Corporal Albert Somers Bray (4390/241421)

Albert Bray was born at Malvern on the 14th November 1897, the son of Albert Bray, a clerk at Malvern Council and Mrs V Bray of Willow Cottages, Lower Wyche. He attended the Wyche School from 15th April 1901 until 21st December 1911.

In 1901, the Census showed the family living at 3 Ivy Cottages, Lower Wyche. At this time Albert Bray had a younger brother, Stephen H who was born in August 1900. Also living at the cottage was his aunt, Fanny Bray.

He enlisted in the 8th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment ^[1] in July 1915 and served with the Second Line battalion. He was killed on the 27th August 1917 at the beginning of the Passchendaele offensive ^[2]. A memorial service was held for him after Evensong on the 9th September at All Saints Church, The Wyche ^[3].

The Malvern News reported on the 22nd September:

“The memorial service was held for the eldest son of Mr and Mrs A Bray, Willow Cottage. He was a member of 1st Malvern Troop and a letter from his former Scoutmaster, now a Captain in Albert’s regiment was received by his father. He wrote: “Bertie was the pick of the Company and a great lad, always cheery and bright and always a smile on his face and ever to be relied on to do his job. His Company Commander thought a lot of him although he was so young. You know what I think of him and I can’t put it into words as my eyes become dim; but whether we live or die, anyone who has fought and died out here will surely rest in peace and what better rest could one have through knowing one has died to save others.”