.jpg)
Clement was born abt 1890 in Cumberland. He was the son of James and Mary Anne (nee ?).
He was killed in action on 3rd October 1915.
He is buried in Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, grave IX.D.15
Article from The Whitehaven News, Thursday, October 14, 1915
DEATH OF CORPORAL CLEMENT MOSSOP
Obituary from The Whitehaven News, Thursday, October 21, 1915
CPL. CLEMENT MOSSOP
Dear Mrs Mossop - It is with deepest sympathy that I write to inform you of the death of your son, Lance-Corpl Clem Mossop. He was hit yesterday while observing the from one of the trenches, and died this morning in hospital without regaining consciousness.
Dear Madam - It is with the most sincere regret that I am writing this letter to let you know of your gallant son's death, Lance-Corpl C. Mossop, who was killed in action on the 3rd inst. Since we came into the firing line the conduct of your son has been splendid. In all situations where a cool head and a strong heart were required your son was there, and indeed not only the officers and men of "A" Company, but those of the Battalion looked upon Corpl Mossop as the bravest soldier in the 5th Border Regiment. I myself feel I have lost a soldier who cannot be replaced. I again express how grieved I am to give you this news, but hope you will get some comfort in knowing how your lad was appreciated in the Battalion and that he was such a brave soldier. - I remain, yours sincerely
Letters of sympathy were also received from comrades of Lance-Corpl Mossop at the front: Sergt-Major R. Haysom and Privates J. Harrington, J. Walker, R. K. Brown, J. Campbell and J. Coles
Death announcement from The Whitehaven News, Thursday, October 14, 1915
KILLED IN ACTION
Killed in action at Armentiers, about October 3rd., Lance Corporal Clem Mossop, 5th Border Regiment, eldest son of the late James Mossop and M.A. Mossop, Lowther Arms, Sandwith, aged 24 years. Ever Remembered by Mother and Sisters Abroad.
He died a true-hearted soldier,
In Memorandum from The Whitehaven News, Thursday, October 5, 1916
In Memoriam - MOSSOP
He marched away so proudly, his young head proudly held,
Article from The Whitehaven News, Thursday, January 6, 1916
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE FIELD
Article from The Whitehaven News, Thursday, March 16, 1916
HONOUR TO A LATE SANDWITH SOLDIER
It is with pride in the midst of grief that we hear of the death of Corporal Clement Mossop, of Sandwith, who fell nobly at the post of duty on the evening of Sunday, October 3rd. Corporal Mossop, the eldest son of the late James Mossop, Sandwith, was 24 years of age. His younger brother, James, is also serving in France with the Canadian Contingent. Up to the opening of the war his life had been spent in the village. He was educated at the village school, where he showed great aptitude, and was a general favorite with teachers and schoolmates. On the outbreak of war, being then a Territorial, he was drafted into the 5th Border Regiment. Since Whit-Monday he has been in the trenches, and has been promoted from Private to Corporal. Letters received by Mrs Mossop from superior officers and comrades speak in heartfelt terms of the loss which his death means to them. They recall his cheery presence, his coolness and courage in the face of danger, and the real value of his work as a soldier, uniting in sympathy with the his mother and friends at home. We learn from these letters that Corporal Mossop, who on account of his coolness in the face of dangers, had been one of the first to be chosen for the Grenadier section, which was occupying a post of observation from the trenches when he was picked off by a German sniper. His comrade, Private W. Ball, hearing him fall, went at once to his aid, but found him mortally wounded. He was carried to the Field Hospital, where he lingered till the next morning, and died quiet peacefully, and evidently without pain, never having regained consciousness. One comrade writes: "You may rest assured that as long as we remain here we shall keep his grave as nice as though he were laid to rest in some quiet God's acre of dear old England." Corporal Mossop is the first of our village lads to fall in the service of King and country, and we shall ever hold his name in grateful and affectionate remembrance.
