Private Herbert Bull, First World War Memorial Board in Eydon Village Hall.
Born in 1888, son of William and Mary Ann Bull, who lived in the High Street. William was a waggoner, and can be seen in the 1905 fire photos (KL001). Herbert was a clerk and got married in June 1915 to Sarah Jenkinson of Leamington, who already had a daughter, Elsie. Herbert's daughter, Dorothy was born in April 1916. By this time, Herbert had joined Kitchener's army. In November 1915, at the age of 27, he had signed up with the 3rd Bat. of the Northants Regiment. Herbert was not a big man, only 5' 2" tall with only a 34" full-expanded chest. He trained as a signaller and went to France and transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Northants Regiment in the field in April 1917. He survived the attack on the dunes at Neuport, where the half Battalion holding the line, bar 9 that escaped, were all killed or captured. He was then trained for an amphibious assault which was later cancelled.
They were posted to Poelcappelle as the 3rd Battle of Ypres was finishing. On November 13th, as they were making there way to the front line, they came under very heavy shellfire as they stumbled forward. Herbert Bull was killed by the shelling. He was 29 years old and was buried at Poelcappelle. It took 3 weeks to tell his widow, then living at Moreton Road, Eydon. Seven months later, she got a pension of 25/6 week for herself and two children. In Jan 1920, his widow got a scroll of thanks from the Army.
Photographer: Unknown professional
Image lent by : Dr Kevin Lodge
Connected Photos: KL095 | KL096 | KL098 | KL099 | KL100 | KL10134" full-expanded chest.