War Memorials - Surnames B
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryBAILEY, Francis John
BAILEY, Thomas
BAILEY, William Henry
BAKER, George Edward
BALLINGER, Charles (Revised 18/02/2009)
BARNARD, John
BARNETT, William J (Revised 05/06/2010)
BEAMS, Albert Henry (Revised 14/02/2009)
BEEDELL, H. (New 05/12/2008)
BELL, Annie Mary
BELL, Walter (New 27/11/2008)
BENGER, Frank John
BENGER, William Joseph
BENNETT, Arthur Ernest (Revised 25/02/2009)
BIRNIE, Gerald (Revised 20/10/2009)
BLACKMAN, Albert Edward
BLANCHETT, Percy Thomas
BONE, Percival Walter (New 28/11/2008)
BOTTING, Ernest Edward (New 29/11/2008)
BOWLER John Henry
BOWLES, Reginald Julian Albany
BOWMAN, Edward Talbot
BREEDON, George Oliver Thomas
BROOK, Frederick Charles
BROUGHTON, Albert William
BROWN, Alfred Llewellyn
BRUNTON, F.
BUCKLE, Archie Stewart (Revised 14/11/2009)
BUDD, Ernest (New 01/05/2009)
BUDD, George Henry Warner
BURCHELL, T
BURFITT, Thomas Henry (Revised 02/02/2010)
BUTCHER, Hugh Ernest
BUTCHER, John Phillip Henry
BUTLAND, Robert (Updated 26/12/2009)
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
BAILEY Francis John, Private. G/21240.
2nd Battalion Royal Susex Regiment.Killed in Action 22 November 1917, aged 30.
Francis's inscription on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Francis John Bailey was born on 29 August 1887 (GRO reference: Dec 1887 Epsom 2a 18) to Francis John and Sarah Bailey (nee Nicholls).
I have been unable to find any census entries for Francis (see the entry for his brother William Henry Bailey).
Francis married Christina Daisy Sawyer in 1910, at Cobham (GRO reference: Dec 1910 Epsom 2a 21), and they had a daughter Megan Gwen Daisy born on 1 September 1916 (GRO reference: Jun 1916 Croydon 2a 549).
The Surrey recruitment register tells us that he attested in Kingston on 23 February 1917. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed 140 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 35 inches with an expansion of 2 inches. His medical grade was A2. His occupation was as a 'motor man', and he lived at 103 Ecclesbourne Road, Thornton Heath.
Francis served in the 2nd battalion Royal Sussex Regiment which was in the 2nd Brigade 1st Division.
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour part 3 tells us he was the son of Francis John Bailey, of 102 East Street, Epsom, by his wife Sarah. He was educated at 'Boys' School', Epsom, and that he worked as a Tram Driver, employed by Croydon Corporation. He served with the BEF. in France and Flanders from 21 May and was killed in action on 22 November1917 by a shell while going into trenches at Poelcappelle. He was buried south-east of Poelcappelle. His commanding officer wrote: "We all miss so fine a soldier, as he was always so cheerful under the most trying conditions."
The book 'CROYDON and THE GREAT WAR' has an entry for 'Bailey, F.G., Pte., R.Suss. Regt. Empl. By Croydon Corp. Tramways. Fell, '17.' Probably our Francis John, the initial 'G' being an error.
Francis was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Five men from the 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment were killed on 22 November 1917, including Francis who is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial on a Panel between 86 to 88.
EP SM
BAILEY Thomas, Sergeant
12th Bn, Gloucestershire Regt.Killed in Action 25 April 1918, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
12th Bn, Gloucestershire Regt. Killed at Merville, France on 25 April 1918. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
BAILEY William Henry, Lance Corporal. 592.
C Company 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Killed in Action 10 October 1916, aged 37.
William Bailey's inscription on the Thiepval Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
William Henry Bailey was born on 25 September 1879 (GRO reference: Dec 1879 Epsom 2a 1) to Francis John and Sarah Bailey (nee Nicholls).
In the 1881 census the family lived at in Lintons Lane, Epsom. William's father was a 29 year old cordwainer, a modern equivalent would be a shoemaker. His mother was aged 23. He had an older brother George Frederick aged 2.
By the 1891 census they had moved to 41 East Street, and William had three more siblings, Evelyn Ann Elizabeth aged 10, Muriel Sarah aged 6 and John Owen P(ercy) aged 3. (Note: they are shown as Barley in Ancestry). I have been unable to find any birth reference to a John Owen Bailey, but there is an entry for a Francis John Bailey (GRO reference: Dec 1887 Epsom 2a 18), who would have been about 3 in 1891. Neither have I been able to find an 1891 census entry for Francis John Bailey. There is a St Martins baptism record in 1888 for John Owen Percy Bailey. So, no birth entry for John Owen P Bailey, and no census entry for John Francis Bailey (jnr). Could they be the same man? Did the family find that having a Francis John Bailey senior and a Francis John Bailey junior was confusing, and consequently changed his name to John Owen Percy Bailey?
In the 1901 census the family lived at 102 East street. William's father was now a 50 year old cordwainer, and mother Sarah was 44. John O.P. is shown aged 13, but there is no mention of John Francis Bailey.
William and his brother Francis were both in the Church Lads Brigade, and William, as a boy, was in the choir of St Johns Ambulance?.
The Surrey recruitment register shows that William attested in Epsom on 29 August 1914. He was 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall, weighed 146 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 ½ inches with an expansion of 2 ½ inches. He had a fresh complexion, hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and was employed as a caddie.
His 'burnt' papers in the National Archives confirm that he enlisted on 29 August 1914, and inform us that he commenced L/Cpl pay on 20 August 1915. He was fit, and his religion was C of E. The 'burnt' papers also show that his parents lived at 102 East Street, and that his plaque and scroll were sent to his father. After the war his surviving siblings were George F Bailey aged 41, of West Hill, Evelyn AE Mills aged 37, of 98 East Street and Muriel S.H. Bailey aged 34 of 102 East Street, Epsom.
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour part 3 tells us he was the second son of Francis John Bailey, of 102 East Street, Epsom, by his wife Sarah. He had been educated at National Schools, Epsom, and worked as a gardener. He served with the BEF. in France and Flanders from 1 June 1915, and was killed in action on 10 October 1916 at Gueudecourt. He was buried at a point east of Courcelette and north-east of Albert. His commanding officer wrote: "His death was a great loss to the platoon, as he was a very useful man and very popular with his comrades." His brother Francis John Bailey is also in de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour.
The brothers both appear in the St Martin's church, Epsom Roll of Honour.
The 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment was in the 37th Brigade 12th Division. For 9 and 10 October 1916 the History of the East Surrey Regiment records that:
'In the evening of the 9th the Battalion relieved the 6th Battalion "Queen's" in the front line. The relief was successfully carried through, but shortly afterwards 2nd Lieut. J.A.B. Paul, M.C., was killed by a shell. He was an absolutely fearless officer and a great loss to the Battalion.
As the 12th Division was now being withdrawn from the line, the 7th Battalion East Surrey was relieved by the Newfoundland Regiment on the 10th October, and was fortunate enough to have no casualties in going out. The Battalion moved back to Longuéval Valley, where it remained until the 19th October, carrying on routine duties, and was frequently held in immediate readiness for action if required.'
However, the Soldiers Died CD tells us that in addition to 2nd Lieut J.A.B. Paul, 9 other ranks, including William Henry Bailey, were killed in action. Although not engaged in an attack, the 7th East Surrey's were just 'holding the line', they were most likely also killed by shell fire. Their omission from the Regimental history is probably an error.
William was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and the Victory medal. He is commemorated on panel 6C of the Thiepval Memorial.
EP SM
BAKER George Edward, Stoker 1st Class. K/18664
HMS Black PrinceKilled in Action 31 May 1916, aged 21
According to his naval service record George Edward Baker was born on 20 September 1894 in Godalming. However the only birth entry I can find in the General Register Office has the reference Dec 1893 Guildford 2a 90.
In the 1891 census there is a George E Baker, a 'Labourer in Paper Mill', age 27, born in Guildford, and married to a Sarah A, age 27, born Godalming. A marriage is recorded in 1883 between George Edward Baker and Sarah Ann Simmonds (GRO reference: Mar 1883 Guildford 2a 68. These I believe to be the parents of 'our' George Edward Baker, RN.
In 1898 the death is recorded of Sarah Ann Baker (GRO reference: Jun 1898 Epsom 2a 18).
By the 1901 census George Edward Baker (senior) was a widower living at 7 High Street, Merton, now a 37 year old worker in 'Paper making'. He had two daughters, Lily aged 17 and Bertha aged 10, and a son Geo aged 7 (our George).
In 1901 there is a record of a marriage between George Edward Baker and Emily Ward (GRO reference: Jun 1901 Croydon 2a 530).
In the 1913 and 1915 electoral rolls they are living at lived North Looe.
George Edward Baker enlisted into the Royal Navy on 8 April 1913 for 12 years, after previously being employed as an outdoor porter. He was 5 feet 3 inches tall, had a chest measurement of 33½ inches, brown hair, grey eyes, with a fair complexion and a large scar on the left side of his face. He was a Stoker 1st Class in the RN serving in HMS "Black Prince" during the Battle of Jutland. Black Prince was an armoured Cruiser, of some 13,500 tons, launched 8 November 1904.
Jutland was fought on 31 May to 1 June 1916, when some 100 ships from the German High Seas Fleet clashed with 150 ships of the British Grand Fleet, the culmination of twenty years of naval rivalry. The German fleet lost 62,000 tons of shipping when 11 of their ships were sunk and 2,551 men killed. Whereas the British fleet lost 111,000 tons of shipping when 14 ships were sunk and 6,097 men killed.
