic soldier, Private Maurice Richard Bolton. While one cannot too deeply mourn the loss of such a brave comrade, there is a consolation in knowing that he did his duty fearlessly and well, and gave his life for the cause of liberty and the upbuilding of the Empire. Again extending to you my heartfelt sympathy.

Faithfully, Sam Hughes, Major General, Minister of Militia and Defence for Canada."