Perkins, Herbert Harold (Bert)

Bert was born in Belgaum, Karnataka, India on 26th March and was baptised on 7th April, 1887.  His father, Sydney was originally from Welford on Avon and his mother Elizabeth hailed from Tysoe.

By 1901 his father Sydney, an Army Sergeant, had retired, and ‘living on own means’ at 3 Queen’s Square, Warwick. Sydney.  At that point there were four children in the household: Bert, aged 14 and working as a clothes shop boy, Ethel (10), Winifred (6) and Hector (9 months).

By 1911 Sydney and Bert’s mother Elizabeth had had seven children although one had died. In the census record Bert’s older sister Maud Elizabeth was listed then crossed out. As she is recorded as aged 25 and working as a cook in domestic service, she may not have been living with her parents.

Similarly Bert’s younger sister Ethel, who was working as a medical attendant, is listed and crossed out. Another younger sister, Winifred, was working as a cigar maker. There was now a younger brother, Sidney, aged 7.  Bert aged 23 was working as a gardener.

Bert married Alice Chapple in the first quarter of 1916

Warwick Advertiser 18th November 1916

Bert’s brother Hector died in June 1929 and Bert is remembered on his gravestone, as is their sister Maud, who died in 1942 (see photo right).  Unfortunately, the headstone is very difficult to read – the inscription is:

Sacred to the memory of Hector Norman Perkins who passed away June 6th 1929 aged 28 years.
Also to Herbert Harold Perkins, killed in action Oct 22nd 1916 aged 29 years.
In loving memory of Elizabeth Maud Perkins died 24th November 1942 aged 57 years
For thus saith the lord God: Behold I even I will both search my sheep and seek them out.