Albert Brainerd Raynes

Albert was the eldest son of Albert Edward and Alice Mary Raynes nee Terzza. Albert Edward was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, in about 1867 and Alice Mary was born in Nottingham in 1870 (J/A/S). They were married in 1893 (marriage registered A/M/J Nottingham). They had three sons; Albert Brainerd (b. 21 November 1894), Edward Gordon (b. 13 August 1898) and John Leonard (b. 9 November 1901). Edward and John were both born in Nottingham. In 1901 Albert and Mary and their two sons, Albert (6) and Edward (2), were living at 20 Berkley Street, Nottingham. Albert was described as a bricklayer and local preacher. However, by 1911 the family, with the addition of the third son, John Leonard, who had been born in November 1901, was living at 201 Denman Street, Nottingham. Albert Edward was now a greengrocer on his own account. The family was still living at the same address when Albert was killed in 1915. Albert's brother, Edward, a chemist, was in the Royal Navy during the war (F54428). He served from 14 June 1918 (President V) and was demobilized on 15 April 1919. Albert's father died in 1954 aged 87 (death registered March, Nottingham) and his mother, Alice Mary, died just weeks later on 25 April 1954 aged 83. Alice was living at 19 Westlands Grove, Stockton Lane, York, and probate was awarded to her son, Edward Gordon Raynes, who was a works chemist. John Leonard married Mary E Fariss in 1929 (marriage registered J/A/S Nottingham) and died in 1987 age 85 (death registered Derby). Edward Gordon died at Court House Nursing Home, Court Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, on 8 August 1995 aged 97.

Albert was educated at High Pavement School and later at University College Nottingham where he was a member of the OTC. He worked for Boots in the Analytical Laboratory at London Road, Nottingham.

201 Denman Street, Nottingham

Attached 2nd Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment. Albert was in University College Nottingham OTC and was gazetted in the 3rd Royal Sussex Regiment on 15 August 1914. He served in France from 6 November 1914 (Medal Roll) and later was attached to the 2nd Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was killed during the bombardment that preceeded the attack on Neuve Chapelle; he was wounded by a shell and shortly afterwards hit by another shell, dying instantly. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial (Panel 20 and 21).

Comrades in Khaki, April 1915 (photograph): 'Albert Brainerd Raynes who was killed in action at Neuve Chappelle on 11th (sic) March 1915, at the age of 20 years, was the son of Mr AE Raynes, of 201 Denman Street, Nottingham. He was educated at High Pavement School, and subsequently entered the employment of Messrs. Boots under Dr Bowis in the analytical Laboratory at London Road. He joined the Officers’ Training Corps at University College, Nottingham, over three years ago, and upon the outbreak of war was gazetted as 2nd Lieut. To the Royal Sussex Regiment in August. In October last, he was transferred to the Royal Berkshires on their return from India, and proceeded with the colours to France on the 5th of November 1914. The Berkshires spent three months of severe service in the trenches at La Bassee, but Lieut. Raynes passed this ordeal unscathed; indeed, when he visited his old colleagues recently during a short furlough, he was in the pink of condition and the brightest of spirits. Now is ended the career of one of the most promising men who wore the King’s uniform. Lieut. Raynes was of the happiest disposition, courteous in manner, and eager in action. As he was esteemed by his colleagues, so is his loss the more severely felt. The following has a melancholy interest as being a copy of the message graciously sent by their Majesties the King and Queen to the father of 2nd Lieut Raynes in his bereavement.' (Standard letter of condolence, not transcribed). De Ruvigny’s ROH 1914-1919 (photograph): ‘Albert Brainerd Raynes b. 21 November 1894. ‘Raynes Albert Brainerd 2nd Lieut, 3rd Battn Royal Sussex Regt, attd. 2nd Battn Royal Berkshire Regt, eldest s. of Albert Edward Raynes, of 201 Denman Street, Nottingham, by his wife, Alice Mary, dau of the late Anthony Terzza of Nottingham, b. New York City, USA, 21 Nov 1894; educ. High Pavement School, Nottingham, and Nottingham University College, where he was in the OTC and on the outbreak of war was given a commission in the 3rd Royal Sussex Regt, 15 Aug. 1914, went to France 5 (sic) Nov 1914 attd. to the 2nd Royal Berkshires, and was killed in action during the bombardment preceding the attack at Neuve Chappelle, 10 March 1915. Unm. He was struck by a shell towards the end of the bombardment and wounded, and shortly afterwards was killed instantly by another shell. A brother officer wrote: ‘I very much enjoyed his company during the time we were together … He died like a British officer and a gentleman.’ He was very fond of music and a good amateur photographer.’ Probate: Raynes Albert Brainerd of 201 Denman-street Nottingham lieutenant in HM army died on or about 11 March 1915 in France Administration Nottingham to Albert Edward Raynes grocer. Effects £144 13s. 4d.