Herbert was born on 15.1.1899 in Coalville, Leicestershire to William Cave Bennett, a railway stoker, and Fanny (Smith). He was one of four children all born in Coalville –
William James 1896
Herbert Charles 1899
Evelyn 1901
Cyril Arthur 1904
.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 37 Cambridge St., Coalville and in the 1911 census they lived at: 55 Prospect Hill, Leicester.
Herbert worked as a tailor and enlisted on 9.12.1916, aged 17 He was Private 39095 in the General Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment. He later became Private 30525 in 11th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment.
His military conduct sheet shows he was not a model soldier –
Date: 5.5.1917
Charge: Improperly dressed on parade.
Punishment: 2 days confined to barracks.
Date: 15.11.1917
Charge Dirty rifle on parade.
Punishment 4 days C to B
Date 3.12.1917
Charge Unlawful possession of small
Punishment 3 days CtoB
arms ammunition.
Date 14.2.1918
Charge Absent from midnight 12 Feb.
Punishment Loss of 5 days pay.
to 20.15 on 13 Feb.
He was killed in action on 12.7.1918, aged 19, in France and Flanders. He is buried at Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, Morbeque. Plot 2 Row A Grave 14.
His name is also on the memorial at St Stephen’s Church Leicester.
On 19.10.1918 Herbert’s father received a package of his son’s effects-2 discs, photos, religious book, E & F book,
autograph book, cards, YMCA writing pad, knife, wallet
