Birdsey, H F [or H J]

HUBERT/HERBERT FRED BIRDSEY

Remembered with honour Thiepval Memorial: Pier and Face 9A 9B and 10B.

He originally enlisted 12 March 1909 in Watford in the Territorial Force – Royal Field Artillery for four years service in the U.K.: a plumber aged 26, unmarried, 5’5″ tall, of Watford.  He was a Driver until 31 July 1910, and was discharged 11 July 1911 at his own request.  He re-enlisted in Coventry, Warks, was entitled to the Victory, British War and 1914-15 Star medals, his qualifying date being 22 March 1915, and was killed in action.  Unfortunately, Hubert’s W.W.1 Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.

There are Death announcements for Hubert in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 5 August 1916 and 12 August 1916.

Son of Matthew and Hannah Maria (nee FOWLER) BIRDSEY of Watford.

His parents married 1 July 1873 at All Saints, Leighton Buzzard, Beds.  Hannah died 1932 in Watford aged 80, and was buried 7 July in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Matthew died 1934 in Watford aged 84, and was buried 30 January, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.

Hubert/Herbert was born 26 September 1883 in Watford.  He attended first Beechen Grove Infants’ School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School from 12 January 1891 to 26 February 1897.  He resided in Watford.

On the 1891 Census, aged 8 he lived in Watford, with his parents and nine siblings.  On the 1901 Census, a cocoa factory hand aged 17, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings.  On the 1911 Census, it is assumed Hubert was overseas with his regiment.