A E Bryan (1888 - 1916)

Albert Ernest Bryan was the son of George Bryan, a french polisher, and his wife, Mary Jane. They lived in East Castle Street. When he left school, Albert also became a french polisher.

Albert enlisted in about August, 1915 and served with the Shropshire Light Infantry before being transferred to the 11th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was killed in action on the 14th November, 1916 during the Battle of the Ancre (the last large British attack of the 1916 Somme campaign). He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Private Bryan, 27787, was awarded the Victory and British Medals. His death was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal of 9 December, 1916.

KILLED IN ACTION
[Bridgnorth Journal 9th December, 1916]
Mrs. Bryan, 21 Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, has received official notice from the War Office that her son, Private A. E. Bryan, No. 18611 in 3rd K.S.L.I., and afterwards 27787 Royal Warwicks, was killed in action on 14th November, in France. His captain writes: "Although he had only been with us such a short time he was a favourite with all, and a good soldier, and I can assure you that his death is a great loss to the Company." Mrs Bryan is a widow and the deceased soldier was her only child.