Casualty list dated 26 August 1914 (coincides with the battle and retreat from Mons)

6922 L/Cpl J Webb, wife of Meadowfield, Frogwell, Chippenham. Killed in action.

Wilts Times 10 October 1914

A Brave Soldier’s Death

Mrs Webb of Frogwell, Chippenham, widow of L/Cpl Webb of the 1st Wiltshire Regiment, who was killed at the front on August 26th has by means of a letter received from Pte J Britten, now in Charing Cross Hospital, a chum of L/Cpl Webb, received some additional particulars of her husbands death: -

Pte Britten who is a native of Derry Hill, Chippenham writes: "I knew that L/Cpl that you mentioned in your letter, but I am sorry to break the news to you that the poor chap got killed at Cambrai on Wednesday 26th August. He was killed by a shell from the Germans about 8.30am. The one you spoke about had a locket around his neck and had two photos in it; so you can see that I knew him, he used to work in the foundry. We went into action about 3 o’clock in the morning and the Germans very nearly surrounded us, so you can see we were in a tight corner. As I was crawling along I noticed him and he was hit in the head, poor chap. I should have taken the locket off only I had no chance as the Germans were on top of us. We only lost about 10 at Mons, that was in one trench, although we were shelled all the time by them devils." The writer adds that he and L/Cpl Webb went to Belgium together.

Wilts Times 31 October 1914

Britten says that Webb was killed on the 26th August at Cambrai. Yet his widows in memory notice says the 24 August at Mons. Also casualty list is dated 26 August, Britten appears to have his dates wrong.

In loving memory of My dear husband L/Cpl James Webb. 1st Wiltshires who fell in the battle of Mons, August 24th 1914.

Ever remembered by his Wife and darling Child.
Could we have raised his dying head.
And heard his last farewell.
The grief would not have seemed so hard
To those who loved him so well.

Also remembered by his loving Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers.
Frogwell Farm Chippenham.

Wilts Times 25 August 1917

In loving memory of L/Cpl Webb who was killed in action in the battle of Mons August 24th 1914.

Sleep on dear brother in a far off land
In a grave I may never see.
But as long as life and memory last,
I will remember thee.

Every remembered by his loving Sisters, Mary and Edith also by Father and Mother.
Frogwell Farm, Chippenham

Wilts Times 24 August 1918