JOHN WILLIAM MOSS

MILITARY FUNERAL AT NEWBURY

The military funeral which took place on Saturday last was mournfully imposing. Being many years since a similar event occurred in Newbury, it was only to be expected that it would draw together a large number of spectators. The occasion was the decease and internment of Private J. W. Moss, of the E Company, Berks. Volunteers, whose comrades in arms used the opportunity of paying respect to their late colleague, by giving him a soldier’s funeral. The members of the Corps assembled in the Corn Exchange at three o’clock, the firing party half-an-hour previously. Shortly after three o’clock the Volunteers, under the command of Capt. Simonds, proceeded to the house of the deceased in Bartholomew-street, where a large concourse had assembled. The coffin was carried to the hearse on the shoulders of four of his late comrades. The procession then started, headed by the firing party, consisting of Sergt. Higgs, Corp. Salisbury, Privates Cave, Welch, Ferris, G. J. Cox, F. Stone, G. J. Watts, Giles, Applegate, J. Higgs, J. D. Smith, and Turk, all of whom carried their rifles reversed. The band of the regiment came next, immediately preceding the hearse, which was followed by the remainder of the Company carrying side arms only. The street was thronged with people, who moved with procession, as it slowly proceeded towards the Cemetery, to the solemn strains of the band playing the “Dead March” in Saul. Several blinds were drawn and shutters closed along the route. About half-an-hour had elapsed before the Cemetery was reached, at the centre gate of which the firing party and band divided, and the coffin was carried through their ranks. The Union Jack was used as a pall, and on the top were the helmet, belt, and rifle of the deceased volunteer. The Rev. E. W. Shalders met the body, which was taken to the chapel, where the first part of the Burial Service was read. The corpse was then conveyed to the grave, where the firing party had meanwhile been resting on their arms reversed. The coffin was lowered into its last resting place by the four Volunteers, who then took their stand at each corner, while the concluding portion of the service was read, many of the spectators being affected at the solemnity of the scene. The firing party now presented arms, and at the word of command loaded with blank cartridge, and fired three volleys into the air. The Volunteers then fell in to the word “Foursdeep,” the firing party shouldering arms with fixed bayonets, and proceeding to the road, the band headed them, and led the way to the Market-place via Market-street, playing a quick march. A large number of persons followed in the rear to the Market-place, where the Volunteers were dismissed.  Pte. H. J. Lucas had charge of the funeral arrangements. The severe strain on the band caused one one of their number to faint on arriving at the Cemetery

Newbury Weekly News 22 March 1883

Not in Mrs. P.

John William Moss buried 17 March 1883 aged 37.