Corporal, 20084, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment who died on Tuesday, 30th April 1918 from Bronchial Pneumonia after being subjected to a mustard gas attack. Age 19. Son of James and Emily Conquest, of Keeper Lodge, Renhold, Bedford. Born: Felbridge, Surrey. Resident: Renhold, Bedford. Enlisted: Bedford. Theatres: France, Flanders. Cemetery: ST. SEVER CEMETERY EXTENSION, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Grave Reference/Panel Number:  P. XI. M. 6A.

Photograph Courtesy & Copyright © Ian Wallis - 2003

Bedfordshire Times – 18 May 1917

A letter was received by Mrs. Arthur James Cox on Sunday Stating that her husband Pte. A. J. Cox, had been killed in action, but at the time of writing it was not officially confirmed. The letter states: “I heard this morning of the death of your husband in action during the operation of nearly three weeks ago. Of the details I am as yet unaware, but probably you have been informed. I first met your husband at my billet in the early part of the year, where about 30 likeminded Christian men used to meet with me on Monday evenings. At those meetings and all the services it was possible for him to attend your husband was present. Your husband was a strong, noble man, who has given everything for his country, and I believe for his God.” Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Cox, who is left with four small children, and for his mother. Mrs. H. Cox, who is a widow, and out of three sons has lost two killed in action in 8 months. Pte. Cox was 31 years of age, and was employed before he enlisted in December, 1914, as gardener to Mr. W. Seys Phillips, of Caldwell Priory.

Bedfordshire Times – 18 May 1917

RENHOLD
Sergt. A. duncombe killed

Mrs. Duncombe last week received from the War Office the sad news of the death in action of her son, Sergt. Alfred Duncombe. In Sept. 1914, when still two months short of 18, he enlisted, one of the many Renhold lads who, nobly answered the call of King and country. It was not long before he gained his first stripe, and his promotion to Sergeant was achieved some time before he left for France. His rapid promotion was undoubtedly an outcome of his training as a Boy Scout, in having been leading Patrol Leader in the Howbury Troop from its inception early in 1911.He was noted for his unswerving loyalty to his Scoutmaster and those in authority. Before enlistment he was under-gardener at Howbury gardens, in the employ of Mr. C. H. Polhill, for nearly 3½ years, and left behind him a perfect record as a trustworthy, conscientious and devoted employee. His father, Amos Duncombe, Postmaster of Renhold, died in 1906. It is as a Sunday school teacher, a helper in the Band of Hope, and the Christian Endeavour Band, and as one of the organists at Renhold Chapel, that his loss will be keenly felt in the days to come. He was a devoted Christian, and in his last letter to his mother he expressed his joy that the village prayer meeting of the United Church and Chapel members was so well attended, and told of the strength given to the lads on the battlefield, when they know that they were being upheld by the prayers of those in the homeland. A letter from the Captain of his Company reads as follows: - “Dear Mrs. Duncombe, - You will have heard by now of the terrible news about your son. I cannot say how sorry I was when he was killed. He was far and away the best N.C.O. in the company, and did a Sergeant’s work all through, but because we were over strength in Sergeants he had to revert to Lance-corpl. He took part in four attacks, and set a wonderful example of courage and coolness, for which he has since been awarded the Military Medal. I only wish he were here to receive it. He was sniped through the head a few hours before we were relieved, and died instantly. I am glad he suffered no pain. Every officer and man in the Company send their deepest sympathy. He was loved by everyone.” A memorial service was held at Renhold Chapel on Sunday evening, when Mr. W. Glassby preached to a large congregation from the text “The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.” The hymns, all of which told of the joy and victory, had been selected from the favourite hymns of the deceased. Sister Mobbs and a number of wounded soldiers from Howbury V.A.D. Hospital were present as a mark of respect.

Note: See also Bedford & County Record 22 May 1917.