Thiepval Memorial, France, Somme

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 31 July 1916

Roll of Honour. It came as a great shock yesterday when the news was circulated that Private Fred Igo of the 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment had made the supreme sacrifice. Private Igo was only 21 and before volunteering for service was in great demand as a vocalist. He was a member of the Catch My Pal Society and All Saints Choir and was always ready to give his services for any charitable purpose. Of a courteous disposition he was highly respected by all he had come into contact with. His mother received the sad news from the Chaplain of the Regiment, Reverend F N Wheeler, who states "I was out in one of our captured areas and among those who had fallen I found him. We dug a grave beside him and after a short Christian service buried him on the field where he had so nobly fought and died. I sympathise deeply with you and all who mourn his loss". Our readers will join us in offering the family our sincere condolences in their bereavement.

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Saturday 12 August 1916

The Late Private Fred Igo - In Memoriam Service. A very impressive service to the memory of the late Private Fred Igo of the Middlesex Regiment, a well known and highly respected member of the Catch My Pal Society, was held last evening in the Lyric Hall, when glowing tributes were paid by a number of members and special hymns were sung. Mr J H South, President of the Branch, conducted the proceedings which left a marked impression on the large attendance. In the course of the evening Mr Gavey, Headmaster of the Jersey Home for Boys where the deceased was educated, referred to the sterling qualities developed by young Igo whilst under his care. He was a lad who won the respect and esteem of all those he came into contact with and had won the medal given by the Bailiff for good behaviour. The school and the Catch My Pal Society mourned the loss of this brave lad though they realised he had died a hero's death. Mr South paid eloquent tribute to their late friend and brother, Fred Igo was an ardent and willing worker in the temperance cause was one of those whom it would be hard to replace. After referring to the valued help given at all times to the Society by their late comrade, Mr South went on to say that the noble example set by him was one that could well be imitated by others. Mr C S Bisson, who spoke feelingly of the grand example set by the late Private Igo, said he was a staunch member of the Society, a valued friend and an ardent worker. Sympathetic reference was also made to the deceased by Mr W Warren. During the interval Miss Amy Noel sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and Mr E Pelluet sang "True 'til Death", the last item being one of the deceased's favourite songs. A letter received some time ago from Private Igo by Miss Le Gros was also read and showed how cheerfully the brave lad had undertaken the duties imposed upon him as a soldier of the King. At the close the organist, Mr Le Gros, an intimate friend of the deceased, played Chopin's funeral march, those present standing meanwhile. The service throughout which was most impressive closed with the Benediction.

Private Frederick Cyril Igo
2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment
01/07/1916

Killed in action, aged 21 years.

Notice of Death appears in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 31 July 1916

Commemorated on Haut de la Garenne Memorials, Jersey
Halkett Place Primary School Memorial, Jersey
St Paul's School Memorial, Jersey
All Saints Church Memorial, Jersey
St Paul's Church Memorial, Jersey

 

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Thursday 17 August 1916

The Late F Igo and Harry Barter. Letter to The Editor "Sir, I was very pleased to receive the Jersey Weekly Post dated 5 August after leaving the trenches, but sorry indeed to read the sad news of Fred Igo and Harry Barter, both having been school chums with me under Mr Gavey. Please be good enough to extend my sympathies through the medium of your paper to all their friends and relatives. Had I the time to spare I would give an account of life in this the greatest battle yet in progress, especially the part of the line that we have just left, which has been described in one paper as the hottest part of the line. We have left a lot of the boys there who have made the supreme sacrifice with a good heart. Jersey can be proud of the part that her boys played in this war and can always rely on them ever willing to fill the gaps made by those who have done their bit. May God grant that this war will soon come to a victorious end and that we may return to our homes and pleasures. Thanking you very much for your kindness. Yours truly, CYRIL PELLUET, 92nd Royal Fusiliers attached 99th Machine Gun Corps, France. 10.8.16."

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 31 July 1916

"Poor Fred Is Gone" such was the message brought to us on Saturday and with painful regret we realised that Private Fred Igo of the 2nd Middlesex Regiment had given his life for his Country's good. A brief message from the non-conformist Chaplain stated that his mortal remains had received a Christian burial near the place where he fell on the battlefield "somewhere in France". This is all we know so far but it is enough to tell that a mother has lost a good son and that many of us have lost the comradeship of a splendid fellow. Poor Fred, how bright and vivacious he was when we secured him an extension of his last furlough so that he could help us at our St Martins Meeting - shall we ever forget how he sang that night, clear as crystal the notes of "Triumph and Glory True until Death" was the song he sung and we all knew he would be true but little thought that death would claim him so soon. Died in action on 19 July is all we know, but we are sure he fought well and died bravely. He was a dutiful son and lived a brave and heroic life, affable and generous to a degree and never happier than when he was singing. His employer, Mr H G Humber, and all who knew him testify to his sincerity and his letters to me are a sure evidence of his hope in God. He was prominently identified with the Catch My Pal Meetings and a member of the All Saints Choir and was willing to serve any good cause. We have missed him since he left us, we shall miss him more now that we know we shall never hear his voice again. We are thankful for the radiant beams he has thrown across the pathway of our lives and thankful too that while he lived we were privileged to help him toward the attainment of some of his high ideals. J H SOUTH".

 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record