A Tragic and Accidental Death

Saint-Quentin during World War One

Thursday 27th August 1914: We are saddened to hear of the death of Private Benjamin Hedley Seabrook of 5th Bedfords. He was guarding a railway bridge at Manningtree [Essex] and was killed by an express train at 8.30 this morning. He was the son of Benjamin and Eliza Jane Seabrook of 68 West Street, Dunstable and was just eighteen years old.

All day the 1st Bedfords have been continuing their retreat from Mons. They left Estrées about 4 a.m. and marched through the city of Saint-Quentin reaching the town of Eaucourt just after midday. This journey of around twenty miles must have been shattering to men who have hardly slept since Sunday and have been in action. Our source with the battalion tells us that many of the men were marching whilst asleep.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/2/7; Bedfordshire Times 28th August 1914