War Memorials - Surnames A
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryADAMS, George (Revised 02/02/2012)
ADDENBROKE, Arthur
ALDERTON, Arthur (Revised 18/02/2009)
ALDERTON, Charles John Woodward (Revised 25/01/2012)
ALDRIDGE, William Guy
ANDERSON, Robert William
ANDREWARTHA, William Edward (New 10/01/2012)
ARMITAGE, Alfred Cecil
ARTHUR, Frank (New 05/06/2011)
ARTHUR, Frederick (New 05/06/2011)
ATKINS, Frank
AYLING, William
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
ADAMS George, Stoker 1st Class. RFR/PO/B/2978.
Royal Navy. HMS Good Hope.Killed in Action 1 November 1914, aged 33.
George Adams was born at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland on 20 March 1881.
George could not be found in the 1901 census taken on 31 March.
George joined the Navy on 2 November 1901, stating that he earned his living as a labourer. He was 5 feet 9½ inches tall, had brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion. Between 1902 and 1909 he served at the shore establishments, HMS Victory and Excellent, as well as serving aboard the ships HMS Duke of Wellington, HMS Vulcan, HMS Formidable and HMS Seahorse. Throughout this period his character was described as Very Good. He was discharged from the Navy through 'shore purchase' and joined the Navy reserve.
In the 1911 census George is shown as an unmarried Metropolitan constable, boarding with 15 other Metropolitan constables at 73, Edgware Road, London, presumably some kind of hostel. His noted age is 40, which would mean he was born in 1871. This is probably a typographical error, his age was more likely 30 as indicated by his National Archive Navy service papers which give his date of birth as 20 March 1881.
George's service record, from the Military Genealogy web site, states that he was married to a Maud E. of 78, Lower Court Road, Epsom. There are two possible marriage recorded between George Adams and Elizabeth M Williams (GRO reference: Mar 1912 Pancras 1b 205 and GRO reference: Dec 1912 Holborn 1b 1492). Georgina Sophia Patience Adams was born on 13 November 1913. Her baptism at St Barnabas church, Epsom took place on 7 March 1914 whilst her parents George and Maud were living at 59, Hook Road, Epsom and her father George worked as a police constable. The death of a Georgina Sophia Adams aged 85 is recorded (GRO reference: Dec 1998 Westminster B36C 252), so she may not have married.
On 13 July 1914 George returned to the Navy and joined the armoured cruiser HMS Good Hope. On 1 November 1914 German war ships sank HMS Good Hope during the Battle of Coronel, which was fought off the coast of central Chile near the city of Coronel. George was amongst those who drowned. He has no grave but the sea, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval memorial and the on-line memorial www.coronel.org.uk.
HMS Good Hope (1901)
Image source Wikipedia
The following article appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 27 November 1914:
EPSOM CONSTABLE KILLED. - On Monday the Admiralty issued a list of the petty officers, non-commissioned officers and men serving with H.M.S. "Good Hope" at the time of the recent action. Among the names was that of G. Adams, a first-class stoker, who for twelve months was a member of the Epsom Police Force. He was a naval reservist, and was undergoing the usual periodical training when the war broke out. In the absence of evidence to the contrary it is feared that he, amongst the many others, has lost his life.
EP
ADDENBROKE Arthur, Captain
Royal Warwickshire Regt.Died of wounds 5 October 1916, aged 34
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Royal Warwickshire Regt. Died of wounds received on the Somme on 5 October 1916. Buried at Worcester. Aged 34 years. A master at Epsom College. (Listed on the Epsom College Memorial).
ALDERTON Arthur, Private. 4949.
1/14 Battalion London Regiment (London Scottish).Killed in Action 1 July 1916, aged 34.
Arthur Alderton
Image courtesy of the London Scots Archive © 2009
Arthur Alderton was born in 1882 (GRO reference: Dec 1882 Pancras 1b 74) to James Henry and Elizabeth Alderton (nee Lovell).
In the 1891 census the family lived at 7, Canbury Park Road, Kingston. Arthur's father James was a 41 year old shopman. His mother Elizabeth was 40, and he had 6 siblings, Herbert aged 15, Fanny aged 14, Nellie aged 12, Kate aged 10, Alice aged 6 and Florence aged 6 months. There were also 2 lodgers, Elizabeth Fawcett, a drapers assistant, and Minnie Shave, also a drapers assistant.
Arthur was educated at Richmond Road school, Kingston. He was a good amateur athlete and had been a member of the 'Malden Harriers'.
By the 1901 census the family (Halderson in Ancestry) lived at 42, Gibbon Road, Kingston. Another sibling is shown, Daisy aged 23, a book keeper. Kate was by then a school teacher, and Arthur was a parcels clerk. Drapers assistant Elizabeth Fawcett was still with the family, but now shown as a visitor. A Florence Gosling , drapers assistant, was also shown as a visitor.
