William Henry Branson

Private William Henry Branson, served with “A” Company, 2nd Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry, was killed in action on 28th April 1917. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. He enlisted on 5th January 1915, posted to the Royal Marine Cyclist Company. Invalided back to the U.K. from Gallipoli sick on 20th October 1915, he was posted as a reinforcement to the 2nd Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry on the Western Front, 25th September 1916.

Notices published 8th December 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BRANSON. – Missing April 28th, 1917, now reported killed in action, Private W. H. Branson, aged 21 years, Royal Marines. Too far away thy grave to see, but not too far to think of thee. – Broken-hearted wife and baby, also Mr. and Mrs. Clarke and family, 11, Newark-street. “BRANSON. – Missing April 28th, 1917, now officially reported killed in action, Private W. H. Branson (Willie), aged 21 years, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Branson, 35, Caroline-street, late 78, Manvers-street. O Lord, give him eternal rest. – Sorrowing mam, dad, cousin Cyril (in France). “BRANSON. – Missing April 28th, 1917, now reported killed in action, Private W. H. Branson (Willie), after three years' active service. A noble life laid down. Deeply mourned by his aunties Maggie, Lizzie, Kate, Emma, Ada, uncles Will, Jack (in France), Albert (in Egypt), also little cousins.” Above notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918