Two Brothers from Flitwick

Sidney and Alfred Stringer [Luton Times]

Friday 9th July 1915: Reports have been received of the heroism of two soldier brothers from Flitwick. Sergeant Alfred Stringer was serving in Africa as a corporal with the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, from where he was recalled at the beginning of the war. Private Sidney John Stringer, joined his brother in the same Battalion at Southampton and they were both sent out to France. However, after only two weeks together the younger brother, Sidney, was killed fighting at Ypres on October 26th[1]. Alfred was wounded in four places by shrapnel and heard of his brother’s death while in hospital at Felixstowe. When he returned to the Front, he vowed to do something which would earn him either promotion or a medal. He achieved both, being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and promotion to the rank of Sergeant[2].

Source: Luton Times and Advertiser, 9th July 1915

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[1] The Commonwealth War Graves Commission gives Private Sidney John Stringer’s date of death as 31st October 1914. He has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial.

[2] Sergeant Alfred Stringer appears to have survived the war.