SOULSBY, REGINALD JOHN

Born 1916 Grimsby

Died 27/08/1940, age 23, at Belfast, Ireland

Buried 31/08/1940

6981437, Royal Inniskillin Fusiliers

Son of Frederick Charles Soulsby (1886-1967, a goods porter for GCR railway company) and Rose Annie Hay, married 1910 in Grimsby

Brother of Frederick (born 1910)

1911 – family lived at 35 Fairmont Road

1937 – Reginald’s parents divorced, with Edna Gill, his future step-mother, named as co-respondent. Frederick and Edna married in 1938 and Rose also seems to have re-married in the same year to Albert Dixon.

1939 – living at 51 William Street, with Frederick Sr., Edna and Frederick Jr.

Address at time of death: 51 William Street, Cleethorpes

Grave ref: Section BB, Grave S19

The Derry Journal on 30th August 1940 reveals the unfortunate circumstances of Reginald Soulsby’s demise at the hands of one of his comrades:

“Two inquests into the deaths of soldiers stationed in the Six Counties were held yesterday by Dr A.D. Glasgow, Deputy Coroner.

 One related to the death of Reginald John Soulsby, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

 The Coroner returned a verdict that Soulsby had failed to answer a challenge and was shot by a sentry in the execution of his duty. Death was caused by laceration of the brain and haemorrhage.

 Sergeant J. Jackman, who was in charge of the guard, in evidence, said that at 12.30am on August 26th, he heard three rifle shots in quick succession. Fusilier Wisher informed him that the other sentry had fired at someone. Fusilier Townsend, the other sentry, told him that he had been attacked by someone coming through the wire at the camp. Soulsby was lying a short distance from where he would have been when he came to relieve the other guard at 1.20am. When not on duty, he added, no member of the guard should be near the place where the body was found.

Fusilier Francis Wisher said he thought he heard footsteps at a break in the wire some 25 yards from the gate and went with Fusilier Townsend to investigate. When he was returning he heard Townsend shouting, “Halt, who goes there.” The challenge was repeated 3 times and he then heard a shot. Townsend shouted “They are attacking us” but he could see no one.”