Private Sidney Herbert Holland
| Date of Birth | c. 1880 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 37 |
| Date of Death | 24 January 1917 |
| Service Number | 22452 |
| Military Service | "C" Company, 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment |
| Merton Address | Avondale, 6 Clarendon Grove, Mitcham |
| Local Memorial | Mitcham War Memorial |
Additional Information
Sidney was born in Battersea in January 1880 and lived with his father, Robert Maxwell Holland, a commercial traveller and bookseller and his mother, Sarah Annie Holland at 48 Orbel Street, Battersea along with his brothers, Horace, Vincent , William, George, Arthur and Frederick . The family were still at the same address for the 1891 census with an addition of an older brother, Frank and a servant. Robert, Sidney’s father, was away on business in Great Yarmouth. By 1901 the family had moved to 155 Bridge Road, Battersea, but with only George and Arthur living at home.
We next find Sidney in the 1911 census, alongside his wife Charlotte Louisa and their six month old daughter Norah, living at Avondale, 6 Clarendon Grove, Upper Mitcham. His 72 year old mother Sarah also lived with them. His father Robert meanwhile, was living with his other son, Horace in Surbiton. Their parents were both elderly, and it is likely that none of their children were able to accommodate both of them. Sidney was working as a commercial traveller for Oxford University Press. Later that year, on 2 December, Sidney and Charlotte had another son who they named William.
Sidney enlisted at Kingston into “C” Company, 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, and after training was sent to France with his battalion. On 10 January 1917 the battalion was relieved from the front line and went to Gorre for twelve days for rest and training. On 22 January they in turn relieved the 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment in the front line. On the 23rd there was very little activity whilst on 24th enemy guns were more active. Two men were killed and two slightly wounded by a 77mm shell which landed in Oxford Street trench. It is highly likely that Sidney was one of the fatalities, as he died of his wounds on 24 January 1917.
Sidney was entitled to The British War Medal and The Victory Medal.
Sidney is buried in the Gorre British and Indian Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France and is remembered at St. Mark’s Church, Mitcham and on the Mitcham War Memorial.
Sidney’s wife, Charlotte, received two payments from the army - £2.18.8 on 28 April 1917 from money owing to Sidney, and after the war on 23 October 1919 she received his War Gratuity of £3.00.