World War I ‘Death Penny’ returns to Melksham after 109 years

A memorial plaque commemorating a Melksham soldier has returned to the town after being found among donations in a charity shop in Southampton.

The plaque, known as a ‘Death Penny’, was given to the family of Private Albert Hitchings, who was killed in action aged 26.

Members of Melksham and District Historical Association met Southampton residents Sally and Paul Smart on Saturday 3rd October to arrange its return.

Sally’s father, Alfred Terrell, found the plaque in a box of donations at a charity shop in the Swaythling area of Southampton, where he volunteered.

He took it home and researched the name of the soldier, discovering his links to Melksham. He later asked his daughter to continue the research and help return the plaque to the area.

Sally said, “He felt sad that something so historically important was just disregarded in this way, although it had quite clearly been looked after and cherished when first issued, as the family had gone to the trouble of having a frame specially made for the penny.”

She said that her father wanted the plaque returned so the soldier could be given the respect and honour he deserved. An online search led her to Melksham and District Historical Association, where she made contact with the group to arrange the visit to the town to hand the item over.

Private Hitchings joined the Army soon after the outbreak of the First World War and had served in France for more than two years. Before enlisting, he worked at the Avon India Rubber works and was a prominent member of the town’s football club. He was also involved with the Liberal Club and the Wesleyan Church.

His death was reported in a 1917 obituary, which said his parents, William and Mrs Hitchings, of Coburg Square, received the news on 23rd April.

A letter from his lieutenant explained that Private Hitchings had been killed instantly by a shell. He was buried that evening, with a wooden cross bearing his name placed at the site.

The obituary described him as “absolutely fearless, and a very fine soldier in every way”.

Private Hitchings had previously been wounded, although his injuries were comparatively slight.

He is remembered on the Avon Memorial, the United Reform Church memorial, St Michael’s Church memorial and the Church Street War Memorial.

The framed plaque and a biography of Private Hitchings will be displayed in the cabinets at Melksham Town Hall over the Remembrance period.