On the night of 31 May /1 June "Black Prince" was struck by many shells and she sank within four minutes. There were no survivors.
George was killed in the action on 31 May 1916 and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Another local man VH Newman also died at Jutland serving on 'Tipperary'.
I have been unable to find George in the First World War medal roll at the National Archives.
The CWGC states he was the son of George Edward and Emily Baker 3, North Looe, Epsom. Emily was actually his step-mother.
Another local man appearing on the memorial is U W Ward. His mother Emily Ward wrote to the War Office on 16 October 1919, giving her address as 3, North Looe, Epsom, Surrey, explaining that he had been born out of wedlock, that she alone had raised him, and she knew not the whereabouts of his father, or indeed if he was alive or dead. So it would appear that Emily lost a son and a step-son in the war.
BALLINGER Charles, Private. 5276.
13th Battalion London Regiment (Kensingtons).Died 23 May 1916, aged 41.
Private Charles Ballinger's headstone in St Mary's church yard.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Charles Ballinger was born in 1875 in Claines, Worcestershire (GRO reference Jun 1875 Droitwich 6c 367) to William and Ester Ballinger.
In 1881 the family lived at Keepers Cottage, Whitelands Farm, Malmesbury, where Charles' father was a 36 year old gamekeeper. His mother Ester was 34, and Charles had five siblings Thomas aged 15, William aged 13, Emily aged 10, George aged 5 and Ralph aged 1.
By the 1891 census Charles was living at Grossmoor cottages, Victoria Road, Epsom with his brother Thomas. Both Charles and Thomas were general labourers. Sister Emily was also living there, and was working as a domestic nurse.
By 1901 Charles was living as a boarder with George Channell at 2 Adelphi Road, Epsom, and was still working as a general labourer.
There is a marriage recorded between Charles Ballinger and Laura A Sycamore in the March quarter of 1916.
I have been unable to find him in the Surrey Recruitment Register, or in Ancestry database of service records, pension records or medal records.
Charles originally served in the East Surrey Regiment as Private No. 38, but on 12 April 1916 he transferred to the 13th Battalion London Regiment (The Kensingtons), as Private No. 5276. He was posted to their 3rd Battalion at Hazeley Down near Winchester for training.
None of Charles service papers have survived, and no medal entitlement has been found. I suspect that Charles was a pre war regular soldier who was recalled to the colours on the outbreak of war and remained in England training others, until his transfer to the Kensingtons. He would no doubt have gone to France with the Battalion to fight in the Somme battle, he did not see service overseas as he died of pneumonia on 23 May 1916 at Winchester. Not having served overseas, he would not have received any medals.
Although he is commemorated on both the Ashley Road and St Martin's church memorials, he is buried in St Mary's church yard, Ewell.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
EP SM
BARNARD John, Private
8th Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt.Died of wounds 2 September 1916, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
8th Bn, Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt. Died of wounds in France on 2 September 1916. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
BARNETT William John, Private. 53166.
11th Battalion Manchester Regiment.Killed in Action 4 February 1918, aged 27.
William's headstone in the Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
William John Barnett was born in 1891 (GRO reference: Mar 1891 St Olave 1d 259) to William Andrew and Louisa Mary Barnett (nee Laverack). His parents married in the June 1889 quarter.
At the time of the 1891 census William was just 3 months old, and the family lived at 7, Balaclava Road, Bermondsey. William's father was a 21 year old leather dresser. His mother was 23.
By 1901 the family lived at 773, Old Kent Road, and William's father was now described as a foreman skin dresser. A sister had arrived, Daisy aged 8. Also living with them was William's 11 year old cousin Mabel Laverack.
In the 1911 census the family lived in Carlton Cottage, Hampton Road, Worcester Park. William's father was still in the skin dressing industry and is described a s a "Pureman" sheepskin dresser. William aged 20 also worked in the skin dressing trade as a machine hand, and sister Daisy was still living with them. William's grandfather John Henry Laverack, a 70 year old widower was also living with them. William's mother Louisa, stated that she had borne 3 children but one had died.
I have been unable to find any service, or pension records in Ancestry
Soldiers died CD shows that he enlisted in London and that he originally served in the Army Service Corps (No. M2/114503) before transferring to the Manchester Regiment, and this is confirmed by his medal card. It also states that his residence was at Epsom Common, and this with the fact he is on the Christ Church memorial are the only pieces of information so far available, linking him to Epsom.
William first went to France on 3 October 1915, with the ASC, and later transferred to the 11th Battalion Manchester Regiment which was in the 34th Brigade 11th Division. The year 1918 was to see the deaths of more British men than in any other year of the war. However, January and February 1918 were relatively quiet months on the Western Front, with no major battles raging, only the deadly daily menace of shells, snipers, and trench raids. The next major struggle was to commence on 21 March when the Germans launched their massive attack (the Kaiserschlact), in a last desperate bid to win the war before the Americans arrived in force.
To give an idea of the scale of fatalities, the following statistics have been taken from the Soldiers died CD, and are daily totals of other ranks killed in action on the Western front during the first 3 months of 1918. January, daily average killed 40. February, daily average killed 31. March 1 to 20, daily average killed 577. March 21 to 31 daily average killed 2,005. These figures do not include those who died of wounds.
William John Barnett was killed in action on 4 February 1918, probably by shellfire, and is buried in plot III B 19, Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France.
William was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP CC
BEAMS Albert Henry, Lance Corporal. 2705
1/2 London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).Killed in Action 1 July 1916, aged 24.
Lance Corporal Beams's inscription on the Thiepval Memorial.
Image courtesy of Clive Giilbert © 2008
Albert Henry Beams was born in 1892 (GRO reference: Mar 1892 Epsom 2a 18) to Thomas and Elizabeth Mary Beams (nee Hull).
In the 1901 census the family lived at 19 Adelphi Road, Epsom (Albert is shown as Bertie). Albert's father Thomas was a 44 year old general carman. His mother Elizabeth was 42, and he had 6 siblings, Jessie aged 15, George aged 8, Frederick aged 6, William aged 5, Kate aged 3 and Edward aged 1.
Brother George attested on 28 August 1914, but was discharged on 18 September 1914 as not likely to become an efficient soldier. Brother Frederick attested on 31 August 1914 , and was discharged on 19 September 1914, also being judged as not likely to become an efficient soldier. However the Surrey Recruitment register shows that he attested again on 21 February 1916, and was accepted into the Royal Fusiliers, but was shown to suffer with a slight hammer toe. Another brother Jack Richard was born in 1903. He also attested, but after the war had ended on 2 September 1919.
In September 1914 George walked into the headquarters of the 2nd London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), at Tufton Street, Westminster, a Territorial Army unit, and volunteered his services as Private, No. 2705. He had been standing right behind another local man, George Whiskerd, who had just enlisted as Private No. 2704. Just a bit further along were two more local men, Thomas Burfitt, Private No. 2757, and John Donhue, Private No. 2823. It appears that quite few Epsom and Ewell men enlisted into the London Regiment at Westminster. George was initially assigned to the 2nd London Regiment's 2nd Battalion, the 2/2 London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) for training, which was carried out at Tattenham Corner on Epsom Downs. Could this have been the reason the Battalion was so popular amongst Epsom and Ewell men?
The 2/2 London's moved around quite a bit, being sent to Malta, then to Egypt, on to Gallipoli, back to Egypt, and then to Marseilles, France at the end of April 1916. They were then trundled by train, the length of France to Rouen, which provided a large base area for the British, with training grounds, hospitals, stores depots and the like. Whilst at Rouen the military authorities decided that the Battalion should be disbanded, and the men used to bolster three existing units of the 56th Division. One draft was sent to 1/16 London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles), a second draft was sent to 1/12 London Regiment (The Rangers), and a third draft to 1/2 London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). Albert went with the third draft and thereby split from his chum George Whiskerd, who he had signed up with. They were however, destined to take part in the same attack and to die on the same day.
At the northernmost extent of the Somme battlefield the German trenches formed a salient into British lines around Gommecourt Park. The attack on the Gommecourt salient was not considered part of the main Somme thrust, it was supposed to act as a diversion, drawing off German resources that might otherwise have been used further south. The 46 division attacked the salient from the north, whilst the 56 division attacked from the south. The 56 division commenced its attack at 7.30am, but Albert's battalion was held in reserve until 2pm, when 2 companies were sent in as reinforcements. They were cut down by machine gun fire.
169 men from the 1/2 Royal Fusiliers were killed on 1 July 1916.
The St Martin's church roll of honour states that "ALBERT HENRY BEAMS, was killed in action on the first July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme and was buried in front of Gommecourt Wood".
His grave must have been lost as he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial pier 16B.
The CWGC states that Albert was the "Son of Elizabeth Mary Beams of 19, Adelphi Road, Epsom, Surrey, and the late Thomas Beams".
Albert was awarded the 1915 star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
EP SM
BEEDELL HARRY, Private. 410020.
38th Ottawa Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force.Killed in Action 18 November 1916, aged 37.
Henry (Harry) Beedell was born 2 October 1879 (GRO reference: Dec 1879 Wellington, Som. 5c 310) in Holcombe Rogus Devon, England, to William and Mary Anne Beedell (nee Parkhouse). (This registration district spanned the boundaries of the counties of Devon and Somerset).
Harry's father William was born in 1848 in Devon, England, and died in 1940 in Hull, Quebec, Canada. His mother Mary was born in 1854, also in Devon, England, and died in 1934 in Hull, Quebec, Canada. They married on 19 March 1873 and they had 9 children:
Bessie 1874-c1969. Married William Higgins.
William 1875-1891. Died in Epsom, Surrey.
