Brian Clarke Cumberland – A Bedfordshire Freemason’s Sacrifice at Gallipoli

Freemasonry  |     |  

With the consecration of the Bedfordshire Military Lodge planned for 13th June, Bedfordshire Freemason Ian Church has been to visit the grave in Gallipoli of Brian Cumberland.

Brian Clarke Cumberland of Bedfordshire Lodge of St John the Baptist No. 475, Luton, is believed to be the only known member of a Bedfordshire Lodge to have been killed in action during the First World War.

Born in 1889, Brian was the son of Hugh Cumberland JP, Provincial Grand Secretary for Bedfordshire. Initiated into his father’s Lodge in 1912, he also served as a Captain in the 5th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.

During the Gallipoli campaign on 15th August 1915, Captain Cumberland led A Company in the assault on Kidney Hill. Despite devastating enemy fire and heavy casualties, he rallied his men and courageously led a bayonet charge towards the summit, where he was tragically killed in action.

Following the battle, his commanding officer and fellow Lodge member, Lieutenant Colonel Brighten, found his body and later wrote to Brian’s father describing the bravery with which he had led the attack.

Captain and Brother Brian Clarke Cumberland is remembered with honour at Azmak Cemetery, Suvla, Gallipoli, and his sacrifice continues to be commemorated by Cumberland Lodge.

The above picture and notes have been kindly prepared by Ian Church. 

For a more comprehensive details of the above events and Second Lieutenant Harry Reginald Hipwell, Stewart Lodge see here.