Archibald Douglas Bennett

Archibald Douglas Bennett (known as Andy) was born in 1889 he was the son of Frank an army pensioner and colliery labourer and Louisa Bennett née Blundell of 24 Ladybrook Lane, Mansfield. Frank was born in 1861 at Sutton in Ashfield, Louisa Blundell was born in 1861 at Linslade, they were married on 6th April 1885 at St Pauls, Clapham, London, they went on to have 10 children sadly 1 died in infancy or early childhood. In the 1911 census the family were living at 7 Ladybrook Lane, Mansfield, Frank 50 yrs a colliery labourer and army pensioner is living with his wife Louisa 47 yrs and their 8 of their children including Archibald Douglas 22 yrs a joiner and Frank 20 yrs a colliery banksman.Parents: Frank and Louisa Bennett, of 24 Ladybrook Lane, Mansfield. Archibald emigrated to Australia when he was 24 yrs of age, he landed on 16th June 1913 at Brisbane

Joiner

Bombadier Archibald Douglas Bennettt enlisted 20/09/1914 as Andrew Bennett aged 25 yrs his next of Kin was his father F Bennett of 28 Rosemary Street Mansfield. He was killed in action on 31st July 1917 near Zillebeke and is buried at Reninghelst New Military Cemetery, Belgium

Australian War Memorial information: Witness accounts of Archibald's death and burial: 31st July 1917 near Zillebeke B. Killed intantaneously by a shell. I helped to bury him in the cemetery at Renninghurst: informant was Gunner P O'Relley 2536: Sgt Major Street will tell you he is buried in Renninghurst Cemetery. I saw his cross, he had recently been batman to Major Riggall: informant was McGee H 1075 His brother, Frank died of wounds on 15/03/1916 whilst serving with the Lincolnshire Regiment