L/9782 Pte Henry Pellett, 2nd Bn, Royal Sussex Regt

L/9782 Private Henry Pellett of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment was killed in action on the 29th September 1914. He was born in Stone, Kent and enlisted at Chichester on the 3rd November 1911. De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour notes that he was the son of James Pellett of Stone Ferry, although the Commonwealth War Graves Commission adds no additional personal information.

Surviving papers in the WO 363 series note that Henry originally joined the Territorials. On the 29th October 1910 he joined the 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment at Rye and was given the number 1271. His stated age was 17 years and his trade was farm labourer. He remained with the Territorials until the 3rd August the following year when, now aged 18 years and six months, he joined the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion, also at Rye. He was given a new number: 1419. During his time with the Territorial Force he completed two weeks' annual training at Hassocks in July. His father is also noted on his papers as his next of kin with an address at Church Cottages, Stone Ferry.

Henry was reported missing in action on the 29th September and later confirmed as killed on this day. His body was recovered and he now lies in Vendresse British Cemetery in France.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Sources:

Ancestry (MIC)
Soldiers Died in The Great War
Army Service Numbers
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission