William Tarr

'C' Coy Enlisted: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The obituary of Pte Willie Tarr Worksop Guardian 27 April 1917 Residence of Perlethorpe, Thorsesby Park, and district will hear with great regret of the death of Pte Willie Tarr 2/8th Sherwood Foresters,only son of Mr George Tarr, head horseman at Whitwell farm, and Mrs Tarr, which took place in hospital in France on April 12th from diphtheria. The deceased was buried at Rouen. He was 21 years of age and worked at Thorseby Gardens before joining up a year ago. As a boy he was a chorister, and later a bell ringer. He came through the riots in Ireland alright and went to France from Salisbury. Touching reference was made to his death by Earl Manvers’ Chaplain in his sermon on Sunday. The news of his death was conveyed to his mothering the following letter from the Hospital Matron:- “25th Stationary Hospital 13-4-17. Dear Mrs Tarr, I much regret to have to tell you that your poor son, Pte Tarr of the 2/8th Sherwood Foresters, died yesterday afternoon at 3.35 pm. He was suffering from diphtheria and although he was very ill indeed, seemed to be making progress when suddenly, he changed, and in spite of all that could be done for him, he never rallied. It was all so sudden and over so quickly, that he had no time to realise he was dying. He will be buried in the little British cemetery outside Rouen, where lie so many of our brave lads who have laid down their lives in this dreadful war. His personal effects will be sent to you later. This will be a sad blow to you and you have our deepest sympathy in your great loss – Believe me, yours faithfully, (signed) M Phillips, Matron

Buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France.Grave reference O VIII J 10