Fred Marsden

Pte Fred Marsden Worksop Guardian 11 August 1916 Last week Mrs James Marsden, North Carlton, received the sad news that her son, Fred was killed in action in France on the 27th July. Previous to enlisting in the Sherwood Foresters at the commencement of the war, Pte Marsden, who was in his 26th year, was employed at Shireoaks Colliery. He went out with the expedition to the Dardanelles where he was wounded, and returned to England. On his recovery he was sent out to France. The news of his death was first conveyed in a letter from his chum, Pte Wilfred Mellows, also a Carlton man, and was confirmed in a letter from his officer, who writes:- “ Dear Mrs Marsden,-Although a mere stranger can hardly pretend to be able to help you in bearing your deep sorrow at the loss of your brave son, Pte F Marsden, yet I feel that perhaps it might give you joy to know that he was one of the very best men whom I commanded in this Platoon. He was a picked man chosen for his coolness under fire and general efficiency, to be a bomber, and I hope that this knowledge may do a little bit to help you in the distress which must be yours. He was killed outright by a shell, and must have had an instantaneous and painful death. He was a great favourite amongst his comrades, and will be a great loss both to them and me. On this account, though I can give you but little comfort, yet I hope that what I have said will give you joy in your brave son, who died a soldier’s death in a great cause, with the 2nd Sherwood Foresters. In assuring you of my very deep sorrow and sympathy, I remain yours Truly, G.S.Taylor, Lieut:” Mrs Marsden also received a letter of sympathy signed by 30 of her son’s comrades.

Cemetery:- Whitehouse Cemetery, St Jean les-Ypres, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt