Source: The Mid Cumberland and North Westmorland Herald June 29th, 1918
The interment of the young Canadian, Sergt. Wm. Ploethner, of the Canadian Forestry Corps, who as we reported last week was killed at Eamont Bridge through colliding with a motor car, was the most imposing funeral seen in Penrith for many years, it being carried out with full military honours in Penrith Cemetery on Sunday afternoon. The impressive ceremonial was sympathetically witnessed by some thousands of people from the town and district. The solemn and stately music of the “Dead march” in “Saul” played by a military band is always impressive and this, taken in conjunction, with the deep sympathy which the young Canadian’s untimely and evoked, made up an affecting ritual.
The funeral procession started from the Drill Hall, where, the coffin had been placed. At the head came the Penrith band, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Varty. Then followed a corporal-major on horseback, and the gun carriage drawn by two horses from the Beacon. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack, surrounded by the deceased’s cap and behind came the bearers the non-commissioned pallbearers of the Forestry Corps, each carrying a beautiful wreath. Immediately behind the cortege marched Major Walker, the veteran commanding officer at Cliburn, accompanied by the chaplain, Capt. Edmison. Following them came the 131 st Company of the Canadian Forestry Corps from Cliburn, the 133 rd from the Penrith Beacon, the Penrith Volunteers, and the Penrith Cadet Corps. Thus the funeral procession moved up Wordsworth street to the Cemetery, and the footpaths on each side of the road were crowded with people.
The authorities had wisely decided to exclude the general public from the Cemetery, and the only mourners at the graveside were the deceased soldier’s comrades in khaki. A short service was held in the chapel, AND BEFORE THE COMMITTAL SERVICE AT THE GRAVESIDE Capt. Edmison gave a short address, in which he spoke of the supreme sacrifice made by the deceased in leaving his home in that far-away dominion to assist his Mother Country. He had been to France and was one of the wounded heroes of Vimy Ridge. After being wounded he was put to work in a less exciting but no less noble sphere and now had met his end in a remarkable manner. From the circumstance Capt. Edminson drew the lesson of spiritual watchfulness.
Then came the last salute as over the grave three volleys were fired and the “Last Post” was sounded to the memory of a gallant soldier who, while not killed on the field of battle died in his country’s service, miles from his home in Saskatchewan. Sergt. Ploethner’s comrades then stepped to the graveside to take a last look at the coffin and then marched away.
The wreaths were a beautiful collection, and included one in the form of the C.F.C. badge, sent by his Whinfell comrades; others were from the Beacon officers and men; another testified to the sympathy of Lieut. And Mrs. Reeve; one from the Sergeants’ mess was inscribed, “To a brave Vimy Ridge hero,” and the remainder were from Penrith and other local friends. After the grave had been filled in the public were admitted to the Cemetery. Before leaving Capt. Edmison plucked a few flowers from a wreath to send to the deceased’s relatives in Canada a touching close to a moving scene. Messers. J. Richardson and Son, Brunawich-road, Penrith, were the undertakers.