STOKES Benjamin

The following information has been researched by Peter Stewart:
Evesham Journal, 5th September 1914:
DEATH OF MR. BENJAMIN STOKES.- In our second edition last week we reported the death of Mr. Benjamin Stokes, of 12, King’s-road, Bengeworth. Mr. Benjamin Stokes had served his time with the colours in the Grenadier Guards, and was on the Reserve. For the last two years he had belonged to the Great Central Railway Police; he rejoined the colours on mobilisation. He death was caused in a very remarkable manner. From the evidence given at the inquest it appeared that the deceased was in the third battalion of the Grenadiers, and was stationed at Wellington Barracks. On Thursday afternoon he went with a swimming party to St. George’s Public Baths, and climbed on to a rail thirteen feet above the water, from which he dived straight down. It was against the rules to dive from this position. In the dive he was injured, and medical aid was summoned; he was unconscious, and died from a fractured skull. He was a good swimmer. The funeral took place on Monday, when his remains were interred in the soldiers’ vault at Brompton Cemetery. It was a full military funeral. The coffin was conveyed on a gun carriage, and was covered with the Union Jack. The hymns were “Abide with Me” and “Brief life is here our portion,” and the Dead March was played. The mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Stokes (father and mother), Messrs. W. and R. Stokes (brothers), Mrs. Robbins (Hampton, sister), Miss F. Malin, Mrs Downes and friend, and Mr. Bartlett. The full battalion of the Grenadier Guards and members of the Railway Police also followed. Wreaths were sent by Mr. and Mrs. Stokes, brothers and sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Healy (uncle and aunt), Miss F. Malin, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. and Mrs. Downes, and old friend, comrades of the Grenadier Guards, the Railway Police Staff, Mrs. Valentine, his little nephews, the officers of the Grenadier Guards, the band of the Grenadier Guards, and many other friends.

Under BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS
STOKES – August 28, at St. George’s Hospital, London, following an accident, Benjamin, second son of William Stokes, King’s-road, Evesham, aged 29 years.