Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article – Friday October 23rd, 1914

DO YOU KNOW

That fifty of the Coalville Territorial recruits have been selected to make up the 5th Battalion Leicestershire about to go abroad?

(Frederick was one of these ‘First Fifty’ as they would be forever remembered – only 22 would return)

Coalville Times article – Friday October 30th, 1914

LOCAL NEWS

Fifty of the Coalville Territorial recruits who have been selected to make up the 5th Battalion for France received their clothes yesterday preparatory to leaving for Luton to-day (Friday).

Coalville Times article – Friday October 30th, 1914

COALVILLE TERRITORIALS LEAVE THIS MORNING
ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF

Fifty of the Territorial Reserves selected to make up the 5th Battalion at Luton left Coalville for that place by the 9 o’clock train this morning (Friday) amid scenes of great enthusiasm. The railway station, bridge, and approaches thereto, were crowded with hundreds of people, and the Coalville lads had a much hearty send-off. The crowd included the Vicar, curate and many of the leading residents of the town and district. The Territorials looked very smart in their new uniforms and before they left they found in their pockets packets of cigarettes and chocolates, a pleasant surprise which a number of Coalville ladies and gentlemen had thoughtfully prepared for them. While waiting for the train they and the crowd sang “It’s a long way to Tipperary” and other popular martial airs, and the train left amid ringing cheers.

Coalville Times article – Friday November 6th, 1914

LOCAL CHIT CHAT

Several of the Coalville friends of the fifty Territorial Reserves who left here for Luton last Friday have received letters which show that the men are in excellent spirits. Upon arrival at Luton they were allotted to various companies and were billeted at houses in the town, being supplied with warm blankets, and the food was stated to be good and plenty of it. It is just possible that they may have left Luton by now, as a letter received from one of them yesterday, stated they were mobilising on Wednesday and were expected to leave for an unknown destination. Since arriving at Luton on Friday they have had gun practice, several long marches and engaged in mimic warfare.

Coalville Times article – Friday April 7th, 1916

COALVILLE TERRITORIAL KILLED - ANOTHER OF THE FIRST FIFTY

A BROTHER’S TRIBUTE

A memorable event in Coalville’s part in the war was on a bright October morning in 1914 when fifty fine-looking lads, the first batch of Territorials to leave the town, were given such a hearty send-off from Coalville Midland Station. One can never forget the sight of their bright faces, the merry chatter, the touching good-byes, and the cheerfulness manifested at the prospect of being able to get in a blow in defence of the old country, and the cause of right. Since then these 50 brave lads, like others, have been through some thrilling experiences, but, alas, the number has gradually dwindled until now there are very few left.

Another one of them to make the supreme sacrifice is Corporal John Williamson, the second son of Mr Wm. Williamson, of 68, Park Road, Coalville, who is employed as a miner at the Whitwick Colliery, the deceased having been killed in action on the afternoon of Friday, March 24th, while on duty in the trenches, “somewhere in France.”

The sad news was first conveyed in an officer’s letter dated March 25th, when 2nd Lieutenant G. Russell, wrote to Mr Williamson as follows:

“I am writing this note with very deep regret. We have lost one of our best N.C.O.’s. Yesterday, your son, whilst on duty, was killed by the explosion of a ‘sausage’ sent by a Hun trench mortar. He did not suffer much, but almost instantly lost consciousness, and died about a quarter of an hour later. The doctor said there was no hope, as he was suffering from internal pressure on the brain. He was very well liked by both his men and his officers. He was always prepared to do his duty and more than his duty. I ask you to accept the deepest sympathy of all the officers and men, his friends, in this, your terrible loss.”

Mr Williamson had two sons at the Front, and the elder, Private F. J. Williamson, of the same regiment, has also written a touching letter home. It was dated March 25th and stated:

“I hardly know how to start this letter. I hope you are all well at home, but I can hardly say I am well, as last night was the worst night I have known out here. I regret to say that I have very sad news for you this time, and it is making it hard to write. I am sure it will be a big blow to you all. I must not go in a roundabout fashion to tell you, but Dad, I regret to say that you have lost one of your best sons in this campaign. Our dear Jack passed away peacefully last night. I am sure it will be a great blow to you all, especially to my darling mother, but Dad, break the news to her as quietly as you can. It has been a great blow to me. I did not know till it was over, and I just got there in time to have a last look at our dear Jack. Oh, Dad, I didn’t think I should feel it like this, after what I have now got used to. It came as such a shock, and has cut me up completely. It happened at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and I didn’t know till nine at night. Jack’s company were in the firing line, and from what I can gather, Jack was sitting with three more in the trench when the Germans started sending trench mortars over. They are a big kind of shell, and very high explosive. It happened that they dropped one near Jack and his pals, and buried all four of them. Jack was the first to be dug out, but he was unconscious. The doctor said he was well alive, but there was very little hope for him, as he had his ribs broken very badly. The doctors told me all about it after they had taken him away. I was on duty at the telephone at the time, and did not hear it till 8.30. I and a pal, Jack Smith, went to the dressing station, and when we got there, I had the surprise of my life. They were just taking him away. Jack will be buried quietly right behind the firing line. I could not go to see him buried, but if I get out safe, I shall go to see his grave. Don’t take it too much to heart. Dad, for you know Jack is like thousands more of his comrades, - he died doing his duty. He always did his duty without flinching, and was respected by all his comrades. I am sorry I didn’t see him before they put him in the blanket. Perhaps it was as well that I didn’t. They told me that he did not linger long, and died peacefully. The doctor said that had he lived, he would have been a cripple. It will be hard for you, but you will know that your son died a glorious death. He is one more of Britain’s heroes. Write me back as soon as you can and let me know how mother takes it. I expect you will hear from the War Office soon. Don’t worry over me, Dad. I shall trust in the Lord to give me strength to endure to the end. You know the saying when Christ was on the cross, “I go to prepare a place for you,” and I trust that when the time comes, we shall all be ready to meet our Maker, and all be united round the blood-washed Throne in Heaven, where we shall have no pain and no sorrow. So good morning Dad, comfort darling mother.”

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 14/12/2017