War Memorials - Surnames C
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryCHADBAND, John Stanley
CHALWIN, Albert (New 27/06/2009)
CHAMBERS, John H. (Revised 15/12/2010)
CHANDLER, Dorothy Maud
CHANDLER, G
CHANNELL, Walter
CHILDS, James (Updated 21/09/2011)
CHITTENDEN, Arthur George (Updated 18/09/2010)
CHITTY, L.D.M.
CHONEY, Albert Walter (New 24/10/2009)
CHONEY, William George (New 24/10/2009)
CHURCH, John William
CLAPHAM, Christofer Albon (Revised 23/09/2010)
CLARK, Cyril Stephen
CLARK, Edward (Revised 17/09/2010)
CLARK, Robert (Revised 27/04/2010)
CLIFFORD, William (New 27/04/2010)
COLEMAN, Arthur (New 12/01/2011)
COLEMAN, Ernest James (Revised 04/06/2009)
COLLER, Thomas George (New 03/09/2011)
COLLINS, R
COLLISS, Reginald E (New 03/02/2009)
COOK, Ernest
COOK, Henry John Hugh
COOK, Kenrick Walkyn Brinsley Richard
COOK, L
COOK, William Charles
COOKE, Percy Jesse
COOKE, Walter Henry
COOMBES, Harry Frederick
COOPER, Ernest
COPPARD, W.T
CORBETT, F
CORN, Harold Frank
COTTAM, William Frederick Thomas see KIRKCALDY, Douglas
COULSON, William Eugene, (New 02/10/2011)
COX, C.R.
COX, Frank Ernest (New 18/12/2010)
COX, John Benjamin
CROPLEY, Trefelyn Roland (Updated 03/05/2011)
CULVER, Arthur (New 09/03/2009)
CUMMING, Harry Allen (Updated 08/07/2011)
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
CHADBAND John Stanley, Private. G.178.
19th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.Died of Wounds 31 December 1915, aged 25.
Image Source: de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour
John Stanley Chadband was born on 3 February 1890 (GRO reference: Mar 1890 Epsom 2a 24) to Frank Charles and Kate Chadband (nee Norrington).
In the 1891 census the family lived in Church Street, Epsom. John's father Frank was a 32 year old hosier, employer. His mother Kate was aged 27. They employed 14 year old Gertrude Farley as a nursemaid.
1916 Chadband and Sons Tailors
Taken from the 1916 St Martin's Parish Magazine.
By 1901 the family had moved to 'Lenham' in Church Street. Frank was described as a clothes outfitter employer. John now had a sister, 7 year old Irene. They employed Kate Sharpe as a domestic servant.
The Soldiers died CD has the name incorrectly spelt as Chdband.
John was educated at the Whitgift Grammar School, Croydon. He served his articles as a surveyor with Messrs. J.& R. Kemp & Co., Holborn, Auctioneers and surveyors, etc. He was elected a professional Associate of the Surveyors' Institution in October 1913, and of the Auctioneers' Institute in May 1914.. He was on the Government Land Valuation Staff when war broke out. He volunteered, enlisted on 3 September 1914, and went to the front in France on 14 November 1915.
John, also known as Jack enlisted in Chichester. He served in the 19th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, which was in the 98 brigade, 33 Division. With a complement of 1,024 all ranks, the Battalion left Folkestone at 9.30am on 14 December 1915 accompanied by a destroyer, to arrive at Calais at 12.55pm. The battalion then moved to a rest camp at Boulogne arriving at 7pm. An advanced party consisting of 3 officers and 124 other ranks had already left England on the 12 November for Le Havre. John's medal card states he was in France on the 14 November, so he must have been with the advanced party.
On the 16 December the Battalion left Boulogne via pont de Briques, joining up with the advanced party, less one officer who had been left at Le Havre on entraining duties. Billeting at Thiennes was completed by 9.45pm. After various other billets the Battalion finally proceeded to trenches, arriving at Windy Corner Givenchy on the 22nd. Trench routine continued until Christmas day when the Battalion marched to Hinges. By the 30th the Battalion had moved from Hinges to Avelette, to Essars arriving at about 2pm. Throughout this time they had been carrying out routine trench work, and were not engaged in any recognised battles. Despite this 7 men from the 19 Royal Fusiliers lost their lives, most likely from shellfire or snipers.
Captain Hammond, in a letter to John's parents wrote: "Your son gave his life in gallantly doing his duty, and I and others sadly feel his loss," and his platoon commander: "I need hardly tell you your son was beloved by all who knew him; his behaviour under fire and other hardships we have from time to time to undergo was always the cheeriest character."
John died on 31 December 1915 from wounds received the previous day, and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery. His death was reported in the Epsom Advertiser dated 14 January 1916.
CHALWIN Albert, Driver. 163029.
106th Field Company, Royal Engineers.Died 20 November 1918, aged 27.
Albert's headstone in the St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Albert Chalwin was born in Hampshire in 1891 (GRO reference: Sep 1891 Catherington 2c 142) to Alfred and Emma Chalwin (nee Holmes).
In the 1891 census, before Albert was born, the family lived at Causeway, Catherington, Hampshire. Albert's father Alfred was a 35 year old general labourer, but had previously been a hoop maker. His mother Emma was also 35, and he had four siblings, Annie aged 9, Charlie aged 7, Herbert aged 3 and Bessie aged 1. Note: Spelt Chalwyn in ancestry.
In 1901 the family were at the same address, and both Charlie and Herbert were carters working on a farm. Another three siblings had arrived, Sidney aged 6, Horace aged 4 and Ernest aged 1.
It seems Albert's service papers did not survive, neither is there an entry in 'Soldiers Died' CD. There is no pension record in Ancestry, and no entry in the 'Surrey Recruitment Register' CD.
Albert married Emily May Clear in the September quarter of 1916. There appears to have been no children.
The CWGC web site entry tells us that Albert died on 20 November 1918, whilst serving with the 106th Field Company, Royal Engineers (RE). He was the husband of E. May Chalwin, of 68, Station Road, Epsom, and he is buried in grave S. III. O. 2., St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.
The 106th Field Company RE, from February 1915 was part of the 25th Division. This Division fought in many battles, including the Somme 1916, Messines 1917, Passchendaele 1917, Somme 1918, Lys 1918, Hindenburg Line 1918 and the final advance to victory 1918. Albert, whilst not a front line infantryman, would have seen much bloodshed. Having survived the war he was one of the millions killed by influenza.
Albert's medal card tells us that he was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal. The card bears two dates, one handwritten '6/2/22', and one stamped in red '4 SEP 1984'. The handwritten date is probably the date on which the medals were issued to his next of kin, but the significance of the 1984 date is not known.
Front of Albert's medal card.
Image courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk (Link opens in a new window)
Copyright 2009, The Generations Network, Inc. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states "ALBERT CHALWIN, whilst in Service in France he contracted influenza and died at Rouen on 20th November 1918. He was buried there".
EP SM
CHAMBERS, John Henry. Private. 241577
5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders.Killed in Action 12 April 1918, aged 32
John's inscription on the Ploegsteert Memorial to the missing, Belgium
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
John Henry Chambers was born in 1885 in Epsom (GRO reference: June 1885 Epsom 2a 21), the son of Frederick and Eliza Chambers (nee Edwards). Frederick and Eliza had married in Epsom in late 1884.
In 1891, the Chambers family were living in Oak Cottage on Epsom Common, next door to Harwood Cottage and Isabella Cottages. However, John Henry's maternal grandfather, John Edwards, was named as the head of the household and a dairyman by trade, while John's father Frederick was a watch and clockmaker. Although John Henry, aged 5, and his one year old sister Kate were both born in Epsom, his brother, 4 year old Frederick Thomas had been born in Landport, Hampshire. Frederick Thomas died in Epsom in 1893 at the age of 6 and he was buried in Epsom Cemetery in the Chambers family grave, A95A
In 1901 the family had moved next door to Harwood House. John's grandfather, a retired dairyman, was still named as the head of the household (his age was stated as 84, but the death of an 87 year old John Edwards was registered in the June quarter of 1901). John's father Frederick was a self employed watchmaker working from home and was assisted by John himself. His sister Kate was still at school. The head of the household in Oak Cottage next door, (now called Oak dairy) was 46 year old George Edwards, a dairyman employer, and the son of grandfather John Edwards.
| Name | Born - Died | Baptised | Father's occupation & residence | Married |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Henry Chambers | Born: 1885 Died:12 Apr 1918,aged 32 |
Martha Mary Elizabeth Chapman 1907 Epsom | ||
| Frederick Thomas Chambers | Born: 1887 Died: 1893, aged 6 |
|||
| Kate Chambers | Born: 4 Jun 1889 Died: Oct 1985, aged 96 |
18 Aug 1889 Christ Church | Clockmaker.Epsom Common | William Victor Foale 1919 Epsom |
John Henry Chambers married Martha Mary Elizabeth Chapman in 1907 in Epsom. They had two children:
| Name | Born - Died | Baptised | Father's occupation & residence | Married |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evelyn Kathleen Chambers | Born: 17 Apr 1907 Died: Jul 1997 |
16 Jun 1907 Christ Church | Postman 3 Loop Road | Jack A Birch 1932 Epsom |
| John Harwood Chambers | Born: 30 Dec 1908 | 27 Dec 1908 Christ Church | Postman. 3 Treadwell Road |
By the time of the 1911 census they were still living at 3, Treadwell Road. John's parents, Frederick and Eliza, had moved to Epsom High Street. Frederick had started in the drapery trade and was self-employed. Working with him in the shop were his wife Eliza and their daughter Kate. In 1919, Kate married William Victor Foale and had one daughter, Hazel, born in 1922.
John attested in Epsom on 8 December 1915 and was initially assigned to the 3rd Battalion East Surrey Regiment. The 3rd East Surreys was a training battalion, supplying trained men to any battalion in need of men. John stated that he was 31 years old, worked as a postman and lived at 5, Treadwell Road. He was 5 feet 7½ inches tall, weighed 144 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches with an expansion of 2 inches. John later transferred to the 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, which was in the 183rd Brigade, 61st Division.
In 1918 the Germans launched a series of battles with the aim of winning the war before the Americans arrived in overwhelming force. The first of these battles codenamed 'Michael' was fought in the Somme area between 21 March and 5 April 1918. The 61st Division having fought and suffered in 'Michael', was moved north, and was holding the line near the river Lys. The second of the German offensives, codenamed 'Georgette', (also known as the Battle of the Lys), was fought between 9 April and 29 April 1918.
The phase of the Battle of the Lys, known as the Battle of Hazebrouck was fought between 12 April and 15 April. Hazebrouck was a very important centre of communications, having railway links to the channel ports. The possibility of a German breakthrough to the channel ports worried the Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Douglas Haig, so much that he issued his famous Backs to the Wall special order of the day.
On 12 April John's battalion was attacked whilst was holding the line just south of Merville, and was forced to fall back. Twelve men from John's battalion lost their lives that day including John who has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 9 of the Ploegsteert Memorial to the missing, in Belgium.
John was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The CWGC citation states the John Henry was the husband of Martha Chambers of 5,Treadwell Road, Epsom. Martha later remarried in 1934 to Harold W Phillips and died in 1946 in Hendon. Note: The family had previously been shown as living at 3, Treadwell Road, so they either moved next door or a transcription error has crept in.
EP CC ESO
CHANDLER Dorothy Maud, Sister.
Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service.Died 15 November 1917, aged 31
Sister Chandler in uniform.
By kind permission of James Vivian.
Dorothy was born at Clewes, Church Street, Epsom on 2 Jan 1886 (GRO reference: Mar 1886 Epsom 2a 21) and baptised at Christ Church, Epsom on 7 Feb, the daughter of James Alexander and Sarah Alice Chandler nee Bell. She was one of seven children:
| Ethel H Mary | born 1881 (GRO reference: Mar 1881 Lambeth 1d 548) |
| Harold James | 1884 baptised at Christ Church Epsom 18 Sep 1884 |
| Dorothy Maud | 1886 baptised at Christ Church Epsom 7 Feb 1886 |
| Reginald Richard | c1888 |
| Noel Edgar | 1890 baptised at Christ Church Epsom 15 Dec 1890 |
| Ada Marjorie | 1893 baptised at Christ Church Epsom 21 Aug 1892 |
| Phyllis May | 1896 baptised at Christ Church Epsom 9 Oct 1896 |
On her birth certificate her father gave his occupation as gentleman. The 1891 and 1901 census returns and contemporary directories list him as a tea dealer and 'Agent' (probably insurance) living at Inglewood House, South Street, Epsom. Several generations of James Chandlers had been brewers and maltsters in South Street.
Dorothy was privately educated at school in Epsom. At 15 she caught rheumatic fever which unfortunately damaged the mitral valves of her heart. It had been her dream to be a nurse, but the major London hospitals did not consider her to be fit enough to train. She was accepted at a day training college at Moorfield and then trained at the Epsom Union Infirmary for three years starting on 26 May 1910. When she left on 7 December 1914 she had achieved the position of Charge Nurse.
She applied to be a military nurse on 28 Dec 1914 and the application form records that she had experience of nursing two cases of enteric fever. She gave Sister Large, the superintendent nurse at the Epsom Infirmary and Miss Foskett who had been billeted to the Metropole Hotel, Newcastle on Tyne as her referees. She was informed in a letter dated 14 Jan 1915 that she had been accepted as a reserve i.e for the duration of the emergency. She was to report to Mount Vernon hospital and then to Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital, Grosvenor Rd, London ,SW1.
On 28 April 1917 she left England with another nurse, Miss Probert, for France, arriving at the 26 General Hospital at Etaples near Calais on 29 April. The senior nursing officer was surprised to see them as there had been no notification from England that they were coming. The main object of the visit seems to have been to observe a new technique for dealing with wounds to reduce infection, the Carrel-Dakin treatment, and on 9 May they moved on to the No 1 British Red Cross hospital (Duchess of Westminster's ) Le Touquet to observe the method in use. They returned to the hospital at Grosvenor Road, London on 16 May 1917.
Her brothers also signed up for war service. Harold James was a sergeant in the 5th Army Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, Reginald was a sergeant in the 9 East Surrey, and Noel had returned from New Zealand to serve in the Royal Flying Corps.
On 29 September 1917 Dorothy suffered a cerebral embolism or clot on the brain from which she subsequently died at 7.25am on 15 November 1917, at the hospital for QAIMNS in Vincent Square, Westminster. (GRO reference: Dec 1917 St Geo H Sq 1a 517).
Newspaper cutting of her funeral.
Reproduced with kind permission of James Vivian.
Her family arranged a lavish funeral on 20 Nov 1917. Her body was collected by a brougham with 2 horses from 71 Vincent Square and taken to St Matthew's mortuary Great Peter Street. London. The coffin was of French-polished elm with brass handles and an engraved plate. The inside was lined with padded wool with a swan's down ruffle pillow, all trimmed with white satin. It was taken by train to Epsom and then picked up by another brougham and two horses to take it to Ashley Road Cemetery, Epsom for final interment in the family plot.
Dorothy's grave in Epsom Cemetery
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
The pay that was due to her plus some other credits was to be returned to her serving brothers and her mother. The War Office took quite a while to resolve this, repeatedly sending the correspondence to her eldest brother at a wrong address, and taking some time to refund the money. After writing several times, her mother had to explain that the delay was causing her financial difficulties and that she would be unable to pay the undertaker, Thomas Viger's invoice of £16 19s unless the War Office remunerated the money.
At the time of Dorothy's death, her mother and sister Phyllis Brown, were living at Dunbar, Tate Road Sutton although on the CWGC she is listed at 12 Park Villas, Cheam, Surrey.
