Clarence James Braybrook
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Clarence James was the only son of James and Sarah Braybrook (née Butler). His father James was born in Hucknall Torkard, Nottinghamshire, in about 1875, the son of George and Kate Braybrook. His mother Sarah was born in New Basford in 1868, the daughter of James and Ann Butler. James and Sarah were married at New Basford St Augustine in October 1896. James (22) a carter, and Sarah (28) a winder, were living at 117 North Side, New Basford. One of their two witnesses was Sarah's older sister, Harriett Butler (b. 1854). The couple had four children, two of whom died in infancy. Their surviving children were Clarence James birth registered 1897 (J/F/M) bap. St Augustine 14 September 1897 and Mabel Pretoria b. Hyson Green Nottingham 1900. One of the two children who died in infancy may have been Harriet Grace who was born in 1898 (J/A/S) and died the same year. James and Sarah were living at 117 North Gate, Basford, when their son Clarence was baptised in 1897. However, by 1901 James, a carter with Nottingham Corporation, his wife and their two young children were living at 7 Swarkestone Terrace, Nottingham. Also in the household was Harriett Butler (47, b. Hyson1854) who was listed as a lodger but on the next census was described as 'sister' [sister-in-law of head of household]. By 1911 James and Sarah and their two children had moved to 3 Hyde Terrace, Lowdham Street, Nottingham; Harriet Butler, a char lady, was still living with them. Clarence was working as an errand boy at a lace factory. Sarah died aged about 44 the following year. Her husband James, their daughter Mabel Pretoria and one other (first name John) were recorded living in Nottingham on the 1921 Census (no surnames available, full transcript not accessible without payment). James probably died in 1943 (reg. Nottingham). Harriet Butler married John Passey in 1919 and died in 1937. She had been named by her nephew, Clarence, as his legatee.
17th (Welbeck Rangers) Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment). The 17th Battalion was a service battalion of Kitchener's New Army. It was raised in Nottingham on 1 June 1915 by the Mayor and a recruiting committee. The battalion served in France from 6 March 1916 when it landed at Le Havre. Clarence was reported missing in action in July 1917 and his death on 31 July was confirmed toward the end of September 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium (Panel Reference: 39 & 41). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Castle, NG1 6AL. WM59033: There is a memorial (sundial) to the 17th Bn Sherwood Foresters in the Castle grounds. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 24 September 1917: ‘Braybrook. Missing July 31st now reported killed in action, Private Clarence Braybrook, Sherwood Foresters, only son of James Braybrook, 3 Hyde Terrace, Lowdham Street, in his 20th year. One of the best. Father and sister.’ (www.britishnewsapperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam,’ 31 July 1918: ‘Braybrook. In loving memory of Pte C Braybrook, who fell in action July 31st, 1917. RIP. Father & sister.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam,’ 31 July 1918: ‘Braybrook. In loving memory of my dear brother, Pte C Braybrook, who fell in action July 31st, 1917. Dear is the grave where my brother is laid, sweet is the memory that will never fade. ‘tis sad but ‘tis true, and we cannot tell why, the best are the first who are called on to die. From sorrowing auntie and only sister Mabel.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: 10 January 1918, aunt and sole legatee Harriett Butler £14s 5d. 21 Nov 1919, aunt and sole legatee, Harriett Passey £8 10s (Harriet was married in 1919, reg. A/M/J).
