Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : 2nd Lieutenant

Army Number : 7576 Private

Unit : 6th Bn

Biography :

Educated at Whitworth School in Derby, Bromley ('Brom') Basford was for a number of years employed by The Derby Daily Telegraph. In October 1915 he enlisted as a Private in The Inns of Court OTC before being commissioned into The Notts & Derbyshire Regiment on 4.9.1916. He later served in 6th Bn The Leicestershire Regiment, in which in the battle of Broodseinde near Polygon Wood he was Killed in Action by a stray shell while returning to the trenches after resting, on 4.10.1917, aged 38. He is buried in Bedford House Cemetery, Zillebeke, Ypres, Belgium.
His Commanding Officer wrote, "It has really been a most awful blow to myself and to my company officers, and to all the men; in fact I can sincerely say to the whole battalion. He was most popular with all the officers and men, and by his own platoon and men was almost idolized. His cheery disposition under very trying conditions was wonderful. His death was instantaneous. He was marching up to the line with the company when an odd shell fell at the head of his platoon, killing him, another officer, a corporal and five men. His death was caused by the shock of the explosion. He was not actually hit by any bits of the shell. It was a most awful experience, and naturally upset the whole company very much. He was buried side by side with the other officer and men, and a cross has been erected. Since then one of my officers, Lt T W Cox, has been round and seen the grave, and everything is quite all right. I can only say that he was a very fine officer and gentleman."

Date of Birth : 14.6.1879

Place of Birth : Derby

Date of Death : 4.10.1917

Place of Death : Polygon Wood, Ypres, Belgium

Period of Service : 1915-17

Conflicts : WW1

Places Served : France and Belgium