CHANDLER G, Bomdardier
Royal ArtilleryDied 23 February 1919, aged 35
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Royal Artillery. Died on 23 February 1919. Buried in St. Mary's Churchyard, Ewell. Aged 35 years. Son of Alfred and Eliza Chandler, Ewell. Not listed on any memorial.
CHANNELL Walter, Corporal. 57173.
173 Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)Died of wounds 6 August 1917, aged 34
Corporal Channell's inscription on the Estaires Communal Cemetery Extension, IV G 13
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
Walter Henry Channell was born in 1882 (GRO ref: Dec 1882 Epsom 2a although "Soldiers Died" CD records that he was born in Worcester Park), the son of Alfred Channell and Elizabeth nee Hardy, who was originally from Dorset. Alfred and Elizabeth had married in 1875.
The 1891 census shows the family living at 'Old Brickfield' in Epsom Road, Ewell. By this time his father, Alfred, was working as a general labourer although in the previous census he had been listed as a coachman. Walter had three older siblings, Alfred George (14), William Charles (12) and Elizabeth (10), all born in Cheam.
By the 1901 Walter was working as a domestic gardener and boarding with an older gardener and his wife at Durfold Cottages, Dunsfold, although his parents still lived at "Old Brickfield", in Ewell. His brother William had become an Insurance Agent.
In 1905 Walter married Martha Murrey (GRO ref: Mar 1905 Reigate 2a 271) and in 1909 they had a son, Walter Murray Channell. (GRO ref: Mar 1909 Epsom 2a 29). I have found no other births. The 1915 electoral roll showed him living at 11 Meadow Walk, Ewell.
Meadow Walk in 2006
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
"Soldiers Died" records that Walter enlisted at Cranleigh, but I can find no record of him in the Surrey recruitment registers. He was initially no. 6137 West Surrey Regiment, but at some time transferred as no. 57173, to the 173 Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). The 173 company MGC became part of the 57th Division on 31 March 1917. The first offensive in which the division took was the 2nd battle of Passchendaele between 26 October and 10 November 1917, but Walter did not participate as he had already died of wounds on 6 August 1917 aged 34. He is buried in Estaires Communal Cemetery Extension, IV G 13. He was probably one of the many victims of the war who was not killed taking part a major offensive. Even during 'quiet' periods shelling and sniping still claimed many lives, as did disease and accidents. He is also remembered on the St Mary's Ewell War Memorial, but as William Henry Channell.
Channel is shown as Sergeant on the Dog Gate memorial but as Corporal on his gravestone. The CWGC stone would be correct, I'm sure, which highlights the confusion there must have been when communities were erecting their shrines and memorials, using the best available information at the time.
His widow subsequently re-married, becoming Martha Cavanagh, and moved to 471 Marjorie Street, St James, Winnipeg, Canada.
BH EW ES. Also appears on the Leatherhead war memorial.
CHILDS James, Private. 14493.
2nd Battalion Hampshire Regiment.Killed in Action 21 June 1915, aged 36.
James's headstone in Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles
Image courtesy of Debbie Wilbur ©2011
James Childs was born in 1878 (GRO reference: Sep 1878 Kingston 2a 294) to Avery and Mary Ann Childs (nee Conling).
In the 1881 census the family lived in Malden (now known as Old Malden). James' father was a 48 year old farm bailiff, his mother was 47. James had seven older siblings Sarah aged 23, William aged 21, Eliza aged 19, Avery H. aged 14, Mary A. aged 13, Alfred aged 10 and Arthur aged 8.
By the 1891 census they had moved to 'Glory Farm House, Chart Lane, Dorking. James' father was now shown as a farmer.
In the 1901 census James lived at 7 Heath Hill, Dorking, and had married Jane Emma Martingale (GRO reference: Dec 1898 Dorking 2a 349) and they had a child Arthur James (GRO reference: Mar 1899 Dorking 2a 169). James was working as a cowman.
The 1915 electoral roll has a James Childs living in Chessington Road.
The Surrey Recruitment Register CD has an entry for an I Childs, attesting at Kingston on 12 November 1914 into the Hampshire Regiment. His age is shown as 38 years 0 months, and his birthplace as Wimbledon (Wimbledon came under Kingston registration district). He was 6 feet ½ inches tall, weighed 160 lbs, had a chest measurement of 42 inches with an expansion of 4 inches. He was a labourer. Could this be James Childs?
James served in the 2nd Hampshire Regiment, 88 Brigade, 29 Division. The 2nd Hampshires landed on V beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
James was killed in action on 21st June 1915, the only man to die from the battalion on that day, and is buried in Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles, Special Memorial, 132. For more information on the Gallipoli campaign see the Gallipoli Association website (Opens in a new window).
Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles
Images courtesy of Debbie Wilbur ©2011
BH EW AS
CHITTENDEN Arthur George, 2nd Lieutenant.
379 Battery 169 Brigade Royal Field ArtilleryKilled in Action 21 August 1917, aged 25.
Newspaper photograph of Arthur Chittenden
Arthur was born in Hersham Surrey on 25 Aug 1891 (GRO Reference: Sept 1891 Chertsey 2a 39), the elder son of Arthur and Emily Elizabeth Chittenden nee Shaw (GRO Reference: Mar 1889 strand 1b 674). Emily was the daughter of John Thomas Shaw and had lived in Epsom.
In 1901 the family was living at The Green, Hersham. Arthur senior was a draper employing staff, and two female draper's assistants lived-in with the family. Arthur George was 9 years old and no siblings are recorded.
The birth of Arthur's brother Reginald John was registered in the September quarter of 1901. Soon after, the death of his father aged 39 was registered in Chertsey in the December quarter of 1901.
By the 1911 census the family had moved to Redcott, College Road, Epsom. Arthur's widowed mother was working as a school mistress, and Arthur was working as a clerk for a Colonial merchant. They had Mabel Hedley working for them as a domestic servant. The census also records that Reginald John was attending the Warehousemen Clerks and Drapers Orphan School at Russell Hill, Purley, Surrey.
Arthur George was educated at Russell Hill School, and had become a marine insurance expert and underwriter. He married Frances Maude Thomas, daughter of Rhys Thomas of 33 Dennington Park Road, West Hampstead on 19 Feb 1916 at Emmanuel Church West Hampstead.
He joined the West London Mounted Rifles early in 1916 and the RHA OTC in November 1916, later transferring to Officers RHA Cadet School at Lords St John's Wood NW London. He was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant RFA 6 May 1917. He served with the Expeditionary Force in France 2 July 1917.
He was killed at Armentières on 21 August 1917 whilst serving with 169th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, just four days before his 26th birthday, and was buried in the Anzac Cemetery, Sailly-sur-la-Lys, France. The most likely cause of his death was enemy shelling. Each side would do their utmost to silence each others guns.
Arthur's headstone in Anzac Cemetery, Sailly-sur-la-Lys
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
His CO wrote that ever since he had been in the battery "we had been under more or less continuous shell fire. On every occasion he had shown the greatest coolness and disregard for his own safety when any of his men were in danger and it was largely owing to his forethought and care that there were as few casualties in his section. He met his death whilst attempting to make sure that his men were all safe."
A brother officer wrote "Of his pluck and excellence as an officer I cannot speak too highly and some of his men writing home about it afterwards spoke of him with real emotion and regret."
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 3 August 1917:
THE LATE SEC.-LT. CHITTENDEN.
DEVOTED YOUNG OFFICER KILLED IN ACTION.Second-Lieut. Arthur George Chittenden. R. F.A., who was killed in action in France on August 21st, aged 25 was the elder son of Mrs. Chittenden, head mistress of the Girls Council School, Epsom, and lived in Epsom until his marriage 18 months ago. He was educated at Russell Hill. Before taking his commission he held an important position in the house of Messrs. Gordon, Woodroffe and Co. His commanding officer writes:- "Ever since he joined the battery he had been in dangerous and exposed positions, and under more or less continuous shell fire. On every occasion he had shown the greatest coolness and disregard for his own safety when any of his men were in danger, and it was largely owing to his forethought and care that there were so few casualties in his section. He met his death while attempting to make sure that his men were all safe. His place in our mess will be a difficult one to fill, and we all deplore the loss of such a promising officer and good companion."
Arthur's medal card shows that prior to receiving his commission he was Gunner No. 177153 in the Royal Artillery. His widow received his British War Medal and his Victory Medal. She was living at 33 Dennington Park Road, NW6.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that ARTHUR GEORGE CHITTENDEN, was killed in action on 21st August 1917 at Armentières.
EP SM
CHITTY L.D.M.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ewell Old Boys Memorial).
CHONEY Albert Walter MM, Sergeant. S/505.
2nd Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).Killed in Action 26 October 1917, aged 28
Albert's inscription on the Tyne Cott Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Albert Walter Choney was born in 1889 (GRO reference: Sep 1889 Hambledon 2a 145) to William George and Alice Mary Choney (nee Carpenter).
Albert's siblings:
| William George | born 1888 Hambledon | Served RWS KIA 16 Nov 1914. Buried Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery, Belgium. |
| Herbert John | born 1891 Hambledon. | Served RWS Labour company. Worked for the council. Died in the general hospital Ramsgate aged 45, and was buried in plot K478 Epsom cemetery on 20 April 1936. |
| Alice Mary | born 1893 Hambledon. | |
| Ernest James | born 1896 Hambledon. | Served RWS, awarded the MM. |
| Annie Harriet | born 1902 Hambledon. |
In the 1891 census the family lived in Birtley Road, Bramley, Surrey. Albert's father William was a 31 year old agricultural labourer who came from Worplesdon, Surrey. His mother Alice was aged 26 and his older brother William (also destined to die in the war) was aged 3, both were born in Bramley. Also living with them was Alice's 67 year old mother Mary Carpenter, and her 29 year old brother John who was a general labourer.
By the 1901 census the family were still living in Birtley Road Bramley Surrey, but Albert's father William was recorded as a 43 year old bricklayer's labourer.
By the time the 1911 census was taken the family, consisting of William, Alice, Albert, Herbert, Ernest and the youngest sibling Annie, had moved to Batts Farm Cottages Warlingham where father William was a carter. The information provided by William showed that he and Alice had been married for 26 years. Albert's brother William was a corporal in the 2nd Battalion The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment), stationed in Gibraltar.
When the family moved to Epsom is unclear but in 1912 Albert married Annie Elizabeth Mansfield (GRO reference: Dec 1912 Epsom 2a 37). Annie died, aged 57, in St Frances hospital East Dulwich and was buried in plot M283 Epsom cemetery on 5 May 1939.
All four of the Choney brothers served in the war, and all four served in the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment. Albert and William were destined to loose their lives, whilst Albert and Ernest both won the Military Medal. Their names appeared in the London Gazettes dated 21 October 1916 and 14 December 1917, respectively. Unfortunately there is no information in the Gazettes on how they won their medals. Neither is there any information about them in the Battalion War Diaries.
No records survive that show Albert's height, but his brothers records do and might give an indication of how tall he was. Surviving records show William to be 6 feet 1 inch tall, Herbert to be 5 feet 10 inches tall and Ernest to be 5 feet 11 inches tall. All very tall for their era.
Trench Map of Dumbarton Lakes
click image to enlarge
Albert's medal card tells us that he first went to France on 27 July 1915. It is therefore likely that he fought at Loos and on the Somme in 1916. In October 1917 he fought in the battle of Passchendaele. The following is an extract from the Battalion War Diary dated 26 October 1917:
The weather became overcast and cloudy about 2.0. a.m. and rain was falling when zero hour, 5.40 a.m. was reached.
The barrage appeared to start simultaneously down the line and at 6.10 a.m. the O.P. reported by runner that the attack appeared to be progressing well.
Very shortly after, the O.P. was struck by a shell which buried or temporarily stunned the garrison who shortly returned with the information that the advance had suffered a check and that the considerable disorganisation was taking place among the advancing troops, which appeared to be the result of the battalions on the left and right both converging on to LEWIS HOUSE, where the main obstruction had been encountered.
As a result of the congestion, it was not possible for the Stokes guns under 2nd Lieut. E. Schult to fire in reply to the pre-arranged signal of 2 white Very lights, and, moreover, the hostile machine guns in LEWIS HOUSE were afforded a target of confused units, instead of meeting with the organised assault of small controlled bodies.
Before reaching this point, all the officers with the exception of 2nd Lieut. J.P. Howells, M.C. commanding "A" Coy and Captain G.A. Streeter commanding "D" Coy, had become casualties.
Despite the confusion, these two officers pressed on, made several organised attempts to out-flank the concrete structure constituting LEWIS HOUSE, and, when unsuccessful, established themselves and a composite party from all Regiments in posts about 200 yards from LEWIS HOUSE.
The loss of direction above noted, resulted in gaps being formed in the general line both to the right and left of LEWIS HOUSE and these gaps were filled as far as possible by organising troops who had drifted from their alignment and by bringing forward the 2 reserve attached Coys of the 22nd Bn. Manchester Regt. to make touch with the 21st Bn. Manchester Regt on the right. Two new Vickers M.G. Sections were also sent in to cover the front.
By dusk the original front line had been re-established and touch with units on both flanks secured. The hostile shelling of the areas immediately un rear of the front line became intense about noon and was maintained until after dusk.
The remaining elements of the Battalion and the 2 Coys of the 22nd Bn Manchester Regt. were relieved on the night of 26/27thh by 3 Coys of the 2/H.A.C., relief being complete by 3.30 a.m. and successfully carried out under the direction of Captain Murray, M.C. 22nd Bn. Manchester Regt. who had previously shown great skill and leadership in getting these 2 Coys into position under difficult circumstances.
Two Posts, under Captain G.A. Streeter, being in advance of the old front line stayed out 24 hours after the relief of the main body, not having been found until daylight. Two messages from this post had come through by day but it was practically cut off from all communication in daylight.
The elements withdrawn from the line marched back to dug-outs at LOCK 8 - the garrisons of different posts arriving at various hours from 4.0 a.m. to 12.0 noon on the 27th instant.
Albert was killed in action on 26 October 1917 as were 97 other men from the 2nd Battalion Queens. His body was never identified and he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial to the missing. He was awarded the 1915 star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that "ALBERT WALTER CHONEY, was wounded and missing in Belgium and presumed killed in action 26th October 1916 (sic). He was awarded the Military Medal."
EP SM
CHONEY William George, Sergeant. L/8977.
2nd Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).Killed in Action 16 November 1914, aged 26.
William's headstone in the Wervicq Communal Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
William George Choney was born in 1888 (GRO reference: Jun 1888 Hambledon 2a 140) to William George and Alice Mary Choney (nee Carpenter).
William's siblings:
| Albert Walter | born 1889 Hambledon | Served RWS. Awarded the MM. Killed in action 26 October 1917. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial. |
| Herbert John | born 1891 Hambledon. | Served RWS Labour company. Worked for the council. Died in the general hospital Ramsgate aged 45, and was buried in plot K478 Epsom cemetery on 20 April 1936. |
| Alice Mary | born 1893 Hambledon. | |
| Ernest James | born 1896 Hambledon. | Served RWS, awarded the MM. |
| Annie Harriet | born 1902 Hambledon. |
In the 1891 census the family lived in Birtley Road, Bramley, Surrey. William's father, also William was a 31 year old agricultural labourer who came from Worplesdon, Surrey. His mother Alice was aged 26 and his younger brother Albert (also destined to die in the war) was aged 1, both were born in Bramley. Also living with them was Alice's 67 year old mother Mary Carpenter, and her 29 year old brother John who was a general labourer.
By the 1901 census the family were still living in Birtley Road Bramley Surrey, but William's father was recorded as a 43 year old bricklayer's labourer.
By the time the 1911 census was taken, William was a regular soldier serving as a corporal in the 2nd Battalion The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment), stationed in Gibraltar.
All four of the Choney brothers served in the war, and all four served in the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment. William and Albert were destined to loose their lives, whilst Albert and Ernest both won the Military Medal. Their names appeared in the London Gazettes dated 21 October 1916 and 14 December 1917, respectively. Unfortunately there is no information in the Gazettes about how they won their medals. Neither is there any information about them in the Battalion War Diaries.
William enlisted in the Militia on 7 November 1906, and having spent 49 days as a Militiaman he presumably liked the life of a soldier and joined the regular Army. Fortunately many of William's 'burnt' service papers survive, although many are in very poor condition. He attested in Guildford on 27 December 1906, giving his age as 19 years and 10 months. He stated that he was already serving with the 3rd Queens, and that he was a labourer. At 6 feet 1 inch he was taller than average. On enlistment he weighed 144 lbs, but after 6 months service he weighed 151 lbs. His chest measured 36 inches on enlistment but apparently only 35 after 6 months, but expansion remained at 2 inches. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes, light brown hair, and perfect vision. He also had 'A mole 3 inches to the right and below naval. His religion was Church of England.
After attesting at Guildford he was, by 26 March 1907 in Colchester, by 7 January 1910 in Gibraltar, by 16 January 1912 in Bermuda, by 16 February in Pretoria, South Africa, by 19 September 1914 he was back in England (via Southampton) and he landed at Zeebrugge, Belgium on 4 October 1914.
William's conduct sheet has a few interesting entries:
- Between joining on 27 December 1906 and 7 February 1908 he was punished for a 'Number of cases of drunkenness'.
- He received a 'Good Conduct Award' on 28 December 1908.
- In Bermuda, on 20 January 1913, he was reprimanded for 'Neglect of duty when handing over to duty sergeant, i.e. not handing over a correct list of standing fatigues forms by the company'.
- Whilst at Robert's Heights, on 3 April 1914, Lance Sergeant. Making an improper remark to a senior NCO. Reprimanded.
- Whilst aboard HMT Kenilworth Castle, on 13 September 1914. When company representative (remainder illegible). Reprimanded.
Whilst still soldiering in Bermuda as a Corporal with a very good character reference, and after 6 years and 2 months service, he signed up to extend his army service to 12 years. Then on 27 November 1913, as a Lance Sergeant his Army employment sheet described his 'Character from civil employment point of view', as 'Very good. An excellent man in every way; thoroughly reliable and well above the average in intelligence'. The form also showed that he had been a 'Caterer R.A.T.A. 1910-11' and that he was 'In charge of Transport 1913'.
On 11 January 1915 a letter was sent to his father stating that his son had died of wounds received in action on 16 November 1914, and he was requested to 'complete the attached forms' to enable accounts to be settled.
Another of William's 'burnt' documents tells us that he died of wounds on 16 November 1914, and that the German Government had notified, via the American embassy that he was 'Shot to the head right side and hand', and that he had been buried at Wervicq. After the war, as part of the massive reconstruction of the Western Front, he was one of the many thousands of men who were exhumed and reburied in dedicated war cemeteries. He now lies buried in plot IV. D. 14, Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) cemetery in Belgium, which, like all British War Cemeteries in France and Flanders, is carefully tended by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It is a sobering thought that between landing in Belgium on 4 October 1914 and 16 November 226 men from 2nd Queens had lost their lives. By the end of 1914 this number had risen to 278, which represents about 30% of their total force.
In January 1915, whilst living at Longdown Cottage, Ewell, his father William wrote to the No. 10 District Infantry Record Office at Hounslow regarding his sons effects. Unfortunately the letter is rather too 'burnt' for it to be read fully. Another of the 'burnt' papers shows that his father, before moving to Longdown Cottage, lived at 'Log Carters Cottages, Epsom Downs'.
William's father was informed by letter that his son's grave had 'been registered by the officers of the Graves Registration' and that his son was buried in 'Wervicq Communal Cemetery, 7 ½ miles S.E. of Ypres'. Unfortunately the date has been burnt off, but would have been after the Armistice.
William has an entry in de Ruvigny's 'ROLL OF HONOUR 1914-1918' that reads 'CHONEY, WILLIAM, Sergt., No. 8977, Royal West Surrey Regt., s. of William Choney of Ewell. co. Surrey; served with the Expeditionary Force; died of wounds 16 Nov. 1914'.
William was awarded the 1914 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal. His medals plaque and scroll were sent to his parents at 15 Beaconsfield Cottage, East Street, Epsom.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that "His brother WILLIAM GEORGE CHONEY, was in the army at the outbreak of the war. He died a prisoner in Germany on 16th November 1914, from wounds received in action."
EP SM
CHURCH John William, Lieutenant
Hertfordshire Regt.Killed in Action 30 March 1918, aged 39
Lt. John Willliam Church on the Herts Regt Harrow Roll Of Honour
John Willliam Church was born in Marylebone London on 29 Nov 1878 (GRO reference: Mar 1879 Marylebone 1a 542) to William Selby Church and his wife Sybil Constance. His father was a Physician with a practice in Harley Street London but he also owned 230 acres of land (location unknown) which he employed people to farm.
In 1881 census the family was living at 130 Harley Street, London, and it also records that John had a sister two years his senior, Ursula Nina. The household was quite sizeable with a coachman, cook, footman, housemaid kitchen maid, nurse and nursemaid.
In the 1891 census the family lived at Woodside House in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. William is still described as a practising medical doctor. The household in Hatfield was much smaller consisting of just a lady's maid and a gardener, and it may have been a temporary residence since by 1901 the family is back at 130 Harley Street and another son has been born, Godfrey aged 14. Ursula is still at home. John was visiting the Thompson family in North Mimms, Hatfield. Arthur Farrell, a land agent, and his wife were visiting the Harley Street residence.
John was educated at Harrow and University College Oxford. He was called to the Bar as a barrister. His army file shows that he had been in government service prior to enlisting, serving as District Commissioner in the Gold Coast Colony in Mar 1907, as Assistant Colonial Secretary 1910 and Director of Education 1911.
He married Brenda Parkinson at St Mary Abbott in Kensington 9 Sept 1908, witnessed by Rev Nicholson and William Selby Church (GRO Reference: Sept 1908 Kensington 1a 292). They had three daughters: Margaret Sybil born 3 Dec 1909, Barbara Brenda born 12 Dec 1910 and Anne Isabella born 8 Aug 1914. The older daughters had been born at Gloucester Terrace London and baptised in Hatfield whereas Anne was born and baptised at Glyn House Ewell by the Rector of Ewell.
John had been a private in the 16th Public School Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment (The Medal roll gives service number as 380). He attested at St James Street London 11 September 1914. Although he was able to ride he expressed a wish to serve in the Infantry and was assigned to 2nd Reserve Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment. He gave his address as Glyn House Ewell. He was given his commission on 4 Jan 1915 and served in the 2nd/1st Hertfordshire Regiment 207th Infantry Brigade. 2nd/1st Hertfordshire Regiment was disbanded on 20th September 1917, when John would have transferred to the 1st/1st Hertfordshires, 116 Brigade, 39 Division.
John was unusually tall for the time at 6ft 3ins, with a healthy complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His eyesight was not good and he had been rejected from service previously because of it. He contracted mumps in May 1917 and the Middlesborough Medical board on 4 May 1917 sent him to a fever hospital so that he could be isolated. He suffered pain and swollen glands and the illness left him debilitated. He was sent to the 3rd North General Hospital in Sheffield and then to the Furness Auxiliary Hospital in Harrogate to recuperate. He was declared fit to return to duty in August 1917 and instructed to report to the Embarkation commandant before 4pm on 17 Aug 1917.
On the 21 March 1918, the Germans had launched a huge offensive, the 'Kaiserschlact', their last desperate attempt to win the war before the Americans arrived in strength. In the late afternoon John's battalion had taken up positions in what was known as the 'Brown Line' at St Emilie, north west of St Quentin. This was to be the first day of a fighting retreat that would see the 1st/1st Hertfordshires retreat about 30 miles, until on 29 March they went into trenches in front of Aubercourt, a small village to the south east of Amiens. Lt John Church was killed the following day. The Battalion war diary of 30 March records the following:
"Today (March 30th) saw the enemy advancing on the right flank on the other side of the river de Luce. He very soon enfiladed our positions both with artillery and machine guns. This was followed by a strong enemy bombardment and attack on our front. After a stubborn resistance the Bn. fell back to the Bois de Hangard, making two counter attacks en route."
Lt. Church's inscription on the Pozières Memorial
Lt Church is listed on Panel 89 and 90 of the Pozières Memorial. His military effects were returned to his widow who was living at the Corner House Ashley Road Epsom. They included a cheque book and counterfoils, a wrist watch and strap, a prismatic compass, a normal compass, 2 pocket wallets with a letter and photos, one pair of spectacles in a case, a cigarette lighter and some badges. The Epsom Advertiser 23 August 1918 reported that his estate was valued at £1,476.
The Ewell Parish Council wrote expressing its sympathy with Mrs. Church, his widow.
CLAPHAM Christofer Albon, 2nd Lieutenant.
8 Bn York and Lancaster Regt.Killed in Action 10 February 1916, aged 40
Christofer's headstone in the Rue David Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Christofer Albon Clapham was born 15 Sept 1875 (GRO reference: Dec 1875 Dunmow 4a 413) to George Dixon and Mary Ann Clapham (nee Randall) in the Hendon registration district..
| NAME | BORN | NOTES |
| Thomas Dixon | December quarter 1868 | |
| Ellen May | September quarter 1870 | |
| Harriet Louisa | September quarter 1872 | |
| John King | December quarter 1873 | Died September quarter 1874 aged 0 |
| Edward William | December quarter 1873 | |
| Christofer Albon | December quarter 1875 | KIA 10 February 1916 |
| Arthur Lewis | December quarter 1878 | |
| Violet | June quarter 1884 |
In the 1881 census the family is recorded at Gas Lane, Great Dunmow. (In 1871 and 1891 they are living at Back Lane in Great Dunmow so it is possible the road name changed). His father, George, was 46 and a Corn and Coal merchant. His mother, Mary Ann, was 34 and five of their children were living at home: Ellen May aged 10, Harriet Louisa K aged 9, Edward William aged 7, Christofer Albon (spelt Christopher on the census returns) aged 5 and Arthur Lewis aged 2.
The family employed four servants including a nurse. The 1871 census shows an older child, Thomas Dixon who in 1881 was boarding at Felstead Grammar school, Essex.
In 1891 the family is living in Back Lane Great Dunmow, George, at 56, is still a corn merchant and living with Mary Anne aged 44. Ellen 20, Harriet 19, Arthur 12 are living at home plus a younger daughter, Violet aged 7, but Edward and Christofer are boarders at Felstead Grammar School.
Christofer's father George died in 1893 and by 1901 Mary Anne had moved to Belvedere Road in Penge along with Thomas, Harriet and Violet with two servants. There is no trace of Christofer in the 1901 census. In November 1893 he joined the London Rifle Brigade and was with them until April 1912, so he was probably in the South African war as indicated in his obituary.
In the 1911 census the family lived at Suffolk House, Worple Road, Epsom. Christofer's widowed mother Mary Ann is shown as the head of the family. She stated that she had given birth to eight children and that seven were still living. Brother Thomas was an electrical engineer, whilst Christofer was an assistant manager to a Colonial merchant. The family employed two domestic servants.
On 10 February 1915 was accepted a commission into the 8 York and Lancaster Regiment. On his application papers he is recorded as being 5ft 9ins tall, 158lbs, with a 33ins chest and 3½in expansion. His teeth were good and he was physically fit. He was able to ride a little. He gave his address as with his mother at Suffolk House, Worple Road, Epsom but his address for correspondence as 9 Beaconsfield Terrace, Hythe. The certification of his education was signed by the Dean of Brompton Hospital Medical school, University of London. Further research is needed on this. His obituary merely states that he gave up an important civilian position to serve his country.
Christofer went to France with his Battalion on 27 August 1915, disembarking at Boulogne. During January and February 1916 on the Western Front, no major battles were raging. The line was being held, with the usual shelling, sniping and raiding parties taking their inevitable toll of casualties. During early February 1916 Christofer's Battalion was in a quite sector at Fleurbaix in Brigade reserve, providing working and carrying parties up to the front line.
On the 7 February they moved up into front line trenches near the village of La Boutillerie. On 10 February the Germans shelled the parapet at map reference N5/1, with high explosive shells. One of the high explosive shells entered a dug out which also served as the officers mess. The shell killed 2Lt Christofer Alban Clapham.
Trench map of Christofer Clapham's position.
Click on image to enlarge.
Initially he was buried at Croix Marechal, south east of Fleurbaix. (Map sheet 36, sq, H, 34.a.9.7. but in 1920, the CWGC was consolidating the burial grounds and he was re-interred in the Rue David Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix. His obituary appeared in the Times on 21 Feb 1916. His plaque and War Scroll were sent to his mother but his brother Edward was the Grantee for his effects.
He had an unusually extensive inventory of items and he had prepared well for uncomfortable conditions:
Field boots 1 pair, 3 pairs of ankle boots, 1 rubber bag, 1 cardigan, 1 muffler, 3 shirts,2 pillow cases, 1 tunic, 1 vest,1 pillow, 1 canteen in cover, 5 pairs of socks,3 pairs of woollen gloves,1 belt, 1 pair of scissors, 2 pocket knives, 2 pipe lighters, 1 housewife,1 safety razor sharpener, 1 pair of spectacles, 1 pair of hair clippers, 5 handkerchieves, 3 collars, 3 neck ties, 1 pair of slippers in case, 1 camp wash basin and bath in case, 2 pipes, 1 wallet, toilet case, safety razor in case, 2 tins of shaving soap, 1 tin tooth paste, 1 shaving brush, 2 shaving brushes, 1 nail brush, 1 pair of braces, 1 pencil, 1 valise, 1 collapsible lamp, 1 pair legging (sic)1 dictionary, 1 revolver Webly (broken), 1 cream jug, 1 compass (broken), 3 pocket books, cheque book and dictionary went missing during transit home. A separate parcel sent home on 28 Feb 1916 included a spirit flask, a wire cutter and jack knife, letter +1 receipt, 1 pkt of gelatine lamels, 1 note case with 3 francs and tobacco pouch.
Christofer was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that "CRISTOFER ALBON CLAPHAM, was killed in action near Fleurbaix on the 10th February 1916."
The CWGC states that he was the son of Mary Anne Clapham, of Suffolk House, Worple Road, Epsom, and the late George Dixon Clapham. Native of Great Dunmow, Essex, and is buried plot I. H. 44. in the Rue David Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix.
EP SM
CLARK Cyril Stephen, Private. 30145
4th Bedfordshire RegtDied of wounds 30 March 1918, aged 31
Cyril Stephen Clark was born in 1887 in Brockley, Kent (GRO Refence:Mar 1887 Greenwich 1d 1028) to Stephen William and Alice Edith Clark (nee Corrie).
The 1891 census shows the family living at 45 Ravensbourne St, Deptford, Greenwich. His father was a tram conductor, born in New Cross, Kent and his mother hailed from Everton in Lancashire. There was an older sister Violet aged 5, and two younger brothers, Percy aged 2 and Bertie aged 10 months.
It seems that his mother died in 1894 at the age of 32 (GRO Reference: Sep 1884 Wandsworth 1d 346).
The 1901 census shows the family living at 47 Athledene Road, Wandsworth, and that his father had re-married to Jane from Norfolk. By now Cyril was 14 years old and working as an ironmonger's assistant.