At some point between 1901 and enlisting Arthur worked for the LCC at Horton Asylum, but in what capacity is unknown.
Arthur signed up as a volunteer into the 14th Battalion London Regiment (London Scottish), at their HQ at 59, Buckingham Gate, Westminster in May 1915 after having paid the annual subscription fee of £1 for the privilege of membership. He was given the number 4949 and assigned to the Regiment's 3rd Battalion for training at its camp in Richmond Park. Although in his early 30's Arthur was in good shape and a good athlete. At the Regimental sports meeting in the autumn of 1915 he very nearly beat a former Olympic champion in a running race.
In December 1915 he was sent to France with a reinforcement draft to join the 1st London Scottish in the Loos sector of the front. In February 1916 they were withdrawn to the Abbeville district some 40 miles to the rear, to rest, refit and train as part of the newly formed 56th London Division, in preparation for the forthcoming Battle of the Somme. During this period Arthur declined promotion as a non-commissioned officer (NCO) as it would have involved leaving the section and the friendships he had made.
Click image to enlarge
Arthur's Battalion was in the 168th Brigade, 56th Division. On 1 July 1916 the 56th Division and the 46th Division attacked the Gommecourt salient at the northernmost end of the Somme battlefront. The attacks were not considered to be part of the main thrust, but as a diversion in order to draw enemy forces from the main attack further south. The 46 Division attacked north of the salient, and the 56 Division south of the salient. Unfortunately the 46 Division was decimated before managing to make any gains, which allowed the full force of the enemy to be directed onto the 56 Division. Some progress had been made by the 56th Division into enemy trenches, but by 4pm, with little ammunition left and only a handful of tired men left it was deemed necessary to withdraw. Orders were given for a methodical evacuation of the captured trenches. Many of the survivors did not get back until after dark.
Arthur's headstone in the Hebuterne Military Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Two hundred and thirteen men and 7 officers from the 1/14 Battalion London Regiment were killed on 1 July 1916, including Arthur who is buried in Hebuterne Military Cemetery, plot IV M 48.
Arthur is also commemorated on the Kingston-upon-Thames War Memorial.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
EP HWH
ALDERTON Charles John Woodward, Second Lieutenant.
7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders (1/7th (Deeside Highland) Battalion).Killed in Action 20 November 1917, aged 21.
Charles's headstone in Metz-En-Couture Communal Cemetery Extension
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Charles John Woodward Alderton was born on 1 June 1896 (GRO reference: Jun 1896 Holborn 1b 692) to Charles John and Sarah Eliza Alderton (nee Woodward). Charles was baptised in St James' church Clerkenwell, London on 12 August 1896. His parents married on 7 June 1877, also in St James' church, and had seven daughters and one son, Charles, the last to be born and therefore the baby of the family.
| Name | Born |
|---|---|
| Agnes Eliza | Sep 1877 quarter Holborn |
| Lucy Alice | Mar 1881 quarter Holborn |
| Anna Maria | Jun 1883 quarter Holborn |
| May Daisy | Sep 1885 quarter Holborn |
| Sarah Amy | Mar 1888 quarter Holborn |
| Emma | Sep 1889 quarter Holborn |
| Ada Irene | Mar 1893 quarter Holborn |
| Charles John Woodward | Born:1 June 1896 Died: 20 November 1917 |
In the 1881 census before Charles was born the family lived at 33, Baker Street, Clerkenwell, which had been the Woodward family home. Charles' father, also Charles, was a 29 year old saw mill proprietor employing eight men and three boys. His mother, Sarah was aged 26 and had two daughters, Agnes Eliza aged 2 and Lucy Alice aged 25 days, the first of Charles' seven older sisters. The family employed two servants.
By the 1891 census the family had moved to 18, Lloyd Square, Clerkenwell. Charles' father was still earning his living as a saw mill proprietor. Four more daughters had been born to the family, Anna aged 7, May aged 5, Sarah aged 3 and Emma aged 1. The family were still employing two servants.
18 Lloyd Square, Clerkenwell, the family home of Charles Alderton before the family moved to Epsom.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
In 1901 the family was still living at 18, Lloyd Square, Clerkenwell. Charles was aged 4 and sister number seven, Ada Irene, was eight years old. Charles' father was still employing people to work in his saw mill, but now they had only one servant living in.
1911 saw the family still at 18, Lloyd Square, Clerkenwell. Charles' father had retired and he was described a 'Late Saw Mill Proprietor'. Charles was aged 14 and lived with his parents and six of his sisters, all unmarried. One domestic servant was still in their employ. Charles' mother stated that she had given birth to eight children and that all were still alive.
Charles attended Mercers school in Barnard's Inn, Holborn. He was a keen bell ringer and was a member of the tower of ringers at St James church, Clerkenwell. When he left school he was appointed as a clerk in local government, which was sanctioned by the Local Government board.
