Ernest Edward BREEKES

21 December 1917

BREEKS - November 27th 1917, killed in action on the Western Front, Private Ernest Breeks, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, only son of Mrs. Brennand, 20, Rostle Top Road, Earby, aged 20 years.

21 December 1917

EARBY SOLDIER'S DEATH REPORTED

The death is reported from France of Pte. Ernest Breeks, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, only son of Mrs. Brennand, 20, Rostle Top Road, Earby.

Pte. J. T. Nussey (of Earby) a stretcher-bearer in the same battalion, writes:- "You will, no doubt, have received official information of Ernest's death. He was killed whilst going over the top with his Company on November 27th. Personally, I miss him very much because we often saw each other when out of the lines, and talked of home and those we loved. I can only express my deepest sympathy with you in the loss of one who was loved by all."

His Company Officer (2nd Lieut. Pearson Kirk) wrote:- "He was last seen by one of our stretcher-bearers, who says he found him dead in the field. He had been shot by a sniper and died almost immediately. We shall miss him very much as he was such a good willing lad and quite an example to others by his cheerfulness at all times. I extend the deepest sympathy to you in your loss."

Pte. Breeks was a native of Carleton, and was looking forward to spending his 21st birthday at home, having been out in France since February last. Before enlisting he was employed as an oiler at Victoria Mill, Earby.

29 November 1918

BREEKES - In loving memory of my dear brother, Private E. E. Breekes, 2/6th Duke of Wellington's, who was reported killed in action in France, November 27th, 1917, in his 21st year.

Like many more brave lads, dear brother,
You answered your country's call,
And left your home and brother unprotected.
You were innocent of the crime,
But, oh what a bitter price you paid,
And those who dearly loved you
Are left to fight their own.

Ever remembered by his only sister Alice, 1 Watkinson Street, Broughton Road, Skipton.

BREEKES - In loving memory of my dear son, Private Ernest Edward Breekes, 2/6th Duke of Wellington's, who was reported killed in action in France, November 27th, 1917, in his 21st year.

Your life was young and innocent,
You did not understand;
But some day, my son, I shall meet you
When judgement stands for all.
There was no comrade near my lad
To send us a message of love,
And we are left in a mist
Which surrounds that hateful day.
Thy last good-bye still lingers sweet.

From his loving mother.

28 November 1919

BREEKES - In affectionate memory of my dear son, Pte. Ernest Edward Breekes, 2/6th Duke of Wellington's Regt., who was reported killed in action in France, November 27th, 1917.

If only, my dear son, could I have seen you
To bid a last good-bye,
I would willingly have faced the worst
To have raised your dying head.
But God, the Almighty and Comforter,
Did all I could not do;
But in that far and unknown land
My thoughts are all of you.

"Memories ever dear."

From his loving Mother, Broughton Road, Skipton.

BREEKES - In loving memory of my only dear brother, Pte. Ernest Edward Breekes, 2/6th Duke of Wellington's, who was reported killed in action in France Nov. 27th, 1917.

I often smile, dear brother, and think of you when you were at home,
You always were a brother kind in every deed and action;
But oh how sad it is to recall the bitterness of war,
But you were not one to shirk the call, and bravely faced the foe.

Too dear to be forgotten by his only Sister Sarah Alice, and Brother-in-law and Baby Nephew, his name-sake, Broughton Road, Skipton.

26 November 1920

BREEKES - In affectionate memory of a loving son, Private Ernest Edward Breekes, 2/6 Duke of Wellington's Regt., reported killed in action in France, November 27th, 1917, in his 21st year.

"Sweet memories ever dear. - R.I.P."

From his loving Mother, Broughton Road, Skipton.

BREEKES - In loving memory of my only brother, Private Ernest Edward Breekes, 2/6 Duke of Wellington's Regt., reported killed in action in France, November 27th, 1917, in his 21st year.

"A brother's love can never be forgotten."

From his only Sister, Alice, Brother-in-law and little Nephew.

25 November 1921

BREEKES - In ever loving memory of my dear son, Pte. Ernest Edward Breekes, reported killed in France, Nov. 27th, 1917, in his 21st year.

"Time changes, but love for my son will never change."

From his loving Mother.

BREEKES - In dearest affectionate remembrance of my only brother, Pte. Ernest Edward Breekes.

"Rest in peace."

From his dear Sister, Alice, Brother-in-law and little Nephew, Broughton Road, Skipton.