Another popular and well-known Rawtenstall soldier who as fallen in the great offensive is Private Richard Davies Ellison, second son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ellison, 3. Kings Avenue, Rawtenstall. The deceased soldier, who was only 21 years of age, joined the West Riding Regiment soon after the outbreak of war, and had been out in France nearly twelve months. He was looking forward to come home on his first leave shortly.
The news of his death in action on July 8th last has been conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. Ellison in a sympathetic letter from Second Lieutenant F. Harris, written on July 13th. In the letter he says:- "It is with the deepest regret that I have to tell you that your son R. Ellison, was killed in action on Saturday, July 8th, and words of mine I am afraid are inadequate to express sympathy at the great loss which you have sustained, but it may be of some, consolation to you to know that he did not suffer any pain. He was buried behind our lines on Sunday. In the loss of your son I have personally lost one of the best soldiers indeed. I always had the greatest esteem for him ever since I have been with the platoon, which is since the early days. He was always cheerful and willing. I can add that the whole platoon have lost a friend whom we shall never forget. Please convey to your family my deepest sympathy and regard in your sad bereavement.
Pte. Tom Greenwood, a friend of the deceased soldier, also sent the following letter to his parents:- "You will have heard from our platoon officer of the sad news of your son’s death, which occurred on the eighth. I feel it my duty, seeing that he was a good pal and came from the same district as myself to give you a few particulars of his death and funeral. They may, I hope, help to ease the pain which it will have caused. We were doing our little part in the great battle and the Germans sent over a few shells. A small piece hit your lad and he died shortly afterwards, suffering no pain. He did not recover consciousness. A party of five, myself included, left the trenches on Sunday morning and buried him in a small cemetery alongside other brave comrades, well within sound of the guns. Our chaplain read a short service and afterwards we filled in the grave. If we go that way again we will tidy it up and set a small bush over it. The cemetery is in a wood not far from the town of ——. I ask you to remember your lad is now in heaven, a place where there is no sorrow or war and in the course of time we shall meet again. Put a smile on your face and trust to Him who guides us in all things."
Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have also received a letter from Stretcher Bearer Beaumont, in which he says:—"It is with great regret I write these few lines to convey to you the sad news of the death of your son, Richard. I though it my duty as one of the company stretcher bearers to give you an idea as to how he met his death. We went in the trenches last week-end, and on the 8th July the Germans started throwing shrapnel over our trench. One burst in the air and unfortunately Richard was struck in the neck by a piece and death and practically instantaneous, as it cut his windpipe. Ho was buried alongside some other comrades who have given their lives for the same purpose. Five of us left the trenches with him on a stretcher and we lowered him gently down into the grave, which is a decent way behind the firing line. We miss him greatly, as he was highly respected by all, and we all show our sympathy and respect to one who died bravely doing his duty. The chaplain read a most beautiful service. The comrades who attended the funeral were Corpl. Proctor, Ptes. J. Kaly, T. Greenwood, R. Swallow and the writer."
Pte. R. Ellison was a scholar at St. Mary's Church Sunday School, and an old member of the Boys' Brigade. He was of a bright and cheerful disposition, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He formerly was employed by Mr. Edmund Lord of Belmont, as a gardener, but just before he joined the colours he was working at Bolton-by-Bolland.
The deepest sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Ellison and family in their lose.

Rawtenstall residents will regret to learn the information is now to hand from Record Office, Preston, that Corporal Thomas Alfred Ellison, son of Mr and Mrs Ellison, of 3 King’s Avenue, Rawtenstall, is reported as having either been killed in action, or died from wounds on the 26th of October last.
Intimations have previously been received to the effect that Corporal Ellison had been wounded on the 26th October, and another communication gave him as missing on that date.
The deceased soldier, who was 25 years of age, joined the forces on the 5th July 1915, when he became attached to the Border Regt. He went to France in the following September. In October he was wounded, and was then returned to England. On recovery he again went to France.
Previous to him joining the forces he was a gardener in Manchester. He was a member of the St Mary’s Church and School, Rawtenstall, at which place his father is an esteemed church officer.
Another son of Mr and Mrs Ellison has been killed in the present war, and a third son is at present in training.

News was also received at Crawshawbooth on Thursday that Pte. Dixon Entwistle had also been killed in action. Private Entwistle was married and resided at Laburnum cottages. He leaves a wife and two young children. Only some weeks ago, his brother-in-law was also killed in action. Pte. Etnwistle was the son of Mrs Schofield, of 48 York Street, and was prior to enlisting was employed as a tackler at Messers Holden’s, Alexandria Mill. Much sympathy is expressed with the bereaved family.

The above is a photograph of Pte. John Robert Ewbank of Constable Lee Cottage, Hollin Lane, Rawtenstall, who as reported last week, was killed in action in France. He was 29 years of age.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A funeral service to the memory of the late Private Arthur Fawcett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett of Willow Street, Waterfoot, and whose death in France, from pneumonia has previously been report was held in Bethesda Chapel, Waterfoot, on Sunday evening. The service was conducted by the Rev. R. Dawson and was of an impressive character. Mrs. Dawson tastefully sang the solo "Nearer My God to Thee" and the choir gave the anthem "Thou will keep him in perfect peace" Mr. Peter Isherwood presided at the organ and Mr. Ernest Wilson conducted. A number of choice floral tokens were placed in front of the pulpit from Dad and Ma and Annie and Alfred. "Simply to Thy Cross I Cling"; in everloving memory on my dear sweetheart Arthur, Hettie (Rochdale): in everloving memory of our dear brother Arthur, from Janett and Tom; from Clifford to Arthur: Mr. and Mrs. Townsend; from auntie Eaton and cousin Willie (Leeds); from Jack Kershaw; from Arthur Maden (Water).