Charles' service papers at The National Archives show he enlisted at St John's Wood on 29 April 1915. He was 19 years 10 months old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a chest measurement of 36 inches when fully expanded, with a 2 inch expansion. He had 6/6 vision in both eyes with glasses, but 6/12 without. His physical development was described as fair and he was passed fit to join the 3rd County of London Yeomanry, a territorial unit as a Private, number 1880. His service number was later changed to 915858.
He was appointed Lance Corporal on 1 August 1915, and by 23 November was Acting Corporal. He was transferred as Acting Corporal on 25 February 1916 and promoted officially on 7 March 1916. Charles was then Acting Sergeant until 11 August 1916. Prior to being commissioned he had a further medical on 22 June 1916 at Wilderness Camp, Sevenoaks. This time he was recorded as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 10 stone, with a 36 inch chest measurement. His application for a commission was approved at Hounslow on 18 December 1916 and stated that he was discharged from D Battery, 291 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA), Seal, Kent. Therefore, at some point must have transferred from the City of London Yeomanry to the RFA.
When he was commissioned Second Lieutenant he expressed a wish to join the 7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and was duly assigned to the 1/7th (Deeside Highland) Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a Territorial unit. This battalion was in the 153rd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. Charles stated that he was able to ride.
Initially he was based in the UK, and spent some time at North Camp, Ripon. He was admitted to hospital in May 1917 whilst on loan to the 4th Reserve Battalion Gordon Highlanders. A medical board on 9 May found him to be unfit for 'General Service' duties for two months, although he could resume light duties after one month. The reason is not recorded.
He went to France on 19 August 1917 and joined the 183rd Brigade at Etaples on 20 August, before moving up to the front on 20 August. On 25 September he was cross posted to 1/5 Battalion Gordon Highlanders (also in 153rd Brigade). After serving for only three months in France he was mortally wounded on 20 November, the first day of the battle of Cambrai. The battle of Cambrai is famed for being the first battle in which tanks were used in big numbers. He was taken to a Casualty Clearing Station, the 1/3rd Highland Field Ambulance, where he died. Although soldiers were supposed to make a will, his family later confirmed that there was no known will.
Extracts from the official history, 20 November 1917:
The 1/6th Black Watch and 1/5th Gordon Highlanders of the 153rd Brigade followed the tanks of D Battalion. The machines found difficulty in crossing the Hindenburg front trench which, in this sector, was wider and deeper than elsewhere; nevertheless the Germans showed little disposition to resist. Farther on opposition stiffened, for many riflemen and machine-gunners saw that there was opportunity to take cover until the foremost tanks had passed and then to open fire upon the approaching platoons. But the Highlanders fought their way forward with rifle and bomb, obtaining assistance from a tank at some points, and by 9.45 a.m. the first objective had been reached along the whole brigade front although the Gordons had still some work to do in clearing the dug-outs in Grand Ravin. The two battalions had captured over 600 prisoners between them, whilst their combined losses were less than one hundred and twenty.
~~~~~~~~~
Ten tanks led the advance of the 153rd Brigade against its second objective, the infantry following about one hundred and fifty yards behind. On the right the 1/7th Gordon Highlanders captured 100 prisoners in the front trench of the Hindenburg support system and obtained touch with the Seaforth of the 152nd Brigade about 10.10a.m. The 1/7th Black Watch on the left had some hard fighting in a switch trench called "Cemetery Alley", which yielded 200 prisoners, before the front trench of the Hindenburg support system was secured about 10.35 a.m. The renewed advance of both battalions was checked by rifle and machine-gun fire from Flesquières and by that of artillery from behind the village; all the leading tanks were knocked out from behind the village, but could not maintain themselves there. They fell back to Flesquières Trench which, with the help of captured machine guns and Lewis guns from derelict tanks, was organised for defence.
The Soldiers Died CD tells us that Charles was the only officer to be killed on 20 November from the 7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders but that 19 Other Ranks were killed.
Charles is buried in Plot II. D. 24., Metz-En-Couture Communal Cemetery Extension.
The Times dated 24 Nov 1917, printed the following:
Killed in action 2nd Lt Charles John Woodward Alderton, Gordon Highlanders, dearly loved and only son of Charles John and Sarah Eliza Alderton aged 21. The best of boys, deeply loved and sadly missed.
The St Martin's Parish church magazine dated January 1927 printed the following:
A most sacred memorial has just been placed beside the War Memorial in the Church. This is the wooden cross of C.J.W. Alderton, who laid down his life on the Field of Honour in 1917. It makes the War Memorial an additionally sacred part of our Church, and we deeply appreciate the desire and feelings of Mrs. Alderton and her daughters who have given the Church so sacred a trust.
