Bertie as he was known by his family was born in 1886 the son of George and Clara who in 1901 were living at 26 Tufton Road, Ashford. George was employed as a bricklayers journeyman while Bertie was a post boy and grocers errand boy. Ten years on in 1911, George is now a bricklayer while Birt (as spelt on document) is 26 years old and a widower working as a bricklayer's labourer. George, his wife and 4 sons were living in a 4 roomed house in Snargate. The attestation papers for Bert are duplicates and the date is not visible, but at that time he was 18 years and 3 months old, 5' 4¼" tall, weighing 106lbs and a 31 " chest. He had brown hair and eyes and a fresh complection. Bert at the time of his enlistment lived at West Cottage, Snave ?, and had 4 brothers, 3 nephews/neices and 2 aunts/uncles. So far, he attested on 16 June 1903 and mobilized on 5 August 1914 as, Pte L/7545 in the East Kent Regt., The Buffs, a member of the BEF from 7 September 1914. The 18 February 1915 saw him 'at home' four 4 months . By 1 July 1915 he had been posted again to France and on 18 March 1916 he is recorded as Missing and on the same day a line in his records says 'Death Presumed'. His name is recorded on the Loos Memorial

On the 2 May 1917 the personal property of Bert was forwarded to George, his father.He also acknowledge the receipt of his 1914 Star in July 22 1919. His British War and Victory medals followed in 1921.