War Memorials - Surnames G
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryGABRIEL, Stewart Arkcoll (New 27/06/2010)
GALYER, Fred (a.k.a. James), (Updated 18/09/2010)
GARDINER, William Norman (Updated 18/06/2010)
GARMAN, Percy
GASKELL, David Lyndsay Stranack,
GAUNT, George (Updated 22/08/2010)
GLADMAN, John
GLOVER, Albert Edward (Updated 04/02/2009)
GOBEY, F
GOBLE, Archer Edward
GODDEN, Edward William (Updated 02/02/2009)
GOODSHIP, Charles Daniel
GOODSHIP, Sydney William (Updated 18/06/2010)
GOREY, Fred
GOREY, Henry
GRELLIER, Gordon Harley
GRUCHY, J.E.A (New 01/02/2009)
GRUNDTVIG, Humphrey Halgrim (Revised 16/01/2012)
GUYTON, Albert James (Revised 03/08/2011)
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
GABRIEL Stewart Arkcoll, Gunner. 139088.
76th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.Died of Wounds 21 August 1917, aged 39.
Stewart Gabriel
Image source: de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour.
Stewart Arkcoll Gabriel was born in Streatham on 14 June 1878 (GRO reference: Sep 1878 Wandsworth 1d 709) to Joseph Sutcliffe and Susan Gabriel (nee Arkcoll). They married in 1867 at Maidstone.
In the 1881 census the family lived at 'Rokeby', Leigham Court Road, Streatham. Stewart's father was a 38 year old stone merchant and contractor. His mother was 37 and he had 7 siblings, Ruth aged 12, Joseph aged 9, Florence aged 7, Elsie aged 6, Gertrude aged 4 and Henry aged 1. Another sibling, Mary born 1872 is not shown on the census. This must have been quite a wealthy family as they were able to employ eight servants.
By 1891 Stewart was a 12 year old pupil at Godwynhurst College, Dover Road. The family were still living at 'Rokeby' in Streatham, and another sibling had arrived, Maud aged 9.
In 1901 the family were still 'Rokeby House' Streatham, but now Stewart was working in his father's office.
Stewart married Elsie Dorothy Thornton at Forest Gate on 2 June 1906. They lived at 'Moordale', Langley Bottom. They had one child, a daughter, Judith Ashley, born 11 July 1913.
In the 1911 census Stewart and his wife Dorothy were staying with his 67 year old mother Susan at 70, Margaret Street, W, no others having been recorded as living there. Of Stewart's 8 siblings only 5 survived by 1911.
The Surrey Recruitment Register shows that Stewart originally attested at Kingston on 15 March 1915, into the 'ASC (Yeoman)'. He was 38 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 148lbs, and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 5 inches. He lived at Moordale, Langley Bottom, and stated his occupation as dog breeder.
He originally attested into the 'Remount Squadron ASC', and he was sent to Woolwich. This did not please Stewart at all, and on 23 March 1915 he wrote complaining that he had volunteered for home service only, he knew nothing about horses, had been a shipping clerk, and should be similarly employed in the Army. Previous to this he had been examined by an Ophthalmic Surgeon who wrote the following:
This man complains of defective vision and when asked to read the test type his eyesight does not come up to standard, but by applying correcting glasses and then neutralising them again his statements can be found to be false. Although he has astigmatism in both eyes, worst in the left one. I am of the opinion that his eyesight is quite good enough for him to continue as he is, without glasses.
Despite this Stewart was duly discharged on 23 March 1915 under King's Regulations 392 iii (b), which read:
Not being likely to become an efficient soldier: Recruit passed by medical officer, but rejected by a recruiting officer stationed away from headquarters of the recruiting area, or by approving officer.
So despite being passed as fit by a medical officer, he was nonetheless rejected by the unit he was sent to. Possibly his complaining about not wanting to work with horses, coupled with the fact that he did not have perfect vision, and that he was quite old for the Army, led to his discharge. This was early in the war, recruits were still coming forward to volunteer, and the carnage was small compared to later years in the war. Before too long though, the Army was not at all fussy about who it recruited.
Despite having been once rejected, Stewart was accepted for service in November 1916, no doubt conscripted this time. De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour has the following entry:
GABRIEL, STEWART ARKCOLL, Gunner, No. 11818, R.G.A., s. of the late Joseph Sutcliffe Gabriel, of Streatham, by his wife, Susan, dau. of Charles Arkcoll, of Maidstone; b. Streatham, 14 June 1878; educ. Godwynhurst, Dover; on the outbreak of war endeavoured to enlist, but his services were refused on account of defective eyesight. He was accepted in Nov. 1916; underwent training at Bostall Heath and Winchester; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from April 1917; was slightly wounded in the groin but rejoined his regiment on recovery, and died from wounds on 21 Aug. 1917, received from aircraft bombs, while recovering from gassing, in a Field Clearing Station at Poperinghe. Buried in Dozinghem Soldiers' Cemetery. He m. at Forest Gate, co. Essex, 2 June, 1906, Elsie Dorothy, dau. Of William Thornton, late of Brighton, and had a dau., Judith Ashley, b. 11 July 1913.
Stewart's death was reported in the Epsom Advertiser dated 31 August 1917:
DIED FOR THE COUNTRY. - A gallant soldier, Gunner Stewart Arkcoll Gabriel, R.G.A., of Moordale, Epsom Downs, has given his life for the country. Gunner Gabriel is reported died from wounds on August 21st. He was 39 years old.
The soldiers died CD shows him as having formerly served as No. 11818 Middlesex Regiment, but his medal card has No. 139088, RGA. He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that "STEWART ARKCOLL GABRIEL, was killed by an enemy bomb while lying gassed in a Casualty Clearing Station at Poperinghe on 21st August 1917."
Stewart's headstone in Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
EP SM
GALYER Fred Mason (a.k.a. James), Private. 8130 & 14233.
4th (Queens Own) Hussars.Died of Wounds 7 June 1917, aged 26.
Fred's Headstone in Tincourt new cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Fred Mason Galyer was born in 1891 (GRO reference: Jun 1891 Epsom 2a 2), the third son of Henry Robert and Eliza Galyer (nee Mason). His parents had married on 22 January 1882.
