Peter Pearson

Peter was born about 1893, the son of George Alfred and Elizabeth Pearson. Elizabeth had been widowed by the time of the 1911 Census; she declared that she had been married for 31 years and had had 11 children born alive of whom only nine were still living at the time of the census. Ten children were named on the census returns between 1881 and 1911: Mary Ann (b abt. 1886, Lenton), Charlotte (b. 1878, South Leverton), Joseph William (b. 1880, Mansfield), George Alfred (b. abt 1883, Mansfield, d. 28 June 1910), Harriet (b. 1885, Mansfield), Annie (b. abt. 1889, Mansfield), Thomas E (b. abt 1890, Mansfield), Peter (b. 1893, Mansfield), Ruth (b. 1896 Mansfield), Harry (b. 1903, Mansfield). George Alfred was born in Lenton, Nottingham, and Elizabeth in Radford, Nottingham. However, in 1881 they were living at Rock Houses, Mansfield, with their three young children; Mary Ann (5), Charlotte (3) and Joseph William (under 1 year). George was a police constable. By 1891 George, now a police sergeant, and Elizabeth were living at 24 Welbeck Street, Mansfield, with their seven children; Mary Ann, Charlotte, Joseph, George (8), Harriet (6), Annie (2) and Thomas (5 months). Also in the household was George's father, Joseph (60), a general labourer. The family was still living on Welbeck Street ten years later in 1901. Three more children had been born in the interim; Thomas (10), Peter (7) and Ruth (5). Of George and Elizabeth's older children, only Joseph, George, Harriet and Annie were at home on the night of the census. Another son, Harry, was born in 1903. However, his father, George Alfred died on 27 September 1906 aged 53 years when his youngest child was only about three years old. Elizabeth's second son, also named George Alfred, died on 28 June 1910 aged 27. By 1911 Elizabeth (56) was living at 59 Titchfield Street, Mansfield, with only five children still at home; Annie, Thomas, Peter, Ruth and Harry. Annie married Horace Worker in 1917; he also served in the war and was seriously injured. Elizabeth Pearson died on 22 February 1933 aged 77 years.

Coal miner

He enlisted in Mansfield.

Peter Pearson went to France sometime after 1 January 1916 (BWM and VM) and joined the battalion. The 9th Battalion arrived from Egypt in July 1916 and after a month on the Arras front moved to the Somme. On 26 September 1916 the battalion spearheaded the Battle of Thiepval near to Mouquet (Mucky) Farm. At 12.35 pm the battalion moved forward under a protective barrage and within ten minutes had taken the first objective. At 12.59 pm the battalion moved towards the second objective, Zollern Trench and this was taken by 1.17 pm. They met considerable enemy resistance here and a halt of one hour was ordered. A portion of what was left of the battalion - one officer and 45 other ranks took part of Hessian Trench. The Brigadier said afterwards, "The manner in which Hessian Trench was tenaciously held during the night of 26/27th September by 9th Sherwood Foresters reflected the greatest credit on that battalion and it was without touch on its right and left with anyone except the enemy." Peter was killed in this action. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme. John Morse

Family grave, Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery, inscription: 'In loving memory of George Alfred, the beloved husband of Elizabeth Pearson, who passed away Sept. 27th 1906 aged 53 years. I was weary and he gave me rest. Also of George Alfred, son of the above, who died June 28th 1910 in his 20th year. At rest. Also of the above named Elizabeth who passed away Feb. 22nd 1933 aged 77 years. Reunited.' On a separate tablet in front of the gravestone is the inscription: ‘Also in loving memory of their son L/Cpl Peter Pearson, 9th Sherwood Foresters, killed in action at Beaumont Hamel Sep. 26th 1916.' Mansfield Reporter, 13 April 1917: ‘Chasing the Germans. Mansfield Lance-Corporal Killed. Information is just to hand of the death of Lance-Corporal Peter Pearson, son of the late Police-Sergeant Pearson. He was in the 9th Sherwood Foresters, and joined at the outbreak of the war. Most of his training was done at Lichfield. On the 26th October, 1915, he sailed for Egypt, having previously had a few days’ leave, and that was the last occasion on which his friends saw him for he was sent direct to France from the East. On the 1st of January a letter was received by his sister stating that some of the boys of the 9th Sherwoods saw Pearson hit and roll into a shell hole near Beaumont Hamel when they were chasing the Germans. Private Underwood afterwards wrote stating he saw him killed by a shell, but it was not until the 11th inst. that the official notification was received. Deceased was very popular with the men of his platoon, and will be much missed. Before enlisting he worked at the Pleasley Colliery. His mother lives in Stafford-street. It is ten years since Police-Sergeamt Pearson died.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Mansfield Reporter, ‘Deaths’, 13 April 1917: ‘Pearson. Killed in action in Frnce on 26th September, 1916, Lance-Corporal Peter Pearson, fourth son of the late Police-Sergt. Pearson of Mansfield, aged 23 years. Reported wounded and missing in September. Official notice of death received this week. We never knew what pain he had, We never saw him die; We only know he passed away, Without a last good-bye. But the bitterest blow is yet to come, When the heroes all return; And we miss, among the absent ones, The face of our loved one. From Mother, Brothers and Sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser: 26/04/1917. 'L/Cpl Peter Pearson of Sherwood Foresters had been reported missing in September 1916 but has now been confirmed dead. Son of the late Police-Sergeant Pearson. His brother in law had recently been wounded and had to have his leg amputated.' His brother in law was Horace Worker who had married Peter's sister, Annie, in early 1917. His brother Tom was also wounded whilst fighting.