Database: Edward Berry

The following was in the local press on 8th December 1917.

"It is with regret that we announce the death in action on November 28 of Sec.-Lieutenant Edward J. Berry, Manchester Regiment."

The news was contained in a telegram, which was received on Saturday night last by the mother, who resides at 11, Nichols-street, Pendleton.

The deceased officer enlisted with the Manchester 'Pals' Regiment in Sep., 1914 as a Private.

He gained promotion very speedily and his soldierly abilities were recognised and rewarded.

Whilst in training at the White City, Heaton Park, Grantham and Whitchurch he reached the rank of Sergeant, and went to France in November 1915.

After serving in the trenches for several months he was despatched to London for a special course of drill instruction with the Life Guards, and on his return was gradually promoted until the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major was attained. Second Lieutenant Berry entered the Officer's Training Corps at Oxford in April last and had been in France some two months when the sad occurrence took place.

A letter was received on Monday from the Chaplain attached to the Manchester Regiment, which only serves to add tribute to the sterling character of the deceased officer. It reads as follows: 

 "Dear Madam, I am wondering whether this letter may contain news which has not yet reached you from any other source. It is by no means an easy letter to write as it is very sad news I have to give you.

I think I had better tell you at once that your son Second-Lieutenant E. J. Berry was killed in action in the early morning of November 27.

He was out with a wiring party at the time and was killed instantaneously by a rifle or machine gun bullet.

Your son was a personal friend of mine. I

got to know him when he was Sergeant Major - and earlier than that in the 18th Battalion Manchester Regiment.

I know what a thoroughly good fellow he was and how much everybody in the Battalion thought of him.

I remember him making his Communion last Christmas, when I celebrated the Holy Communion in the trenches.

I felt that he was a really religious man and how very readily he valued the Blessed Sacrament.

I think it must have been due to his firm faith in our Lord that he won the respect and affection of all who got to know him. Further, I have heard from officers in the Battalion how fearless he was in action and how completely they could rely on him even in positions of the very greatest difficulty and danger.

I took his funeral this afternoon.

He lies buried in a little cemetery not far from the front line. The Commanding Officer was present.

The site of the grave has been registered, and it will be marked with a cross bearing his name. I must say that when I read the magnificent words in the burial service - 'In sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

I felt how it represented the way in which he must have faced death more than once.

May I offer you my deepest sympathy?

I can understand something of the sorrow that a mother has to bear, and how very readily you are called to share in the great sacrifice your boy has made for his country.

I hope and pray that you may be given patience and strength to bear bravely and cheerfully your burden.

After all he has but passed into a new part of his life, where I do not doubt God will have work for him, and where the love of God must still be with him.

Captain R.C.M. Keefe wrote to the widowed mother on November 30, stating:

'It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son, Second-Lieutenant E. J. Berry, was killed in action on the 28th inst., whilst with a wiring party.

He was hit in the neck by a bullet and died instantaneously, without speaking.

On behalf of the officers and men of his company please let me express our sympathy with you in your great loss.

Although he only joined the Battalion a comparatively short time ago he was immensely popular both with the officers and men. He was always so keen and ready to do anything or go anywhere.

His loss has come as a great shock to all of us, but the knowledge that he has given his life as part of the price that must be paid for final victory will help you bear his loss I am sure.

His personal belongings and the exact location of his grave will be forwarded on to you.

If there is anything further I can do please tell me now. Again saying how sorry we all are.'

Sec.-Lieutenant Berry was a prominent figure in local scouting circles, and had been scoutmaster of the 3rd Salford (the Height) and latterly scoutmaster at St. Aiden's Church, Pendleton, where he was also a Sunday School teacher.

The deceased has contributed many articles to this paper under the heading 'Scout Notes'.

Both the deceased and Lieutenant Cyril Crossley (also killed in action last year) worked strenuously with the local scout movement in the district.

A friend of the late Second Lieutenant Berry says - 'He was a man whom everybody he met loved, his cheery manner and light hearted disregard for danger created keen admiration in everyone.

He was, indeed a born commander,', 'Eddie', as he was familiarly known prior to the outbreak of war was employed by the Clifton Chloride Company as costs clerk. T

he deceased is 25 years of age.

His brother, Driver Arnold Berry, has been in Egypt since the outbreak of war.

Much sympathy is extended to the bereaved family. Reference was made at the service on Sunday at the Broad Street Primitive Methodist Church to the sad occurrence and a memorial service is being held this Sunday evening by the Rev. H. L. Herod (minister).

The deceased was formerly connected with this school.