Henry (1856-1934) and Eliza (1856-1938) had nine children, all of whom had their mother's maiden name 'Mason' as a middle name:
| NAME | DATES OF BIRTH/DEATH | PLACE OF BIRTH/DEATH |
| Annie Mason | September quarter 1882 | Carshalton, Surrey |
| Eliza Mason | 9 September 1883 - 16 April 1969 | Carshalton, Surrey |
| John Mason | March quarter 1885 - 4 February 1964 | Carshalton/Belmont, Surrey |
| Alice Mason | September quarter 1886 - | Carshalton, Surrey |
| Henry Mason | 25 April 1888 - 4 February 1964 | Carshalton/Belmont, Surrey |
| Lillie Mason | September quarter 1889 - | Carshalton, Surrey |
| Fred Mason | June quarter 1891 - 7 June 1917 | Carshalton/France |
| William Mason | December quarter 1894 - 1894 | Carshalton, Surrey |
| Florence Mason | September 1896 - 1986 | Carshalton, Surrey/Eastbourne, Sussex |
Fred was born in the June quarter of 1891 shortly after the 1891 census was taken. It is unlikely that a heavily pregnant woman would be far from home, but the family's whereabouts has not been found in the 1891 census. They were probably living in one of the 'Mason's Cottages' in St James Road, Carshalton, as according to a family tree, Eliza Mason Galyer had been born there in 1883, and the family was living at 4, Mason's Cottages when the 1901 census was taken.
In 1901 Fred's father Henry, aged 45, was working as a railway engine driver to support his 45 year old wife Eliza and children, Eliza aged 17, John aged 16 (working as a gardener's boy), Henry aged 13 (who also served in the war), Lillie aged 12 Fred aged 10 and Florence aged 5. Fred's sister Annie was working away from home as a servant, as was his other sister Alice (transcribed as Jallier).
When the family moved to Epsom is unknown, but the family lived at 58, Albert Road when the 1911 census was taken. Fred's father was still earning his living driving engines, whilst Fred himself was a 20 year old general labourer. Fred's mother stated that she had given birth to nine children and that eight were still living. The family had a visitor with them on census night, seven year old Esther Marion Sumner from Folkestone.
Fred first attested, at the age of 19 years and 10 months, into the 4th Hussars, at Kingston, on 3 January 1912, and for whatever reason used the name James Galyer instead of his given name of Fred Mason Galyer, and was allocated the service number 8130. He was 5 feet 5¼ inches tall, weighed 128lbs, and had a chest measurement of 35½ inches with an expansion of 2½ inches. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, and had scars on his right thumb and the back of his right hand. His pulse rate was 85, his vision 6/6 in each eye, and his religion was Church of England. He said he earned his living as a stableman, and provided the address of C. Cropley, builder, 1, Laburnum Road, Epsom. Presumably his employer, used horses for transport. He gave his next of kin as his father Robert, mother Eliza and sister Florrie, all of 58 Albert Road, Epsom.
Although he was classed as being of good physical development, he was twice hospitalised, the first on 27 March 1912 for 6 days with infected tonsils, and then on 14 April 1913 for 6 days with appendicitis. Three days after attesting on 6 January 1912 he was sent to Dublin, where on 6 February 1912 he gained his 3rd class education certificate. On 4 April he was sent to Curragh, County Kildare (an area well known for horse breeding and training), about 25 miles south west of Dublin. For reasons unknown, after 1 year and 109 days he paid £18, and was discharged from the Army, on 21 April 1913.
This however was not the end of his Army career, for soon after the outbreak of war, on 13 August 1914 he attested again at Kingston, and once again joined the 4th Hussars. He was given a new service number, 14233, and went to France with the Hussars on 23 November 1914. From his surviving service papers, it appears that he was refunded £8 from the £18 he had paid previously to be discharged!
Once the front lines had settled into the stalemate of trench warfare, the cavalry were held in readiness to exploit the 'gap' in the enemy lines that it was always hoped that the infantry would provide as a result of one of the many assaults launched throughout the war. When it became apparent that no such breakthrough was likely, the Hussars were used as labour and to hold the line. This is what they were doing on 7 June 1917 when James was killed in action, probably by shellfire or sniping. By Great War standards the 4th Hussars suffered very few fatalities in France & Flanders, loosing only 6 men throughout the whole of 1917, and only 75 throughout the entire war.
Fred is buried in plot X.B.21, Tincourt New British cemetery, five miles east of Peronne. Tincourt was a centre for Causality Clearing Stations, the cemetery first being used in June 1917. After the war, the bodies of many men were exhumed and buried here from many outlying small cemeteries.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that
"FRED MASOM (sic) GALYER, died of wounds in France on the 7th June 1917".
Fred was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP SM
GARDINER William Norman, Lieutenant.
Royal Navy. H.M.S.Defence.Killed in Action 31 May 1916, aged 23.
William Norman Gardiner was born on 1 February 1893 (GRO Reference: Mar 1893 Epsom 2a 21), the eldest of four sons of Edward and Hilda Gardiner (nee Cornish-Bowden). Their maternal grandfather was Rear Admiral William Bowden (1826-1896).
William's father Edward (MA Oxford) was from Buckinghamshire and was working as an assistant master at the Royal Medical Benevolent College (Epsom College) in 1891, shortly before marrying William's mother Hilda on 20 April1892 in her hometown of Newton Abbott Devon.
William was baptised in St Martin's church Epsom on 21 February 1893. Three years later his brother Athelstan Norman was born on 20 August 1896. Athelstan was destined to die in the Second World War when, as a Lieutenant Commander, his aircraft carrier HMS Hermes was sunk by Japanese aircraft off Ceylon. His next brother Robert Norman was born on 17 February 1900, and finally, eight years later his youngest brother Edward Ambrose Norman, was born on 23 February 1904.
As a Royal Medical Benevolent College master with a young family, Edward had the services of three servants when the 1901 census was taken; Ethel Louise Walker a nurse, Edith Beatrice Betts a parlour maid and Edith Lilly Isabella Oakwell a cook.
