Andrew Weston
Lance Corporal C/12793 - Rifleman
King's Royal Rifle Corps 18th Battalion
Enlisted: Leeds
Killed in Action Flanders 7th July 1917 : Aged 22
Boulogne Eastern Cemetery - IV B 50
Lance Corporal C/12793 Andrew Weston was born 1895 in Hucknall Huthwaite. Andrew was the elder son of John and Hannah. Father was a coal miner who came from Heage, Derbyshire, wedding Miss Hannah Allsop 1889 to join her Huthwaite family.
John heads his family holding addressing at 56 New Street, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, where 1901 firstly identifies 32 year old parents raising daughter Lottie 10, and sons Andrew 6, John Harold 2, additionally accommodating a widowed mother-in-law Charlote Allsop 63. Addition of 2 year old Margery is further listed by 1911 census, when 16 year old Andrew extends education following Huthwaite Wesleyan Church interests then being a student aiming to fully qualify for Elementary School Teacher.
Andrew had been engaged at Skegby prior to entering Leeds training college to pursue his chosen professional career. Leeds is where and why he and fellow students enlisted for army service to join the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Their 18th Battalion joined a British Expeditionary Force in France early May 1916. Rifleman C/12793 A Weston shortly after merited promotion to Lance Corporal, before a bullet wound to left thigh required a few weeks treatment in a Norfolk War Hospital. Returning to France following 26th October hospital discharge, his promoted rank pay was awarded from December 1916.
Lance Corporal C/12793 Andrew Weston ultimately suffered fatal shell wounding during front line action among the trenches.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Weston of New Street, Huthwaite have received the official intimation of the death in Boulogne Hospital of their eldest son, Lance-Corporal Andrew Weston, 12793, K.R.R. Lance-Corporal Weston was 22 years old, and on the 7th. inst., was in a dugout with three comrades, when a shell burst and he was the only one left alive, though dangerously wounded, his parents being notified to that effect. He died a few days later. Lance-Corporal Weston, being of a studious turn of mind, chose the teaching profession, and was engaged at Skegby when he entered a Leeds training college, from which he enlisted with a band of fellow students. He had spent his last two birthdays and the last two Christmases in the army, and had been wounded before, having spent a period in an English hospital and being allowed a leave at home. He belonged to the Huthwaite Wesleyan Church since infancy.
(Summary) A memorial service was held to L/cpl E. Bower (N. Staffs) L/cpl A. Weston (KRR) and Privates George Stubbins (Sherwood Foresters) H. Burton and T. Phillips (both Canadian contingents) - Phillips was missing 12 months before he was reported as killed. - Burton had been confirmed in the Parish Church and attended its Sunday school before going out to Canada. Weston commenced his teaching career at Church Schools, and his love for his country was handed down unsullied from his forefathers. He was a promising youth.
Contributing material from Mrs Lynne Weston is believed to share relational links with great grandfather of Mr Dennis Weston.