BADSEY MAN KILLED
News has been received of the death in action of Corporal Louis Henry Sparrow, of the Worcester Regiment. Corporal Sparrow, who was a market gardener, enlisted in December, 1914, and on the completion of his training went out with the Worcesters to Gallipoli. He was invalided to Malta, and while there was given the temporary rank of acting-Sergeant Returning to England a few months ago, he was granted a month’s working furlough, which he put in on his land. He went out to the front again on August 16, and was killed by a shell which fell on his dug-out on the night of October 22. Corporal Sparrow, who was very highly respected, leaves a widow and two young children, with whom the deepest sympathy is expressed on all hands. On Tuesday afternoon a muffled peal was rung, and a memorial service was held in Badsey Church on Tuesday evening, when the church was so packed it was difficult to find seats for all. The service, which was choral, was conducted by the Vicar, who, referring to him as a personal friend, spoke of the deceased soldier’s exceptionally high character, his utter unselfishness, and other sterling qualities, exemplified in his volunteering for the defence of his country, when, had he availed himself of the consideration shown to men in his position, he might have been, like so many others, still at home; his services to the church both as a member of the choir and of the band of ringers, the example of his life and the lessons of his death. The hymns at the service included Corpl Sparrow’s favourite, “Be Thou my Guardian and my Guide,” a hymn in accordance with the aspirations of which the Vicar said “Lou” Sparrow had striven to live, and at the close of the service the Organist (Mr T H Knight) played the Dead March.
