This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who died during The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Berry, Henry Played for England in four Internationals: 1910 W+ I= F+ (1t) S+ (1t) Henry Berry was born on 8 January 1883 at Gloucester. Husband of Beatrice Eveline Berry, of 68 Alvin Street, Gloucester. Played as a Forward for: St Mark’s School Gloucester, Gloucester, The Army Profession: Army/Publican Remarks: He served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 4th Militia Volunteers during the South African War (Queen’s Medal) on St Helena, having enlisted at age 16. He later transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Gloucester Regiment and served in Ceylon and India, then became a Reserve in 1909 after contracting malaria. During his service he played Rugby for the Regiment, and was captain of ‘D’ Company’s team for five unbeaten seasons. Henry played for Gloucester RFC between 1909 and 1913, originally as a centre and later as a forward. He was selected as reserve for England in 1909. In 1910 he played in England’s first match at Twickenham. In January 1910 he married Beatrice Eveline Arnold and together they ran the Red Lion public house, later moving to The Stag’s Head. Their son, Harry George, was born in August 1911, and a daughter, Phyllis Irene was born in April 1915. War service: He was recalled to the Regiment in 1914 and served as 5711, Corporal, 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. He went to France in February 1915. On the 8th May they [the 1st Battalion] moved up to take part in the battle of Aubers Ridge. The attacks failed and the Battalion marched back to Locon on the 10th May. They had lost 11 officers and 253 men. At 1600 on 9 May 1915, the 1st Gloucesters attacked with the 1st South Wales Borderers during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. The two battalions lost 495 men between them, including Harry Berry. He was killed in action on 9 May 1915, at Festubert, and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France [Panel 17].
Heres a bit extra Gareth ! http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co...-Kingsholmarticle-460128-details/article.html
He was with my Munsters ..... a lot of soldiers died that day !! In Memory of Corporal HENRY BERRY 5711, 1st Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment who died age 32 on 09 May 1915 Husband of Beatrice Eveline Berry, of 68, Alvin St., Gloucester. English International (1910). Remembered with honour LE TOURET MEMORIAL
