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Item

Berry Alfred Private 130509

Catalogue reference: SKR/DAT/IP/5840

What’s it about?

This record is about the Berry Alfred Private 130509 dating from 2000-2024.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at Vickers MG Collection & Research Association.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at Vickers MG Collection & Research Association.

Full description and record details

Reference

SKR/DAT/IP/5840

Title

Berry Alfred Private 130509

Date

2000-2024

Description

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: Berry;

Forename(s): Alfred;

Initials: A;

Number: 130509;

Rank: Private;

Enlisted in: Blackburn;

Previous Number: 6730;

Previous Regiment: E Lanc Regt;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 34 Bn;

How killed: KIA;

Where: Belgium;

When killed: 31-Aug-1918;

Other Data: photo:GS Archives
Alfred Berry was born on September 2nd 1898 and
lived at 114 Trafalgar Street. He enlisted in Blackburn
as Private 6730 in the East Lancashire Regiment and
was transferred to become Private 130509 in the 34th
Bn., Machine Gun Corps (Infantry).
Two Days Off 20 (Bumlev Express 18/9/1918)
. The news of the. death in action on August 31st of Pte.
Alfred Berry', 130509 of the Machine Gun Corps, only son
of Mr and Mrs Berry', of 114, Trafalgar Street, Burnley,
will be regretted especially by those connected with the
Burnley Lane Salvation Army Corps, with which place he
was clearly identified. Pte. Berry' was 19 years of age and
would have celebrated his 20th birthday' had he lived two
day's more. Previous to joining the. army on January’ 29th,
1916, he was employed at Messrs. Butterworth and
Dickinson’s Ironworks, Rosegrove. He was drafted out in
March of the present year and had gone through some
severe fighting.
An Officer of his company', Sec-Lt. Warker has forwarded
the following letter to the mother of deceased soldiers “It
is with g'eat regret I write to you in connection with your
son. During the recent fighting near-------------your son was one
of a team whose position was near a farm building. It is
nearly a ruin of course. Before the advance we were
subjected to shell fire, and one large shell fell close to the
team. We were on the spot in a moment, but only to find
your son andfour other members of the team had been
killed instantly. We buried them in all honour in the yard
of the farm. I had to advance shortly afterwards. It was
here your son’s friend, Lee-Cpi. Clough, was killed at the
same time. The date was 31st August at 5.00am. We all
send you our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your son. He
was a promising and very’ steady> soldier and I too shall
miss him in the section. ”;

Other Notes: BERRY, Private, A, 130509. 34th Bn. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). 31st August 1918. V. B. 23. La Clytte Military Cemetery - Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

NOK: mother - Mrs Jane Berry, 14 Trafalgar St, Burnley;

Is photo available? Yes, see VMGCRA Patreon

END OF RECORD.

Held by
Vickers MG Collection & Research Association
Language

English

Creator(s)
Graham Sacker
Physical description

1 digital record

Access conditions

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.

Unpublished finding aids
Finding Aids page on VMGCRA Website: https://vickersmg.blog/about/research/mgcdatabase/. Additional material may be available for VMGCRA Patreon subscribers at: https://www.patreon.com/vickersmg/posts?filters%5Btag%5D=skr5840 . Ensure you are logged in to check. Subscribe from £3 per month.
Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/87a45d3f-98f2-4fc8-bcbc-06d3d7e94e90/

Series information

SKR/DAT/IP

Machine Gun Corps Database

See the series level description for more information about this record.

View series description

Catalogue hierarchy

154,725 records
144,433 records

Within the fonds: SKR.2025.11

Machine Gun Corps Database Collection

144,433 records

Within the series: SKR/DAT/IP

Machine Gun Corps Database

144,432 records

Within the file: SKR/DAT/IP

Individual Records

You are currently looking at the item: SKR/DAT/IP/5840

Berry Alfred Private 130509