Victor Parker Freeman

Joseph Alfred Freeman and Kate Ellen Tomlin married in 1896 Leicester. Two years later they had their one and only son who they called Victor Parker Freeman. Their address at the time was Nr Slate works, Groby, Leicestershire where Joseph was employed as a coachman and groom. In 1901 the couple, with Victor had moved to The Bungalow, Worksop where they were both employed as live in Servants for solicitor, John Hodding. Joseph was working as gardener and general servant and Kate as a domestic servant. Victor is registered as a boarder.

Gunner Victor Freeman Worksop Guardian 13 December 1918 Mr and Mrs J Freeman, Darfoulds, Worksop, will receive the sympathy of all who know them in the bereavement they have sustained, through the death of their eldest son, Gunner Victor Parker Freeman, R.F.A., who died in No. 13 General Hospital, France, from influenza on November 26th. The poor lad was 21 on Nov 10th. He enlisted as a B2 man on Dec 19th 1916 and was sent for training for coast defence. In November last year there was a call for volunteers, and every man stepped forward and offered their services to fill the gaps caused by the enemy. Gunner Freeman was sent to France on February 6th, and his battery was heavily engaged in the fighting which followed the German advance in the Spring. During the retreat, he lost everything except the clothes he stood up in. He, however, escaped unwounded and it is sad to think that after coming through the fighting safely, he should fall victim to insidious disease. Before he enlisted he worked at the Steetley Lime Company’s offices. He was a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, and also the Civil Corps and he was President of the Young People’s Circle in connection with the Worksop Co-op Society. Writing to his mother, the Rev P R Withington, says:- “at first they thought Victor was going to get well, but on the 24th of September he took a turn for the worst. He was conscious until nearly the end, and although he knew how serious his condition was, he never lost heart. His example was an inspiration to us all, and there was not a soul who knew him, who did not admire him as well as love him. The sisters, orderlies and patients were as much devoted to him as was I. You may well be proud of having such a son.” The deceased’s father, Mr J Freeman, is gardener to Mr J E Hodding, The Bungalow, and is well known and respected.

CWG additional information:- Son of Joseph Alfred and Kate Ellen Freeman, of Harness Grove Cottages, Durfoulds, Worksop, Notts. Buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France. Research by Colin Dannatt