Notts. Free Press - 21st July 1916
Late Private A. Booth of Huthwaite - A Good Sportsman.
As reported in these columns last week, the sad news of the death of Abe Booth - as he was so well known - came as a great shock to Huthwaite residents, and it is hard to realise that so prominent a figure in local sporting circles will be heard of no more. Of a quiet, unassuming manner, he had a happy and cheerful nature and always looked on the bright side of affairs. Truly it could be said of him that he was a sportsman of the first calibre, and could always be relied upon to “play the game.” Whilst he followed the game of cricket he was not a player, but in his real forte – football – in local circles he had no superiors, and very few equals. As an example of that statement the writer calls to mind three games in particular in which he filled the position of left half, the first being against Mansfield Mechanics in the Semi-Final of the Notts. Senior Cup on the Sutton Town Ground-when the Junction carried off the trophy the Colliery losing the game in the last few minutes by three goals to none. Then against Loughborough Corinthians, and the following Saturday against Sutton Junction, when the Colliery won 3-2. About that game that diminutive forward, Sharpe, could perhaps best speak. Private Booth enlisted in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in November, 1915, and had been on active service for three months, with the exception of a fortnight caused through an injury received whilst in the trenches.
Last week we stated that he was interred at Shrewsbury. This report was handed in by the writer on seeing a telegram which was sent from Shrewsbury, but it has transpired since that this is the headquarters of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, where all communications are issued. The following is the letter sent by the Wesleyan Chaplain:-
"Dear Mrs. Booth, I am deeply sorry for you in your sad bereavement, and express the sorrow too of all the hospital staff, who did their very best for your husband, Private A. Booth, of the Royal Welsh Regiment of Fusiliers. He came into hospital, as I stated in my last letter, dangerously wounded. We could only hope his system had not been hopelessly endangered. But although every care was taken, yet he was not able to rally against his wound. I saw him regularly during the week, and the Chaplain of the hospital also ministered to him. He was so patient and put his trust in God as we prayed together. He has made the great sacrifice for the weak and oppressed. Greater love hath no man than this. We buried him with full military honours this morning in the pretty cemetery of St. Sever, near Rouen. He lies there with his comrades in arms. If you could come over after the war you will easily find the grave by the number, 2362. Each grave is being planted with flowers and a little cross is placed at the head. God bless and sustain you in your heavy grief."
With the bereaved wife especially, and the three bairns, along with his brother, deep sympathy will be felt in their loss of one who served faithfully in all his pursuits up to the very prime of his manhood, 27 years, then gave up life itself for King and country.
This man is commemorated in a book of remembrance held by Mansfield District Council.