AC1, William Brundred, RAF (prev. RNVR), 23 Jan,1920.

[RFT]

Remembering the tenth of 47 Squadron's South Russia Casualties.

 

100 years ago, 23rd Jan, 1920.

Remembering 329969, AC1, William Brundred, RAF.

Aged 23/24 years.

 

It appears William Brundred enlisted as Private, Yorks & Lancs Regt, 31 Aug, 1914.  Transferring to the RNVR he then joined Benbow Battalion, 8 Sept, 1914.  Interned Groningen after Benbow Bn, crossed into Holland on the night of 9/10 Oct. (Refer to reply to this topic).

 

Some three months after being demobilised from RND (6th Feb, 1919), Mr Brundred volunteered for service with the RAF (for a short term duration of 1 year) commencing 22nd May, and immediately posted to Halton Camp, ahead of joining H.Q. 47 "A" Squadron on the 15th June.  Squadron records confirm he disembarked South Russia, 9th July, reporting for duty on the 11th.  Movements thereafter are sketchy but a note in the records, dated 7th Oct, 1919, confirms his posting to Beketovka with "A" Flight's train.  

 

Another entry in the RAF record of service confirms Mr Brundred was admitted as a patient of the British Military Mission Hospital but the reason/date for admission is not recorded.  He was again posted to duty on the 1st Dec, 1919.  Seven weeks later a curt note states "Died 23rd Jan, 1920 at Nov[orossiysk], South Russia."  Cause of death is not confirmed neither has a RAF Casualty Card been located but, interestingly, Mr Brundred's name will be found in the National Roll of the Great War but there would appear to be a number of obvious errors in the description for him (and has since been deleted from this topic).  The National Roll however does state he "Died from Exposure" (which may yet stand to be corrected).

 

Remembered With Honour at the Haidar Pasha Memorial, Turkey.

According to RAF record William Brundred was born 14th Feb, 1896, Bank, Leeds but it appears the year should be 1895!  

Son of John Thomas Brundred, 12 New Row, Mill Street, Bank, Leeds, Yorkshire.

 

Edited 23 January , 2020 by RFT
Additional information.

[horatio2]

9 minutes ago, RFT said:

(previously Private, RMLI).

Thre are several errors of fact in the National Roll for this man.

William BRUNDRED served in the RND as an Able Seaman RNVR. He never served in the RMLI. He first enlisted as a private in the York & Lancs. Regt. on 31 Aug 14 and on 8 Sep 14 was transferred to RNVR for service in 1st Brigade RND (Benbow Battalion). He was not "taken prisoner in November of the same year." He was iinterned in Groningen after Benbow Battalion crossed into Holland on the night of 9/10 October. His medal entitlement was the 1914 Star and Clasp, and Victory and British War Medals (issued to his father). After repatriation he was demobilised from the RND on 6 Feb 1919. His RND record confirms date of death as 23 Jan 1920.

 

His RND Record has two (earlier) addresses for him: Bunkers Hill, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield and (later) 40 Salop Street, off Sussex Street, Bank, Leeds. It also gived his d.o.b. as 14 Feb 1895.

[RFT]

Very much appreciate your input and corrections to that contained in the National Roll of The Great War.

 

Was the National Roll compiled from official documents or family records (or was it a combination of both)?  J T Brundred's address being included in the National Roll biography perhaps suggests the latter!

 

Edited 23 January , 2020 by RFT
Revised text.

[wrightdw]

A surprising number of men who volunteered for service in Russia were ex-POW's, many 1914 POW's but also a sprinkling of 1918 'Spring Offensive' POW's. More commonly officers than men.

 

Most notably Brian Horrocks who commanded XXX Corps at Arnhem (played by Edward Fox in the move 'A Bridge Too Far') who learnt Russian as a POW in Germany.

 

RND suffered heavily on Gallipoli and Western Front, in some ways he was lucky to be interned in neutral Holland 'for the duration' only to die in a failed and forgotten post war campaign.

 

Thanks for posting about him. I was unaware of his RND service. I will add a note next to his entry in the casualty roll in my book for the next print run.

[RFT]

Thanks Damien.  Good to know this topic is of interest.

 

Details concerning two more (47 Squadron) casualties will follow in due course.

 

Rob