Light Eric 2/Lt

SKR/DAT/IP/20907

Light Eric 2/Lt

2000-2024

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Surname: Light;

Forename(s): Eric;

Initials: E;

Rank: 2/Lt;

Resided in: Hastings;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 40 Bn;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 188 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (2): 120 Coy;

Date abroad: 05-Jul-1917;

Theatre of War: 1;

How killed: KIA;

Where: France;

When killed: 26-Mar-1918;

Other Data: Monkton Combe School Register 1868-1964: b 1897, 1st XI 13-14-15, Hockey XI 13-14, 1st XV 1913, Shooting VIII. Gt War - 2Lt MGC, w.front 1917-18. Kia.

Lt Light was educated at Monkton Combe School, near Bath and Hertford College, Oxford. He enlisted with No 4 Officers Cadet Battalion at Oxford on 11 July 1916 while the Battle of the Somme was in progress on the Western Front. He received his commission and was posted to the Western Front with 188 Company, Machine Gun Corps on 4 July 1917, joining the Company in the field on 21/7/1917. He fought in the Battle of Passchendaele and was wounded on 14 November 1917. On returning to active service, he joined 120 Company, Machine Gun Corps and fought in the action at Bullecourt on 25 February 1918. He was reported missing, aged 20, at Gommecourt during the Allied retreat on the night of 26 March 1918 whilst serving with the 40th Battalion MGC. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Faubourg-d'Amiens Cemetery. Other memorials which bear his name include those at Monkton Combe School near Bath, Alexandra Park at Hastings, Sussex and St Mary-in-the Castle Church also at Hastings.

Brother of Hilton Light (Lt.Col. IA)
Photo: IWM archives
Red Cross Enquiry Card
PHOTO: GS Archives;

Other Notes: LIGHT, Second Lieutenant, ERIC, "B" Coy. 40th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). 26th March 1918. Age 20. Son of Lt. Col. R. H. Light (Indian Army, retired) and Mrs. R. H. Light, of Redcot, Linton Rd., Hastings. Bay 10. Arras Memorial - Pas De Calais, France.;

Is photo available? Yes, see VMGCRA Patreon

END OF RECORD.

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