Cyril married in 1910 to Edith Clara Penfold (GRO Reference: Mar 1910 Wandsworth 1d 965), and their son, Frank H Clark, was born in 1913 (GRO Reference: Sep 1913 Epsom 2a 64). Frank was baptised at St Mary's Ewell 5 October 1915 and at that time Cyril is described as "a Grocer's Assistant".
Mill Lane in 2006
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
Cyril appears in the Surrey Regiment recruitment register, albeit with an 'E' added to his surname Clark. He attested in Epsom on 6 December 1915. He was 5feet 5inches tall and weighed 117lbs. His chest measured 34 inches with an expansion of 2inches. He was now a grocer, and lived in Mill Lane, Ewell.
On 21 March 1918 the long expected all out German offensive, 'The Kaiser's Battle', began. This was the German's last desperate gamble to win the war before the Americans arrived in force. The 4th Bedfords were in second line defences at Ribecourt-La-Tour when the attack came. They were ordered to withdraw and over the next few days they retreated over the ground that had been won at such enormous cost during the battle of the Somme in 1916. By 27 March they were west of Albert and were ordered to attack the railway. This cost the lives of 29 officers and men.
Cyril Stephen Clark died of wounds on 30 March 1918, and was most likely wounded during the fighting retreat that started on 21 March. During this period the 4 Bedfords lost 65 officers and men. Cyril is commemorated in Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension No 1, V B 18.
CLARK Edward, Private. L17404
4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 17th April 1918, aged 17
Edward Clark was born Ewell on 14 February 1901 (GRO Reference Mar 1901 2a 28) to Robert and Clara Clark (nee Sloper). His parents were married in 1886.
Edward's Headstone in Pernes British Cemetery
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2010
I have been unable to find Edward in the 1901 census, but he would have not long been born. For information on the family from the 1901 census see the entry for Edward's brother, Robert.
Edward attended Ewell Boys School in West Street from 27 April 1908 to 12 December 1915.
In the 1911 census the family lived at Longdown Cottages, Ewell. Edward's father Robert, the head of the household, was aged 53 and was working as a groom and gardener. His mother Clara was 47, and stated that all the six children she had given birth to were still alive. His brother Frank, aged 21 was working as a milkman. Also living there was, the head of the household's 5 year old grandson Jack Clark, his 22 year old daughter Harriet and 21 year old boarder William Hunt.
The Surrey recruitment register shows that Edward attested on 13th June 1917 into the East Surrey Regiment, giving his age as 18 years and 4 months, apparently adding two years as he would only have been 16 then. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 105lbs and had a chest measurement of 34 ½ inches with an expansion of 2 inches. He had a fresh complexion, eyes of blue, fair hair, and had some scarring, although we are not told where. He was a labourer living at Longdown Farm.
Although he enlisted into the East Surrey Regiment the medal roll shows he later transferred to the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. NOTE: Edward's medal card shows that he served as L/11936 with the East Surreys, and as L/17404 with the Royal Fusiliers, and this is confirmed in the 'Soldiers Died' CD. However, the CWGC show him as 75460 with the Royal Fusiliers. Probably he was renumbered whilst with the Royal Fusiliers, but the paperwork did not keep up.
The 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers was in the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Division. The following is an extract from the war diary:
10 APRIL: CO reported Battalion to B.G.C. 164th Brigade about 5am and received orders to take up a line east of GORRE WOOD and village from LA BASSEE CANAL to NE corner of GORRE WOOD. Shelled all day with 5.9 inch shells.
11 APRIL: At 8am a very determined hostile bombardment opened on our two left companies and did not ease up until 9am. 2Lt B Robertson, OC 'D' coy was wounded and 2Lt R Mabbott took over command of 'D' coy. 2Lt B Robertson went to hospital. Casualties to ORs - killed 2, wounded 16, gassed 2.
12 APRIL: Casualties to ORs - killed 1, wounded 3, missing 1. Battalion was relieved by 2nd Welsh Regt, did this between 8pm and midnight. Battalion moved back to Ferme du Roi and came under the command of the 9th infantry Brigade, which came under the command of the 55th Brigade as a composite Brigade.
13 APRIL: Casualties to ORs - killed 1, wounded 16. At 4pm enemy attacked between CANAL DE LA LAWE and the village of LOISE but was repulsed. Battalion relieved 1/4th Seaforth Highlanders and sundry other units in a support line running along NE side of LE HAMEL in a north westerly direction as far as CANAL DE LA LAWE with Z and X coys from right to left. Y coy took over a left defensive flank along CANAL from front line back to reserve line. This relief was not completed until about 3am on 14th.
14 APRIL: Battalion came into line on left Battalion sector of 9th Brigade front with 1st Northumberland Fusiliers on right and CANAL DE LA LAWE on left flank and 26th Infantry Brigade on left of canal. Battalion relieve portions of 5th *** and 1/5 Kings Own in front line - Z Company right X Company left Y Company remained in previous position along bank of CANAL - W Company inclined its left flank as far as CANAL. New dispositions completed about 3-30am on 15th. Battalion HQ moved back about 580 yards into farm about X 19 B 85.
15 APRIL: Front line heavily shelled by hostile TMs (trench mortars) and field guns at 8am -- 9th Infantry Brigade came under the command of GOC 3rd *** at 6am this morning. 2 Lt RC Coulson returned from hospital.
16 APRIL: 2Lt FP Todhunter wounded - OR casualties killed 5, wounded 16 shell shock 3. Y Company relieved X Company on left front. Relief complete 11pm. 2Lt LT Matlock joined Battalion.
17 APRIL: CO reported at Brigade HQ at 10am relative to a small attack which it was decided not to make. 12 ORs wounded including 1 shell shock.
Edward Clark died of wounds on 17th April 1918 and is buried in Pernes British Cemetery I. B. 16.
Pernes was first used as a Canadian Casualty Clearing Station CCS on the 6th April 1918, by the Canadians. CCSs were well equipped medical facilities temporally set up, often in tents or possibly huts. They were generally a few miles behind the lines, so would move if the front line moved. Any seriously wounded man unfit to travel any further would remain there. Lightly wounded men were treated and returned to duty. All other cases were evacuated.
Had Edward's wounds not killed him whilst at Pernes he would most likely have been removed further back to a base hospital such as Boulogne or Rouen, and possibly even to 'BLIGHTY' (England), so he would not have stayed at Pernes for very long.
Edward's service records did not survive the 1940 bombing, so we do not know when or how he was wounded. However, the war diary tells us that in the few days prior to the 17th April the Battalion was defending positions just to the west of La Bassee. The small town of La Bassee was at the southernmost point of the second great German attack of 1918, the Battle of the LYS. This attack, and the previous German attack of 1918 (the Kaiserslact from 21st March to 5th April) across the old Somme battlefield were the German's last all out effort to try to win the war before the Americans arrived in great numbers.
Between the 10 April and the 17 April the War Diary shows that 61 ORs were wounded, 2 were gassed, 3 were missing and that 4 were suffering from shell shock. It is reasonable to assume that Edward would have been one of these casualties.
Edward's older brother Robert was killed, on 8th May 1918.
Edward was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
BH EW ES
CLARK Robert, Private. 9963.
2nd Battalion East Surrey RegimentKilled in Action 8 May 1915, aged 24
Robert's headstone in the New Irish Farm Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Robert Clark was born on 3 August 1890 (GRO reference Sep 1890 Epsom 2a 23) to Robert and Clara Clark (Nee Sloper). His parents married in Epsom in 1886.
In the 1891 census the family was living at Longdown Cottages, Reigate Road. Robert's father was a 'Stockman (Farm)', and he had three siblings Annie 3, Harriet 2 and his twin Frank 8 months.
Robert attended Ewell Boys School in West Street from 1 May 1897 to 22 July 1904, leaving to work on the farm.
By 1901 they were living in a cottage on Longdown Farm. Robert's father was now 'Groom and Gardener Domestic', and another sister, Edith 8 had arrived.
The Surrey Recruitment Register and his remaining National Archive service papers record that Robert age 19 years and 6 months attested in Kingston on 16 February 1910, into the East Surrey Regiment. And went to India with the battalion on 30 November 1911. He was therefore a regular soldier, but he would not have been an 'Old Contemptible' as his battalion was serving in India until December 1914, and only went to France on 19 January 1915. He was 5 feet 5 and ¾ inches tall, weighed 131 lbs., had a chest measurement of 36 inches with an expansion of 3 inches, and a pulse rate recorded as 72. He had a fresh complexion, with blue eyes and fair hair. His vision, rated 6/6 in both eyes was perfect. A distinguishing mark was a scar on his right knee. He had been a milkman and lived at R. G. Fothergill's Longdown Farm.
Robert's medical record showed that he was admitted to Devonport Hospital on 23 June 1910 for 3 days suffering with an eye contusion. A condition for which he signed a form absolving the army of any responsibility. Then at Shwebo in Burma he was again admitted to hospital for 35 days starting on 20 June 1913 suffering from 'Tinea Cruris', a superficial fungal infection of the groin and adjacent skin caused by a parasite. The last entry shows he was admitted to hospital in Rouen on 17 February 1915 suffering with gonorrhoea. He was discharged at Havre on 23 March 1915.
In August 1914 the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment had been serving in Chaubattia, Northern India but were returned to the UK via Devonport on December 23, and were assigned to the 85 brigade in the 28 division. Robert went to France via Le Havre, with his battalion on 19 January 1915.
On 9 April 1915 he was awarded 28 days Field Punishment No.2 for drunkenness.
On 7 May 1915 the battalion was in billets near Poperinghe. Early on the morning of 8 May the Germans attacked, and the 2 East Surreys were ordered to move astride the Ypres-Zonnrbeke road and retake the lost front line at Frezenberg, where they were subjected to shelling and machine gun fire. On 8 May 1915 38 men from the 2 Battalion East Surrey Regiment were killed in action or died of wounds. Robert was initially reported as 'Missing, presumed dead' on 8 May. This was later changed to 'now officially reported killed in action or died of wounds on or shortly after 8 May 1915.
Robert did not marry, and on 4 June 1919 his living relatives were:
- Father, Robert. Longdown Farm Cottages.
- Mother, Clara. Longdown Farm Cottages.
- Brother, Frank 28. Longdown Farm Cottages.
- Sister, Harriet 30. Ewell Court Farm.
- Sister, Edith 26. Epsom College.
On 26 August 1920 a letter was sent from No.1 Infantry Office, Park Schools, Framfield Road, Hanwell W7, the text of which follows;
To Robert Clark, Longdown Cottages.
Re. 9963 Private.. Clark, Robert late 2 Battalion East Surrey Regiment.
Sir,
I regret to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office to the effect that the above named deceased soldier, reported missing on 8 May 1915 is now officially reported killed in action or died of wounds on or shortly after 8 May 1915.
I am to express the sympathy of the Army Council at the soldiers death in his country's service.
I am to add that any communication that may be received as to the soldiers burial will be communicated to you in due course.
I am, Sir, your Obedient Servant. Signed for L/Col i/c No.1 Infantry Record Office.
Robert's younger brother Edward was also killed, on 17th April 1918.
Robert was exhumed from his original burial site and reburied at New Irish Farm Cemetery, plot XV F 17, 1 ½ miles north of Ypres. This exhumation was carried out by the Imperial War Graves Commission, Authorisation IWGC/HLG/LS/39519. His next of kin was notified on 4 January 1922.
Robert was awarded the 1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
BH EW ES
CLIFFORD William, Gunner. 46479.
324th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA).Died of Wounds 20 July 1917, aged 42.
William's headstone in Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
William Clifford's attestation form dated 7 September 1914, states that he was 39 years old and was born in Chippenham. Between 1867 and 1880 only one birth of a William Clifford is registered in Chippenham by free BMD (GRO reference: Dec 1867 Chippenham 5a 61). The most likely birth registration is Jun 1874 Calne 5a 83. Calne is very near Chippenham. However, there is also a death registered in Jun 1874 Calne for an infant of zero years.
I can find no obvious entries in the 1871, 1881, 1891 or 1901 census returns.
On 19 July 1905 William married Ada Phyllis Beeching (GRO reference: Sep 1905 Epsom 2a 69), giving his name as William Joseph Clifford. On 15 February 1906 their son William Gerald was born, and on 12 May 1907 their daughter May Phyllis was born.
In the 1911 census the family lived at 52, Lower Court Road, Epsom. William was 35 years old, and working as an asylum attendant.
William attested at Kingston on 7 November 1914. He gave his age as 39 years, and stated he was on the 'National Reserve' having previously spent 12 years with the RGA. He was 5 feet 9½ inches tall, weighed 189lbs, and had a chest measurement of 42 inches with an expansion of 2 inches. He was a labourer, was married, and his religion was C of E. He had a snake and a horseman tattooed on his chest and figures tattooed on both arms. Some dates and events from William's military career:
22 May 1915, to France
03 November 1915, admitted to hospital
08 November 1915, rejoined unit
04 December 1915, granted leave to England
26 December 1915, leave extended on medical grounds
28 December 1915, rejoined unit from England
23 February 1916, admitted to hospital
03 March 1916, invalided to England aboard hospital ship 'Jan Breydel'
28 April 1917 posted to 324 siege battery RGA
30 April 1917 embarked from Southampton
01 May 1917 disembarked Havre
20 July 1917 died from gun shot wounds in the 4th Casualty Clearing Station.
He is buried in plot 1.J.7. Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
On 2 January 1918, William's effects were duly sent to his widow Ada, at 'Vinegate' 52 Lower Court Road, Epsom, comprising:
- correspondence
- 2 pipes
- 3 pocket books
- religious books
- tobacco pouch
- knife
- whistle and strap
- Metal watch (no glass)
From 28 January 1918, Ada also received for herself and her two children, a pension of 22 shillings and 11 pence.
Army Form W. 5080 required the dead soldier's next of kin to supply details of all living siblings. In 1919 William's widow informed the authorities that his only living sibling was 44 year old sister, Alice Maud Edmonds, living at 2, Cranfield Road, Carshalton on Hill, Wallington, Surrey.
William was awarded the 1914-1915 star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP MC HWH
COLEMAN Arthur, Private. 301707.
1st/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI).Killed in Action 10 April 1918, aged 40.
Arthur Coleman was born in Epsom in 1878 (GRO reference: Dec 1878 Epsom 2a 14), to Henry and Sarah Eliza Coleman (nee Smallpiece). His parents had married in the Kingston registration district in 1866. From a first look at census and registration records it appears that they had eleven children, but there might have only been nine! The table below shows eleven children, but the name Arthur appears twice. The first Arthur was registered in Kingston district in the March quarter of 1871, but a death is also recorded in Kingston in the September quarter, of Arthur aged 0. The 1881 census showing two Arthurs is possibly a mistake. Lavinia born 1877 died in 1879 aged two, and does not appear on the 1881 census, but a Lucy or Lucie M does appear. However, there are no registration or baptism records for such a person. Could Lucy have been a pet name for Lavinia, and she to was entered on the 1881 census in error?
| Name | Born - Died | Baptised | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| James | Born: 1869 Kingston | ||
| Arthur | Born: 1871 Kingston Died: 1871 Kingston |
Appears in the 1881 census, possibly in error | |
| Henry | Born: 1873 Epsom | 20 April 1873 St Martins | |
| George | Born: 1875 Epsom | 13 June 1875 St Martins | |
| Lavinia | Born: 1877 Epsom Died: 1879 Epsom |
11 March 1877 St Martins | |
| Lucie M | Only record found, the 1881 census. Might have been pet name for Lavinia, entered in error |
||
| Arthur | Born: 1878 Epsom Died: 10 April 1918 Belgium |
12 October 1879 St Martins | |
| Albert | Born: 1882 Epsom | ||
| Florence Susannah | Born: 1884 | 25 May 1884 St Martins | |
| Rose | Born: 1886 | 24 June 1888 St Martins | |
| Lily May | Born: 1888 | 24 June 1888 St Martins |
The 1871 census, taken before Arthur was born, shows the family living in Claygate. Arthur's father, Henry was a 27-year-old agricultural labourer. His mother Sarah was aged 25, and two siblings are recorded, James aged 2 and Arthur aged 2 months, who we think died later that year.
