Herbert Coe

He was the son of George and Jane Coe and the brother of Walter, Arthur, Albert, Margaret, Eva and Edda Coe of Main Street Awsworth, Nottinghamsire. His brother Albert, who was also employed by Nottinghamshire County Council, served and survived the war.

He was a member of the congregation and choir of St Peter's church, Awsworth. He attended Kimberley British School and became a teacher at his old school. He had been accepted by University College Nottingham for two years training from the end of September 1914, but enlisted 2 September. Extracts from school log (Nottinghamshire Archives ref SL94 2/2): 'December 2nd 1912 – Mr Coe will be absent a week – counting from today Cert. exam. January 6th 1913 – Copy in Log of report to Nottinghamshire Education Committee for October 25th [1912] to January 6th [1913] – [teachers’ absences] H Coe – absent cert one week. July 2nd 1913 - The Head Teacher would much appreciate the retention of Mr Coe’s services for another year when he will enter Nottingham University College for two years’ training. June 8th 1914 - Copy in Log of report to Nottinghamshire Education Committee for December 12 [1913] to May 29 [1914] … As Mr Coe’s services terminate on September 25th, the Head Teacher would appreciate the filling of the vacancy before the summer holidays. August 27th 1914 - The Correspondent for Mansfield has notified the head teacher that John Randle of 33 Annesley Road, Hucknall, has been appointed to succeed Mr H Coe who is leaving September 26th to enter Nottingham University College. September 1st 1914 - Mr Coe has terminated his service at this school having volunteered for service in the Army. July 7th 1916 - It is with my deep regret that the head teacher has to record the death of Herbert Coe of the school staff – Mr Coe was killed in action during the advance of the Allies on July 1st. A favourite with the boys – an excellent teacher. He will be greatly missed.'

Main Street Awsworth

Army Service Record survives. Enlisted 2 September 1914, embarked Southampton 25 February 1915, disembarked Le Havre 27 February 1915. Promoted lance corporal 23 November 1915 (in the field). Died of gunshot wounds at 20th Casualty Clearing Station and buried Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty Grave Reference: I.G.10. Personal effects of purse and knife returned to family October 1916. Awarded 14/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Listed in the Nottinghamshire County Council register of employees who served (Nottinghamshire Archives, ref CC CL 2 /12/1/1). NCC Education Committee Elementary, minutes 31 October 1916, item 13 'Staffing of Schools': The Committee have to report with deep regret the death of three of the County teachers during the recent fighting, viz ... Lance Corporal H Coe, Sherwood Foresters, Kimberley Undenom School. Family memorial, St Peter's Church, Awsworth (WMA 26842). Inscription: 'To the glory of God and in memory lf L/Cpl Herbert Coe, 5th Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds received in Picardy 3 July 1916 aged 25 years. Buried at Warlencourt Halte 4 July 1916. As a boy and man for many years a consistent member of the Awsworth Parish Church choir. “Even as he went that day to God, so walked he from his birth, in simpleness and gentleness, and honour and clean mirth.” “Still for him high service waits though earth’s last fight is o’er.” This tablet is placed here by those that loved him.' Another member of the church choir, George Albert Smith, also died in the war and too has a family memorial in the church.