Anne 1878-1955. Married George May in 1903, Epsom, Surrey. Died in Russell, Ontario Canada.
Henry (Harry) 1879-1916 (killed in action, France).
Lucy 1881-1968. Married Francis Bell in 1905, Epsom, Surrey. Died in Brockham, Surrey.
Albert 1882-1941. Married Anne Moss in 1926 in Hull, Quebec. Died in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Edward 1883-1957. Married 1908.
Alice 1887-1973. Married James Hedger in 1912 in Epsom, Surrey. Died Hull, Quebec, Canada.
Edith 1892-1952. Married William Beedell in 1924, died Hull, Quebec, Canada.
In the England 1881 census Harry was living with his family at Poundhill Holcombe Rogus, Devon England two doors away from the Prince of Wales inn. His father William, aged 32, was working as a baker to support his wife Mary, aged 26, and their children Bessie 6, Willie 5, Annie 3, Henry (Harry) 1, and 2 week old Lucy. All of the children had been born in Holcombe Rogus.
By the time the next census was taken in 1891 William and Mary had moved their family to West Ewell, Surrey and were living in Downs View Cottages. However, their son Willie had died in the January of that year aged 15, before this census was taken, and daughter Annie was not listed as living with them at this address. Harry's father William was now working as a labourer. Harry aged 11, was living with his siblings Bessie 16, Lucy 10 plus three new ones, Albert aged 8, Edward aged 7 and Alice aged 3. Like their older siblings, they too had all been born in Holcombe Rogus which means the family probably moved to Ewell between 1888 and 1891. Harry must have attended the Ewell Boys school, West Street as his name appears on the Old Boys War Memorial as 'Pte. H Beedell Roy. Ottawa Regt.'
In the 1901 census the family appears in reduced numbers again, and living at 4, Beech Road, Epsom, Surrey. Harry's father William, now aged 50, was working as a general labourer, his mother Mary was aged 45. Sister Lucy aged 20, was working at home as a dressmaker, brother Albert aged 18, was working as a bricklayer, and brother Edward, aged 17, was working as a railway clerk. The youngest sibling Eddie (Edith), aged 8, had arrived having been born in Ewell, Surrey in 1893. Two boarders were also living with the family. Harry, now aged 21, was not living with them and has not been found yet on this census. Perhaps he had already moved to Canada?
Records show that in April 1907 William Beedell aged 55 and his son Albert aged 24 set sail from Liverpool on SS Majestic to New York. Both gave their occupations as gardeners from Epsom. They had $30 each and were heading for Orwell Astabula, Ohio, where a cousin Llewelyn Jones lived. William was described as being 5 feet 4 inches tall and Albert as 5 feet 7 inches. Whether this visit was to decide if the family should emigrate to Canada is not known but William, Mary and four of Harry's siblings and he, went to live in Canada at some point although no emigration papers or ship's passages have been found.
On 24 February 1915 Harry Beedell aged 35 years and 4 months attested into the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada as Private 410020. He stated that he had no current or previous military service. He gave his date and place of birth as 2 October 1879, Exeter, Devon, England, and his next of kin, as he was unmarried, as his mother Mrs Mary Beedell who lived at Mountain Road, Hull, Quebec. He gave his occupation as a farmer. He was 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a fully expanded chest measurement of 34 inches, had a swarthy complexion, hazel coloured eyes, dark brown hair and a ½ inch scar 1 inch above his right eye. His religion was Church of England and he was considered fit for service.
Harry joined the 38th Ottawa Battalion, and served with it during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda. (A history of the battalion's movements can be read at www.magma.ca/~leprecha/the_38th_battalion_dewsbury_history.html).
Harry sailed with the 38th battalion from Southampton to Le Havre on 13 August 1916, and arrived at Poperinghe, Belgium, on 17 August, remaining in Belgium until they marched south to the Somme battlefield on 23 September. On 9 October they went into bivouacs on the west slopes of Tara Hill, and from then until 16 November were occupied with working parties and periods of holding the front line. On 17 November they took over a section of front line trench from the 11th Battalion of the Dublin Fusiliers and prepared themselves to attack the next day at 6.10am.
This attack would be the last attack of the 1916 Somme battles, and by coincidence would be the first time the 38the Ottawa Battalion had "gone over the top" into battle. The first snow of winter had fallen during the night, and the attack was launched in whirling sleet that later changed to rain. Visibility was very poor. They were to attack Desire Trench and Desire Support Trench east of Grandcourt, which they did and captured them both. Patrols had even entered Grandcourt Trench but were recalled next morning. The battalion had taken some 620 prisoners, but at the cost of about 500 of their own men killed or wounded.
Harry, right at the end of the 1916 Somme battle was killed in action during the attack.
The CWGC that Harry was the "Son of William and Mary Beedell, of Mountain Rd., Hull, P.Q., Canada. Born in England", and that he is buried in grave II. D. 1 in Regina Trench Cemetery, France. His name is also recorded in the Canadian First World War Book of Remembrance (Opens in a new window).
ES
BELL Annie Mary, Probationer Nurse
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Horton Hospital Staff Memorial).
BELL Walter, Corporal. 9334
1st Battalion South Wales Borderers.Killed in Action 30 October 1914, aged 27.
Walter's inscription on the Menin Gate memorial.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Walter Bell was born in Westminster in 1887 (GRO reference: Sep 1887 St Geo Han Sq 1a 462) to Hewartson and Frances Bell (nee Henbest).
In the 1881 census before Walter was born the family lived at 54 Park Walk, Chelsea. Walter's father was a 30 year old harness maker. His mother was also 30, and he had two siblings William aged 4 and Frederick aged 1.
By the 1891 census the family had moved to 39, Thorne Road, Vauxhall. Walter's father was working as a 'porter in the stationery office' . There is no mention of Frederick, but a sister, Alice aged 1 had arrived.
The family had moved again by the 1901 census and were living at 93, Larkhall Lane, Lambeth. Walter, now 13 was employed at home as an 'indoor assistant'.
Walter enlisted in London and served with the 1st Battalion South Wales Borderers (SWB), a regular army battalion. Walter's service papers have not survived, so we do not know when he joined the army. But his medal card shows he was sent to France on 13 August 1914, just 8 days after the outbreak of war. He is also commemorated on the 'Horton Mental Hospital Roll of Honour' so was presumably working there before the war. He had most likely been a regular soldier, and having served his time been discharged to the reserve, and was recalled when war broke out.
The 1st Battalion SWB was in 3 Brigade 1 Division and saw action during the first battle of Ypres (19 October 1914 to 22 November 1914). The battle lines had formed a large salient around the ancient market town of Ypres and the troops were digging in, forming the trenches that were such a major feature of the Western Front. The Germans were intent on capturing Ypres, and during the first battle of Ypres very nearly broke through the British lines.
The 1st SWB war diary for October 1 to October 26 is a very neatly typed, almost chatty narrative, which on the 27 October changes to scribbled pencil entries that cease on the 29 October. On the 27 October the battalion were near Zandvoorde, and a quote from the diary reads "There being so many troops here and in the vicinity it has been extremely difficult to discover the exact situation. ------ A certain amount of shelling continues and some sniping".
The entry for 28 October reads "Please send on receipt of this order your machine gun section to report to HQrs 1st Brigade at the X roads just south of the V in VELZHOEK AHA please acknowledge".
Then the 29 October entry "Arrived at X roads at GHELUVELT and saw Scots Guards. Am now pushing on with my Batt. And 1 Coy Welch Regt with own right on GHELUVELT - GELUWE road. 1st Queens are on the right of this road but until it is certain that our right is secured and that someone is advancing on our right it will be difficult to carry on the attack. We are attacking rather North East & our right will gradually leave the road".
Walter and one other man from 1st SWB were killed in action on 30 October 1914, probably by shellfire or sniping.
On the 31st the Germans captured Gheluvelt, and threatened to break though the British lines. The village was taken back later in the day by the 2nd Worcestershires and the 1st SWB, during which the 1st SWB lost 78 men killed in action.
Walter was awarded the 1914 star and clasp, the British war medal and the Victory medal. His body was never recovered and identified and he is commemorated on panel 22 of the Menin Gate memorial to the missing.
EP HWH
BENGER Frank John, Lance Sergeant. 14286
6th Bedfordshire Regt.Killed in Action 12 April 1917, aged 23
Frank was the eldest son of Joseph William Benger, and his wife Eleanor nee Dangerfield Phillips. (GRO ref: Dec 1893 Devizes 5a 97). It is not known how his parents met because Eleanor had been born in Reading (GRO ref: Mar 1870 Reading 2c 405) whereas Joseph was a Devizes man. They were married in Reading in 1893 (GRO ref: Sep 1893 Devizes 5a 215). In the 1901 census Joseph was listed as a general dealer and the family lived at 54 Northgate Street , Devizes, Wiltshire. By the time of his son's death, CWGC confirms that Joseph was living at 30 North View Villas, Kingston Road , Ewell.
North View Villas in 2006
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
According to Soldiers Who Died [in the Great War] CD Frank enlisted in the 6th Bedfordshires at Watford . This regiment was in the 112th Brigade, 37th Division, and took part in the battle of Arras ( 9 April 1917 to 15 May 1917 ). The 37th Division was ordered to attack and take Monchy-Le-Preux. The 6th Bedfordshires captured La Folie Ferme and the village of La Bergere which were just to the right of Monchy-Le-Preux. The Soldiers Died CD states that 48 men from the 6th Bedfordshires died on 12 April 1917, including Frank Benger aged 23. He is remembered on the Arras Memorial Bay 5.
