Graves - Page 4 of 4 - War Graves in the Old Reading Cemetery

Arthur Tutty
Lance Corporal 2241
Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars

Division 70 Extension

Arthur Tutty was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs James Tutty J.P. of “Inverinate”, 4 Christchurch Rd. James Tutty had already died at the time of his son’s death. Arthur died on the 24^th June 1916, aged 23.

The circumstances of Arthur Tutty’s death were particularly unlucky. The Reading Standard of 8^th July 1916 gives an account of the circumstances. The details are taken from a letter sent to his mother. “Lance Corporal Tutty was severely wounded in the lower parts of his body and one leg was shattered. He was in billets at the time, for two days’ rest behind the firing line, and was walking to the canteen with several other men when a stray shell exploded and left his comrades unhurt.” Arthur Tutty is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension II. E. 157.

A memorial to Arthur, paid for by his chums, who held him in high esteem, and bearing their names, was placed on his father’s grave.

Arthur Tutty had been educated at York House School, Reading and Reading Collegiate School. He had a liking for the out door life and had gone to Canada as an apprentice farmer. He had been in Canada for two years but returned when his father was taken ill. However, he had continued his training on the land. Arthur was well known in Reading athletic circles. He was a good all-round sportsman, like his brothers he excelled in football and cricket.

His officer, writing about his death, said: “He was as brave as a lion, a splendid soldier, and one that could be least spared; he could always be relied upon to carry out the most difficult tasks thoroughly and exactly as instructed, and, above all this, was a perfect gentleman.” He had many friends. Arthur Tutty was expecting to get home leave at the time of his death.

The Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars were part of the British Expeditionary Force and had the distinction of being the first Territorial (Yeomanry) Force to embark for France as the Cavalry of the Marines Division. The Marines were the baby of Winston Churchill who was First Lord of the Admiralty and his family had been associated with the Hussars for more than a hundred years.

On 3^rd October 1914 the Hussars were the only British force standing between the Germans and the sea, the Marines had been ordered to Antwerp. The action there resulted in the small Belgium army escaping to fight another day although the town itself fell to the Germans. After the action the Royal Naval Division was withdrawn and the Q.O.O.H. were recalled to England. However, the officers of the unit, having enjoyed chasing German cavalry were reluctant to leave and all but mutinied. They sent representatives to see the Commander-in-Chief Sir John French, pleading to be allowed to stay. French liked their cheek and explained that whilst he could not absorb them into the official fighting force as they were not part of the official BEF, he would allow them to stay as guards for the HQ in St. Omer. By the end of October 1914 they found themselves in action at Messines Ridge in the First Battle of Ypres.

Charles Thomas Twitchen
Sergeant 137931 237^th Field Coy.,
Royal Engineers

Division 59

Space for picture of headstone

Charles Thomas Twitchen grave is marked by a CWGC war pattern headstone. The Standard November 1st 1919 carried the report of his death at the Royal Berks. Hospital of lobar pneumonia and bronchitis. He was the dearly loved husband of Mary Twitchen, of 151, Belmont Rd, also late of the Working Men’s Club Pangbourne, aged 41 years. The 1911 census indicated that he was serving as the steward of the club.

An account appears in the Standard November 1st 1919 of Reading’s Own entertained in the Town Hall – a picture of 32nd and 35th Divisional Signal Company’s and 237th Field Co. raised wholly and trained in Reading. At the event the death of Sergeant Twitchen was remarked upon.

“A very sad incident occurred, only two days before the dinner, to one who was looking forward to be present, namely, Sergeant Twitchen, of the 237th Field Co. He was wounded and gassed at the front, but recovered and was demobilised a week or two ago. When he was discharged he went straight to his work and refused to put in an application for a disability pension, as he said he was quite fit for a good day’s work still, though his wife, knowing his weak condition, urged him to do so. He suddenly caught a cold, however, and owing to his debilitated state he developed pneumonia, and getting rapidly worse, died on the evening of October 22nd. It is particularly unfortunate that he was not examined for disability when leaving the army, as his wife is now ineligible for any pension or gratuity.

If there are any of his old friends who would like to contribute to a fund for his wife, any sums will be gratefully received by Sergeant L.V. Earthy, 80 London St. or Mr Leonard Sutton, Market Place, Reading and handed to the widow as a token of sympathy from his late comrades, which would be very much appreciated and a great help.”