Private Eric Aked
Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery
Registered Charity No 1097153
Eric Aked was the only son of Herbert and Sarah Aked of Harewood House, Warley Road. His father was head of the firm of Messers. Geo. Aked, a belting and brace manufacturer. Eric was educated at Holy Trinity School and the Fulford Field School in York. He became a draughtsman with the Campbell Gas Engine Company Ltd, serving the firm for several years. He was a member of the Albany Club and the Savile Hall Tennis club. Shortly after the war started, he enlisted in the 1st/4th Batallion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment).
In a report in the Halifax Courier, dated January 1st, 1916, news was conveyed home that Eric had been the victim of a gas attack on 19th December. A few weeks later, again in the Halifax Courier, dated February 12th, 1916 it was confirmed that:
"... Pte. Eric Aked. Harewood House, West End, Halifax, 1/4th W.R. Regt., is in yesterday's casualty list, reported as having died of wounds. He was previously officially reported missing, though letters were received by his mother in Dec. stating that he fell in the German gas attack of Dec.19. These communications were from Lt. Learoyd, and a sergt. of Pte. Aked's company, When he was officially reported “missing'' hopes were entertained that be might be still alive, but the further, official announcement yesterday unhappily proves that the original information was substantially correct."
Eric was buried at Talana Farm Cemetery, West-Vlaandaren, Belgium, grave reference IV.I.24. (CWGC)
Source of biographical information including the image of Private Eric Aked:
The Halifax Courier, dated January 1st, 1916
The Halifax Courier, dated February 12th, 1916
CWGC: Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Eric Aked is commemorated at Lister Lane Cemetery on the gravestone of grave 961
Memorial Inscription
In memory of George, son of Herbert and Sarah Aked of Halifax, born 11th August 1883, died 12th January 1885.
Also of May, their infant daughter, who died May 27th 1893.
Also of the above named Herbert Aked, who died July 23rd 1900, aged 45 years.
In loving memory of Eric, son of the above Herbert and Sarah Aked killed in action Dec. 19th 1915, buried at Talana Farm Cemetery Bosinghe, Ypres.
Also Sarah, widow of Herbert Aked, who died Feb. 24th 1932, aged 76 years.
God bless you and keep you.