In the 1911 census William was serving as an 18 year old Midshipman, on HMS Indomitable, a battlecruiser. His father Edward, now aged 47 was still an assistant master at Epsom College living at No. 2, The College. His mother Hilda, aged 43, stated that she had given birth to four children, and that they were all still living. The family still employed three servants.
Following in the footsteps his maternal grandfather, William joined the Royal Navy. On 13 September 1905 at the very young age of 12 years and 7 months he joined a Naval training establishment. He remained there until 15 May 1910 when he joined HMS Indomitable as a Midshipman. Further promotions followed:
· 15 September 1912: Promoted Acting Sub-Lieutenant.
· 30 July 1913: Promoted Sub-Lieutenant.
· 30 May 1915: Promoted Lieutenant.
· 15 September 1912: Promoted Acting Sub-Lieutenant.
· 30 July 1913: Promoted Sub-Lieutenant.
· 30 May 1915: Promoted Lieutenant.
From William's service record it is apparent that whilst he was hard working, sober and his general conduct was very good, he was also a very slow learner. In fact the last entry in his service record reads: Ignorant of his duties. Wishes to learn but is stupid.
William served on a number of ships before his final posting to HMS Defence. This ship was launched in 1907 and was the last armoured cruiser built in the Pembroke dockyard for the Royal Navy. She was the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Robert K Arbuthnot, Bart., C.B., M.V.O. who lead the First Cruiser Squadron, consisting of HMS Defence, HMS Warrior and HMS Black Prince, all of which sailed 16 miles ahead of the main battle fleet at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916.
HMS Defence (1907) showing stern 9.2 inch Mk XI guns.
SMS Wienbaden, a German cruiser, had been badly damaged ahead of the British battlecruisers. HMS Defence and HMS Warrior were preparing to destroy the German battleship but became targets themselves for other German battlecruisers which were hidden by smoke and mist. After some initial damage, HMS Defence was struck by a salvo of enemy gunfire which triggered explosions of her ammunition rails leading to the broadside 7.5 inch guns. Within seconds, more shots were fired by the Germans which, up until 2001, was thought to have completely blown up the entire ship, which then sank with the loss of Arbuthnot and her entire complement of 54 officers, 845 men and 4 civilians.
One of these officers was 23 year old Lieutenant William Norman Gardiner. He was just one of the 903 people who died when 'HMS Defence' was sunk by enemy gunfire and died on the evening of 31 May 1916, during the Battle of Jutland.
Although at the time it was believed that the battleship had been completely fragmented by the attack, a diving team in 2001 found that in fact the ship was largely intact, dispite its violent sinking. The divers found her upright, on an even keel, in around 45m of water. Because of the cordite which was hit, the hull had apparentely melted. The final resting place of HMS Defense is now protected under the Protection of Military Remains Act.
Extract from the Official History; "Naval Operations" by Sir Julian S. Corbett. 1923
...........Both the Defence and Warrior had already hit the doomed Wiesbaden. Still Admiral Arbuthnot, in spite of straddling salvoes, held on till within 5,500 yards of his prey he turned to starboard. Both ships were now in a hurricane of fire, which the Germans were concentrating with terrible effect to save their burning ship, and there quickly followed another of the series of appalling catastrophes which so tragically distinguish this battle from all others. Four minutes after crossing the Lion's bows the Defence was hit by two heavy salvoes in quick succession, and the Admiral and his flagship disappeared in a roar of flame (6.20). The Warrior barely escaped a similar fate..............
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that:
WILLIAM NORMAN GARDINER, was a Navy Officer at the outbreak of the war and was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland on the 31st May 1916.
The Epsom Advertiser dated 9 June 1916 printed the following:
DIED IN BATTLE. - Amongst those who lost their lives in last week's titanic naval battle was Lieut. Wm. Norman Gardiner. R.N., of H.M.S. "Defence," who was the son of Mr. E. Norman Gardiner, a master at Epsom College.
William is commemorated on the Royal Naval Memorial at Plymouth, as is his brother Edward. The brothers are also remembered on the grave of their maternal Grandfather, Rear Admiral William Bowden (grave M5894) in St Mary's Church, Wolborough, Devon:
| Also in proud memory of his Grandsons | |
| William Norman Gardiner | Edward Ambrose Norman Gardiner |
| Lieut. R.N.: H.M.S. Defence | Lt. Com. R.N.: H.M.S. Hermes |
| 31 May 1916 aged 23 | 9 April 1942 aged 38 |
| WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY | |
EP SM
GARMAN Percy, Private. 7292.
2 East Surrey Regiment.Killed in Action 25 April 1915, aged 20.
Percy Garman's inscription on the Menin Gate Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Percy Garman was born in 1895 (GRO reference: Mar 1895 Epsom 2a 21) to Harry and Mary Jane Garman (nee Monk). Baptised St Mary's 17th March 1895.
In the 1901 census they lived at 1 Kiln cottages in London Road, near the 'Brick Kiln Inn'. Percy's father was a 51 year old garden labourer. His mother was 42. Percy had two brothers, Fred aged 15, a garden labourer like his father, and Harry aged 4.
He was a member of the Ewell Old Boys' Association in 1913-1914, and lived 17, North View Villas, Ewell.
No.17 North View Villas
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
The Surrey recruitment register shows that Percy Garman (transcribed Gorman) enlisted on 7 September 1914 at Epsom, into the Royal Fusiliers at the age of 19 years and 7 months. He was 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 148 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 36 ½ inches with an expansion of 2 inches. He had a fair complexion, blue eyes, fair hair, and was a gardener.
Percy must have transferred at some stage into the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment. The Battalion was in the 85th Brigade 28th Division. Between 24th April and 4th May 1915 the 'Battle of St Julien', part of the 'Second battle of Ypres' was fought.
From the East Surrey History:
"on the 25th April at 5 a.m. the enemy opened shrapnel fire which continued till 9 a.m., when the trenches were heavily bombarded. The fumes from the shells, against which no protection had as yet been devised, again affected the men and in some cases rendered them unconscious. The casualties to noon had been 4 killed and 18 wounded.
