Harry Carter: A Stokesley Funeral

The following newspaper article has come to light, describing Harry Carter's funeral. There is no doubt that it was a very solemn occasion at which a huge number participated. Unfortunately, the original is not of high quality, so we add this transcription:

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FUNERAL OF PRIVATE H. CARTER AT STOKESLEY
The second military funeral accorded to Stokesley men, who have died for their country, took place on the afternoon of the 5th inst, when the mortal remains of Private Harry Carter ["Punch"] were laid to rest in the quiet little cemetery of his native town.
Private Carter, who was the second son of Mr and Mrs J Carter, of West Green, Stokesley, was a member of the Stokesley Territorial Company and was drafted out to France with that Regiment.
He was gassed at Ypres on Whit Monday, 1915, when the Regiment covered itself with glory.
After some months, he was discharged and returned home.
His eldest brother, (Fred), is serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers in France.
Despite the cold and inclement weather which prevailed, a large concourse of people assembled to pay their last tokens of respect.
All along the route of the cortege the blinds in both private dwellings and business places were lowered.
The funeral procession was headed by the Stokesley brass band playing the "Dead March" in "Saul".
The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, was covered with a profusion of beautiful floral tributes and wreaths, as also was the top of the hearse.
In the rear of the mourners walked a large number of the Stokesley detachment of the V.T.C. and a Company of wounded soldiers from the Manor House Red Cross Hospital and Privates James Smith and W Bowes of Stokesley.
The bearer party consisted of wounded soldiers, including Private Grabham of Stokesley.

A large number of people were unable to gain admission into the Chapel at the Cemetery, where the Rev Canon Fisher conducted the funeral service. After the committal rites had been performed, the band rendered "Days and Moments quickly flying" and the "Last Post" was sounded over the grave.

Whitby Gazette, 25th May, 1917
The article goes on to list the senders of some 30 floral tributes, which included some sent by Stokesley residents who had Fallen relatives, buried abroad, or with no known grave.

Return to The Fallen - Carter H.

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