Ralph William HAYTHORNTHWAITE

‘Clitheroe Advertiser’ (15 February 1918)

(Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman of Clitheroe and Dorothy Falshaw of Gisburn)

[Untitled article]

Mr. and Mrs. Haythornthwaite, Slaidburn, have this week received a letter stating that their son, Ralph, of the Grenadier Guards, is seriously ill in France, suffering from pneumonia.

‘Clitheroe Advertiser’ (22 February 1918)

(Kindly supplied by Shirley Penman of Clitheroe and Dorothy Falshaw of Gisburn)

A POPULAR SLAIDBURN GUARDSMAN

Pte. Ralph W. Haythornthwaite

Death in France

The sad news reached Slaidburn by telegraph, on Saturday evening, that Private Ralph W. Haythornthwaite, 1st Grenadier Guards, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Haythornthwaite, Chapel Street, had died of pneumonia at a casualty clearing station on France. Earlier in the week his parents had received a message that he was seriously ill. Subsequently the following letter was received from C.E. Bray, sister in charge of the hospital: “It is with much regret that I am writing to tell you of the death of your son, Pte. R. Haythornthwaite, which took place on the 12th February, at a quarter of an hour before midnight. When I wrote you last, I was afraid there was no hope, but he had youth on his side, and he was so devotedly nursed. All who waited on him grew so fond of him, and he made such a splendid fight for life; but it was not to be. Continually he spoke of you all; you were ever in his thoughts. He will be buried in our British cemetery at Agnez-les-Duisans, and a cross will mark the site of his last resting place. I can only offer you my sympathy, but this means so little when you have lost such a wonderfully brave lad.” – Pte. Haythornthwaite, who was 20 years of age, was not only well-known in Slaidburn and district, but in Clitheroe where, prior to joining up a year ago, he conducted the carrier portion of his father’s business. A smart, finely-built young fellow, his frank, cheerful disposition won him many friends. In his native valley he was universally liked. He was a member of the Slaidburn Band, the Church Choir, and deputised as organist, whilst also taking an active part in the Sunday School. It is only seven weeks since he was home on draft leave, and he had only been in France about five weeks. To Mr. and Mrs. Haythornthwaite, the family, and his fiancée, we tender sincere sympathy in their great trouble.