74016 Pte 28th (North West) Battalion Saskatchewan Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force
Cecil Letherby was born in Bridgwater in July 1892, the son of Richard John Letherby and Sarah Jane Farley. In 1901 the family lived in 14 Alexandra Terrace. Richard worked as a solicitor's clerk and Cecil had a younger brother and sister. In 1911, aged 19, Cecil had moved away from home and lived as a border in Gays House, Gays Hill, Bath, as an apprentice bank clerk.
Sometime after this and before the start of the war Cecil seems to have emigrated to Canada and settled in Saskatchewan. Sometime in late 1914 or early 1915 he joined the Canadian Army in the 28th (North West) Battalion Saskatchewan Regiment. On the 30 June 1915 the Bridgwater Mercury reported 'CANADIAN SOLDIER'S VISIT TO BRIDGWATER: Pte Cecil Letherby, Canadian Contingent the son of RJ Letherby of the Town Clerk's office.'
Cecil was killed in action on the 22 November 1915. On the 8th December 1915 the Mercury reported 'LOCAL PUBLIC MEN'S BEREAVEMENT SYMPATHY OF THE TOWN COUNCIL. Report about the sympathy expressed to Cllr J. Nelson Traylor and Mr R. J. Letherby (Asst Town Clerk) on the loss of their sons. He is buried in the Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, West Flanders Row K, Grave 62. His name was added to the family memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery (memorial number 551). This had been erected for his sister in 1901 and had seen his mother's Interment only the previous year. The inscription reads: In Loving Memory of Richard J. Letherby who died April 3rd 1926 aged 60. Also of Sarah Jane wife of the above who died September 18th 1914 aged 49. Winifred Kate daughter of the above who died April 25th 1901 aged 2. Cyril J. Letherby their son 28 Canadian Batt. killed in action in France November 22nd 1915 aged 24.
