🌺 “Gallant in Life, Valiant in Death” —The Story of CQMS David Fulthorpe, Royal Engineers 🌺

Описание: 🌺 “Gallant in Life, Valiant in Death” —
The Story of Company Quartermaster Sergeant David Fulthorpe, Royal Engineers 🌺

David Fulthorpe was born in 1911 in Gateshead, County Durham — the eldest son of David Fulthorpe and Jane Bird.

By the 1930s, he was working on the machine room staff of the Newcastle Chronicle Ltd. — skilled, dependable work at the heart of a major regional newspaper.

In September 1935, he married Annie Simpson in Gateshead.
The following year, their daughter Anne was born — a young family built on the eve of another war.

He joined the Royal Engineers and was posted to the 234th Field Company — a unit responsible for construction, demolition, repair, and supply, often working close to the front lines.

David rose to the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant, a senior non-commissioned role demanding organisation, leadership, and trust.
He was responsible for stores, equipment, and keeping his company functioning under field conditions.

In early 1940, the British Expeditionary Force was deployed in France.
The war was still in its quiet phase — no great battles yet, but constant preparation, movement, and risk.

On 17 February 1940, Company Quartermaster Sergeant David Fulthorpe was killed on active service in France.

He was just 28 years old.

News of his death brought deep grief to Gateshead.

Local newspapers described him as the beloved eldest son of his parents and the dearly loved husband of Annie — “deeply mourned.”

A memorial service was held at the Church of the Venerable Bede in Gateshead.
The church was filled with friends, comrades, and workmates.

Men of the Royal Engineers attended in strength, along with senior officers, including a lieutenant-colonel, a major, and captains who had served with him.

Hymns included “Son of My Soul” and “Abide With Me.”
The service concluded with the National Anthem.

David Fulthorpe was laid to rest at Outre-Vents Military Cemetery, Estree-Cauchy, France.

His headstone bears the words chosen by his widow:
“To the glorious memory of my darling husband who made the supreme sacrifice.”

Newspaper notices summed him up simply and powerfully:
“Gallant in life, valiant in death.”

Behind that grave lies a son, a brother, a husband, a father — and a working man who answered his country’s call, and did not come home.

🌺 Lest we forget Company Quartermaster Sergeant David Fulthorpe — Royal Engineers, gallant in life, valiant in death. 🌺

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