Herbert Tutin
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
There is evidence that Herbert was fostered by a Mrs Sarah Ann Mellors when he was a few weeks old. After Herbert's death Sarah Mellors completed a form for the army listing his living relatives. She put a note on the form that ‘he was two or three weeks old when I adopted him and so far as I know he has no brothers or sisters either full-blood or half-blood’. She signed the form with her mark, describing herself as his 'foster mother', the description used in the notice of Herbert's death in the local paper. However, when Herbert enlisted in the Territorial Force in 1913 he gave his next of kin as his brothers Harry (b. abt 1883) and William, both of 49 Clarence Street, Carlton Road. His elder brother Harry was the son of James and Hannah Tutin (CWGC). He was a sergeant in the 6th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment and was killed in action in Galliipoli on 9 August 1915 (Helles Memorial). (See record on this ROH.) 'In memoriam' notices to Harry included one from his 'sister Emily'. Herbert's second brother William was recorded on the 1911 Census at the age of 16 living at 49 Clarence Street, Carlton, with his uncle and aunt, Charles Simmons (56) and Ada Simmons (46) who were childless.
He attested in the Territorial Force (4 years service UK) on 19 May 1913 when he was 17years 6days old. On 3 September 1914 he signed to serve in any place outside the UK in the event of a national emergency; the document was witnessed by Lt Col Brewill, 7th (Robin Hood) Bn Sherwood Foresters. Herbert served at home from May 1913 to 27 February 1915 and in France from 28 February 1915 until his death in October the same year. He served a total of 2 years 148 days (embodied service from 5 August 1914 to 13 October 1915). He was buried on 13 October, 'o/c battle', at map reference, Map Sheet 36, Sq A, 28.c.8.4. His burial place was later lost and he has no known grave; he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post, 19 November 1915, photograph with caption: 'Private H Tutin, 1/7th Sherwood Foresters, Coburg Square, Walker Street, Nottingham. Killed in action October 13th. Brother of Sgt H Tutin.' Nottingham Evening Post notice (abridged), 22 November 1915: 'Tutin. Killed in action Private Herbert Tutin of 1/7th Sherwood Foresters, age 18. Foster mother Sarah A Mellors, sister Minnie Goddard.' There are two memoranda dated 1916 and 1917 with his service records authorising the return of Herbert's personal effects to Mrs SA Mellors; in May 1916 she was living at 9 Cottage Grove, Walker Street, Sneinton and in November 1917 at Regent Place, Walker Street. His medals were sent to Mrs Mellors in 1921
