Private Henry Leonard Bradley
| Date of Birth | 10 June 1898 |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 18 |
| Date of Death | 7 December 1917 |
| Service Number | G/22467 |
| Military Service | 7th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) |
| Merton Address | 207 Longley Road, Tooting |
| Local Memorial | Mitcham War Memorial |
Additional Information
Henry was born in Islington on 10 June 1898. His father Frederick Howe Bradley was a Dairyman working on his own account. Henry’s mother Olive was employed as a Dairymaid, working alongside her husband in the family business. In 1911 Henry was aged 12 and lived at 207 Longley Road, Tooting with his brothers Frederick 14, and Cyril aged 11.
School admission records record that the brothers were admitted on 8 June 1903 to Fircroft Road School, while the family were living at 73 Charlmont Road, Tooting. In August 1904, they attended Eardley Road School while living at Leverson Street, Streatham.
The Surrey Recruitment Register records that Henry attested at Wandsworth under the Lord Derby Scheme, with the 10th Battalion, East Sussex Regiment on 24 July 1916 shortly after his 18th birthday. He was described as being 5ft 2in in height, weighing just 121 lbs. His address was given as 11 Loubert Street, Tooting.
At some point he must have transferred to The East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) as this was the unit he was with when he died of wounds on 7 December 1917. He served with the 7th (Service) Battalion, which saw action at various battles, including the Battles of Pilkelm Ridge, Langemarck and Passchendaele.
Henry is buried at Gent City Cemetery, Belgium and his grave is marked with a cross. He is also commemorated locally on the Mitcham War Memorial. After the war ended, his father received his last pay which amounted to £5.4.10 plus the War Gratuity of £5.00.