Sidney Barthropp was killed in action 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 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) Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment at Dover before being attached to the 2nd Battalion in France.

He 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 for a fortnight.

He 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 Royal Sussex Regiment