Austin Neal Raison was born in the spring of 1896 in Crewkerne, Somerset. The eighth of thirteen children, his parents were bootmaker Charles Raison and his wife, Lucy.

Austin’s siblings found a variety of trades, from dressmakers and costumiers to grocers and stationers. When Austin left school, however, he was apprenticed to a printer, a career laid our in front of him.

When war came to Europe, Austin joined the Royal Fusiliers. Full details of his military service have been lost to time, but a local newspaper, reporting on his funeral, provided a summary of his war experience:

The funeral took place at the Cemetery on August 24 of Corporal Austin Neal Raison… who died on the previous Thursday from wounds received in action. Deceased was 24 years of age and in September 1914, he volunteered for service in the Army, joining the Royal Fusiliers. He went to France in October 1915, and took part in most of the important battle from that date until he was severely wounded in the retreat from Cambrai. He returned home, and everything possible was done for him, but he never recovered health, and gradually sank, dying at his father’s house to the sorrow of all who knew him.

Western Chronicle: Friday 3rd September 1920

Corporal Austin Neal Raison died on 19th August 1920. He was laid to rest in the Townsend Cemetery, Crewkerne, within sight of the family home.

---

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission gives Corporal Raison’s name as Neal Austin, while all other records, including his service documents, confirm his name as Austin Neal.

---