No.12460, Private, Edward KENT
Aged 20
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Edward Kent was born in 1897 (Thetford Q1-1897 4B:369) son of Henry and Eliza KENT (née EDWARDS). 1901 census...Aged 4, he was at Thetford Road, Brandon with his father Henry KENT [49] labourer in woodyard; his mother Eliza; brothers Ernest [23] labourer in woodyard; Fred [14] grocer's warehouse boy; Percy [10] and Arthur [6]; sisters Charlotte [21] and Lily [7]. All were born in Brandon. 1911 census... His parents and brothers Percy and Arthur(both domestic gardener) were at 112 London Road, Brandon. There had been 13 siblings, but three had died. His elder brother Arthur was killed in France in August 1918 see here |
click here to go to the Brandon at War website for more information
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He enlisted in Norwich. Some of his military history can been seen on the above link.
It is not known where or when Edward was wounded. The 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment had been fighting in the Poelcapelle area on 22nd and suffered around 230 casualties. They were in camp and training for the rest of the month. Thanks to the above website we know:- The same day that Edward's parents received his letter they also received an official telegram from the Record Office informing them that his wounds were in fact life threatening. Two days later on Monday 29th they received another official telegram stating that he had succumbed to his wounds and had died on the 27th. Edward's parents wrote to the hospital where he had died and asked for any information regarding their son's last moments. They received this reply:- "Your letter safely received regarding your son, Private E. Kent. Making enquiries I find that he suffered from gunshot wounds to the back with injury to the kidney. At his operation it was found that an abscess had formed in the abdominal cavity, and there was a perforation of the intestine, and in spite of all that could be done for him he died on October 27th. He is buried in the Military Cemetery at Etaples, near here. The Matron of the ward in which your son lay states that he was a good patient, and a nice boy....Please accept our sincere sympathy with you in your loss, and believe me to be... Yours sincerely, M.A.C. Blair, Sister". The Bury Free Press of 3rd November 1917 had :- DEATH FROM WOUNDS The sorrowful news was received on Monday by Mr and Mrs Henry Kent, of 112 London Road, that their youngest son, Private Edward Kent, had died of wounds received in battle. Last Saturday the parents received a field postcard, in his own handwriting, stating he was wounded. Later in the day they received a telegram from the Record Office, informing them he was dangerously wounded. On Monday another telegram was received, which stated he died of his wounds on October 27th. He was in his 21st year. Sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents. When the first call was made for men to volunteer to fight and defend their country, young as he then was, he was one of the first to respond and enlisted in September 1914, and after training was sent out. He was wounded and sent to England and had a sick leave. He also had one leave home from France.
photo: nick_2 via warmemorialsonline.org.uk The brothers commemorated on brother Frank's grave in Brandon
photo: Commonwealth War Graves Commission click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
