Captain Edward Harold Brittain

Army Number :

Battalion : 11th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Awards : Military Cross.

Son of Thomas Arthur and Edith Mary Brittain, of 10, Oakwood Court, Kensington, London. Edward Brittain was the brother of Vera Brittain, author of “Testament of Youth”. Edward Brittain joined 11th Sherwood Foresters and was posted to France in February 1916. He participated in the first day of the Battle of the Somme, during which he was wounded and awarded the MC. Temp 2nd Lieut : 2nd Battalion attached 11th Battalion: London Gazette 20.10.1916: For conspicuous gallantry and leadership during an attack on Mouquet Farm near Thiepval, on 1.7.1916. He was severely wounded but continued to lead his men with great bravery and coolness until a second wound disabled him. Edward Brittain was killed in action, aged 22, on 15 June 1918 whilst commanding A Company of 11th Sherwood Foresters at Asiago Plateau during the Battle of the Piave in Italy.

Buried : Granezza British Cemetery, Italy. Plot 1. Row B. Grave 1.

Captain Edward Harold Brittain is also commemorated on the following local memorials:-
The Slopes Memorial, Buxton, Derbyshire.
The Holmleigh School Memorial, St John’s Church, Buxton, Derbyshire.
Uppingham School War Memorial, Leicestershire.
St. Barnabus Church War Memorial, Hove, Sussex.