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William Thomas Brewer
1877 - 18/07/1917
Source: Bromley & District Times
Other Memorials: St Luke's Church, Bromley, Post Office
Place of birth: Bexleyheath, Kent
Last known address in Bromley: 32 Herbert Road
Last known address in Bromley: 32 Herbert Road
Military information
Regiment/Service: Queen's Own Royal West Kent RegimentBattalion/Ship: 6th Bn
Rank: Private
Number: 16165
Family information
Parents: William T & Sarah Ann Brewer (nee Finch/Sanham)Parents' occupation: General labourer
Siblings: Florence Amy Sarah, Henry (d), Charles Henry, Alice Mary, George Arthur, Minnie Frances, Renny (d), Ernest Clement, Winifred Violet
Wife: Emily Walker
Marriage date: 09-02-1914
Census information
1891Address: 1 Victoria Cottages, Lion Street, Bexleyheath
1901
Address: Army
1911
Address: Army
Extra details
William was the third of William and Sarah Brewer's ten children. He was baptised at Christ Church Bexleyheath on 9th September 1877.
William worked as a labourer at the Woolwich Arsenal where he joined the 3rd Volunteer Brigade of the Royal West Kents. On 29th November 1900 he enlisted in the Buffs (East Kent Regiment), serving for 12 years. He was 5ft 3ins tall, had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. William served at home until 31st August 1901 then he went to South Africa to serve in the Boer War. From there he was posted to Burma, India and Aden, returning home on 9th December 1904. He was awarded the Queen's Medal with five clasps. He completed his twelve years of service on 28th December 1912.
William became a postman on 26th May 1913 and by the time he married Emily Walker on 9th February 1914 in Chobham, Surrey he was living in Bromley.
On 11th December 1915 William re-enlisted in the Royal West Kents, and passed as a first class signaller. He was put on reserve until mobilised on 21st June 1916. William embarked for the Front in January 1917 where it is reported that he went "over the top" on three occasions, the first being on Easter Monday, when he found an Iron Cross which he sent home to his wife.
William died of gas gangrene two days after receiving gunshot wounds to his right arm and left buttock.
His brother Ernest was killed on 17th October 1916, and Emily also lost a brother in November 1916.
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