William HOLT

‘Burnley Express’ (22 December 1917)

(Kindly supplied by the website: Burnley in the Great War)

PARK GARDENER KILLED

Sympathetic Messages

One of the Burnley Corporation Parks Department servants, who has been at Queen’s and Scott Parks as a gardener for over 20 years, has been killed in action in Pte. William Holt, of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, No. 242631, and whose wife and five children reside at 74, Every-street, Burnley. He began as a youth at Queen’s Park, and was transferred to Scott Park when it was opened, and he had served under the late Mr. Armer and under Mr. Paiton. He was exceedingly well known both in Fulledge and Scott Park districts, as his parents (who have another son fighting) reside at 22, Leyland-road, and he was a very conscientious and able park worker.

Pte. Holt was 39 years of age, and joined the Forces in September, 1916, going out to the front on December 9th. He had never been home since, but in sending home a birthday present a few weeks ago for one of the children he said he hoped to be on leave very soon. He was, however, killed on December 1st, and his lieutenant, a cousin of Lieut. Dalby, of Burnley, has written to Mrs. Holt as follows: – “My dear Mrs. Holt, – I regret to inform you that your husband was killed in action on December 1st. I sincerely hope and trust God will comfort you in your sad hour of darkness. Your husband was a bright and cheery man, and every ready to do his duty. He is sadly missed by all the officers, N.C.O.’s, and men of his company – a brave and splendid soldier who died doing his duty nobly.”

Mr. Murray (Parks Superintendent) has sent the following letter: – “Dear Mrs. Holt, – We are grieved to hear of your sad bereavement, and sympathise with you in your trouble. All at Queen’s Park join in sympathy with you. Your husband was well respected amongst the workmen, and we will feel the loss of him very much. He was a splendid workman, and always took an interest in his duties.” Mr. Paiton, on behalf of all employees of Scott Park, has also written, and says: “I am sure the men feel his loss deeply, for he was a thorough chum and workman, and I myself will find it hard to replace him, for he was a most excellent workman.”

Pte. Holt was brought up at St. Catherine’s Church, but since residing in Scott Park district was connected with St. Matthew’s Church, and is on the roll of honour there.