In Memory of

Private Horace Rabjohns

12622
7th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action on 17th October 1915

Private Horace Rabjohns was on night patrol, accompanied by Harold Yates, who, like Horace, was a member of St. Philip's Bible Class, when he was shot and killed in the darkness. Horace was a bomber-"a post requiring bravery and nerve", according to the Newton and Earlestown Guardian of October 22nd 1915.

Mr T. E. Clough, the Hon Sec of the Bible Class, wrote this obituary for the newspaper:
"Pte. Horace Rabjohns (12622) resided at Elm Terrace, Collins Green, and joined the "C" Coy. 7th South Lancashire Regiment. Along with his class-mate (Harold Yates ) he went to Tidworth and Clevedon for training, and the two of them became the closest of friends and comrades. Harold Yates was present when he died, and his loss will be to him almost like the loss of a brother. Horace Rabjohns, though resident at Burtonwood, joined St. Philip's Class at its inauguration. He was one of Nature's gentlemen in the very best sense. If a most quiet, unassuming disposition,
he was most regular in his attendance at the class, though living the furthest away. He joined the Army from a real sense of duty, and not for any glory there might be attaching to such an action. His loss will be deeply deplored by all who knew him, and especially by the members of St. Philip's, Newton Common, by whom he was held in the highest esteem."

Private Rabjohns is buried in Le Touret Military Cemetery, Richebourg-L'Avoue in Pas de Calais, France (Plot III, Row A, Grave 19). Le Touret is between Bethune and Armentieres. There are over nine hundred 1914-18 war casualties commemorated on the site, with another 13,000 servicemen, who fell in the area before 25th September 1915 and who have no known grave, commemorated on Le Touret Memorial at the east end of the cemetery.