One man, Thomas Penhorwood, played in the first match of the three rugby matches played at the Front in 1914/15 between Cornish and Devon teams – but was killed before the second.
He was police constable in Newquay when he signed up, the son of Lewis and Martha Penhorwood of Reddown, Egloskerry. His father was originally from Saltash. His mother, Martha, was from North Hill, Redruth.
He died on 10th May 1915, aged 27, and was serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
He was killed in the battle of Aubers Ridge (the attack was launched on 9th May 1915).
Historians now say this battle was an unmitigated disaster for the British army. No ground was won and no tactical advantage gained. On one single day of fighting, the British Army lost 11,000 men.
Both Thomas’ brothers survived the war and married. James (known as Henry) died in 1967 whilst Samuel died in 1955. Source: http://89ww1heroes.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/t-penhorwood.html