At about 1 p.m. the enemy attacked the whole line held by the Battalion, breaking through Trench 23, the garrison of which had been rendered helpless by the fumes. About fifty Germans occupied a small trench in rear of this, but were dislodged, and eight were captured. The remainder of these men made for the railway, but A Company, which was in the dugouts there, attacked them and captured one officer and twenty-eight men, disposing of the remainder. A Company then advanced to Trench 23 and left an officer and twenty men as reinforcements there. The enemy had also succeeded in occupying the central position of Trench 24, but were speedily driven out by the Middlesex company at the point of the bayonet. Trench 25, on the left, was also pierced by a strong force of the enemy, who gained possession of the centre of the trench and defeated all attempts to dislodge them. The enemy in attacking were careful not mask the loopholes of their own trenches, and the fire from these loopholes caused heavy casualties among our men, who, having no loopholes, were obliged to fire over the parapet. Two companies of the Shropshire Light Infantry , arrived at 9.15 to endeavour to drive the enemy out of Trench 25, but two attacks made at 12.30 a.m. and 3.30 a.m. on the 26th April were unsuccessful."
The Epsom Advertiser dated 18th June 1915 printed:
Ewell Parish Council meeting, news had been received of the death of Mr Percy Garman.
Percy was one of 103 men from the 2nd East Surrey's who lost their lives on 25th April 1915. He commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Panel 34. CWGC states he was the 'Son of Harry and Mary Jane Garman, 17, North View Villas, Kingston Road, Ewell.
BH EW ES
GASKELL David Lyndsay Stranack, 2nd Lieutenant
16th Battalion Welsh regiment.Died of wounds 12 January 1916, aged 22.
David Gaskell
Image Source: The Sphere, 11 March 1916
David Lyndsay Stranack Gaskell was born in Chittagong, India on 27 September 1893 to James Stranack Gaskell and his wife Henrietta Helen Gaskell (nee Sinclair).
David, or Lyndsay as he is called in his obituary in the Times, was educated at Kent House Preparatory School and Tonbridge School where he served in the OTC. On leaving school he became an article clerk with Beale and Company, Westminster solicitors to the Midland Railway Company. He was reading for his final examination when war broke out On 8 August 1914 he attested at Armoury House Finsbury. He was 5ft 8½ins tall, with a 35 in chest and 3in expansion. He had full vision, a satisfactory physical development and was pronounced fit for service with D coy HAC, infantry. A certificate confirming that he had passed in the first division as a student of London University was attached to his application. He gave his parents' address as Wennington Cottage, Lynwood Avenue, Epsom.
He was on home service as a Private from 8 Aug until 17 Sept 1914, then took part in the Expeditionary Force No.2 Coy, 1st Bn HAC until 20 May 1915, He returned as a corporal and was appointed to a commission in 16 Service Battalion,(Cardiff City) the Welch Regiment. He was formally discharged from the HAC on 6 July 1915. He returned to France as 2nd Lieutenant with the 16 Bn of Welch Guards on 4 December 1915.
The Army returned £56 to his father, plus his effects which included a cheque book, 2 cigarette cases, a silver match box, a cigarette holder, a letter and a diary, a pocket book with a pencil, a pocket case, 1 white metal flask, a mouth organ and a note case. He did not leave a will, and his gross estate was valued at £218.
The Battalion War Diary tells us that on 6 January 1916 the Battalion was in billets at Robecq. On 11 January 2Lt D.L.S. Gaskell and six men were wounded by a grenade exploding prematurely, whilst at practice. One man died immediately afterwards, four were admitted to hospital and one man was able to return to duty. Lyndsay died of his wounds at 1.40a.m. at 32 Casualty Clearing station the next day 12 January, and was buried at St Venant Communal Cemetery. His grave was marked with a wooden cross and the inscription 32 CCS No.12. and the C of E chaplain recorded the position of the grave.
Obituaries appeared in the Epsom Advertiser 21 January 1916 and in the Times 19 Jan 1916:
Gaskell died of wounds in France. Lyndsay 2nd Lieutentant of 16 Service Bn Welch regiment. Dearly loved and only son of James Stranack Gaskell M.Inst,C.E, 17 Victoria Street Westminster and Mrs Gaskell Epsom. Aged 22.
The head of the firm in which he was articled wrote in the highest terms of his character and abilities. His Colonel also: "From the moment he joined us he set a standard of conduct that was of the greatest value in the battalion." His company commander: "By his exceptional keenness with his platoon, he earned the appreciation of his men and of the senior officers."
From the Epsom Advertiser 21 January 1916;
David was educated at Kent House Preparatory School Eastbourne, and at Tonbridge School. He was articled to Messrs. Beale and Co., Westminster, solicitors to the Midland Railway Company, and was reading for his final examination when war broke out. He joined the H.A.C., and went to France as a private in the 2nd Company of the 1st Battalion in September 1914, remaining at the front until July 1915, when as a corporal, he returned to England and took up a commission in the 16th Welsh Regiment, which left England for France on December 4th. He was the only son of Mr. James S. Gaskell, M.Inst.C.E., 17, Victoria Street, Westminster, and Epsom.
EP SM
GAUNT George, Private. 46653.
11th Leicestershire RegimentKilled in Action 23 October 1917, aged 36
George Gaunt
Image courtesy of Paul Blake © 2010
George Gaunt was born in 1881 (GRO reference: Sep 1881 St Neots 3b 285) to William and Caroline Gaunt (nee Andrew). He was baptised at Eynsford parish church on 21 September 1881.
From the 1881 census (before George was born) the family lived in Montague Street, Eynesbury, Hunts. George's father was a 37 year old 'Bricklayer'. His mother was also 37, and there were four children William 9, Alice 7, Charles 6 and Louisa 4.
From the 1891 census the family lived in Washbank Road, Eynesbury, Huntingdon. One of George's older brothers, Charles, was still living at home and was a sixteen year old errand boy. Sister Alice was a seventeen year old domestic cook living in Fulham, and sister Louisa was staying with her uncle Frederick, a farmer and publican, living in Bedfordshire. William has not been found.
