Aged 19 years

Died 28^th January 1916

Commemorated at Cambrin Churchyard Extension
Grave L.5.

Rushden Echo, 11th February 1916, transcribed by Kay Collins

Killed by A Shell - A Good Man and A Fine Soldier
Cheerful Under All Circumstances – C.L.B. Worker

News has been received of the death of Rifleman Joseph Harold Moulton, C. Co. 16^th King’s Royal Rifles, son of Mr. J. Moulton, 36 Corporation-terrace, Higham Ferrers. The secretary of the Church Lads’ Brigade writes from the headquarters (Aldwych House, London, W.C.) as follows:-

“Dear Sir, In case you have not heard of it I deeply regret to have to write you that I have this morning received the news that your son, Rifleman J.H. Moulton, has been killed in action. We at headquarters do indeed sympathise with you and yours in your bereavement, but it will be some consolation to you to feel that he has laid down his life that Christianity may be preserved to us, the most glorious of all causes. The following quotation may be a help to you. A Bishop who had the same loss as you wrote me: ‘God has been very good to us in this our hour of sad and reverent glory.’ Again expressing our deep sympathy, I remain, yours truly, W. McGee.”

A letter has also been received from Lance-Corpl. Leonard Bailey, of Grove-street, Higham Ferrers, the deceased soldier’s chum in the same section, as follows:-

“Dear Mr. Moulton, It is my painful duty to have to tell you that Harold was killed on January 28^th by the bursting of a shell. As he was in my section and coming from the same place as myself I thought it my duty to let you know. Well, we were in the trenches, and were being shelled by the Germans. We were all crouching down by the side of the trench when a shell landed right in, and Harold, along with two others, was killed instantly. One consolation is that he suffered no pain at all. Allow me to express the sympathy of the platoon, and especially of the section. He was buried with full burial service in ---- Churchyard. Thinking you might like something to have as a remembrance of him I am sending you his cap badge. Once more expressing the platoon’s sympathy and also my own.”

With Lance-Corpl. Bailey’s letter came a note from Platoon-Sergt. J. E. Ball.

Rifleman Moulton went out to France last November, having enlisted in the King’s Royal Rifles in September 1914. Before then he was employed by Ald. Owen Parker, of Higham Ferrers, in the lasting department of his factory.