WILLESBOROUGH. The Great War

Transcription

1 WILLESBOROUGH The Willesborough civic war memorial is a series of brass plaques located on the church organ. At some stage some kind soul has also handwritten a roll of honour that lists all the men of Willesborough who served in the colours during the Great War. This handwritten book is rather hard to decipher. The book is held at the St Mary s Church in Willesborough. Inside Christchurch (Willesborough) there is a large oak Roll of Honour that contains the names of men of the congregation who served in the colours in the Great War and men who went on to lose their lives. The Great War

2 BAILEY A.E (brother) Lance Corporal L/9592 Archibald Ernest BAILEY. 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28 th September Born Mersham. Resided Willesborough Lees. Son of Samuel Bailey of 16, Blackwall Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, Kent. Archibald has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to , Blackwall Road, Willesborough Private Reginald George Alfred BAILEY. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). On the 28 th September 1915 the 2 nd Battalion was in action all day. The battalion had been tasked with attacking the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 nearby. The Buffs at hours began to line up in trenches ready for the assault. When the battalion went over the top progress was very slow due to murserous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. At least 11 enemy machine guns infiladed the battaion from a position known as Miners Cottages. B and C companies were held up at The Dump a heavily fortified enemy held position. The attack failed and The Buffs withdrew to their original start line. Over 100 men were left dead and dying on the battlefield but mainly at and on The Dump. 2

3 BAILEY H.P.A Second Lieutenant Hubert Percy Andrew BAILEY. 17 th Battalion, Welsh Regiment. Died 24 th November 1917 aged 28 years. Son of George and Katherine Bailey of Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. Hubert has no known grave. His name appears on the Cambrai Memorial, Cambrai, France. Panel reference 7. Both Hubert s parents are buried in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Their gravestone also commemorates their sons Hubert s death in France. George Bailey died 15 th May 1942 aged 86 years. Katherine Bailey died 2 nd March 1936 aged 82 years. Educated at St Augustine s College, Ashford and St Xaviour s College at Bruges in Belgium. Hubert received his military training in the Artist s Officer Training Corps (OTC) and was sent out to France with his battalion in February In April 1917 Hubert was appointed to the post of Intelligence Officer to his battalion and in July 1917 Adjutant. He married a French national from Paris in March

4 BAILEY R (brother) Corporal Reginald George Alfred BAILEY. 8 th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Formerly (8993) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 6 th June Born Mersham. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford. Son of Samuel Bailey of 16, Blackwall Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the La Neuville-Aux-Larris Military Cemetery, Marne, France. Grave reference B , Blackwall Road, Willesborough Private Reginald George Alfred BAILEY. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 4

5 BARNES J Railway Sapper James William BARNES. 18 th Wagon Erecting Company, Railway Operating Division (ROD). Royal Engineers (RE). Died of disease 4 th September Born Sevington, Ashford. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Sevington. Son of James and Fanny Barnes of 108, Cudworth Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Calais Southern Cemetery, France. Grave reference Plot H, Row 4, Grave 1. Before the outbreak of war James was working at the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Ashford Railway Rolls of Honour in Ashford Library. The 1901 census gives Cottage, Sevington James BARNES 78 Agricultural Labourer Kingsnorth Fred 29 Mersham Cottage, Sevington James BARNES 46 Railway Mersham Fanny 36 Tonbridge Alice 9 Sevington James W 7 Sevington 5

6 BARTON F Sergeant Frank Claude BARTON. 14 th Training Depot Station, Royal Air Force (RAF). Died 7 th April 1919 aged 29 years. Son of James Henry and Ada Harriet Barton of 1, Bentley Road, South Willesborough, Ashford. Husband of Ida Barton. Buried locally in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford. Grave reference Q

7 BEAN C Rifleman 9230 Charles Alfred BEAN. 1 st Battalion, Rifle Brigade. Died 28 th April Born Ashford. Son of Richard William and Mary Bean of 57 Canterbury Road, Willesborough, Ashford. Buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord), France. Grave reference I.C.149. Educated at the British School Ashford and then the New Town School in Ashford. Charles was a very strong swimmer gaining several swimming awards in the Ashford area. After leaving school he was employed in the saw mills of the Ashford Railway Works. He joined the Army when aged 19 years. He served for 12 years and finally left after completing his engagement. In 1914 he volunteered for overseas service and rejoined his former regiment. Charles was severely wounded in both legs on Hill 37 by a shell that exploded on the trench he was sheltering in. He died a few days later of these wounds. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives 57, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough Drummer James Frederick BEAN. 1 st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. In April 1915 the 1 st battalion was in the Plugstreet Wood Sector. On the 15 th April it moved to billets on the Bailleul-Steenwerck Road. On the 24 th April the battalion entrained at Steenwerck for Poperinghe and there marched to bivouacs near Busseboom. On the 25 th April the battalion moved to Vlameringhe and then moved forward to St Jean and positions near Fortuin. This line was held under constant shelling and the battalion dug in on the northern slopes of Hill 37. On the 28 th April Hill 37 was being held. The regimental diary state that between the 25 th April and 28 th April 253 men were killed wounded and missing. 7

8 BOOTH B Private G/28702 Bertie Thomas BOOTH. 7 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 24 th April 1918 aged 19 years. Born Ashford. Son of C.T and A.J Booth of 152, Hythe Road, Willesborough. Buried in the Crucifix Corner Cemetery, Vilers-Bretonneux, France. Grave reference XE.16. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives 150 Hythe Road, Willesborough Private G/28702 Bertie Thomas BOOTH. 7 th Regiment). Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Bertie s name also appears on the Christchurch Roll of Honour Plaque in South Ashford. On the 24 th April 1918 the Germans attacked in force on the Villers-Bretonneux Plateau. They used tanks together with massive bombardment to capture British forward positions. The 7 th West Kent s were called up from reserve lines and went to the assistance of the 54 th Brigade (85 th Division). The village of Hangard was the scene of very fierce fighting especially around Hangard Wood. BROOKES C Corporal 6276 Cecil Edmund BROOKS. 8 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 27 th May 1917 aged 22 years. Born Court-at-Street, Lympne near Aldington. Enlisted Tunbridge Wells. Resided Tunbridge Wells. Eldest son of Herbert and Lily Brooks of 49, Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Lillie Brookes (nee Maylam) the daughter of William Maylam. Buried Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery. Grave reference VII.B.9. Cecil was educated at the Aldington School and at Clark s College, London. Upon leaving school he worked as an Assistant to Mr Harrington a Grocer in Tunbridge Wells. Cecil enlisted on the 26 th April 1915 and moved to France in October Cecil s commanding officer wrote The loss of your son will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Calm and cheerful under most trying circumstances, he discharged all his duties with marked ability, and inspired the confidence of all who knew him. Full well I know how inadequate our sympathy may seem in your great loss. Yet I feel sure you will derive some benefit that your son died only as an English gentleman can do doing his duty. Cecil was killed in action on the eve of obtaining his commission. He served on the front line for 18 months before losing his life. BROOKES W Private 4895 William Charles BROOKS. 2 nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Died 31 st March 1917 aged 23 years. Enlisted Armoury House, London. Resided Ashford. Son of Mr W.C Brooks of 195, New Town, Ashford, Kent. Buried H.A.C Cemetery, Ecoust-St, Mein, France. Grave reference I.A.22. William was killed in action near Bapaume in France. 8

9 BROOKES R Private TF/2717 Robert Henry BROOKS. 5 th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Reported missing in action on 9 th May 1915 aged 21 years. Son of Mr F.J Brooks of 28, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Robert has no known grave. His name appears on the Le Touret Memorial, France. Panel reference 20 and 21. Before the war Robert was employed at the Railway Hotel in Hastings, Sussex. On the 6 th May 1915 the 5 th battalion was at Mesplaux in support trenches behind Rue De Bois. On the 9 th May the whole battalion took part in an attack on the Aubers Ridge. The leading companies merely fell victim to murderous machine gun fire. 11 officers and 191 men were wiped out in minutes. At 1800 hours the battalion withdrew to Le Touret. On the 10 th May the battalion moved to Bethune. 9

10 BRUNGER E Private (formerly Lance Corporal) L/8140 Ernest BRUNGER. 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 3 rd Battalion. Missing Assumed to have Died 3 rd May Born Headcorn. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford. Son of Ernest and Ellen Brunger of 28, Rugby Gardens, Ashford, Kent. Later moved to 101 Willesborough Street, Ashford, Kent. Ernest had a brother Henry Brunger who lived at 70 New Town, Ashford, Kent and two sisters also residing in Newtown, Ashford. Buried in the Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. Grave reference VII.D.22. Before the war Ernest was employed as a Boilermaker by the South East and Chatham Railway (SE&CR). He joined the territorial army on 30 th November 1905 when aged 18 years and later transferred to the regular Buffs. He served with The Buffs in the following overseas possessions South Africa (1908), Hong Kong ( ), Singapore (1910) and India (1913). On the 16 th November 1914 he was sailing on the SS Ultomia with his battalion who were rushing back from India to reinforce the British Expeditionary Force in France. He arrived home on 16 th November 1914 and left for France on 17 th January Ernest was a trained stretcher bearer. He was promoted to a Lance Corporal on the 29 th June 1909 but reverted to Private on 10 th January 1910 at his own request. 7, Hardinge Road, Ashford Sapper Arthur James BRUNGER. 496 th Field Company, Royal Engineers. The 1901 census gives 37, Rugby Gardens, Ashford Ernest BRUNGER 36 Boiler Maker Bethersden Ellen 43 Woodchurch Bessie 16 Headcorn Ernest 14 Bethersden Henry 12 Woodchurch Ellen 8 Hinxhill Arthur 6 Hinxhill On the 1 st May 1915 a fresh draft of men arrived from England. On the 3 rd May 1915 the enemy shelled Buffs positions at Verlorenhoek. The battalion at this time was commanded by Captain Houblon and he reported many casualties during this day from the abnormal level of shelling. Later in the day the enemy attacked a trench known as D5. This enemy attack could not be 10

11 resisted because the trench was defended by so few Buffs. Captain Howard Smith and Lieutenant G.R Howe leading 80 men held the trench. None of these men were ever seen or heard of again. On the 4 th May the battalion withdrew to bivouacs in a wood near Poperinghe. From 22 nd April to 4 th May the battalion lost 17 officers and a further 702 men killed, wounded or missing. The battalion was more or less completely wiped out in less than 2 weeks! The Germans through the American Embassy notified the British War Office in February 1916 that Ernest s body was buried at Roulers, Belgium on 3 rd May On 16 February 1916 the War Office wrote to Ernest s parents in Ashford giving them official confirmation of their sons death Killled In Action 3 rd May

12 BURCH G Gunner George Sidney BURCH. 293 rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 9 th November 1917 aged 32 years. Born 2 nd August 1885 at the Good Intent, Public House, Frith Road, Aldington, Kent. Son of Charles and Kate Burch of 103 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough. Buried in the Bard Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference VI.B.27. The Good Intent Public House has also been called the Black Rabbit. George was related to F.A Barling who appears on the Ashford and Aldington lists. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives Frith Road, Aldington Private Frederick BURCH. East Surrey Regiment Private 5925 Thomas BURCH. Royal Sussex Regiment 12

13 BURGESS J Lance Corporal L/9719 James Henry BURGESS. 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 13 th July Born South Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided South Willesborough. Buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference I.D.107. James died of wounds whilst being treated in a Base Hospital at Bailleul. BUTCHER R Lance Corporal 8078 Robert Leslie BUTCHER. E Company, 2 nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). Formerly (3 years) Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Died 27 th April 1915 aged 25 years. Born 14 th December 1889 at Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Son of Alfred and Mary Butcher. Brother of Harry James Butcher of 39 Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Robert has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 57. Before the outbreak of war Robert was employed as a Steam Fitter (probably at the Ashford Railway Yards). Robert enlisted in the Canadian Army on 22 nd September

14 COLLINS H Private Harry COLLINS. 12 th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 21 st September Enlisted Lincoln. Buried in the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L abbe, France. Grave reference IV.E.53. On the 16 th September the battalion marched to Pommiers Redoubt via Fricourt. At 2100 hours it moved up to releive battalion s of the 43 rd Brigade coming out the line. A number of frontline trenches were occupied near Flers including Switch and Gap Trenches. On the 22 nd September the battalion was releived by 9 th Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) and withdrew to bivouacs northwest of Bernafay Wood. It appears that Harry may have been killed near Flers (Switch/Gap Trench). 14

15 CHITTENDEN A Lance Corporal Alfred George CHITTENDEN. 7 th Company, 1 st Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps (CMGC). Formerly 100 th Winnipeg Grenadiers (militia). Formerly (4 years) Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Died 30 th October 1917 aged 30 years. Born 27 th February 1887 at Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Son of William Chittenden of 1, Queens Road, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, Kent. Nephew of Mr E Paine of Christchurch Road, Ashford. Buried in the Poelcapelle British Cemetery. Grave reference XXVII.D.2. Before the war Alfred worked in the boiler shop Locomotive Department at the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Works in Ashford (SE&CR). He left that employment in 1912 and went to Canada to become a Blacksmiths Helper. On the outbreak of war Alfred volunteered for overseas service and came over to Shorncliffe, Folkestone with his unit. His death was reported in the Kentish Express and it was stated that he died a hero s death. CRUST A Private Albert Edward CRUST. 1 s Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles (Saskatchewan Regiment). Formerly Canadian Local Militia. Died 5 th June 1916 aged 28 years. Born 24 th November 1889 at Ashford, Kent. Son of William Albert A and Charlotte Crust of 63, Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Leper, Belgium. Grave reference IX.F Cudworth Road, South Willesborough Sergeant Arthur James CRUST. 5 th Devonshire Regiment. Captain Ernest Walter CRUST. 1 st Royal Berkshire Regiment. Colonel Sydney Thomas CRUST. 1 st Kent Battalion. Before the outbreak of war Edward was employed as a Builder in Canada. He enlisted on the 30 th December 1914 and voluteered for overseas service. Both Albert s parents are buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery. Albert s name appears on his parents headstone as a private family tribute. It states that Albert was killed in action at Mount Elio with the Canadians. 15

16 DAVIS F.S Private Francis (Frank) Shirley DAVIS. 5 th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Died 9 th April 1917 aged 25 years. Born 15 th August 1891 at London. Adopted son of Mr. Jerry Smith of Summerhill Laundry, Willesborough. Formerly Walnut Tree House, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Nine Elms Military Cemetery, Thelus. Grave reference IV.A.3. Frank s name also appears on the Christchurch Roll of Honour. Frank was educated at the Willesborough School. When he left school he went to work for Mr Stedman the Chemist in Ashford. About two years before the outbreak of war Frank went to Canada to join Mr Smith s other son who was farming at Beckenham near Saskatchewan in Canada. Enlisting in the Canadian Infantry on the 9 th December 1915 at Regina, Sask he came to England in

17 DOWLE G Private 8854 George Crispin DOWLE. B Company, 1 st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Died 9 th May 1915 aged 29 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Dover. Son of John O and Annie E Dowle of 48, Church Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Brother of Charles Dowle of 14, West Street, Ashford, Kent. George has no known grave. His name appears on the Le Touret Memorial, France. Panel reference 27 and 28. George was a popular member of the local church bell ringers and the choir. He worked in the Ashford Railway Yards as a Coachbuilder. He completed 8 years service in the army 3 days before he was killed. His father John Dowle served in the 2 nd Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment for many years. It is recorded that George lost his life fighting at Richebourg in France with his battalion. 14, West Street, Ashford Private Charles James DOWLE. 5 th Queen s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). 48 Church Road, Willesborough Private Frank Hubert DOWLE. Durham Light Infantry. On the 8 th May 1915 the 1 st battalion left Les Choquaux and moved into assembly trenches behind Rue du Bois. The next day (9 th May) Lt Col W.D Sanderson led an attack at 0700 hours. This attack was met with very substantial rifle fire from the front and flank. The battalion withdrew to its start point and then made another attack in the afternoon. The following trenches were occupied during the attack Tin Cross, The Cinder Track. At 0300 hours the next day the battalion assembled at Chocolat Menier Corner before retiring to billets at Long Cornet. 244 men were killed, wounded and missing. 17

18 DOWN F.T Dover Marine Private G/5100 Frederick Thomas DOWN. 8 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 26 th September 1915 aged 33 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Husband of Mrs F Down of 27, Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. Before the outbreak of war Frederick worked for the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company as a Painter. He left a widow with 4 children. The day that Frederick died his battalion the 8 th Buffs were in the vicinity of Mazingarbe. During the whole of September 1915 the battalion alternated between billets in Mazingarbe and frontline trenches at Loos or Carency. DRURY F Lance Corporal L/8663 Frederick DRURY. 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28 th or 29 th September 1915 aged 25 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Newtown, Ashford. Son of Mr Drury of Herbert Road, South Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, Loos, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. SDGW lists his date of death as 26 th September Frederick was educated at the South East and Chatham Railway School in Ashford. On leaving school Frederick went to work in the Ashford Railway Works. He worked here for 4 years as a Coachmaker before joining the army in , New Town, Ashford Shoeing Smith Gordon William Thomas DRURY. Queen s Own Oxfordshire Hussars. Private 1984 Henry George DRURY. 13 th Hussars. The Kentish Express newspaper reported Frederick s death. He was killed in action whilst firing a machine gun. Apparently, a German Sniper shot him through the head and Frederick died instantly. 18

19 On the 28 th September 1915 the 2 nd Battalion was in action all day. The battalion had been tasked with attacking the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 nearby. The Buffs at hours began to line up in trenches ready for the assault. When the battalion went over the top progress was very slow due to murserous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. At least 11 enemy machine guns infiladed the battaion from a position known as Miners Cottages. B and C companies were held up at The Dump a heavily fortified enemy held position. The attack failed and The Buffs withdrew to their original start line. Over 100 men were left dead and dying on the battlefield but mainly at and on The Dump. DUNSTER J Private T/3726 James DUNSTER. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 11 th January Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided South Ashford. James has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq. Panel reference Francis Road, Ashford Private Frank Loader DUNSTER. 1 st Royal West Kent Regiment. Gunner William Harold DUNSTER. 513 th Seige Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. On the 11 th January 1917 the 5 th battalion were in the vicinity of the Sanna I Yat Lines on the right bank of the River Tigris. The Buffs got orders to clear the Khadaira Bend which involved heavy fighting. The regimental history states that 4 men were killed and a further 4 wounded. One of those killed was James. 19

20 EARL R Gunner Reginald EARL. VX Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 2 nd May 1918 aged 27 years. Son of John and Jane Earl (nee Wells) of 2 Romney Road, Ashford, Kent. Born Hythe. Resided Willesborough. Buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference XXVIII.B.9A. Reginald s name also appears on his parents grave in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. John Earl died 26 th January 1926 aged 70 years. Jane Earl died 15 th February 1925 aged 73 years. Reginald s mother Jane was originally from Hildenborough in Kent. Landed France June 1916 posted to 1 st Seige Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. His service records show Reginald was wounded but they are too faded to make out any detail. After recovering from wounds he was posted to No2 Reinforcing Depot and then from 9 January 1918 to 359 Siege Battery, RGA. Finally on 7 February 1918 Reginald was drafted to TM Battery, RGA in France. It is not known how his CWGC came to record VX battery? 2 Romney Road, Willesborough Private Archibald EARL. Army Ordnance Corps. Bombardier Arthur EARL. M Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Stoker K/29340 John Edward EARL. HMS Pembroke II, Royal Navy. Messenger Percy EARL. 49 th S.S.A, HMS Hindustan, Royal Navy. 69 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough Sergeant 9822 Frederick EARL. 1 st Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 20

21 Here is Reginald Earl and Family (we don t know which one is Reginald) 21

22 22

23 ERRIDGE F Private L/9418 Frank ERRIDGE. 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 3 rd May Born Polegate, Eastbourne, Sussex. Resided Willesborough. Frank has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 12 and 14. Claremont Villa, Ashford Corporal CN/12889 Thomas ERRIDGE. Royal Marines. HMS Glory. On the 1 st May 1915 a fresh draft of men arrived from England. On the 3 rd May 1915 the enemy shelled Buffs positions at Verlorenhoek. The battalion at this time was commanded by Captain Houblon and he reported many casualties during this day from the abnormal level of shelling. Later in the day the enemy attacked a trench known as D5. This enemy attack could not be resisted because the trench was defended by so few Buffs. Captain Howard Smith and Lieutenant G.R Howe leading 80 men held the trench. None of these men were ever seen or heard of again. On the 4 th May the battalion withdrew to bivouacs in a wood near Poperinghe. From 22 nd April to 4 th May the battalion lost 17 officers and a further 702 men killed, wounded or missing. The battalion was more or less completely wiped out in less than 2 weeks! 23

24 FAGG W Gunner William John FAGG. 230 th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 28 th June Born Ash, Dover. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Chatham. Buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference XIV.C.8A. 4 Aylesford Place, Willesborough Sergeant William Thomas FAGG. 4 th Royal West Kent Regiment. 24

25 FAWCETT T Private G/39928 Thomas FAWCETT. 1 st Battalion, Queen s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died 27 th September Born York, Yorkshire. Resided Ashford. Thomas has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 14 to 17 and 162 to 162A. On the 25 th September 1917 the 1 st battalion moved up to Wizernes from Berlencourt where it had spent the past 2 weeks training. From Wizernes it went into the Branhoek area. The regimental history (C.T Akinson) states that on the night of the 27 th their camp was bombed by German aircraft. Two men were killed and a further 20 were wounded. It is possible that Thomas was one of those killed. 25

26 FISHER H Leading Seaman SS/81 Herbert Lawrence FISHER. Royal Mount Naval Barracks, Royal Navy (RN). Died 16 th March 1921 aged 36 years. Albert died of T.B (Phthisis). Born Folkestone 10 th August Herbert died at 74 Albemarle Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Herbert s brother-in-law Frank H Newton was present at the time of his death. Formerly residing (1918) at 55 Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford with a Private Richard Kemp Barnard (5 th West Surrey s). Buried 19 th March 1921 at Willesborough Cemetery, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q 631. Herbert is also commemorated on the Willesborough War Memorial as H FISHER. It appears that he must have called himself Herbert when in fact his birth name was Albert. Herbert s death is NOT recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This means he has no official commemoration! At the time of his death he was registered as a Naval Pensioner. Herbert contracted T.B whilst a serving sailor and died of the same disease after being invalided from the Royal Navy. His death was therefore atributable to his war service. In October 2003 we submited this case to the MoD for consideration of a belated commemoration. We regret to report that the Naval Historical Branch has REJECTED this case! They gave the reason as death not attributable to war service. Before the outbreak of war Albert was employed as a Plumbers Mate and Postman. Albert s death certificate reference is EAST ASHFORD/BRA16/313. He is listed as a Naval Pensioner and former Postman. Herbert enlisted into the Royal Navy on 2 nd October 1903 and served on H.M.S Andromeda and H.M.S Achilles. He completed his 5 year contract and retired on 9 th October On the outbreak of war in 1914 Herbert was mobilized from the Royal Fleet Reserve and was sent to H.M.S Pembroke in Chatham to assist with training new sailors. He remained there from late 1914 to 31 st December

27 FLINT G Able Seaman Sussex/Z/336 George H Benjamin FLINT. Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). Died 7 th August Son of H Flint of Horsham, West Sussex. Buried in the Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference I.C.15. The Anson battalion (188 th Brigade) arrived Acheux from St Pol on the 4 th 27

