brothers last vigil

[charlie]

Philip,
I think convincing the CWGC that he also died on the 7th may not be so easy. The GRR records the 6th and the records of Soldiers Effects state the 6th or 7th.

Charlie

[PhilipG]

Charlie,

J.Heaton & C.Heaton

I agree.  "Soldiers Died" has the brothers named above as being killed on the 7th August 1915.    The Commission reports that their decision to change the date of death for J.Heaton to 7th August 1915 is supported by records found on the Ancestry website.

Can you check on that, please?    Can you also check on Ancestry re C. Heaton, too.   Short of obtaining D/Certs for the two soldiers I think it would be difficult to show that these two brave soldiers were brothers.  All very interesting!   PhilipG.

[charlie]

Philip,
I have been through the records on Ancestry. SDGW and their MiCs record that both brothers were KiA on the 7th. Soldiers Effects (Replies 7 and 15 refer) has the only discrepancy in that the death of C Heaton is recorded as being on the 6th or 7th, J Heaton being recorded as having died on the 7th.

I wonder if the letter quoted by Mack would be useful, I am assuming it was published in a Newspaper.

Charlie

[PhilipG]

Charlie,

Strengthened by your research, I propose to write again to the Commission in the matter of C. Heaton's date of death.   Thanks for your help.  PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

  Charlie,

Convincing (?) letter composed and dispatched to the Commission today re C.Heaton. PhilipG.

[charlie]

Philip,
Thank you, your last letter was obviously convincing enough, I‘m sure your latest is no less so. Fingers crossed!

Charlie

[mack]

in his letter,pte hunt told mrs heaton that her husband and brother in law were called away on Friday 6th august during the attack on the Turkish trenches and died within minutes of each other

mack

[PhilipG]

Mack,

I note and thank you.   The battalion was in support of a diversionary attack and it would appear that this commenced at 1550 hours on the 6th August 1915.   As operations continued overnight to the 7th August and beyond, it is understandable how confusion as to dates of death occurred.  I await the Commission's reply.  PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

Telephone calls and further correspondence with the Commission are continuing.   The weather conditions have not helped the situation.   PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

It now appears that the CWGC require more evidence relating to the death of C.Heaton. e.g. Copy of letter from Pte Carr and D/Certs.  PhilipG.

[charlie]

Philip,
Thank you for the updates, as anticipated it is proving not quite as easy to convince the CWGC this time. Do you intend to pursue the matter further?

Charlie

[PhilipG]

Charlie,

Thanks for your interest.   As I consider this is a matter of some importance I am carrying on.  I take it that you would approve. PhilipG.

[charlie]

Thank you Philip, of course I approve, if I can help in any way please let me know. Perhaps Mack can help with the letter.

Charlie

[PhilipG]

Charlie,

Thank you. I have ordered Birth Certificates and Certificates of Death relating to the brothers and hope that these will assist the Commission in coming to a decision in the matter.  PhilipG.

[PhilipG]

I have today written to my Member of Parliament regarding the Heaton brothers and their date of death.  PhilipG.