By 1881 the family had moved to 12, Providence Place, Epsom. The census shows that Arthur, aged 2, had five siblings, James aged 11, Arthur aged 9, Henry aged 7, George aged 5 and Lucie M aged 4. But were the 9-year-old Arthur and Lucie M (Lavinia) entered by mistake, as suggested in paragraph one above?
In 1891 the family lived at 6, Albert Road, Epsom. Arthur's 49-year-old father Henry, was now labouring in a brickworks, as were his brothers James, Henry and George. His mother Sarah, aged 45, was at home looking after Arthur himself, Albert, Florence, Rose and Lily who were all at school. Sarah died in 1893, aged 48, and was buried in the Ashley Road cemetery on 13 November 1893 in grave number F121.
In 1901 Arthur, aged 22, was boarding with the Nunn family at 144, High Street, Woolwich. He was a labourer in the huge Woolwich military factory that made a variety of munitions. Meanwhile his widowed father Henry was living at 6, Dover Cottage, Albert Road, Epsom with his widowed sister Matilda Hyman and his children George, Albert and Lily. Henry died in 1921, aged 77 and was buried in the Ashley Road cemetery on 12 November 1921 in grave number K724.
On 15 October 1904 in Epsom, 26-year-old Arthur married 19-year-old Annie Elizabeth Parish, who had been born in Guildford. They had four children, see below:
| Name | Born - Died | Baptised | Lived |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry William | Born: 5 March 1905 | 18 February 1906 St Barnabas | 6, Oakleigh Terrace |
| Arthur Reuben | Born: 22 May 1907 Died: Buried on 5 Oct 1907, grave B17. Aged 4 months |
6 September 1907 St Barnabas | 116, Lower Court Road |
| Marjorie Annie | Born: 3 November 1909 | 25 August 1911 St Barnabas | 53, Lower Court Road |
| Mabel Mary | Born: 5 August 1913 | Not found |
The 1911 census shows the family living at 33, Lower Court Road, Epsom. Arthur was a 33-year-old bricklayer's labourer. Wife Annie, aged 26 and their two surviving children, Henry aged 6 and Marjorie aged 1 were also recorded. Arthur's 31-year-old brother Albert, was living with them and was a carter on a farm.
Arthur attested in Epsom on 3 June 1916, was assigned to the DLI and placed on the Army reserve the next day, but was not mobilised until 10 August 1916. He stated that he was 37 years old, worked as a labourer and lived at 23, Albert Road, Epsom. He was 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 119 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches with an expansion of 2 inches.
The 1st/8th Battalion DLI was in the 151st Brigade, 50th Division. On 9 April 1918, the Germans launched the second of their big offensives in a bid to win the war before the Americans arrived in overwhelming numbers. The overall name given to this offensive is operation Georgette or the battle of the Lys. The battle comprised a number of smaller battles, and the battle that Arthur fought in was named the battle of 'Estaires'. On the 9 April the 50th Division was held in reserve behind the front line, in and behind Estaires, the ground in front of them being held by the 34th, 40th and 2nd Portuguese Divisions.
Plan of the Battle of Estaires.
Click on image to enlarge
April 9 commenced with a heavy mist, with visibility less than 40 yards, and as gas masks had to be worn the range of vision was small. At 4.15am the Germans commenced a heavy bombardment with phosgene gas and high explosive shells. At 8.45am they launched their assault, and by 11am nearly all the Portuguese 2nd Division had disappeared from the battlefield. Whilst the front held by the Portuguese was being attacked, Arthur's 151st Brigade was ordered from reserve to take up positions from Bout Deville to Cockshy House. By 9.30am the 8th DLI were holding the crossings over the rivers Lawe and Lys. However, by 5.20pm it was reported that Marais Farm and Rault Lock had been lost, but that no Germans were west of the river Lawe.
At the point the 8th DLI were defending, the river Lawe looped round and formed a salient into the attacking German's line. Overnight, this salient, near Raul Lock, was held by the 8th DLI but by 7pm on the 10 April the Germans had forced a crossing at Pont Riqueul and compelled the 8th DLI to fall back to the base of the salient.
The Epsom Advertiser dated 24 May 1918 published the following:
WOUNDED AND MISSING. - Mrs. Coleman, 23, Albert-road, has received information that her husband, Private Arthur Coleman, Durham Light Infantry, is wounded and missing. He is believed to be a prisoner of war.
However, Arthur had been killed in action on 10 April and as he has no known grave he is commemorated on the Ploegsteert memorial to the missing. The Soldiers Died CD tells us that between 9 and 15 April 1918, 102 other ranks from the DLI lost their lives. It also tells us that during the same period 10,675 other ranks from the British Army lost their lives fighting in France and Flanders. During the same period 694 British officers lost their lives fighting in the Great War.
Arthur's inscription on the Ploegsteert memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Arthur was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP
COLEMAN Ernest James, Sergeant. 5078.
63rd Company Machine Gun corps.Killed in Action 28 April 1917, aged 18.
Ernest Coleman
Image courtesy of Ernest's niece Patricia Cawston ©2009
Ernest James Coleman was born in Epsom Surrey on 27 August 1898 (GRO: Sep 1898 Epsom 2a 24) to James and Mary Hannah Coleman, (nee Nicholls). Ernest was baptised on 2 October 1898 in St Martin's Church, Epsom. His parents had married in Epsom in 1894.
Coleman Family c.1900
Top Row (l to r) James Coleman, Mary Hannah Coleman, Nanney Cousins
Bottom Row (l to r) Winifed Mary, Ernest James, Jessie Lavinia.
Image courtesy of Ernest's niece Patricia Cawston ©2009
In the 1901 census the family lived in 2 Northcote Cottages, Church Road Epsom. Ernest's father James was a 31 year old general labourer having been born in 1870 in Claygate, Surrey. His mother Mary was 33 years old having been born on 25 March 1868 in Gulval, Cornwall. Ernest's older sisters were Jessie Lavinia aged 6 and Winifred Mary aged 4. Living also with them was James' mother-in-law, Nanney Cousins, a widow aged 68 from Madron, Cornwall.
The 1911 census shows the family living at Garbrand Lodge, 124, Lower Court Road. Ernest's father was working as a stoker for the LCC (probably at one of the asylums). Sister Jessie Lavina was working as a domestic servant, and brother Lawrence William had arrived.
Ernest's younger siblings were Lawrence William born on 4 June 1909 and Gwendoline Minnie born on 15 May 1912, who died 30 December 2000. In 1909 the family lived in Garbrand Lodge, 124, Lower Court Road, Epsom. The Lodge had however no connection to Garbrand Hall. The 1924 photograph of the house shows Gwendoline standing outside. There is a modern picture for comparison, showing that the nameplate has been removed since then.
Garbrand Lodge in 1924 with Gwendoline Minnie Coleman
Image courtesy of Ernest's niece Patricia Cawston ©2009
Garbrand Lodge in 2009 now renamed 124 Lower Court Road
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Ernest attended Sutton County School (now Sutton Grammar School for Boys) between the years 1911 and 1915. He left the sixth form around the middle of 1915 to enlist at the age of 16 as Rifleman No. S/12929, in the Rifle Brigade. He was apparently quite a big lad, and seems to have taken the precaution of telling the Army that he was 19 rather than 16. He undoubtedly had exceptional qualities, as within six months he had been promoted Corporal in charge of men old enough to be his father.
The Royal Warrant authorising the Machine Gun Corps was issued on 14 October 1915, and on 29 November 1915 Ernest was sent to Grantham and initially attached to 17th Company. He later transferred to the 63rd Company which was in the 63rd Brigade, 21st Division. Exactly when he was promoted to Sergeant is not known, but was most likely early in 1917. The main photograph of Ernest, proudly showing off his stripes and his proficiency badge above the stripes, was most likely taken whilst on leave in early 1917, and probably soon after his promotion.
Ernest kept a diary throughout 1916 in which he made an entry for most days, capturing the day-to-day harsh realities of life in the British Army of 1916.
He arrived in Southampton on 24 February 1916, but his journey to France was not straightforward. Fog in the Channel was causing postponements. A horse had died and was hung over the side of the ship until they got out to sea, and then on 29 February after sailing 18 miles they were chased back into port by submarines. Finally on 1 March they reached Le Havre.
Then, by rail, Ernest passed through Boulogne, Calais and St Omer to a station about 4 miles from Armentieres. After marching into Armentieres he and his unit were billeted in an old school near enough to the front line for the unit to take casualties from German shelling, and on 5 March, he notes that all day British aircraft are being shelled. The next day he notes that they get an issue of 25 cigarettes and ¼ oz of "baccy" a week, and a tot of rum every night.
On 12 March he experienced his first time in a dugout. He writes; "The bullets whistle around. It's impos. to describe the feelings." The next day he picked up a souvenir, a piece of the inside of a Bosche shell.
Then on 18 March one of his men, Private Homfray, was shot by a sniper just over the ear and died within two minutes.
Diary entries contain references to strafing, aeroplanes, rum jars, baths, squad drill and gun drill, billets, concerts, train journeys, guard duty, pay, church parades, inspections, route marches, bombing instruction, lack of sleep, the weather, mud and iron rations. In fact, all the minute details of 'trench life'.
Then on 30 May he and his men were lectured by the Major on their role in the forthcoming attack in the battle of the Somme, the attack on Fricourt. He notes the commencement of the bombardment on 24 June.
Ernest fought on the first day of the battle of the Somme, 1 July, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. Exact figures are hard to come by, but on that day about 100,000 British soldiers 'went over the top' of which some 60,000 became casualties, and of those around 20,000 died. A truly disastrous day. Sadly, Ernest's diary entries for the 30 June and 1 July became smudged and illegible, but he adds a memorandum at the end that reads as follows:
Aug. 28th.
Rather strange that the pages dealing with Fricourt June 30 & July 1, 2 & 3- the last three the blackest of my life so far have got accidentally smugged (sic) out - but they'll never get wiped out of my mind. Just a few reminders though.
June 30. Preparation for leaving Ville for trenches left at 5 pm. - Had to carry stuff from Meault - hot work squashed in 100 Street. My team in a bit of a smashed trench 2ft deep. Bombardment all night.
July 1. From 6am. To 7.30 am. There was an intense bomb. Some bomb. The Middlesex & Somerset went over at 7.30 am. - we all had a good dose of rum. The Lincolns & York & Lancs followed from support. German machine gun bullets just missed us & hit them. Attacked all day but only got 1st 4 lines. Village not taken.
July 2nd. Attacked again and Germans surrendered in hundreds - souvenir hunting. Nerves strung up absolutely. Coal boxes all round us. Ellis & a few more hit - I was hit 3 or 4 times but only drew blood in thigh & not much. Went back in afternoon to support.
July 3rd. Sgt Kelly's & my guns ordered up to Willow Patch. Counter attack expected. Some walk up over dead bodies. Shelled out of position. Harry was missing so I brought gun in on my own. Came back at Midnight.
Ernest's diary continued, recording daily life and ways of the British Army at the time. On 20 July having been moved to a quieter area on the Vimy Ridge, he managed a bath, his first for about 5 weeks. Later on 12 September he records having a bath in a shell hole, and obtaining water for tea from another shell hole, despite there being 'plenty of skulls & bones about'. Later he passed the time making souvenirs from French bullets.
On Saturday 30 September he started a four day Gas Course at Boyeffles, four days he did not enjoy, thinking he had 'got a dose' and where his brass buttons turned green.
Friday 13 October was a lucky day for Ernest. A German Minenwerfer (a explosive charge lobbed over into the trenches) landed just in front of him. They usually caused a large explosion and killed anyone near by, but fortunately this was a dud.
On Saturday 18 November he writes:
Brigade attacked. We waited for spare Germans. Had some good shooting all day. Moved in evening. Nearly wiped out going across open. All safe once more. Cross & I sent to take our position in advanced sap. We made own arrangements. Rain all night & cold lying in mud & went through worst night I've experienced.
Ten days later, on 28 November, his Major asked him if he would care to be recommended for a commission. This he declined but on 4 December 1916 the Major told him he was very pleased with the work he had done and was promoting him to Sergeant. On 14 December he was made Acting Sergeant.
The final entry in Ernest's diary reads:
To Vielle Chapelle. Working party on lines in afternoon.
Thus ends the year '16 & it's been the most adventurous I've had out of my 18 & I dare say it's more adventurous than any year the average man of 50 or 60 today has lived through. C'est la guerre. I've had & am having that experience that I enlisted for. I was made for a wanderer & I am a wanderer. I'm proud of the past 18 months of my life. Within a few weeks I hope to be on leave & leave this diary in safety.
He did indeed leave his 1916 diary in safety, with a few excerpts having been reproduced here. A copy of the full diary can be obtained via the web master.
Earnest Coleman's inscription at the Arras Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Unfortunately Ernest's service papers have not survived, neither have the 63rd MGC War Diaries for 1917. However it seems that he was shot by a German sniper during the battle of Arras. The following is an obituary from Sutton School magazine, printed in 1917.
ERNEST JAMES COLEMAN.
Was at the school from 1911 to 1915, enlisting direct from the sixth form into the Rifle Brigade, where, after a few weeks, he received his first stripe. After a few months he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps as corporal. In February, 1916, he left for France, where, after passing through the battles of the Somme and Ancre, he received his third stripe in preference to a commission which was offered him. In January last he was home for 10 days' leave; returning, he was at Arras on 9th April, and in the advance of the 28th, whilst looking for places for his two guns, he was shot in the head by a German sniper. He has been very highly recommended for his bravery throughout the Battle of Arras.
Ernest's Scroll
Image courtesy of Ernest's niece Patricia Cawston ©2009
The following was printed in a local newspaper (probably the Epsom Herald):
YOUNG EPSOM SOLDIER KILLED
RECOMMENDED FOR BRAVERY
Serg. Ernest James Coleman, elder son of Pte. And Mrs. James Coleman, Garbrand Lodge, Lower Court Road, Epsom, has been killed in action. The deceased joined up when he was under age, and his father, was over age when he also volunteered to serve his country. The father enlisted in March 1915, and the son the following June. At the time the son was only 15 years and nine months old, and he was made a corporal within three months, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant before last Christmas, being then just over 18 years of age. He was a very intelligent lad, was well built, and doubtless inherited the military instincts of his father, who was in the army many years. At the time the young soldier, whose death is so much regretted by all who knew him, entered the Rifle Brigade, he was attending the Sutton County School. He had been a student there three years, in virtue of having won a scholarship at the Epsom Council School, and was staying another two years by reason of passing the London University Junior Examination. Two of his fellow students were Ptes. Elliott and Paskell, who have also been killed in the war. Sergt. Coleman was transferred from the Rifle Brigade to the Machine Gun Corps, and became a sergeant instructor by when he was 18. He was regarded as a very smart young soldier, and previous to last Christmas was offered a commission, but declined the offer, apparently being disinclined to leave the machine gun work in which he was greatly interested. He went out to France about 14 months ago and was present at a great deal of fighting, including the Battle of the Ancre. He showed by his letters home that he was very glad to be doing his bit, and in one letter he said, "I was proud I was born a Britisher." That he was a son of whom his parents might be proud is shown by the following letter sent to Mrs. Coleman by an officer of the Machine Gun Company to which deceased was attached :- " It is with infinite regret that I have to announce to you that your son, Sergt. E. J. Coleman, was killed in action on the 29th April. He fell while leading his team forward with the utmost gallantry, and gave his life in saving what might have been a serious situation. He was one of my best N.C.O.'s in the seven months he was with me, and the remembrance of the trust I placed in him only adds to the keen sense of personal loss incurred by the fate of one who has stood by me and pulled me through when other help was far away. I am sorry that at present I have been unable to find out where he was buried. We were advancing and had to go on in spite of personal feelings, and thus lost sight of him. I shall let you know whenever I can any other details that I can gather, and anything you may wish to know or wish me to do, I shall endeavour to do my best to satisfy. All his men, and all those who have been associated with him, wish me to convey to you their heartfelt sympathy in your sore bereavement. The only consolation you can have is that he lost his life in doing a man's job in a man's way, thinking only of others. I may add that he has been highly commended for his bravery to higher authorities, and I have no doubt but that they will recognise it."
