Henry Clinton Laslett
Henry Clinton Laslett ( -1916)
1917 Obituary [1]
2ND LIEUT. HENRY CLINTON LASLETT, M.C., R.F.A., having served two years apprenticeship in the works of Messrs. David Rollo and Sons, entered Liverpool University as an engineering student, and also joined the University detachment of the Fortress Royal Engineers.
He passed the Intermediate Royal Engineers examination in June, 1914, and then proceeded on a vacation voyage as 4th Engineer of the S.S. "Malatian," to the Black Sea, so that when war was declared he was held up in the boat for some weeks. Reaching Liverpool at the end of September, 1914, he at once joined up and was attached to the Mersey defence forces during the following winter, but found the home service conditions too slow for him.
In May, 1915, he was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, R.F.A., and after some six months training with the Palatine Artillery went to France in November, 1915. Stationed in a warm corner near the Somme, his brigade saw some heavy fighting, and he evidently distinguished himself, for his name appeared in the King's birthday honours list as being awarded the Military Cross.
In the great "push" at the Somme, he worked so persistently at the guns reducing his section of German trenches that he was eventually carried off the field unconscious, having a serious attack of fever.
He returned to duty on 22nd July, 1916, only convalescent, and, in spite of his superior's instructions, insisted on taking up full duty, so that when two days later he was seriously wounded by H.E. shell, he slowly sank, dying on the 2nd August. He had proved himself an enthusiastic and efficient soldier, and his Commanding Officer, in writing of his death, paid the highest tribute to his capabilities and services. Knowing the risks run by those at the front he offered his life freely and willingly in the great cause for which this country has suffered so much.
Mr. Laslett was elected a Student of the Liverpool Engineering Society on the 5th March, 1913.