Private Sidney Charles Anthony

Pte Sidney Charles Anthony, 60778, 24th Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on the Somme on November 13th, 1916. He was aged 33.

Two comrades wrote to his widow, Marion, at 83 Bury Park Road, Luton, to say they had seen Sidney go into action in the first wave of a charge but had not seen him since.

One comrade, L-Cpl C. Lennon, said the battalion had gone into action on the morning of the 13th and had a great victory,but lost quite a number of brave lads.

"Your husband was with us when the attack was commenced, and I can assure you he fought with the rest of the boys, as a true British soldier. I am sorry to say that he was not with those that were fortunate enough to get through to the roll call."

The letter hoped that he may have been wounded, taken to the dressing station and got through safely.

Pte Anthony was the youngest son of the late John Pakes Anthony (died 1903) and Jemima Ann (died 1913). He married Marion Ray Sibley, second daughter of Mr George Webb, of 70 Princess Street, Luton, in 1911.

He joined the Royal Field Artillery at Biscot Camp on May 30th, 1916, and after a month's training was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment at Aveley. Two months later he was sent to Purfleet, and on October 15th he was drafted out to France. There he was again transferred, to the Royal Fusiliers.

At the age of 14 he became a clerk with the Midland Railway, later becoming a clerk with hat manufacturers Messrs A. J. Hucklesby & Co, George Street.