Private Lyons was shot in the back by a sniper. Keen local footballer apparently. Alnwick and County Gazette, May 22 1915 refers:
DEATH OF PRIVATE FRED LYONS OF FELTON.
Official notice was received on Saturday last by Mr and Mrs Lyons, the Garden House, Morpeth of the death of their son, Fred Lyons, a private in the 7th N.F. The announcement said he was at first posted as missing but now they had definite information of his death. Private Lyons enlisted in August last and was called to the colours in September. His earlier training was at Alnwick and later at Cambois, where he was stationed until the 7th left for the front on April 20th. He seems to have come out of his first engagement unwounded, for on a postcard received from him dated May 3rd he informs his friends that he was quite well. Another postcard dated May 5th reached Felton from Private Lambert and said Fred had been killed, having been shot by a sniper through the back. This news caused sad forebodings for all knew that Fred was well known to the writer of the postcard. Hope was not altogether abandoned, however, until Saturday. His death cast quite a gloom over the village. While at Felton he was employed by the Cooperative Society, and his bright and cheery disposition, with a kind word for everybody, made him a general favourite. During the football season his spare moments were usually devoted to that pastime. His services as goalkeeper were highly appreciated at the Felton Club, and in that capacity he was a familiar figure on the grounds covered by the North Northumberland League. He played occasionally at cricket but football was his strong point. Being the first from Felton to give his life for King and Country he will be long held in remembrance. He was in his 31st year.
The Vicar from the pulpit on Sunday evening said the sympathies of the congregation would go out to deceased’s parents and relatives on this sad occasion. A special holy communion service was held on the following morning in memory of the fallen brave.
That must have been a post mark date or something on the first card mentioned, as he was dead 7 days by that date. very sad.