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.
Article published 16th March 1915 in the Nottingham Evening Post :-
“ANOTHER NOTTINGHAM OFFICER KILLED IN ACTION.
“The sad news has been received from the War Office by Mr. A. E. Raynes, of 201, Denman-street, Nottingham, that his eldest son, Second-Lieutenant Albert Brainerd Raynes, was killed in action on the 11th inst. The deceased officer was only 20 years of age. He was educated at the High Pavement School, and afterwards he entered the employ of Messrs. Boots under Dr. Bowis in the analytical laboratory, London-road. He joined the Officers’ Training Corps at University College over three years ago, and upon the outbreak of the war was gazetted to the Royal Sussex Regiment in August, whilst he was attached to the Royal Berkshire Regiment in October. He landed in France on the 5th November.”
In memoriam published 10th March 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :-
RAYNES. – To the dear memory of our eldest son, Albert Brainerd Raynes, Second-Lieut. Royal Sussex Regiment (attached Royal Berks.), killed in action at Neuve Chapelle on the 10th March, 1915.”
Above article and in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.