Pendeen was at the heart of copper and tin mining operations in Cornwall until the end of the 19th century, when, with the decline of the industry, many local miners were forced to find work as far afield as South Africa, Australia and America. The mines themselves, whether near or far, were dangerous places, and I have included a number of headstones, both in this post and in the forthcoming one when we will tour the local cemetery, that illustrate exactly that. In the photograph above, for example, you will notice that William John Williams, on the left, met his fate in Kimberley, South Africa, where the world’s biggest diamond mines were situated, and William Bennetts, on the right, died in California.
This is just terribly sad.
The evidence of a once great industry still stands, gaunt against the coastal skyline…
…while in the village itself, the mining tradition is still far from forgotten.
Today, I received a copy of the death certificate in respect of Great War soldier Private Edward Thomas Lawry-he was a Tunnellers Mate, aged 22.
He was discharged from the army on 1st February 1917 and the prognosis was that he would not survive long. Indeed he died later that moth, cause of death given as abscess on the lung but his medical discharge report is in no doubt that his condition was entirely due to military service. He Served in France 2 January 1916 to 12 July 1916 and suffered from Phthisis originating at La Bassel in June 1916 when he caught a chill while on duty, sent to hospital at Bethune, developed pneumonia, sent to England 6 months 10 days sick furlough, taken ill at home, admitted 22 October 1916 for pneumonia that changed to Phthisis.
He was the son of Edward Arnold Lawry and Ann, of Leswidden Cottage, St Just, Cornwall.
I am assured there is a more than reasonable chance that he will be accepted as a casualty of the war, but CWGC, who would then erect a wargrave pattern marker on his grave or somewhere in the churchyard/cemetery, need to know the burial location as part of the adjudication process.
Can you help me with his please? A reply direct to me would be appreciated.
thanks in anticipation