A private in the Manchester has written to Mrs. Coleman, stating that he found the body of her son, and the effects he has forwarded home. For some weeks his father who is in the Royal Defence Corps has been suffering ---------(The final few words of this obituary notice are missing.)
As stated previously, Ernest attended Sutton County School. Every term the school published a magazine called 'The Suttonian', and in 1975 an ex-pupil, A.E. Jones, published a small book entitled 'A Small School in the Great War'. The book contains many extracts from 'The Suttonian', and the following two extracts relate to Ernest:
"During April 1916 The Suttonian received another letter from Ernest Coleman-this time emanating from a dug-out in France under ' not very good conditions '. He was now a corporal in the Machine Gun Corps, but still remembered to wish the school ' a successful cricket and swimming season'; and the main theme of his letter is summed up in the following passage: ' I can assure you that I have appreciated the mag. much more since I left school than I did whilst at school. . . . Several Saturday afternoons, for instance, I have looked at the football fixture list and perhaps seen that the school was playing an important league match-then I have thought of when we played that same school in 1914 and what a game it was. How I have sometimes wished that I was playing again '. But he had not lost optimism about that possibility. After rather unnecessarily apologising for not attending the last Old Boys' meeting, he added: ' but I daresay we shall meet again before long ' and, as an earnest of his confidence, sent a subscription to the Old Suttonians Football Club for its current season. He came safely through the battles of the Somme and Ancre, took a third stripe in preference to a commission, and then, in April 1917, during the battle of Arras, the jest about the ' Suicide Club' came true. He was ' shot in the head by a German sniper whilst looking for places for his two guns', reported The Suttonian, and added: ' He has been very highly recommended for his bravery throughout the Battle of Arras'."
"Cpl. Ernest Coleman (who was shortly to be killed-see page 37) was, at about the same time, also enjoying a relatively peaceful spell in the trenches. He wrote from a dug-out which "by the way was made by the Germans some months ago. It's not very big, but we've made it fairly comfortable. We've been in eight days now and, I believe, are being relieved tomorrow. It's been fairly quiet except two nights ago when the enemy ' straffed' us for about three hours with trench mortars and aerial torpedoes, until our artillery silenced them. It's a grand sight watching the flashes and explosions by night-you can see the trench mortars coming through the air like shell rockets, and if you're lucky you can get clear before they land. You see plenty of life in the Army if you don't get a great deal of money-and I'm enjoying myself"."
CWGC records state that he was the 'Son of James and Mary Coleman, of 124, Lower Court Rd., Epsom, Surrey.' He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial Bay 10.
He is also remembered on the Sutton Grammar School War Memorial.
With grateful thanks for information from Ernest's family.
EP SGS
COLLER Thomas George, Private. G/40024.
11th Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).Killed in Action 21 September 1917, aged 21.
Thomas's Headstone in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Thomas George Coller was born in Epsom in 1896 (GRO reference: Sep 1896 Epsom 2a 20) to Thomas Henry James and Amelia Coller (nee Haskins). His parents had married in the December quarter of 1893 in the Kingston registration district.
In the 1901 census the family was living at Woodcote Green, Epsom. Thomas's father was a 28 year old Post Office clerk. His mother was aged 27 and he had two siblings, Ernest aged 7 and Louisa Lucy aged 6.
The 1911 census shows them still living at Woodcote Green. Thomas's brother Ernest was away from home serving in H.M. Navy and his sister Louisa was a dressmaking apprentice. Another sister had arrived, Joan (registered Joanna) aged 1.
Thomas's service record has not survived, but when he was killed he was serving with the 11th Battalion The Queen's, which was in the 123rd Brigade, 41st Division. The Division landed in Le Havre on 5 May 1916. On the day Thomas was killed his Battalion was fighting in the third battle of Ypres, often referred to as the battle of Passchendaele. They attacked from a small village called Voormezeele at dawn on 20 September 1917. The following is an extract from the Battalion War Diary:
20th Dawn Barrage opens attack, is started. The B attn. move to HEDGE ST 10.45 A.M. 5 P.M. Companies move to a position in trenches (yesterdays front line) B attn Hd Qrs CLONMEL COPSE. Enemy counter-attack on two occasions during the day. Casualties 2 O.Ranks killed, 1 Officer 8 O.Ranks Wounded. Reinforcements arrive at CARNARVON CAMP. 213 O.Ranks. Weather again fine.
21st (evening) Companies move forward to JAVA TRENCH. Casualties 10 O.Ranks killed 1 Officer 36 O.Ranks Wounded. 50 of the reinforcements under 1 Officer come up to the line as Stretcher Bearers and remain carrying wounded until the morning of the 23rd. The number of German dead is surprising.
Thomas is buried in grave X.D.12. Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. He was probably initially buried where he fell, his body being exhumed and reburied at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery after the war, when many graves were concentrated into larger cemeteries.
Thomas's father also served, enlisting in the RE in April 1915, lying about his age, and served with the BEF from March 1916 attached to the Warwickshires as a Telegraph Operator before returning to England in 1918 where he was attached as permanent instructor for Warwicks RE at Birmingham, holding temp rank of RSM, before being discharged in May 1919 to the Reserve.
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 12 October 1917:
CLERK KILLED IN ACTION. - News has been received that Pte. "Tommy" Coller has been killed in action. At the outbreak of the war, when he was clerk in the office of Mr. E.G. Wilson, Clerk of the Urban Council, he joined the Surrey Yeomanry, and was afterwards transferred to the infantry. His father is serving in the Royal Engineers.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that:
THOMAS GEORGE COLLER, was killed in action in the "Ypres-Salient" on the 21st September 1917.
Thomas was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP SM and on his parent's grave in Colchester Cemetery.
COLLINS, R.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
COLLISS Reginald Edward, Private. 25490.
12th Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Died of Wounds 13 June 1917, aged 23.
Reginalds's headstone in the Mont Huon Military Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Reginald Edward Colliss was born in 1894 (GRO reference: Jun 1894 Winchester 2c 116) to Edward and Florence Ellen Collis (nee Betteridge). Edward's birth was registered in 1863 with the surname Collis, only 1 's'. Edward and Florence's marriage was also registered with the surname Collis. It seems that Collis became Colliss at some point between the 1871 and 1881 census. Another anomaly is that Reginald Edward was registered as Edward Reginald.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 4, Turk Street, Alton, Hampshire. Reginald's father was a 38 year old fishmonger, employer. His mother was 34, and he had a 9 year old sister, Florence Grace.
Reginald had served as Private 2219 in the Surrey Yeomanry, but at the time of his death was serving in the 12th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, which was in the 122 Brigade, 41st Division.
Trench Map of Damm Strasse
Click image to enlarge.
The battle of Messines commenced at 3-10am on 7 June 1917 with the explosion of 19 mines under the German front line. Originally 22 mines had been planned, with work on the tunnelling commencing in early 1916. However, one of the mines was discovered by the Germans, and it was decided not to use two others at the southernmost end of the front, so they were abandoned. Interestingly, one of the abandoned mines blew up on 17 June 1955, probably caused by lightening, and the other mine still remains in Flanders, its precise position lost.
At the same time the mines were exploded, 3-10am, an intense bombardment on the German lines commenced, and the first assaulting waves of troops went 'over the top'. Reginald's battalion did not move forward until 5-10am and by 6am they were in position on the 'Dammstrasse', a German position that had been captured earlier by the 123rd Brigade. Under a creeping barrage moving forward at 50 yard leaps, Reginald's battalion pressed forward clearing enemy dugouts and trenches in Pheasant Wood and Denys Wood, taking many prisoners. Unfortunately at one stage our barrage appeared to drop back and caused quite a few casualties. Known today as friendly fire. German shelling continued throughout the whole operation. The 12th East Surrey's took 268 prisoners, but had suffered casualties themselves, 26 had been killed and 166 wounded.
Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Reginald died of wounds on 13 June and is buried in Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport. Le Treport had an important hospital centre. It is very likely that he was wounded on the 7 June during the capture of the Messines Ridge, and might even have been the victim of British shells.
Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport
Click image to enlarge
Reginald was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP CC
COOK Ernest, Private. 14602.
2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment.Killed in Action 1st July 1916, aged 35.
Ernest Cook's Headstone in the Ovillers Military Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Ernest Cook was born in 1880 (GRO reference: Sep 1880 I of Wight 2b 639).
The 1901 census tells us that he was a 20 year old labourer staying as a lodger with Thomas Whittle at Glencoe Cottage, 130 Miles Road. Also at the cottage are Thomas' wife Emma, William Wooden aged 35 and Jane Wooden aged 19.
There is a marriage recorded between Ernest Cook and Jane Wooden (GRO reference: Jun 1902 Epsom 2a 31). There are two births recorded which I take to be their children, Wallace G (GRO reference: Mar 1912 Epsom 2a 59) and Nellie L (GRO reference Sep 1913 Epsom 2a 62). They may have had children before these but as recording the mother's maiden name only commenced in 1911 it is difficult to tell.
Ernest attested in Kingston on 21 November 1914 aged 34 years and six months. He was 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighed 175 lbs, had a chest measurement of 41 inches with an expansion of 4 inches, and he was a labourer.
His medal record tells us that he went to France on 24 March 1915, and that he was awarded the 1915 star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
Ernest served in the 2 Battalion Devonshire Regiment which was in the 23 Brigade 8 Division. On 1 July at 7.30am they attacked opposite Ovillers La Boisselle, up Mash Valley towards Pozières. They suffered very badly from machine gun fire, but about 70 managed to get into the German trench and hold about 300 yards of it for a couple of hours. They were driven out by counter attacks.
Ovillers Trench Map - Click on image to enlarge
On 1 July 1916 four officers and 168 men from the 2nd Devonshire Regiment were killed, including Ernest who is buried in Ovillers Military Cemetery VIII Q 7.
EP CC
COOK Henry John Hugh, Private. 9093
1st Leicester RegimentKilled in Action 15 September 1916, aged 23
Private Henry John Hugh Cook was born at Ewell, in 1893. (GRO reference: Jun 1893 Epsom 2a 18) to Henry and Elizabeth Frances Cook (nee Hugh).
In the 1901 census the family was living at The Marsh, West Ewell. Hugh's father was a bricklayer's labourer, and he had five siblings Esther Rose 9 (GRO reference: Sep 1891 Epsom 2a 19), Margaret S S 6, William David L W 4 (GRO reference: Dec 1896 Epsom 2a 29, Kenrick W B R 2 (GRO reference: Sep 1898 Epsom 2a 22) and Gwenllian Theodosia G 8 months (GRO reference: Sep 1900 Epsom 2a 25).
After the war his parents lived at The Outfall Works, Roxley, (sic, Ruxley) West Ewell. He enlisted in London, and joined the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. A younger brother Kenrick Walkyn Brinsley Richard Cook was also killed on the Somme and is also commemorated at Thiepval.
The 1st Leicesters were in the 71st Brigade, 6th Division, XIV Corps.
On the 15th September 1916 the Battle of Flers - Courcellette commenced. This day saw the first use of tanks, which at this time were not very reliable, and of the forty nine that started out twenty six suffered mechanical failure before going into battle. Three tanks were allotted to the 6th Division but only one reached the front line.
The attack commenced at 6.30am. The 1st Leicesters and the 9th Norfolks advanced against Straight Trench, through the 9th Suffolks and the 2nd Sherwood Foresters but sustained many casualties as they met uncut barbed wire and machine gun fire. On the 15 September 1916, 151 men from the 1st Leicestershire Regiment were killed in action or died of wounds.
He is commemorated on The Thiepval Memorial to the missing.
COOK Kenrick Walkyn Brinsley, Private. 16826
14th Company Machine Gun CorpsKilled in Action 3 July 1916, aged 18
Private Kenrick Walkyn Brinsley Richard Cook was born at Ewell, in 1898. In 1901 he was living at The Marsh West Ewell with his parents Henry and Elizabeth Frances Cook. His father was a bricklayer's labourer. After the war his parents lived at The Outfall Works, Roxley, (sic, Ruxley) West Ewell. He enlisted in Kingston, and joined the 14th Company Machine Gun Corps (MGC). An older brother Henry John Hugh Cook was also killed on the Somme and is also commemorated at Thiepval.
The 14th MGC was attached to the 14th Brigade, 32nd Division.
On the 3 of July the 14th Brigade attacked the tip of the Leipzig Salient, just south of Thiepval. There was confusion over the starting time so the attack received no artillery support.
At 6.15am the German front line was penetrated but they were forced out. They tried again later but with the same result.
On the 3 of July 1916, 27 men from the MGC were killed in action or died of wounds.
He is commemorated on The Thiepval Memorial to the missing.
COOK, L.
Died N/K , aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
COOK William Charles (George), Private. M1/5546.
2 Welsh Regiment.Died of Wounds 21 June 1918, aged 23.
Private William Cook's headstone in the Pernes British cemetery.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
William George Cook was born in 1895 (GRO reference: Mar 1895 Epsom 2a 22).
He is shown as William Charles on St Mary's (which I believe to be wrong), but W.G. on the Dipping Well. He is shown as having served as a driver in the ASC on the Dipping Well, but is shown as being in the Welsh Regiment by the CWGC. The medal roll shows that he served in both the ASC and the 17 Battalion Welsh Regiment. Soldiers died CD also has William George, born in Ewell, living in Sutton, and as having served in the Welsh Regiment.
The 1901 census shows William living with his grandparents, George Cook aged 58, a general labourer, and Harriet Cook aged 64, at Gibraltar, Ewell. Also there on census night was George senior's son, also George aged 34 (possibly William's father, and another Grandson, Henry Remnant aged 15.
William George Cook and Winifred Florence Mears (born in 1896, GRO Dec 1896 Epsom 2a 9), married in 1916 (GRO Dec 1916 2a 67). I have found no reference s for children.
William enlisted in London into the Army Service Corps (ASC), and at some point transferred to the 17th Battalion Welsh Regiment.
Medal roll states that he served as M1/5546 Pte in the 8th Divisional Signal Company ASC and as Pte 55916 in the 17th Welsh Regiment. 17th Welsh was disbanded on 9th February 1918. Presumably on disbandment of the 17th, William was sent to the 2nd battalion.
The 2nd Welsh Regiment was in the 3 Brigade, 1 Division.
William died of wounds on 21st June 1918 and is buried at Pernes V B 44. CWGC states he was the 'Husband of W. F. Cook 43, Clarence Road, Sutton, Surrey'.
Pernes British cemetery was started in April 1918 by the 1st and 4th Canadian CCS, continued from May 1918 by the 6th and 22 CCS, and in August by the 13th CCS.
BH EW ES
COOKE Percy Jesse, Private.
1st Bn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.Killed in Action 26 April 1915, aged 24
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
1st Bn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Killed at Gallipoli on 26 April 1915. Listed on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Aged 24 years. Son of Jesse and Emma Cook, Epsom. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
COOKE Walter Henry, Private. 18243.
