Biography of Margaret Francis Graham Countess Verulam 1853-1927

29th October 1915. Coalville Times. Memorial Service at Ashby Church [Map].

At the Ashby Parish Church on Wednesday afternoon, a memorial service was held for the late Capt. Paulyn Charles James Reginald Rawdon-Hastings (deceased), and 2nd Lieut. Edward Hugh Hastings Rawdon-Hastings (deceased), only sons of [her sister-in-law] Lady Maude Hastings (age 58) and the late Hon. Paulyn Hastings of the Manor House, Ashby, who have fallen in the defence of their country. Capt. Hastings was in the 5th Battalion Leicestershire Territorial Regiment, commanding A (Coalville and Ashby) Co. and was killed in the great battle about the middle of this month when the Leicestershire Territorials assisted in the capture of two lines of German trenches. His brother, Lieut. Hastings, was in the 2nd Black Watch, and had gone to the front, but about six weeks ago contracted enteric and died in a military hospital in France.

There was a crowded congregation at the memorial service, many being unable to find seats. The members of the family present included Lady Maude Hastings (mother), the Misses Hastings (four sisters) [Note. Edith Maud Rawdon-Hastings 12th Countess Loudon (age 32), Elizabeth Frances Abney-Hastings Viscountess St Davids (age 31), Flore Anne Rawdon-Hastings (age 30) and Isabel Jacqueline Rawdon-Hastings (age 28)], Earl of Loudoun (age 60) (uncle), the Duke (age 67) and Duchess of Norfolk, (uncle and aunt), [her husband] Earl (age 63) and Countess Verulam (age 62), and [her sister-in-law] Lady Jane Joddrell (age 66). Also present were Mr J. G. Shields, J.P., of Isley Walton (agent for the Donington estate to which the late Capt. Hastings was the heir), Lady Beaumont, Mr R. Lawton, J.P., whose son, a brother officer of Captain Hastings was mortally wounded about the same time), members of the Ashby Urban Council and practically all the leading residents of the neighbourhood.

All the clergy holding benefices in the Hastings family were invited to attend. They were the Rev. J. Hewitson (Measham), the Rev. E. Finch (Breedon-on-the-Hill), the Rev. G. Moore (Packington), and the Rev. B. Kenyon (Blackfordby). Others invited and present included the Rev. H. E. Worthington, R. D. (Netherseal), the Rev. D. W. Lloyd (Ticknall), the Rev. C. T. Moore (Appleby), and the Rev. A. Phillemore (Willesley).

Several military officers in uniform were present, including Col. German, Capt. Stevenson, Staff-Capt. Hassall and Lieut. Faulkner, also a contingent of the 2/5th Leicesters, a number of wounded soldiers from the Ashby Cottage Hospital and all the members of the Ashby Grammar School Cadet Corps in khaki, under command of Lieut. C. Elliott.

The service was conducted by the Rev. H. R. Sawyer (vicar), assisted by the Rev. F. E. Hobbs (curate) and the Rev. W. Fowley (Vicar of Holy Trinity, Ashby), the latter reading the lesson 1 Cor: 15c from v20 to end. The hymns sung were, "Now the labourer's task is over," "Peace, perfect peace," and "On the resurrection morning." Mr Underwood, one of the Grammar School masters, officiated at the organ - the regular organist, Mr Walter Handford, being at the front - and after the singing of the National Anthem, played the Dead March. At the conclusion, buglers of the 2/5th Leicesters, under Sergt.-Drummer Crossley, outside the church sounded "The Last Post."

The service was very impressive and many of the congregation were in tears. Both the deceased officers were very popular in the town and district of Ashby and the greatest public sympathy is felt for Lady Maude Hastings and the family in their terrible loss.

As Lady Maude Hastings passed with other mourners into her home, nearby the buglers were called to "Attention." The Earl of Loudoun in highland dress saluted, and the Duke of Norfolk took off his hat and conversed with the sergeant in charge. His Grace and the Duchess, who have been staying with Lady Hastings, left the Manor House yesterday afternoon.

A touching incident was noticed at the memorial service for Capt. and Lieut. Hastings at Ashby Parish Church on Wednesday afternoon. In the congregation, seated throughout the service was a wounded soldier from the Cottage Hospital whose foot and leg were heavily bandaged and who could only get along with the aid of crutches and assistance. By his side sat a nurse, and despite her kindly remonstrance's, the gallant soldier at the close of the service, persisted in standing whilst the National Anthem was sung. It was obviously an effort for him to do so, notwithstanding which he remained standing on one leg while the congregation sung all three verses.