Horace Bernard's Story.
Birkenhead News 19 August 1916Birkenhead “Bantam” Killed.
We regret to announce the death of one of the “Bantams” – Private Horace Branscombe (21), son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Branscombe, of 113, Borough Road, Birkenhead. The deceased joined the “Bantams” at the commencement, and after being trained at Bebington for a period he was eventually drafted out to France with the 16th Battalion C.R. It was whilst in the trenches on the 27th July that he met his death, being hit by shrapnel. In his earlier years he was a telegraph messenger at the G.P.O., and afterwards became a postman. He attended the Catholic Apostolic Church in Park Road South, and was also an energetic member of the Junior Conservative League. His genial manner gained for him the great liking of his companions who mourn his loss.
A close comrade of the deceased, Private Leonard Brent, writing to Mr. and Mrs. Branscombe, says their son was buried on the afternoon of July 27th. He was a good soldier and a friend to his comrades, always ready to give a helping hand when needed, and he died doing his duty.