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View Full Version : (6) Herbert Flesher, Private G/1296 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment


Jill
13-05-14, 07:26
6th of the Old Boys of my school to lose his life in WW1.

Herbert was born on 5 Sep 1889 in Haywards Heath, West Sussex to Edward and Mary Ann Flesher, the family lived in South Road where Mr Flesher was a painter. By 1911 when Herbert was 21 he was still living with his parents and was a gardener.

His father died in 1912 and in the same year Herbert married Florence Parker and they had two children, Edward born in 1913 and Herbert Arthur in 1914. In spite of having two young children - the baby only 2 months old - he enlisted as a volunteer on 3rd September 1914 and was killed in action on 29 Jan 1915 at La Basseé, France; it is not known where he is buried. He was 25. These two pieces appeared in the local paper:

MID SUSSEX TIMES Feb 9 1915
PRIVATE H FLESHER
Killed at La Basseé on January 29th, possibly in the great bayonet charge, was Private Herbert Flesher of the 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, a well-known inhabitant of Haywards Heath. Before war broke out he was employed by Mr Douglas W Clarke at Great Haywards and resided in Franklynn Road. He was the youngest son of the late Mr Edward Miles Flesher and Mrs Flesher of 1 Pelham Place, South Road. About two years ago he was married, and leaves a widow and two children, the younger only six months old. On September 3rd last he enlisted, joining the 7th Service Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment. He was transferred from that to the 3rd Battalion stationed at Dover and about a month ago he was included in a draft sent to the front to fill up the gaps in the 2nd Battalion. Since then those who have followed the war news know, the fighting has been very severe and many on both sides have lost their lives. Private Flesher was 24 years of age. In early life he worked at the Mid Sussex Times.

MID SUSSEX TIMES Feb 16 1915
THE LATE PRIVATE H FLESHER who was killed at La Basseé on January 29th was 25 years of age and not 24 as recorded in our last issue. Through this medium Mrs H Flesher and family wish to tender their grateful thanks to the many friends who extended to them sympathy in their sad bereavement.

His widow was paid his outstanding pay of £19 and a War Gratuity of £3 went to her as joint legatee with her sons.