 Son of Mrs Rachel Fairey and the late John Fairey
Aged 37 years
Died 8th October 1918
Commemorated Busigny Communal Cemetery (extension)
VI. C.29
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| Born at Thurleigh, enlisted at Bedford, resided at Rushden. |
Rushden Echo, November 1st, 1918, tanscribed by Greville Watson
Rushden’s Casualty List.
Mrs Fairey, of 12, Gordon-street, Rushden, has received notification of the death in action of her youngest son, 31096, Trooper W. Fairey, Hussars (formerly Beds Yeomanry). Lieut. H. Pentelow, in a letter to the deceased soldier's mother, says: "It was with great regret that I heard of the death of your son, Trooper William Fairey. Although I was not with him when he was killed I had a great respect for him, as he was in my troop all the time he was out here until about six months ago, when we were split up. He was a good soldier and a very hard worker, and nothing was too much trouble for him. A great favourite in the troop and squadron, he was well liked by both officers and men. I am afraid that nothing I can say will soften the blow; I realise how hard it is as I lost a brother out here last month. One thing, he did not suffer, as I believe death was instantaneous, and he died gloriously charging the enemy with the rest of the troop. Please accept the deepest sympathy of the officers of the Beds Yeomanry." The late Trooper Fairey, who was 37 years of age, joined the Colours as a volunteer in the Beds Yeomanry on December 9th, 1915, and went to France in the following September just before his father (the late Mr John Fairey) died. Up to the time of joining the Colours he was employed by Mr John Clark, Heatherbrea, Rushden.
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| The Wellingborough News Friday 8 November 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates
A Glorious Death Rushden Trooper Killed
Trooper Wm Fairey, of the Hussars, formerly of the Beds Yeomanry, and son of Mrs Fairey, of 12, Gordon-street, Rushden, has been officially announced as killed in action. Lieut Pentelow, also writes asking Mrs Fairey to accept the deepest sympathy of the officers and men of the Beds Yeomanry, saying that the deceased soldier died gloriously charging the enemy with the rest of troop, and stating what a good and hardworking soldier he was. The late Trooper Fairey, who was 37 years of age, enlisted in the Beds Yeomanry as a volunteer on Dec. 9th 1915, and went to France in September, 1916, just previous to the death of his father, Mr John Fairey. Prior to joining up he was employed by Mr John Clark, "Heatherbreea", Rushden.
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Rushden Echo, 16th January 1925, transcribed by Kay Collins
Rushden Soldier’s Grave - The Late Private W Fairey – Battlefield Cross
An impressive service was held at St Michael’s Church (Church Army), a chapel-of-ease to St Matthew’s, Townmead-road, Fulham, on Sunday, when the Rev W L Orpwood received and formally presented to a relative a soldier’s cross from a battlefield in France which had marked a soldier’s grave for six years.
The cross, beautifully decorated, was borne by Bro. Dalton (Church Army) and Scoutmaster Day. The preliminary service was conducted by Captain Harfitt, C.A., formerly of Rushden, assisted by Mr G H Sergeant (licensed lay-preacher). Guards of honour were furnished by Fulham B.B.S. under Scoutmasters Hanks, Day, and Tierney, and B.G.S. under Lady Officers Fuller and Float.
A powerful sermon was preached by Mr Orpwood, “The Last Post” was sounded by Mr Spencer, late R.A.F. Mrs Ralph presided at the organ and rendered as a solo “O rest in the Lord.”
The cross is weather-beaten and worn, and is inscribed: “Private W Fairey, 19th Hussars. Killed in action 8.10.18. R.I.P.” It has been forwarded to Rushden, as we reported last week.
The arrangements were made by Captain Harfitt, the cross being obtained from France by the Church Army War Graves Department.
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