Lt. E.A. Kitching

FIRST NAMES: Edward Allen

UNIT: 2/2 Royal Field Artillery

STATUS: Died

DATE OF DEATH: 8th September 1915

CEMETERY OR MEMORIAL: Northallerton Cemetery

AGE: 27

Edward Kitching was born in Middlesborough on 24th September 1887 and his mother's name was Jane. He married Miss Florrie Gamble, daughter of Mr H Gamble, of Northallerton, on 29th November 1913. He is recorded in the 1914 Electoral Register as living as a lodger on Springwell Road, paying rent to his mother, but by February 1915 his family was living at No.4 West Terrace, Northallerton.

He worked as a clerk in the Education Department of the then North Riding County Council and he had served in the Territorials before the War, until his time expired in May 1914. His name also appears on the North Riding County Council War Memorial in what is now the North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall in Northallerton.

When War broke out he re-enlisted, joining the 2/4th Yorkshire Regiment in Northallerton on 11th September 1914. At the time of his enlistment he was described as being 27 years of age, 6ft 1ins tall, with blue eyes, dark brown hair and wearing glasses. He quickly rose to the rank of Signalling Sergeant and he was eventually commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 2/2 Northumbrian Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery on 9th April 1915. He was then made a Temporary Lieutenant in the same Brigade on 19th July 1915.

Edward died on 8th September 1915, aged 27, as a result of a tragic accident while he was undergoing training at the South Dalton Camp near Beverley, East Yorkshire,. According to the Coroner's Report, on 3rd September 1915 he was riding his horse at the side of the road between the Camp and Kiplingcoates Station when it took fright at the approach of a lorry. He was not an accomplished rider, and appeared to be trying to dismount the panicky horse when it threw him under the wheels of the lorry. He suffered serious head injuries including four skull fractures, as well as seven broken ribs. He was taken to Hull Infirmary where he died five days later. The lorry was being driven by a 16 year old apprentice mechanic from Bridlington, who had previously had his driving licence withdrawn as he was under age. The boy was, however, a capable driver and said he was driving under the supervision of the regular driver who present in the lorry but feeling unwell. The Coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death and no blame was attached to the young driver of the lorry.

Edward Kitching died in the service of his Country and his body was brought back to Northallerton and laid to rest in a family plot in Northallerton Cemetery, with full military honours.