Friday, 13 May 2016

Two Missing Sons

Shortmead Street [Z1306/16/8/6]

Saturday 13th May 1916: Mr and Mrs George Cartwright Wells of West’s Yard, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade last Saturday received notification from the Regimental Office, Warley that their two sons, Private Herbert A C Wells and Private Frederick C Wells, of the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, had been reported as missing, place not stated(1). A week previously a comrade, who also hails from Biggleswade, wrote home saying they were missing. The brothers Wells are widely known in the Biggleswade district and their many friends hope that the worst fears will not be realised. The younger brother, Fred, was formerly in the employ of Mr William Jackson and came home a few weeks ago on leave. The elder brother has been gassed since being at the front. He was formerly engaged on the golf links, was a keen angler, and figures on the cricket club’s Roll of Honour. The brothers enlisted together in the 8th Beds and after training at Shoreham etc they went to the Continent together and fought at Loos etc. Much sympathy is felt for the parents and brothers and sisters

Source: Bedfordshire Times 12th May 1916


(1) Presumably at Ypres on 19th/20th April. 

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