By the 1901 census the family has moved to River Terrace, St Neots. William senior and Charles were both bricklayers, but George was working as a 'Mason's Apprentice'.
In the 1911 census George was shown as a 29 year old asylum attendant working and living at the Horton asylum.
7 Woodley Terrace in 2006
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
In 1913 George Gaunt married Lucy Wood. There were two sons born to the marriage Maurice George, who was baptised at St Mary's Ewell on 2 Nov 1913, and Alan Charles born on 16 June 1917 and baptised at St Mary's on 10 August 1917.
George appears in the 'LCC Record of War Service' book, having worked at the Horton Asylum. The book states that his Army service was between 1916 and 1917, and that he was in France only for 1½ months. As he was killed in action on 23 October 1917, he presumably reached France around the beginning of September 1917.
George's widow Lucy and their son Maurice visiting his grave in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Leper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Image courtesy of Sarah Hicks and her Tracing Ghosts website © 2010
George Gaunt's headstone in the Ypres Reservoir Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
The Surrey Recruitment Register states that he attested on 17 December 1915, in Epsom, at the age of 34. He was living at 7 Woodley Terrace, Plough Road, West Ewell. He was 5 feet 8 ¼ inches tall, weighed 138 lbs, had a chest measurement of 37 inches, with an expansion of 3 inches. He had obviously completed his mason's apprenticeship as he is now shown as a stonemason.
He originally enlisted as a sapper in the Royal Engineers (RE) no. 183897, but later became Pte. 46653. in the 11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, a 'Pioneer' battalion attached to the 6th Division. Although all trained infantrymen, the Pioneers were primarily a labouring force, to make or mend roads and trenches. Many were recruited from the ranks of the RE and had useful skills, such as George's stonemasonry. The War Diary of the 11th Leicesters tells us that George was employed in the laying of Light Railways in the Dickesbusch and Ypres areas of Belgium.
On the 23 October 1917 a shell dropped amongst a party of 'D' Company killing 10 men including George, who is buried in plot 1. 1. 15. Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. The 10 men were all buried side by side in plots 1. 1. 10 to 1. 1. 17.
His widow remarried, to become Lucy Blake (formerly Gaunt), 7 Woodley Terrace, Plough Road, West Ewell. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of William and Caroline Gaunt, of Eynesbury, St Neots, Hunts; husband of Lucy Blake (formerly Gaunt), of 7, Woodley Terrace, Plough Road, West Ewell, Surrey. However, before she remarried she was involved in a court case "Taunts no excuse", which made reference to her husband being killed in the war.
Advertiser 16th November 1917:
ROLL OF HONOUR: Mrs. Gaunt, of West Ewell, had lost her husband.
Observer 14th December 1917:
ROLL OF HONOUR. Acknowledgments of letters of sympathy sent out by the council were received from Mrs. Parker, Mrs Gaunt, Mr J.H. Bridges, Mrs. Ayling and Mr. Warr.
Extract from the St Neots Advertiser:
On the very next day another local man was added to the growing casualty list, when Sapper George Gaunt, the son of William and Caroline Gaunt of River Terrace, Eynesbury and the husband of Lucy Gaunt, was killed. He had left Eynesbury to work in Surrey at the Epsom Asylum, and it was there that he had enlisted. The work of sappers was as dangerous as that of any soldier, as they worked at a variety of tasks, ranging from trench work to mining to construction in or close to the front line. Therefore their casualty figures were high as artillery barrages, sniper's bullets and mortars took their toll. George Gaunt joined the list of those sappers killed when he fell on 23rd October, together with 11 others from the 11th Leicesters, Midland Pioneers. He is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
George was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
George's inscription on the Eynesbury War Memorial
at the Eynesbury Parish Church
Images courtesy of Deb Depledge © 2009
BH EW AS HWH Eynsbury parish church, St Neots.
GLADMAN John, Private. G/28365.
1 Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).Killed in Action 28 June 1918, aged 19.
John Gladman's inscription on the Ploegsteert Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
John Stanley Gladman was born in 1889 (GRO reference: Mar 1899 Epsom 2a 24) to John and Alice Gladman (nee Ballard).
In the 1901 census the family lived at 2 Woodland Cottages, Epsom. (John Stanley is shown as 2 year old Stanley). John's father, also John was a 32 year old gas stoker. His mother Alice was 32. He had an older sister Ethel aged 4, and a younger brother Albert aged 2 months.
The Surrey recruitment register shows 18 year old J Gladman attesting on 20th November 1916 in Epsom. He was 5 feet 3 inches, weighed 104 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 32 inches, with an expansion of 2 inches. He was a greengrocer living at 5 Gibraltar Road, Ewell. His medical grade was A4 and he was assigned to the 31st Reserve Training Battalion.
John served in the 1 Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment which was in the 13 Brigade, 5 Division.
Contemporary trench map of the area around La Becque.
Click on the map for a larger version.
The German spring offensive on the Lys between 9 April and 30 April had won them large amounts of territory. On 28th June 1918 an attack was ordered to take back some of that territory. The 1st Queen's were ordered to attack from higher ground towards a small stream called the Plate Becque. To surprise the enemy there was no preliminary bombardment but at 6am a heavy barrage was started as the infantry started their attack. The barrage was so close to the attacking men that several of them became casualties from their own artillery. The attack was successful in reaching its objective but thirty six men from the 1st Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) lost their lives including John killed in action. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 8.
BH EW
GLOVER Albert Edward, Private. 2479.
3rd Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).Killed in Action 8 October 1916, aged 19.
A Glover's Headstone in the A.I.F. Burial Ground, Flers
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2006
Private Albert Edward Glover was born at Bowes Park, London in 1897 (GRO reference: Mar 1897 Edmonton 3a 471) to Henry George and Elizabeth Glover (nee Brown).
In the 1901 census the family was living at 30 Westberry Villa, Westberry Avenue, Tottenham. Albert's father, from Liverpool, was a 'Woollen drapers assistant'. Albert had three siblings George H. 7, Lillian M. 6 and Dorothy M. 1.
1913 electoral roll lived 'Clovelly' Chesterfield Road.
