Catherine Partridge Straw plaiter domestic servant telephone exchange

Catherine Partridge Straw plaiter, domestic servant, telephone exchange operator Rectory Lane Cemetery - Education Resources 2021 - WW 1

Memorial to her son and husband John Stanners Partridge was killed by a shell on his 19 th birthday on Friday 6 th April 1917 whilst serving as a Driver with the 51 st Heavy Div. Ammunition Col. Royal Field Artillery in France. John is buried at Anzin-St Aubin British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France but commemorated on his father's memorial. For his services Catherine received posthumously three medals – the Victory, the British War and the Star. Later, she also received his effects, amounting to £ 7 3 s 5 d. Rectory Lane Cemetery - Education Resources 2021 - WW 1

Hugely respected, but no surviving memorial Catherine received the news of the Armistice in 1918 at the telephone exchange and told a soldier on leave from France who was in the office at the time. Catherine died on 25 th March 1926. ‘She was familiar to very many by reason of the able and excellent manner in which for 28 years she carried out her duties at the telephone exchange. ’ As well as close family and friends, members of the Cooper family were well represented among the floral tributes; Sir Richard and Lady Cooper and family, Brigadier General and Mrs Foot and Mrs F. E. Priestland. Next door neighbours in Chapel Street, ‘With deepest sympathy from all at No. 6’ and Castle Street Mothers’ Meeting left their tribute ‘in affectionate memory of a fellow member. ’ Rectory Lane Cemetery - Education Resources 2021 - WW 1

Useful links: https: //www. rectorylanecemetery. org. uk/burials/mrs-c-partridge-plot/ Rectory Lane Cemetery - Education Resources 2021 - WW 1