Horace Gordon Pinchen
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- Military History
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Robert and Louisa Pinchen had only one child, Horace Gordon Pinchin born 1891 Worksop. The three of them were living at 30 Eastgate, Worksop at the time. Robert became a wagon repairer at a colliery and was promoted to Wagon inspector within 10 years. They later lived at 75 Sandy lane for many years. In 1911, Horace was employed as a drapers assistant and on the 15 July 1915 at Goole, Yorks, he married Olive Crackles, taking residence in Worksop at Horace’s parents address at 75 Sandy Lane.
Service records – Attested 10 Dec 1915, to reserve 11 Dec 1915, mobilised 11 Apr 1916, BEF to France 13 Aug 1916, attached to 113 siege Bn 22 Aug 1916, posted to first army pool 9 Feb 1917, posted from first army pool 10 May 1917, died of wounds, 31 July 1917 – personal items returned to his wife, still living at 75 Sandy Lane on 2 Jan 1918, Gunner Horace Pinchen Worksop Guardian 17 August 1917 As the war continues, fresh names have to be added to the long list of Worksop men who have laid down their lives in the great struggle for freedom and liberty. This week we have to record with regret the death in action of Gunner Horace Pinchen, R. G. A. of 75, Sandy Lane the last surviving member of a family long settled in Worksop. His mother died about eighteen months ago. A few months later her husband followed her to the grave, and now her son and child has made the great sacrifice. Gunner Pinchen, who was 26 years of age, was well known in Worksop, and held in great respect, and great sympathy is expressed with his young widow, whom he married two years ago. For some time he was an agent in the employ of the Pearl Insurance Company and has been in France about a year doing good and steady service before he was killed on July 30th. The poor fellow was anxiously anticipating his leave, which was due in a few days. The news of his death was conveyed to Mrs. Pinchen in a letter from his officer, Sec. Lieut. H. Fawley, in which he says:- “It is with deepest regret and sympathy that I am writing to tell you that your husband died in action on July 30th. He was a good fellow and worked well at the guns. He was seriously wounded, but I think not sufficiently conscious to feel much pain, and died soon afterwards. It is little in the way of consolation I know, but at any rate you can feel that the poor fellow died doing his duty well. I am so sorry not to have been present at his funeral, but he was buried from the dressing station, and I was not informed. He was buried not far from the battery position on a new location of which I am afraid the censorship will prevent me telling you at the moment, but either the authorities will inform you or I shall be glad to do so at a later date. You will receive his personnel belongings from the authorities, and I do hope that nothing you may especially value will be missing. May I assure you of the sincere sympathy of us all in your great loss? I know so well what it must mean to you. If there is anything further I can tell you or assist you in any way, I hope you won’t hesitate to write. With the most sincere sympathy for you and yours in this sad loss,-J. H. Fawley, Second Lieutenant” Mrs. Pinchen is a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Crackles, of Goole, and has several relatives serving in different branches of the Army.
Commemorated on the Voormezeele Enclosures No.1 & No.2, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt
