William Ernest Kent

Rank: Private

Regiment: 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment

Parents: Mr William Henry & Mrs Mary Ellen Kent

Brother: F Kent

Address: 17 North Street, St Leonards

Other Info: At the Front. According to CWGC, William died aged 21 on 16th August 1916. He is remembered at the Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension, grave reference G.23.

An article published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer on 26th August 1916 reads: “We regret to have to announce the death of Private W. E. Kent, Royal Sussex Regiment. His home was at North Street, St Leonards. He one of the first to join the Imperial Scouts an was still with them when they were made into the Cadets. He had the rank of Armoury Staff Sergeant Major. He joined the Royal Sussex, and went to the Front on February 18th 1915. He was a choir boy at Christ Church, St Leonards.

Lieut. Crittenden, in whose Company Private Kent was working, writing to the parents says: No man has died in a finer way than he did. With three others, he volunteered to carry a badly wounded man to the dressing station. The Germans were shelling heavily the whole way. One shell burst very close, and your son was hit by a large fragment in the head. Death was absolutely instantaneous. I know your son to be a very brave man. He died a fine death, saving the life of a wounded friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He body has been recovered, and he will be buried in a peaceful cemetery.

The wounded comrade referred to was Private Henry Cowley of St Leonards. The fact of his being wounded was mentioned in our last issue. Private Cowley, who is grievously wounded, is bright and cheerful and proud of the part he has played in the War. He his quite helpless and too weak to be operated upon. He is by no means out of danger and in all probability it will be a very long time before he is able to get about again.”

Published: May 1915 & August 1916

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