Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday November 16th, 1917.

LOCAL CASUALTIES

Private Joseph Maides, of Barton Fabis, Grenadier Guards, son of Mr Jos. Sparrow, of Heather, was killed in action on October 14th. The official news was received from the War Office on November 5th. He was only 26 years of age, and was much respected in the village of Barton Fabis, where he was a prominent member and worker at the local Baptist Church, and especially in connection with the Young People’s Society there.

Coalville Times article - Friday November 14th, 1919

BARTON FABIS

A memorial has been erected in Barton Fabis to the two lads who laid down their lives in the war. The memorial is a marble scroll fixed in a stone base, and bears the inscription:

“In memory of F. W. Thompson and J. Maides, who fell in France during the great war. Erected by the villagers.”

It is fixed in front of the Baptist Chapel and was the work of Messrs. Wells and Co. of Hugglescote. The memorial was unveiled on Sunday afternoon, November 9th, at the close of the usual afternoon service. There was a good and representative congregation present at the service, when the pastor of the church, the Rev. F. C. Darvell, preached, taking as his text John 15-13. He carried all his hearers with him in his eulogy of the lads who went and endured so much for love of England and of home, in his claim that those who came back should be treated in no niggardly spirit, and those who did not come back should be remembered as long as England stands, and that each as individuals, and the nation as a whole, should prove worthy of the stupendous sacrifices made on their behalf. In conclusion, he pointed to the illustration the sacrifice of these lads of their own lives gave us of the sacrifice of Jesus, who for love of men laid down His life to save them.

The memorial was unveiled by G. Johnson, Esq., on behalf of the committee. In performing this duty, Mr Johnson urged all to remember the words they had listened to in the service, and prove themselves worthy of the men who had laid down their lives for them.

A Roll of Honour is to be placed in the chapel, containing the names of all who went direct from the village to serve in the army. G. Johnson, Esq., was chairman, and the Rev. F. C. Darvell, secretary, of the committee, which has had this matter in hand.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 29/12/2017.