Maurice George Messer

Story:
Maurice George Messer was born in 1892 in Sixpenny Handley, Dorset. He was the son of George Messer, a Wheelwright, and Sarah Messer (née White). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Labourer and living at Sixpenny Handley, Dorset. He enlisted in Tidworth, Wiltshire, and joined the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment (Service No. 9153) and at the time of death held the rank of Corporal. He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory, British War and 1915 Star medals (Clasp). He died of wounds and gassing whilst serving with 'A' Company on 26th July 1918 and was buried at Louvencourt Military Cemetery, Somme, France (grave id. Plot 1. Row D. Grave 8). He is remembered on the Sixpenny Handley War Memorial.  Of his brothers, Wilfred Purefoy (Jack) Messer and Reginald George Messer also served but survived.