Winslow's seven heroic soldiers remembered 100 years on

Seven soldiers from Winslow who served their country were remembered at a special ceremony to mark 100 years since the Battle of the Somme.
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It was one of First World War’s bloodiest battles and many thousands of soldiers lost their lives.

Last Friday, a crowd gathered at the War Memorial in Winslow and they all fell silent for two minutes in an act of remembrance.

A special wreath was laid next to the wooden crosses with the names of the seven soldiers on them.

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Private Harry Reginald Gibson, son of William and Fanny Gibson, was aged just 18 when he was killed in action during the Battle of Fromelles.

Lance-Corporal William John Holdom, son of Alfred and Sarah Holdom, died in the same battle, aged 33.

Private Thomas Percy Jackson was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jackson and was born in Northampton where he worked as an assistant draper. He died in action on July 22, 1916, aged 23.

Lance-Corporal Thomas Henry Holt was the son of William and Jane Holt of Piccadilly, Winslow, and worked as a cattle drover. He was killed in action, aged 36.

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Private Frederick James Holt was killed during the Battle of Delville Wood on September 15, 1916. He was aged 34. He was the son of George and Christianna Holt of Tinkers End and had worked as a bricklayer’s labourer. His younger brother Harry was killed in action in 1918.

Private Charles William Abel Chandler was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on September 21, 1916, aged 21. He was the son of John and Annie Chandler.

He was brought up by his grandparents, Thomas and Mary Bradbury, who lived in Horn Street and he later lived in Church Gate, working as a clerk.

Sapper Fred Cripps died of his wounds in October 1916. He was aged 28 and is buried in St Lawrence Churchyard. The son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cripps, he worked as a carpenter. His elder brother Charles was killed in action in 1918.

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