Bernard Charles Bennett

Story:
Bernard Charles Bennett was born on 11 Feb 1890 at Manor Farm, Chilmark, Wiltshire, and baptised at the Chilmark Parish Church on 6 Apr 1890 the son of Edward John Bennett, a farmer, and Katherine Maud Bennett (nee Parham). He lived all his early life in Chilmark apart from attending Sherborne School, Sherborne, Dorset, around 1905. He enlisted with the Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry (Service No. 469) which unit was later amalgamated with the Corps of Hussars (new Service No. 230026). He was posted to the Egyptian Theatre on 23 Apr 1915. Bernard had achieved the rank of Sergeant by the time he married Winifred Waters at Sixpenny Handley Church, Dorset, on 20 May 1916 whilst on leave. His son, Bernard Francis Valentine Bennett was born on 14 Feb 1917. Bernard resumed his service in the The Middle East and was in Palestine (now Israel) when he was killed in an enemy air raid. (The likelihood is that Bernard never knew his son as a result). He was buried in the Deir el Belah War Cemetery, Palestine (Israel) grave ref. A.197. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. His wife was awarded a Widow's Pension for herself and son though she went on to re-marry Francis Drake during 1919 and had a further three more children. Bernard is remembered on the Chilmark, Wiltshire, War Memorial and on the Roll of Honour in Sherborne School. Winifred was the sister of Jack Fitzroy Waters of Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, who was also killed in the conflict.