28 FLINT A * MoD Approved this man March 2008 following our intervention Private 347 Alfred FLINT. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly Imperial Yeomanry (Boer War) Formerly (7878) 1 st Volunteer Battalion, The Buffs, (East Kent Regiment). Died 26 th April 1920 Appendicitis (blood poisoning) aged 44 years. Husband of Sarah Bessee Martha Flint of 18 Gladstone Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Brother of L Lewis, 1 Avenue Gardens, Dover, Kent. Buried Ashford (Wilesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference ARM YQ The cost of Alfred s funeral was paid for in full by his wife Sarah. Her repeated requests to be reimbursed were turned down in the first instance. In 1921 the full costs were finally paid back by the War Office. Alfred s name is NOT recorded as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission but his name DOES appear on the Willesborough civic war memorial and roll of honour. His death was widely reported in the local papers which mentioned that his cause of death was as a consequence of his service during the war. Alfred served in the Imperial Yeomanry (1 st Volunteer Battalion, The Buffs) from 2 November 1892 until 30 November He saw extensive service with the Buffs (Volunteers) (Imperial Yeomanry) during the South African (Boer) War He was awarded the Queen s South Africa Medal with a clasp for Cape Colony and the Kings South Africa Medal with clasp His service papers confirm he served there from 1900 until January Alfred re-enlisted into the Territorial Force (5 th Buffs) in 1908 as a Private soldier. The 5 th Buffs were based at Ashford s Drill Hall in Newtown Road. Prior to the outbreak of war Alfred was employed in the Ashford (SE&CR) Railway Yards as a Machinist. In his spare-time he served in the Territorial Force at Ashford Drill Hall with his former regiment (5 th Buffs). He never returned to employment after he was discharged from the army because of health problems. On 2 December 1914 Alfred moved to India with the 5 th Buffs. He remained in India until 11 September 1916 when he was sent home unfit for further war service. (total service in India 1 28

29 year 180 days). His battalion had moved to Mesopotamia earlier and it appears that when the battalion moved, Alfred must have still been ill and remained in India being treated in hospital. When Alfred arrived back in the UK he was discharged unfit for further war service and awarded a Silver War Badge (SWB) indicating that the authorities recognised that his injuries or illness at the time of discharge was due to his war service. For some unknown reason Alfred was NOT awarded an army pension at this time which is surprising given the circumstances. It is probably that the authorities only credited him with 2 years war service during the Great War. The fact he served in the Territorial Force for so many years (including full time service during the Boer War) was not taken into consideration. Obviously this was a huge mistake because AFTER Alfred had died his wife was awarded a full Widows Pension. There is good evidence of a complete admin cock up because his wife also had to request his Territorial Efficientcy Medal after he had died! When Alfred was discharged unfit for further war service he was awarded a Silver War Badge (SWB) indicating illness or injury as a consequence of war service. After Alfred died his wife embarked on a tedious campaign to obtain a widows war pension. She wrote her husband had been sick ever since he returned from India in This matter was dealt with by the Widows Appeal Section, Ministry of Pensions, Victoria Tower Gardens, London (evidenced by a letter dated 10 November Our first feeling that was the cause of death was not related to his war service. But having looked closer it became obvious that was not the full story - His wife wrote to the authorities on countless occasions before going to formal appeal where the decision finally went in her favour. The Ministry of Pensions eventually over-turned the previous adjudications which denied her a war widows pension. It must have been so damn hard for her trying to bring up Alfred s kids on her own! As if she hadn t had enough to contend with losing her husband. It is highly probable that his death certificate does not give the full cause(s) of death. Alfred s wife was adament that here husband was ill ever since he arrived home from India. We think that Alfred deserves his sacrifice to be recognised by the country he served so gallantly in two conflicts (Boer War/Great War). He should be given the benefit of any doubt, not that there can be much doubt because the Ministry of Pensions awarded his wife a widows war pension. It was notoriously hard to have Ministry of Pensions adjudications overturned therefore the evidence his wife produced must have been extremely compelling. Alfred s service papers record some of his wifes written protestations as well as the final appeal ruling in her favour. Letter from Sarah Flint 2 May 1920 to Army I received discharge papers quite safe. Sorry to have not written by return but I quite forgot. I have had such an upset. My husband passed away at the Ashford Cottage Hospital on 26 th April. He leaves a widow and 4 young children. He has been ill ever since he came home from India. Yours Faithfully Sarah Flint This letter clearly infers that Alfred never returned to ful health after he was discharged from the army. 29

30 DEATH CERTIFICATE Alfred FLINT Machinist Railway 1. Appendicitis (1.5 months) 2. Faecal Fistula? Death registered by his wife Sarah B.M Flint of 18 Gladstone Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. The 1881 Census St John Villas, Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent Alfred FLINT 6 Willesborough 1875 Albert STANLEY 19 Edward 17 Elizabeth 3 Jeremiah 60 Mary A 12 Rose 59 Sarah A 10 Sussanah 15 Thomas 25 After Alfred had died his wife wrote to the Army asking why he had not been awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal after 18 years volunteer service. The Army wrote back explaining that there had been an error due to the outbreak of war in 1914 and that this had resulted in the medal not being awarded on time! In any event the medal was sent to his widow almost immediately. At the same time she was awarded a full Widows War Pension by the Minstry of Pensions. Someone had obviously made a huge mistake by not awarding a Disability Pension to Alfred when he was discharged from the Army. The same mess up resulted in his Terrorial Medal not being awarded. 30

31 FLISHER P.G Dover Marine Private Percival (Percy) George FLISHER. 2 nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. Formerly (9100) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 27 th April 1918 aged 23 years. Born Willesborough. Resided Willesborough. Son of Mr Flisher of 2, Gow Comer House, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Arneke British Cemetery. Grave reference I.D Boys Hall Road, Willesborough Private Albert Edward FLISHER. 5 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 31

32 FOAM G.L Private G/76258 George Lewis FOAM. 1 st Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly (20894) 4 th Battalion, National Reserve. Formerly Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI). Died 18 th August 1920 aged 28 years. Resided 52 York Road, Walmer, Deal, Kent. Son of George Albert Foam of 52 York Road, Walmer, Kent. Husband of Margaret Foam of 106 The Street, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference - Q.697. George voluntarily enlisted into the National Reserve on 23 rd October George died from the effects of being gassed in France. His name does not appear on the list of casualties in the regimental history. The 1 st battalion arrived home in the UK on 23 rd April It would appear that poor George died of wounds that he received in France towards the end of the Great War. His death was attributable to war service and accordingly his death was recorded by the CWGC. 32

33 FOREMAN W.H Private 1221 William Henry FOREMAN. 23 rd Battalion, Australian Infantry (AIF). Died 4 th August William has no known grave. His name appears on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Panel reference Educated at the New Town School, Ashford. Henry left Ashford when he was 14 years old. GOWER W.L.C Private 9777 William Lewis Charles GOWER. 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Tuesday 10 th October 1916 aged 19 years. Son of Mr L.J and Emily Annie Gower of 51 Herbert Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Longueval Road Cemetery, The Somme, France. Grave reference A.5. Prior to the outbreak of war William was employed by the Ashford Co-operative Society as an Assistant Butcher. He enlisted in March 1916 and went to France in August On the 7 th October 1916 the 6 th battalion attacked the enemy at Gueudecourt not far from Albert. The battalion moved forward on the Rainbow Trench system under extremely heavy shelling and machine gun fire. When the battalion withdrew at midnight, the battalion came away just 40 strong! Nearly 400 men had been wounded or killed. On the 13 th October the battalion moved to Pommiers Redoubt. It seems likely that William later died of wounds he received whilst attacking the Rainbow Trench (3 days earlier). 33

34 GRANT R Robert GRANT. Royal Scots Fusiliers. Killed in Action October NO TRACE 15 Albemarle Road, Willesborough Private G/23524 William GRANT. 6 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). HAYWARD F Private G/9869 Frederick George HAYWARD. 1st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 3 rd Battalion. Died 22 nd January 1915 aged 21 years. Born South Willesborough. Son of Samuel Hayward of 8, Gladstone Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference N.49. Frederick s headstone is located under a large tree. The headstone when visited in 2003 was becoming very worn. Frederick passed away at the V.A.D Hospital Ashford in 1915 from the effects of trench exposure. Before the outbreak of war Frederick was employed in the sawmill at the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Railway Works in Ashford. Local paper reported his sad end He went through the earlier battles without a scratch, but the hardship of trench life told upon his health. Sometimes the mud and water came up to his waist, and the exposure and privation overcame him. For two days and nights he lay, under heavy shell fire and had to be dragged out by his colleagues. It took 4 days to bring him home to Ashford. He lingered on between life and death for nearly five weeks. In the end he died in agony after much suffering 34

35 HICKMAN P Private G/20148 Percy George HICKMAN. 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Formerly 8 th Battalion. Died 16 th May 1918 aged 23 years. Born New Romney. Resided Willesborough. Son of Albert and Alice Hickman of the Knoll, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Percy has no known grave. His name appears on the Pozieres Memorial, France. Panel reference Hythe Road, Willesborough Private Arthur Albert HICKMAN. 7 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Private Ernest Arthur HICKMAN. 6 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 18 Rugby Road, Ashford Private Stanley HICKMAN. 4 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 16 Whitfield Road, Ashford Sapper Douglas HICKMAN. 496 th (Kent Fortress) Field Coy, Royal Engineers. On the 10 th May 1918 the battalion was resting at Acheux. On the 13 th May it moved into frontline trenches near Albert. On the 16 th May D Company carried out a successful raid on the enemy with 4 officers and 96 men. Two German listening posts were captured then the company took a stretch of frontline trenches. The battalion lost 5 men killed and 11 were wounded. HILLS N Private Nelson HILLS. 54 th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment). Formerly (4 years) 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 8 th August 1918 aged 26 years. Born 6 th June 1892 Ashford. Son of Thomas William Hills of 112, Osborne Road, Willesborough, Kent. Nelson has no known grave. His name appears on the Vimy Memorial, France. 112 Osborne Road, Willesborough Sergeant 9407 Fred HILLS. 1 st Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Lance Corporal Harry HILLS. Machine Gun Corps. Leading Seaman Walter Richard HILLS. Chatham, Royal Navy. Before the outbreak of war Nelson was a labourer. When living in Ashford Nelson served in the 5 th Buffs. He enlisted direct into the Canadian army on the 5 th December It is thought that Nelson may have joined up at Peterborough and that he never actually went to Canada. 35

36 HOGWOOD C Private Charles Edward HOGWOOD. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 10 th January 1920 aged 23 years. Son of Charles Thomas and Emily Jane Hogwood of 91, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q Cudworth Road, South Willesborough Private Edward Charles HOGWOOD. 5 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Private Thomas Henry HOGWOOD. 5 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). This man s name appears in the Willesborough book of remembrance and states that he died from the effects of being gassed which is surprising bearing in mind that the 5 th battalion were never in France where gas was widely used. The 5 th battalion finally returned home to Kent from Iraq in January HULSE W Chief Petty Officer William Arthur HULSE. HMS Otranto. Royal Navy. Died 6 th October 1918 aged 45 years. Son of George and Rose Ellen Hulse. Husband of Nellie Hulse of 54, Godinton Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Kilchoman Military Cemetery, Isle of Islay, Scotland. Grave reference 2.3. Arthur was drowned off the coast of West Scotland when HMS Otranto (an armed merchant cruiser) collided with the P&O Liner SS Kashmir in thick fog. The ship drifted ashore on Islay and was wrecked. There were 367 survivors but over 351 men tragically lost their lives (including of course Arthur). It is unusual for an armed merchant cruiser to have had so many men on board. I have now established that the ship was transporting American troops from New York which would explain why so many troops were on board. 36

