William Thomas Brewer was born in Bexleyheath in around 1878 to Sarah Ann and William Thomas (senior). His father was a labourer and the family lived at 2 Victoria Cottages in Lion Lane, Bexleyheath. William was the eldest of 10 siblings, two of whom had died by the time of the 1911 Census. His youngest brother, Ernest Clement Brewer, was also killed in war.
At the time of the 1901 Census William was staying at Canterbury barracks. He had joined the East Kent Regiment and the photo above was taken on 29th July 1901, the day before he set sail to South Africa with his regiment.
William married Emily Walker when they were both 36 years old, which was quite late in life for the time, on 9th February 1914 at St Lawrence’s Church in Chobham in Surrey. William was by then a postman and Emily worked as a domestic servant in Chobham. Newly wed, they moved to William’s house at 32 Herbert Road in Bromley in Kent. They were to have no children.
William enlisted on 11th December 1915, was sent to the army reserve on 12th December 1915, and mobilised 6 months later on 21st June 1916 as a private in the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment.(The Buffs) at Maidstone Barracks. We know from his enlistment papers that he was short – only 5 ft 3 ins, and had a small naevus (i.e. birthmark) on his left arm.
On 7th January 1917 he was sent to France, three months after his brother Ernest was killed in the Somme. On 16th July 1917, William was mortally wounded in action. He died two days later on 18th July. His records state that he was “Wounded in action … GSW (i.e. gun shot wounds) arm R, buttock L…Died of wounds GSW arm/ buttock/ Gas/ Gangrene”.
He is buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France – III.B.7
His last address was 32 Herbert Road, Bromley Common. In 1920, his father and mother were living at 33 Woolwich Road, along with a sister, Winifred. A brother, Charlie, is listed as living in Charman’s Cottages, Welling.
After the war, there are some documents reporting Emily being sent some of his personal articles, including a packet of letters and a watch & chain. She was also sent a memorial scroll from the Infantry Record Office.
William Thomas Brewer had no direct links with East Wickham and Welling but is remembered on the online war memorial as he is the brother of Ernest Brewer.
Commemorated
- Bexleyheath War Memorial
- Bromley Post Office Memorial
Links
This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to William Thomas Brewer, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.