"Mrs Halkyard, of 28, Portland Street, off Rochdale road, Oldham, has received word that her son, Private Samuel Halkyard (661), King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed on July 1st. The information was contained in the following letter from Sergeant-Major Henry Appleyard:-
Dear Mrs Halkyard, - I am just writing you a few lines on behalf of the 10th platoon, C company and myself. It is with deep regret I have to inform you of the death of your son, who was killed on July 1st (Saturday morning). Sam was one of my favourites, one of my best, and was well respected by everybody in the company. Furthermore, he was living the life of a Christian and went into the fight with a good heart, and did his duty like a hero. I hope you will accept my deepest sympathy in your great trouble, and may God's blessing rest with you and your family.
Private Halkyard was 33 years of age, and enlisted before the outbreak of war. He had been employed as a collier at Castleford, Yorkshire, and was married, and had three children.
His mother has had a family of fifteen, and the elder sons are serving in the same regiment. They are – Lance-corporal Albert E Halkyard, Private John Matthew Halkard, and Private Adam Halkyard. All enlisted together soon after the outbreak of war. Lance-corporal Halkyard, who lives in Boston Street, Oldham, is over suffering from shell-shock. He is 26 years of age, and has a wife and two children. John is 39 years of age, and has a wife and ten children, who live at Castleford. Adam is now in hospital at Salonica suffering from rheumatic fever. His wife resides at 28, Portland Street, and has two children. He is 29 years of age. ."
Additional Information:Son of Elizabeth Halkyard, of I, Rochdale Rd., Royton, Oldham, and the late William Halkyard.
