Lives of the First World War

Douglas Sharp's will shows that he died on 15 September 1916 at Gharak, West Fayoum in Egypt of hyperpyrexia. He was 19 years old, and died almost 2 years to the day that he left England to fight in the war. In 1960 Douglas’s grave was one of 85 First World War graves removed from Minia War Cemetery (200 km south of Cairo), where maintenance could not be assured, and he was reburied in Cairo War Memorial Cemetery.

In uniform, date unknown, but likely to be in Egypt. He served in Egypt under the Yeomanry Mounted Brigade (Sept 1914-August 1915), then was at Gallipoli (took part in the failed attack at Scrimitar Hill on 21 August 1915), then was back in Egypt (December 1915- his death on 15 September 1916).

Douglas Sharp listed in Minia War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt

Douglas Sharp listed in headstone schedule

Lists Douglas Sharp, his grave having been moved from Minia War Cemetery in 1960. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission said: 'There are details of individuals who were originally buried in smaller or isolated cemeteries, but who, at a later date, were exhumed and reburied in war cemeteries. The concentration of cemeteries allowed otherwise unmaintainable graves to be moved into established war grave cemeteries where the Commission could ensure proper commemoration. In 1960, 85 First World War graves were concentrated from Minia War Cemetery, 200 km south of Cairo, where maintenance could not be assured.'

Douglas Sharp's memorial listed in schedule.

This is the end of a letter written by his father on October 10 1916 in response to a letter of sympathy, presumably from Dulwich College (as there is a copy of the letter on the College's memorial website). The full letter outlines his service.

Letter from Lieutenant Geoffrey Inchbald to Douglas' mother written in sympathy of his death. The letter reads: 'No 8 Company, Imperial Camel Corp, E.E.F Sep 18/16. Dear Mrs Sharp, I feel I must write to condole with you as far as possible for your sons untimely death, you have my sincerest sympathy. Perhaps it will be some small comfort to you to know that I dont think he was in any pain, being quite unconscious for the last two hours. He is a great loss, not only to his personal friends, but the company as a whole. Since he had been with me, he was always very cheerful, hard working and extraordinaryly [sic] useful. I never heard him grumble once, in spite of somewhat trying circumstances. I know of no one more popular with everybody. He died as he must always have lived, a gallant gentleman. Yours very sincerely, G. A. Inchbald Lt I.C.C.'

Douglas Sharp's record in Dulwich College Register

Transcription: Douglas Eldridge Sharp joined the College in [blank] after spending some years at the Preparatory School. He was a member of the O.T.C. and also won his colour at football. He left in 1913 to take up a post with a firm of Insurance Brokers in the City. Shortly afterwards he joined the Westminster Dragoons and became an expert horseman. At the outbreak of war he was mobilised in common with all Territorial Regiments and a month later the regiment having volunteered for foreign service was ordered to Egypt. Although only 18 he begged to be allowed to go with the rest and his parents consented. Some time was spent in Cairo training for active service and he wrote home glowing letters describing the scenes and people. He also contributed occasional letters to the “Alleynian”. His first contact with the enemy was in connection with the attempted Turkish invasion of Egypt; but more serious work came later when the regiment was sent as infantry to Gallipoli. They were landed

See information with image 'Career description 1'

In uniform, not clear where, but likely to be Egypt