Uriah Collitt enlisted at the start of the war in September 1914. He was living at Exley’s Buildings, on Trinity Street, and was 27 years old.
Before he enlisted he was working as a blacksmith’s striker.
He served in France between 17.8.15 and 20.9.15. He was brought back to England and was treated at Edinburgh War Hospital from 21.9.15—26.1.16 for Tuberculosis.
In May 1917 when he was in a convalescent house in Southport a medical report stated his condition had been “aggravated by service.”
He was living in Disley, Cheshire, when he died on 9.3.19 and was brought back to be buried in Gainsborough’s General Cemetery.
The Friends of Gainsborough Cemeteries and Chapel submitted his details to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission three years ago and after their usual checking procedures have included him on the National Debt of Honour Register.
Private Collitt’s grave was unmarked and now has a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone.