It is interesting to note that the Arras battles were amongst the fiercest during the Great War. Although a shorter battle than the Somme , 39 days compared with 142, the daily casualty rate was about 38 % higher.
The Epsom Advertiser publicised the loss of local men and noted in the Roll of Honour on18 May 1917 that Mr Benger had had a son killed in action.
Frank's father Joseph William Benger had also served in the Great War having attested at Whitehall on 25 October 1917, aged 46. He became a hospital orderly in the RAMC as Private No. 126959, and by 9 December 1917 he was appointed acting Sergeant without pay at the Manor Hospital, Epsom. He was to retain his civil emoluments, so it seems he was already working at the hospital in a civilian capacity before joining the army. He was 5 feet 6 ¼ inches tall, and had a chest measurement of 42 inches with an expansion of 4 inches, and was classified as B2. He was discharged from the Army on 5 April 1919.
Joseph's wife (Frank's mother) died aged 44, in 1914 (GRO reference: Mar 1914 Epsom 2a 17), and in 1915 Joseph was married again to Susan J Ellis (GRO reference: Sep 1915 Dorking 2a 541).
BENGER William Joseph, Sergeant. 88288.
Royal Flying Corps 20 SquadronKilled in Action 17 October 1917, aged 22
William was the second son of Joseph William Benger and his wife Eleanor nee Dangerfield Phillips (GRO ref: Mar 1895 Devizes 5a 105), and Frank's younger brother.
North View Villas in 2006
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
William was the observer in a Bristol Fighter aeroplane, No. A7271 piloted by Lt AGV Taylor, which was shot down over Poelcapelle, Belgium, at 0930 hours on 17 October 1917. William was aged 22. He is remembered on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, on which he is listed as serving with the RAF.
BENNETT Arthur Ernest, Lance Corporal. 22667.
12th Bn East Surrey.Killed in Action 5 August 1917, aged 36.
Arthur's inscription on the Menin Gate
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Arthur Ernest was born at Great Rollright in Oxfordshire in 1881 (GRO reference: Jun 1881 Chipping Norton 3a 823 ) CWGC records his father as Henry.
In 1891 Henry and Arthur were living in the village of Churchill near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire where Henry was a 34 year old groom. Henry's wife is shown as Mary A aged 32. This may have been his second wife as in the 1881 census the only Henry Bennett born in Great Rollright is married to Sarah, and there is a death for Sarah Bennett aged 22 in 1882 (GRO reference: June 1882 Chipping Norton 3a 454). There is also a marriage of a Henry Bennett to Mary Ann French in 1883 (GRO reference: June 1883 Banbury 3a 1107). This information has not been checked against other sources. In the 1891 census Arthur and his 6 year old sister Louisa were listed as scholars.
In the 1901 census Arthur is 19 and working as a waiter at Epsom College. His family is still in Churchill in Oxfordshire and by this time there is another sibling, Gladys, aged 6.
Arthur married Eva Ethel Faro in 1904 (GRO reference: Dec 1904 Guildford 2a 142).
It seems that they had at least two children. Margaret E (GRO reference: Dec 1912 Epsom 2a 44) and Dorothy E (GRO reference: Jun 1915 Epsom 2a 48).
He enlisted into the East Surrey Regiment 3rd Bn on 19 Nov 1915 at Epsom. He was a stocky man at 5ft 4ins tall with a 38ins chest and 4ins expansion. Before he joined the army, Arthur worked as an attendant at one of the hospitals. At that time he was living at 76 Lower Court Road, Epsom which is in the same location as the hospitals.
The 3rd Battalion was a garrison unit based at Dover throughout the war. It was also a training and draft finding unit. At some point arthur must have transferred to the 12th Battalion, which was in the 122 Brigade, 41st Division. The Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele offically started on the 31st July 1917, zero hour being 3.50am. The 122 Brigade advanced against Hollebeke, but the 12th East Surreys were held in support. They nevertheless took part by continuously sending forward carrying parties to the assualting battalions. However, at 7pm B company successfully attacked a strong point that was holding out in Hollebeke. During the evening heavy rain started to fall and continued for three days and nights, producing the quagmire associated with Passchendaele.
On 1st August the rest of the Battalion moved up and occupied the line established by B company. German artillery was active on the first three days of August, but quiter on the fourth.
Very early on the 5th August, after a heavy barrage lasting two hours, the enemy attacked the advanced line of posts held by B and D companies, in a thick mist, which prevented the S.O.S. sent up from being seen, and the posts were captured before reinforcements could be sent up to their assistance. Major R. Pennell, K.R.R.C. (in temporary command), turned out the Headquarters company and advanced with it to restore the line. A company of the Hampshire Regiment was picked up in the Support Line and the advance was continued to within 200 yards of Hollebeke, where it was stopped by machine gun fire and snipers. A few Germans had been encountered and made prisoners, but no information as to the strength or position of the enemy could be obtained from them. Major Pennell's party was now in touch on the left with another Hampshire company, and he was able to send forward a fighting patrol into Hollebeke,which reported the village to be clear of the enemy. The whole line was then pushed forward, and posts were established slightly forward of the line held prior to the German attack.
Arthur died of wounds 5th August and is commemorated on panel 34 of the Menin Gate at Ypres. At the time of his death his father was still alive and living at Lower Thorpe, Mandeville, Banbury, Oxfordshire. His widow was at 76 Lower Court Rd, Epsom.
EP HWH
BIRNIE Gerald, Lieutenant.
46th Battery, 39th Brigade Royal Field Artillery.Died of Wounds 4 November 1918, aged 19
Gerald Birnie was born on 3 December 1898 at Lucknow, India, the third and youngest son of Henry and Edith Maude Birnie. Henry was a Scottish merchant.
I have been unable to find Gerald in the 1901 census, presumably his family were still in India.
Gerald was educated at Cheltenham College attending the junior school from Mar 1909 until Dec 1912, and the senior part of the College from Jan 1913. His admission form to the College in 1909, gave his father's address as 'Hill Croft' Beckenham Lane, Bromley, Kent. Before he attended Cheltenham he was educated by Miss Slade at Woodside School Weybridge. He was one of the first pupils to move into the new Junior School buildings in 1909. When he moved to the senior school he was in Hazelwell, still a college boarding house. He had been a Lance corporal in the OTC, and left the College at Easter 1916 to enter the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich.
By 1911 Gerald's parents were living in Epsom.
On 2 March 1916, at the age of 17 Gerald attended a Medical Board at the 2nd S General Hospital Bristol. He was 5ft 5ins tall, had a 32in chest with a 4in expansion, weighed 118lbs, and was passed fit with normal vision including colour vision, good hearing and teeth. He served in the 46th Battery, 39th Brigade Royal Field Artillery. His promotion to Lieutenant was announced in the London Gazette dated 16 September 1918.
Gerald received a gunshot wound to his right arm in an action near Cambrai on 27 October 1918. Complications arose and gangrene developed, and he also suffered gas poisoning. His family were advised that a visit was not possible. He died on 4 Nov 1918 and was buried in St Server cemetery extension Rouen. The grave was initially marked with a wooden cross.
His effects included 1 stud, 1 cigarette case, a box of cigarettes, a cheque book and an Advance book counterfoils, a spark plug, 1 tie pin, 1 whistle, 1 key on a ring, 1 tobacco purse, 1 pipe, 1 wrist watch with strap, 1 case of strong soap, 1 knife and a spanner, a button hook, a tinder lighter, a piece of shrapnel, a ribbon from a cross, photos, papers and cards. His father was named as next of kin, who at one time had been living at 'Morning Quest', Walton on Thames, Surrey. At the time of Gerald's death his parents were living at Brackendene Weybridge.
Gerald's brothers Henry George and Reginald Birnie were both in the Army serving in France and Mesopotamia respectively.
Gerald was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal issued on 1 February 1922. At that time his father lived at 'Woodcorner' Pyrford, Surrey.
Gerald's inscription on his parents headstone
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Gerald's name does not appear on Epsom's Ashley Road memorial, neither does it appear on Pyrford's war memorial. It does however appear on his parent's grave in Epsom cemetery.
PG
BLACKMAN Albert Edward, Corporal. S/9616.
9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 23 July 1916, aged 18.
Albert Edward Blackman was born in 1897 (GRO reference: Jun 1897 Croydon 2a 260) to Thomas and Annie Blackman (nee Fuller).
Albert's parents Thomas George Blackman and Annie Parker Fuller were married in 1885 (GRO reference: Dec 1885 Epsom 2a 10).
In the 1891 census, before Albert was born, the family lived at 27, Borough Hill, Croydon, Surrey. Albert's father Thomas was a 35 year old police constable. His mother was also 35. Albert had three siblings, Thomas George aged 3, Annie aged 2 and William Reginald aged 7 months.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 25, Second Ave, West Ham, Essex. Albert had another 4 siblings, Victor aged 9, Mabel aged 7, Harry aged 5 and Percy aged 1. Albert's father Thomas had been promoted to a police sergeant, and his oldest brother Thomas, aged 15, was working as a 'Tea Importer' (grocer).
Two of Albert's brothers also served in the war but survived. Thomas George was a baker in the Army Service corps (ASC), and was discharged through sickness on 27 March 1917. Victor Frederick, for whom much of his service record survives, also served in the ASC as a baker in the 19th Field bakery, serving in France and Egypt.
Albert served in the 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers which was in the 36 Brigade 12 Division. He was killed in action on 23 July 1916 and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to the missing. Unfortunately the war diary (WO 95/1857) downloaded from the National Archives, has the pages for 15 July to 31 July missing. But on the 7 July the Battalion attacked the German trenches at Ovillers and had 154 men killed, and on the 23 July, the day Albert died 21 other men from the Battalion were also killed.
