Pte 53125 Herbert Owen Todd

• Age: 37
• From: London
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• Died Friday 20th July 1917
• Commemorated at: Hardwick, Bucks
  Panel Ref: Near SE corner of Churchyard

Herbert Owen Todd was born in December 1879 in Hardwick Buckinghamshire and was the son of William and Sarah Todd, of Hardwick, Bucks. (Birth registered incorrectly as Robert)

Herbert was one of six siblings. He had four sisters Bessie Scott born 1874, Lucy born 1876, Gertrude Annie, born 1878, Beatrice Elizabeth Rebecca born 1891,and a brother David Edward born 1882.

The 1881 Census shows the family are living at Sots Hole, Hardwick. Herbert is one year old and is living with his parents and three elder sisters. His father is a 33 year old agricultural labourer, born in Hardwick in 1848, whilst his mother is a 35 year old lace maker,  who was born in Hardwick. His three sisters are listed as; Bessie Scott aged 7, Lucy aged 5 and Anne Gertrude aged 3. All were born in Hardwick.

By 1891 the family were living at The Church, Hardwick. Herbert is now 11 years of age and is liivng with his parents and two siblings, Anne Gertrude 13 and David Edward 9. 

There is no sign of Herbert on the 1901 Census which finds his parents living with their two daughters listed as Loiusa (Lucy ?)  and Beatrice Elizzabeth at Hardwick, no address stated.   

The 1911 Census shows Herbert Owen living as a boarder at 65 Dynham Road West Hampstead. The head of the household is Henry Brown aged 40, born 1871 in Eaton Bray, occupation Carman. His wife Mary aged 42, born 1869 in Maidstone. They live with their four children, Lily aged 19, born 1892 a draper’s shop assistant, Connie aged 11, born 1900, Herbert aged 9, born 1902 and Doris aged 4, born 1907 are still at school. Herbert is aged 32, born 1879 and occupation Brewer’s labourer.

Herbert enlisted in Kilburn, London and was originally Private 20502, of the East Surrey Regiment. Following a transfer he was serving in the 18th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 53125 when he died at home on the 20th July, 1917 aged 37.

He has now rests at Hardwick Cemetery, St Mary’s, Buckinghamshire, England.

Herbert is the only First World War casualty in the Cemetery.

His death was reported in the Bucks Herald on the 04th August 1917:

HARDWICK

DEATH OF HERBERT TODD - The many friends of Herbert Todd in Hardwick and neighbouring villages will hear with regret that he died in hospital at Liverpool on July 20, and following illness which necessitated his return from the front. He entered the army early in the spring of 1916, and after a very short spell of training passed over into France and took part in some of the fierce fighting of that time. It was some little satisfaction to his relatives to be able to bring the body from the North, and lay it in the pretty churchyard of his native village on the sloping ground overlooking a valley of wood and meadow. There was a large gathering at the church and graveside, including Mr W. Todd (father); Mr and Mrs Noble of Aylesbury; Mr and Mrs Mason, Hardwick; Mr and Mrs Cox, Oving (brother-in-law and sisters); representatives from the firm at Kilburn where deceased had been employed for nearly 20 years, and many friends who have known him intimately from boyhood. Appropriate hymns where interspersed in the beautiful burial service both in the church and at the graveside, and the organist, Mr Richard, played selections from the works of Handel and Mendelssohn. The grave was covered with many floral offerings, prominent among them being beautiful wreaths from the relatives and from the firm at Kilburn, whose service deceased left when he answered his country's call.

He is also commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hardwick 

Weedon.

Soldiers Effects and Pension to his father William (also states he died in hospital, Liverpool)

We currently have no further information on Herbert Owen Todd, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.