THE bells of Sherston Magna Holy Cross Church rang out for 36 times on Friday to mark the death of soldier who died a century ago.

Alfred Ernest Sackville Cresswell, the great grandson of Wootton Bassett MP Thomas Cresswell, was killed in action during the First World War.

His name is not inscribed on the parish war memorial at the church lych-gate but came to light as a result of the increasing information available on the internet about the Great War.

Born on September 14, 1878, he was Captain of the 2nd Battalion, The Buffs, East Kent Regiment and served in the South African campaign before being promoted to Captain in 1904.

On March 13, 1915 Captain Cresswell was killed in action at St Eloi, France and was buried at the nearby Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery.

His details appear to have been missed in the parish war records because he grew up in Devon and lived in Cheltenham.

“He may not have lived in this area bit he is a son of Sherston,” said Chris Pickthall of the Sherston Band of Ringers.

Villagers were informed in advance of Friday’s commemorative bell ringings which saw the tenor bell toll 36 times, replacing the usual midday clock chimes.

It gave local people the opportunity to stop what they were doing and reflect on Captain Cresswell’s sacrifice.

It is the second time the ceremony has taken place in Sherston, the first being in September last year to mark the death of Private Algernon Neal, 21, only a few weeks after the outbreak of war.

The next Sherston remembrance tolling will take place on June 16 in honour of Private Reginald Rice, 21, a former worker at the Westonbirt estate.

One commemoration will take place on November 12, 2018 – the day after the centenary of the signing of the Armistice, marking the death of Private William Cairns, 28, in a labour camp.

The last local man to be remembered in such fashion will be Lance Corporal Clifford Gunning, 27, of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars who died on June 20, 1920 from long term injuries sustained during the conflict.

Mr Pickthall said: “Our ringings will continue until all the men from the parish who died are commemorated.”