Private

In the British Army, a private (Pte) equates to both OR-1 and OR-2 on the NATO scale, although there is no difference in rank. Privates wear no insignia. Many regiments and corps use other distinctive and descriptive names instead of private, some of these ranks have been used for centuries, others are less than 100 years old.[2] In the contemporary British Armed Forces, the army rank of private is broadly equivalent to able seaman in the Royal Navy, aircraftman, leading aircraftman and senior aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, and marine (Mne) or bandsman, as appropriate equivalent rank in the Royal Marines. The term as a military rank seems to come from the Sixteenth Century when individuals had the privilege of enlisting or making private contracts to serve as private soldiers in military units.

Private Lewis Dyer

Submitted by Deejaya on

Pte Lewis Dyer, 8142, 1st Battalion, Beds Regt, killed in action on October 26th, 1914. He was aged 31.

He was born in Eaton Bray and lived for a time in Totternhoe with his grandmother, and then Dunstable. Until called up he lived with his sister, Mrs Hughes, at 143 Wellington Street, Luton.

After serving abroad with the 1st Battalion, Beds Regt, he came out on the reserve and for about 16 months worked at Mr Frenay-Pirotte's dye works in Leagrave Road, Luton, until called up.

Private Albert Smart

Submitted by Deejaya on

Pte Albert Smart, 9352, 2nd Battalion, Beds Regt, was killed in action on October 31st, 1914, near Festubert. Aged 22, he was the son of Mr and Mrs Henry Smart, of 92 Bury Park Road, Luton.

He had been in South Africa with the 2nd Beds for almost 3½ years before the battalion was recalled on the outbreak of war, arriving in England on September 19th. Pte Smart was home on leave for three days before rejoining his regiment and going to the front. He sent his parents a postcard from Zeebrugge in Belgium.

Private Jack Weedon

Submitted by Deejaya on

Pte Jack Weedon, 9840, 1st Battalion, Beds Regt, died from wounds sustained in action in France on October 27th, 1914.
The deceased soldier, who was only 21 years of age and the son of Mr and Mrs John Weedon, of 53 Wimbourne Road, Luton, joined the 1st Beds three years previously and went to the front with the first contingent of the British Expeditionary Force. He was in the firing line right from the beginning.

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