Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Serjeant Brian Perry (292)

1897 –18/08/1915

Serjeant, Inns of Court Officer Training Corps

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• Janice Boakes

Brian Perry was born in Enfield in 1897. He was the fourth son of Richard and Rose Perry, who had seven children. The family lived at ‘Wynnsted’, North Road, Berkhamsted. Brian’s father Richard was a printer and advertising agent. Brian was educated at Berkhamsted School and Lord Williams Grammar School, Thame, where he won the School Championship Cup.

Brian followed his father into the printing business and was a printer’s apprentice in 1911. He quickly signed up, in September 1914, after the outbreak of war. A tall, well-developed young man, he was accepted into the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps,  when perhaps too young in years. He received rapid promotion and showed promise of becoming a first class cavalry officer.

In June 1915, Brian became seriously ill, and died in the 3rd London General Hospital on 18th August 1915, aged just eighteen. Although he had not seen active service, he was given a military funeral.