Name
Bertrand Ernest Hill
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
490831
London Regiment
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Bertrand Hill was born on 13th November 1894 at Abbots Langley. He was one of seven children (four sons and three daughters) born to William and Frances Hill. William worked as a Draper’s Shop Keeper and in the 1901 Census was recorded living at the High Street, Abbots Langley. In the 1911 Census the family lived at “The Limes”, a property near to the corner of Abbots Road and the High Street. In the 1911 Census Bertrand was described as “a College Student”. Together with Harold Overy and Robert Welland, Bertrand was a founder member of the Abbots Langley Scout Troop.
Bertrand attested on 3rd September 1914, and was first recorded in the Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour in October 1914, where he was listed serving with the 13th Battalion of the London Regiment, which had mobilised to Abbots Langley at the beginning of the War. His brother Arthur was also recorded with the same unit in October 1914. His eldest brother, Francis, also served in the Great War, but did not join up until much later.
When the 13th London’s left for the Front in November 1914, Bertrand was transferred to the 105th Provisional Battalion to be trained as a soldier, but re-joined the 13th London’s on 3rd March 1916. His Service Record indicated that Bertrand served as a Transport Driver throughout the rest of the War.
He was recorded in the Absent Voter Records of Autumn 1918 and Spring 1919, serving as a Private with the 13th London’s, and “The Limes”, Abbots Langley was given as his place of residence. When he was finally demobilised in February 1919 his Service Record noted that he was “sober, intelligent, and reliable”.
Bertrand Hill survived the War, as did his brother Francis. However Arthur, who joined up with Bertrand in 1914 died from wounds received at the Battle of Aubers Ridge on13th May 1915. His brother in law, Richard Annear survived the War.
Additional Information
Formerly 13th Battalion (Kensington)
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