31 Wyeth Road, Epsom
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
The CWGC state that he was the son of Thomas and Annie Blackman of 31, Wyeth Road, Epsom.
Albert was awarded the Victory medal and the British war medal.
The St Martins Roll of Honour states "ALBERT EDWARD BLACKMAN was killed in action in France on the 23 July 1916".
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BLANCHETT Percy Thomas, Private. R/14426.
13th Kings Royal Rifle CorpsKilled in Action 18 November 1916, aged 23
Percy Thomas Blanchett was born at Liss near Petersfield, Hampshire in 1893. (GRO Reference June 1893 Petersfield 2c 149), the son of Percy Blanchett and his wife Annie. Although he had been born in Ewell, in the 1891 census Percy (senior) had moved to Liss, was living with his wife Annie, and was working as a grocer's assistant.
We know from Private Blanchett's enlistment documents in The National Archives, Series WO 393 "The Burnt Papers" that in 1915 Percy had three sisters, Alice (GRO Reference June 1891 Petersfield 2c 150) who was living at Beatty cottage, West Street Ewell, Kate (GRO Reference Dec 1894 Midhurst 4b 409) who was living in Heavitree, Exeter and Dora (GRO Reference Dec 1896 Guildford 2a 105) who was living at High Street, Epsom.
Interestingly in the 1901 census Percy and Alice (GRO Reference: June 1891 Petersfield 2c 150) are living with their grandparents, Thomas and Ann, in West Street, Ewell. Little Dora is with the Tomsett family further along the street and described as a nurse child despite being four years old. Kate (GRO Reference: Dec 1894 Midhurst 4b 409) is recorded as living with John and Hannah Nelder, a gardener, in Heavitree, Exeter as their adopted daughter. It is probable that their mother died (there is a death registered of Annie Blanchett GRO reference Jun 1898 Age 37 Guildford 2a 58) and the children had been fostered. I have not proved where his father was in 1901 although there is a Percy Blanchett, a widower, of the right age lodging in Beddington. At the time of his son's death, he was living at St Norman's, Cheam Road, Ewell.
Percy was examined by the medical board at Epsom on 7 July 1915 which reported that he had a fair physical development. He was 5ft 3ins tall with a 33 ½ inch chest and a vaccination mark on his right arm. He had full vision. On 23 July 1915 he was admitted into hospital in Winchester for 6 days with what looks like influenza although the record is difficult to read.
Advertiser 18th June 1915: P.T. Blanchett has been added to Epsom's ROLL OF HONOUR.
On 23 Mar 1916 he embarked on SS Onward and on 7 April joined 37th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples before going on to join the 13th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC).
On Saturday the 18 November 1916 the 13th KRRC were in the 111th Brigade, 37th Division. The first snow of the winter fell on this extremely cold, penultimate day of the First Battle of the Somme. The same ground was to be fought over again during the Second Battle of the Somme in 1918.
North of Beaucourt sur Ancre, the 32nd Division was to launch an attack at 6.10am. The 13th KRRC had posts in Muck Trench ready to support the 32nd Division once they had captured Frankfort Trench. At zero hour the 13th KRRC sent out patrols that met some opposition in Railway Trench.
On the 18 November 1916, 4 men from the 13th KRRC were killed in action or died of wounds, including Percy. Born, Liss, Hants. Enlisted, Kingston. Residence, Ewell.
Percy is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 13A & 13B.
BH EW ES
BONE Percival Walter, Private. 81458.
2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers.Died 1 August 1918, aged 33.
Percival's headstone in the Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Percival Walter Bone was born in Dulwich in 1885 (GRO reference: Jun 1885 Camberwell 1d 779) to Frederick and Emma Bone (nee Edenborough).
In the 1881 census before Percival was born his parents lived at 75 Lorrimore Road, Newington. Father Frederick was a 36 year old warehouseman, and mother Emma was 33. Frederick died in 1886 aged 41.
In 1891, Percival aged 5 was living with his widowed mother at 99, Hawly Villas, East Molesey. Emma employed a domestic servant Annie Jacks.
I could not find them in the 1901 census. There is a marriage recorded in the June 1917 quarter between a Percival W Bone and Elsie S A Wright.
Percival enlisted in Holborn and served initially in the 12th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. The Battalion was sent to France and landed at Le Havre, on 26 July 1915. The 12th Middlesex were disbanded on 13 February 1918, so Percival must have transferred to the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, which was in the 86 Brigade 29 Division.
The St Martins Church roll of honour states that he died whilst a prisoner of war at Gustrow, July-August 1918. Gustrow is a town deep in Germany south of Rostock, and did have a prisoner of war camp during the war. However, the CWGC tell us that Percival is buried in grave VIII. I. 9., Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France, which is on the Amiens to St Quentin road, the N29, approximately 13 kilometres from Villers-Bretonneux, and hundreds of miles from Gustrow. The CWGC web site informs us that many graves were concentrated in to Heath Cemetery from smaller burial places nearby, but makes no mention of Gustrow. I wonder if St Martins is incorrect? Very few records of prisoners of war survive, so I suspect we shall never know.
Percival was awarded the 1915 star, British war medal and the Victory medal.
EP SM
BOTTING Ernest Edward, Private. 24152.
1st Garrison Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment.Died of Sunstroke 30 June 1916, aged 34.
Ernest Edward Botting was born in 1882 (GRO reference: Jun 1882 Westbourne 2b 435) to William and Kate Elizabeth Botting (nee Boxall).
In the 1881 census before Ernest was born the family lived in West Dean, Sussex. Ernest's father was a 27 year old general labourer. His mother was 21, and he had a sister Lydia Mary aged 5 months.
In the March 1883 quarter the death is recorded of Kate Elizabeth Botting aged 23, and in the March 1888 quarter the death is recorded of William Botting aged 33. These I believe to be Ernest's parents.
In the 1891 census Ernest was living with his grandparents Edward and Sophia Boxall at 85, Warren, West Dean. Edward was a 65 year old general labourer.
In 1901 Ernest was living with his uncle and aunt, Edwin and Charlotte Boxall. Edwin and Ernest, now 18 were both garden labourers.
In 1908 Ernest married Hannah Matilda Sharp in the Epsom registration district. It seems they had at least one child, Barbara born in 1912.
Ernest attested in Kingston on 30 October 1915 into the 11th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, which was a reserve battalion, finding and training drafts for other battalions. Ernest was 34 years old, 5 feet 6½ inches tall, weighed 144lbs, and had a chest measurement of 37½ inches with an expansion of 4½ inches. He was described as a gardener and he lived at 31, Adelphi Road, Epsom.
Ernest transferred to the 1st Garrison Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment which was in the Delhi Brigade. The St Martins church Roll of Honour states: "ERNEST EDWARD BOTTING, died of sunstroke at Delhi on the 30th June 1916". He is buried in grave 8.A.8. Delhi War Cemetery.
Ernest was awarded the British War medal.
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BOWLER John Henry, Rifleman
15th Bn, (County of London) Civil Service Rifles. 47th Division.Killed in Action 30 October 1917, aged 32
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Killed in France on 30 October 1917, Aged 32 years. (Listed on the St Mary's Cuddington memorial)
BOWLES Reginald Julian Albany, Lieutenant
2nd Bn, Royal Welch Fusiliers.Killed in Action 20 July 1916, aged 23
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
2nd Bn, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Killed in France on 20 July 1916. Buried at La Neuville British Cemetery, Corbie, France. Aged 23 years. Son of Rev and Mrs. H.A. Bowles, Christ Church, Epsom Common. His death was reported in the Epsom Advertiser. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the Christ Church, Epsom Memorials).
BOWMAN Edward Talbot, Company Sergeant Major. 200009.
1/5th East Surrey Regt.Died 24 February 1918, aged 33
Edward Talbot Bowman was born in 1884 (GRO reference: Dec 1884 Wandsworth 1d 705). His parents, Thomas Bowman and Melecina Jane Talbot from Tipperary in Ireland, were married in 1883 (GRO reference: Dec 1883 Wandsworth 1d 1033).
The 1891 census shows them living in Leatherhead High Street. Edward's father, Thomas Bowman, was a "bookeeper, stationers' retail". Edward had two younger siblings, Thomas Abraham (GRO reference: Jun 1887 Epsom 2a 28) and Melecina Jane (GRO reference: Jun 1889 Epsom 2a 32). Thomas's sister-in-law, Susan Talbot, a 30 year old from Dublin, was living with them, but supporting herself on her own means. Emily Stemp, a "General servant. Domestic" also lived with them.
The 1901 census shows them still living in Leatherhead High Street, this time adding 'South Side'. Father Thomas is a "Wholesale Stationers' Assistant". His mother, Melecina, is shown as a 'Stationer' on her own account, working from home. Edward himself is now 16 years old and also working as a stationers' assistant. His brother Thomas, now 13, is an office boy. Melecina Jane junior is still at school, and there are two more brothers, Henry Copley aged 9 (GRO Reference: Dec 1891 Epsom 2a 25) and William George aged 5 (GRO Reference: June 1895 Epsom 2a 30). Susan, Thomas's sister-in-law, still lives with them, but is now recorded as a housekeeper. Also, living with them is Thomas's father-in-law, Abraham Talbot, a 74 year old photographer from Ireland.
Soldiers Died CD states that Edward enlisted in Leatherhead, but I did not find him in the Surrey Recruitment Registers nor did I find any record of his marriage.
The East Surrey Regimental History records that "On 19 December 1917 the 1/5th East Surrey's left Muttra in India, and on 24 December they embarked on HM Transport Egra. On 27 December the battalion entrained for Amara, and remained there until the end of January 1918. The first days of February were spent on board the river steamer P21 and two floats lashed alongside of her, en route for Baghdad. Three weeks were spent at Baghdad, up to around 3 March 1918."
