William MITTON

25 October 1918

HAWES

Corporal Wm. Milton, Grenadier Guards, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mitton, Hawes, has been seriously wounded in action. No details are yet to hand.

01 November 1918

ANOTHER HAWES SOLDIER GOES WEST

Another name to be inscribed on the Hawes Roll of Honour is that of Corporal W. Mitton, Grenadier Guards, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mitton, Hawes, who died from severe wounds inflicted by a shell on the 15th October. Intimation that he was seriously wounded was followed on Thursday last by the sad news from a comrade. The letter expresses not only the deep sorrow and the loss of a staunch chum, but the deep sorrow of all his comrades. He was buried by his mates, and a nice cross erected over his grave.

Corporal Mitton joined up with three other companions in November 1915, and all were drafted into the Grenadier Guards. No one was under 6 ft tall, and of the four, three have given their lives for their country. Standing over 6 ft and of fine physique, “Billy” Mitton, as he was known, was every inch a soldier and a typical Guardsman. He was a high-spirited, large-hearted, jovial young fellow, who never did a mean action, but many a kindly, generous one. His loss will be greatly mourned by a host of friends. His elder brother is also in the Army. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Mitton and family in their great loss.

08 November 1918

HAWES

A Memorial Service in memory of Corporal J. T. Moore, Gunner J. Moore, Lance-Corporal C. D. [Milner], Private John Metcalfe, and Corporal W. Mitton, recently fallen in their country’s service, was conducted at Hawes Parish Church, on Sunday afternoon by the Vicar, the Rev. S. D. Crawford. There were special psalms, and the hymns were ‘On the Resurrection morning,’ ‘Peace, perfect peace,’ and ‘Now the labourer’s task is o’er.’ The Vicar based an appropriate address on the words, ‘O death, where is thy sting?’ and after the Benediction the draped Union Jack was held at the chancel steps by Cadet Lance-Corporal H. Wilson, whilst the Dead March was played on the organ by Mrs. Place and the ‘Last Post’ sounded by Mr. J. Blades.