Lancaster War Memorial
Private 1917, died 07/07/1916 age 21 Royal Fusiliers. Commemorated in United Kingdom Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A. THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Son of William Robert (Cotton Loom Overlooker) and Rachel Bratherton nee Musgrove, of 23, Park Square, Lancaster born 26 Aug 1894.
Baptism: 15 Sep 1894 Christ Church, Lancaster
David Musgrove Bratherton – [Child] of William Robert Bratherton & Rachel
Born: 26 Aug 1894
Abode: 48, Park Road
The Royal Fusiliers
Also known as the City of London Regiment, the Royal Fusiliers raised no fewer than 47 battalions for service in the Great War. This makes it the fifth largest after the London Regiment, Northumberland Fusiliers, Middlesex Regiment and King’s (Liverpool Regiment).
According to the Scout Association WW1 Roll of Honour David was formerly an Assistant Scoutmaster with the 4th Lancaster Wesley Troop.
Lancaster Guardian, August 9, 1916
Drummer D.M. Bratherton (Missing).
1917 Drummer David Musgrove Bratherton, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Bratherton, 23 Park road, Lancaster, is officially reported missing from the 8th Battalion Royal Fusiliers in France since July 7th. The information came from the Hounslow Headquarters of the Regiment on Monday morning. The parents had not heard from their son, who was very regular in his correspondence, since June 26th, when he indicated that some heavy fighting was anticipated. David is a former scholar of Christ Church School, and was learning his father’s occupation as overlooker at Moor Lane Mills.
He is 22 years of age, and an amateur violinist, playing in the Centenary P.S.A. Orchestra up to the time of his enlistment in the 7th Royal Fusiliers, along with Jim Iveson and others in September 1914. They were trained at Falmouth, but David was the last of the lot to go out, being kept back as a drummer in the band. He landed in France on April 1st, and joined the 8th Royal Fusiliers. The anxious parents are making inquiries about their son, who was a very great favourite with many friends.
Lancaster Guardian, September 2, 1916
A fortnight ago we reported the fact that 1917 Drummer David Musgrove Bratherton, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Bratherton, 23, Park-road, Lancaster, was officially reported missing from the Royal Fusiliers in France since July 7th. The information came from the Hounslow Headquarters of the Regiment.
The parents had not heard from their son, who was very regular in his correspondence, since June 26th, when he indicated that some heavy fighting was anticipated. On receipt of the news that he was missing, a friend got in touch with the officers of the battalion, and Lieut. F.W. Ling (adjutant), writing on August 22nd, says: “In reference to your letter dated 16th inst., I regret to have to inform you that No. 1917 Pte. D.M. Bratherton was killed in action July 7th, 1916.
It was not definitely known that he had been killed until the early part of this month.” The parents having heard from comrades that prisoners were taken by the Germans during the attack in question, are still hoping that better news may come through. David was a former scholar of Christ Church school and a chorister in the choir, and was learning his father’s occupation as overlooker at Moor Lane Mills. He was 22 years of age, and an amateur violinist, playing in the Centenary P.S.A. Orchestra up to the time of his enlistment in the 7th Royal Fusiliers in September 1914.
He was trained at Falmouth, but was late in going out, having been kept back as a drummer in the band. He landed in France on April 1st, and joined another battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, and sent cheery letters home. Of a genial disposition he had a wide circle of friends, who will be glad if the hopes cherished by the parents are realised.
Lancaster Guardian, November 4, 1916
Drummer D.M. Bratherton (Killed).
Mr. and Mrs W.R. Bratherton, of 23 Park- road, Lancaster, have had their fears confirmed respecting their only son, 1917 Drummer David M. Bratherton, Royal Fusiliers, who had been missing since July 7th. Inquiries made from the regiment indicated that he had been killed, but the War Office only reported him “missing”. Correspondence ensued, and on Tuesday the parents received letters from the War Office and the Record Office at Hounslow, dated Oct., 30th, stating: “1917 Pte. D.M. Bratherton is now reported as having been killed in action on July 7th. I am to express the sympathy of the Army Council with his relatives in their loss.” The King and Queen also sent their sympathy.
Drummer David M. Bratherton was 22 years of age, and educated at Christ Church School. He afterwards assisted his father, one of the overlookers at Moor-lane Mills, and was in that position when he responded to the call in Sept., 1914. As a drummer he was kept at Falmouth longer in training than some of his mates who went across, and chafed at the delay, but eventually joined up to a service battalion of the Royal Fusiliers at the Front in the spring.
Drummer Bratherton was a member of the Centenary P.S.A. Brotherhood and orchestra, and had previously been in Christ Church choir. He was of a cheerful disposition and a youth of promise.
Appears on Storey Brothers War memorial “City of London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers, D. M. Bratherton, Private”
