William Towler LUND

10 December 1915

LUND – August 10th, killed in action at the Dardanelles, Sergeant William Towler Lund, 6th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, third son of the late Thomas Lund, Waters, Clapham.

10 December 1915

AUSTWICK – DEATH OF SERGEANT W. T. LUND

Further news has been received from the Dardanelles by the relatives of the late Sergeant W. T. Lund, of the 6th Loyal North Lancs., who was officially reported missing, and it is now certain that he was killed in action on August 10th, 1915. The regiment took part in the Suvla Bay landing and was badly cut up. Sergeant Crook, of the same regiment, writes:– “He died the death of a soldier whilst in command of his platoon, and I feel proud to think that I was his corporal. We went into the trenches on the night of August 9th and were attacked at dawn the following morning. He was one of the first to go down, being hit when firing over the trenches, and died immediately. He was buried by some of his men. I trust that the knowledge that he died like a man may comfort you in your sorrow.”

Sergeant Lund joined the 1st Loyal North Lancs. some years ago, being on the reserve at the outbreak of war. He was then transferred to the 6th Battalion, in which he acted as drill instructor, going out with his unit to the Dardanelles in June.

15 June 1917

CLAPHAM – MEMORIAL SERVICE

On Sunday afternoon a memorial service was held in St. James’ Church for local soldiers who have fallen in battle. A large congregation assembled, amongst whom were relatives of the heroes and many were visibly affected by the solemnity of the occasion. A special form of service was used including the lesson from 1. Cor. xv. 20 – ‘Now is Christ risen from the dead,’ and Psalm 39 was chanted by the choir. Mr. Goddard Barker, A.R.C.O., gave as voluntaries ‘Marche Funebre’ (Beethoven), ‘But the Lord is mindful of His own’ (Mendelssohn), and ‘Marche Funebre’ (Chopin), and Miss A. Harrison feeling[ly] sang ‘Nearer my God to Thee’ (Carey). The hymns were ‘Jesu, Lover of my soul’ and ‘Lead, Kindly Light.’ Canon Rawdon Briggs preached a touching sermon from 1. Philippians, 23rd verse – ‘To depart and to be with Christ, which is far better,’ and in the course of his remarks said that was an occasion when the people were met to commemorate the sacredness of those dear ones who had fallen in battle. Their words and thoughts were with those who are asleep in the future beyond. There is no death, as the term is only a step into a larger and fuller life beyond. Life is one stage, a kindergarten or preparatory school and the Church states there is no death only a gateway, a closing of the eyes here and opening them there. Those near and dear heroes are moved on to another state. Their lives have not been wasted but developed to higher ones. They should be remembered in people’s prayers, for they are serving on the other side of the grave. In conclusion Canon Briggs quoted the verse:–

He is not dead the child of your affection,
But gone into another school;
Where he no longer needs your protection,
For Christ Himself doth rule.