Trafford

Born 1897 - no trace on BMDs.    The son of Henry & Ada Mary Brocklehurst
(nee Williams).

1901 Census - 15 Alfred Street, Chorlton, Manchester.   Son - aged: 5 -
born: Lancashire.   Head of household - Henry Brocklehurst - Married -
aged: 42 - occ: Gardener - born: Alderley Edge, Cheshire.   Also Ada May
Brocklehurst - Wife - aged: 32 - born; Gloucestershire.  Plus 2 brothers.

1911 Census - "Rivershill", Glebelands Road, Ashton upon Mersey.  Son -
aged: 15 - occ: Office Boy - born: Withington, Manchester.  Head of
household - Henry Brocklehurst - Married - aged: 51 - occ: Gardener - born:
Macclesfield, Cheshire.   Also Ada Brocklehurst - Wife - aged: 41 - born;
Hatherop, Gloucestershire.  Plus 3 siblings. 

Attended the Sale Central School, Ashfield Road, Sale.

In 1907 he was a boy soloist in the St. Mary's Church choir..   The
"Minihaha Minstrels" engaged him for several months and sang solos at the
Gaiety & Midland Theatres, Manchester.   He had been employed by the Ashton
on Mersey District Council for 15 months prior to enlisting.   A member of
Sale Harriers.

Pioneers.   MIC - Posted to France on the 15th February 1915. 

The 06/04/1915 edition of the local newspaper reports that Private
Brocklehurst had written home, referring to Sgt Norbury & Pte Barton - see
Lance Corporal Frank Norbury.  He also refers (rather prophetically), to
the problem of German snipers.

Private James Royle, Sergeant G.H. Southern both wrote to his parents
following his death.

Private James Royle wrote:- "It is with deep regret I write to tell you
that Vivian was killed by a sniper.  It perhaps will be some comfort to you
to know that he suffered no pain.   He displayed great courage and died a
noble death.   All the men in the company mourn his loss and convey their
deepest sympathy to you.   He was always one of our most cheerful chums and
showed us a great example under most trying conditions.   May God comfort
you in your sorrow".

Sergeant G.H. Southern wrote:-  "Perhaps you will wonder why I am writing
to you these few lines.   Well as your son, Vicvian was in my platoon, I
think that it is my painful duty to inform you of your son's death, which
he met whilst in an attack on July 1st.   I may tell you that he proved
himself to be a good, clean, honest and reliable soldier and his death will
be mourned by the remainder of his comrades.  He was also very cheerful
under all conditions and the idol of our platoon.   I hope that you will
accept my deepest sympathy in the time of your distress and may my few
words comfort you".

The 28/07/1916 edition of the local newspaper reports that a letter had
been received by his parents, from  Captain E.J. Bairstow (Commander of 'A'
Company 2/7/1916 to 11/11/1916) who wrote:-  "Your son had got through with
our advance on the 1st July, as far as the third line, but his party were
being hampered by the enemy's bombers.  He at once took what cover he could
and started sniping at the Germans as they showed their heads, and
apparently, he did very good against them, but in a short time, he was
himself killed by a bullet in the head.   Shortly afterwards the order was
given to retire and it was impossible to get him back, he was left in the
German trenches.   I am sorry I never knew him myself, but those officers
and NCO's who knew him speak of him in the highest terms and say he was a
splendidly good and efficient soldier and greatly admired and liked by all.
  He met his death heroically and you have every reason to be proud of
him".

First entered France in February 1915.  From Souastre, the Battalion took
part in attack on Gommecourt 01/07, sustaining 203 casualties.  Bn remained
working in the area until moved to Doulens on 20/08.

Awarded the 1915 Star, the BWM & VM.

Listed in the Guardian Year Book - Roll of Honour for 1917.