240048 Sergeant 1/5th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Henry Redding was born in Bridgwater in April 1879. He was the son of baker William Henry Redding and Sarah Reed. In 1891, aged eleven, Henry was working as an errand boy and living with the family in Albert Street. He had one older sister and six younger siblings, including Clifford Redding. In 1901 aged 21, Henry lived with his mother in 9 Somerset, working as a Marine Dealer.
In 1910 he married Kate Murlis and by 1911 they had set up home in 10 Cornborough Place and had a five month old son, Harry Raymond Redding. At this time he was working as a potato dealer. Sometime before the war they moved again to 44 Barclay Street, next door to his brother Clifford.
His war career and much of his life before the war is given by the Bridgwater Mercury on 19 December 1917: 'Sergt. H. Redding of Somerset L.I. has been reported as missing after an engagement in Palestine of 23rd November. He was a member of the old Volunteer Force and afterwards of the Territorials and had completed twenty years of service, for which he received the Long Service Medal. He had served in India and was transferred to Egypt and Palestine'. On 6 February 1917 the Mercury reported 'Missing Bridgwater Sergeant Sgt. Harry Redding now reported killed in action'. Henry had served under Captain Arthur Oswald Major who was killed in the same action and is also commemorated in the Wembdon Road Cemetery.
He is buried in the Jerusalem War Cemetery on the Mount of Olives, plot B. 74. His name was added to his father's memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery, number 679, which inscription reads: In Loving Memory of our dear father William Henry Redding 8th July 1898 aged 48 years. Also of Sarah Redding dearly beloved wife of the above who passed away 7th August 1927 aged 76 years. Pte C Redding France 8th June 1917 aged 26 years. Sergt HG Redding Palestine 23rd November 1917 aged 38 years. Thy Will be Done.
