Maurice George Messer

Story:
Maurice George Messer was born in 1892 in Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, and was baptised there on 14 Aug 1892. 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 in 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 his death held the rank of Corporal. He served in France & Flanders from 22 Aug 1914 and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star with Clasp. He died of wounds and the effects of gassing whilst in action 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. Maurice's mother was awarded a dependent's pension of 5s. (25p) per week.