Sarah Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper Articles

Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 08 Mar 1916

Page 3 Column 4

DEATH OF A CRIMEAN VETERAN.

During the past week no fewer than five veteran soldiers of England who served in the Crimea and Indian Mutiny have passed to their last rest. These are Major-General F. HARDY, C.B., Colonel J. P. ROBERTSON, C.B., Major W. McMAHON, the Hon. Sidney Carr GLYN, and Private Charles GILL. The last-named, who was a native of Taunton, resided with his son-in-law, Mr. W. H. HAWKINS, of East-bourne-road. Private GILL, who died on Monday, was 77 years of age, and had served in the Army for 22 years.

THE LATE PRIVATE GILL.
[Block by Western Gazette, &c., Co.,, Ltd.]

He enlisted in the 97th Foot in the early fifties, and took part in the Crimean and Indian Mutiny. He transferred from the Infantry to the Artillery, and at the close of the Mutiny volunteered to remain in India, and of his 22 years' service nearly 20 were spent in that country. On leaving the Army he returned to Taunton, and set up a coal merchant's business in East Reach, which he subsequently transferred to Duke-street, where it is now carried on by his son-in-law. The deceased was in possession of four medals- the Crimean, Sebastapol, Indian Mutiny, and good conduct.

The interment took place at St. Mary's Cemetery on Friday, and was accorded full military honours.

The firing party and bearers were composed of men from the Royal Garrison Artillery, under Sergeant NEWLAND. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. B. DUNCALFE. The coffin was of polished elm, with brass fittings, and an engraved breast-plate bore the inscription:- “Charles GILL, died February 28th, 1916, age 77 years.” The mourners were Mr. J. HAWKINS, Pontypridd, Mrs. GREGORY, and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. HAWKINS (stepsons and daughters), Mrs. PARKHOUSE, Mrs. BRICE, Mrs. GREENSLADE, Misses Elsie and Winnie HAWKINS (grandchildren), Mr. R. GILL (nephew), Private PARKHOUSE, Driver GREENSLADE, Mrs. W. H. HAWKINS, jun., Miss BECK. Sergeant W. H. HAWKINS (W.S.Y.) was unable to attend, being under orders for the Front. There was a dome, “From his sorrowing children.” and wreaths were sent by “Edie and George,” “Will and Lena,” “Lizzie and Arch,” “Flo and Fred,” and “Elsie and Winnie” (grand-children), Mrs. and Miss STYLES, Mrs. STONE, Mrs. WELCH and Miss WARD, the Misses CALWAY and CHORLEY, the Misses E. REED and E. D. HAIE, and Mr. and Mrs. E. WHITE.

Back to Miscellaneous Page

Back to Home Page

<NOTES: Charles GILL spouse of Mary PARSONS

Mary PARSONS who died in 1909 was the daughter of Benjamin PARSONS and Ann UPPINGTON, spouse of William HAWKINS and Charles GILL>