Alfred Ernest Bridgens

Alfred enlisted at Worksop, was drafted to France where he died and was buried at Lacres Churchyard. Pte A E Bridgens Worksop Guardian 12 January 1917 The distressing news was received on Friday morning of the death from gassing of Alfred Ernest Bridgens of the R.A.M.C. only son of Mr and Mrs Alfred Bridgens of 10 South View, Blyth Road, Worksop, which occurred on New Years Day. The information was conveyed in a letter from his commanding officer which ran as follows:- It is with regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Pte A E Bridgens, R.A.M.C., along with two other on this day. The cause of death was asphyxiation, Alex D Cooper, 2nd Lieut. For Major A.S.C., O.C. 5th Car. Res. Park.” This was followed by a letter from the Chaplain, who, under date Jan. 2nd wrote:- Dear Madam, I an writing to tell you more details of Pte A E Bridgens funeral, which I conducted this morning. It was a beautiful service. He lies in the corner of the cemetery of a little church upon the hill side in beautiful country. Many of the French people came to pay a last tribute to his memory and the Mayor of the village made an eloquent speech, a copy of which, in English, I hope to be able to send you later on. I did not know Pte Bridgens as he was in a unit which is not in my Brigade. But will you please accept the assurance of my sincere sympathy in the great sorrows which has come to you. May God comfort you as He alone can. If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know, Yours faithfully, E R Streeton, Chaplain to the Forces.” Pte Bridgens was 24 years of age. His parents came to Worksop some nine years ago and young Bridgens was first employed by Messrs. Hooson Bros. grocers, Market Place. Later he became chauffer for Mr T Bowett, Veterinary surgeon. He enlisted in the R.A.M.C. at Sheffield in October 1915 but his medical examination showed that an operation would be necessary before he could join the Army. This he pluckily underwent at the 3rd Northern Hospital, Sheffield, being stationed at Hillsboro’ Barracks, and after recruiting his strength at a convalescent home at Hathersage, he rejoined his regiment at Hillsboro’. He was drafted to France in May 1916 and has been in the vicinity of the fighting ever since. He was a good living lad and was much interested in the work of the Priory Church. At one time he was in the choir and before enlistment acted as a server. The Vicar of Worksop, the rev. G J A d’Arcy took a great interest in him and frequently corresponded with him at the front. On December 27th, he wrote to his mother saying he had a decent Christmas under the circumstances and the dinner was quite a success. Everyone enjoyed it, and it was a treat. It was only a short note but conveyed the love and affection to all the family. On Saturday, his sister, Miss Bridgens, manageress at Messrs Johnson’s dyers, Bridge Street, received a letter from him of a most cheery character, which was dated 30th Dec., two days before his death. In it, he said he was quite well and getting along all right. They were having rough and wet weather. There had not been a mail for some days, he said, but the weather and extra rush might account for it. With his letter he enclosed a pretty silk woven Christmas card. ‘With the best wishes for a Happy New Year, yours affectionately, Ernest.’ He has three sisters, and with them and Mr and Mrs Bridgens is expressed the sympathy of many friends with whom Pte Bridgens was a general favourite. (Photo included in original publication)

CWG additional information:- Son of Alfred and Frances Bridgens, of 10, South View, Blyth Rd., Worksop, Notts. Research by Colin Dannatt