Holloway, George: Service no. 53124 (Mention in Despatches)

Digitized Service Record

Source:  News Article

Pte. Herbert Morgan, Beloved Veteran, Dead in France

SERVED EMPIRE FOR 22 YEARS

Letter from “Pal” Tells of His Death and Funeral

Greater love hath no man for his King and country than Pte. Herbert Morgan, of 23 Cartwright street, who game his live on May 1 that Prussian militarism might be crushed and the honor of the British Empire preserved. For 22 years he followed the flag of freedom to all parts of the globe, winning honors for his soldierly conduct. Three years ago he came to London from England and was employed at the London Printing and Lithography Company.

In spite of nine years in the reserve, a wife and four little children, ranging from age from [7] to 12 years, he felt it his duty to again take up his rifle when it looked as if Germany and her allies might cripple the British. When war was first declared he wanted to go, but felt his duty to remain at home with his wife and family. The idea was prevalent that the young unmarried men with no responsibilities were not coming forward as the should,  and Pte. Morgan, hero of the Indian mutiny, for which he wore a medal with one bar; South African campaign, King’s and Queen’s medal. the former with two bars and the latter with four bars, to commemorate Transvaal, Orange Free State, Modder River and Relmont, could no longer resist the call from over the Atlantic, and he joined the 18th Battalion as a sergeant.

WOUNDED IN THE CHEST

He had suffered the penalty of war. A wound through the chest, which he received in South Africa, reminded him of the price he had paid, but, undaunted, he went to meet the foe with a determination only to be found in the British Empire. It was the old wound that probably caused his death, for a weakness had been left in his chest, which was susceptible to irritation. Pneumonia attacked him, and on May 1 he passed to the great beyond.

A sad feature of the passing of this hero is the fact that a letter from his “pal” to Mrs. Morgan told of his death and funeral service before the official notification was received of his death.

There are those who scoff at the idea of religion and the love of man for man, but glance at the letter that came to the widow of this here from his “pal,” George Holloway, and see what is to be found in the heart of the British soldier for his comrade and his God in the midst of strife.

A SOLDIER AND A MAN

Belgium, May 1st, 1916

Dear Mrs. Morgan and children:

It is with deepest regret that I am writing you, but I guess by now you have the sad news. Poor Bert, he was respected by every one in the company. We were all together the night before, and Bert took sick about midnight, and was in great pain. He hardly spoke to any one, his only wish was that he could see his children. And, Mrs. Morgan, poor Bert passed away at 20 minutes to 7 this morning, the first of May. I am truly sorry for you, Mrs. Morgan, but try and be brave, and always bear in mind that my chum died as he lived, a soldier and a man. My thoughts are all of you in this terrible bereavement. Give my best love to your boy. And remember that Bert died in serving his King and country. I am writing you, but God know when my time will come. So remember me in your prayers. I might tell you also that poor Bert had all of his company follow him to his military resting place. I can’t mention the place, but if I ever live to come home I will tell you and tell you all in full what I know. But he certainly had a nice funeral. Well, Mrs. Morgan, it grieve me to have to write you, but you have my deepest sympathy of officers, N.C.O. and men of the 18th Battalion, and if we can help you in any way let us know. So you will receive all of Bert’s personal belongings, including his two rings. Be with my deepest sympathy and God’s mercy [will] allow me to see you again. I must now close, hoping that God will guide and protect you in this hour of trial.

I remain respectfully, yours,

G. HOLLOWAY

P.S.: I still have the picture of my darling little Bert, and will always remember when he went on guard with me and hope I may be spared to see him again. Bert was buried with military [honors] at 1:30 this afternoon, first of may at R…

London Free Press – May 16, 1916