Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Bernard Leslie Osborne was born in the 1st quarter of 1893 in Dorking to butcher John and Emily Jane (nee Lock). He was baptised on the 2nd of April 1893 in East Wittering, Sussex.
Bernard’s father John was born in the 4th quarter of 1857 in Donnington, Sussex to agricultural labourer James, born about 1823 in Donnington and Emily (nee Male), born about 1823 in Bosham, Sussex. John was baptised on the 13th of December 1857 in Hunston, Sussex. Bernard’s mother Emily was born in the 4th quarter of 1862 in East Wittering, Sussex to coast guard John, born about 1823 in Titchfield, Hampshire and Amelia (nee How), born about 1833 in Portsea, Hampshire. Emily was baptised on the 25th of December 1862 in East Wittering. John married Emily on the 24th of November 1890 in East Wittering.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Hampstead Road, Dorking. John was working as a butcher and Emily was at home. The household further comprised of a boarder, butcher’s assistant, Albert King.
Bernard Leslie had six siblings: Jack born about 1892 in Dorking; Ernest William born about 1894 in East Witting; Raymond Frederick born about 1896; Stanley James born about 1897; Reginald Charles born about 1900 and Alec Edward born about 1905, all in in Worthing, Sussex.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 70 Newland Road, Worthing. James was working as a butcher and Emily Jane was at home looking after their children: Jack, Bernard, Ernest, Raymond, Stanley James and Reginald.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family were still at 70 Newland Road, with John still working as a butcher and Emily at home. The household further comprised of their children: butcher’s assistants Jack and Bernard, shop assistants Ernest, Raymond and Stanley. Also Reginald and Alec. Emily stated that she had given birth to seven children of whom all were alive. The accommodation had six rooms.
Bernard enlisted in Brighton into the Sussex Yeomanry. His regimental number was 3089. At the time of his enlistment he resided in Worthing.
He was transferred into the 1/4th Battalion, the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). His regimental number was 205305.
At the time of his death Bernard was a Sergeant of the 8th Battalion, the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).
In February 1918, Sergeant Osborne took part in the George Ward of the Red Cross Hospital’s play entitled ‘Ici On Parle Rrancais’ given to the wounded soldiers. He played a main character Mr Spriggins.
Bernard died of wounds he had received in France on 23rd October 1918 at Leicester Hospital. He is buried at the Worthing (Broadwater) Cemetery. His Cemetery reference is: B14.2.1. The headstone bears the inscription ‘Faithful Unto Death’.
He received the British War and Victory medals.
Bernard’s mother Emily received £10, 14s and 1 d on the 27th of February 1919 and a further £17 on the 29th of December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Worthing, Sussex | |
| Son of | John and Emily Lane (nee Lock) of 70 Newland Road, Worthing | |
| Regiment | 1st/4th Battalion. Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment | |
| Number | 205305 | |
| Date of Death | 23rd October 1918 | |
| Place of Death | Leicester Hospital | |
| Cause of Death | Died of wounds | |
| Age | 25 | |
| Cemetery | Worthing (Broadwater) Cemetery, Worthing, Sussex |
