Wilfred Handley

Wilfred Handley enlisted in Mansfield on 27th January 1914 and served with the 1st battalion Grenadier Guards. He went to France on 8th November 1914 (medal Index card) He was shot whilst on sentry duty and died shortly afterwards and is buried in Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery, Fleurbaix, Pas-de-Calais grave reference D.4. His brother Sergeant Frank Coulam Handley who served with the Sherwood Foresters died on 16th October 1918 from pneumonia. Two further brothers Albert Handley M.G.C. and Joseph Handley R.M.L.I. both served during the Great War.

The obituary of:- Pte Wilfred Handley Retford Times 22th Jan 1915 Laneham Soldiers death - Memorial service Private Wilfred Handley, Laneham, 1st Grenadier Guards, who was killed while in the trenches on sentry duty on January 7th 1915. It was with sincere regret that the inhabitants of Laneham were informed on Tuesday last week of the death of one of their brave soldiers representing the village in the firing line. The deceased Private W Handley, a youth of only 18 years and 11 months, was with His Majesty’s Forces for the brief space of just over 11 months. He joined the 1st Grenadier Guards in January 1914, and was recently drafted to the front along with the rest of his battalion. Since then he had been in the firing line, and it was in doing his duty that he received his fatal wound, a bullet passing through his stomach. He passed away half an hour later. As he was so intimately acquainted with the villagers his death came as a great shock to all, and seemed to bring the war home to them with renewed force. He was an enthusiastic sportsman, and was one of the best players in both the cricket and football clubs. It was in these games that his manly disposition and general fairness of character were so much in evidence, as well as his ever-day mode of life. He was also a regular attendee at the Wesleyan Chapel and it was evident that some of the lessons received there had a good effect upon him, as he was so plainly manifested in letters recently published, received by his parents since he left for the front. On Thursday evening a memorial service was held in the chapel, conducted by the Rev. D. Lambert of Retford. A special testimony to the deceased was the number of his late acquaintances present, who only formed a small part of the crowded congregation. The preacher gave an eloquent address in which he referred to the universal respect and esteem in which the deceased was held. The sermon was based on Paul’s words “For me to live in Christ, to die is gain” (Phil 1 21). These were the words, the preacher said, of one who looked death in the face and had no fear. This was so because he had made the great surrender to Jesus Christ. The one time persecutor and blasphemer had become a loyal follower of the Lord. Death to such meant larger life. They looked unto the day of reward. The cramped life in mortal flesh was followed by the life of ______ and freedom that Jesus Christ had made possible. An appeal was made to the young and old to devote themselves to Christ and live the best life now and prepare for the better life beyond. The hymns sang were the deceased’s favourites “ God be with you till we meet again” and “Nearer my God to thee” Mr and Mrs Handley gratefully acknowledged the great sympathy and many kindnesses of their numerous friends.' A second entry in the Retford Times Pte Wilfred Handley Retford Times 5th March 1915 The death of Private Handley, Laneham Mrs Handley of Laneham has received the following letter from Pte Geo C Cottle of the Grenadier Guards, explaining the circumstance under which her son met with his death:- “In reply to your letter of Jan 12th I wish to tell you that your parcel was duly received and distributed as well as possible amongst the company to which your Wilfred belonged. You ask for full particulars regarding how your son was killed, it happened in this way. On the night of the 7th January we had an extraordinary heavy fall of rain and in consequence our trenches were flooded to some considerable depth and from that fact were practically impassable. On the morning of the 8th Wilfred was detailed (in company with three other men and a sergeant) to draw the daily rations for the remainder of his platoon comrades. As I have said the trench was impassable, so they reckoned together to take the risk of getting out of the trench to go along the parapet in rear of the trench. All went well while they kept moving but when they got to the place from which they were to draw the rations the remainder of the party jumped back into the trench. While Wilfred was hesitating at which point to jump, the Germans fired at him two rounds, the second of which hit him in the lower regions of the stomach, with the regretful result which I have already communicated to you. I regret I am not allowed to mention names of places, or I would be glad to inform you where he is buried, but I would like you to know he was buried with all respect due to the departed, alongside of a number of our men who have also fallen. His grave is kept by our stretcher bearers, and a cross, made by our battalion joiner sergeant, has been placed on the grave with the words: "Here lie the remains of Regt, No 16910 Pte Wilfred Handley, 1st batt. Grenadier Guards killed in action January 8th 1915. Be ye also ready.” I am sure you will appreciate that everything is done with all due respect to our deceased comrades. It may also be a little consolation to you to know that he is buried half a mile in rear of our trench, so that the chances are very few that he will ever lie in the land where our greatest enemy are in possession.'