Henry Sydney Brett
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Henry Sydney Brett, known as Harry was born on 7th December 1889 and was the only son of Edward Frederick Joseph an assistant overseer and Flora Brett née Martin of Woodside, Woodborough, Nottinghamshire. His father Edward Frederick Joseph was born in 1860 at Gonalston and his mother Flora Martin was born in 1860 at Colston Bassett, they were married in1888 at Nottingham. In the 1911 census the family are living at Woodside, Woodborough and are shown as Edward Frederick Joseph 51yrs a retired overseer, he is living with his wife Flora 51 yrs and their son Harry Sydney 22 yrs an estate and insurance agent. Harry married his wife Gladys Helen Griffiths in 1915, their marriage was recorded in the Southwell Registration district, they lived at The Plough Inn Lowdham and had a son Percival Edward Sydney Brett born 11th May 1916. His widow Gladys Helen was awarded a pension of 18 shillings and 9 pence commencing 11th June 1919.
Private Harry Sydney Brett enlisted at Lowdham, he initially served with the service number 44613 in the North Staffordshire regiment. He was serving with the 1st battalion East Lancashire Regiment when he was killed in action on 18th October 1916. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
In memoriam published 18th October 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BRETT. – In loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. Sydney Brett, East Lancs., presumed killed October 18th, 1916. Two long sad years have passed away since my great sorrow fell, but in my heart I mourn the loss of him I loved so well. – From loving wife, Gladys, and sonny. “BRETT. – In loving memory of Pte. Sydney Brett, presumed killed October 18th, 1916. – Fondly remembered by father-in-law, Percy, and grandma. “BRETT. – In proud and loving memory of our darling son, Pte. H. S. Brett (Syd), East Lancs. Regt., who was reported killed in action October 18th, 1916. The hardest part is yet to come, when the heroes all return, there will be one that will be sadly missed, that the face of our dear son; oh, for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still. – From his ever sorrowing mother and father (Gunthorpe).” Above in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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