Thomas Alda FRIEND

19 October 1917

FRIEND – Died from pneumonia following gas poisoning, Gunner T. Aldar Friend, of the R.F.A., son of Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Friend, of Crosshills, aged 27.

19 October 1917

CROSSHILLS

DEATH OF GUNNER T.A. FRIEND

Deep sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Friend in the unexpected bereavement they have suffered in the death of their only son, Gunner T. Alder Friend, of the R.F.A., who has died at No 1 Clearing Station from pneumonia through the effects of gas poisoning. Mr. and Mrs. Friend had received information stating that their son was suffering from gas poisoning, and a second letter gave them great hopes of his recovery, as the letter stated he was doing nicely. The telegram on Saturday morning which brought the information that the worst had happened came as a thunderbolt to the parents, he being their only child and greatly beloved by them, and highly respected by all who knew him. The testimony of the chaplain (Rev. Mr. Lake) states:– “He was a splendid fellow and greatly appreciated by all in his company,” is truly the character of the deceased. Gunner Friend joined the forces in April, 1916, and went across to France in March, 1917. Prior to enlisting he was employed at Messrs. Mason’s, Keighley, as a twister. So far as a soldier’s life was concerned, he had no desire to become acquainted with it, but after joining he made the most of his new life. In his letters to his friends he never complained of his lot, but bore his part cheerfully. He was of fine physique, and courteous to all with whom he came into contact. His loss is greatly deplored by the residents generally. He was in his 27th year.

26 October 1917

CROSSHILLS

MEMORIAL SERVICE – A memorial service to the late Pte. Alder Friend was conducted by Rev. F.H.J. Thornton in the Ebenezer Church on Sunday evening. Mr. Thornton based his remarks on the words “Whosover will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” In opening, said they could not help thinking today of the many homes in our own and other lands from which strong and brave men marched away months ago, because they had heard the call, and were willing to make the supreme sacrifice for righteousness sake, who would never come back. What was the message of the Christian Church to these men? It was that they came to a right theory of death. All Europe was oppressed with the power of death today. But Jesus Christ gave to us in the resurrection a crowning hope. We could not keep back the tears, but he gave the certainty of life eternal. It was this quiet and blessed hope that was being re-born in our hearts today. It was this lively hope the church had to offer for comfort to all the stricken homes and to every sorrowing heart. The gallant lads offered themselves not for anything they hoped to gain, but for the sake of honour and liberty, of justice, and righteousness, and when a man cast himself on God in that fashion, offering not the words of his lips, nor homage of worship, but himself, to such Christ said “He that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” At the front, men we reckoned indifferent and heedless turned their faces Godward, before battle, and had fallen. Many had turned at the eleventh hour to ask forgiveness, and no man who made that appeal ever made it in vain. So we left the issue with God, Who was kinder than the kindest. To those who mourned the loss of our departed friend Alder he said, “Your beloved is not dead. God has him in His gracious keeping until the day breaks and the shadows flee away.” They had come to a time when speech seemed intrusive. Their hearts were sore for the loss of the one they loved. He remembered how he hated war, yet he believed he was doing his duty. He was courteous, kindly, and considerate, and they felt he wanted to make the world a better place and ever ready to fight the good fight of faith, which was a great consolation and a mighty comfort.