Writing to a friend, under the date of October 5th, Sergt Geo. Cunningham, Whitehaven, writes: "We have had some lively doings lately. Poor old Fritz has been getting some stick, and he does not seem to like it a bit. The boys have been in the trenches for a long time.......It has been raining heavily for some time now, so you know what the trenches are like. Still the good old 5th are in fine tiff, and keep irritating poor Fritz in their usual way. The other night Capt. Blair went with the bombers to have a look around, and of course, Clem was with him. Poor old Clem! Well, they came across a large party of German bombers, who were advancing towards our trenches with the 'amicable' intention of presenting our chaps with these little 'souvenirs', which they generally carry about with them. But they reckoned without Captain Blair and his bombers, who got there first, and laid out twelve of them, and not one of our chaps got a scratch. When things quietened down a little Captain Blair and some others went out and got the officers papers, and the following day got two more who came out to look at the bodies. But I have sad news to tell you. Clem Mossop - brave old Clem: He was in his element in a good fight like this, and as you know, has been in many fighting corners, and came through every time, only to be sniped at last. On Sunday afternoon he was examining some ground in front. A working party were going out that night and Clem and his bombers had to cover it. Not being able to get a clear view through the periscope he placed his glasses on the parapet and raised his head so that he could see the ground in front of them. He got it through the head.
(OF SANDWITH), 5th BORDER REGIMENT
KILLED IN ACTION IN FRANCE
Corporal Clement Mossop, who was killed in action on 3rd of October, is the son of Mrs Mossop, and the late Mr James Mossop, of the Lowther Arms, Sandwith. He was 24 years of age. Particulars of the deceased's career appeared last week, but we have the pleasure in publishing the following letters, showing the high esteem in which he was held:-
Dear Mrs Mossop - I am writing you a line hoping you are keeping your heart up. No doubt you will have received the sad news of Clem. I was with him the day he got shot with a German sniper. Soon as ever I heard him drop I ran round to him. I asked him if he was in much pain, and he never spoke. He died with very little pain. He was well known in the battalion as a good soldier, and one who will never be forgotten. I know I have missed him since he went as I was always with him both day and night, never from one another. All the boys of his section send their deepest regret and sympathy with you in your bereavement, and please accept my own deepest sympathy from loving friend.
PTE W. BALL, "A" Company, 5th Border Regiment
He was a member of the grenadier section, and was the first chosen for his bravery and coolness. He will not only be missed by his chums, but by every officer and man in the Battalion, and will be very hard to replace.
Some time ago he was appointed Lance-Corporal for his splendid work, and only a few days ago was recommended for promotion to Corporal.
The non-commissioned officers and men of his section join with me in sending you our sincere sympathy in your great loss. - Yours truly
W. ADAIR, Lieut, O.C. Battalion Grenadier Section
R. R. Blair Captain
The flag he died to save;
The flag he nobly died fighting for,
He is laid in a soldier's grave.
In Loving Memory of Lance-Corporal Clem Mossop, 5th Border Regiment, eldest son of M.A. and the late James Mossop, Sandwith, killed in action October 3rd. 1915, aged 24 years. Ever Remembered by Mother and Sisters at Home and Abroad, and Brother on Active Service.
His footsteps never faltered, his courage never failed;
Then on the field of battle he calmly took his place,
He fought and died for Britain,
and the honour of his race.
GENERAL FRENCH'S RECOMMENDATIONS
The article list's local men recommended for bravery including:
Lance Corporal C. Mossop (died of wounds)
The many friends of the late Lance-Corpl Clement Mossop, son of Mrs Mossop, of the Lowther Arms, Sandwith, who was killed in France on October 3 last, will be pleased to learn that his services have been highly recognised for his valour. His friends have this week received the following pleasing letter: -
"War Office, Whitehall, S.W., 8th March, 1916.
Madam - I have it in command from His Majesty the King to inform you, as next-of-kin of the late Lance-Corporal Clement Mossop, No 1194, of the Border Regiment (Territorial Force) that this non-commissioned officer was mentioned in a despatch from Field Marshall Sir John French, dated 30th November, 1915, and published in the 'London Gazette', dated 1st January, 1916, for gallant and distinguished service in the field.
I am also to express to you the King's high appreciation of those services, and to add that His Majesty trusts that their public acknowledgment may be of some consolation in your bereavement."