Lives of the First World War

The official news of the death of Private E Green of the 9th Battalion Rifle Brigade reached 33 Oaken Clough, Waterloo, on Monday morning. Rifleman E Green lived with his sister at Mary Street, Waterloo, and prior to joining the army was in the employ of Messrs Hannah Lees and Sons, Parkbridge Ironworks, and was held in high esteem by his fellow workmen. He was a member of the committee of the Waterloo Football Club, and took a very prominent part in its welfare, and the committee and players deeply deplore the loss of so energetic a follower of the national game. When war was declared he believed it was, on England's part, a war entered into for a righteous cause, and being moved by one common impulse and resolve, and came forward to defend his country on the 4th of January at Ashton Barracks, he decided to join the Rifle Brigade, and along with several more from Ashton and Bardsley was drafted to Winchester. Settling himself down to the tasks and duties of a soldier, he soon became efficient in everything that was needed to fit him for the sterner duty of the life of a soldier. He was drafted into France, and it was on the 20th June when the orders were received that they were to relieve the Dorsets and Worcesters in the Hooge Trenches. It was in going up the communication trench that Private Green received a bullet from a sniper's rifle under his left shoulder, and entering the left lung, which proved fatal, death taking place in the dressing station 35 hours after. Private Green attended the Wesleyan Chapel at Waterloo, and his name is inscribed upon the Roll of Honour. He is the first on the roll to fall in action. He went forth to do what he could, gave up all that was dear to him, and even laid down his life to save his country. He died at duty's post, and was now sleeping in the sacred consciousness of duty well done. Soldier see they gracious day Swiftly drawing to an end; Mend thy pace, pursue thy way, Ere the shades of night descend. Fear to lose a moment's space, Walk, advance, and hasten on: And when death concludes thy race Dying shout, thy work is done.

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