37 JORDAN G.D Dover Marine Private G/26698 George Daniel JORDAN. 5 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly 2 nd Battalion. Drowned Iraq 1 st November Born Smeeth. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Ashford. George has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq. Panel reference 29. George s name also appears on the Ashford Railwayman Roll of Honour (Ashford Library). It states that George died by drowning. George was employed by the SE&CR before the outbreak of war. 15 Romney Road, Willesborough Driver Edward William JORDAN. H.T, Army Service Corps. 43 Romney Road, Willesborough Private James Thomas JORDAN. Machine Gun Corps. On the 31 st October 1918 the Turkish army agreed to an Armistice having been totally defeated. The 5 th battalion commanded by Colonel Frazer moved forward to Mosul. At this time there were only 17 officers and just over 400 men left in the field. It would appear that George probably died of disease (as most casualties did in this theatre). JORDAN W Sergeant G/19033 Walter Edmund JORDAN. 10 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment. Died 21 st September 1917 aged 36 years. Son of Horace Jordan of 5, Albion Place, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent. Husband of Edith Gertrude Jordan of Malt Cottage, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent. Walter has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 106 to Romney Road, Willesborough Driver Edward William JORDAN. H.T, Army Service Corps. 43 Romney Road, Willesborough Private James Thomas JORDAN. Machine Gun Corps. In September 1917 the 10 th battalion held the frontline near Dikebusch. 37

38 KANE E.J Corporal Edward John KANE MM. D Company, 2 nd Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Died 22 nd September 1916 aged 32 years. Born Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland. Enlisted Shornecliff, Folkestone. Resided Ashford. Son of John and Winifred Kane. Buried in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France. Grave reference I.F.7. Edward was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for bravery in the field. It is recorded that Edward served in the army for over 18 years. The day that Edward died his battalion was in the vicinity of Bethune and Chocques. KILBY A.J Corporal Alfred John KILBY. 8 th Battalion, 8 th Battalion, King s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). Died 23 rd October 1918 aged 30 years. Born Folkestone. Enlisted Margate. Son of Henry and Mary Kilby of Folkestone. Husband of Mrs C Kilby of 61, Albermarle Road, Wilesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Capelle-Beaudignies Road Cemetery, France. Grave reference A Albemarle Road, Willesborough Corporal Alfred John KILBY. A.O. (Unknown A.O unit) Alfred s name also appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. LANCEFIELD F.C Dover Marine Private 2660 Frank Cecil LANCEFIELD. 82 nd Field Ambulance (1/2 nd Home Counties Field Ambulance). Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) V. Died in Salonica (Greece) 27 th February Born Willesborough. Son of George and Louisa Lancefield of 102, Willesborough Street, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Salonika (Lembet Road) Cemetery, Greece. Grave reference 858. Before the outbreak of war Frank was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name does NOT appear on the Ashford Railway Rolls of Honour but it does appear on the Dover Marine Railway War Memorial. 4 Boys Hall Road,Willesborough Sapper Albert Edward LANCEFIELD. 300 th Field Coy, Royal Engineers. Rifleman Frederick Charlie LANCEFIELD. 6 th London Regiment. Driver T4/ William John LANCEFIELD. Army Service Corps. 102 The Street, Willesborough Private Arthur Mark LANCEFIELD. South Staffordshire Regiment. Private George James LANCEFIELD. Royal Army Medical Corps. 38

39 LINKINS A.A Private T/ Arthur Albert LINKINS. 10 th (Yeomanry) Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 12 th September Resided 51, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough. Son of Thomas and Mary Linkins of 4, Rugby Gardens, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ste Emilie Valley Cemetery, Villers-Faucon, France. Grave reference II.E Cudworth Road, South Willesborough Private Arthur LINKINS. 10 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Private Ernest LINKINS. 5 th Royal West Kent Regiment. The 1901 census gives 4, Rugby Gardens, Ashford Thomas LINKINS 43 Stoker Wye Mary 40 Mersham Bertha 14 Willesborough Ernest 7 Gravesend Arthur 4 Gravesend Martha 12 Willesborough On the 2 nd September 1918 the 10 th battalion attacked enemy positions in strength around Moislains. A number of men were killed and wounded. On the 7 th September 1918 the 10 th battalion Buffs were releived from frontline duties and went into reserve. On the 10 th September it was in the village of Villers Faucon. It remained here for 4 days (until the 14 th ). This ties in with where Arthur is buried. 39

40 MANKTELOW C Lance Corporal G/15694 Charles Alfred MANKTELOW. 2/4 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly Kent Composite Battalion. Formerly The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Palestine (Israel) 8 th May 1917 aged 35 years. Born Marden, Kent. Enlisted Ashford. Resided South Willesborough. Son of Frank Mantelow. Husband of Mrs D Manktelow of 62, Gladstone Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Gaza War Cemetery, Gaza, Israel. Grave reference XXX.E.11. Before the outbreak of war Charles was employed as a Newsagent and Stationer in Ashford. 62 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough Private Percy MANKTELOW. Royal Army Medical Corps. One evening in May 1917 the 2/4 th battalion suffered casualties when a German aeroplane winding its way down the Sheikh Abbas Ridge dropped a bomb with deadly effect right into the middle of D Company. This bomb inflicted 70 casualties 40 of whom were killed on the spot. Many other died of wounds later on. 40

41 MARIS L Dover Marine Private G/56 Leonard Phillip MARIS. 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 17 th July Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Godalming, Surrey. Buried in the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Germany. Grave reference IV.A.1. Leonard died of his wounds whilst a Prisoner of War in Germany. At the time of his death he was newly married and lived in Willesborough with his wife. Before the war he worked in the Ashford Railway Works (SE&CR). His name appears on the Dover Marine Railway War Memorial but NOT on Ashford s railway tribute. 26 Church Road, Willesborough Sapper 1472 Sydney Ernest MARIS. Royal Engineers. 24, Church Road, Willesborough Lance Corporal Walter MARIS. 5 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 16 Torrington Road, Ashford Sergeant 4873 John William MARIS. Field Remount Section. Leonard may have been captured in this earlier engagement 41

42 At hours on the 3 rd July 1916 orders were received that the village of Ovillers was to be attacked and taken. At hours the British bombardment commenced. At hours the 6 th Buffs alongside the 6 th Queen s and the 6 th West Kent s went forward with the 7 th Est Surrey s in support. The enemy responded with violent retalatory shelling which caused quite a few casualties. Very heavy flanking machine gun fire met the Buffs from the left and the battalion found itself caught up on German wire in front of their objective. Very few men reached the German trench and the few that did could not consolidate their captured position and were forced to withdraw. The battalion s casualties for the 3 rd July was 11 officers and 263 men killed, missing or wounded. Many men s bodies were never recovered. MARSH R Driver T/33168 Richard MARSH. Number 1 Depot Company (Aldershot), Army Service Corps (ASC). Died 9 th January 1916 aged 21 years. Born Willesborough. Resided Brabourne. Son of John William and Mary Ann Marsh of Great Rusham Farm, Wingham, Canterbury, Kent. Buried locally in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference N.74. The Ashford 1918 Absentee Voters List lists many many men with the name Marsh. It states on his headstone that Richard died from the effects of being gassed in France. 42

43 MARSHALL A.E.D Private G/13401 Arthur Ernest Dyer MARSHALL. 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 11 th April 1917 aged 41 years. Born Mersham. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Willesborough. Husband of Annie Marshall of 83, Christchurch Road, Ashford. Buried in the Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun. Grave reference III.C.10. This mans death was reported in the Kentish Express. It is incredible that this man s name was left off the town war memorial. On the 9 th April 1917 the Battle of Arras commenced. The 6 th battalion was involved in fighting a sub-battle known as the Battle of The Scarpe. On the 11 th April 1917 The Buffs went into captured German trenches near Monchy and spent the day clearing up the battlefield and burying the dead. Arthur was probably wounded on the 9 th April 1917 and succumbed to his wounds 2 days later. 43

44 MARTIN L Private Leonard William MARTIN. 9 th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. Formerly (9965) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 1 st November 1918 aged 31 years. Born Willesborough. Husband of F.L Martin of 16, The Street, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Kezelberg Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference I.C.21. Educated in the Willesborough Council School. Before the outbreak of war Leonard was employed for 14 years by W.E Allen (Inspector) as an Assistant in the Weights and Measures Department. He joined the 3 rd Buffs in May 1916 and went to France the following November. He was transferred into the RIF in He was wounded by Machine Gun Bullet and taken to the Australian Hospital at Rouen in France. He died shortly after of his injuries. He left a widow and 1 small daughter. 16 The Street, Willesborough Private Leonard William MARTIN. Royal Irish Fusiliers. 44

45 McALPINE A.W Lance Corporal L/8871 Archibald William McALPINE. A Company, 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 28 th September 1915 aged 26 years. Born Willesborough. Son of Mrs E McAlpine of 159, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Archibald has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. Educated at the Ashford County School. Archibald was married to his wife on 10 th January 1915 at the St Peter s Roman Catholic Church in Winchester, Hampshire. His wifes name was Verronica Campbell and she came to live in Ashford after they were married. He joined The Buffs at Canterbury on 10 th September 1910 seeing service in Singapore, Wellington and Cannore. He returned to England on 24 th December 1914 and crossed over to France with his battalion on 17 th January He suffered from severe frost bite on both his feet whilst fighting in the trenches near La Bassee and was sent home to Ashford to recover. He returned to his battalion on 29 th April 1915 being involved in all fighting engagements up to the date of his death. On the 28 th September 1915 the 2 nd Battalion was in action all day. The battalion had been tasked with attacking the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 nearby. The Buffs at hours began to line up in trenches ready for the assault. When the battalion went over the top progress was very slow due to murserous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. At least 11 enemy machine guns infiladed the battaion from a position known as Miners Cottages. B and C companies were held up at The Dump a heavily fortified enemy held position. The attack failed and The Buffs withdrew to their original start line. Over 100 men were left dead and dying on the battlefield but mainly at and on The Dump. 45

46 MITCHELL A Private L/8441 Albert MITCHELL. 1 st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 27 th May 1916 aged 28 years. Born Lower Hardres, Canterbury. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Wye. Son of Albert John and Elizabeth Mitchell of Brenchley s, Harrietsham, Kent. Buried in the Essex Farm Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference II.S.10. Frogbrook, Wye Private George Bert Edward MITCHELL. Army Veterinary Corps. 46

47 MOORMAN F Private L/8056 Frederick George MOORMAN. 1 st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 15 th September 1916 aged 27 years. Born Newtown, Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Third son of Mr Moorman of The Poplars, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 5D. 48 Curtis Road, Willesborough Private Edward MOORMAN. 5 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Corporal George MOORMAN. Royal Army Medical Corps. On the 15 th September 1916 the 1 st battalion was engaged in a major action at Morval on The Somme. The battalion moved forward from frontline trenches and attacked a heavily fortified enemy redoubt known as The Quadrilateral which was located on the edge of Bouteaux Wood. This was one of the first actions where tanks were used in force by the British. The Buffs were tasked with supporting the 8 th Bedford s and the 2 nd York and Lanc s. The Buffs were pinned down in shell holes and suffered enormous casualties - 6 officers and 53 men killed and a further 190 men wounded. During the night the battalion withdrew to a trench running south east to Guillemont 47

48 OSBORNE H.V Hinxhill Lance Corporal G/27682 Herbert Victor OSBOURNE. 2 nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 28 th November 1917 aged 21 years. Born Polegate, Sussex. Enlisted Ashford. Son of Charles Henry and Alice Osborne of Spiders Castle Cottage, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. Grave reference LVIII.A.39. Herbert s name appears on a private headstone in the Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford. The headstone records Arthur Randall who died 5 th March 1921, William Tiltman and Herbert Osbourne Killed in Action in France. Finally a Henry Robert Marsh appears who died on 12 th November 1936 aged 34 years. 99 Mead Road, South Willesborough Gunner Frederick OSBORNE. 28 th Battery, Royal Field Atillery. 48