Bearing this in mind and that Thomas Talbot Bowman died on 24 February 1918, and was buried at sea, it is quite probable that he died of disease aboard a hospital ship. The Advertiser of 15 Mar 1918 reports that the Ewell Parish Council resolved to send a letter of sympathy to Mr Bowman who's son had served in India during the war, had died whilst on his way home. He is remembered on the Chatby Memorial, Alexandria, Egypt.
Another Ewell man in the 1st/5th died during this period, William Elson.
BREEDEN George Oliver James, Private. F/3347.
4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment.Killed in Action 17 November 1916, aged 31.
George Breedon's inscription on the Thiepval memorial.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
George Oliver James Breeden was born in 1885 (GRO reference: Mar 1885 Epsom 2a 27) to Oliver and Elizabeth Breeden (nee Lane).
In the 1891 census the family lived at 16 East Street, Epsom, near the now demolished Red Lion Inn. George's father Oliver was a 31 year old baker. His mother was also 31. He had two brothers Alfred Arthur aged 6 and Albert William aged 5.
By the 1901 census the family lived at 25 Miles Road. George's father was still a baker, whilst brother Alfred was a plumber's mate, Albert was a house boy and George himself was a grocer's boy. Four more siblings are shown, Walter 12, Oliver 9, Ellen Lillian 8 and Violet 3. Boarding with the family was 36 year old Albert Tunnell, also a baker.
George married Eva Jessie Heinz on 13 April 1914 (GRO reference Jun 1914 2a 33), they had a son Norman Albert Breeden born on 29 June 1915 (GRO reference: Sep 1915 Epsom 2a 43).
George attested on 8 December 1915 at Epsom into the 27 (reserve) Battalion Middlesex regiment. He was 5 feet 3 3/4 inches tall, weighed 112 lbs, had a chest measurement of 35 inches with an expansion of 3 1/2 inches. He worked as a gardener and he lived at 17 Neil Terrace, Epsom. His religion was Church of England.
George was sent to France on 12 October 1916 with 4 Battalion Middlesex Regiment, and only managed to survive for 37 days before he was reported wounded and missing, later changed to killed in action. His unit was holding trenches east of Beaumont-Hamel when he and eight others from the battalion were killed on 17 November 1916. Originally Beaumont-Hamel had been an objective of the first day of the Somme battle on 1 July 1916, but it did not fall until 13 November, some four and half months later.
George Oliver James Breeden is commemorated on pier 12D of the Thiepval memorial.
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BROOK Frederick Charles, Private. 40872
8th Royal Dublin FusiliersKilled in Action 16 August 1917, aged 36
Frederick's inscription on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Frederick Charles Brook was born in 1881 (GRO reference: Dec 1881 Lewes 2b 182) to John and Mary Ann Brook.
In the 1891 census the family is living at Rushy Green. Frederick's father is a Chalk pit Labourer, and he has four brothers William Thomas aged 20, a Grocers Assistant, Harry James aged 17, a Bricklayer's Labourer, John George aged 14, a Grocers ******', and Edley Ernest aged 5. Frederick's mother is a Dressmaker.
The 1901 census shows the family still living in Rushey Green, Ringmer, Sussex. Frederick's father is a Labourer in Chalk pit, Henry James is a Bricklayer and Frederick himself is a gardener, as is Edley.
Frederick married Edith Pemble in 1911 (GRO reference: Epsom 2a 37). References for two children have been found. Olive E. Brook (Jun 1914 Epsom 2a 61) and John F Brook (Sep 1915 Epsom 2a 51).
Ewell Terrace in 2007
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
The Surrey recruitment register shows that Frederick attested in Epsom on 22 November 1915 and was originally number 3693 in the 24 battalion Middlesex regiment. He was a 34 year old labourer, 5 feet 8 ½ inches tall, weighing 126 lbs. His chest measurement was 35 inches with an expansion of 4 inches. He lived at 4 Ewell Terrace, Ewell, Surrey.
He transferred to the 8th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who were in the 48th Brigade 16th Division. The division took part in the battle of Langemarck 16 to 18 August 1917, part of the overall 3rd battle of Ypres, often called Passschendaele. On the 16 August 1917, 7 men from the 8 Royal Dublin Fusiliers were killed in action, including Frederick.
The Epsom and Ewell advertiser reported on 14 September 1917 that the Ewell Parish Council had decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mrs Brook, West Street.
After the war, his widow Edith Brook lived at 2 Tudor Cottages, West Street, Ewell.
He is commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 144 & 145. Frederick is also commemorated on the Ringmer village memorial.
BROUGHTON Albert William, Private. G/3589.
1st Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).Killed in Action 25 September 1915, aged 37.
Albert's inscription on the Loos Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
Albert William Broughton was born in 1878 (GRO reference: Jun 1878 Epsom 2a 21) to George and Jane Broughton (nee Jenkinson).
At the time of the 1871 census Albert William was yet to be born. (It seems that in later years he preferred to use only William). The family lived at Lintons Lane Epsom. His father was a 26 year old bricklayer. His mother was aged 23, and his two siblings were Sarah aged 2, and George aged 2 months. George died in 1872 aged 2.
In the 1881 census the family were still living in Lintons Lane. Three more children had been born, Jane aged 7, Albert himself aged 3 and Jonas aged 1 month.
In the 1891 census the family lived at 1, Churchill Cottage, Lintons Lane. Father George, now aged 46 was still a bricklayer. Now Albert is shown as William and a sister Ethel aged 5 had arrived.
In 1897 William married Edith Anne Wells (GRO reference: Sep 1897 Epsom 2a 2).
In the 1901 census William and Edith lived at 18, Dunkeld Road, Upper Norwood and they had two children, Joy aged 2 and George aged 1. William like his father was a bricklayer.
William served in the 1st Battalion Queens (Royal West Surreys) which was in the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. The battle of Loos started on 25 September 1915, officially ended on 8 October 1915, and cost the lives of some 16,000 British soldiers. The 2nd Division was to attack either side of the La Bassée Canal. The attack to the north of the La Bassée Canal was not considered part of the main attack, but as a diversion to draw German resources away from the main thrust further south. William and 2nd Queens were to take part in this diversionary attack.
Gas was to be used for the first time by the British at Loos, and some 150 tons of chlorine gas in 5,500 cylinders was brought up to the front line ready for discharge. It had been calculated that the gas should be discharged continuously for 40 minutes. This was because German gas masks were reckoned to be effective for only 30 minutes. There were insufficient cylinders to provide 40 minutes along the whole front, so the discharge was intermittent and augmented by smoke. For the gas to reach the German trenches a wind from any point from south west to north west, at a speed of about 8 miles per hour was necessary. The wind along the 5 to 6 mile front varied. In some parts it was just right, in others there was no wind and in yet other places the wind changed direction affecting the British attackers.
On William's area of attack, north of the La Bassée Canal, only 10 minutes of gas was allocated instead of the recommended 40 minutes. However, despite some of the 1st Queens being affected by their own gas before going 'over the top', they managed to get into the German front line and take some prisoners. Despite this early success, by the end of the day the 2nd Division was back at its starting position. Even by the end of the battle on 8 October the ground attacked by the 2nd Division was still in German hands.
The 1st Battalion Queens lost 109 men killed on 25 September 1915 including Albert William Broughton. He is commemorated on Panel 14 of the Loos Memorial.
From the St Martin's roll of honour "ALBERT WILLIAM BROUGHTON, was reported wounded and missing and presumed died of wounds in France on the 25th September 1915".
EP SM
BROWN Alfred Llewellyn, Sergeant
Royal Army Service Corps.Died 6 November 1918, aged 26
Click on image to enlarge
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Royal Army Service Corps. Died of pneumonia on 6 November 1918. Buried in Epsom Cemetery. Aged 26 years. Son of Charles and Margaret Brown, Epsom, and husband of Sybil Ellen Kahler (formerly Brown), Norwich. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the Christ Church, Epsom Memorials).
BRUNTON F.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ewell Old Boys Memorial).
BUCKLE Archie Stewart Brigadier-General, CRA.
Royal Horse & Royal Field Artillery.Died 18 August 1916 aged 47.
Brigadier-General Archie Buckle
Image source: Illustrated London News
Archie Stewart Buckle was born in Poonah near Bombay, India in November 1868, the son of Captain Archibald Lewis Buckle RE and his wife Louisa (nee Rose).
In 1881 Archie, aged 12, and his mother aged 39 were lodging in Wells Road, Great Malvern with Charles Teague, a 37 year old carpenter.
Archie was educated at Clifton College, and then went to the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. He was commissioned in the Royal Artillery on 17 February 1888. He was in England for the 1891 census, when the young Lieutenant was staying with Rev Edward Northey and his family at Woodcote House in Epsom. Archie would marry Edward's daughter, Mildred Louisa, the following year (GRO reference: Sep 1892 Epsom 2a 20). They had a son Archibald Courtenay C Buckle (GRO reference: Jan 1909 St George H. Sq. 1a 419).
He served in the Nile Expedition in 1898 being at the battle of Khartoum and Omdurman for which he was given the Queen's Medal and the Khedives Medal. In Sept 1898 he was gazetted Captain and went to Aden as an Instructor of gunnery.
He was on the staff throughout the South African war during which he was twice mentioned in despatches and received the brevet rank of major, the Queen's medal with three clasps and the King's medal with two clasps. The tour of duty included six months as Superintendent of the dynamite factory in Johannesburg in 1901 where he acquired experience and expertise in the handling and issuing of explosives. He also served as Assistant Superintendent of Experiments at the School of Gunnery and Officer in Charge of Danger Buildings at the Royal Gun Factory. His wife remained with her father and family at Woodcote House for the 1901 census.
