Soldier Record

Reuben was born at Foleshill, Coventry in 1887, one of 5 boys and 2 girls. By 14 he was working in the local coal mine along with his dad and brothers. In 1912 he married a Bedworth girl, Edith Allen - they had a son a year later. While working down the pit all week he was also a part-time or 'Saturday Night' soldier, part of the 1/7 Territorial Battalion. When War was declared, he, like so many others chose to fight for his country and seek adventure, leaving his wife and baby son at home. His Battalion joined the 48th (South Midland) Division at the Western Front. There they stayed for nearly two years, until on the 1st July 1916 when they went over the top in the first phase of the Battle of the Somme - the Battle of Albert. he was one of the 19,000 killed that day.

Kimberley, Reuben, e. Coventry (Bedworth, Warwicks), 4303, Pte. k. in a., F. & F., 1/7/16.

Reuben is remembered by his descendants who would not exist without him. He is also remembered on the War Memorial at All Saints Bedworth, and Thiepval, France. My Great Grandmother remarried later, to her second Cousin George Allen. George also fought in the War, but lost a leg as a consequence.

In the picture: my Great Grandfather Reuben Kimberley and wife Edith (Allen) on their wedding day in 1912.