49 49

50 OVENDEN F Private G/21416 Franklin Walter OVENDEN. 7 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 16 th July 1917 aged 31 years. Born Mersham. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Ashford. Son of Edward and Audrey Ovenden of Ashford, Kent. Husband of Mrs J.E.V Ovenden of 4, Christchurch Road, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Belgium. Grave reference I.L.12. Franklyn s name also appears on his parents headstone in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. On the 3 rd July 1917 the Buffs left Doullens by train for Hupoutre and then marched to Ottawa Camp at Ouderdom a couple of miles west of Dickebusch. On the 7 th July the battalion was moved into frontline trenches. Here the battalion came under gas shell attack. A raid was arranged for the 14 th July but had to be cancelled because the supporting artillery could not be bought into action due to gassing. On the 16 th July the battalion went into camp at Chateau Segard. The regimental diary states that 61 men were killed or wounded between the 1 st July and the 16 th. 50

51 PAIGE B.W Private Bert (Albert) William PAIGE. 6 th Battalion, Essex Regiment. Died 27 th March 1917 aged 20 years. Enlisted West Ham, London. Resided Plaistow, London. Son of Mrs F Paige of Flat 4, Jubilee Street, Stepney, London. Bert has no known grave. His name appears on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel. Panel reference 33 to 39. PHILPOTT W.G Private G/25322 William George PHILPOTT. 11 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Died 31 st July 1917 aged 36 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of Richard and E Philpott. Husband of Ellen Philpott of 13, Silver Hill, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Voormezeele Enclosure Number 3, Belgium. Grave reference XVI.B.20. On the 31 st July 1917 the 11 th battalion was near the Ypres Canal. From 24 th to the 31 st it suffered 80 casualties, mainly incurred by a fighting patrol sent out to investigate that the Germans had withdrawn from a nearby fortification. The report proved wrong and the 11 th battalion paid the price. PILCHER H Private G/6678 Henry PILCHER. 9 th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died 12 th February 1917 aged 24 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Bexhill, Sussex. Son of Thomas and Emily Pilcher of 21, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France. Grave reference VIII.B Cudworth Road, Willesborough Sapper Alfred Frederick PILCHER. 78 th B.G.W Company, Royal Engineers. 51 Bath Road, South Willesborough Trooper 5110 Ernest PILCHER. 10 th Royal Hussars. 51

52 PLEDGE H.A Private G/29512 Herbert Allan PLEDGE. 6 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Born 2 nd September Died 9 th August 1918 aged 18 years 10 months. Born Dover. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of George and Edith Pledge of Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Ville-Sur-Ancre Communal Cemetery Extension, The Somme, France. Grave reference B.13. Herbert s name also appears on a private family memorial in the Ashford (Willesborough) Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Herbert s name also appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. Educated at the Ashford Grammar School, Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent from 21 st October 1901 to His name appears in the schools book of remembrance as H.P Pledge. 1 Hunter Road, Willesborough Sergeant William George PLEDGE. Army Ordnance Corps. On the 8 th August 1918 the 6 th battalion was in the vicinity of Morlancourt on the Somme. It spent the day in readyness at Fravillers and in the evening moved to Marett Wood west of Morlancourt with orders to attack the next morning. On the 9 th the battalion went forward along the Morlancourt Ville Sur Ancre Road. The battalion immediately ran into murderous machine gun fire and heavy shelling. The attack was a success however the battalion lost 200 men in the fight. The 6 th Battalion s Sergeant 358 T.J Harris MM won a Victoria Cross in this action by single handedly storming a machine gun nest. 52

53 POST R.J Lance Sergeant 3532 Reginald James POST. 19 th (Queen Alexandra s Own Royal) Hussars. Died 11 th February 1916 aged 27 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Ashford. Son of Alfred and Fanny Post of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Chocques Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference I.H Earlsworth Road, South Willesborough Private Sydney Edgar POST. 1 st Buffs (East Kent Regiment). 21 Romney Road, Willesborough Sapper Sydney George POST. Royal Engineers. 53

54 RAYNER E.G Lance Corporal Edward George RAYNER. 63 rd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Formerly (G/9409) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 21 st March Born Willesborough 15 th January Enlisted Ashford. Son of James Rayner of 9 Wellesley Villas, Ashford, Kent. Formerly of Aldington. Edward has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference bay 10. Attended Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford and played in the school cricket team in 1901,1902 and His name appears in the school book of remembrance. After leaving school Edward became a Grazier. Edward enlisted into the army on 1 st March 1916 and was posted to the Buffs Depot in Canterbury for training. At some stage Edward transferred from The Buffs into the Machine Gun Corps. He embarked at Folkestone for Boulogne on 9 th July On the 11 th July 1916 he joined Base Depot at Camiers. His service record reveals he was hospitalised on a few occasions during active service 6 th November 1916 No 55 Company To hospital 21 st January 1917 Septic Heal Discharged 18 th January th February 1917 Etaples Septic Heal and knee 19 th February 1917 Admitted Hospital 9 th March 1917 Discharged Hospital 28 th March 1917 Joined Base Depot Camiers 17 July 1917 Escourt Wounded 1 st September 1917 Posted 189 Coy, M.G.C 23 March rd Coy, M.G.C Wounded The Norton Knatchbull School records shows Edward s next of kin as being James Rayner of Aldington. His father obviously moved to Ashford at a later date. The 1881 census gives the following information Gladstone Road, Willesborough James RAYNER (Grocer) born 1851, Agnes Rayner (wife) aged 28, Elizabeth Rayner aged 2, Annie S Rayner aged 4, Stephen Sharke aged 41. Stephen Sharke appears to have been James assistant in the grocery business. The Ashford Diirectory of 1896 gives the following information for Aldington - J. Rayner, Grocer and Butcher Edward s name also appears on a private family memorial in the old Ashford Cemetery, Canterbury Road, Ashford 54

55 Edward Died 4 th April 1885 aged 75 years Elizabeth D Died 30 th June 1854 aged 38 years James Died 25 th August 1920 aged 70 years (Father) Agnes Died 4 th November 1933 aged 83 years (mother) Edward George RAYNER Killed in Action 1918 RIDDLES E.H Private S/10006 Edwin Henry RIDDLES. 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 18 th March Born Brookland, Lydd. Enlisted Ashford. Resided 11, New Street, Ashford, Kent. Edwin has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. The Ashford Absentee Voters List for 1918 gives 141 New Street, Ashford Private L/9175 Roger Ernest RIDDLES. 7 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). The 6 th battalion went into the Givenchy area in January 1916 and remained here until easter. On the 6 th March 1916 the battalion was in action near to the Hohenzollern Redoubt. This attack was made by C Company from three captured craters. At 1800 hours C Company went forward but were held up by a barrage of bombs and mud found to be knee deep. A company of 6 th West Kent s were called in to support the attack. The enemy then counter-attacked and this was fought off by 7 th East Surrey s. It was on this day that Lance Corporal W.R COTTER of the 6 th Buffs won the Buffs only Great War Victoria Cross. ROBERTS R (Brother) Leading Airman Robert ROBERTS. 12th Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF). Died 4 th May 1921 aged 20 years (after the war had ended). Son of George and Mary Roberts of 92, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Cologne Southern Cemetery, Cologne, Germany. Grave reference VII.A Canterbury Road, Willesborough Private William ROBERTS. Grenadier Guards. 55

56 ROBERTS W (Brother) Private William ROBERTS. 3 rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died 24 th August 1918 aged 20 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Ashford. Son of George and Mary Roberts of 92, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the St Hilaire Cemetery Extension, Frevent, France. Grave reference K Canterbury Road, Willesborough Private William ROBERTS. Grenadier Guards. The Frevent area housed a Casualty Clearing Station during the war and it is likely that William died here of his wounds whilst being treated. 56

57 RUANE B.T Lance Corporal S/9359 Bert Thomas RUANE. 1 st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 15 th September 1916 aged 27 years. Born Charing, Kent. Son of William and Mary Ruane of Willesborough, Ashford. Formerly residing St Mary s Road, Faversham, Kent. Husband of Lucy Ruane of The Street, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Serre Road Cemetery No 2, France. Grave reference XXXIII.F.8. His father William was at one time the butler to Colonel Groves of Charing, Kent. Bert lived at number 7, Lees Road in Willesborough, Ashford. Before the outbreak of war he worked for Mr Salmon the Grocer and Postmaster in Hythe Road, Willesborough. Bert was a first class marksman and he was selected for duty at the coronation of King George. The 1901 census gives The Laundry, Smeeth Frances RUANE 40 Laundress Washer Leigh, Kent William 17 Gardener Boxley, Kent Margaret 15 Maidstone Gertrude 13 Hollingbourne Bertie T 9 Charing John D 7 Charing Charles E 1 Smeeth Robert H 2days Smeeth On the 15 th September 1916 the 1 st battalion was engaged in a major action at Morval on The Somme. The battalion moved forward from frontline trenches and attacked a heavily fortified enemy redoubt known as The Quadrilateral which was located on the edge of Bouteaux Wood. This was one of the first actions where tanks were used in force by the British. The Buffs were tasked with supporting the 8 th Bedford s and the 2 nd York and Lanc s. The Buffs were pinned down in shell holes and suffered enormous casualties - 6 officers and 53 men killed and a further 190 men wounded. During the night the battalion withdrew to a trench running south east to Guillemont. 57

58 SETTATREE I Dover Marine Private SD/2410 Issac SETTATREE. 12 th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Died Sunday 21 st May 1916 aged 23 years. Born Westwell. Enlisted Hastings. Son of George and Margaret Settatree of 88, Canterbury Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Bethune Town Cemetery, Bethune, France. Grave reference V.D.8. Before the outbreak of war Issac was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Dover Marine Railway War Memorial. The 1901 census gives Grocers Shop, Westwell George SETTATREE 41 Grocer Farmer Westwell M. 42 Hothfield Robert D 20 Grocers Asst Westwell Lilian R 18 Westwell Charles George 16 Westwell Mary Ann 12 Westwell Issac 7 Westwell Florence 4 Westwell Victor 1 Westwell SKINNER H Railway Marine Sapper Harry J SKINNER. 496 th (Kent Fortress) Company, Royal Engineers (RE). Died Saturday 31 st March Born Battersea, London. Enlisted Gillingham, Kent. Resided Ashford. Buried in the Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Suez Canal, Egypt. Grave reference F.28. Before the outbreak of war Harry was working as a Apprentice in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Ashford (SE&CR) Railway Rolls of Honour. His name also appears on the Dover Marine tribute. Harry served in Gallipoli, Turkey and Egypt. The 496 th Company was called the 2 nd (Kent) Company, Kent Fortress Royal Engineers (KFRE) until It was attached to the 74 th Division until May 1917 when it was moved to the 75 th Division. 58

59 SMITH J Private G/15741 John (Jack) S SMITH. C Company, 1 st Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 30 th March 1917 aged 19 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Son of Frederick and Amy Louisa Smith of 78, Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. John has no known grave. His name appears on the Loos Memorial, France. Panel reference 15 to 19. We are in touch with Jack s present family who very kindly provided us with Jack s photo (above). John s father (Frederick) and two brothers (Bennett and Frederick) served in the army during the Great War. 78 Romney Road, Willesborough Bennett SMITH. Royal Air Force. Private Frederick SMITH. Manchester Regiment. 59

60 STEWART W Private William Charles STEWART. 1 st Reserve Garrison Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. Formerly (G/9178) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 25 th September 1916 aged 22 years. Born Battersea, London. Enlisted Ashford. Son of William Stewart of 89, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference N Canterbury Road, Willesborough Private Percy STEWART. 10 th Field Troop, Imperial Camel Corps. 60

