CHARLES ERNEST BRADBROOK
Born: 1894, Ipswich.
Died: 22nd December 1914; age 20; died of wounds at No. 4 Clearing Hospital, Lille, from wounds received on Monday, 21st December.
Evening Star – Friday, 1st July 1915 – HELPING HIS COMRADES – Mrs. Jane Bradbrook, of 50, Rope Walk, Ipswich, has received the following letter from Captain Eric Landon Brown, of the 4th Suffolk Regiment:
“Dear Mrs. Bradbrook, – It is with the deepest regret and sympathy that I have to write and tell you that your elder, Charles, died in hospital as a result of a wound received on Monday, 21st December.
He was one of a party that had to take picks and shovels up to the firing line at a critical time. In order to get there, he had to cross an open space, and it was while doing this that the Germans opened fire on them with a machine gun and hit your son. He was brought back to the dressing station, and the doctor and another officer told me that no one could have been more patient and calm while he was waiting to be taken to the hospital, where, as I have already said, he passed away.
“I am extremely sorry to lose him. He was a fine, willing, and loyal soldier of the King, and he gave his life for his country in the time of need. I feel sure you must be proud of the thought that he was taken Home while trying to take help to comrades in distress, and died an Englishman in the highest sense of the word. Please accept the sincere sympathy of myself and my brother officers.”
Residence: 20, Rope Walk, Ipswich.
Occupation: Chair Maker at Ransomes & Rapier’s Ltd., Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: Ipswich; Date: 4th March 1912.
Date of Entry Therein: 8th November 1914 – France.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 1332
Regiment: Suffolk Regiment, 1st/4th Battalion.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star.
Grave Reference:
III.B.39.
Pas de Calais,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Eldest son of Mrs. E. J. Bradbrook, of 50, Rope Walk, Ipswich and grandson of William Henry Bradbrook, of 50, Bath Street, Ipswich.
Brother to JOHN ISAAC BRADBROOK. KiA.
CENSUS
1901 70, Purplett Street, Ipswich.
Charles was 6 years old and living with his parents and siblings.
Isaac John Bradbrook, 29, a Shoe Maker and Riveter, born Ipswich.
Jane Elizabeth Bradbrook (nee English), 28, born Ipswich.
Ellen Elizabeth Bradbrook, 7, born Ipswich.
John Isaac Bradbrook, 4, born Ipswich.
George William Bradbrook, 2, born Ipswich.
Henry Thomas Bradbrook, 1, born Ipswich.
1911 85, Purplett Street, Ipswich.
Charles was 16 years old, a Chair Maker. He and his brother were visitors at the home of their 25 year old cousin, Albert English, an Oil Mill Labourer.
John, 14, a Chair Maker.
Charles’s father, Isaac John Bradbrook, third son of Mr. William Henry Bradbrook, died on the 23rd December 1916, at his home, 50, Rope Walk, Ipswich and was buried in Section GG, Ipswich Old Cemetery.
Soldiers’ Effects to Mr. Isaac John Bradbrook – father, later to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Bradbrook – mother.
Charles is also remembered on the Ransomes & Rapier’s war memorial at Bourne Park, Ipswich and at St. Clement’s Church, Ipswich.
Suffolk Regiment, 1st/4th Battalion:
On 20th December 1914, the 4th Battalion, The Suffolks reached the village of Givenchy by La Bombe Crossroads, near Neuve-Chapelle and La Bassée Canal. Setting out from the village of Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée, B Company crossed the canal and joined the 1st Manchester Regiment at the Village line. C- Company on the edge of the canal rose, and D-Company in the support trenches at the brewery. A-Company became the reserve in Cuinchy. During that afternoon, the Germans attacked and captured a large part of the village, but were repelled by the 1st Battalion, the Manchester Regiment and “B”- Company 4th Suffolk Regiment. Casualties were recorded as “light.” This was one of the first battles the 4th Battalion took part in of the defences of Givenchy. 22nd December, the Battalion left the line, returning to Beuvry.
Suffolk Regiment Battalion movements
SUFFOLK REGIMENT MUSEUM
Friends of The Suffolk Regiment
Leave a Reply