Swepstone World War 1 Casualties
researched and written by Michael Hull

Swepstone's War Memorial plaque can be found on the interior rear (Western) wall of St Peter's Church. Photo copyright: LSH.

Private Walter "Dick" Bentley
Serial No. 76381-20th Battalion, Manchester Regiment

Born in Swepstone in 1889, he was the youngest son of Joseph and Sarah Bentley. Worked as a farm boy after leaving Swepstone School. In 1915, he became a miner at Measham Colliery. Called up on May 22nd 1918. Landed in France on 5th October and was killed in action on October 23rd, age 29. Buried at Pommereuil British Cemetery, France.

The Coalville Times has a 'Back in Time' column. For Armistice Day 11 11 11, Henry Everett sent in a photograph of his uncle, Walter Bentley, requesting information about him. Walter's name is on Swepstone's War Memorial. When 'The Coalville Times' printed the answer the following week, Walter was listed as Walter Berkley and the information came directly from this site, without crediting it. Cheeky!

Private Walter Bentley

Sergeant Arthur George Compton
Serial No. 6/871 - 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force

Born Newton Burgoland 1893, son of Edward and Katherine Compton.
Emigrated to New Zealand, enlisted 1914 and went with Battalion to Egypt.
Killed in action at Battle of Somme September 21st 1916, age 23. His grave/ memorial is at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, France.

Private Richard Hughes
Serial No. 5012 - 1st/6th Battalion
Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Born 1888 at Wasperton, Warwickshire, second son of Mr and Mrs A Hughes of Newton Burgoland. Went into farm work before joining Coventry Corporation. He enlisted at Nuneaton in February 1916. Landed in France in July 1916 and was killed in action on August 17th 1916, age 28. His grave/memorial is at Pozieres British Cemetery, Ovillers-La Boisselle, France.

Private R Hughes

Private Thomas Henry Hughes
Serial No. 235090 - 2nd/4th Battalion
East Lancashire Regiment

Born 1897 at Newton Burgoland. Son of Arthur and Mary Hughes.
He died March 21st 1918, age 21. His memorial is at Pozieres.

Private John Henry "Harry" Pepper
Serial No. 15060 - 9th Battalion
Leicestershire Regiment

Born 1895 at Newton Burgoland, son of Albert and Jane Pepper. Left school at 13 to work at Ibstock Colliery. Played for Swepstone Football and Cricket Clubs. Enlisted September 3rd 1914. Died of wounds on September 23rd 1915, age 20. Buried at Humbercamps Communal Cemetery, France.

Private J H Pepper

Private J H Pepper