Sidney Day

Second Lieutenant Sidney Day, 1/5th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment, was killed in action on 11th August 1916. He is buried in Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuille.

Personal inscription on headstone: 'Son of T & EM Day of Sutton in Ashfield Notts. Our beloved.' Article published 18th August 1916 in the Nottingham Free Press :-SUTTON OFFICER'S DEATH.“2nd LIEUT. S. DAY.“With deep regret we record the death in action of 2nd Lieutenant Sidney Day, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Day, of “Clovelly,” Alfreton-road, which occurred on Friday last. The sad news reached his home on Tuesday evening, and in addition to the irreparable loss felt by the family, a wide circle of friends deeply deplore his death. Just over the threshold of manhood – he was 25 years of age – the predominant characteristics of 2nd Lieut. Day were invariably kind and cheerful disposition, and his ever-present thought for the happiness and comfort of others. A good son, a loving brother, and one of the best of friends – as such he will be mourned and missed, and also as such will he be ever remembered by those who knew him.“The deceased officer was one of the thousands of young men who at the outbreak of war thought only of his duty to his country, and early in September, 1914, he enlisted with several of his friends as a private in the Sheffield City Battalion of the 12th Yorks and Lancs. After periods of training at Sheffield, Cannock Chase, Ripon and Salisbury Plain, 2nd Lieut. Day received his commission, and was then transferred to Clipstone Camp, where he was attached to the machine gun section of the 3/5th Yorks. and Lancs. Eleven weeks ago he left with a draft for France, where he was now made the greatest sacrifice any many can make on behalf of his country.“Quite characteristic of the man, his letters home have always been of the most cheerful nature, and, in whatever difficulties or dangers he may have been placed, these facrs he always thoughtfully kept from those at home. Even on the day of his death he had written his usual cheery letter home, but, unhappily, this proved to be his last message and had to be posted by other hands.“After completing his school years at the Mansfield Grammar School, 2nd Lieut. Day entered the office of the New Hucknall Colliery Company, where his father is the Secretary and Business Manager. Subsequently he was for a time in the Alfreton office of Messrs. Crompton and Evan's bank, but two or three years ago returned to the colliery staff and took up duties in the sales department as assistant to Mr. Barber. For this department he seemed to be especially adapted, and he had numerous friends amongst the Company's customers.“Without reference to the passionate fondness for music on the part of the deceased officer this article would be incomplete. 2nd Lieut. Day was a fine singer, and at any gathering of friends his services in this respect were always in demand.“Amongst the many expressions of sympathy received by Mr. and Mrs. Day and family are the following letters from the officers of the Company with which 2nd Lieut. Day was connected:–“May I express my very deepest sympathy with you for the loss of your son, Sidney Day. He was killed last night by shrapnel while on a working party. He has been in my Company ever since he came out to us a few months ago, and quickly became a favourite with everybody by his cheery disposition and the willing way he worked in the trenches. I couldn't have desired a better or more hardworking subaltern. I enclose a letter he wrote to Mrs. Day just before he went off last night.”“I am writing to tell you that your son was hit last night by a piece of shell and was killed almost instantly. I cannot express to you how much I and all the officers of this battalion sympathise with you in what must be a terrible loss. Your son was a very good officer indeed. His word was always good, and he was universally liked by officers and men. He was in charge of a working party at the time and was with his men, organising and superintending their work. A stray shell burst and a piece struck him. He was, according to the report I have received, only conscious for a minute or two and then died. His effects will be sent to you shortly. He is to be buried this afternoon in a cemetery where many others lie. I will let you know in due course more particulars about his grave. With my most sincere sympathy.” Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.