Sarah
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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 03 Jul 1918
Page 5 Column 4
NORTH PETHERTON.
S.P.G. SERVICE. - On Wednesday evening, at the Parish Church, a missionary service was held in connection with the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, when the Rev. A. D. LIMBRICK gave a highly interesting address on the work of the Society. He has spent 27 years in India in mission work.
TAR-SPRAYING BOILER ON FIRE. - On Wednesday morning, at Heathfield, North Petherton, the boiler for the main road tar-spraying at Heathfield boiled over, and the tar, being on fire, ran several yards along the main road, throwing out immense masses of dense black smoke. Fortunately, the horse attached to the boiler was quickly unharnessed by the men, and was uninjured. The fire was soon got under control, and practically no damage was done. The road traffic was soon resumed.
KILLED IN FRANCE. -Mr. James RIDGE, master smith, of Fore-street, North Petherton, has received a letter from the Rev. E. H. SMITH, chaplain of the Forces in France, relating to the sad news of his son, Shoeing-smith Wilfred RIDGE, being killed in France, in which the Chaplain says:-
“I am exceedingly sorry to write to tell you that your son, Shoeing Smith Wilfred RIDGE, was killed in action on May 27th, at about 7.30 p.m. He had been posted a couple of days earlier from the Shoeing Section, - D.A.C., to the R.F.A. Battery, to which I am attached, and on the 27th May whilst he was on duty in the waggon lines preparatory to moving off, a German aeroplane came over, dropping bombs, and unfortunately one of them killed your son and Sergt. SMITH, the veterinary sergeant, was mortally wounded by the same bomb. I arrived in camp a quarter of an hour afterwards, and as we were leaving the camp we buried the body the same evening, about 9.30, and very soon afterwards we moved off, having marked the spot with a cross made by our wheeler. You will be glad to know that your son had a Christian burial, with a group of his comrades truly regretful taking part in the service. It will also be some relief to you to know that your son did not suffer, but died instantaneously. I am sorry to send you such bad news. Since May 27th we have had a very trying time. The grave is a few yards from the tower of Bonvancourt, not very far from Rheims. I trust the good God will sustain you in your great loss. Your son gave his life for his country. God keep you and sustain you, and all who mourn. - Faithfully yours (Rev.) E. HARRY SMITH, Chaplain of the Forces.”