Pte. C.E. Kilvington
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| First name(s): |
Charles E. |
| Rank: |
Private |
| Number: |
2729 |
| Regiment etc. |
1/5th Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regt. |
| Date Died: |
19th December 1915 |
| Cemetery/Memorial |
New Irish Farm Cemetery, Ypres
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Charles Kilvington's parents lived at 59 Skipton Road. He was married to Mary Ann and they had a number of children, but it is not known how many. They lived on Denmark Street at the time Charles was killed, but his wife & family subsequently moved to 6 St. Andrews Place.
It is believed that Charles was killed, aged 28, as a result of a German gas attack on the trenches held by the 1/5th West Yorks.
His wife, Mary, received two letters from Charles' fellow soldiers:
Dear Mrs. Kilvington,
Just a few lines, hoping they find you in the best of health. I hardly know how to write these lines to you. Ernest's death has upset me completely. I do not feel the same man and my sympathy goes to you and the poor little kiddies.
I don't want to upset you with my feelings, you will have enough to put up with. It will no doubt cheer you a little to know that Ernest was put away decently alongside other of his brave comrades, and as long as I am anywhere near his grave I will attend to it as much as I can. Try and cheer up.
and from a Sgt. Kirby:
My Dear Mrs Kilvington,
I have just received word from my wife to the effect that you have received confirmation of the rumours which we were all hoping were not true. At such a time as this words are very poor things to express one's feelings, but you may rest assured that when I ask you to accept my deepest sympathy in your great loss, that it is heartfelt.
At present I know that your cloud is very dark and that the vacancy in your heart, life and home can never be filled, but still you may be able to derive a little comfort from the fact that Ernest always gave of his best when doing his duties.
The work was hard and tedious, yet ever with a firm purpose to do his part, your son toiled well. And now that he has given his life for liberty and right in the cause of justice, he has given his all. A better-natured and harder-working chap it was difficult to get and I know that he will be missed and mourned by the "boys" who are left behind......
..........may you find consolation and solace in the knowledge that Ernest died doing his duty like a hero and a man. All at 57 join with me in this note of sympathy.
PS. His grave will be well cared for by the various Governments who have pledged the ground as sacred, and have all the attention necessary.
The reference to "all at 57" suggests that Sgt. Kirby was perhaps a neighbour, either of Charles & Mary, or maybe he was Charles' parents' next door neighbour.