For many years Albert was a member of the All Saints Choir.
Albert enlisted at Edward Street, Paddington, London, where he joined the 3rd Battalion London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. He was assigned for training to its 2nd Battalion (2/3 London Regiment). The Battalion did some training on Epsom Downs.
Albert's medal card tells us that he entered the Egyptian theatre of war on 19 April 1915. On 13 October 1915 the 2/3 Battalion landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli. In January 1916 they were evacuated from Gallipoli, and moved to France via Egypt. The Battalion was disbanded in June 1916 an Albert transferred to 1/3 Battalion.
On Sunday the 8 October 1916 the 1/3rd Royal Fusiliers were in the 167th Brigade, 56th Division.
The phase of the battle between 7 and 20 October was known as the 'Battle of the Transloy Ridges'. The 56th Division was positioned between Lesboeufs and Le Transloy. On the Division right, at 3.30pm the 5th London Rifle Brigade attacked Hazy Trench, whilst the 3rd and the 9th London Regiment attacked Dewdrop and Spectrum trenches. But by nightfall the Germans had pushed them back to their starting point.
On the 8 October 1916, 67 men from the 3rd London Regiment lost their lives including Albert killed in action. He is buried in A.I.F. Burial Ground, Flers, 11 H 23. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of Henry George and Elizabeth Glover, of 'Sanderstead' Chesterfield Road, West Ewell, Surrey.
Albert's parents lived at 'Sanderstead', Chesterfield Road
Copyright image courtesy of Liz Manterfield 2006.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
BH EW ES AS
GOBEY F.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
GOBLE Archer Edward, Private
18th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers.Killed in Action 1 June 1918, aged 18
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
18th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers. Killed in France on 1 June 1918. Buried in the Martinsart British Cemetery, France. Aged 18 years. Son of William and Mary Ann Goble, Epsom. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
GODDEN William, Private 7126.
8 Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 24 March 1916, aged 24.
Private Edward Godden
Image courtesy of Colonel Steven Smith MBE. © 2009.
Edward William Godden was born in 1891 (GRO reference: Dec 1891 East Ashford 2a 773) to Alfred and Jane Godden (nee Gower). The name William Godden appears on St Mary's memorial, and Pt W. Godden RF appears on the Dipping well memorial i.e. without the 'Edward'. At the time he enlisted he was employed as a gardener at "Springfield" by Mrs Walters. It was most likely Mrs Walters had his name added to the memorials, and she probably only knew him as William.
The 1891 census shows the family living at Cheesemans Green, Mersham, East Ashford. Edward's father Alfred was a 39 year old farm labourer, his mother was 32, and probably spent all her time looking after the seven children she had before William was born. They were, Ernest Frederick aged 12, Emiline Alice aged 9, Horace Henry aged 10, Sophia Maud aged 7, Annie Amelia aged 5, Mary aged 3 and Harry aged 9 months.
By the 1901 census Jane was shown as the head of the family, as Alfred was in Maidstone's Ophthalmic Hospital. William had another four siblings John aged 6, twins Fanny and Alfred aged 3 and Rose aged 2. So, Edward William Godden had eleven siblings.
The Surrey Recruitment Register shows that E.W. Godden was born in Ashford, attested in Epsom on 21st October 1914, and joined the Royal Fusiliers. He was 5 feet 6 ½ inches tall and weighed 132 lbs. His chest measured 34 ½ inches with an expansion of 3 ½ inches. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair, and he had been a gardener.
The 8th Royal Fusiliers were in the 36th Brigade 12th division and at the time of William's death were in the area of the Hohenzollern Redoubt. The 36th Brigade had attacked on 2 March 1916 after the RE had detonated 4 mines under the enemy front line trench called 'The Chord'. They successfully captured the mine craters and had gained a useful observation point over enemy lines as far as Fosse 8. Severe fighting continued in the area for the next few weeks, the division being relieved on 26 April. Between 2 March and 26 April the 8 Royal Fusiliers had 101 men killed.
Private Edward Godden's gravestone in the Vermelles British Cemetery.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007.
On 24 March 1916 two men from the 8th Royal Fusiliers lost their lives including William killed in action. He is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery, 11 N 23. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of Alfred & Jane Godden, 12, Mersham Street, Ashford.
Vermelles Cross of Sacrifice.
Image source Clive Gilbert © 2007
William's medal card states that he went to France on 31 May 1915, and that he was awarded the 1915 star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
The letter accompanying Edward's Star Medal
Image courtesy of Colonel Steven Smith MBE. © 2009.
From the Epsom Advertiser dated 21 April 1916 reporting on the Ewell Council meeting:
Mr Glyn mentioned that since the last meeting he had heard of the death of another young fellow who, prior to enlistment, was engaged in the garden of Mrs Radcliffe Waters. His name was Godden. It was agreed that a letter of sympathy be sent to the relatives.
The following is from a newspaper cutting supplied by William's great nephew Colonel Steven Smith MBE. Unfortunately the date and title of the newspaper are not known but it is probably from a paper local to Mersham.
Official news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Godden, of Mersham, of the death of their son Pvt. W. Godden, Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in action on March 24th. Born at Mersham he was educated at the Council Schools, and was a member of the church choir. Leaving school he went to work for Miss Mackinnon, Church House, Smeeth, in whose service he remained for 4½ years. When war broke out he was in the employ of Mrs. Walters, Springfield, at Ewell, near Epsom. From there he joined the Army in October, 1914. He proceeded to France on May 31st, 1915, and was wounded in June, being then sent to England for five months. On recovering he returned to France on November 24th of the same year, and met his death fighting for his country. Much sympathy has been expressed by a large number of friends by whom he will be much missed.
BH EW
GOODSHIP Charles Daniel, Private. G/50384.
2 Middlesex Regiment.Killed in Action 27 February 1917, aged 28.
Charles Daniel Goodship was born on 2 December 1888 (GRO reference: Sep 1888 Chelsea 1a 378) to Frederick and Sarah Goodship (nee North).
