Simeon Sharratt was killed in action on this day in 1915
Simeon Sharratt was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire on 21 September 1894. He was the son of Simeon (a felt hat maker) and Elizabeth Ann and they lived at 1 High Fields Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire. Simeon (junior) was one of six children.
At the 1901 Census he was at home with his parents and three siblings Elizabeth (10), Herbert (8) and William (1). At the 1911 Census he was at home, 47 John Street, Nuneaton with parents and five siblings Elizabeth (20) - a soft felt hat maker, Herbert (18) - also a soft felt hat maker and younger siblings William (11), Ruth (5) and Lilly (2).
Simeon enlisted on 3 September 1914, trained at Caterham and went to France three months later on 22 December. He was wounded in action, being shot by a sniper through the wrist and stomach, near La Bassée on 24 January 1915 and died from his wounds two days later.
He is buried at Bethune Town Cemetery, Bethune.
Simeon's brother Herbert (11333) had enlisted with the Coldstream Guards two days before Simeon on 1 September 1914 and had coincidentally both arrived in France on the same day (22 December). Herbert went on to be awarded the Military Medal. In March 1918 Herbert was wounded; he survived the war and was demobbed 25 February 1919.
11391 Pte Simeon Sharratt No. 3 Coy 1st Bn Coldstream Guards
26 January 1915
Research by Jonathan Vernon
Sources include: UK, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919; Google Street Maps, CWGC; UK, World War I Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923.