Fredrick James Brabben

A Private with the 1/7th Battalion, Fredrick died on 28th of August 1917 at the age of 35. 

Frederick, sometimes known as Fred, was born at Thurlton, Norfolk, in 1879, a son of William and Matu Ann (Maria) Brabben. He was baptised at Thurlton on 26 May 1879 and his family lived at Thurlton. In 1891 his family lived at Reedham Road, Loddon. Later his parents lived at Thorpe, Haddiscoe, Norfolk.

In 1911 Frederick lived at 5 Hall Lane, Hardley, Loddon, and he worked as a horse man.  

Frederick enlisted in the Army at Loddon, Norfolk. He joined the Norfolk Regiment, service number 3699, and was posted to the 2/4th Battalion.

On 17 May 1916 Frederick married Adelaide Lay at Saint Peter’s Church, Kirkley. Frederick was a soldier and they both gave their address as Kirkley. Later Adelaide lived at 4 Walmer Road, Kirkley.

Frederick was posted to France and transferred to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, service number 300006. He was posted to the 1/7th Battalion. 

On 16 August 1917 the 1/7th Battalion were in positions at Canal Bank, near Ypres. On 27 August they attacked and captured Springfield Farm. Later that day A and B Companies were relieved and moved to Poperinghe and on 28 August C and D Companies were relieved and moved to Poperinghe.

There is no official record of what happened to Frederick. He was reported to have been wounded and, later, it was determined that he had been killed in action on 28 August.