Barumite Killed In Action
Newspaper article of death of Corporal Owen Greenslade, 10th Battalion DLI
North Devon Journal, 26th August 1915
BARUMITE KILLED IN ACTION
Unofficial information reached Barnstaple late on Tuesday evening of the death at the front of Corporal Owen Greenslade, 10th Durham Light Infantry, youngest son of Mr and Mrs John Greenslade, of Allen Bank, Newport, Barnstaple. The sad news was contained in a letter received by the parents from a Comrade of the deceased, a sergeant in the same regiment. The communication reads as follows:-
“It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Corporal Owen Greenslade, who was killed in action yesterday (August 19th). He suffered no pain, his death being instantaneous. I may mention that on landing in France he and I had arranged to write home in the event of one of us being wounded or killed. As a soldier, he was certainly one of the very best, and I can assure you that he is a loss to us all. His Company ask me to convey to you their sympathy.
Yours truly,
Sergeant McCullum.”
Corporal Greenslade, who sacrificed a good position in the North of England to join the Army, was a very smart young soldier, one of three brothers who gave their services to their country in the early stages of the war. The others are Private John Greenslade, a well-known journalist, of the Royal Fusiliers, and Private Conrad Greenslade, 6th Bedfordshires, the latter being at present on duty at the front. The deceased, who was only 21 years of age, on leaving school entered the establishment of Mr AE Barnes, stationer, High-street, Barnstaple, acting as assistant. Of an affable disposition, he was very popular, and his many friends at Barnstaple learnt of his death with deep sorrow. With the bereaved parents heartfelt sympathy is expressed.
Date: 26-Aug-1915
Author: North Devon Journal
Contributed by Tony W, Barnstaple
