Private Anton Robert Heren 9360, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

CWGC thanks Noonans Mayfair Ltd for this story.

Anton Robert Heren was born at St. George’s-in-the East, London and attested for the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on 2 February 1910 at Bodmin. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War from 21 August 1914 and, having fought at Mons, died at No. 2 Eastern General Hospital, Brighton on 6 September 1914.

He was given a military burial at Brighton City (Bear Road) Cemetery, an event which was reported by the local press:

‘Private Anton Robert Heren, 25, of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, died on 6 September 1914. He had arrived at Dyke Road early the previous week in a batch of 300 wounded and had been one of the few serious cases, having contracted rheumatic fever on the battlefield at Mons. His funeral was accorded all the solemn honours that a military funeral could bestow. A large crowd assembled in Old Shoreham Road to witness the departure, under armed escort, of the cortege for the cemetery. A body of soldiers acted as bearers of the coffin, over which the Union flag was draped. At the graveside, a firing party fired three volleys as a last farewell.’

1914 Star, with clasp (9360 Pte. A. Heren. 1/D. of Corn: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (9360 Pte. A. R. Heren. D. of Corn. L.I.).