Early in 1903 Archie went to India as Captain of the Royal Field Artillery returning to England in 1904 to attend Staff College. He graduated at the end of in 1905 having been promoted to major. In 1906 he returned to India as Major of Battery. He returned home in Jan 1909 before becoming GSO2 in South Africa from June 1909 until June 1913. He returned to India again in 1913 to command a battery of RFA.
He brought the battery to the Western Front in Oct 1914 and was promoted to Lt Col soon afterwards. He was wounded in the face in October 1914 and invalided home. When he recovered he was appointed General Staff Officer 1 (GSO1) of a New Army Division ie one of Kitchener's civilian Army Divisions. At the time supplies of everything were short. Broom handles for rifle drill training, makeshift uniforms etc. Training was also difficult because experienced soldiers were needed to fight, but we had to train new men as well. Some months later he was made a Colonel. Buckle deployed to France with 19th Division in July 1915 and helped plan its costly and abortive baptism of fire on 25 September in the action at Piètre, part of the battle of Loos. 19th Division was employed three times on the Somme in July 1916, each time as a holding division.
On 9 August Buckle was promoted Brigadier-General and posted to 17th (Northern) Division as its CRA to replace Brigadier-General R G Ouseley, who had been wounded on 21 July. Buckle arrived in the middle of the battle of Delville Wood. A week after his appointment he was suddenly taken ill and died two days later of meningitis. He left a widow and son.
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 1 September 1916:
The death is announced of Brigadier-General Archie Stewart Buckle, who it will be remembered married a daughter of the late Rev. E.W. Northey, of Woodcote House, Epsom. He died on August 18th of cerebro-spinal meningitis, with which he was suddenly taken ill during an action while he was commanding the artillery of his division.
Brigadier-General Buckle, who was the son of the late Captain Archibald Lewis Buckle, R.E., was born in November 1868, was educated at Clifton College, and passed out of Woolwich into the artillery in February 1889. In June, 1898, he took part with his battery in the Sudan Expedition, and was present at the battle of Omdurman, for which he obtained the Queen's and Khedive's medals.
He served all through the South African War, and was twice mentioned in despatches, receiving the Queen's medal with three clasps and the King's medal with two clasps. Early in 1908 he went to India as captain of a battery of R.F.A., and the next year he returned to England to Staff College, where he graduated at the end of 1905, having become Major in 1904.
In January, 1906 he went to India as a Major of battery which he brought home to England in January, 1909, and from June, 1909 to June, 1913 he was General Staff Officer, first grade, to the General Commanding in South Africa. Returning to India to command a battery of R.G.A., he took the battery to the front in October, 1914.
He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and later was invalided home with a face injury. When fit for duty he was made Chief of Staff with a division of the New Army with which he went to France in June, 1915. Some months later he was made Colonel of a Brigade R.F.A., and just a few weeks before he was seized with his fatal malady he was given command of the artillery of the division, and was promoted to be Brigadier-General.
Archie Stewart Buckle is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe, plot II F 23.
Archie's inscription on the All Saints Church Banstead
Image courtesy of Lewis Wood © 2008
He is also remembered on the War Memorials at Byfleet, Banstead, All Saints Church Banstead, Ashley Road and Christ Church Epsom.
EP CC
BUDD Ernest, Rifleman. 6723 (CWGC).
21st Battalion London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles).Killed in Action 8 October 1916, aged 21.
Earnest's headstone in the Warlencourt British Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Ernest Budd was born in Bethnal Green in 1895 to Flora Elizabeth Mary Whittington and Ernest Alfred Budd. (Flora appears in later records as Florence). Ernest was originally registered as Ernest Budd Whittington (GRO reference: Dec 1895 Bethnal Green 1c 187) as his parents were not married at the time. At the time of Ernest's birth his father was only 17 years old whilst his mother was 24 years old. Ernest's parents later married in St Martin's church, Epsom on 29 October 1898 when his father had reached the age of 20.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 2, The Cottages, College Road, Epsom. Ernest was aged 6 and he now had a younger brother Alfred John, aged 1. Their mother Florence was 29 and Ernest senior was recorded as a 22 year old railway platelayer. Another brother, Percy Morris arrived in 1910.
At the time Ernest was killed he was in the 21st Battalion London regiment which was in the 142nd Brigade, 47th (London) Division. He had previously served as No 2708 in the East Surrey Regiment. On 8 October 1916 the Battalion was holding trenches to the east of Le Sars and south of the Butte de Warlencourt, and on 9 October it was due to be relieved by the 9th Division. Before the hand over it was decided to try to improve the position on their left flank. At 9pm, after a 1 minute intense bombardment, the Battalion made an attempt to seize Diagonal trench (also known as Snag trench). They managed to advance to within 200 yards of their objective without a casualty, but then suddenly machine guns opened fire on them with devastating effect. The Germans must have been warned by the short bombardment that an attack was about to take place. Diagonal trench was not taken, the only success being a few strong points established some 100 yards short of the objective.
Diagonal Trench Attack - Click image to enlarge
On 8 October 1916 the Battalion lost 70 men, including Ernest, killed in action. He is buried in plot V.P.9 in the Warlencourt British Cemetery.
Ernest was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal. His medal card shows that he had another service number with the London's, 653207.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that "ERNEST BUDD was killed in action in France on the 8th October 1916".
EP SM
BUDD George Henry Warner, Private
Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry 6th BattalionKilled in Action 22 August 1917, aged 41
Private Budd's inscription on the West Byfleet Memorial
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
George Henry Warner Budd was born in Ewell in 1876 (GRO reference: Sep 1876 Epsom 2a 15) to George Warner Budd (General Labourer) and Eliza Budd. He was baptised at St Mary's Church, Ewell on 6 August 1876.
In the 1881 census he was living with his family, including a younger sister Mary, at Meadow Walk, Ewell.
The 1891 census shows them living at the Eight Bells Inn complex, Kingston Road, Ewell. His father is now shown as a 'Beerhouse Keeper' and General Labourer.
By the 1901 census George is a boarder living in the house of Arthur Dobbs, a 25 year old Greengrocer, at 127 Disraeli Road, Wandsworth, and he is a "Gardener (Domestic)".
He married Sarah Jane Edwards in 1903 (GRO reference: Mar 1903 Epsom 2a 27). I have been unable to ascertain if there were any children of the marriage. (But between 1903 and 1911 there were at least 19 births to Budd in the Epsom registration district and 10 in the Chertsey registration district. Some of these may have been George's children.).
The Surrey recruitment registers show him enlisting at Weybridge on 13 November 1915 into the 11th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. By then he was 38 years old. He was 5 foot 3 inches tall, and weighed 114 lbs. His chest measurement was 32 inches, with an expansion of 2 inches. He was still a gardener and lived at 6 Conway Cottages, Station Road, West Byfleet.
He was originally number 22513 in the East Surrey regiment but at some stage was transferred to the 6th Somerset Light Infantry, 43rd Brigade, 14th Division. The East Surrey History of the 11th Battalion states that in April 1915 it ceased to be a 'Service' Battalion and became a 'Reserve' Battalion, its task being to supply drafts for the East Surrey battalions overseas. However, on 1September 1916 it ceased to exist as a battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, amalgamated with the 9th battalion 'Queens' and became the 21st Training Reserve Battalion. Presumably he was drafted from this Training Reserve Battalion to the 6th Somerset Light Infantry. During the later stages of the war men were sent to whichever unit needed men the most, irrespective of their county of birth, residence or allegiance. The battalions that had originated as "Pals" battalions were then populated with men from all over the UK.
George Henry Warner Budd was killed in action on the 22 August 1917. On this date his battalion was taking part in The Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the battle of "Passchendaele".
The 43rd Brigade had been ordered to capture ground that ran from 'Herenthage Chateau' to the 'Southern end of Glencourse Wood'. For several days the weather had been fine and warm, so the ground was in better condition than for previous attacks. Zero hour was 7am, and the 6th Somersets 'went over the top' at 7.05am. By 8.01am Inverness Copse had been reached and a strongpoint west of Fitzclarence Farm had been taken, as had Herenthage Chateau. Some 130 German prisoners had been sent back. By 08.30am a message had been sent to Battalion HQ that Companies 1, 2 and 4 had been severely depleted.
George's inscription on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
By 1pm the Germans had launched a counter attack, but they were checked by machine gun, Lewis gun and artillery fire. During the night of the 22 August 1917 the exhausted Somersets were relieved by the KOYLI. 60 men from the 6th Somerset Light Infantry were killed on that day including George Budd. He is remembered on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 41 to 42 & 263A. His name is on the West Byfleet memorial as well as the Dripping Well memorial in Ewell. I suspect that his parents had his name put on the Ewell memorials, and his wife had his name put on the West Byfleet memorial, although the Commonwealth War Graves Commission recorded his widow's address as 3 The Old Schools, Ewell.
BURCHELL, T
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
BURFITT Thomas Henry, Corporal. 2757
1/2 London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).Killed in Action 1 July 1916, aged 19.
Thomas Burfitt
Image courtesy of Ajax Bardrick
Thomas Henry Burfitt was born in 1897 (GRO reference: Mar 1897 Epsom 2a 19) to Henry William (GRO reference: Mar 1864 Epsom 2a 13) and Edith Charlotte Burfitt (nee Kislingbury). They were married in 1894.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 81 East Street, Epsom. Thomas' father Henry was a 37 year old butcher working on his own account from home. His mother, Edith (shown as Emma in the census) was 37. Thomas had two sisters, Alice Elizabeth aged 5, and Edith May (also shown as Emma) aged 3 months. Edith May died later in the year. Living with them was Edith's sister Ellen Daisy Kislinbury aged 15.
