Thank you to Jane Anthony for this research.
Born in Southampton one of at least six children of George and his wife Mary. His father earned his living as a brick burner. In 1891 the family were living in the Toothill area of Romsey, Alfred was the youngest of five children at that time. There was probably a further daughter Rose. After this census the family seem to disappear as there is no trace of either Alfred’s parent of siblings.
Alfred was a milkman before enlisting in the 1st battalion of the Hampshire Regiment., at the time of his death he was a Regimental Sergeant Major. He died from wounds received at the battle of the Marne on 22 September 1914. He died in an American ambulance in Paris and is buried at the New Communal cemetery Neuilly Sur Seine on the outskirts of Paris. The First Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment was one of the first in the British Expeditionary Force to land in France on 23 August 1914.
Alfred Bennett’s will left everything to his sister Mrs Rose Smith.
Sadness and gladness filled the hearts of a Holmwood family through the sinking of the great Cunard Liner “Lusitania.” Early in the week, Mrs. Knight of “Fernhurst” Holmwood, received intimation that her sister, Mrs. Emily Horton, was amongst those reported missing. This was confirmed by a telegram from the Cunard Company, and Mrs. Horton’s husband, who is engaged on Government work at Glasgow, having crossed over from America for that purpose only a month ago, proceeded to Queenstown, but he failed to identify the body of his wife. Enquiries were made and later, to the immense delight of the husband and relations, it was found a mistake had been made and that it was another lady of the same who was on board the “Lusitania.” This was confirmed upon the receipt of a message from Mrs. Horton, who is on board another liner, due to arrive at England today (Saturday).
The war hits some people badly, as only a short time ago Mrs. Knight, who has another sister living at Holmwood, received intimation that her brother, Sergt Alfred Bennett of the Hampshire Regiment, had been killed on action. He was wounded in the Battle of Aisne and died in the American Hospital in Paris. He was only 26 years and generally liked by everyone whom he came in contact with.
Alfred Bennett 15th May 1915 © Local World Limited:Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Alfred’s connection to South Holmwood was through his sister Mrs. Knight who lived at “Fernhurst” Holmwood.
| Born | Southampton | |
| Son of | The late George and Mary Bennett of Upper Toothill, Romsey, Hants | |
| Regiment | 1st Battalion. Hampshire Regiment | |
| Number | 7483 | |
| Date of Death | 22nd September 1914 | |
| Place of Death | Paris, France | |
| Cause of Death | Died of wounds | |
| Age | 26 | |
| Cemetery | Neuilly-sur-Siene New Communal Cemetery |
