Alfred Bexon
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Alfred was the third of eight children of Benjamin Bexon and his wife Jane nee Harrold. Benjamin was born in Nottingham in 1870 (O/N/D Basford) and Jane on 8 November 1876. They were married in 1894 (O/N/D Basford) and had eight children of whom one died in childhood: Harold b. 1895 (A/M/J Basford, Horace b. 1896 (O/N/D Basford) d. 1902 (J/A/S Nottingham, buried 17 September 1902), Alfred b. 1898 (A/M/J Basford), Harry b. 1900 (A/M/J Basford), Elizabeth Elsie b. 25 February 1902, Frederick b. 1904 (O/N/D Nottingham), Gladys b. 5 October 1905 (O/N/D Nottingham), Phyllis b. 1907. All the children were born in Basford, Nottingham. In 1901 Benjamin (30), who was employed at a bleaching works, and Jane (24) were living at 36 Vernon Avenue, Basford, with their four sons, Harold (6), Horace (4), Alfred (2) and Harry (1). Horace died the following year (September 1902) aged 6 years. The family was still at the same address at the time of the 1911 Census. Benjamin and Jane's seven surviving children were in the home on the night of the census: Harold (16) a hosiery trimmer's labourer (bleaching works), Alfred, a draper's errand boy, Harry (11), Elizabeth (9), Frederick (6), Gladys (5) and Phyllis (3). His brother, Harold, served in the 2/7th Bn Sherwood Foresters (265986 Private) and was killed in action on 21 March 1918 aged 23 (Arras Memorial). Alfred's mother completed a form for the Army on 16 August 1919 listing Alfred's surviving blood relatives. These were his parents, Benjamin and Jane Bexon, of 36 Vernon Avenue, Old Basford, and his brothers Harry (19) and Frederick (14) and sisters Elizabeth (17), Gladys (13) and Phyllis (12), all of whom were living with their parents. Harold's father died on 28 June 1932 aged 61. In 1939 at the time of the England & Wales Register, the widowed Jane Bexon was living in Nottingham with her unmarried daughters Elizabeth, an overlocker (silk hosiery), and Gladys, an upholsterer. Jane Bexon died on 6 February 1964 aged 87 and her eldest daughter, Elizabeth Elsie Bexon, died in 1986 (Oct Nottingham) aged 84. Gladys probably married in 1963 (Alfred H Picker)
Alfred Bexon enlisted at Nottingham on 12th August 1916; he was 18 yrs and 6 months old. He lived at 36 Vernon Avenue, Basford, Nottingham, and was employed as a bleacher. His next of kin was his father, Benjamin, of the same address. The following day he was placed into the Reserves. He was mobilised on 17th March 1917 and posted to the training depot. On 2nd April 1918 he was transferred to the 15th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. He joined his battalion in the field on 5th April 1918. Less than three weeks later he received a gun shot wound to his chest and died from his wounds on 23rd April 1918 at No 83 General Hospital at Boulogne. He is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery (grave ref. IX.A.13).
Inscription on family gravestone, Basford cemetery: 'In loving memory of Benjamin Bexon died 28th June 1932 aged 61. Also his wife Jane died 6th February 1964 aged 87. Also Harold & Alfred Bexon killed in France 1918. Horace Bexon age 6 and Elizabeth Elsie Bexon beloved daughter of Benjamin and Jane died 28th October 1986 aged 84. Rest in peace.' In memoriam notice published 23rd April 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BEXON. – In ever-loving memory of Pte. Alf. Bexon, West Yorks., of 36 Vernon-avenue, died of wounds in Boulogne Hospital April 23rd, 1918. Memory will never fade. – Mother, father, brothers, and sisters, auntie Daisy, uncle Sam, and Arthur.” Above in memoriam is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918. Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His mother Jane Bexon was his sole legatee Private property returned to parents 17 October 1918: letter, photographs, 2 pocket books, small case, wrist watch and strap, purse, cigarette case.