Thomas had two other siblings who both died in infancy, Robert Redvers aged 0, and Winifred Mary aged 1.
In the 1911 census the family were still living at 81, East Street and Thomas' father was still working butcher working on his own account from home. His mother was shown as also working at the butchers shop. Thomas, a 14 year old scholar had another sibling, Edgar aged 7.
Thomas volunteered his services in September 1914 to the 2nd London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), a Territorial Army unit. He joined at the Regiment's headquarters in Tufton Street, Westminster, signing on as Private No. 2757, and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (2/2 London Regiment Royal Fusiliers) for training. Incidentally, he signed on 50 men behind George Whiskerd from Ewell, who was also destined to die in the war.
The 2/2 London's were moved around quite a bit, being sent to Malta, then to Egypt, on to Gallipoli, back to Egypt, and then to Marseilles, France at the end of April 1916. They were then trundled by train, the length of France to Rouen, which provided a large base area for the British, with training grounds, hospitals, stores depots and the like. Whilst they were billeted at Rouen the military authorities decided that the Battalion should be disbanded, and the men used to bolster three existing units of the 56th Division. One draft was sent to 1/16 London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles), a second draft was sent to 1/2 London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) (the first Battalion of the Corps they volunteered to serve in), and a third draft to 1/12 London Regiment (The Rangers). Thomas was transferred to No. 1 Platoon "A" Company, 1/12 London Regiment (The Rangers). This was same unit that George Whiskered had been transferred to. Fate decreed that Thomas Burfitt and George Whiskered would join up on the same day, be transferred to the same Platoon, and die together on 1 July 1916.
The 1/12th Battalion London Regiment T.F. (The Rangers) was in the 168 Brigade in the 56 Division. On 1 July, with the 46 Division, the 56 Division was to attack the Gommecourt salient, on the Somme battlefield. For further information on the attack please see the entry for George Whiskerd.
Thomas' parents received a telegram from the War Office around 23 July 1916, notifying them that he had been wounded on 1 July. His parents had tried to get information on what had happened to him through the Red Cross. As a result of Red Cross enquires they received two letters. Rifleman E Southey No. 2793, from Sutton, recovering from a bullet wound to his leg, wrote from hospital in Clapton:
I am writing to you regarding your dear son Tom, with whom I, as a member of Tommy's section, was intimately acquainted. I was with Tommy since we left England in 1914 and I am quite sure that one couldn't wish for a better chum, and he was well liked by all of us who knew him. It was with great regret that I saw that he was missing and I have been anxiously waiting news of him also.
He was leading us when we made the assault on 1 July on the German line, which we took, however I was wounded during this and came back across No Man's Land to our lines so I can't say how he fared after that, but he was alright when I left him. I can only say that he may have been taken prisoner of war, but it is impossible to say for certain. It is one comfort to know that if your dear son has been killed he died leading his Section as a hero.
In August 1916 his parents received a letter from Corporal J Fawcett No. 7256, saying that he had last seen Tommy when he was apparently back within the Hebuterne trenches trying to make his way to the relative safety of the village looking for a dressing station to get treatment for a gunshot wound to his arm. However, the Hebuterne Trenches were suffering a very heavy bombardment.
The Epsom Advertiser dated 18 August 1916 carried the following:
MISSING. - Corpl. T.H. Burfitt, of the 2nd London Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Burfitt, of East-street, took part in the engagement on July 1st, and nothing has been heard from him since. At first he was officially returned as wounded, but inquiries could not elicit his whereabouts. Now the anxiety of his friends has been increased by an official intimation, dated August 7th, that he is "missing."
In April 1917 the War Office sent a letter to his parents saying that due to the passage of time since the action Thomas Burfitt must now be considered as having been killed in action on 1 July 1916.
The St Martin's church roll of honour states that "Thomas Henry Burfitt was reported wounded and missing and presumed died of wounds in France 1st July 1916".
Corporal Burfitt's inscription on the Thiepval Memorial.
Image courtesy of Clive Giilbert © 2008
He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial pier 16B.
Thomas' medal card states he was in the 2 London Regiment and that he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
EP SM
BUTCHER Hugh Ernest, Rifleman. R/40308.
Kings Royal Rifle Corps 7Killed in Action 21 March 1918, aged 38
Rifleman Butcher's inscription on the Pozières Memorial
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
Hugh Ernest Butcher was born in 1879 (GRO reference: Sep 1879 Edmonton 3a 287) to Charles Frederick and Eliza Butcher (nee Hunt).
In the 1881 census the family lived at 1 Mira Place, Raleigh Road, Enfield. Hugh's father was a 'Grocers Assistant'.
In 1891 they still lived in Raleigh Road, but Hugh's father was now a 'Grocers Superintendent', and Hugh had a two year old sister, Winifred.
In 1901 Hugh, now 21, was living as a boarder at Malt Mill Lane, Hanslope, and was a 'Clerk in Rail Works'.
There is a marriage recorded between Hugh Ernest Butcher and Edith Frances E. Wearn (GRO reference: Sep 1914 Lymington 2b 1433).
In the Soldiers who Died CD, he is shown as enlisting at Bradford into the 7th KRR., although he lived at Southsea. He died of wounds on 21st March 1918. At this time the 7th KRR were in the 43 Brigade, 14 Division. On 21 March 1918 they were in support trenches at Benay, just south of St Quentin. The long expected all-out German offensive, 'The Kaiser's Battle', a last desperate attempt to win before the Americans arrived in force, was about to begin. As dawn broke, the German assault began under the cover of a thick mist. By the end of the day the KRR had been forced back to Jussy, and had lost 69 men including Hugh, aged 38.
Hugh is commemorated on the Pozières Memorial, Panel 61 to 64.
15 Oakdale Road in 2007
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
At first it was reported home that he was missing and the June 1918 Ewell Parish Council decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mr. C.F. Butcher, 15, Oakdale Road, whose soldier son was missing.
BUTCHER John Phillip Henry, Lieutenant
18th Bn, (County of London) London Irish.Killed in Action 22 May 1916, aged 22
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
18th Bn, (County of London) London Irish. Killed at Vimy Ridge on 22 May 1916. Listed on the Arras Memorial, France. Aged 22 years. Educated at Epsom College. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom, the Epsom College and St Martin's Epsom Memorials).
BUTLAND Robert, Bombardier. 101543.
239th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA).Died of Wounds 26 September 1918, aged 31.
Robert's inscription on the Looe War Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Robert Butland was born in Polperro, Cornwall in 1886 (GRO reference: Sep 1886 Liskeard 5c 55) to William Shears and Mercy Butland (nee Dimond). (Note: William was registered as William Squires Butland in Sep 1844, and Mercy was registered as Mercy Diment Mar 1854.)
Robert had eight siblings:
William born 1879, Roses Point, Ireland.
Thomas S born 1878, Axmouth, Devon.
Mary born 1881, Polperro, Cornwall.
Emily born 1882, Polperro, Cornwall.
Gilbert born 1888, Polperro, Cornwall.
Eva Ellen S born 1892, West Looe, Cornwall.
John born 1892, West Looe, Cornwall.
Elizabeth born 1896, West Looe, Cornwall.
In the 1881 census the family lived in Talland Street, Polperro. Robert's father was a 37 year old coast guard. His mother was also 37. In 1891 the family were shown as living at the market in West Looe, where Robert's father was an Inn keeper.
By 1901 Robert was living away from home, working as a 15 year old carter on Tencreek Farm. (Note: Tencreek Farm nowadays appears to be a holiday park run by Hoseasons). In 1911 Robert was a 24 year old asylum attendant, employed by the London County Council, and resident at the asylum.
Robert married Annie Elizabeth Manton on 10 October 1912 in the Wesleyan Chapel, Epsom. They lived at 37, Horton Hill, Epsom. On 29 June 1916 their son Leslie Robert was born.
Robert attested at Epsom on 16 November 1915, giving his age as 28 years and 6 months. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed 166lbs, had a chest measurement of 39 inches with an expansion of 3 inches, and had dots tattooed on his right forearm. He had perfect vision, was married, worked as an asylum attendant, and lived at 37 Horton Hill.
Some events in Robert's military career:
16 November 1915, attested at Epsom, and placed on Army reserve.
11 July 1916, mobilised at Kingston.
25 November 1916, embarked from Southampton.
26 November 1916, disembarked at Le Havre.
21 April 1917, confirmed in rank of acting bombardier.
24 June 1917, to hospital sick.
02 July 1917, invalided to England with Trench Fever.
03 July 1917, admitted to Queens Canadian Military Hospital, Beachborough Park, Folkestone.
25 July 1917, transferred to Shorncliffe Military hospital.
30 July 1917, transferred to Summerdown Convalescent Camp, Eastbourne.
18 October 1917, returned to France.
15 May 1918, admitted to hospital with concussion.
01 July 1918, war pay increased to 2d per day.
26 September 1918, died from shell wound to abdomen, at the 4th Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, Duisans, France.
Robert is buried in plot VII. A. 20 at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun.
On 6 March 1919 Annie Butland, Robert's widow, signed to acknowledge receipt of Robert's effects, which included, letters, photos, cards, wallet, note book, pouch, match cover, 2 pencils, 2 blue chevrons, silver locket, belt attachments, 2 handkerchiefs, torch, Valet safety razor (complete), mirror, 3 pipes, 2 serviette rings, greeting card, 2 eye shades, eye bath, watch & chain, purse, 2 discs, brass disc, belt.
Robert was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP MC LGH Looe war memorial.
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