Mexborough and Swinton Times June 22, 1918

Pte. Fred Cridge
Welsh Regiment

Private Cridge 223: Queen street, Swinton, was killed in action in France on May 31. He was aged 22, single, and enlisted in 1915.

He saw service in Egypt -and Gallipoli before going to France. Before enlistment he was employed at Manvers Main. His mother has received the following message of sympathy from the Rev. W. -T. Trelawny-Ross, ,C.E.

“I am very sorry to have to tell you some bad news. Our Battalion had been up the line all last week. We were relieved on Friday, and the same evening a shell came into the trench where your boy was, and he was badly wounded. I think he must have lost consciousness (I hope so, at any rate,) as he was taken off to the dressing-station and passed away the same night. He was buried yesterday afternoon in a nice little cemetery which is beautifully kept, and his battalion will, as always, put up a cross. His platoon were very much cut up about him and his platoon-commander especially is sorry, as your boy was one of his best men. I am so sorry for you all in your loss, and the commanding-officer wishes me to tell you how sorry he is, too.

You are one of the many who are mourning the loss of dear ones, and, your grief is shared by many others. I hope it will be a help always to remember the splendid bravery and self-sacrifice of your boy.”

Pte. Fred Cridge’s brother, Pte. Ernest Cridge (Y. and L.), was killed in action in France in September. 1915.

From C.W.G.C.:

Private
CRIDGE, FREDERICK WILLIAM
Service Number 63459
Died 31/05/1918
Aged 23
17th Bn.
Welsh Regiment
Son of Walter James and Edith Cridge, of Swinton, nr. Rotherham.

VARENNES MILITARY CEMETERY III. C. 12.