Born: 1881, Bradford
Died: 18 June 1916
Buried: Louez Military Cemetery
Address: 17 Fagley Road, Eccleshill
Parents: Thomas & Martha, nee Kershaw
Spouse: Mary Ann, nee Naylor
Siblings: Four
Occupation: Board case maker
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Pte
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Eccleshill, Park and St Luke’s
Children:
Regiment:Seaforth Highlanders
Edward Branson
Edward Branson was born in
Bradford in 1878 the son of
Thomas Branson and Martha, nee
Kershaw. Thomas was born in
Wigton in Leicestershire and
Martha in Bradford. They were
married in Dewsbury in 1862 and
they had five surviving children,
Edward being the youngest.
In 1881 the family were living at
61 Sticker Lane and Thomas was
working a horse driver. Ten years
later they had moved to No. 157
Sticker Lane. Thomas was now
working as a labourer in a foundry
and Edward at 12 years old was
working as a box maker.
The family were still living at 157
Sticker Lane in 1901. Thomas is
now working as an agricultural
labourer and Edward has
progressed to being a board
packing case maker.
On the 15th August 1908 at St
Luke’s Church, Eccleshill, Edward
married Mary Ann Naylor, 27 years
old, of 11 Fagley Road, daughter of
Joseph Naylor, Quarryman.
Edward and Mary took up
residence at 7 Fagley Road.
Edward enlisted in the 4th
Battalion of the Seaforth
Highlanders on the 15th October
1915 as Private 4377 and at this
time was living at 17 Fagley Road.
On the 7th January 1916 the 4th
Battalion transferred to the 152nd
Brigade of the 51st Highland
Division.
This Division was involved in
fighting near Givenchy when
Edward was killed in action on the
18th June 1916. He was 35 years
of age.
Edward is buried at the Louez
Military Cemetery, Duisans, which
was taken over by the 51st
Highland Division as a “front line
cemetery” in March 1916 with
burials being made from the 8th
Clearing Station.
Edward’s effects of £3. 11. 11d
were left to his widow Mary Ann
and paid to her on the 8th
September 1916 and his War
Gratuity of £3. 0. 0d on the 4th
September 1919.
Researched and written by Jean
Britteon, to whom many thanks.
