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War
Memorials Elsewhere, - Skegness |
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The War Memorial Outside St. Matthew's Church,Skegness
Photo : David Larkin of the War
Memorials On Line website
The Skegness War Memorial is located in front of St Matthew's Church at the junction of Scarborough Avenue and Lumley Avenue in Skegness.
The memorial is a large Latin Cross of Sacrifice style on an octagonal base. A downward pointing sword of sacrifice is on front face.
There are 71 names commemorated from the First World War, including 3 men
who served with the Yorkshire Regiment.
In addition, there are the names of 57 servicemen and 11 civilians from the
Second World War.
Private Joseph Bonnett. 27922. Machine Gun Corps, formerly 25051
Yorkshire Regiment. Killed 21 September 1917.
Born Skegness (Lancs), Enlisted Middlesbrough.
Commemorated Panel 154 to 159 and 163A, TYNE COT MEMORIAL.
Private George Overton. 31378.The Yorkshire Regiment,
transferred to 16th Labour Bn. transf. to (12923) 22nd Coy. Labour Corps.
Son of William and Elizabeth Overton, of 93, Lumley Rd., Skegness, Lincs.
Died 31 July 1917. Aged 28.
Born Skegness (Lincs), Enlisted Ripon, Resided Skegness.
Buried DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY.
(SDGW shows Private Overton as having previously served as 25127 in the West
Yorks Regt. This is not borne out by the Medal Rolls Index card).
Christopher Noble (<cjnoble01@virginmedia.com>) has forwarded an item
from the Boston Guardian of 18 August 1917 which
provides an account of Private Overton's death. Select the above link to read
this account.
Private John William Potter. 30539. 2nd Battalion Yorkshire
Regiment. Killed 2 April 1917.
Born Rude Isle (USA), Enlisted Richmond (Yorks), Resided Skegness.
Commemorated By 5, ARRAS MEMORIAL.
Private
Bonnett's Name on the Skegness War Memorial
Photo : David Larkin of the War
Memorials On Line website
Privates Overton and Potter's Names on the Skegness War Memorial
Photo : David Larkin of the War
Memorials On Line website
The
Dedication on the Skegness War Memorial
Photo : David Larkin of the War
Memorials On Line website
The "Boston Guardian", 18th of August 1917:-
"Pte. G. Overton Of Skegness.
News has arrived that Pte. George Overton, of the 22nd Labour Company, of
Skegness, was killed in action on July 31st. The previous week the parents,
Mr. and Mrs. W. Overton, of 93, Lumley-road, Skegness, received a communication
from the Captain informing them their son had been killed. Later the news
was confirmed by Lieut. Newman, the deceased's platoon commander. The following
is an extract from Lieut. Newman's letter:
"We left our camp at midnight on July 31st, a small party of 30 strong,
and marched to our position in front of a well-known (ruin) which has been
in ruins two-and-a-half years, smashed by the Huns, and arrived there at 4.30
a.m. Upon us rested a great responsibility in keeping certain bridges and
tracts clear. The 'boys' though under constant shell-fire from the enemy,
and amidst the barking of our own guns, 'carried on' without fear during the
push. At about 7.30 p.m. a shell dropped near your son, and he was hit in
the abdomen and another man had his wrist broken. Your son did not live above
a minute. We covered him up, and during the morning I selected a spot for
his burial, and at 2.30 p.m. we laid him to rest, after having found a Nonconformist
minister to read a short service at the graveside. I threw a simple white
flower on his remains, and myself made a temporary cross to denote where he
lay. The boys then put two plants on the grave also. He did his duty cheerfully,
died a soldier of the King, and the whole Company mourn his loss. May he rest
in peace."
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