Russell William Bradberry

Russell was a Lance Bombardier with the Royal Garrison Artillery who died aged 33 at Rouen Hospital on 3 December 1917 from trench fever contracted while serving in France.

Civilian Life Russell Bradberry was born in Wealdstone in 1884, the eldest son of Russell and Mary Rebecca Bradberry. He lived at 48 Locket Road, Wealdstone, and was the eldest of four children, with siblings Ada Kate, Thomas Blacksley and Millicent. In 1911, Russell was working as a clerk with a stock and share dealer.

His connection with John Lyon School is recorded on the school's First World War memorial plaque and sundial. His name also appears on the Wealdstone Clock Tower memorial and the memorial associated with the London Stock Exchange.

Russell married Elsie White at Holy Trinity Church, Wealdstone, on 14 July 1913 and at the time of his death, Elsie was living in Wealdstone.

Military Life - Russell enlisted in Harrow on 10 September 1915 and joined the Royal Garrison Artillery. He served as a Lance Bombardier with the 301st Siege Battery. After training at Shoeburyness, the 301st Siege Battery landed in France on 2 April 1917 and was attached to the Heavy Artillery Group.

Russell died from trench fever at a hospital in Rouen, France, on 3 December 1917, aged 33. Trench Fever was a relapsing bacterial infection caused when louse faeces entered the body through a wound or scratched/broken skin. Lethal cases were rare, but severe, persistent fever could lead to heart failure. He was initially buried at Bois-Guillaume Communal Cemetery Extension near Rouen. His remains were subsequently returned to England, and he was buried at All Saints Churchyard, Harrow Weald.

A letter from the military chaplain to Elsie recorded: “I do so sympathise with you in the death of your husband. You know he died as a brave man and good soldier.” The chaplain also stated that Russell had been buried with reverence and military honours.