Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday August 18th, 1916

ASHBY BOARD OF GUARDIANS

DEATH OF SERGEANT P. RILEY

Mr Parker said they could not separate without expressing their deepest sympathy with the master and matron in the loss they had sustained by the death of their only son, Sergeant P. Riley, who had been killed in action. They were all very grieved when they heard the sad news, though it was only a repetition of what was happening in many homes at the present time. Here was a bright young man with every prospect before him who volunteered to serve his King and country, and had laid down his life in the noble cause he went out to uphold. He moved a vote of sympathy with the parents in their sad loss.

The chairman, supporting it, said he felt that he could never say enough in these circumstances. It was an awful thing when a father lost a promising son, especially in a war created through malice and enmity. These young fellows, from patriotic feelings, felt that they must go and fight for their country, and it was very sad when they were cut off. It would be a great grief to the master and matron, but it was one of those things which no one could help them to bear. They had to bear it themselves, and he hoped the matron, especially, would be given strength to bear it. (Hear, hear).

The resolution was also supported by the Rev. C. T. Moore, Mr Fowler and Mr Andrews, and was carried in silence by the members rising from their seats.

ASHBY WORKHOUSE MASTER’S SON KILLED

On Thursday morning last week, Mr and Mrs Riley, master and matron at the Ashby Workhouse, were officially notified that their son, Sergt. Percy Riley, had been killed in action on July 17th. Sergt. Riley was in the Notts and Derby Regiment. Before the war he was master’s clerk at Basford Union and had held similar posts at Kettering and Hinckley. He was a promising young man and the only son of his parents, for whom much sympathy is felt. Reference was made to the sad event at the Ashby Guardians meeting on Saturday.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 15/10/2017