WATKIN, Lancelot F. (of Worksop)
Pte L F Watkins of the Sherwood Foresters, c 1914-1918
www.picturethepast.org.uk
Sherwood Foresters
The Worksop Guardian of 29 June 1917 reported:-
"To the already long list of Worksop men who died doing their duty for King and Country, the names of several gallant soldiers must be added.
"This week news has come of the death in action of Pte. Lancelot F. Watkin, Sherwood Foresters, only son of Mr J.T. Watkin, Garside Street, Worksop. The deceased lad was only 20 years of age last February, and worked as a miner at Manton before the war, but joined up at the outbreak, when he was little more than 17.
"He enlisted in the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment, but was afterwards transferred to the Sherwood Foresters. He had been to France on two occasions, the first time he contracted trench foot and was sent home for treatment. Going out again he took part in the great advance in early spring, and in fact may be said to have had a share of the fighting this year.
"On Saturday afternoon his father received a letter from Second-Lieut. F. Holland, informing him of the poor lad’s death in action. Lieut. Holland pays him a very high tribute. He had, he said, done his work like a soldier and that he was killed as they were leaving the trenches. He was a fine lad and did his work well and with a willing spirit, and they would all miss him.
"Lieut. Holland adds that Watkin was quite conscious at the end and met his death bravely. Pte. Watkin’s stepbrother, Q-M-S. Dilks also writes home conveying the sad information, and says he was killed on June 20th. He was sent for, he says, that morning, and was told that Lance had been killed by a shell. He was almost heartbroken and sent for the Corporal who was with him.
"A fellow with Lance had his head blown off, and Lance whose injuries were extensive, expired in a few seconds. All that was possible was done for him. His last words were 'Don’t leave me' and the fellows stayed up to the last and buried him.
"Young Watkin was a very nice well-behaved lad, and liked by all who knew him. Sincere sympathy is expressed with his father, who is a widower, and his sisters in their bereavement".
If you can add any further biographical or service information, please do so via the 'Comments' link below