Name
Montague Austin
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
16/03/1917
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Sergeant
R/10078
King's Royal Rifle Corps
10th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE
IV. C. 21.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Ashwell Village Memorial,
St Mary’s Church Roll of Honour, Ashwell,
Not on the Hertford memorials
Pre War
Wartime Service
Montague enlisted on 1st of February 1915, joining the King's Royal Rifles. He soon received promotion, reaching the rank of staff-sergeant. He repeatedly volunteered for active service but his services were considered more valuable in this country.
He went to France on 6th of October 1916 and soon took part in very severe fighting.
In the third week of March 1917 Mr and Mrs Austin received a telegram informing them that heir son had been very seriously wounded. A letter from the sister-in-charge of a base hospital followed, who explained that Montague had been badly wounded in the chest and that his condition was serious.
The following week a British chaplain wrote to his parents confirming he had passed away. He said: "I am sorry that I have some bad news to send you. Your son was brought here in a very bad condition yesterday morning. He was badly wounded, chiefly in the chest, and died a few hours afterwards. I buried him the same morning in Grovetown Cemetery, where he lies with many more of his comrades who have given their lives for king and country. He was given a military funeral, according to the use of the church of England. A cross will soon be erected to mark the spot where he lies."
Additional Information
Son of Charles and Emma Austin, of Foresters Cottages, Ashwell, Baldock, Herts.
Acknowledgments
Derry Warners
Adrian Pitts, Paul Johnson
