The Reluctant Soldier

That "chance shell" that landed amongst 'C' Company that afternoon claimed the life of Private Eric Dewsbury.
Eric heralded from the snall Fenland village of Little Theford near Ely. Unmarried, he lived with his sister Lily, at the Round House in the village. The Dewsbury family had lived in the village for centuries and at ne time, the roundhouse was occupied by a member of the Dewsbury family who had an astonishing 13 children. 
When conscription was introduced in March 1916, Eric received his call-up papers. He appealed first against his having to serve in the Army as he said that he had to support his father and sister, as he was the only wage-earning member of the family. His appeal was refused and in August 1916, he was ordered to report for service.
He enlisted at Ely and was drafted immediately to 'C' Company of the 4th Battalion. After training at Halton Camp near Tring, he embarked from Folkestone on 28th August 1916 and joined the Battalion in France on 12th September. he was one of the first drafts to arrive after the Battalion's costly battle to take the enemy trenches near High Wood.
He lies today in Wancourt British Cemetery; one of many reluctant soldiers who had to serve against their wishes to ensure that Victory could be attained.

With grateful thanks to the littlethetford.org website of the above information.

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