Born in1895 at Woodford, son of Arthur (Grainer - Decorator) and Ruth Searle. 1901: With his family at High Road, Church End, South Woodford. 1911: A Shop Assistant to an Oilman, living with his family at 1 Cowley Cottages, High Road, South Woodford.
He later took employment with the Xylonite Factory at Larkswood Road, Highams Park.
He enlisted at Walthamstow, and was sent to 9 Kings Royal Rifle Corps, arriving in France on 25th February 1916.
In September 1916 he was listed as wounded, suffering from shell shock.
On 9th April 1917 9 KRRC attacked what was known as the “string of the harp trench system” at Arras, but uncut wire and heavy machine gun fire caused took a toll. The objective was taken and consolidated, but at a cost of 204 casualties among the Other Ranks. It is possible that Herbert sustained the wounds during this action, which would cause his death next day.
He is also remembered on the panels of the Xylonite War Memorial, which are currently housed in Highams Park Library.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Regimental History