Sarah
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The Shepton Mallet Journal. City of Wells Reporter, and County Advertiser Friday 04 Aug 1916
Page 5 Column 3
ANOTHER SHEPTONIAN FALLS
AT THE POST OF DUTY AND MERCY.
Mr. and Mrs. Sam WILLSHIRE, of Bowlish, received the sad news on Sunday last that their son Harry, a private in the Royal Army Medical Corps, had been killed whilst engaged in his duty of bringing in wounded on Monday previous. Harry WILLSHIRE was very well-known in sport and otherwise in the town and district. At one time he was engaged in the printing office of this paper, and later went to South Wales, and joined the R.A.M.C. Some few years ago. On the outbreak of war another brother joined the Army Medical Corps. Both have been actively engaged at the front. Pte. COUSINS, of Taunton, a chum of the deceased, wrote as follows:- “I am sorry to say I have some very bad news for you of your dear son Harry. I regret to say that he was killed this morning. I think DAVIES, who lives near you, is writing, but as I was Harry's chum I thought it my duty to write at once. I was not with Harry at the time, but one of the wounded boys tells me that they were out stretcher-bearing this morning when a high explosive shell burst right amongst them, killing and wounding several. Dear Harry was killed instantly, so it is a great consolation to know that he had no suffering. I know it is terrible news for you, at <sic> is an awful blow for me. I would rather have lost my own brother than my dear Harry. We had been real chums since mobilization. We were stationed together at Devonport, and Harry was on our station at Taunton where I live. God knows Harry did his duty.”
Corp. H. G. DAVIES, of Street, referred to in this letter writes:- “Your brave son Harry and my best comrade was killed instantly on the morning of the 24th July, whilst doing his duty bravely carrying wounded from the trenches. It was done by a shell. Four of them were killed at the same time, and three wounded, but I can assure you on my honour that he died bravely. He was greatly respected by all the fellows in this corps, N.C.O's and men, and mourned by all.”
<NOTES: Harry WILLSHIRE is Robert Henry or Harry WILLSHIRE, son of Samuel John FEAR or WILLSHIRE and Charlotte CARNELL>