Wooden crosses were used initially to mark the graves of the fallen, nailed to which was a name marker stamped on a narrow piece of zinc metal. These wooden crosses were systematically replaced in the 1920s with the familiar CWGC Portland stone grave markers. When the change was made, the next of kin was offered the original wooden cross. Not every next of kin took up the offer, but obviously Mrs Alderton did. She also changed the original zinc marker for a handsome brass plaque. That reads:
In Loving Memory of
C.J.W. ALDERTON
Killed 20 November 1917
------------------------
Greater Love Hath No Man Than This
C.J.W. ALDERTON
Killed 20 November 1917
------------------------
Greater Love Hath No Man Than This
Charles's cross in St Martin's Church
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Charles is not commemorated on any local memorial, only the wooden cross in St Martin's church, but he is remembered on the War Memorial in St James church, Clerkenwell. This seems to suggest that Mrs Alderton and her daughters moved to Epsom some time after the names on the Ashley Road memorial were unveiled on Sunday 11 November 1923.
Charles's inscription on the St James church war memorial with detail
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2012
Charles was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The CWGC states that Charles was the "Son of Charles John and Sarah Eliza Alderton, living 'Thorndale' 50, South Street, Epsom, Surrey".
Wooden Cross in St Martin's church.
ALDRIDGE William Guy, Private. 28404.
3rd Battalion Essex Regiment.Drowned 4 May 1917, aged 33.
William Guy Aldridge was born in 1883 (GRO reference: Dec 1883 Epsom 2a 22) to Thomas and Julia Aldridge (nee Taylor).
In the 1891 census the family lived in Ashtead Street, Ashtead. William's father Thomas was a 36 year old jockey. His mother Julia was 28. He had six siblings, Thomas 10, Florence 9, Percy 5, Maud 3, Mabel 1 and Eve 6 months.
By the 1901 census the family lived in Park Cottage, Worple Road, Epsom. William was now working as a hairdresser's assistant. Four more siblings had arrived, Ethel 8, Herbert 6, Oliver 4 and Leonard 1.
William attested in Wimbledon on 14 February 1916 into the Essex Regiment. He was a small man only 5 feet 3 1/2 inches tall, weighing 118 lbs, with a chest measurement of 35 inches and expansion of 3 inches. He lived at 3 Milner Road, Merton Park, and worked as a barber.
He married Ethel Stremes in 1916 (GRO reference: Sep 1916 Kingston 2a 855). I have found no record of children.
On 4 May 1917 William was aboard the troop ship "Transylvania" on his way to Salonika. With no warning the ship was torpedoed by a submarine, and sunk off Cape Vado, Italy, a few miles south of Savona. Over 400 men were drowned including William. His body was recovered and buried in Savona Town cemetery.
William's stated battalion the 3 Essex was a training battalion that never left England as a complete unit. Presumably William was on his way to another Essex battalion already established in Salonika, and had yet to be officially reallocated to it.
The CWGC state he was the son of Mrs Aldridge, of Park Cottage, Worple Road, Epsom, and the late Mr T. Aldridge; husband of Ethel Aldridge of 12, Alwyne Road, Wimbledon.
EP SM
ANDERSON Robert William, Private. 41119.
2nd Battalion Essex Regiment.Killed in Action 15 December 1917, aged 19.
Robert's inscription on the Arras memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Robert William Anderson was born in 1898 (GRO reference: Sep 1898 Epsom 2a 6) to John Newlands and Emily Wills Anderson (nee Brookson).
At the time of the 1881 census Robert's parents John, aged 22 and Emily, aged 21 had recently married and were living at 1 Bedford Cottage, Beddington. Robert's father John, born in Scotland, was a carpenter.
By 1891 the family lived at 2 Woodcote Road, Wallington, and five children had arrived, Ann aged 9, John aged 7, Douglas aged 5, Mary aged 3 and Emily aged 1. Robert's father was by then a builder and an employer.
In the 1901 census the family lived in Home Cottage, Belmont Road, Wallington, Surrey. Robert's father was now a clerk of works for London County Council, working on the building of the asylums. Another two children had been born Jessie aged 6 and Robert himself aged 2.
Robert enlisted in September 1914, which meant that he was only 16 when he volunteered to fight for King and Country, attesting Wandsworth into the 2/2 Battalion London Regiment. This Regiment was disbanded in June 1916, and Robert transferred to the 2 battalion Essex Regiment, which was in 12 Brigade, 4 Division. Robert did not receive the 1914-1915 star, so did not fight abroad until after 1915. This was probably because his age was known, and he was not sent abroad until he was officially old enough to be sent abroad to fight.
