Private Thomas Henry Seabright (1891-1966) was the sixth of eight children of Thomas and Fanny (née Landy), born at Broadway. Known as ‘Henry’, he attended Badsey School from 1898 until October 1900 when living in Wickhamford; the family had moved to the village in October 1897. He lived in Childswickham at the 1901 census where his father was an agricultural labourer. The family later moved to Bishampton.
Henry was a Private (No. 16765) in the 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, having enlisted on 3rd September 1914 in Bishampton when he was a carter by trade. He served under the name ‘Henry’ Seabright. When based at Fovant, Hampshire, on 24th June 1915 he reported sick due to an old foot injury – he had suffered a tarsal fracture in March 1914 when a cartwheel ran over his foot. He was brought before the Invalidity Board and recommended for discharge as permanently unfit for war service.
Henry Seabright left the Army on 7th July 1915 having served for 307 days and returned to Ketches Farm, Bishampton. He married Sarah Smith in Abberton on 11th March 1916.
Three of Henry’s brothers served in the war, too: William Seabright, Hubert Seabright and Charles Alfred Seabright. It is possible that Joseph Seabright may also have served. All five brothers survived the war. The Bishampton War Memorial is unusual in that it lists the men who served, not just those who died. However, only one Seabright is mentioned, H Seabright; this may refer to Henry or, more likely, his brother, Hubert.