Sidney Barthropp was killed on this day in 1915
Sidney Barthrop was born at Kensington Court 25 March 1892 the only son of Major Alfred Barthropp (a stockbroker) of Newport House and Ellen Barthropp (née Wentworth).
At the 1901 Census, Sidney - along with his parents and domestic servants including a governess - were living at Newport House (an extensive property with 14 rooms), in Newport, Essex. (Newport House is now a training centre for adults with learning needs and a garden centre.)
Sidney was educated at Winchester College where he played for ‘Commoners XVs’ in November 1909 and at Trinity College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge he whipped in the Trinity Foot Beagles from March 1911 until he left the University. He was also whipped in the Eastern Counties Otterhounds from August 1911 during the Mastership of Mr Rose whom he succeeded.
After taking his degree in November 1913 Sidney went to the Bishop’s Hostel, Farnham, Surrey with the intention of studying for Holy Orders.
With the outbreak of war he joined the 3rd (Special Reserve) Bn of the Royal Sussex Regiment at Dover before becoming attached to the 2nd battalion in France.
Sidney was killed in action, age 23, during a German attack near the Brickstacks at Cuinchy on part of the line the battalion was holding. His unit had come under heavy attack and a German sniper shot him through the head, killing him instantly. He had only been with the battalion a fortnight.
Sidney Barthropp was confirmed in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant the day he was killed. He is now buried in Cuinchy Communal Cemetery.
2/Lt Sidney Alfred Nathaniel Shafto Barthropp, 3rd (attchd 2nd) Bn R Sussex Regt.
KIA 29 January 1915
Research by David O'Mara
Sources: Du Ruvignys Roll of Honour, Census Returns 1901, 1911. British Newspaper Archive, Winchester College