Thiepval Memorial, France, Somme

 

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 18 September 1916

Roll of Honour. Mr P Luce of Oxford Cottage, St Ouen on Saturday last received notification from Regimental Sergeant Major Le Breton of the death of his son, Corporal E Luce, of the Jersey Company Royal Irish Rifles, who was killed in action on 6 September. The deceased who was a most popular member of the Company was 21 and one of the first to enlist for active service on war breaking out and volunteers being asked for. To the bereaved parents our heartfelt sympathy is extended.

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 9 October 1916

Memoriam Service for Corporal Luce and Rifleman Carre. A very large congregation was present at St Ouens Church yesterday afternoon when a most impressive memorial service was held for Corporal Edward Luce and Rifleman J F Carre, two gallant lads of the Jersey Company 7th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles who made the supreme sacrifice during the heavy fighting last month. Those present, in addition to the bereaved families with whom much sympathy is felt, included the Seigneur of St Ouen and most of the principal residents of the western district. The bell was tolled for some time before the service commenced and shortly after 3 o'clock a party of Boy Scouts carrying a draped Union Jack and Jersey flag marched slowly up the aisle and handed the Colours to the Rector, who placed them at each side of the altar. At the outset the Reverend J Pepin, Rector of St Ouens, stated that the service was in memoriam for the two soldiers mentioned above, there being some uncertainty as to the fate of Sergeant du Heaume, another loyal resident of St Ouen attached to the Jersey Company, the following telegram having been received from the War Office on Saturday "Regret no further information yet received concerning Sergeant du Heaume beyond wounded 6 September. Enquiry proceeding." The service opened with the singing of "O God Our Help" after which the Rector proceeded with the burial service, this being conducted in a manner impressive to a degree. The hymns "A Few More Years Shall Roll" and "Peace Perfect Peace" were also sung. The National Anthem having been sung Mr Allen, who was at the organ played Marche Funebre and the Colours having been returned to the standard bearers this brought a most memorable service to a close. Whilst extending our heartfelt sympathies to the families of Corporal Luce and Rifleman Carre, we also hope that favourable news will be received of the missing Sergeant.

Corporal Edward Luce
7th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (Jersey Overseas Contingent)
06/09/1916

1914-15 Star

Youngest son of Philip & Jane Luce of Oxford Cottage, St Ouen, Jersey
One of two brothers who both fell within two months.

Killed in action, aged 21 years.

Notice of Death appears in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 18 September 1916

Commemorated on St Ouen's Parish Memorial, Jersey

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 1 October 1917

In Memoriam Service at St Ouens for Jersey Heroes. A brief but most impressive In Memoriam service was that held at St Ouens Church yesterday afternoon for three gallant lads from the Western District who loyally volunteered when they saw their Country's need and who have now been called upon to make the supreme sacrifice. The three were connected with the St Ouens Troop of Boy Scouts, a small unit which has a grand record of service, and a Patrol of this Troop attended the service, their numbers being augmented by some 15 lads of the St Pauls Troop, who marched from Beaumont to pay the last honours they could to their gallant countrymen. The Scouts occupied seats in the chancel whilst among the large congregation present was Jurat R Malet de Carteret and representatives of the local Boy Scouts Association. The Reverend J Pepin conducted the service in a most impressive manner, the names of Sergeant du Heaume, Rifleman Risbridger and Corporal Luce being mentioned in the prayer immediately before the Collect, added impressiveness was given by the chanting of the 90th Psalm and the singing of the hymns "O God Our Help", "Jesu Lover of My Soul" and "Peace, Perfect Peace". The benediction having been pronounced Mr W S Pincott, who was at the organ, played Marche Funebre, the whole congregation standing meanwhile.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record