Private
Clarence Musgrave
Died 21st September 1915
Aged 21
The 8th (Service) Battalion
The Cheshire Regiment
51 Ollershaw Lane
Clarence Musgrave, like many from the area, worked at the nearby Salt Works and was a Wagon Builder/Repairer. His father Albert also worked at the Salt Works as a Clerk.
Clarence was another Marston Lad that joined the Cheshire Regiment, signing up at Chester on the 1st September 1914 and at the outbreak of the war. Clarence was part of the first British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and rushed into service to help stop the expected German advance into France and Belgium.
This raises an interesting point, why did he add two years to his age?
At the outbreak of the war the general minimum age was 18 years, but only with a parent or guardians permission. You needed to be 21 years or older to sign up yourself. Clarence's war records show him signing the papers aided with a simple witness's signature to make it official, and that witness could be anyone.
Given The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records state he died aged 21, does support the fact Clarence, or the Recruitment Officer, added two years to his age which allowed Clarence to sign up without his parent's consent. Clarence was never married.
The Cheshire Regiment
British Expeditionary Force (BEF) 1914
On the 30th August 1915, less than a year later, Clarence was taken to Anzac Hospital in Egypt suffering from Enteric, the medical term for Trench Fever. On the 21st September 1915, Clarence lost his fight for life and passed away.
Clarence was buried in Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery Eqypt along with 2693 other soldiers. A long way from home.
Download and view Clarence Musgrave Commonwealth War Graves Certificate
Left: Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.