WILLIAM ALFRED LAWRENCE

MILITARY AND R.A.O.B

BURIED WITH MILITARY HONOURS

Mr William Alfred Lawrence, of “Shelcombe” Newtown road, manager of the Newbury Steam Laundry Company, passed away on Sunday.  He was taken ill on the Tuesday evening previous with appendicitis, and removed to the Nursing Home, where an operation was performed, but complications set in.  The directors speak of him as having been a highly capable manager and administrator, and one whom it would be very difficult to replace.   Aged 50, Mr Lawrence leaves a widow, but no family.  He served for 21 years in the Army, first with the Gloucesters and then with the Royal Berks, being R.Q.M.S. of the 3^rd Battalion.  Soon after leaving the Army, he was under Mr Lester on the staff of Newbury District Water Company, and five years ago became manager of the Laundry Company.

He was buried with military honours, the coffin being covered with the  Union Jack, and borne by six Warrant and Non-commission Officers.  A firing party from the Royal Berks Depot, Reading, fired three volleys over the grave, and two buglers sounded the “Last Post” and the “Reveille”.  The Rector the Rev. L R Majendie officiated.  The Laundry Company was represented by the directors, Mr Robert Martin (Chairman), Mr Stanley Hickman and Mr W H D Lester, Miss Oldham (Manageress), Miss Abbot, Miss Green and practically the whole of the staff and employees.  Others present were Mr D Kirk representing the Royal Insurance Company, Colonel F G Barker, C.B.E. who formerly commanded the 3^rd Berks, Major Fulbrooke Leggatt, D.S.O.,M.C., officer commanding the Royal Berks Depot, Major F S Bushell D S O., M.C., Lieut. A Tans, R S M Gibson, ex-Sergt-Major F Gash    Superintendent Simmons etc.

Wreaths were sent by: Wife and Roz.; Mother and Cecil; Dick and Leslie; Mr Salway and daughters; Mr and Mrs Church; Mr and Mrs W H D Lester; Mr and Mrs C W Bloxsom; Mr and Mrs Innes; Mr and Mrs R J Owen; The Directors, Newbury Steam Laundry Company; Office Staff of the Laundry; Employees of the Laundry; Blanche M Oldham; Kate and M Abbot; Mrs Bellinger, W Clark, F Cozens, V Donnelly, M Blackford, Misses I M and G Lunnon, A Wood, G Collins