Reuben Leonard Day

In memoriam

Son of Reuben Day, a gardener and later Superintendent of Nottingham Road Cemetery, Derby, England, and Bethiah (nee Prior). This Reuben was baptised at St Martin's, Bedford on 5 October 1890. The event is recorded in the registers of Holy Trinity, Bedford, but it is specified that the baptism actually took place at St Martin's, which was the chapel of ease in the parish. The family lived at 32 Palmerston Street, Bedford, at the time. Before the war Reuben was a boot salesman in Dewsbury, Yorkshire. He took his attestation oath to join the army on 17 February 1916 and was passed fit for service two months later on 14 April. He stood 5' 8¼" tall. He served first as a Private in the Army Reserve, and then joined the Royal Garrison Artillery (134 Siege Battery) as a Gunner. In all he served a year and 29 days in the army. He died of pulmonary tuberculosis aboard H. S. Neuralia, whilst part of the expeditionary force in Salonika, Greece. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His service number was 74794. It was noted that his father had asked the army for details of his death, burial and the duration of his illness. Reuben's effects were listed in his service records and consisted of: 1 pair of gloves, 1 pair of mittens, 2 combs, 1 cap cover, 1 scarf, 1 safety razor in case, 2 shaving brushes, 1 razor in case, 1 pair of braces, 1 handkerchief, 1 bag (linen), 2 cigarette cases, 1 small notebook, 1 lanyard, 1 strap, 1 Bougie (Nargol), 1 pipe, 1 matchbox, 1 pair sleeve bands, 1 wrist watch and strap, 1 tobacco pouch, 1 pair scissors, 2 identity discs, 1 registration card, 3 RGA numerals, 1 kit-bag handle and lock, 1 devotional book, 1 writing pad containing letters, photos and fountain pen, 1 pigskin purse with chain & 2 keys containing RC Medallion.

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