On 15 December 1917 the Battalion was in trenches near Arras. At noon they were relieved by the 2 Duke of Wellington's, with the exception of 2Lt. GW Miller and 24 ORs (Other Ranks). This small party was to take part in a 1pm daylight raid on enemy trenches with the object of taking a prisoner, capturing a machine gun and causing as much damage as possible to the enemy positions. One section of the Battalion war diary states the raid was a success, but another reveals that no enemy were seen. The end of the raid was to be signalled by a succession of 'Gs' being sounded on the bugle. The war diary also tells us that the raiding party, in their zeal to find and capture a German, went too far and were caught by their own protective barrage. Thus the only casualties were caused by what we now call 'friendly fire'. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, after the raid, sent the following letter to the Battalion CO:
I watched your raid at 1.0pm today through my telescope and I wish to congratulate you and your Battalion on the magnificent effort they made. They did me good to watch them go over. Nothing could have been better than the way they sprang out of the trench together. I am most awfully sorry those poor fellows were killed. I fear it was from our own artillery and fancy I saw it happen. Our artillery were not however to blame, it was due to keenness and magnificent spirit of the men of your Regiment as they pushed on too close to the barrage line. Of course they went too far, but it was a fine sight striving all they could to find a hun somewhere. I shall never forget the sight and congratulate you most heartily on commanding such splendid fellows.
2Lt. G.W. Miller and 4 Ors were killed on 15 December 1917, including Robert William Anderson who is commemorated on bay 7 of the Arras memorial. The CWGC state that he was the son of Mr. J.N. Anderson and Mrs. E.W. Anderson, of 56, Church Road, Epsom. Robert was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
Robert was also commemorated on the Long Grove Hospital Memorial (now lost), under the heading 'HORTON ESTATE CENTRAL STATION AND RAILWAY', so must have worked as a railwayman on the light railway.
EP CC LGH
ANDREWARTHA William Edward, Private. 2403.
2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment.Died of Wounds 16 October 1914, aged 26.
William's headstone in Epsom cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2012
William Edward Andrewartha was born in 1888 in Whitehaven, Cumberland (GRO reference: Jun 1888 Whitehaven 10b 652) to Samuel and Isabella Andrewartha (nee Bleakney, also spelt Blackeley). William's parents' marriage was registered in the June 1876 quarter in Whitehaven when his father's name was spelt Trewartha.
| Name | Born - Died | Census first appeared |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret | Born: 1875 Hensingham | 1881 |
| Elias | Born: 1877 Hensingham | 1881 |
| George | Born: 1880 Hensingham | 1881 |
| Mary Ann | Born: 1883 Whitehaven | 1891 |
| James Henry | Born 1885 Whitehaven | 1891 |
| John | Born: 1886 Whitehaven Died: 1899 Newcastle |
1891 |
| William Edward | Born: 1888 Whitehaven Died: 16 October 1914 |
1891 |
| Eleanor | Born: 1891 Whitehaven | 1891 |
| Martha | Born: 1896 Jarrow | 1901 |
| Sarah | Born: 1897 Hebburn | 1901 |
In the 1881 census, before William was born, the family lived at Hensingham, Cumberland. William's father was a 25 year old coal miner. His mother was aged 24, and three siblings are recorded, Margaret aged 6, Elias aged 4 and George aged 1 (GRO registered as Andrawartha).
In 1891 the family lived at 10, Union Terrace, Whitehaven. William's father was still earning his living as a coal miner, and four more siblings are recorded, Mary Ann aged 7, James aged 6, John aged 4 and Eleanor aged 3 months.
By 1901 the family had moved to 34, Waugh Street, Gateshead. William's father was shown as a 'Coal Miner, Hewer'. Brothers George and James were also coal miners. Two more siblings had arrived, Martha aged 7 and Sarah aged 3.
In 1911 the family lived at 3, Caledonian Street, High Walker-on-Tyne. William and his brother James were both, like their father, coal miners, and William worked as a 'Banksman'. His sister Eleanor worked in the tin industry. William's mother stated that she had been married 36 years and that she had borne nine children and that four had died. However, census returns indicate that the family was blest with ten children.
NOTE: The Banksman worked at the entrance to the mine at the top of the shaft (the bank). He received the coal and transferred it to some form of transport for removal. In later years, the Banksman's primary role was to ensure that activity at the top of the shaft, like getting men in and out of cages, was done safely. As the Windermen normally cannot see what is happening at the Bank, they are dependant on the Banksman to tell them when the cage should descend. The Banksman was also responsible for communication with the pit bottom. Often done with signals transmitted by a bell and rope, later by electrical signals, and later still by telephone and other apparatus. The Banksman therefore played a crucial in pit safety and held a position of some responsibility.
It is not known precisely when William joined the Army but as he went to France soon after the war commenced, he must have served as a regular soldier before August 1914. When war was declared on 4 August, the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment was stationed in Ireland.
