Born Hull 1897. Son of Charles & Charlotte Louisa Brewster of 5 Beaulah Avenue, Leonard Street. His name is recorded on the Clifton Street School Roll of Honour. He worked for Blundell, Spence Ltd, Hull
Hull Pals Memorial Post. PRIVATE PERCY BREWSTER 11/746. Born in 1897, Percy was one of nine children to Charles and Charlotte Brewster of 5 Beulah Place, Leonard Street, Hull. Working as an Assistant in a ‘Colour and Paints Works’ before the war, he enlisted at City Hall on 9th September 1914. He lied about his age, claiming to be 19 when he was little over 17, which makes his tragic death all the more poignant. Percy was killed accidentally on 19th August 1916. The official report reads:
“11/746 PTE P. BREWSTER WAS CLEANING HIS RIFLE IN THE SAME ISLAND AS 11/823 PTE B. VAREY WHEN PTE VAREY DISCHARGED A ROUND ACCIDENTALLY KILLING PTE P. BREWSTER.”
Varey was arrested and an Inquiry ensued. Varey’s description of events is telling:
“About 11.15am today I was cleaning my rifle in the entrance to the shelter to No.23 Island. I drew back the bolt (without removing it) to clean it and then closed it, thus forcing a cartridge into the breech although I was not aware of this as I was under the impression I had removed the magazine before starting to clean the rifle. After forcing home the bolt, I must have pulled the trigger, when there was an explosion and Pte Brewster who was cleaning his rifle opposite to me was shot and killed (I afterwards helped to put him on the stretcher) and 11/485 Pte E. Stainforth was also shot, I did not see to what extent. I generally take my magazine out before cleaning my rifle. Upon this occasion I did not as I was afraid of getting it muddy owing to the condition of the trenches.”
Percy had been shot through the left side of his neck and blood had sprayed upwards as several witnesses believed he had been shot in the mouth. Varey’s description is clearly coached and contradictory, but this could well have been down to shock at what had happened. The bullet smashed the glass of a trench periscope and this glass flew out wounding Private W. Hewitt 11/675. All in all a tragic accident.
Percy was buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery and his name is commemorated on the Clifton Street School Roll of Honour; he was 19 years old.
Private Varey was killed in action on 13th November, just three months later.
Percy Brewster and Brian Varey both attended the same school, Clifton Street, and are recorded on the school’s roll of honour.
HIS DEATH WAS REPORTED IN THE HULL DAILY MAIL ON 06/09/1916, WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPH. *
