Relatives pay tribute to Rainham soldier killed 100 years ago in Battle of the Somme
Family of Henry Sidney Burr pay tribute to him at Rainham war memorial - Credit: Sean Connolly [spconnolly@tiscali.co.uk]
The descendants of a young soldier killed 100 years ago in the Battle of the Somme have paid tribute to him.
Rainham soldier Henri Sidney Burr - Credit: Sean Connolly [spconnolly@tiscali.co.uk]
A family has paid tribute to a young soldier killed 100 years ago in the Battle of the Somme.
Born and bred in Rainham, Henry Sidney Burr enrolled in the army before the First World War broke out, aged only 15.
When the war was declared, he was sent to France and he died in the Battle of the Somme on October 2, 1916.
His descendants – some of which had never met before – came from across the country to pay tribute to the soldier known as Sidney.
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A service was held at Rainham’s St Helens and St Giles church on Sunday before family members made their way to the war memorial, Upminster Road North.
Sidney’s nephew Alan Dudney, who grew up in Rainham and now lives in Kent, said: “It was a memorial day that we should always remember.”
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Mr Dudney, 82, said: “On Sunday, it was 100 years Sydney lost his life. That’s why we decided to get together to celebrate his life and pay tribute to him.
“It was that day that he gave his life for all of us – it was such a sacrifice for those young men killed in the First World War.”
Mr Dudney added it was thanks to Sidney some part of the family were able to meet.
Mr Dudney remembers his mother talking about her brother Sidney, when he was growing up.
“It was still very sad for her to talk about the brother she lost,” he added.
