(53) Robert Prevett, Private 46504 11th Bn Leicestershire Regt

[Jill]

Robert was born on 31 Jan 1876 in Haywards Heath, son of painter James Prevett and his wife Mary Ann. He was baptized on 1st Feb 1876 at St Wilfrid’s and was seventh of the ten Prevett children brought up in South Road. Like his father Robert became a painter.

He married Harriet Naomi Brook in Eastbourne in 1899, they lived first in New England Road, Haywards Heath then in 1911 were at 13 Kents Road with their two children Florence and Frederick. Their third child, Robert, was born in 1914.

Robert was killed in France on 7th December 1917 and is buried at Ruyaulcourt Military Cemetery, France grave F.25.

The local paper printed this:

1st Jan 1918 MID SUSSEX TIMES
DEATH OF PRIVATE ROBERT PREVETT

The sad news came last week of the above well-known resident had died from wounds received in action on 7th December. Private Prevett was a pioneer attached to the Leicestershire Regiment, and before joining up was a painter by trade. In the local football world he was held in high repute, having rendered good service as a player in the early years of football in the town.

Deep sympathy is felt for his widow who is left with three children, also for his aged mother and brothers and sisters, for the sympathy they have received they are sincerely grateful.

Harriet, his widow, was sent his effects of £6 9s 1d on 19 March 1918 and a War Gratuity of £10 on 14 November 1919.

She lived on until 1970 and died aged 96 never having remarried. Robert’s nephew Edward James Prevett was also killed in the war.