On 14 August the Battalion, with a strength of 26 officers, 51 NCOs and 937 Other Ranks (OR), embarked from Dublin, and on 16 August landed at Le Havre, France and joined the 14th Brigade, 5th Division. The Battalion then travelled by train to Le Cateau via Rouen and Amiens, marched 10 miles to Landrecies, arriving at 8pm on 18 August, and remained there for two days. Over the next few days the Battalion marched about 30 miles, and by 24 August had reached Dour where they fought a defensive action and lost 'a few men'. The Battalion fought in the famous retreat from Mons to Le Cateau, and on 26 August suffered many casualties south of Montay village, having 55 men killed in action. The Battalion continued to retreat, taking almost daily casualties, and reached the river Marne, east of Paris by 3 September.
It is not known when William was wounded but during the Battalion's fighting retreat from the Mons area, starting on 26 August up to the end of September at Sermoise on the Aine (east of Soissons), the Battalion lost 97 ORs, 72 being killed in action and 25 dying of wounds. Then, between 1 October and 31 December the Battalion lost a further 196 men.
We do not know exactly when the wounded William returned to England or where his wounds were first treated but he eventually arrived at the Epsom and Ewell War Hospital. This was a hospital of some 70 beds housed in the newly erected 1914 Luncheon Annex to the Epsom racecourse Grandstand (now demolished), and paid for by the people of Epsom and Ewell. The first ten patients arrived by motor ambulance on Tuesday 13 October, and another 30 on Thursday 15 October. William was one of those admitted on 15 October, suffering with a fractured pelvis and damaged bladder. He died the next day and was buried in plot D220A in Epsom cemetery on Friday 19 October, the first victim of the Great War to be buried in Epsom. Another two soldiers who died at the Grandstand Hospital are also buried in plot D220A. They are Corporal Edmund Buchanan and Private Thomas Simms.
William was awarded the 1914 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
BC
ARMITAGE Alfred Cecil, 2nd Lieutenant.
1st Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt. 1st Division.Killed in Action 22 July 1915, aged 19
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
1st Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt. 1st Division. Killed in France on 22 July 1915. Aged 19 years. (Listed on the St Mary's Cuddington memorial)
ARTHUR Frank, Private. 4944
2nd Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)Died of Wounds 3 September 1916, aged 20.
Frank's headstone in Heilly Station cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Frank Arthur was born in Ewell in 1894. Probably originally named Frank Laine (GRO reference: Mar 1896 Epsom 2a 22). It appears that his mother Ellen Laine (sometimes spelt Lane) married his father Frederick Gardener Arthur in the Epsom registration district in the September quarter of 1899, and (from the 1911 census) produced six children. Frank's brother Frederick also fell in the Great War.
| NAME | BORN - DIED | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Frederick | Born: 1894 Ewell Died: 24 October 1918 Salonika |
Originally Frederick Horley Laine |
| Frank | Born: 1896 Epsom Died: 3 September 1916 France |
Originally Frank Laine |
| Ernest William | Born: 1900 Epsom | |
| Elsie Mary | Born: 1905 Epsom | |
| Edwin Aubrey | Born: 1907 Epsom | |
| Reginald | Born: 1910 Epsom |
In the 1901 census the family lived at 9, Beaconsfield Cottages, Epsom. Frank's father was a 36 year old Harness maker. His mother was aged 32 and he had two siblings, Frederick aged 6 and Ernest aged 8 months.
In 1911 they were at the same address, but Frank's father was recorded as a 52 year old horsekeeper working at an oil store. Frank worked as a house boy whilst elder brother Frederick was a van boy and Ernest was at school. Three more siblings had arrived, Elsie aged 6, Edwin aged 2 and Reginald aged 1. Frederick's mother recorded that all he six children were still living.
Frank attested in Kingston on 1 March 1915 into The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, aged 19. He was a short man at 5 feet 2¼ inches tall, weighed 122 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 3½ inches. He worked as a gardener and lived at 9, Beaconsfield Cottages.
The 2nd Battalion The Queen's was in the 91st Brigade, 7th Division. On 31 August 1916 the Battalion was ordered to relieve 1st Battalion South Stafford Regiment at 7pm in Delville Wood. The wood could be the subjected of enemy shellfire at any time. By 11pm the battalion was in place in the south east corner of Delville Wood.
Trench Map of Delville Wood
Click image to enlarge
The following is an extract from the battalion war diary for 1 September 1916:-
5a.m. Two platoons of C Coy made a bombing attack along the East edge of DELVILLE WOOD, under 2/Lt Weare (The Buffs attd. 2nd Queen's). After making ground as far as HOP ALLEY they were held up by the enemy's machine gun & rifle fire - The trench here has been nearly obliterated by artillery fire so that there is no cover or in fact any trench left to bomb up - Enemy's artillery fired on DELVILLE WOOD, DIAGONAL TRENCH & YORK ALLEY from 9.40 a.m. to 8 p.m. at times putting three barrages between our front line & Bn. Hd Qrs - As there were no telephone lines beyond Bn. Hd Qrs the orderlies had some very exciting journeys, there being on or two casualties in consequence during the day - All the Coys did good work burying bodies, cleaning up the ground & forming stores of bombs, S.A.A. & rations at their headquarters. DELVILLE WOOD was held by groups of 6 men: with intervals between these groups, everyone has room to move laterally to avoid hostile shelling and prevents the tendency to overcrowd.
