Category: Military
Rank: Driver
Regiment or Ship: Royal Horse Artillery
Service Number(s): 28013
Occupation: Professional Soldier
Date of Birth: 1885
Place of Birth: Eastbourne, Sussex
Date of Death: 1935
Place of Death: Eastbourne
Address: 97 Windsor Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
Click on any image to see a larger version
Family Information
Parents: Henry Osborne, b.1851 in Robertsbridge, and Eliza Osborne, b. 1865 also in Robertsbridge.
Siblings:
Florence Kelusu Osborne, b. 1887 in Robertsbridge.
Leonard Henry Osborne, b. 1889 in Robertsbridge.
James Charles Osborne, b. 1890 in Mountfield.
Arthur Frederick Osborne, b. 1891 in Mountfield. W0288 OSBORNE Arthur Frederick
By 1901 Henry and family were living at 16 Salisbury Road, Bexhill on Sea, and he was employed as a Lamp Lighter of Gas.
First World War Experience
Little is known of William’s WW1 war service as his service records have not survived. However, we do have an article from the Bexhill Observer dated 20.3.1915 stating:
“Private W. Osborne, of “M” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, is the son of Mrs. H. Osborne, of 97 Windsor-road. He has been serving on the Indian frontiers for over nine years.” This is preceded by the photograph of William with a heading of “Driver W. Osborne, Royal Horse Artillery”.
We know from the Medal Rolls cards that William enlisted on 6th October 1914 and that he was awarded the Victory Medal, the British War Medal, and the 14 Star.