Another One In From The Cold

[jimmyjames]

The CWGC has just this morning informed me that a case my brother and I submitted last May for Dvr Lodge to be classified as a war casualty has been accepted by the MoD.

Fred Lodge was born in Cheltenham in 1889 and emigrated to the USA and married there prior to the Great War. He returned in January 1915 to enlist into the Royal Field Artillery and served in France between August 1915 and May 1916. He was entitled to the 15 Star, BWM and VM.

In January 1916 he accidentally parted company from his horse and seriously injured his back (later diagnosed as a fracture to the spine) and was finally discharged from the Army on medical grounds on 10th July 1916, earning a Silver War Badge and a pension.

He returned to the USA and died in the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, on 20th February 1920. His Death Certificate, which I obtained from the Massachusetts State Authorities, confirmed that the fracture to his spine was a contributing factor. Fred Lodge is buried in Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston and the CWGC are now attempting to find the actual location of his grave.

Fred, you are not forgotten.

The contemporary local press cutting below prompted our research.

Jimmy

[John_Hartley]

Congratulations, Jimmy.

I know the warm glow you will be feeling.

John

[jimmyjames]

Just a quick note to say that the CWGC contacted me this morning with the news that an official headstone had been placed on Dvr Lodge's grave.

87 years after his death and just 11 months after being classified as a war casualty, he is now permanently commemorated.

Rest in peace.

Jimmy