Died 30th November 1917

Aged 32 years

Commemorated on Cambrai Memorial, Louverval
Panel 4

Higham Ferrers Soldier’s Death
Pte. E Flanders Killed in Action — A Well-known Footballer
Mrs A M Flanders, of 15 Warmonds-hill, Higham Ferrers, has received official news from the War Office that her husband, Pte. Ernest Flanders, 42012 B Coy., — Suffolk Regiment, late of the Northants Regiment, fell in action on November 30th, being killed instantly by the bursting of a shell. Pte. Ernest Flanders was the eldest son of Mr James Flanders, of London. Prior to being called up on July 20th 1917, he worked for Mr John Clark, boot manufacturer, Rushden.

Mrs Flanders has received a letter from the captain of B Coy., and also the usual message of sympathy from the King in her sad bereavement. Captain Canning says:- “It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you of the death in action of your husband, Pte. E Flanders, of B Coy., and write to offer the sincere sympathy of myself and the men under my command. It may be some small consolation to you to know that he suffered no pain, being killed instantly by the bursting of a shell. He fell on November 30th, and we buried him behind our line on ground reconquered from the enemy, erecting a rough cross to his memory. He had been only a few days with us, but was settling down excellently to the surroundings, and I am sure would have proved himself a good and noble soldier. I am sorry I have been unable to write before, but have been involved in the fighting ever since. With renewed sympathy, believe me, faithfully yours, C V Canning, Capt. Commanding B Coy., Suffolk Regiment.

The late Pte. Flanders was a well-known footballer, and played centre-half for Higham St Mary’s, Higham Athletic, Higham Wesleyan, and Higham Institute teams. Just a fortnight before his death he played for his regiment in France, against the Notts, his team winning by 5-0.

In Memoriam

FLANDERS —In ever loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. Ernest Flanders, 9th Suffolk Regiment, who was killed in action Nov. 30th, 1917, aged 32 years.

Sweet is thy rest, dear husband;
'Tis sweet to breathe your name;
In life I loved you dearly,
In death I do the same.
It's sweet to think we'll meet again,
When all these partings are o'er;
That you, the dear one I loved so well,
Have only gone before R.I.P.

From his ever loving wife, Annie Mabel Flanders, 15, Warmonds Hill, Higham Ferrers.