61 SWALLOW A Private Arthur Edward SWALLOW. 21 st Battalion, Canadian Infantry. Formerly Royal Navy. Died 8 th /9 th April 1916 aged 37 years. Son of Sarah Jane Swallow of 153 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Arthur has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Leper, Belgium. Panel reference 10,26,28. It is recorded that Arthur was killed by a shell that burst near him as he was leaving a trench. Previous to joining the Canadian Army, Arthur had served 12 years in the Royal Navy. Upon leaving the Royal Navy Arthur worked in the SE&CR Railway Yards at Ashford. It is not known how Arthur came to serve in the Canadian Army. His father was a long serving Sailor in the Royal Navy and served during the Crimean War. Arthur s father was killed in the Royal Navy whilst exploring with Sir John Franklyn. 6 Golden Square, Tenterden Corporal Percy William SWALLOW. Royal Engineers. TIMSON A.J.W Private Alfred Jesse W TIMSON. 5 th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. Died 11 th December 1917 aged 38 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted Grimsby. Resided Ashford. Brother of W.W.H Gower of 51, Hunter Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Cambrin Military Cemetery, France. Grave reference M.16. Before the outbreak of war Alfred was employed as a Bricklayer by Mr Newport, Builder of Christchurch Road, Ashford. Alfred joined the army on 20 th March He moved to France on 25 th June His sister living in Ashford was his only family living at the time of his death. 61

62 VELVICK C.E Private T/4461 Charles Edward VELVICK. 2/4 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died of disease 7 th February Born Staplehurst, Kent. Resided Willesborough. Enlisted Deal. Son of Charles and Mary Jane Velvick of 3, Lees Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Dover (St James) Cemetery, Dover, Kent. This burial plot in Dover was used obstensively by the Western Heights Military Hospital in Dover. There are also quite a few men buried here from the Citadel which was used as a Buffs training depot. Both the 3 rd and 9 th battalion s Buffs were stationed here during the Great War. Charles is buried in a plot near to another Ashford man - Alfred SOUTHERN who is from Aldington Private S/10394 Alfred Richard SOUTHERN. 3 rd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 20 th February Albemarle Road, Willesborough 2208 Nelson Alfred VELVICK. Royal Marine Engineers. Woodbury Cottages, Tenterden Private Percy Edward VELVICK. Royal Welsh Regiment. Prestonden Row, Tenterten Private Thomas James VELVICK. 17 th Welsh Regiment. The 1901 Census gives Near The Church, Kingsnorth Charles VELVICK 37 Cattleman Farm Tenterden Mary Jane 34 Canterbury Charles E 8 Staplehurst Elizabeth 5 Tenterden In 1896 E VELVICK was living at 34, Christchurch Road, Ashford. VENESS G Private 1354 G.W VENESS. A Squadron, 11 th (Prince Albert s Own) Hussars. Died 11 th May 1919 aged 31 years. Son of Amy Goodsell. Husband of Edith Kate Carter (Formerly Veness) of 9, Broad Oak, Heathfield, Sussex. Buried nearby in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q.811. Kilndown, Goudhurst Driver John VENESS. Royal Field Artillery. 62

63 WATSON F Railway Sergeant Major Class 1 (SSM) S2/02600 Francis WATSON. C Company, Aldershot, Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). Died 21 st July 1919 aged 58 years (a very old soldier indeed). Son of James and Mary Ann Watson of Aldershot, Hampshire. Husband of Alice Watson of 51, Gladstone Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Grave reference Q.804. Before the outbreak of the war Francis was working in the Ashford Rail Yards. His name appears on the Ashford (SE&CR) Railway Works Rolls of Honour. According to records Francis was 58 years of age when he died. This was a very advanced age for a serving soldier. 52 Gladstone Road, Willesborough Private Albert WATSON. 5 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). S.S.M 52 SR/02600 Francis WATSON. Army Service Corps. 63

64 WEBB C.F Lance Corporal 8414 Frederick WEBB. 9 th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died 4 th October. Twin son of Mr C.M Webb of 7 Cudworth Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Frederick s death was reported in the Kentish Express newspaper. 70 Cudworth Road, Willesborough Private Ernest George WEBB. 1 st Garrison Batalion, Devon s, Royal Army Medical Corps. WELLINGS T Marine Marine Able Seaman Thomas Alfred WELLINGS. HMS Paragon. Royal Navy (RN). Died 19 th March 1917 aged 33 years. Son of Thomas and Maria Wellings of 131, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried locally in the Dover (St James) Cemetery, Dover, Kent. Grave reference L.V.17. Before the outbreak of war Thomas was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Dover Marine War Memorial. HMS Paragon was a Acaster class destroyer built 21 st February On 18 th March 1917 it was sunk by enemy gunfire in the Straights of Dover. Paragon was patrolling to the south west of 11A buoy. Lt J Bowyer RN the ships commanding officer met 4 enemy destroyers and engaged them. Almost immediately Paragon was hit by a torpedo in her engine room. Within 8 minutes she broke in half and then sank. As she sank, her own depth charges exploded killing many of the survivors in the water. There were only 10 survivors. WESTON H Lance Corporal 9019 Herbert WESTON. 1 st Battalion, South Wales Borderers. Died 26 th September Born Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire. Enlisted London. Herbert has no known grave. His name appears on the La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial. Herbert s name appears on the Christchurch (Willesborough) Roll of Honour. On the 21 st September 1914 the 1 st battalion had 2 companies in trenches around the Quarries on the Mont Faucon Ridge. The remaining 2 companies were in reserve at Vendresse. On the 26 th September 1914 the enemy attacked in strength and broke through battalion lines. Furious hand to hand fighting resulted and one man was recorded fighting with a table fork. 100 men were killed outright and a further 100 were wounded. Their defence of the Quarries was compared by Major General S.H Lomax with Rorkes Drift (1879). On the 27 th September the battalion withdrew to billets at Coilly. 64

65 WILSON W Second Lieutenant Wilfred Charles WILSON. 1/5 th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers). Formerly (1 year 75 days) (Trooper 1890) B Squadron, 2/1 st Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles (REKMR). Died 9 th August Born 63 Albany Mansions, Battersea Park, London 24 February Son of Herbert (a farmer and landowner)) and Alice Wilson (nee Russell) of Dargate Street, Faversham, Kent. Formerly 27 Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent. Wilfred has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Also sometimes known as Charles Wilfred Wilson? Wilfred s father died 1 st May 1917 at 60 Talgarth Road, West Kensington, London. Another address linked to his father was Woodgate, South Street, Faversham, Kent. Educated St Augustines School, Ashford, Kent. Joined the Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles as a Trooper in the Ashford Territorial Force Company 7 September Discharged upon being commissioned into the South Lancashire Regiment 20 November Wilfred s will stated that his personal effects be sent to Mrs Gower at 76 The Street, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. On the 20 th July 1916 the 5 th battalion moved from Sombrin to Bouquemaison. On the 25 th it entrained at Candas for Mericourt on The Somme and from there marched to Ville-sous-Corbie. On the 27 th it was in Sandpit Camp. A few days later the battalion moved to Citadel Camp. On the 9 th August 1916 the battalion was holding reserve line trenches at Trones Wood during 166 th Brigade s attack on Guillemont. On the 12 th August the battalion went to Maltz Horn Farm. WOOD W Private William Isaac WOOD. 142 nd Company, Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Formerly (11530) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 24 th December Born Liverpool. Enlisted Watford, Herts. Buried in the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Belgium. Grave reference VI.R Gladstone Road, Willesborough Sergeant Albert Edward WOOD. Army Veterinary Corps. 25 Romney Road, Willesborough Leading Seaman Walter WOOD. HMS Victory, Royal Navy. 65

66 WOODCOCK N Private T/1132 Norris WOODCOCK. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 7 th January 1916 aged 20 years. Born Bethersden. Resided Willesborough. Son of Richard and Edith Woodcock of 36, Osborne Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Norris has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq. Panel reference Osborne Road, Willesborough Private Lawrence (Junior) WOODCOCK. M Battery, 13 th Division, Royal Garrison Artillery. Norton Lane, Bethersden Driver Ashley Frederick WOODCOCK. Army Service Corps. 17 Hamilton Road, Willesborough Driver Harry WOODCOCK. Royal Garrison Artillery. On the 6 th January 1916 a signal came from Kut saying that large numbers of Turkish troops were moving downstream of the River Tigris towards Sheikh Saad. An aircraft spotted the troops entrenching both sides of the river. The Tigris Corps of which the Buffs was part of moved to meet the enemy. The 5 th battalion attacked the Turk positions head on and by nightfall it became obvious the attack could not succeed. The next day 7 th January the Buffs alongside The Black Watch and The Seaforth Highlanders were again ordered to attack in strength. As the British moved forward under heavy fire the Turks attempted to encircle the Tigris Corps. By nightfall the position remained stalemate. It was later discovered that the Turks had withdrawn upstream. British Army casualties at Sheikh Saad were over 4,000 men. It appears that Norris may have been wounded on the 6 th January and then died of his wounds the next day. 66

67 YATES F Dover Marine Sapper Frederick YATES. 497 th Field Company (Kent Fortress). Royal Engineers (RE). Died 23 rd May 1917 aged 20 years. Born Canterbury. Enlisted Gillingham. Son of Mr W.F Yates of The Crown and Anchor Public House, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frederick has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 1. Before the outbreak of war Frederick was working in the Ashford Railway Yards. His name appears on the Dover Marine Railway tribute but NOT on Ashford s Railway Works Rolls of Honour. Frederick had seen service in Egypt before being sent to France. 67

68 YOUNG H.E Sergeant L/9289 Horace Edward YOUNG. 8 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 18 th August 1916 aged 26 years. Born Willesborough. Resided 128 Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Kent. Horace has no known grave. His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial, The Somme, France. Panel reference 5D. On the 18 th August 1916 the 8 th battalion attacked in Deville Wood on The Somme. Their stated objective was to capture Machine Gun House and another enemy held trench known as ZZ Trench. The battalion was divided into mixed companies for the attack and one company of the Royal Fusiliers were placed in Trones Wood to act as reserve. At hours the battalion plunged into Delville Wood. The enemy was found to be unprepared and many enemy soldiers surrendered (including a few naked men). All objectives were captured and consolidated. 1 officer and 38 men were killed and 6 officers and 297 men were wounded. A further 16 men were missing feared killed. 68

69 ROLL OF HONOUR Christchurch Willesborough There is a large oak roll of honour plaqu on the wall inside the church. The Great War men s plaque is affixed to the wall near to the side entrance whereas the small Second World War plaque has been renegated to an inconspicuous area behind the church organ. The plaque with the past vicars names is affixed where everyone can see it! The WW2 plaque should be displayed alongside the Great War plaque SERVED AND DIED BOOTH Bertie T DAVIS Frank S ERRIDGE Frank PLEDGE Herbert A (A.G.S List him as H.P PLEDGE) SMITH John S WESTON Herbert KILBY Alfred J MEN WHO SERVED IN THE COLOURS ALLEN F.H ALLEN L.F ALLEN R.F ALLIN F AMES H.R AMON G.H AMOS G.T AMOS W.C BARNARD R.K BARTON E BROTHERS R.J BUTCHER R.J BUTCHER H.J BUTCHER T.C CAPELING A.E CAPELING W.F CARLETON H.G COPPARD A.A COPPARD E.J COVENEY A.V.F.G CRUST G.W CRUST J DITCHER A.T EARNSHAW W ELDRIDGE W.H FIELD H.A.J 69

70 FINN C.G FINN R.J FISHER H.L (This man died of T.B and is on Ashford Town Memorial as A.L FISHER) FREED W.H GAMMON E.A GAMMON H.A.W GAMMON P GOWER P GOWER H.G GRANT N HAWKINS W.F HEAD A.E HEAD H HILLS A.A HILLS T.W HOWLAND R HUNTLEY S.A JAMIESON J JOHNSON A LLOYD C MORLEY F.C MORLEY J NEWTON F.H NEWTON W.H NEWTON E.H NEWTON E.C OLIVER W.F OWEN F PETTMAN A.E PETTMAN J.F PHILLIPS W PLEDGE W.C POPE G PULLEN T.H QUESTED F.C RANSLEY A SMITH B SMITH F.S (Senior) SMITH F STACE R.F STANLEY C.A TOMSETT W.H WARMAN A WHEELER W.G WHITEHEAD J.A WICKS W.G WILDE F THE MISSES (Nurses) EARL K.V HOOK F.S MUMMERY B.D QUESTED D.A.M 70

