Name
Ferdinand Brenyer Rueben Dodson
1896
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
28/09/1915
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
19867
Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY
1.E.52
France
Headstone Inscription
THY WILL BE DONE
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Ashwell memorials, We are not aware of any Caldecote memorial
Pre War
Ferdinand was born in 1896 in Knapwell, Cambs and his parents were John and Eliza Ann Dodson(née)
In 1901 the family were living at corner of St Neots Road, Knapwell. Present were both parents: John (27) and Eliza (26), with John and working as a horsekeeper on farm. Their children were: Lily M Reuben (9 and stepdaughter), Ferdinand Brenyer Rueben (4) and Alfred J C (1)
By 1911 the family were living at Newnham, Baldock, Herts. Present were both parents, John still working as a horsekeeper on farm. The census recorded they had been married for 15 years with 8 children all living. Of the children listed above Lily was absent. Ferdinand was now 14 and a labourer on a farm and Alfred was still at school. They had new siblings: Louisa (10), Arthur (7), Ivy (4) and twins Fredrick and Harry at 6 months old.
Officially Ferdinand was recorded as born in Knapwell, Cambs., and living in Caldicote, Beds – believed Herts and enlisted in Bedford.
Wartime Service
Ferdinand landed in France on 30 August 1915 and died from wounds received in action on 28th of September 1915.
Additional Information
Son of John and Eliza Ann Dodson, of Cold Harbour, nr. Ashwell, Herts. His mother ordered his headstone inscription, which reads: "THY WILL BE DONE".
Brother of Alfred John Charles Dodson who also died.
After his death £3 1s 1d was authorised to go to his father, John, on 4 February 1916. Later, a war gratuity of £3 was authorised to be paid to him on 9 September 1919.
The pension cards name both Alfred and his brother Ferdinand and record Eliza their mother as his next of dependant, living at Coldharbour, Ashwell. She was awarded a pension of 6s 6d a week from 13 May 1919.
Acknowledgments
Derry Warners, Brenda Palmer
Adrian Pitts, Paul Johnson
