2nd Lieutenant, Harry BRADON
Aged 37
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Born in Hackney Union Infirmary on 7th April 1878 (Hackney qtr 2 1b:533) Henry BRADON was son of Sarah BRADON (domestic servant).
1881 census...Aged 3, he was in the workhouse in Hackney with his mother Sarah [1860]. His pregnant mother had been admtted to the workhouse on 9th January 1878. 1891 census...not found in this census 1901 census...Aged 22, he was in South Africa with the 1st battalion, Suffolk Regt ..Queens South Africa medal with clasps for Transvaal and South Africa 1902 He married Mary Elizabeth LORKING in 1905 in Bury St.Edmunds. 1911 census...Aged 32, recorded as born in Hackney, he was a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment in Egypt, at Mustapha Pasha Barracks, Alexandria, with his wife Mary Elizabeth [28] born Stowmarket and daughters Elizabeth Ena [4] and Elsie Margaret Valetta [2], both born in Bury St.Edmunds. The pension card has his widow at 105 Northgate Street, Bury St.Edmunds. Another daughter, Marjorie Evelyn Grace was born in Bury St.Edmunds in 1916. |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds. He was killed the day after getting his commission. The Bury Free Press on 9th December 1916 reported :- A GALLANT BURY OFFICER - Mrs Bradon of 105 Northgate Street, Bury St.Edmunds, has just received the official notification from the War Office, stating that her husband was killed in action on Nov.16th. The sad news was conveyed to her by the following telegram:- War Office: We deeply regret to inform you that Second Lieutenant Harry Bradon, 1st Suffolk Regt., was killed in action on 16/11/16. The Army Council express their sympathy. -Secretary War Office" Also the following telegram from the King and Queen:- " Buckingham Palace: The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the Army have sustained by the death of your husband in the service of his country. Ther Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow - (Signed) Keeper of the Privy Purse". Lieut. Bradon enlisted in the 1st Suffolk Regt. at Bury St.Edmunds on January 6th 1896. He was stationed for some time in Malta, Egypt and Alexandria. During his stay in Alexandria the war broke out and he had to embark for Southampton. He was sent to France on the 15th January 1915, and was wounded and gassed in May of the same year. He was invalided to England and after recovery was sent back to France on October 3rd. After thirteen months fighting in France, he proceeded to Salonika, where he remained until he met his death on Nov.16th 1916. Deceased first enlisted as a private, and recently obtained his commission, still keeping with the gallant Suffolk Regt. The late Lieut.Bradon was acknowledged to be a very fine and capable officer, and was exceedingly popular with his superior officers, as well as the men themselves. He also had a large circle of friends in Bury St.Edmunds, all of who will deeply regret to hear of his death. Deceased, who was 37 years of age, was an old Risbygate schoolboy, and was also associated with various Societies in the town. 
The following letter was received from one of his comrades: "It came as a great shock to us all. It happened early in the morning of the 16th. Poor old Harry was a splendid soldier, full of enthusiasm for his work, and always eager to set an example to his comrades when in action. His loss will be greatly felt by all who knew him. He received his commission the day before, but whether he knew of it or not, I cannot say - R.Q.M.S.Nunn"
Lt. Bradon was the only son of Mrs.Sarah Bradon, of the "Batterflats", Scotland, to whom we extend our sincere sympathy. While this gallant officer's death is to be deeply regretted, yet Mrs.Bradon has the great consolation of knowing that her husband has made the supreme sacrifice for a great cause. Much sympathy is expressed to the widow, who is left with three young children to mourn the loss of a good husband and father. The following letter has been received from the Officer Commanding the 1st Suffolk Regt:- " Nov.19th 1916, My dear Mrs Bradon, You will by this time have heard of your husband's death , and I am sending you a line to give you details. On the afternoon of the 15th I got a wire confirming your husband's commission, and that same afternoon the battalion was ordered to take a village at dawn the next day. Your husband's Company was one of two in the front line, and when within 400 or 500 yards from the Bulgar trenches he was shot through the chest and died instantly. He was brought in a few minutes later, and we buried him in a very nice village where we now are, along with a private of the Battalion. He was the only one killed in the attack, officer or man, and I hardly need say how grieved I was to see him brought past me on the field. He was a very great loss to me and to the Battalion. He was simply loved by his Company, officers and men, not only because he was a fine soldier, but had the kindest of hearts. Nothing was too much trouble for him, if it ensured the welfare of his men. He died leading his men to victory, for we took the village, driving 250 Bulgars before us, and held it. A soldier of his standing could wish for no finer death: but all of us would so much have liked to have had him with us in the officers' mess, and seen him with his star badges up. But of course, you will understand it would have taken him a day or two to his kit. However, he knew he had got his commission in his own Battalkon, and said that if anything happended to him it would help you so much. He had a presentiment that something would happen to him, and so did I and our Brigade Commander. I don't know why, but we did. I don't suppose there is an officer or man in the battalion whose loss is so much felt as his. I shall not be able to replace him, for he was as true as steel. You have my full feeling. I've lost two brothers myself this war, and know what it means. His effects will be sent home to you and I trust they will reach you safely. It is God's will that he was called away from us, and He knows so much better than we do what is best. It is, I know, so much harder for those left at home to bear the pain inficted on them . You people at home are called upon to suffer the greatest hardships. Well, Mrs.Bradon, you have the sympathy of all the officers and men of the battalion, and our thoughts are all with you at this hour. Believe me, yours very truly, H.C. JOICEY, Lt Col. O.C. 1st Suffolk Regt.
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