8th Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Killed in Action 1 July 1916 aged 19.
Walter Cooke's inscription on the Thiepval memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Walter Henry Cooke was born in 1897 (GRO reference: Mar 1897 Winchester 2c 125) to Sydney and Emma Charlotte Cooke (nee Horne).
At the time of the 1891 census Walter was yet to be born. His parents and older siblings lived at Clatford Street, Goodworth Clatford, Hants. His father was a 37 year old dairyman. His mother was 28. Brother Herbert was 3 and sister Ethel 10 months.
In 1901 the family lived at Bugle farm, Twyford, Hampshire, where his father Sydney was a farm worker. Walter had another two sisters Florence 6 and Bessie 1.
Walter attested at Epsom on 25 November 1915, giving his age as 19. At 5 feet 2 1/2 inches tall, weighing 91 lbs, with a chest measurement of 32 inches with a 2 inch expansion, he was a very small man. He lived at 1 Woodcote Cottage, Woodcote Road, Epsom.
Walter served in the 8th Battalion East Surrey regiment which was in the 55 Brigade 18 Division. July 1 1916 saw the start of the battle of the Somme, dubbed 'The Big Push', which was intended to break through the German lines and deliver a knock out blow to the German Army. In that respect the attack failed as the lines were not broken and only a relatively small amount of ground had been taken by the end of the battle some four months later. The cost in lives was huge. On the first day the British had some 20,000 men killed. The costliest day in the entire history of the British army.
Walter's battalion attacked towards the small village of Montauban, which by noon they had reached. One of the officers attached to the 8th East Surreys was Captain Wilfred Percy Nevill. The young men of the battalion had never before been in battle and Captain Nevill realised that they would be under great stress and very apprehensive about what might happen to them in the coming battle. To help take their minds off the dangers ahead he bought four footballs, one for each of his platoons. The idea was that they would dribble the balls across no mans land, and he would give a prize for the first platoon to reach the German lines. The prize would never be claimed, as Captain Nevill was killed during the attack.
Walter was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
On 1 July 1916 six officers and 133 men from the 8th East Surreys were killed, including Walter who is commemorated on pier 6B of the Thiepval memorial
EP SM.
COOMBES, Harry Frederick, Private.
Dragoon Guards.Killed in Action 25 March 1918, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Dragoon Guards. Killed at Montauban, France on 25 March 1918. Listed on the Pozieres Memorial, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
COOPER Ernest, Rifleman. S/2595.
3rd Battalion, Rifle BrigadeKilled in Action 11 October 1918, aged 23
Rifleman Cooper's inscription at the Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, France
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
Ernest Cooper was born in 1895 (GRO Sep 1895 Epsom 2a 78) to William and Charlotte Cooper (nee West).
In the 1901 census the family lived at 4 Rosebery Terrace, Heatherside Road, Ewell. Ernest's father was a 'Brickfield Labourer'. He had two older sisters and an older brother, Alice Ada age 14, Edith age 13, and William age 8. Edith was staying with he uncle George Cooper at 2 Elm Villas, Clarence Road, Sutton.
Ernest was a member of the All Saints choir.
On 8 September 1914, Ernest, aged 19 years and 4 months, completed his 'Short Service Attestation' Army form at Caxton Hall in Westminster, thereby agreeing to serve for the duration of the war. His 'Trade or Calling' was that of an engineer, and his next of kin was his father William George. They lived at Elm Cottage, Heatherside Road, West Ewell.
Ernest was 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed 150 lbs, had a chest measurement of 35½ inches with an expansion of 2 inches, his eyes were blue and both had perfect 6/6 vision. He had a fresh complexion and light brown hair. Distinguishing marks were a 'scar over left buttock', and a 'mole on left shoulder'. His physical development was described as 'good', and he was duly declared as 'fit for the Army'.
His 'Military History Sheet' revealed his general whereabouts during the war as follows;
Home 8/9/14 to 21/7/15 BX Force 22/7/15 to 19/9/16 Home 20/9/16 to 19/1/17 BEF 20/1/17 to 11/10/18
Army form B121 revealed that on 7/2/15, he committed an offence, quoting;
Blackdown. Offence. When on active service, inattention on the range --- firing at the wrong target. Witness, Cpl Dow. Forfeit 3 days pay. The form also tells us his religion was C of E.
The 'Burnt' papers at the National Archives reveal quite a lot of information about Ernest, which is listed here chronologically.
| Nov 1914 | Inoculated twice. Vaccinated successfully. |
| May 1915 | Two teeth extracted |
| 21/7/15 | Embarked Folkestone with Battalion |
| 23/7/16 | Appointed L/Cpl |
| 3/9/16 | Wounded in action. GSW right hand |
| 5/9/16 | Admitted Australian General Hospital, Rouen |
| 10/9/16 | Arrived 47 RB Depot, Havre |
| 17/9/16 | Rejoined Battalion in the field |
| 18/9/16 | Wounded in action. GSW chin |
| 20/9/16 | Returned to England from Rouen |
| 21/9/16 | Admitted 2nd Western General hospital. Shrapnel wounds, left hip and chin and small superficial wounds |
| 17/11/16 | Discharged after 58 days in hospital |
| 19/1/17 | Embarked Southampton |
| 20/1/17 | Disembarked Le Havre, posted to 2 Battalion |
| 15/2/17 | Posted to 3 Battalion |
| 24/2/17 | Joined and posted to 'D' coy |
| 29/3/17 | Reverted to private rifleman for |
| 1. Withdrawing a working party without permission | |
| 2. Neglect of duty whilst i/c of a post i.e. allowing his men to idle. | |
| 25/6/17 | Awarded 14 days FP No. 2 for using obscene language to a NCO |
| 2/2/18 | Granted leave to England from 2/2/18 to 16/2/18 |
| 24/2/18 | Rejoined from leave |
| 23/3/18 | Missing in action - now reported wounded |
| 30/3/18 | Admitted. Shell Wound ankle, left. Rouen |
| 30/4/18 | Proceeded to join 3 RB in the field |
| 5/8/18 | Wounded in action |
| 10/8/18 | Admitted, GSW right leg |
| 25/8/18 | 30 CCS |
| 30/8/18 | To duty |
| 1/9/18 | Rejoined Battalion |
| 13/10/18 | KIA (NOTE: This is 2 days later than CWGC date) |
The 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own), was in the 17 Brigade 24 Division. Towards the end of 1918 the final battles on the Western Front were taking place. The 3rd Rifle Brigade were fighting in 'The pursuit to the Selle' between 9th and 12th October.
On the 11th October 1918 thirty four men from the 3rd Rifle Brigade lost their lives including Ernest, killed in action, and is buried in Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, 111 B 19.
Ernest's mother acknowledged receipt of his effects on 15 February 1919. They consisted of; Mirror, P.Cards, Newspaper cuttings, Religious book, Pendant, Photo case, Cards, Wallet and Photos. She also wanted to know what had happened to his cigarette case and watch.
Army Form W 5080, dated 19 May 1919 lists living relatives. Damage to the document makes it unclear if his father is still living, but other living family members are his mother Charlotte, brother William, and sisters Ada Webb and Edith.
COPPARD W.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).
CORBETT, F.
Died N/K , aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Epsom Sorting office Memorial).
CORN Harold Frank, Rifleman
2/21st Bn, (County of London) Surrey Rifles. 60th Division.Killed in Action 13 December 1917, aged 22
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Killed in Palestine on 13 December 1917. Aged 22 years. (Listed on the St Mary's Cuddington memorial)
COULSON William Eugene (Bubbles), Lieutenant.
62nd Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF).Died in flying accident 5 September 1919, aged 20.
William and his parents' headstone in Epsom cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
William Eugene Coulson was born in Walthamstow in 1899 (GRO reference: Jun 1889 W. Ham 4a 410), the only child of William and Annie Coulson (nee Banks). His parents had married in the June quarter of 1897 in the Epping registration district.
The 1901 census shows the family living at Maud Villa, Station Road, Chingford, Essex. William's father was a 29 year old 'India Rubber Merchant Traveller'. The family was living next door to William's uncle and aunt, Eugene and Louisa Coulson.
By the 1911 census the family lived at 6, Royal Parade, Muswell Hill, and William's father was then described as a 'Commercial Traveller. Rubber'. The family employed one servant.
William was educated at Priory College and Brentwood High School.
William attested on 18 September 1916 in Epsom and was placed on the Army reserve to await mobilisation. He was 17 years and 6 months old, worked as a Civil Servant for the Inland Revenue, was unmarried and lived at Uplands, College Road, Epsom.
He was mobilised on 28 April 1917, given the service number TR/10/61752, and posted to the 104th Training Reserve Battalion (Young Soldier) based at Edinburgh. (The 104th TRB had previously been the 28th Reserve Battalion Royal Fusiliers). His medal card shows that at some point he was Corporal No. 1868 in the 104th TRB.
William was 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed 124 lbs, had a chest measurement of 35 inches with an expansion of 3 inches, was scarred as a result of an operation for a hernia and had three vaccination marks from infancy. His sight was perfect. His medical grade was A4 (see ourMedical Categories page).
On 22 August 1917 he was posted to the No. 1 Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Cadet Wing at Hastings, Sussex. On the form he was required to complete, he stated that his father was a partner in an asbestos manufacturers, that he could speak some French and that he enjoyed football, cricket, tennis, shooting, swimming etc. He also stated that he had previously spent one year in the Civil Service OTC and five months in the Royal Fusiliers. On 4 November 1917 was promoted 2Lt in the RFC.
William was shot down whilst piloting his aircraft over enemy lines, wounded and taken prisoner. After his release he remained overseas and was employed in flying Staff Officers to various engagements. Tragically, on his return flight home his aircraft crashed, killing him and his flight engineer.
The Epsom Advertiser printed the following two items:
2 August 1918:
LIEUT COULSON MISSING-----Lieut. William Coulson, a pilot in the Royal Air Force, is reported missing. He went over the German lines in a bombing machine and did not return. Lieut Coulson, who is a son of Mrs Coulson, Uplands, College-road, was before the war in the 1st Epsom Boy Scouts.
12 September 1919:
EPSOM AIRMAN'S DEATH. ----- FATAL NOSE-DIVE NEAR LINCOLN. ---- The death has occurred in most tragic circumstances of Lieut. William Eugene Coulson, only son of Mrs. Coulson and the late Mr. Coulson, formerly in residence at Uplands, College-road Epsom and deepest sympathy is extended to the widowed mother in her great bereavement.
A member of the Royal air Force, Lieut. Coulson, although only 20 years of age at the time of his death, distinguished himself as a gallant airman during the latter part of the war, and having decided to continue his duties permanently with the Air Force on Friday he was returning from overseas. While flying near Billingsworth, Lincs, the machine he was piloting nose-dived and being only about 8 feet from the ground he did not have sufficient room to pull it out of the dive, with the tragic result that it crashed to earth, killing both him and his engineer instantly.
When Lieut. Coulson came with his people to Epsom five years ago he quickly became popular with the other lads - for he was only fifteen then - and of a bright and happy disposition his companionship was cherished by all his friends. He was a member of the 1st Epsom Boy Scouts, but when he reached military age nothing could prevent him from enlisting in H.M. forces, and immediately he was released from the Civil service in which he was engaged he joined the Public Schools Brigade. About that time his father died.
He went through strenuous infantry training at Edinburgh, and subsequently was transferred to the South of England to be trained as an officer for what was then known as the Royal Flying Corps. He was not long in securing his wings, and in May last year he went to France. Interesting accounts of his experiences there are contained in his many letters to Mrs. Coulson and friends, and once he wrote to his old Scout Master, Mr. H.L. Lempriere, that he was sharing a bedroom with a Russian prince. He was always a cheerful and courageous youth, but it was his misfortune to be shot down by the enemy at the end of July and taken prisoner.
In reference to his capture Mrs. Coulson received the following letter from a senior officer shortly afterwards: -- "With very deep regret I have to inform you that your son was reported missing from an offensive patrol over the enemy's lines on the morning of July 22nd. He was last seen attacking three enemy machines, but it is not known exactly what happened, as the other members of the patrol were also engaged. It can only be hoped that he was forced to land in the enemy's lines and is a prisoner and unwounded. Lieut. Coulson had only been with us a short time, but had had previous experience in another squadron. He was a very skilful pilot and is a great loss to the squadron. He was liked and respected by everybody, and the whole squadron extend to you their deepest sympathy."
It was afterwards learnt that Lieut. Coulson was safe after a gruelling experience, he having been wounded in one of his hands and thrown out of his machine, which caught fire through a bullet penetrating one of the petrol tanks. When he was repatriated in December he told other stories of his prisoner of war experiences, for it was his boast that he passed through the whole of Germany and had a taste of six different camps.
Subsequently he returned to Belgium and finally went to Cologne, where he was engaged in taking staff officers to and fro.
MILITARY HONOURS
Devoted to his work Lieut. Coulson was conscious of its worst possibility, and he had expressed the wish that he should be buried in his uniform. The wish was fulfilled and military honours were accorded the funeral which took place at Epsom yesterday (Thursday). The body had been conveyed from Lincolnshire to Roslyn, Church-street, Ewell, where Mrs. Coulson was staying in consequence of her having given up the occupation of Uplands, Epsom, and it was encased in a polished oak coffin surmounted by the Union Jack and bearing the following inscription:
LIEUT. WILLIAM EUGENE COULSON
Died September 5th, 1919.
Aged 20 years.
Died September 5th, 1919.
Aged 20 years.
William is buried in grave D. 317 in Epsom cemetery. His father, having died on 24 January 1917 in Netherne Asylum aged 44, is buried in the same plot, as is his mother who died on 24 April 1947 at 11, Langdale Road, Hove, aged 73.
From the National Probate Register 1919:
COULSON William Eugene of Uplands College-road Epsom Surrey lieutenant R.A.F. died 5 September 1919 at Lempringham Lincolnshire Administration London 27 October to Annie Coulson widow. Effects £143 3s.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that:
WILLIAM EUGENE COULSON, who was in the Royal Air Force died 5th September 1919 as the result of an accident while flying from Cologne. He had been a prisoner of war in 1918. Before enlisting he was a Boy Scout in Epsom.
William's medal card.
Image courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk (Link opens in a new window)
Copyright 2009, The Generations Network, Inc. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
William's medals, the British War medal and the Victory medal were sent to his mother at 26, Willow Street, Chingford on 6 December 1920.
EP SM BEC
COX C.R.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
COX Frank Ernest. Lance Corporal. 280.
9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 21 September 1918, aged 26.
Frank's inscription on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial (Pas de Calais) memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Frank Ernest Cox was the only child of Ernest Henry and Frances Louisa Cox (nee Norwood). He was born in Fulham, London in 1890, although there does not seem to be any evidence for the registration of his birth. He appears on the 1901 census as the son of Ernest and Louisa; however, in the 1891 census, along with Ernest and Louisa, there is an entry for Ernest's nephew, Frank Butterley, whose age and place of birth are identical to Frank Ernest Cox. Perhaps the Coxes adopted Frank informally (legislation relating to formal adoption was not introduced until the 1920s).
Frank's father Ernest Henry Cox was born in Forest Hill in 1866, the son of (John) Thomas and Sarah Charlotte Cox. Thomas was a shoemaker from Epsom and Sarah was born in Richmond; she died in 1883 and is buried in Epsom Cemetery. Thomas remarried in 1885; his second wife was also called Sarah and was 24 years his junior. They had two daughters before Thomas died in 1892. His burial record at Epsom Cemetery describes him as a 'cab driver'
.In 1871, Ernest appeared with his parents on the census in East Street, Epsom, living in the home of his grandmother, Elizabeth Cox. The family was still in East Street in 1881 although Elizabeth was no longer with them, having died in 1874. By then, Thomas had become a railway driver and Ernest was employed as a shop assistant. Also in the household was Ernest's 7-year-old brother, Charles.
