Private Francis Joseph Bennett

Army Number: 103145 (formerly 282320 5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers)

Battalion: 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Son of Henry Simpson Bennett and Sarah Ann Bennett, of 28, Well Meadow, Flowery Field, Hyde. He was cotton piecer prior to enlisting at Hyde, Cheshire 28th February 1916. He went to France 28th February 1917 and was transferred to the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment 1st April 1918. He suffered a bayonet wound to his right thigh 15th April 1918 and was admitted to 54th General Hospital at Wimereux, France, 16th April 1918 and the 1st Canadian Hospital, Boulogne, 23rd April 1918. He rejoined his battalion 10th June 1918. He received a gunshot wound to his head 18th September 1918 and was taken from the 18th Field Ambulance to the 2nd General Hospital at Le Havre, France. He was then transported to England on Hospital Ship “Essequibo” 21st September 1918. He was admitted to Charing Cross Hospital, London on the evening of 22nd September 1918 and died from meningitis, as a consequence of his head wound 24th September 1918 age 20.

The Commonwealth War Grave Commission shows the date of death as 28th September 1918.

Buried : Newton (St. Mary) Churchyard, Hyde, United Kingdom. Row K, Grave 15.

Private Francis Joseph Bennett is also commemorated on the following local memorials.
Hyde Town Hall War Memorial, Hyde Cheshire.