In the 1891 census the family lived at 73 Little Cadogen Place, Chelsea. Charles' father was a 30 year old coachman groom domestic servant. His mother was also aged 30. He had two older brothers, Frederick aged 6, and Alfred P. aged 4, and a younger sister Clara E. aged 3 months.
By the 1901 census the family had moved to 31 Dartrey Road, Chelsea. Charles' older brothers were now both errand boys for a chemist and boot maker respectively, and he had acquired two more brothers, Arthur aged 7 and Frank aged 5.
Charles married Lily May Smith in 1913 (GRO reference Dec 1913 Epsom 2a 26). Lily May Smith was born on 2 December 1888, and died on he 74 birthday 2 December 1962. As Charles was killed in 1917, Lily May, married for 4 years was a widow for 49 years. I have found no references for children.
No. 10 Kingston Road Ewell in 2007
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
The Surrey recruitment registers show that Charles attested in Epsom on 12 December 1915, and that he was a coach trimmer. He was 5 feet 6 ¼ inches tall, weighed 140 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 2 ½. The register also shows that he lived at 10 Kingston Road, Ewell. He was originally assigned to 30 Royal Fusiliers, a training Battalion, which on 1 September 1916 became 106th training reserve, providing troops for any unit that required them.
The 2nd Middlesex were in the 23rd Brigade, 8th Division. Between 26 to 27 February 1917 the Battalion occupied trenches near Bouchavesnes, a small village at the furthest extent to be reached by French forces during the 1916 battle of the Somme. This was a quiet period with no major battles being fought, and the Germans were preparing a strategic withdrawal many miles back to the Hindenburg line. Despite this being a quite sector the 2 Middlesex had 9 men killed, 9 wounded and 2 with shell shock.
Contemporary trench map of the area around Bouchavesnes.
Click on the image for a larger version.
The following is an extract from the War Diary (available from the National Archives, reference WO 95/1713);
25 February. Battalion moved to trenches in BOUCHAVESNES NORTH SECTOR relieving 2 Battalion West YORKSHIRE Regiment. Two Companies in front line "D" on right "C" on left with remaining two companies in reserve at ANDOVER (C14 a 4 1) finding nightly working parties.
26 February. "A" Company relieved "C" Company in front line.
27 February. "B" Company relieved "D" Company in front line.
A raid by 1 officer & 23 OR of "A" Company was attempted but was not pushed forward owing to party having been observed by the enemy & fired on by hostile M Gs. Party left our trenches at 12 midnight 27/28 returning at 2.30 on 28.
On 27th February 1917 Charles was killed in action. He is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Pier & Face 12D & 13B. The CWGC states he is the 'Son of the late Frederick & Sarah Goodship. Husband of Lily May Goodship, 10 Kingston Road, Ewell'.
Charles and his wife's headstone in St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Charles and his wife Lily May are both remembered on a headstone in St Mary's churchyard.
BH EW ES
GOODSHIP Sidney William, Private. G.5720.
2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Killed in Action 25 April 1915, aged 20.
Sidney Goodship
Image courtesy of Peter Collins, Sutton Grammar School Archivist
Sidney William Goodship was born on 3 April 1895 (GRO reference: Jun 1895 Hackney 1b 588) to William Charles and Alice Goodship (nee Francis).
In the 1901 census the family lived in Kingston Road (Beggars Hill) quite near the Jolly Waggoners Inn. Sidney's father was a 34 year old stationer's assistant. His mother was 33, and no other children are shown.
Sidney attended Ewell Boys School, West Street, between 11 March 1901 and 22 October 1902, when he left Ewell. The family must have returned to Ewell as he was readmitted on 13 November 1905 and remained until 1 May 1908, when he went to Sutton Grammar School. Prior to attending Ewell Boys School he attended Lauriston Road School, Hackney.
Sidney attended Sutton Grammar School. The following is an extract from the school magazine 'The Suttonian':
Left the School in July, 1909. On October 20th, 1914, joined the 2nd. East Surrey Regt. Went to France on March 24th, and was killed it is supposed in the neighbourhood of Hill 60, on April 27th. (At present these are all the particulars known).
In the 1911 census the family still lived at Kingston Road, Ewell. Sidney's father was still working as a stationer's assistant, and Sidney was working as a 'frame stitcher, process worker'. Sidney was an only child.
Sidney enlisted into the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment, which was in the 85th Brigade 28th Division. Between 24th April and 4th May 1915 the 'Battle of St Julien', part of the 'Second battle of Ypres' was fought.
From the East Surrey History:
"On the 25th April at 5 a.m. the enemy opened shrapnel fire which continued till 9 a.m., when the trenches were heavily bombarded. The fumes from the shells, against which no protection had as yet been devised, again affected the men and in some cases rendered them unconscious. The casualties to noon had been 4 killed and 18 wounded.
At about 1 p.m. the enemy attacked the whole line held by the Battalion, breaking through Trench 23, the garrison of which had been rendered helpless by the fumes. About fifty Germans occupied a small trench in rear of this, but were dislodged, and eight were captured. The remainder of these men made for the railway, but A Company, which was in the dugouts there, attacked them and captured one officer and twenty-eight men, disposing of the remainder. A Company then advanced to Trench 23 and left an officer and twenty men as reinforcements there. The enemy had also succeeded in occupying the central position of Trench 24, but were speedily driven out by the Middlesex company at the point of the bayonet. Trench 25, on the left, was also pierced by a strong force of the enemy, who gained possession of the centre of the trench and defeated all attempts to dislodge them. The enemy in attacking were careful not mask the loopholes of their own trenches, and the fire from these loopholes caused heavy casualties among our men, who, having no loopholes, were obliged to fire over the parapet. Two companies of the Shropshire Light Infantry , arrived at 9.15 to endeavour to drive the enemy out of Trench 25, but two attacks made at 12.30 a.m. and 3.30 a.m. on the 26th April were unsuccessful."
Advertiser 18th June 1915:
Ewell Parish Council meeting, news had been received of the death of Mr Sydney Goodship.
On 25th April 1915 twenty one men from the 2nd East Surrey's lost their lives, including Sidney killed in action. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Panel 34. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of William Charles & Alice Goodship, Mount Pleasant, West Street, Ewell.
