0258.   Tom Rawlings a studio portrait sometime in the first World War before he died in action. The Gratham Journal Saturday November 4 1916 reported-:

Lance-Corpl. TOM RAWLINGS, of Harby.

Quite a gloom was spread over Harby this week when it became known that the war had claimed another victim from this village, vis.. Lance-Corpl. Tom Rawlings. The sad event occurred on October 17th. Deceased was struck by a shell, death being instantaneous. The news was conveyed to his sorrowing parents by letter from his companion, J. W. Moulds, the two having been together ever since their enlistment. Deceased obeyed the call to duty, soon after the outbreak of war, joining the Royal Sussex, in which there are several Harby men, and had been in action for several months. He was an expert bomb-thrower, being one of the best in his battalion. The deepest sympathy of the whole village goes forth to his sorrowing parents and relatives, deceased being most popular and highly respected. He was an industrious scholar, and a steady and loyal workman, being with Mr. and Mrs. R. Barke for eighteen years. Deceased was a most regular attendant at the Parish Church, and a memorial service will be held there to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at four o'clock. He was most keen on athletics, being a prominent member of both football and cricket clubs. In the latter he headed the bowling averages on several occasions, and also gained the bat given for the best batting average. Of a steady and even disposition, he was the favourite of all, and has given his life as a true soldier, falling while in action. His mates at the front are most sympathetic to the relatives of their fallen comrade.

From the Towers collection.