Private Carver, 24/04/1915

Nick Carver, ringer at Isleham, writes:

On this day 100 years ago, my great uncle, Private Arthur Carver of the 1/4th battalion East Yorks Regiment was killed in action at the second battle of Ypres aged 22. We know something of his last day because the commanding officer of the battalion also lost his life and this was recorded in the regimental diary. The battalion crossed to Boulogne a couple of days before this and made their way to the front line. As soon as they got there, they went over the top and a number of men, including the Colonel and Arthur, failed to return. His body was never found and he is remembered at the Menin Gate memorial.

This evening, to commemorate the centenary of Arthur's death, a quarter peal of Norwich Surprise Minor was rung at St Andrew's church in Isleham. I was honoured to take part in the ringing. This performance, dedicated to Arthur, is recorded on the Bellboard web site where it will remain in perpetuity, which hopefully will be regarded as a fitting memorial to a brave young man serving King and Country, who like so many others was keen to serve but failed to return.

Details of the quarter are here, Dee Smith notes that this was Nick's first quarter of minor, and first of treble bob.

Nick is a keen family historian, and would be happy to offer advice on how people can research and/or check information relating to their own family. Contact Nick on nick_at_carverfamily.org.uk.