Bartlett James Hart

Born: 19 March 1894

Died: 25 September 1917

Rank and Regiment: Private G/24567 1st/7th Battalion of the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment (formerly Private 9390 of the Royal Sussex Regiment)

Resting Place: body unrecovered

Memorials: St. Mary, Cranwort, United Kingdom and; Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium - Panel 14-17

Bartlett was born on 19th March 1894 to parents James and Ellen Mary Hart. He was baptised in Southborough on 15th April 1894. According to the 1901 census, James was a farmer in Southborough and lived with his wife and five children including Oscar, Bartlett, Ernest, Ellen and Harold. By 1911, 5 more children had arrived: Frances, Florence, Herbert, William and Constance. The family were presumably fairly wealthy as Oscar, Bartlett and Ernest were all employed as labourers on their father’s farm. Meanwhile, Ellen, Harold, Frances, Florence and Herbert all attended school.

Bartlett enlisted as a Private in Norwich and was originally posted to the Royal Sussex Regiment before being transferred to the 1st/7th Battalion of the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. After arriving in Belgium, Bartlett was reported as missing in action presumed dead on 25th September 1917. At the time, Bartlett’s regiment was stationed at the Menin Road Bridge at the Battle of Ypres. However, on 24th September 1917, the Germans attacked pushing the regiment from the frontline through a barrage of artillery fire. Yet, reinforced by the 16th Battalion of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, the allies recaptured and consolidated their positions for an overall victory. It is likely that Bartlett lost his life during this battle. His body was never recovered but he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

He was posthumously awarded the British and Victory medals. His effects of £6. 13s. 4d. were left to James and Ellen Hart of Ivy Farm, Holme Hale, Thetford Norfolk.

Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium