Published: 26 March 2019
Two of Clayhidon’s fallen heroes from World War I are to be honoured in special church services on the 100th anniversary of their deaths.
Reginald and Hubert Bright were the twin sons of Frederick and Charlotte Bright, of Burrows Farm, Clayhidon. They were born in their mother’s home village of Holcombe, near Dawlish and it is there that both will be remembered.
Hubert, who had worked as a servant, joined the Rifle Brigade. His comrades survived gas attacks, saw action on the Somme and fought in the Battle of Arras, where he was killed in 1917 at the age of 20.
At 12 noon on Monday 7 April this year, the exact anniversary of his death, friends, relatives, members of the services and all others are invited to attend a memorial service. Everyone will be presented with a printed order of service containing known details of Hubert. In addition, a history of Holcombe, showing where the family lived and old photographs, is presented to family members.
On 19 February next year there will be another service, this time for Reginald Bright. He joined the Royal Navy at 15, was washed overboard from the destroyer HMS Mons in heavy seas in 1918 and never found. He is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial on The Hoe and beside Hubert’s name at Clayhidon.
Campbell Brown, who is appealing for information about any living descendants, said: “I hope to be able to meet up with them to gain family background, photographs etc. That way the remembrance service is much more personal.”
Knitting groups in Dawlish and Holcombe are knitting small poppies to commemorate those locals who died, either in service or later from their injuries. Each poppy will have a person’s name and date of death added. They will be displayed in a marquee at the Devon County Show, 18.-25 May 2017.
The poppies will be retained and exhibited, later, at a service in Exeter Cathedral. It is hoped that 11,000 named Devonians will each be remembered with a poppy. After the service the poppies will be sold to raise funds for military charities.
If you are related to the Bright family or would like more information, please email Campbell Brown at campbellbrown1@btinternet.com