Sydney Walter Humfrey's Story.
Born 8th April 1891 to Walter and Annie Welsby. He attended St Hartford House School in Hampshire and then Malvern College (who kindly supplied the photo) where he excelled at cricket. From there to Trinity College Cambridge, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in 1913 and had also rowed for the Trinity eight at Henley. He enlisted on 3rd September 1914, showing his profession as ‘wine merchant’, height 5’ 8” and weight of 9 stone.
Became a Private in the 21st Royal Fusiliers Battalion. Promoted to Corporal on 14th December 1914 and commissioned on 17th May 1915 into 14th Cheshire’s.
Embarked for Basra on 22nd May 1916 where he joined the 8th Cheshire’s, where he became Transport Officer, and took temporary command of A Company.
In February 1917 the 8th attacked the Hai Salient and Welsby was wounded in action. On 13th April 1917 whilst carrying out the duties of Battalion Adjutant, he was wounded again. On 30th April, he was killed in action.
The Battalion diary records that he was the only officer killed that day, and his grave being lost, he is remembered on the Basra Memorial.
He had been made a Freeman of Chester by birth in April 1912.
Cheshire County Memorial Project would like to thank Chris Pate for this information and picture of Sydney.