WATKIN, Lancelot F. [of Worksop]

Lancelot F. Watkin in The Borough of Worksop Roll of Honour of the Great War 1914 - 1918

Picture the Past image - Worksop Guardian, Sissons & Son Ltd.

Worksop Guardian 29 June 1917

Private Lancelot F. Watkin

To the already long list of Worksop men who died doing their duty for King and Country, the names of several gallant soldiers must be added.  This week news has come of the death in action of Pte. Lancelot F. Watkin, Sherwood Foresters, only son of Mr. J. T. Watkin, Garside Street, Worksop. The deceased lad was only 20 years of age last February, and worked as a miner at Manton before the war, but joined up at the outbreak, when he was little more than 17.  He enlisted in the York. And Lancs. Regiment, but was afterwards transferred to the Sherwood Foresters.  He had been to France on two occasions, the first time he contracted trench foot and was sent home for treatment.  Going out again he took part in the great advance in the early spring, and in fact may be said to have had a share in the fighting this year. 

On Saturday afternoon, his father received a letter from Second – Lieut. F. Holland, informing him of the poor lad’s death in action.  Lieut. Holland pays him a very high tribute.  He had, he said, done his work like a soldier and that he was killed as they were leaving the trenches.  He was a fine lad and did his work well and with a willing spirit, and they would all miss him,- Lieut. Holland adds that Watkin was quite conscious at the end and met his death bravely.

Pte. Watkins stepbrother, Q-M-S. Dilks, who was a reservist at the time war broke out, also writes home conveying the sad information, and saying he was killed on June 20th.  He was sent for, he says, that morning, and was told that Lance had been killed by a shell.  He was almost heartbroken and sent for the Corporal who was with him.  A fellow with Lance had his head blown off, and Lance, whose injuries were rather extensive, expired in a few seconds.  All that was possible was done for him.  His last words were “Don’t leave me” and the fellows stayed up to the last and buried him.  Young Watkin was a very nice well-behaved lad, and liked by all who knew him. Sincere sympathy is expressed with his father, who is a widower, and his sisters in their bereavement.