Photo courtesy Peter Patilla
Derbyshire Courier, 20 Jan 1917
Stephen Pickering served with 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters. Born in 1889 he died on 2 January 1917, aged 27, and is buried at the Calais Southern Cemetery. He was the son of Francis and Hannah Pickering
Derbyshire Courier, 20 January 1917
WIRKSWORTH SOLDIER'S DEATH
A Victim of Pnuemonia
News has come through from the Matron of 30 General Hospital, France, to Mr and Mrs Pickering, of Wirksworth Moor, that their son Private Stephen Pickering, has died there from pneumonia. Private Pickering was 27 years of age, and single. The letter reads: – “I much regret to inform you that your son, Private S Pickering, passed away peacefully yesterday at 7 pm. He grew rapidly worse after admission becoming very exhausted. He was conscious when admitted, and I asked him if he had any messages for his friends, but he replied, ‘nothing particular’. He was too ill to think of anyone, but he did not suffer much pain. He was nursed by British sisters, and had the best medical skill. His body has been placed in the hospital mortuary. He will be buried in the cemetery near here, the nonconformist Padre conducting the service. He will be beside many other brave men in a quiet and peaceful corner, with a white cross on his grave bearing his name, number and date. You have my deepest sympathy in this your great loss – Yours faithfully L R Hill, Acting Matron.”
Notes:
He was awarded the British War and Victory medals. His Medal Roll has only records him serving with the 1st Battalion.
His Soldier's Effects Record show him as having been in the 30th General Hospital at Calais (serving with the 2nd Battalion but this is incorrect).
It also records his father Francis as sole legatee receiving £3 4s 9d on 26/3/1917 and a War Gratuity of £3 0s 0d on 27/10/1919.
The 1st Battalion were noted as being completely exhausted by their CO (Col Sherbrooke).
November 20th the Battalion moved to a rest camp at Selincourt and it is likely that Stephen contracted pneumonia there. They spent Christmas in billets and did not return to the front until 11 January 1917.
Stephen Pickering's name is also on Alderwasley War Memorial
His brothers Arthur William Pickering, Frederick Pickering and Horace Bernard Pickering are also on the Roll
1901: Black Firs, Ashleyhay
Forename | Surname | Relationship | Age | Occupation | Where born |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Francis | Pickering | Head | 54 | Agricultural labourer | Kirk Ireton |
Hannah | Pickering | wife | 49 | Boylston, Staffs | |
Stephen | Pickering | son | 12 | Ashleyhay | |
Lilly M | Pickering | daughter | 8 | Ashleyhay | |
Beatrice L | Pickering | daughter | 6 | Ashleyhay | |
Horace B | Pickering | son | 5 | Ashleyhay | |
Arthur W | Pickering | son | 2 | Ashleyhay |
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