Lessons learnt.
When sharing a trench with the enemy, always make one or more T trenches at right angles &^ near to the bombing post. This gives you more room, enables you to fire rifle grenades & out throw the enemy.
8p.m. B Company under 2 Lt Lloyd relieved D Coy under T/Captain V.C. Harvey at 8p.m. N. Staffords, 24th Division on our left along N. Edge of DELVILLE WOOD, the Divisional boundary between us being N.E. corner of the Wood & is at present occupied by the enemy - Enemy fairly quiet during the night - hostile artillery appears to fire in strong bursts sometimes lasting from half to three hours & then remaining quiet for two or three hours - Our aeroplanes have undoubtedly given the enemy's infantry a curious feeling of insecurity owing to their good work in spotting for our guns; often engaging targets themselves with automatic rifles. Off. 24. O.R. 735.
Casualties.
Capt. C.J. Griffin.
Capt. T.V. Chapman.
2/Lieut. R.M. Burdon.
" E.G. Bikll
" F.G.C. Weare.
Missing.
Capt. G.A. Stovold.
O.R.
K.28. W.74. M.11.
Reinforcements 1 Fr. Hosp.
Frank was most likely wounded on 1 September 1916, and he died from his wounds on 3 September 1916 and is buried in Heilly Station cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe. Heilly was the site of Casualty Clearing Stations and hospitals, and about 6 miles south west of Albert. The cemetery contains the remains of almost 3,000 servicemen.
Frank was awarded the 1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin' church Roll of Honour states that "FRANK ARTHUR, was wounded at Delville Wood and died on 3rd September 1916. He was buried at Mericourt."
EP SM
ARTHUR Frederick, Private. 20019.
10th Battalion Hampshire Regiment.Died 24 October 1918, aged 23.
Frederick's grave plaque in Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece
Image courtesy of Rob Carr © 2011
Frederick Arthur was born in Ewell in 1894. Probably originally named Frederick Horley Laine (GRO reference: Dec 1894 Epsom 2a 17). It appears that his mother Ellen Laine (sometimes spelt Lane) married his father Frederick Gardener Arthur in the Epsom registration district in the September quarter of 1899, and (from the 1911 census) produced six children. Frederick's brother Frank also fell in the Great War.
| NAME | BORN - DIED | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Frederick | Born: 1894 Ewell Died: 24 October 1918 Salonika |
Originally Frederick Horley Laine |
| Frank | Born: 1896 Epsom Died: 3 September 1916 France |
Originally Frank Laine |
| Ernest William | Born: 1900 Epsom | |
| Elsie Mary | Born: 1905 Epsom | |
| Edwin Aubrey | Born: 1907 Epsom | |
| Reginald | Born: 1910 Epsom |
In the 1901 census the family lived at 9, Beaconsfield Cottages, Epsom. Frederick's father was a 36 year old Harness maker. His mother was aged 32 and he had two siblings, Frank aged 5 and Ernest aged 8 months.
In 1911 they were at the same address, but Frederick's father was recorded as a 52 year old horsekeeper working at an oil store. Frederick worked as a van boy whilst his brother Frank was a house boy and Ernest was at school. Three more siblings had arrived, Elsie aged 6, Edwin aged 2 and Reginald aged 1. Frederick's mother recorded that all her six children were still living.
Frederick attested in Epsom on 28 August 1914 into the East Surrey Regiment, aged 19, and his service number with the East Surreys was 646. He was 5 feet 41/8 inches tall, weighed 112 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 3½ inches. He had a fair complexion, grey eyes, light brown hair and worked as a chauffer.
Frederick went to France on 27 April 1915, probably with the 2nd Battalion East Surreys, who on 1 December 1915 were sent to Salonica. At some point Frederick was transferred to the 10th Battalion Hampshire regiment. This battalion had suffered many casualties in August 1915 in Gallipoli and went to Salonica on 6 October 1915. The Hampshire regiment was brought up to strength by transferring men in from other regiments.
On 7 December 1915, as a result of an attack by the Bulgarians, some 73 men from the 10th Battalion Hampshire regiment were killed in action. Of the 73 killed, 25 had been transferred in from the East Surrey regiment. It is likely that Frederick was taken prisoner on 7 December 1915. Bulgaria asked for an armistice on 29 September 1918, and presumably Frederick was released soon after.
