No.G/19277, Private, Peter MEAD
Aged 28
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Peter MEAD was born in (Risbridge Q4-1888 4A:619), son of Charles and Ruth MEAD (née PHILLIPS). His grandfather David MEAD was first married to Mary Ann RASH who died in 1865, and he then married Matilda MALYON (Q3-1866). His father Charles was born in Q3-1863, therefore Matilda was actually Peter's step-grandmother. His mother appears to have been Ruth PHILLIPS, who married Charles in Q4-1886, but died in 1889 aged 22. 1891 census...Aged 2, he was at 28 Burton End, Haverhill with his grandfather David MEAD [60] silk weaver; his grandmother Matilda [41] silk weaver born in Helions Bumpstead; aunts Hephzibah [21] hair weaver, Rose [18] machinist and Kate [9]; uncle David [14] silk weaver. All except his grandmother were born in Haverhill. 1901 census...Aged 12, he was at 62 Burton End with his grandparents and aunts Rose and Kate. 1911 census...Aged 22, cutter mens clothing, he was at 13 Burton End with his widowed grandmother On his Army Form 5080 in 1919, his grandmother entered "father Charles Mead, past 29 years in asylum at Melton, Woodbridge", with no living mother or full blood brothers or sisters. There was just herself at 13 Burton End and his aunt Hephzibah HAZELWOOD at 50 Primrose Hill, Haverhill |
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The South West Suffolk Echo of 28th July 1917 reported that:- "Official news has now been received of the death of Pte. Peter Mead, of the Royal West Kent Cycling Corps. The unofficial announcement of his death some weeks ago was received with the greatest regret by his numerous friends in Haverhill. He was 23 years of age, and while residing in the town resided with his grandmother, Mrs. Mead at 13 Burton End, Haverhill. He had been in France for about six months, and for many years was employed as a cutter by Messrs. Gurteen & Sons. Prior to the outbreak of war he was a regular member of Haverhill Rovers F.C., and was popular alike amongst colleagues and spectators. His position on the field was centre half, where he was a smart and resourceful, and ever a stumbling block to opponents. " The South West Suffolk Echo of reported that:- "The following letter from the Chaplain has been received by Mrs. Mead, of 17, Burton End, in reference to the late Pte. Peter Mead, whose death at the Front was announced a few weeks ago:- "You may think it strange that I should write so long after the death of your boy, Pte. P. Mead, but I was hoping to tell you more. In my time out here as Chaplain I got to know him very well and to love him. I remember after a conversation I had with him in May how I was convinced of his high principles and I know, too, that his life was worthy of them. On the night of the 14th. June I was at the most advanced dressing station. Our Brigade was making an advance. At a very exposed dug-out we did our best for the wounded, but your boy fell on the field. I did not hear until some time later. I was told how you had cared for him and your love and kindness have by no means been lost. Others felt the influence of his life. Even a cup of cold water has it's reward, but surely acts of greater kindness have greater rewards. Already his life has been a recompense, and no true love is ever lost. He did his duty bravely and gave his life for others. In your sorrow I would remind you he still lives in the Father's keeping and He will keep His loved ones. May I commend you to His Fatherly care and goodness. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your bereavement. " He attested on 12th February 1916 in Leeds and was posted to Reserves and then mobilised at Tonbridge in the Kent Cyclist Battalion, No.2444 on 10th March 1916. He gave his age as 27 years 6 months, single, a tailor's cutter from 13 Burton End Haverhill. (The address of 15 Gatton View, Leeds has been crossed out). 5 feet 6.25 inches (168.4 cm) tall, weighing 126 lbs (57.3 kg), chest 34" to 36" (86.4 to 91.4 cm). He gave his next of kin, father Charles Mead but this was crossed out and replaced by grandmother Matilda of 13 Burton End, Haverhill. He embarked for France on 3rd January 1917, joining the 11th Royal West Kents in the field on 9th February 1917. Peter was killed during the battle for the Messines Ridge. The battalion had been tasked (together with the 12th East Surreys and 15th Hampshires) with following the 123rd Brigade until Dammstrasse was taken and then go through and take Oboe trench and Oblong Reserve in Ravine Wood, an advance of around 600 yards. The 14th saw them in Oblong Reserve trench, and ready, with the 18th KRRC on their right and 24th Div on their left, "D" Coy was to take Oblique Row and work left along Oblique Trench far as the Canal. "C" and "B" Coys were to take and hold Optic Trench and push raids forward to clear Optic Trench. Once cleared they were to leave behind Lewis Gun teams just in front of Optic Trench to cover the consolidation. All morning our artillery bombarded, then easing up a little after 3 pm. Zero was 7:30 pm. From the outset opposition was fierce, but they prevailed. The objectives were taken and at one time they even got over enthusiastic and overran them and had to be brought back. It was a successful operation, the CWGC putting the killed of the battalion on the 14th as just 8. |
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