Private Reginald Kenny Brewer
Reginald Kenny Brewer was born on 14 April 1900 at 20 Powerscourt Street, Belfast, the second of five children of musician and soldier Frank Allen Brewer and his wife Mary (Minnie) (née Kenney). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 169 McClure Street, Belfast, with his parents and three siblings (another would be born three years later).
Brewer enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Belfast on 24 April 1913 (No.839 or 840 – later Corps of Hussars No.71126). He was aged just 13. Joining-up with him was his older brother, Cecil Kenny Brewer, just 16 years old, and their father Frank Allen Brewer, who was aged 45, but claimed to be just 29. Reginald was described as being 5' 9" tall, with a sallow complexion, dark brown hair and brown eyes. Like his father and brother he stated that he was a musician.
Brewer did not serve overseas during the war, probably on account of his age, remaining at the regiment's reserve base at Antrim.
On 12 September 1918 he deserted from Antrim. It is not known if he was apprehended.
In 1923 Brewer appeared in court in relation to a domestic dispute with his mother (see article below).
By 1928 he was living at 28 Rutland Street and working as a labourer. On 17 August that year he married farmer's daughter Kathleen Boyle in St John's Church of Ireland Parish Church, Belfast.
Larne Times, 4 August 1923
Image of Private Brewer sourced from Ancestry.com Public Member Trees – contributor Paula Maxwell.
This page last updated 27 December 2023.