KEEN Benjamin A

The family name was Keen-Hopkins, which is how it appears in censuses and baptisms in Blockley in the 19th century. It was cut to Keen in documents from about 1900, including military documentation.

Benjamin Keen was born in Blockley in 1893, the youngest of thirteen children. His father James was a shoemaker and erstwhile organist. Benjamin’s birth was registered with the surname Keen, he was baptised as Keen-Hopkins. He was at home in Blockley until at least 1911, when he was working as a labourer.

Benjamin served in the Gloucestershire regiment in World War 1. His personal military documentation has not survived but there are other records. He enlisted at Campden probably during the autumn of 1914 and was posted to France to join the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment in March 1915; he must thus have been a volunteer. Within weeks he was wounded and returned to the England, where he died of his wounds in a military hospital in London. He was brought back to Blockley where he was buried.

From the Medal Index Card and Regiment medal rolls:
Benjamin Keen, 2 Battalion Gloucestershire Regt, Private, 12357, embarkation 25th March 1915 (1) [Western Front], died of wounds on 14th May 1915.

From the Gloucestershire Regiment Museum:
Benjamin Keen, born Blockley, enlisted Campden, A Company, 2nd Battalion, Private, 12357, died of wounds, England, grave ref WOR182.

From Soldiers’ Effects:
Benjamin Albert Keen, 2/Gloucestershire Regt, Private, 12357, died 14th May 1915 of wounds, 1 pound 10s 11d plus 3 pounds 0s 0d War Gratuity, to mother Mary A.