Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Friday February 11th, 1916

MEMORIAL TO CARLTON OFFICER

A brass tablet has been placed in the sanctuary at Carlton Parish Church in memory of Lieutenant Eric Compton Dougherty, who was killed at the Dardanelles on July 13th last. Lieutenant Dougherty, who belonged to the Royal Marine Light Infantry, was the son of the rector, the Rev. J. A. Dougherty. He had been mentioned in a dispatch for gallantry in rendering assistance to his Colonel in the heat of an engagement.

Coalville Times Article - Friday June 16th, 1916

A GALLANT LIEUTENANT

KING’S LETTER TO CARLTON RECTOR

The following letter has been received by the Rev. J. T. Dougherty, rector of Carlton, near Market Bosworth, in connection with the death of his son, Lieutenant Eric Barnard Dougherty, of the Royal Naval Division:

War Office, Whitehall, S.W.

“Sir, - I have it in command from his Majesty the King to inform you, as next-of-kin to the late Lieut. Eric Barnard Dougherty, of Portsmouth Royal Naval Division, that this officer was mentioned in a dispatch from General Sir Ian Hamilton, dated 11th December, 1915, and published in the supplementary to the “London Gazette” dated 28th January, 1916, for gallant and distinguished service in the field.

I am to express to you the King’s highest appreciation of these services, and to add that his Majesty trusts that the public acknowledgement may be of some consolation in your bereavement. I have the honour to be your obedient servant.”

M. D. Graham, (Lieut.-Colonel)
Assistant Military Secretary.

The rector of Carlton was himself formerly chaplain and instructor to the Navy, with which he cruised for 27 years in various parts of the world. Lieutenant Dougherty, his only son, was killed in the fighting in the Dardanelles on July 13th of last year. The act of gallantry for which he was mentioned in the dispatch referred to occurred shortly before his death. Struck by a shell, young Dougherty’s colonel lay mortally wounded, and Dougherty, notwithstanding a hail of bullets dashed into the open for a doctor, afterwards returning to the colonel’s side, and remaining with him until his death. Shortly afterwards, the lieutenant himself was killed.

The gallant lieutenant was only 19 years of age. He belonged to the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and gave promise of a brilliant career. A brass tablet has been erected to his memory in Carlton Parish Church.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby, 12/10/2017