71 LOST MEN ASHMAN F.W Private Frank William ASHMAN. 11 th Battalion, Border Regiment. Formerly (86927) Middlesex Regiment. Died 2 nd December 1917 aged 20 years. Born Brabourne. Resided Westernhanger near Hythe. Son of William Henry and Catherine Maria Ashman of Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Frank has no known grave. His name appears on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, Belgium. Panel reference 85 to 86. Frank s death on active service is commemorated on his parents grave in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford. Frank s father William Henry Ashman died 5 th December 1943 aged 77 years. His mother Catherine Maria Ashman died 4 th February 1938 aged 62 years. BATH J.E.W Captain John Euel Witherden BATH. 5 th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Formerly Shrewsbury School O.T.C. Died 22 nd December Born Tewksbury, Gloucestershire 17 th May Son of Doctor Samuel Bath M.us.D, F.R.C.O and Elizabeth Mary Bath both of Newfields, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Grandson of John Taylor of Streetend, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Educated Westhouse Preparatory School, Edgbaston and Shrewsbury School ( ). Oxford University (Trinity College). Gazetted Lieutenant 28 th August 1914 (5 th Royal Berkshire s). Promoted Captain 10 th June John was killed instantly when he was struck by a small fragment of high explosive shell. 71

72 BISHOPP H Private L/8060 Harry BISHOPP. 1 st Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Born Charing Died 15 th November 1914 aged 29 years. Son of Samuel Bishopp of Raywood, Charing, Kent. Husband of Beatrice Maud Fuller (formerly Bishopp) of 69, Lewis Trust Building, Waltham Green, London. Harry has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Panel reference 45 and 47. Harry attended Charing Village School and upon leaving school he worked for a short while at Chart Court, Charing. Harry was then employed at the Ashford Railway Works in the Boiler Yard. He lived at 40, Church Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. He left a widow and 2 young children. The 1901 census gives Raywood Cottages, Charing Samuel BISHOP 62 Agricultural Labourer Tenterden Mary Ann 55 Charing Carry 16 Charing Charles 16 Charing Harry 18 Charing On the 1 st November 1914 the 1 st battalion was attached to 15 th Brigade at Dranoutre. On the 3 rd November it moved to Neuve Eglise. On the 7 th it went to Wulverghem before returning to Neuve Eglise on the 11 th. On the 13 th November 1916 the battalion marched through Ypres and Zillebeke and took over frontline trenches in woods near Klein Zillebeke. On the 17 th November 1916 the enemy attacked in strength and the battalion sustained heavy casualties. It appears that Harry lost his life in woods near Zillebeke. CHAPLIN T.G Private Thomas Greaves CHAPLIN. 10 th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Formerly (176703) 2 nd Home Counties Field Ambulance, Royal Army Service Corps (RASC). Died 16 th June 1917 aged 37 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ashford. Son of T Chaplin of 1, Lafayette Villas, Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Caroline Chaplin of Brookland House, Brookland, Ashford, Kent. Thomas has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 6. Thomas was employed in the Ashford Railway Works as a Turner in the workshops. He was married with one child. 1 Lafayette Villas, Ashford Private William Edward CHAPLIN. Royal Army Medical Corps. 7 Whitfield Road, Ashford 2 nd Air Mechanic Leonard John CHAPLIN. Royal Air Force. 72

73 CLARK A.J Private L/8489 Albert James CLARK. 2 nd Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Monday 3 rd May 1915 aged 27 years. Born High Halden. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Willesborough. Son of Charles Clark of Bond Cottages, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent. Albert has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Panel reference 12 and 14. In the Kingsnorth Churchyard there are a number of CLARK s buried Leslie Arthur CLARK 10 th April st May 1981 Doris Eileen 8 th June th September 2003 Gloria May Rose 12 th May th October 1946 On the 28 th April 1915 the 2 nd battalion Buffs took over frontline trenches at Verlorenhoek, Belgium. The battalion s commanding officer Lt Col A.D Geddes was killed by a shell that burst near the battalion headquarters. The day that Albert was killed the battalion was still in the trenches at Verlorenhoek. The 2 nd battalion were finally relieved at 1900 hours on the 3 rd May On the 4 th May 1915 the battalion was moved out of the line to a wood north of the Vlamertinghe-Poperinghe Road. CLARK F Private Frank CLARK. Chatham Battalion, Royal Naval Division (RND), Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI). Died in Gallipoli, Turkey 7 th June 1915 aged 18 years. Son of William and Louisa Clark of Forstal Farm, Aylesford or Boxley, Maidstone, Kent. Formerly residing Sevington, Ashford, Kent. Frank has no known grave. His name appears on the Helles Memorial, Galliploi, Turkey. Panel reference 2 to 7. Educated at the old Willesborough School, Ashford. Employed before the outbreak of war by Mr T Chapman of Sevington Court. COBLEY W.E Private G/39926 William Ernest COBLEY. 1 st Battalion, Queen s (Royal West Surrey Regiment). Died 2 nd December 1917 aged 32 years. Born Bermondsey, London. Resided Willesborough. Son of John and Mary Ann Cobley of New Bradwell, Wolverton. Husband of Rhoda Mary Cobley of 76, Aylesbury Street, Woverton, Bucks. Buried in the Dochy Farm New British Cemetery. Grave reference IV.C

74 COLLINS D Petty Officer 1 st Class David COLLINS. HMS Cressy, Royal Navy (RN). Died 22 nd September 1914 aged 31 years. Son of David and Charlotte Collins of 17, Canterbury Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. David has no known grave. His name appears on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. Panel reference 1. HMS Cressy was a Cressy Class Cruiser built 4 th December 1899 and commanded by Captain R.W Johnson. The Cruisers Aboukir, Cressy and Hogue were on patrol off the Dutch coast to prevent German forces from moving south to attack the Channel troop convoys. Owing to bad weather the three cruisers were without their destroyer escorts. At 0630 hours on the 20 th September there was a violent explosion on Aboukir s starboard side. She quickly assumed a 20 degree list to starboard while efforts were made to right the ship by counterflooding. However, the list kept on increasing until it was clear that she was going to capsize. Abandon ship was ordered and the Hogue prepared to rescue her crew. At 0655 hours Aboukir capsized and floated bottom up for a while before sinking. Captain Drummond thought that his ship had been mined but in fact she had been torpedoed by the U9 German Submarine (Captain Otto Weddigen). As Aboukir was sinking Captain Nicholson took Hogue in close to rescue survivors from the Cressy. As he did so U9 attacked the Aboukir and hit the ship with another torpedo in the midships. All guns were bought to bear on the submarine which by this time had been spotted. The Aboukir sank very quickly. The Captain of the Cressy (R.W Johnson) bought his ship alongside the Hogue to rescue survivors. As he did so the U9 once again went into attack mode firing off two torpedoes. Both struck the Cressy and she became U9 s third victim in less than an hour. That days death toll was a massive 1,459 men Greater than the whole casualty rate of Nelson s Battle of Trafalgar! 74

75 CRAMP C Lance Corporal T/ Charles CRAMP. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died Thursday 19 th April Born Willesborough, Ashford. Enlisted New Romney. Resided South Ashford. Charles has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial in Iraq. Panel reference 6. Charles name also appears on the New Romney civic war memorial in Kent. The 5 th battalion on 25 th March 1917 were at Hinaidi just south of Bahgdad. On the 18 th April the battalion was engaged in fighting at the Nahrwan Canal on the River Tigris. Not to be confused with another local man (same family) who was also killed in the Great War: Private G/66738 Charles CRAMP. 6 th Battalion, Queen s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). Formerly (26321) The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 23 rd August Born Great Chart. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Great Chart. Charles name appears on the New Romney civic war memorial. 75

76 DRAYSON J Company Sergeant Major (CSM) 1491 John DRAYSON MC. 1 st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 16 th June 1916 aged 29 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Son of William Drayson of Margate, Kent. Husband of Laura Drayson of 77, Princess Street, Southend- On-Sea, Essex. Buried in the Sandpits British Cemetery, Fouqueruil, France. Grave reference II.H.7. John was awarded the Military Cross (MC). The Military Cross was normally given to commissioned officers but the rules allowed awards to be made exceptionally to Sergeant Majors. EARL S This man s name was mentioned in the Kentish Express newspaper as being a local Willesborough man who died in the Great War. I have been unable to trace his correct identity. 2 Romney Road, Willesborough Private Archibald EARL. Army Ordnance Corps. Bombardier Arthur EARL. M Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. Stoker K/29340 John Edward EARL. HMS Pembroke II, Royal Navy. Messenger Percy EARL. 49 th S.S.A, HMS Hindustan, Royal Navy. 69 Gladstone Road, South Willesborough Sergeant 9822 Frederick EARL. 1 st Buffs (East Kent Regiment). GOODWIN J.H Petty Officer 1 st Class John Henry GOODWIN. HMS Aboukir. Royal Navy (RN). Died 22 nd September 1914 aged 36 years. Son of Thomas and Jane Goodwin of Church Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Husband of Clara Hills Goodwin of 30, Moat Place, Stockwell, London. John has no known grave. His name appears on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. John was awarded the Naval Long Service Good Conduct Medal for over 20 years service. His sister Mrs Hills lived at 7, Barrow Hill Place, Ashford, Kent. HMS Cressy was a Cressy Class Cruiser built 4 th December 1899 and commanded by Captain R.W Johnson. The Cruisers Aboukir, Cressy and Hogue were on patrol off the Dutch coast to prevent German forces from moving south to attack the Channel troop convoys. Owing to bad weather the three cruisers were without their destroyer escorts. At 0630 hours on the 20 th September there was a violent explosion on Aboukir s starboard side. She quickly assumed a 20 degree list to starboard while efforts were made to right the ship by counterflooding. However, the list kept on increasing until it was clear that she was going to capsize. Abandon ship was ordered and the Hogue prepared to rescue her crew. At 0655 hours Aboukir capsized and floated bottom up for a while before sinking. Captain Drummond thought that his ship had been mined but in fact she had been torpedoed by the U9 German Submarine (Captain Otto Weddigen). As Aboukir was sinking Captain Nicholson took Hogue in close to rescue survivors from the Cressy. As he did so U9 attacked the Aboukir and hit the ship with another torpedo in the midships. All guns were bought to bear on the submarine which by this time had been spotted. The Aboukir sank very quickly. The Captain of the Cressy (R.W Johnson) bought his ship alongside the Hogue to 76

77 rescue survivors. As he did so the U9 once again went into attack mode firing off two torpedoes. Both struck the Cressy and she became U9 s third victim in less than an hour. That days death toll was a massive 1,459 men Greater than the whole casualty rate of Nelson s Battle of Trafalgar! GOLDFINCH A.J Private Arthur James GOLDFINCH. A Company, 7 th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Formerly (29056) Essex Regiment. Died 3 rd May 1917 aged 39 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Sheerness, Kent. Son of Robert Goldfinch of The Cottage, Prospect Hill, Herne Bay, Kent. Husband of Alice C.E Goldfinch of 64, Broad Street, Sheerness, Kent. Arthur has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 5. GOLDUP A.E (brother) Private T/ Albert Edward GOLDUP. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 17 th December Born Ashford. Resided Ashford. Brother of Mrs Bushell of Victoria Avenue, Hythe, Kent. Son of Mrs W Goldup of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Albert has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panel reference 6. Albert had two brothers Gunner W.J Goldup who was killed and appears on the Willesborough and Kingsnorth listings. His other brother Private J.T Goldup lost both his legs at Ypres 77

