A biography of the military career of Private Cyril Meakins who served in the 3/7465 1st Bedfordshire Regiment
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Private Cyril Meakins

Serving Soldiers' Biographies

Private Cyril Meakins 3/7465 1st Bedfordshire Regiment

Cyril Meakins aged 12 Eaton Bray School
Cyril Meakins aged 12
Eaton Bray School

Cyril was born in Victoria Terrace Bower Lane in late 1894 the second son to parents Arthur William Meakins the driver of a Steam Threshing Machine and Emma nee Ward.

Fete was not kind to the family as Arthur died a few months after Cyril was born, aged 32. Emma married again in 1897 to George Pratt and set up home in the Victoria Beer House in Bower Lane. Cyril attended Eaton Bray School and on leaving took a job at Totternhoe Lime where Stepfather George worked leaving Emma to run the pub. More tragedy when in 1909 Cyrils older brother Gutteridge died aged only 20.

When war broke out in 1914 Cyril who was just 18 volunteered and joined the Bedfordshire Regiment. It is thought he landed in France either late 1914 or early 1915 where the 1st Bedfordshire Regiment fought at Mons , Marne and other battles. In April 1915 they were engaged at the second battle of Ypres defending Hill 60 when Cyril was wounded. He died on 20th April 1915 from wounds recieved in the battle.

Thanks to Nicky Lewis for photo

Sources

  • Ancestry
  • Roll of Honour
  • The Bedfordshire Regiment