Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Robert Berry a clothier, born 1853 in Grantham, Lincolnshire and his wife Mary Elizabeth Berry (nee Cook, married in the 1st quarter of 1881 in the Warwick district), born 1860 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. In the second quarter of 1899 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, Langley’s mother died age 39. Langley was born in the 3rd quarter of 1895 in Melton Mowbray, his siblings were Alice Elizabeth, born 1881, Rose Ellen, born 1882, Mabel Annie, a pupil teacher, born 1885, Victoria Mary, born 1887, Violet Roberta, born 1888, Wilfred Arthur, born 1890, Marjorie Olive, born 1892, Robert Gordon, born 1894, Winifred Dorothy, born 1898 and Kathleen Gillison, born 1899, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, also residing in the family home were Langley’s paternal grandmother, Mary Berry, a widow, born 1827 in Bourne, Lincolnshire and his maternal aunt, Alice Cook, a housekeeper, born 1864 in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 1, Egerton Road, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911, Langley was employed as a baker’s apprentice and was residing in the family home at 1, Egerton Road, Melton Mowbray, together with his widowed father, a clothier’s manager and director, and siblings, Mabel, a housekeeper, Victoria, a milliner, Robert, a student teacher, Winifred, a schoolgirl and Kathleen, a schoolgirl.
The War Diary records: 6 Apr-16 - The 19th and 28th Brigade’s supported by 21st Brigade were ordered to carry out a night march with the intention of attacking at dawn. The march was commenced shortly after midnight, in massed formation, 28th Brigade on right, 19th Brigade on left. Formation of 28th Brigade. Front line 51st SIKHS (FRONTIER FORCE) and Provisional Battalion OXFORD AND BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY, second line 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGT, third line 53rd SIKHS and 56th RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE). Owing to considerable delay during the march the attacking Brigade’s were 1000 yards short of enemy’s position when it was daylight. Suddenly the enemy opened a withering fire. The first lines of the Brigade pushed forward to within 800 yards of enemy’s position until compelled to halt through very heavy casualties (our own artillery on right bank of TIGRIS being responsible for a considerable number) when they entrenched. Some 400 yards behind these another line was established and consolidated by some 200 men of the LEICESTERSHIRE REGT and HIGHLAND Battalion’s (1st SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS and BLACK WATCH of 19th Brigade), the remaining units of both Brigade’s extending in rear. Heavy fire was kept up by enemy throughout the day. At dusk the wounded and a few others of the Battalion and other units crawled back, and organised stretcher parties were sent out. The following casualties occurred, very early in the Battalion. Officers killed 2nd Lieutenant H. BILLINGS, wounded Major R. N. KNATCHBULL D.S.O., Major A. F. R. COLQUHOUN, Captain C. A. BAMFORD, Captain H. N. H. GRIMBLE, Lieutenant H. STOCKLEY, 2nd Lieutenant T. MONAGHAN, 2nd Lieutenant J. HARBOTTLE, 2nd Lieutenant H. S. ELLIS. 2nd Lieutenant B. BRAKES was wounded in the afternoon. Other ranks during the 6th April, killed 45, wounded 254, wounded but did not quit Battalion 3, missing 19. Major D. L. WEIR D.S.O. reassumed command of the Battalion on the afternoon of the 6th April.
On Friday May 12th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. LCE.-CORPL. LANGLEY BERRY KILLED. – SON OF MR. J. R. BERRY, MELTON. We very much regret to announce that Lance Corpl. Langley Berry, of the Leicestershire Regiment, son of Mr. J. R. Berry, Egerton-road, has lost his life in the Persian Gulf. Official intimation of the sad news was received yesterday by Mr. Berry, in the following terms. – Sir, - It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has this day been received from the War Office, notifying the death of No. 18019, Lance-Corpl. Langley Berry, of the Leicestershire Regiment, which occurred at the Persian Gulf on April 6th 1916, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The cause of death was killed in action. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, T. L. Angel, Captain.
On Friday May 19th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – GREAT DALBY. – FALLEN HEROES. A memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel on Wednesday evening, the 18th instant, for our fallen soldiers, Lance-Corpl. Christopher Sharpe and Pte. Joe Warner, of Great Dalby, and for Lance-Corpl. Langley Berry, of Melton Mowbray, who was a farm pupil with Mr. F. E. Johnson, Great Dalby. They all belonged to the Leicestershire Regiment, and were killed in action at the Persian Gulf on the 6th instant. The news of their death was a great shock to everybody in the village. They were fine young men, and were greatly respected. A great number attended the service, which was conducted by the Rev. W. Head, Melton Mowbray. The text was St. John xi, 23, “I am the resurrection and the life.” The sermon was full of help and comfort to all, and especially to all the bereaved ones. The hymns sung were, “How bright these glorious spirits shine,” “The Son of God goes forth to war,” “Who fathoms the eternal thought,” and “For all the saints who from their labours rest.” Mrs. Goodland officiated at the organ. And in the same issue under the heading:- “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATH. BERRY, - Langley Berry, age 20, killed in action in Persian Gulf, April 6th 1916. And in the same issue under the heading:- “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – THANKS. Mr. Berry and family desire to thank those who have expressed their sympathy with them in their loss.