Albert Irving (Iving) Brammer
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Albert was born in 1894 at Sutton in Ashfield and was the son of James and Janet Brammer of 26 Bowne Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, who had five children one of whom, James Henry, died on 28 July 1890 at the age of 1 year 3 months. By 1891 James and William had three children; Martha (13), William (10) and Elizabeth Ann (5). Their infant son, James Henry, who died in 1890, would have been their youngest child. Their third son, Albert Iving, was born three years later in 1894 and he was still living at home at 26 Bowne Street, Sutton in Ashfield, at the time of the 1911 census. Also in his parent's household at the time of the 1911 Census was his married sister, Elizabeth Ann and her husband Thomas Gallear. Albert nominated Elizabeth and his surviving brother, William, as his executors. His mother Jane died on 15 September 1924 aged 70 years and his father James died on 29 January 1927 aged 74 years.
Albert enlisted and served with the 2nd battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps. He first entered a theatre of war on 19th May 1915 in France. He was killed in action on 25th September 1915 during the battle of Loos. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Loos memorial, Pas De Calais, France. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star and the British War and Victory medals.
His second name is spelt 'Iving' on the gravestone in Sutton in Ashfield cemetery. LATE RIFLEMAN A I BRAMMER - REFERENCES AT SUTTON SERVICE At the Congregational Branch Church, Chatsworth Street, Sutton, on Sunday night, the Rev A Briggs remarked that it was only fitting that they should dispense with the second lesson in order that they might pay their last respects to one of their own young men, who but recently has laid down his life for the cause of God, King and country. ‘‘Most of you’ said the rev gentleman ‘know that last week the news came through that, in the great offensive which the Allies have been making during the last few days, Rifleman A I Brammer had been killed in action. His death we all greatly deplore. Our whole hearted sympathy is extended to his grief stricken parents and other relatives. Chatsworth Street Church feels the loss of the young soldier acutely, because for several years he was one of our active workers and our organist. But, whilst we sorrow, we would tonight hold his memory in the greatest honour. Along with countless others, he felt the call to his country’s services. In what we believe to be the light of truth with error, he courageously threw in this lot upon the side of truth. He heard the call; he obeyed the call; and ultimately he paid the greatest price that sacrifice could demand. He laid down his life for his country. He showed his love for his fellow men. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ During all the weeks that our departed hero was in the trenches he never showed any regret over the step he had taken. His letters, one of which he must have written to me just before the end, always breathed the spirit of courage and good cheer. Death apparently had no terrors for him. And why should it, friends, have terror for any of us. If our trust is staid upon the Son of God, we must feel the reality of His promises concerning immortality. With those promises in our hearts, death becomes swallowed up in victory: it becomes the gateway into a fuller life where Christ, who suffered as never man suffered, reigns supreme. As we therefore honour the memory of our young brother, may we determine that, like him, we will walk in the path of duty, made strong and courageous by the Great Hope as it is in Jesus Christ.’’ At the close of the service the Dead March was impressively played by Mr E H England. He is also remembered on the St Michael and All Angels War Memorial, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Notts Free Press - In Memoriam - 27th September 1918 Brammer - In loving memory of Rifleman A. I. Brammer, killed in Action in France, at the Battle of Loos, September 25th 1915, aged 22 years. We all loved him and wanted him, but he died for us. Greater love hath no man than this. From his loving Mother and Father, Brothers and Sisters, and Dora. Family headstone, Sutton in Ashfield cemetery, ‘In loving memory of Jane the beloved wife of James Brammer who died Sept. 15th 1924 aged 70 years. Also James Brammer who died Jan 29th 1927 aged 74 years. Reunited. Also Rfn. Albert Iving (sic) Brammer KRR, the beloved son of the above killed in action in France at the Battle of Loos Sept. 25th 1915 aged 22 years. The supreme sacrifice. Also James Henry, the beloved son of the above who died July 28th 1890 aged 1 year & 3 months.’ Probate: 'Brammer Albert Iving of 26 Bowne-street Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire private in HM Army died 25 September 1915 at France or Belgium Probate Nottingham 21 December [1915] to William Brammer hosiery hand and Elizabeth Ann Gallear (wife of Thomas Gallear). Effects £101 0s 10d.' The army records also list his brother, William, and sister, Elizabeth, as executors. Additional information courtesy of Lynne Weston and Rachel Farrand
