Abraham Booth

Abraham was born at Clay Cross in 1889 and was the son of Thomas a coal miner and Sarah Ann Booth née Lowe . Thomas was born in 1865 in Clay Cross and Sarah Ann had also been born in Clay Cross in 1868, they were married in Chesterfield Registration district in June 1886. They went on to have 6 children however sadly 1 died in infancy, their children were, William b1887, Abraham b1889, Walter b1895, Clara b1897 and Harold b1904 , all the children were born in Clay Cross. In the 1911 census the family are living at 8 Newcastle Street, Mansfield , Thomas is shown as 46 years of age a coal miner and a widower, he is living at the address with his son William 24 years a coal miner who is married to Lottie 20 yrs , also his son Abraham 22 yrs single and a coal miner , Walter 16 years a boot maker , Clara 14 yrs a cleaner in a cotton mill and Harold 8 yrs a scholar. Abraham married his wife Sarah Braithwaite a spinster on 22nd July 1911 at St Johns Church, Mansfield he was living at 26 Kings Street, Huthwaite at this time. They went on to have the following three children , William born 12th May 1912 , Hilda born 5th March 1915 and Madge born 4th June 1916 , all were born in Sutton in Ashfield. Following his death his wife moved to 26 Harveys Yard, Newgate Lane, Masfield.

Coal Miner

26 King Street, Huthwaite

Abraham enlisted on 9th November 1915 at Sutton in Ashfield, he gave his age as 27 years and 40 days, his occupation as coal miner and his address as 26 King Street, Huthwaite He gave his religion as Wesleyan. He served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and was embarked for France on 15th March 1916 and was transferred to the 1st battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers on 24th March 1916. He was wounded in action on 30th June 1916 by receiving a gun shot wound to his leg. He was taken to the 3rd Stationary Hospital in Rouen, France but died on 7th July 1916 as a result of his wounds. He was buried in St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France grave reference A 24 6 Notts. Free Press 14th July 1916 Huthwaite Soldier dies of wounds Another well-known soldier from Huthwaite has unfortunately met with his death through the recent fighting at the front. Abe Booth, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was seriously wounded nine or ten days ago, and was conveyed to the Shrewsbury Hospital.(see correction to this information in next entry under extra information ) Information reached the family this week that he had succumbed to his injuries. The fallen soldier was a prominent footballer connected with the New Hucknall Club. His photograph will appear another week.

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.