Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Holmes a farm labourer, born 1841 in Cossington, Leics. Mark William, a schoolboy was born in 1879 in Cossington, Leics., his siblings were, Frank J., a shoe finisher, born 1873, Florence E., a domestic worker, born 1877 and Mary E., a schoolgirl, born 1881, all his siblings were born in Cossington, Leics., in April 1891 the family home was at Back Lane, Sileby, Leics. In April 1911 Mark was residing in the family home at Cross Road, Sileby, Leics., and was employed as a brewery labourer and machinist, he was married to Sarah Holmes (nee Shephard), a shoe worker, born 1888 in Leicester, they had one son Mark William, born 1909 in Sileby, Leics. On Wednesday February 28th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “ROLL OF HONOUR” - “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” - The following local casualties are officially reported. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. DIED OF WOUNDS. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.- Holmes, 5504 M. W. (Sileby). In the same issue and under the same heading, the following further article was published. – Private Mark Holmes, of the Leicester’s, has died of wounds received in action on January 26th. He was called to the colours on the outbreak of war as a reservist, having served 17 years in the Army. He went through the South African campaign, and had seen a great deal of fighting in the present war. He leaves a widow and three children, who reside in High Street, Sileby. He was 30 years of age. On Friday March 9th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “SILEBY” – SILEBY MAN DIES OF WOUNDS.- Mark Homes (39) of the Leicester’s, has died of wounds received in action on Jan. 26th. He was in the reserve when war broke out, having served 17 years in the Army. He leaves a widow and three children who reside in High Street, Sileby. Pte. Homes went through the South African campaign with the 1st Leicester’s, and had been through many engagements in the present war without mishap until he met with the wounds which proved fatal. Previous to joining up he was employed at Messrs. Walker Kempson and Steven, Sileby. The War Diary for today records that at 10.45 Operational Order number 131 was issued as to relief, Operational Order number 132 dealt with the proposed raid by 16th Infantry Brigade. Casualties, other ranks 1 wounded from D Company.