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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 17:45 GMT (UK)

Title: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 17:45 GMT (UK)
Looking for some help with a few queries on this WW1 Casualty.
Benjamin was a career soldier with the 97th Foot in 1892.
He was born in 1874 in Chatham, Kent.  He was in The Buffs when he became a casualty on 26 September 1915. Service No S/32.

On the CWGC site in additional information it states that his late wife was called Maggie Brand.  I have been unable to find a marriage or in fact a death for her. Any assistance in finding the records for either would be great.

On the Dover memorial site it states his wife was Agnes (nee Taylor) and they suggest that Maggie may have been mis-transcribed from 'Aggie'.  They have a marriage down as being on 14th August 1899 at St Vincent's RC Church, Glasgow. 

He appears to have been residing in Gravesend when the war started but cannot find him on the 1901 or 1911 Census. I am not able to find a service record either.

Any assistance with any of the above would be greatly appreciated.

K8T
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: rosie99 on Monday 05 March 18 17:54 GMT (UK)
Scotlandspeople has this marriage
BRAND - BENJAMIN JAMES
TAYLOR - AGNES
1899
644/5 260
Blackfriars
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 18:20 GMT (UK)
Thank you rosie99.  That's the one Dover Memorial has, I guess Blackfriars is the registration area.  Does anyone have access to the record/certificate itself?
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: JJen on Monday 05 March 18 18:31 GMT (UK)
Just confirming the above details. His Service Record shows the marriage -

Agnes Taylor (spinster)
14 Aug 1899, St Vincent, RC Church, Glasgow

JJ
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 18:50 GMT (UK)
Thanks JJen, where did you find his service record?
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: JJen on Monday 05 March 18 19:09 GMT (UK)
Thanks JJen, where did you find his service record?

On FindMyPast

JJ
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: JJen on Monday 05 March 18 19:16 GMT (UK)
Benjamin's first Service was from 24 Nov 1890 to 17 April 1891 with 3rd Battalion East Kent Regiment. It would appear that he was discharged by purchase.

JJ
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 19:23 GMT (UK)
Thanks JJen, that is a great help.
I guess he was out of the country 1901 and 1911 as I can't find him on the censuses.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: JJen on Monday 05 March 18 19:28 GMT (UK)
He was awarded the Kings S. Africa Clasp 1901/1902 so that may account for him not being on the 1901.

JJ

Added - just noticed that Benjamin was in South Africa 16 Mar 1900 to 11 Sep 1902.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: jim1 on Monday 05 March 18 19:30 GMT (UK)
Had his wife died by 1915 as his War Gratuity went to his mother listed as sole legatee.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 19:37 GMT (UK)
Brilliant thanks JJen.

Thank you too Jim1.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 20:05 GMT (UK)
Jim1, she must have died by January 1916 as that was when the first gratuity was issued to his mother Ellen then.  I cannot find a recorded death for Agnes.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: jim1 on Monday 05 March 18 20:16 GMT (UK)
In case you didn't know he was at Despierre Farm France. It's NE of Armentierres.
The farm is indicated in blue. The trench would be just in front of it.
The German trench is in red.
There was an exchange of mortar fire on the 26th. although no casualties are listed he must have died during this exchange.
Square C3 on this map:
http://maps.nls.uk/view/101464966
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 05 March 18 21:00 GMT (UK)
Wow Jim1 that's fantastic information.  Thank you so much.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: rosie99 on Tuesday 06 March 18 07:35 GMT (UK)
Thank you rosie99.  That's the one Dover Memorial has, I guess Blackfriars is the registration area.  Does anyone have access to the record/certificate itself?

You can purchase it from Scotlands people  :)
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Tuesday 06 March 18 20:19 GMT (UK)
Thanks rosie99.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: Curator on Wednesday 13 June 18 16:29 BST (UK)
I have Sgt Benjamin James Brand's death plaque, I've never had his medals, if there are verifiable family who are interested in its return, please get in touch.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: K8T on Monday 18 June 18 20:25 BST (UK)
Hi Curator,
That's great.  If I come across any of the family during my research I will let you know.
Title: Re: Benjamin James Brand - The Buffs
Post by: Curator on Monday 18 June 18 20:33 BST (UK)
No probs, Brand is my surname but he's no relation.