David Ivor Brearley

Name and Rank: Private David Ivor Brearley

Service Number: 202527

Served with: 2/4 York & Lancaster

Killed in Action: 14 May 1917

Commemorated on local memorials at: Bolsterstone, Clock Tower, Deepcar St. John

Buried at: H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St Mein, Pas de Calais, France

David was born in 1889 and was the son of David Brearley and his wife Elizabeth, who lived at “Lyndene,” Deepcar.  David senior was a builder and mason, and David Ivor followed him into the trade.  He attested in January 1916 and was posted to France in January 1917.  He was killed in action 14 May that year.  David senior was responsible for carving the War Memorial cross in Bolsterstone church yard, and also for a tablet in Deepcar St. John’s church commemorating one of the choir, Anthony Button, who was killed in action.  It was unveiled in June 1917, a month after David Ivor had been killed.

David Brearley senior was the captain of the Bolsterstone Parish Church ringers and had been ever since the bells were put up in 1892.  Three of his sons were also bell ringers; Archie, John Redfearn and David Ivor.  In February 1919 David Ivor was remembered at a memorial service for bell ringers who had died in the War, which was held at Sheffield Cathedral.  The service was led by the Archdeacon of Sheffield, the Bishop being in London leading a national memorial service at St. Clement’s Church in the Strand.  Many ringers attended the Cathedral to pay tribute to ten of their fallen comrades.