However, soon after his release Frederick died of malaria on 24 October 1918 and is buried in grave VI. H. 12. Doiran Military Cemetery, Greece. He was awarded the 1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
Frederick's entry in 'The St Martin' church Roll of Honour' appears after his brother Frank's entry, and states that "His elder brother, FREDERICK ARTHUR, for three years a prisoner of war in Bulgaria, after his release, died of Malaria at Salonica on the 24th October 1918."
EP SM
ATKINS Frank, Private
2nd Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt.Killed in Action 25 September 1915, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
2nd Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt. Killed in France on 25 September 1915. Listed on the Loos Memorial, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
AYLING William, Private. 1967.
32 Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 22 September 1917, aged 26.
William's inscription on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
William Ayling was born in 1891 (GRO reference: Jun 1891 Epsom 2a 24) to Joseph George and Emily Ann Ayling (nee King). NOTE: Baptised Willie at St Mary's Ewell on 6 June 1891 and the GRO reference and 1891 census both show his name as Willie, not William, but he is William in the 1901 census).
On census night, 5 April 1891 the family lived in Kingston Road, Ewell. Willie (William) was 3 months old. His father 30 year old Joseph George Ayling was a boot maker. His mother Emily Ann was 30 years old. Willie had 5 siblings, Mabel A aged 8, (the GRO and St Mary's Ewell baptismal register record this daughter as emily Mabel) Joseph C aged 7, Harry aged 5, Bertie aged 3 and Edith aged 1, all having been born in Ewell. There was also a boarder staying with them, 33 year old Henry King, a whitesmith, probably Emily Ann's brother. Their census entry is the next entry after Garbrand Hall.
The baptismal register for St Mary's Ewell also shows another daughter Mary Jane who died in infancy (1888-1889) and four younger siblings: Ethel Mary 1892, Edward George 1893, Percy baptised privately in 1896 and Robert baptised privately 28 June 1898.
Willie's mother, Emily Ann Ayling died in 1898 aged 37 (GRO reference: Jun 1898 age 37 Epsom 2a 19), possibly as a result of childbirth.
By the 1901 census Joseph is shown as a 40 year old widowed shoemaker, no longer the head but living as a boarder with John Mapley at number 10 Kingston Terrace. William aged 9 is also shown as a boarder. He is probably Joseph's son Willie, having decided to become William. William's siblings are boarders at various other addresses, presumably because of the death of their mother Emily Ann.
William enlisted at Horsham, and at that time lived in south west London. He served in the 32nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (RF) which was in the 124 Brigade, 41 Division.
At the time of William's death the Battalion was fighting in the Third Battle of Ypres, often called the Battle of Passchendale. On the night of 19/20 September 1917 the 32 RF assembled in Shrewsbury Forest on a small road running north from just west of LOWER STAR POST, its right being immediately behind LOWER STAR POST and its left on the road 250 yards north of that point (see map). Assembly was completed 1 hour before zero (5.40am) with two casualties.
Passendale
This images was taken one month after and close to the place where William died. It shows soldiers of an Australian 4th Division field artillery brigade on a duckboard track passing through Chateau Wood on 29 October 1917.
Image source Wikipedia
Extract from a Passchendale Battle map dated 30 June 1917.
Click on map for a larger version, and use your browser BACK button
The Battalion war diary available to purchase from the National Archives (WO/95/2644) gives a quite detailed account of the attack between 20 to 23 September. The following is a brief résumé:
There was no obstacle to the advance for the first 200 yards, but then machine gun fire opened up from the trench 'JAVA DRIVE' and from shell holes, causing severe casualties amongst the 10 Queens and the Battalion (32 RF). The attack was held up in the centre and the majority of officers became casualties.
The hold up lost the Brigade the benefit of the barrage, but despite this there was no serious opposition between the RED & BLUE LINES though enemy Machine Gun fire and sniping was heavy and accurate.
By 9am the BLUE LINE had been captured but units had become very disorganised, with about 50% of the Battalion becoming casualties. Due to Machine Gun fire no further advance was possible, the Battalion now being unfit for any further effort beyond holding the ground gained.
A portion of the Left Company finally dug themselves in on the opposing slope about 200 yards beyond the BASSEVILLE BEEK, on the extreme left of the Brigade sector. Thereafter, heavy Machine Gun fire prevented further movement. There was also accurate sniping. By 4pm the enemy were massing for a counter attack.
The Brigade was reinforced by the 123 Brigade, and the attack was continued. Several dugouts were captured and cleared, but after about 300 yards the advance was held up by Machine Gun fire. The BLUE LINE became the ultimate line of the ground captured in the operations, and was held by mixed elements of the two Brigades. The Battalion was relieved on the nights of 22/23 and 23/24.
On 22nd September 1917, 41 men from the 32 Royal Fusiliers lost their lives including William who was killed in action. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 28 to 30 & 162 to 162A & 163A.
The Epsom Advertised/Observer of 14th December 1917 noted that an acknowledgment of a letter of sympathy sent out by the council, had been received from Mr. Ayling.
BH EW ES
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