Name
Bernard Frank Flanders
1893
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/10/1915
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
1977
London Regiment
1st/20th Bn.
'C' Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
LOOS MEMORIAL
Panel 130 to 135.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
Bernard was born in 1893 in Hitchin and his parents were George Charles and Emma Flanders and (believed née Howlett and married in 1887 in Hitchin).
In 1901 the family were living at 15 Tilehouse Street, Hitchin. Present were both parents: George (36) and Emma (39) with George working as a coach builder. Their children were: Arthur Stanley (9), Frank Bernard (7) and Elsie Mildred (3). A domestic servant was also present - Louie Mabel Slaydon (16).
By 1911 the family were living at 56 Abbey Road, Cambridge. However, of the parents only Emma was present, although she was listed as married (i.e. not a widow). The census recorded she had been married for 23 years with 5 children, of whom 2 had died. Of their children only Arthur, 19 and domestic chauffeur, and Elsie were present. Bernard was found living at 26 Duncan Terrace, Islington N E C, with his Uncle and Aunt - Arthur F and Rhoda Eliz Flanders. He was working as a stockbroker’s clerk.
The Soldiers Died In The Great War database records that he was born in Hitchin and was living in E. Dulwich when he enlisted in Blackheath.
Wartime Service
Little is known at present of Bernard’s war service, but after training he landed France on 9 March 1915, which suggest that enlisted soon after the outbreak of war. He served with 1st/20th Bn. London Regiment in ‘C’ Company and was killed in action with them on 20 October 1915; almost certainly in the Battle of Loos. His body was never recovered, and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.
Additional Information
After his death £3 6s 4d pay owing was authorised to go to his mother, Emma, on 15 February 1916. Later, a war gratuity of £4 10s was authorised to be paid to her on 18 October 1919.
His pension cards record Emma Flanders as his mother and dependant, living at 59 Russell Street, Cambridge – late changed to The Mill House, Congresbury, Somerset. She was awarded a pension of 7s 6d a week from 4 April 1917.
The CWGC records that Bernard ‘was the son of Emma Flanders, of 5, Oakfield Place, St. Paul's Rd., Clifton, Bristol, and the late George Charles Flanders (A.M.I., R.F.C.).’
Air Mechanic 1st Class. Although not completely proven, because although George’s pension cards name his widow as Emma, the addresses given for her do not match any of the addresses for Bernard’s mother on his pension cards, George is almost certainly Bernard’s father. He was Air Mechanic 1st Class, 27319, Royal Flying Corps who died on 25 March 1918 of chronic nephritis. The addresses given on his pension card for Emma were Hornsey Lane Gardens, Highgate, N10 and 50 Gladsmuir Road, Archway Street, Highgate, N10. He is buried in Durrington Cemetery in the UK.
Unlike Bernard, who was born in Hitchin, his father has no direct connection because he was not born there and not living when he enlisted.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild
