Stephen Oswald Sharp

He enlisted as a privte soldier in August 1914 and received a commission, three months later. He served with 'A' Company and is buried in Euston Road Cemetery, Somme, France Grave Reference: V Q 3 Lieut S O Sharp Retford Times 28 July 1916'Lieut S O Sharp, York and Lancasters, son of Mr H J Sharp, Doncaster, has been killed in action. The gallant officer was educated at Retford Grammar Scool and Pembroke College, Cambridge, taking his B. A. degree in June 1912. He was a keen sportsman playing cricket, football and hockey with rare ability, being a regular playing member of the Rotherham Town CC. He also played tennis with the Doncaster club. From the Commander of Lieut Sharp’s Company his father received a letter stating that the deceased officer “died leading his men into action. He died gloriously and earned the homage and devotion of his men for his bravery and cheerfulness at a very awful moment. From the stories of survivors, I am sure your son died instantaneously and without pain. I know that his example and courage were a very great help to his men in the moment of their trial. We were all very attached to him.'

Retfordian, In Memoriam:'Stephen O. Sharp, known to all his contemporaries as SOS, was killed in action on July 1st, at the very beginning of the great advance. His Company Commander, in a letter to Mr and Mrs Sharp, says, " Your son died leading his men into action. he died gloriously, and earned the homage and devotion of his men for his bravery and cheerfulness at a very awful moment.., I know that his example and courage were a great help to his men in the moment of their trial." SOS joined the army as a private early in August, 1914, almost immediately after the declaration of war. He obtained his commission three months later. He was one of the keenest and ablest sportsmen that ever passed through the school.'