14th Battalion, Royal Worcestershire Regiment
Henry Frederick Lane, always known as Harry, was born at Winchcombe in the fourth quarter of 1897. He was the son of Philip and Frances (Jessie) Lane (née Pearson), who married in St. Peter’s Church, Winchcombe in 1890.
Henry enlisted at Winchcombe Police Station along with his school pal, Job Stephens; both were posted to the 14th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment (Severn Valley Pioneers). On 21 June 1916 the battalion landed at Le Havre and joined the 63rd Division. At some point Henry was wounded and repatriated for treatment at Horton Hospital (also known as Epsom War Hospital), Surrey. Unfortunately, he was afflicted with a serious infection and died at the hospital on 26 June 1917; he was 19 years old.
The Cheltenham Chronicle and Gloucestershire Graphic reported his funeral under the heading ‘Soldier’s Funeral at Gretton’. There were a large number of floral tributes from members of his large family and friends, with two from the people of Gretton, on which were inscribed: ‘For King & Country his life he gave, and now he lies in a hero’s grave.’ His grave in Christ Church, Gretton churchyard is marked by a standard CWGC headstone. It is part of a large family plot containing his parents and sisters. He is also commemorated on the Gretton War Memorial, a brass War Memorial plaque inside the church and the Winchcombe War Memorial. Harry’s pal, Job Stephens was killed in September 1917.
One of Henry’s brothers, Philip, went to school with Edgar Stephens, the elder brother of Harry’s pal Job. Edgar worked for the Great Western Railway at Toddington station as a porter before enlisting in the Gloucestershire Regiment. It is reasonable to assume that in such a small village all four knew one another. Edgar served in the 10th Battalion and was killed in April 1916. Philip served with the Royal Garrison Artillery and was reportedly the recipient of three Military Medals. He survived the war and is buried next to the family grave.
Georgina, the eldest daughter of Philip and Jesse, joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. She is believed to have served at a hospital in the UK where she met her husband, a WO2 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Researched by Graham Adams 12 January 2012
(revised 15 October 2022 – further information supplied by Henry’s great nephew)