Ernest married Frances Louisa Norwood in Epsom district. She is referred to as 'Louisa' in both the 1901 and 1911 censuses; however, she is called 'Julia' in the 1891 census, and this would seem to be an error on the part of the enumerator. She stated that she was born in Abberley, Worcestershire, but no evidence of a birth registration for her can be found.
In the 1891 census, Ernest and 'Julia' were living at Worple Lodge, Ladbroke Road, Epsom and Ernest gave his occupation as 'ironmonger's assistant'. Also living with them was nephew, Frank Butterley.
By the time of the 1901 census, the family had moved to 1, Yew Tree Cottages on Epsom Common, Frank's father Ernest was a hardware assistant and Frank himself was a scholar.
There is no trace of Frank on the 1911 census, but Ernest and Louisa were living at 9 Adelphi Road and Ernest was now the manager of a furnishing store.
Frank's service papers have not survived but the Soldiers Died CD tells us that he was living in south west London when he enlisted. From his medal card we know he went to France on 1 June 1915 and served in the 9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The 9th Royal Fusiliers were in the 36th Brigade, 12th Division.
On 21 September 1918 the battalion was ordered to attack the Hindenburg Line east Epehy. The Hindenburg Line was a massively fortified and well defended in depth line of fortifications from which the Germans had launched their spring offensive in March 1918 but had now been pushed back to. The 9th Battalion War Diary for 21 September:
Marching at 3 a.m. Bn. moved to assembly positions in rear of our front line E of Epehy. In position by 5 a.m.It would seem most likely that Frank was killed by machine gun fire. The diary goes on to report that 270 other ranks (OR) were casualties. This figure would include killed, wounded and missing. The Soldiers Died CD states that 87 OR died on 21 September 1918.
At 5.40 a.m., under cover of an artillery barrage, Bn. attacked with 7th R. Sussex on left and 6th R. W. KENTS on right.
Bn. came under very heavy M. G. fire and was unable to advance beyond its first objective - Mule Trench.
At 1.0 p. m., under cover of a very weak barrage, Bn. again endeavored to push forward. Very heavy M. G. fire was again opened and no progress could be made. In touch on left, but not in touch on right.
Frank has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 3 of the Vis-en-Artois Memorial (Pas de Calais), along with almost 10,000 others who died in the last three months of the War as part of the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois.
The Epsom Advertised dated 25 October 1918:
LANCE-CORPL FRANK COX, only son of Mr. E. H. Cox(the volunteers band-master) has been killed in action. Lce-Corpl. Cox was 26. He was a footman in the service of Lady Harrison, Lennox Gardens, at the time he joined the Army. A Company Quartermaster Sergt. writing to his parents, says their son was "so brave and courageous."
The St Martin's Roll of Honour states that:
"FRANK ERNEST COX, was killed in action in France, 27th September 1918."
Frank was awarded the 1914 - 1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
Unusually he appears on four memorials in the Borough, Ashley Road, St Martins Church, Christ Church and the Epsom Brotherhood.
EP SM CC EB
COX John Benjamin, Rifleman
12th Bn, King's Royal Rifle Corps.Killed in Action 20 September 1915, aged 20
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Killed in France on 20 September 1915. Aged 20 years. (Listed on the St Mary's Cuddington memorial)
CROPLEY Trefelyn Roland, Sergeant. 551619.
1st/16th Battalion London Regiment (Queen's Westminster Rifles).Killed in Action 30 November 1917, aged 24.
Trefelyn's inscription on the Cambrai Memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Trefelyn Roland Cropley was born in 1893 in Walthamstow, East London (GRO reference Dec 1893 West Ham 4a 340) to Charles and Florence Charlotte Cropley (nee Coles).
Trefelyn's parents married in 1892 in the Hackney Registration District having been mistakenly indexed as 'Crossley'. Charles had been born in Little Bookham, whilst Florence's place of birth was Albany Street, Regents Park, London.
By the time of the 1901 census, the family had moved to Epsom, and were living at 1, Laburnum Road. Trefelyn's father Charles, was a 36 year old builder and employer. His mother Florence was aged 31 and after her two sons, Trefelyn himself and Howard. (In 1924, Howard married Jessie R. Venus).
The 1911 census shows that the family was still living at 1, Laburnum Road. Trefelyn was a builder's clerk, presumably working for his father, and Howard was still at school. Dorothy Maud Coles, Florence's 20-year-old niece, was living with them as a companion. There was another Cropley family living at 2 Laburnum Road - that of Charles Cropley's older brother, James, who was also a builder. James' son, Lennie (Leonard Eric James Cropley) also served in the War, but returned to Epsom to marry and have a family. Charles Cropley was a magistrate and signed some of the papers for those enlisting in Epsom, including those for Sidney Lewis Hill.
Trefelyn's service papers have not survived but we know that he served with the Queen's Westminster Rifles (QWR), a London territorial unit. Their headquarters was at 58, Buckingham Gate, and this is where he would have enlisted. The QWR was in the 169th Brigade, 56th (London) Division.
The British launched the battle of Cambrai 20 November 1917 and initially it was a great success. Tanks were first used on 15 September 1916 on the Somme, but only in small numbers, insufficient to make a great difference. For the Cambrai offensive some 380 tanks were used, and combined with surprise advances of almost seven miles were made by 28 November 1917. An enormous distance by Western Front standards. However, most of these gains were to be lost through German counter attacks that commenced on 30 November. Trefelyn's battalion were occupying old German positions just outside Moeuvres, west of Bourlon, when they came under intense artillery fire at about 10.15am. Then at 10.45am, under a barrage of trench mortars the enemy attacked 'over the top' down Swan Lane and the Boursies - Moeuvres Road.
From the War Diary dated 30 November 1917:
A stiff fight commenced of which it is impossible to give details, and although we managed to beat the enemy back over the top - they penetrated on our right from the road mentioned above and along the trench on our left and although at 1.15 we still had a footing in our front line. The position was critical and we had asked for reinforcements. By 2pm we were holding the support line and the two C.Ts (Communication Trenches) with a block in each close up to the front line.
At 2.30pm an urgent wire was sent for reinforcements as our line was giving way and again at 410pm. - after this time although there was a considerable amount of bombing at the blocks things became quieter. At 6.30pm the Battalion was reinforced by one company of the Q.V.R. who relieved our men in the C.T.s - later 2 Coys of the L.R.B. arrived and relieved our men in a position of the support line and another company commenced digging themselves in in the old German Outpost line - during the day a continuous stream of messages arrived to the effect that our guns were firing short and they continued to do so although urgent messages were sent back. Our A.A. Guns appeared to have been put out of action as they took no notice of large numbers of enemy aircraft which patrolled our lines almost at will during the day. Orders that the Battalion would be relieved by the L.R.B. were received about 8.30 - The Battalion was clear of the trenches by 1am.
Trench map of the Boursies - Moeuvres Road area
Click image to enlarge
Twenty six men from the QWR died on 30 November 1917, including Trefelyn who was killed in action. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial to the missing.
The Epsom advertiser dated 14 December 1917 printed the following:
MR. C. CROPLEY'S SON KILLED. - The regrettable news was heard in the town yesterday (Thursday) morning that Sergt. Trevor (sic) Cropley, son of Mr. C. Cropley, had been killed in action. He was a promising young fellow in civil life, both in the technicalities of the building trade and the organisations he assisted in the town, including the Rifle Club. When in the Army he soon qualified for his sergeant's stripes.
Trefelyn was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
He is described on the St Martin's Church memorial as Sergeant Instructor. The Church Roll of Honour states that:
TREFELYN ROLAND CROPLEY, was killed in action near Cambrai on the 30th November 1917.
The CWGC states that he was the "Son of Charles and Florence Charlotte Cropley, of 11, Laburnum Road, Epsom". Charles died in 1949 aged 84, and Florence died in 1953 aged 82, both in the Epsom area.
The Cropley family grave and detail in Epsom Cemetery
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Trefelyn is also remembered on his parent's grave in Epsom cemetery.
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CULVER Arthur, Private. 156361.
354th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA).Died of Wounds 29 March 1918, aged 36.
Arthur's headstone in Rouen cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Arthur Culver was born in 1881 (GRO reference: Sep 1881 Epsom 2a 11) to Elisha and Emma Culver (nee Blake).
In the 1881 census before Arthur was born the family lived in Gravel Lane Cottages, Banstead. Arthur's father was a 34 year old farm labourer. His mother was 32 and he had four siblings, William aged 8, Lillian aged 5, Ethel aged 3 and Frederick aged 1. They had a lodger staying with them, 47 year old Robert Stevens, a bricklayers labourer. (Wrongly transcribed as Charter in Ancestry.)
By 1891 the family had moved to Burgh Heath near the Surrey Yeoman public house. Arthur now 9 had another two siblings, Archibald aged 4 and Frank aged 3 months.
In 1901 the family lived at Memory Cottages, Burgh Heath. Arthur's father was working as a road labourer whilst Arthur himself was a grocer's assistant.
Arthur married Harriet Percival Cordwell in 1905. It seems they had four children;
Herbert Archibald, born December quarter 1907.
Mary Isabel, born March quarter 1909.
Percival A, born September quarter 1911.
Olivia G, born June quarter 1914.
Arthur appears in the Surrey recruitment register, attesting in Epsom on 10 December 1916 into the RGA. He gave his age as 35 years and 6 months. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 154 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 39 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He lived at 112, East Street, Epsom, gave his occupation as an accountant, and was shown as medical grade 'A'.
Arthur died of wounds on 29 March 1918 and is buried at Rouen. Rouen provided a base for British forces and had several military hospitals. Arthur's service records have not survived so we will probably never know what caused his fatal wounds. However, on 21 March the Germans launched their last great offensive, known as the Kaiserschlacht or operation Michael. It was their last desperate bid to win the war before the Americans arrived in force. Each side carried out what was known as counter battery work, when they tried to destroy enemy artillery, and it is quite likely that Arthur was a victim of such shelling.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that "ARTHUR CULVER, died at Rouen on the 29th March 1918 from wounds received in action". His name also appears on the Ashtead War Memorial.
Arthur was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The CWGC states that he was the "Husband of Mrs. H.P. Culver, of 1, Woodman Cottages, Ashtead, Surrey". (NOTE: 1, Woodman Cottages is now 190, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead).
With thanks to Brian Bouchard for supplying additional information.
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CUMMING Harry Allan, Lance Corporal. 49.
28th Battalion Australian Infantry.Killed in Action 29 July 1916, aged 43.
Harry's inscription on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Harry Allan Cumming was born at Tooting in 1873 (GRO reference: Sep 1873 Wandsworth 1b 637) to Charles Edward Durant and Alice Julia Cumming (nee Simpson).
In 1871 before Harry was born, the family lived at Balham Road, Streatham. Harry's father Charles was a 39 year old silk broker. His mother Alice was 26, and he had five older siblings, Helen aged 6, George aged 5, Charles aged 3, Alice aged 2 and Emily aged 1. Six servants were employed, so this must have been quite a wealthy household.
In 1881 the family still lived in Balham Road, Streatham. Harry's father was then described as a stock broker. Harry had two more siblings, Ralph aged 9 and Edward aged 6. The household still employed six servants.
By 1891 Harry was a 17 year old pupil at the fee paying St Andrews College, Bradfield, Berkshire. The college was later renamed Bradfield College. I have been unable to locate Harry's parents in the 1891 census.
The 1901 census sees the family living in 'Haling House', Ashley Road, Epsom. Harry's father, now 69, was still working as a silk broker employing people. Harry himself was described as a stock jobber, and was also an employer. The family had now reduced the number of domestic servants to three.
I have not found Harry in the 1911 census, so perhaps he had emigrated to Australia by then. However, in 1911 Harry's 66 year old widowed mother lived at Highurst Corner, Waterhouse Lane, Burgh Heath, with her 41 year old spinster daughter and three servants. She stated that she had given birth to eight children and that seven were still alive.
Harry's circumstances seemed to have changed dramatically between the 1901 census and the next records found for him, his Army service papers. He was in Australia when war broke out and on 27 February 1915 at Blackboy Hill, Western Australia, he attested into the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) as a 40 year old private soldier, having knocked a year off his age. He stated he was single, and gave his mother Alice Julia Cumming of Woodcote End, Epsom as his next of kin, his father having died in 1909. As previously noted in the 1901 census he was a stock jobber who employed people, now in Australia he gave his occupation as labourer, and stated that he was a good horseman. He joined No. 9 Depot Company on 4 March.
Harry was 5 feet 11½ inches tall, weighed 11 stone 7 lbs, had a chest measurement of 37½ inches with an expansion of 2½ inches, a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He had tattooed arms with 4 blue butterflies on his right forearm, and the head of a female and humming birds on his left forearm. Other distinctive marks were 5 vaccination marks on his left upper arm. His religion was Church of England. Harry was originally placed in number 9 Depot Company, then to 'C' Company, 24th Battalion, and finally to 'A' Company, 28th Battalion, 7th Brigade.
On 29 June 1915 Harry embarked at Fremantle on His Majesty's Australian Transport (HMAT) ship 'Ascanius', and disembarked at Alexandria. The following notes have been taken from Harry's service records, and provide a brief timetable of his army service:
Sailed to Gallipoli aboard SS Ivernia arriving on 4 September 1915.
Wounded 18 September 1915.
Admitted to 7th Field Ambulance, S.W. Abdomen, 18 September 1915.
Admitted to 16th CCS, 19 September 1915.
Transferred to hospital ship, H.S. Maheno, 19 September 1915.
Admitted to Hamrun Military Hospital, Malta, G.S.W. 23 September 1915.
Transferred to All Saints Convalescence Camp, 26 October 1915.
Discharged for Active Service, embarked for Mudros aboard HT Borda, 15 November 1915.
Returned to duty at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt, 10 January 1916.
Embarked from Alexandria to join the BEF, 16 March 1916.
Disembarked Marseilles, 21 March 1916.
Admitted to 7th Field Ambulance suffering with Mumps, 13 April 1916.
Transferred to No. 7 General Hospital, St Omer, 14 April 1916.
Discharged from hospital, 5 May 1916.
Returned to duty, 22 May 1916.
Appointed Temporary Lance Corporal, 4 June 1916.
Killed in action, 29 July 1916.
Buried near Pozières, 4 miles north east of Albert.
Pozières is a small village astride the Albert - Bapume Road, and it is almost the highest point of the Pozières Ridge. It had been an objective of the 8th Division on the opening day of the battle, 1 July, and four previous attempts to capture it had failed. But on 25 July the Australian 1st Division had managed to take it. Harry's 2nd Division renewed the assault on the German lines on the 29 July but without success. It was during this assault that Harry lost his life through shellfire.
Over the six weeks of fighting around this area (Pozières and Mouquet Farm) the Australians suffered some 23,000 casualties. The Australian official historian Charles Bean wrote that, the Pozières ridge is;
"more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth."
On 25 April 1917, at Woodcote End, Epsom, Harry's mother acknowledged receipt of his personal effects, consisting of letters, photos, pocket knife, badges, scissors, correspondence, buttons, 2 handkerchiefs and housewife. The items were dispatched from the AIF kit store at 110, Greyhound Road, Fulham.
Harry was awarded the 1914-1915 star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin's church roll of honour states that "HENRY ALLAN CUMMING, was killed by a shell at Poziéres Wood in France on 29th July 1916. When war broke out he was in Australia, and he joined the Australian Imperial Force".
Harry is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France, and on his parents grave, plot A230 Epsom cemetery.
Harry's inscription on his parents grave
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
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