South Yorkshire Times, October 28th 1944
Killed In Italy
Young Mexborough Officer
Lieutenant Jack Morley, second son of Mr. G. H. Morley, a director of the firm of David Haigh Ltd., has been reported killed in action while serving with the Yorkshire and Lancaster Regiment in Italy. Official news that his death was reported on October 16th, was received by Mr. and Mrs. Morley, who live at 85, Adwick Road, Mexborough, on Sunday. Lieut. Morley was 21, and had served in Italy since last May. At the age of 16, while in business with his father at the firm’s Mexborough branch, Lieut. Morley jointed the Home Guard and at 17 ½ volunteered into the Boys’ Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. Transferring to the Royal Corps of Signals he was two years ago recommended for, and last December granted, a commission which he took with the York and Lancaster Regiment.
Lieut. Morley was an old boy of Mexborough Secondary School and was a member of the choir at St. George’s Church. A brother, L.A/c George Morley is serving with the R.A.F. in France. During the last war their father, who served with the King’s Royal Rifles, was awarded the D.C.M. and was later taken prisoner. He is President of the Mexborough branch of the British Legion, a member of the Mexborough and District Rotary Club and of the Special Constabulary at Mexborough.
Joint Memorial Service
Mr. Bernard and Lieut. Jack Morley
A special memorial service was held at St. George’s Church on Wednesday for Mr. Bernard and for Lieut. Jack Morley, a member of St. George’s Church and choir, who was also killed in Italy within a few days of Mr. Bernard.
The church was full and the congregation included members of Mexborough Home Guard, to which both men belonged, representatives of Mexborough Special Constabulary and Rotary Club, the staff of David Haigh Ltd., of which Lieut. Morley’s father is a director, representatives of the Parochial Church Council, church wardens and other organisations of Mexborough Parish and St. George’s churches, also representatives of other denominations in the district. Combined choirs of the two churches led the singing and the service was conducted by the Rev. E. A. C. Gundry. Priest in charge of St. George’s, with the Vicar of Mexborough, the Rev. E. H. P. Rawlins, Canon J. St. Leger Blakeney, Rural Dean, the Rev. H. W. Hilary Lewis, Worsboro’ Dale, a former colleague of Mr. Bernard at Norton Lees, taking part. Mr. W. H. Beresford (former Church Warden, St. George’s Church) was also present.
Mr. Rawlins referred to the service given by the two men in their different spheres to Church and country. During the six years Mr. Bernard was his colleague in Sheffield and at Mexborough and particularly in charge of St. George’s Church and district, he had brought his particular gift of gaiety and enthusiasm to all that he did. He was a very human young man. Jack Morley who died a few days after him in the same country was, like his former priest, proud holder of the King’s commission and was known by many of those present for many years at school, at work and as a comrade in work and recreation.
“These two young men were sent forth by us to fight our battles, each to their respective spheres, to uphold the honour of our country’s history, to win justice and freedom and a gay and yet responsible human life for the citizens of this country and for the wider world,” he said. “Above that, they were sent forth to uphold the Cross of Christ and, if need be, to carry it and they have carried it bravely and well, even unto death.”
With these shining examples before us we could go on with our lives, rededicated and renewed, praying that we might at least be counted a little worthy to stand by their side.
Telegrams have been received by the Vicar from the Rev. J. W. B. Moore (former assistant curate at Mexborough) and Miss M. Widdows, who were both on the Parish Church staff with Mr. Bernard.
From C.G.W.C.:
Lieutenant JOHN SAMUEL MORLEY
Service Number: 302882
Regiment & Unit/Ship York and Lancaster Regiment
Date of Death Died 13 October 1944
Age 21 years old
Buried or commemorated at ASSISI WAR CEMETERY V, E, 1. Italy
Additional Info
Son of George Henry and Lucy Morley, of Mexborough, Yorkshire.
Personal Inscription
SUNSET AND EVENING STAR, AND ONE CLEAR CALL FOR ME; TENNYSON