Ernest Lee Brailsford

Pte Ernest Lee Brailsford Worksop Guardian 13 October 1916 In our last issue for August 25th last, we reported that Pte Ernest Lee Brailsford of the 7th Leicesters, son of Mrs Taylor, 17 Marecroft, Worksop, was stated to be missing, and this week Mrs Taylor has received official intimation that he was killed in action at a place not stated on July 14th. Thus has fallen one of the youngest soldiers who have done battle for King and country from Worksop. Ernest was only 16 when he presented himself for enlistment. A tall upstanding youth, he looked much older, so that he had little difficulty passing. He was as anxious to join and do his bit as some of the slackers are to dodge their duty. He enlisted in August 1914 and young as he was he had been in France well over a year when he died fighting. He was last at home sixteen months ago. In his letters to his mother he told her of some of his experiences and described his sensations when he first knew what it was to be under shellfire. The last Worksop man who appears to have seen him is Pte Bolton of Netherton Road, who saw Brailsford wounded as he (Bolton) cleared the parapet. He did not see him again. Confirmation of Bolton’s statement is contained in a letter which Brailsford’s mother received from Pte J Riley, of the Kings Liverpool Regiment who wrote:- “I enclose herewith a few photograph found on the body of your son, E Brailsford, of the 7th Leicesters, when burying him. I extend to you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, who died so nobly for his country. “ Poor lad, his life has been as brave as it has been brief. His old schoolmates will think of him with sorrow and pride. Much sympathy is extended to Mrs Taylor and the members of his family. Another son, aged 23, Pte John Lee Brailsford, is in the Sherwood Rangers, I.Y., and has seen service in Egypt.

Named on the Theipval Memorial. Research by Colin Dannatt