78 GOLDUP W.J (Brother) Gunner William John GOLDUP. 36 th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 21 ST May 1917 aged 23 years. Born Kingsnorth. Brother of Mrs Bushell of Victoria Avenue, Hythe, Kent. Eldest son of Mr W Goldup of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux, France. Grave reference I.H.9. William had two brothers serving in the colours Private A.E Goldup who was killed in Iraq 17 th December 1916 and Private J.T Goldup (Buffs) who lost both his legs at Ypres on 19 th June 1915 Private T/ Albert Edward GOLDUP. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 17 th December Born Ashford. Resided Ashford. Brother of Mrs Bushell of Victoria Avenue, Hythe, Kent. Son of Mrs W Goldup of South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Albert has no known grave. His name appears on the Basra Memorial, Iraq. Panel reference 6. Albert has no Ashford area tribute. His name does not appear on the Willesborough war memorial or on the Ashford war memorial. 78

79 HEAD R.J Gunner Robert James HEAD. Labour Corps. Formerly (645293) Royal Field Artillery (RFA). Died 27 th January 1921 aged 21 years. Son of Robert and Sarah Head of Dunkirk, Faversham, Kent. Husband of Janet Beatrice Head of 88, Romney Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Dunkirk (Christ Church) Cemetery, Faversham, Kent. Grave reference South West of church. 11 Aylesford Place, Willesborough Corporal Alfred Ernest HEAD. M.D, Royal Engineers. Private Henry Harold HEAD. 1 st Royal West Kent Regiment. HEARN C.J Private CH/8592 Charles James HEARN. HMS Aboukir. Royal Marines Light Infantry (RMLI). Died in the North Sea on 22 nd September 1914 aged 36 years. Brother of Mrs Clarke of 43, Herbert Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Charles has no known grave. His name appears on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Chatham, Kent. HMS Cressy was a Cressy Class Cruiser built 4 th December 1899 and commanded by Captain R.W Johnson. The Cruisers Aboukir, Cressy and Hogue were on patrol off the Dutch coast to prevent German forces from moving south to attack the Channel troop convoys. Owing to bad weather the three cruisers were without their destroyer escorts. At 0630 hours on the 20 th September there was a violent explosion on Aboukir s starboard side. She quickly assumed a 20 degree list to starboard while efforts were made to right the ship by counterflooding. However, the list kept on increasing until it was clear that she was going to capsize. Abandon ship was ordered and the Hogue prepared to rescue her crew. At 0655 hours Aboukir capsized and floated bottom up for a while before sinking. Captain Drummond thought that his ship had been mined but in fact she had been torpedoed by the U9 German Submarine (Captain Otto Weddigen). As Aboukir was sinking Captain Nicholson took Hogue in close to rescue survivors from the Cressy. As he did so U9 attacked the Aboukir and hit the ship with another torpedo in the midships. All guns were bought to bear on the submarine which by this time had been spotted. The Aboukir sank very quickly. The Captain of the Cressy (R.W Johnson) bought his ship alongside the Hogue to rescue survivors. As he did so the U9 once again went into attack mode firing off two torpedoes. Both struck the Cressy and she became U9 s third victim in less than an hour. That days death toll was a massive 1,459 men Greater than the whole casualty rate of Nelson s Battle of Trafalgar! HIGGINS A.E Private CH/1462(S) Albert Edward HIGGINS, Chatham Division, 1 st Royal Marines Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI). Died 28 th April Born Willesborough. Born 23 rd October Step son of Charles and Sarah Burton of Vicarage Road, Kennington, Ashford, Kent. Albert has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 1. Albert enlisted into the Royal Marines at Chatham in January 1916 and was sent straight to RM Deal, Kent on 7 th February 1916 where he completed his basic training. From Deal he was sent to the Chatham Battalion, Royal Marines arriving there on 18 July He remained at Chatham until 31 December 1916 when he was posted overseas on active service. 79

80 The 1901 Kennington Census gives Albert HIGGINS 12 Willesborough. Albert was probably killed somewhere near the village of Gavrelle in France. HOLLIDAY W Bombardier William HOLLIDAY. 15 th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). Died 24 th September 1917 aged 45 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ramsgate, Kent. Husband of Edith Emily Holliday of 1, Ismalia Cottages, Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent. Buried in the Epehy Wood Farm Cemetery, Epehy, France. Grave reference III.I.16. JONES W.G Lance Corporal G/9025 Walter George JONES. 6 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 9 th August 1918 aged 22 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Dover. Resided Dover. Son of Henry James and Emily Frances Jones of Stone Cottages, Elms Vale, Dover, Kent. Walter lived in Hougham near Dover for many years. Buried in the Franvillers Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Grave reference II.C.4. 80

81 JORDAN A.E Private PS/1529 Alfred Edmund JORDAN. 21 st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. Died 23 rd March 1918 aged 26 years. Born Ashford. Enlisted London. Resided Hendon, Middlesex. Son of Edith Alice Jordan of Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Alfred has no known grave. His name appears on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. Panel reference Bay 7. Alfred s family members are buried in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford, Kent. Sarah Jordan died 6 th April 1897 aged 45 years. Edith Alice Jordan (daughter of Sarah Jordan and the mother of Alfred Edmund Jordan) died 1 st September 1925 aged 37 years. Alfred s name appears on his mothers headstone. His death was widely reported in the Kentish Express. McCARTER D Second Lieutenant Duncan McCARTER. 42 Training Squadron, Royal Air Force. Wye Aerodrome. Formerly Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Died in a Flying Accident over Willesborough 1 st May Son of James and Jemima McCarter of 12 Bright Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland. Buried Edinburgh (North Merchiston) Cemetery, Edinburgh, Scotland. Duncan was killed outright when his machine nose dived into the ground in a field beside the River Stour at Willesborough. Mr John Leeds a local resident remembers being taken to see the wreckage as an 11 year old boy. He remembers that the pilots body had made an impression in the ground some eight inches deep! Death must have been instant. After the accident Duncan s body was recovered by his parents to Scotland and he was buried in Edinburgh with full military honours. It is not known how this man came to be forgotten by those in Ashford and Wye. His name should have been placed on a local tribute but it never was 81

82 NEWICK T Private M2/ Thomas W. NEWICK. 2 nd Army, Mechanical Transport Company, Army Service Corps (ASC). Died 14 th June 1916 aged 37 years. Born Wilesborough. Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Newick. Husband of Minnie Newick of 149, Brecknock Road, Tufnell Park, London. Buried in the Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, France. Grave reference III.G

83 PAIGE J.B Second Lieutenant Jack Brian PAIGE. 8 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Attached to 8 th Buffs from 1/4 th Buffs. Formerly (Private 4645) 3/4 th Buffs. Died 16 th June 1917 aged 20 years. Born St Ives, Cornwall 12 December Son of Captain John Square Paige (CO of 3/4th Buffs) and Elsie Wilhelmina Paige (nee Bullmore) of Little Boys Hall, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Formerly living at Tresillian, West Avenue, Exeter, Devon. Jack has no known grave. His name appears on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Panel reference Prior to the outbreak of war Jack was working in Ashford at his fathers bank as a temporary clerk. Educated at Haileybury College and Belmont Falmouth. Previous to obtaining his commission he had been working for Lloyds Bank in Ashford where his father was the bank s Manager. His father was a Captain in the 3/4 th Buffs and Jack decided to join his fathers regiment in He attested 11 December After spending time at Crowborough, Sussex with the 3/4th Buffs as a Private soldier, Jack applied for a commission and was drafted to the 8 th Buffs on 24 th January He had been in France for four months before losing his life. There is some confusion as to the date of his death. The Soldiers Died CD ROM gives a date of 16 th June 1916 whereas the CWGC gives a date of 14 th June Jack came from St Ives in Cornwall where his father was the bank manager there. Little Boys Hall, Willesborough Captain John Square PAIGE. 4 th Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Family Humphrey PAIGE Little Boys Hall, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent Joyce PAIGE PARNHAM R 2 nd Steward Reginald PARNHAM. HMS Otranto. Mercantile Marine Reserve. Drowned 6 th October 1918 through collision with a wreck off the Isle of Islay. Aged 36 years. Born Strood, Kent. Son of William and M.A Parnham of 26, Osborne Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Reginald has no known grave. His name appears on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Portsmouth. Panel reference 31. PLEDGE G George Pledge. Died 9 th August 1918 aged 18 years. His name appears on a private family grave in the Willesborough Cemetery. His wife Edith Pledge is buried in the cemetery and her grave commemorates her husbands death in France during the Great War. 83

84 POTTER E (brother) Private Ernest POTTER. 2/2 nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Formerly (TR/9/14524) T.R.B. Died 15 th April 1918 aged 20 years. Born Bilting. Enlisted Canterbury. Resided Waltham, Canterbury. Son of Frederick and Alice Potter of Longneck House, Waltham, Canterbury, Kent. Buried in the Morevil Communal Cemetery, Allied Extension, France. Grave reference E.17. The 1901 census gives Bilting, Godmersham Frederick POTTER 43 Bricklayer Chart, Kent Alice 38 Willesborough Robert 15 Labourer Charing Frederick 13 Charing William 11 Canterbury Alice 9 Ashford Harry 6 Ashford Ernest 2 Willesborough A baby 1m Godmersham POTTER H (brother) Private L/10212 Harry POTTER. 5 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 31 st January 1919 aged 23 years. Born Willesborough. Son of Frederick and Susan Alice Potter of Longneck House, Waltham, Canterbury, Kent. Buried Mikra British Cemetery, Kalamaria. Grave reference The 1901 census gives Bilting, Godmersham Frederick POTTER 43 Bricklayer Chart, Kent Alice 38 Willesborough Robert 15 Labourer Charing Frederick 13 Charing William 11 Canterbury Alice 9 Ashford Harry 6 Ashford Ernest 2 Willesborough A baby 1m Godmersham The 5 th battalion did not return home to the UK until January

85 RAWCLIFFE G Private 3586 George RAWCLIFFE. 2/4 th (Territorial) Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Died 2 nd November 1915 aged 22 years. Born Marton, Lancashire. Enlisted Blackpool. Resided Little Marton, Lancashire. Son of Richard and Grace Rawcliffe of Primrose Hill, Little Marton, Blackpool, Lancashire. Buried locally in the Willesborough Cemetery, Ashford. Grave reference N.68. It seems likely that this man died in one of the local VAD Military hospitals in Ashford after being recovered injured from France. He probably succumbed to his wounds and was buried nearby. 85

86 SWINERD R.J Private G/2765 Richard James SWINERD. 7 th Battalion, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). Died 1 st September 1915 aged 19 years. Born Willesborough. Enlisted Ashford. Resided Willesborough. Son of James and Anne D Swinerd of Swanton Cottage, Mersham, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Point 110 Old Military Cemetery, Fricourt, France. Grave reference C.13. Throughout August and September the 7 th batalion spent time in various frontline trench systems in the Carnoy area. This ties in nicely with the location of Richard s grave. The Buffs Regimental History (Moody) states that on the 1 st September 1915 the Germans let off a massive mine under The Buffs position at Fricourt. D Company sustained casuaties 9 killed outright and 5 wounded. It appears that Richard was one of these men from D Company killed in action. TERRY T Private 215 Thomas TERRY. 44 th Infantry Battalion, Australian Infantry Force (AIF). Died of sickness 21 st December 1916 aged 24 years. Born Canterbury. Son of Charles and Mary Terry of 30, Cudworth Road, South Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord), France. Grave reference iii.a Whitfield Road, Ashford Driver Basil TERRY. Royal Field Artillery. 7 Mabledon Avenue, Ashford Lance Corporal Ernest Frederick TERRY. 2 nd Hampshire Regiment. THORPE A.E Sapper WR/ Augustus Eugene THORPE. Railway Operating Division, Royal Engineers (RE). Died 6 th November 1918 aged 27 years. Born Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. Son of Bridger and Martha Thorpe of 185, Denonville Street, Montreal, Canada. Buried in the St Albans Cemetery, Hertfordshire. Grave reference Mil J.3A. 86