Bernard was one of four brothers, three who played for the Cobblers, The other brother played Rugby for the Saints! They were sons of the senior master at Wellingborough grammar school. Bernard himself became assistant master at Ashby-de-la-Zouch school (Leicester). As well as curate to St. Barnabus church in Leicester.

When he left Northampton to take up his teaching profession he had trials with several clubs all on amateur terms. During world war one he joined the Sherwood Foresters where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant colonel.

While on the front in France he was wounded eight times while leading an attack on Bellinglise and La Haucourt. Across the canal du Nord. He was killed by a sniper’s bullet at Barrnicourt and awarded the Victoria Cross and Military cross and bar posthumously.