Sidney Goodship's inscription on the Menin Gate Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Mentioned in de Ruvigny's ROLL OF HONOUR Part 2. Son of William Goodship, of Englewood, Kingston Road, Ewell; served with the Expeditionary Force in France.
He is also remembered on the Sutton Grammar School War Memorial.
BH EW ES SGS
GOREY Fred, Private. 60139.
101 Company Labour Corps.Died of wounds 5 September 1918, aged 38
Fred Gorey's inscription in Ashley Road Cemetary
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Fred Gorey was born in 1880 (GRO reference: Sep 1880 Epsom 2a 16) to William James an Eliza Gorey (nee Jurd).
In the 1881 census the family lived at 34 Adelphi Road, Epsom. Fred's father was a 39 year old railway porter. His mother Eliza was 38. Fred had three older brothers, William James aged 6, George aged 4 and Henry aged 2. Henry was also a victim of the Great War, and died of wounds in the same incident that killed Fred.
By the 1891 census they still lived at 34 Adelphi Road, but Eliza, now a widow, was head of the family, William James having died aged 41 on 29 July 1882. His headstone states "WILLIAM JAMES GOREY who met his death in the midst of his duty". Eliza, was employed as a laundress working at a laundry. The oldest son William, was a baker, George was a general labourer, Harry an errand boy, and Fred was still at school.
In 1901, 34 Adelphi Road remained their address. Eliza, now 56, was still a laundress, but was self employed working at home. George was a plumber, whilst Harry and Fred were both bricklayers' labourers.
Fred originally served in the 34th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, which was formed at Falmer, near Brighton in May and June 1916. However, in April it was re-designated as the 101st Company Labour Corps. Men from the Labour Corps undertook any labouring task required of them. They built and maintained roads, railways and defences, buried the dead, and moved stores and ammunition. They laboured in quarries and forests, guarded prisoners, and directed traffic.
On the night of 11 May 1918, the 101st Labour Company was laying cables in the Fonquevillers (Somme) area when it was attacked by German gas shells. Three officers and 136 men were killed and a further 130 wounded by the gas. Fred, who died of his wounds on 5 September 1918 was probably one of those wounded on 11 May. The same attack most likely killed his brother Harry who is buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.
The Labour Corps was not front line fighting infantry, but its job must have been very dangerous as the men often worked near the front line within easy range of German artillery. Soldiers Died CD tells us that between 11 May 1918 and 5 September 1918, 1031 men from the various Labour Corps companies died.
Fred, died in Ninian Park Hospital, Cardiff. Ninian Park school was used as a hospital during the Great War, reverting to a school when the war ended. During its time as a hospital, 31 men died there. A plaque bearing the 31 names was erected in St Paul's Church, Paget Street, Grangetown, Cardiff, presumably including Fred's name. When next near Cardiff I will check.
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser 24 May 1918:
SOLDIER BROTHERS GASSED. - Mrs. Gorey, 34, Adelphi Road, has received the bad news that one of her sons, Pte. Harry Gorey (39) has died in France from gas poisoning, and that another son, Pte. F. Gorey (37) is seriously ill also in consequence of gas poisoning. The two brothers were working in the same Labour Company when they were gassed. Before they joined the Army two years ago they were working in this district as bricklayers' labourers.
The Gorey family plot in Ashley Road Cemetary
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Fred was buried in Epsom cemetery, plot C251 on 11 September 1918. His parents are also buried there, and his brother Henry is remembered on the gravestone.
EP SM
GOREY Henry, Private. 60138.
101 Company Labour Corps.Died of Wounds 19 May 1918, aged 39.
Henry Gorey's inscription in Ashley Road Cemetary
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Henry Gorey was born in 1878 (GRO reference: Dec 1878 Epsom 2a 19) to William James and Eliza Gorey (nee Jurd).
In the 1881 census the family lived at 34 Adelphi Road, Epsom. Henry's father was a 39 year old railway porter. His mother Eliza was 38. Henry had three brothers, William James aged 6, George aged 4 and Fred aged 2. Fred was also a victim of the Great War, and died of wounds in the same incident that killed Henry.
34 Adelphi Road, Epsom
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
By the 1891 census they still lived at 34 Adelphi Road, but Eliza, now a widow, was head of the family, William James having died aged 41 on 29 July 1882. His headstone states "WILLIAM JAMES GOREY who met his death in the midst of his duty". Eliza, was employed as a laundress working at a laundry. The oldest son William was a baker, George was a general labourer, Henry or Harry was an errand boy, and Fred was still at school.
In 1901 34 Adelphi Road remained their address. Eliza, now 56, was still a laundress, but was self employed working at home. George was a plumber, whilst Harry and Fred were both bricklayers' labourers.
Harry originally served in the 34th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, which was formed at Falmer, near Brighton in May and June 1916. However, in April it was re-designated as the 101st Company Labour Corps. Men from the Labour Corps undertook any labouring task required of them. The built and maintained roads, railways and defences, buried the dead, and moved stores and ammunition. They laboured in quarries and forests, guarded prisoners and directed traffic.
On the night of 11 May 1918, the 101st Labour Company was laying cables in the Fonquevillers (Somme) area when it was attacked by German gas shells. Three officers and 136 men were killed and a further 130 wounded by the gas. Harry, who died of wounds on 19 May 1918 was probably one of those wounded on 11 May. The same attack most likely killed his brother Fred who is buried in Epsom Cemetery, Ashley Road.
The Labour Corps was not front line fighting infantry, but its job must have been very dangerous as the men often worked near the front line within easy range of German artillery. Soldiers Died CD tells us that between 11 May 1918 and 5 September 1918, 1031 men from the various Labour Corps Companies died.
Henry's headstone in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Henry died of his wounds on 19 May 1918 and is buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen.
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser 24 May 1918:
SOLDIER BROTHERS GASSED. - Mrs. Gorey, 34, Adelphi Road, has received the bad news that one of her sons, Pte. Harry Gorey (39) has died in France from gas poisoning, and that another son, Pte. F. Gorey (37) is seriously ill also in consequence of gas poisoning. The two brothers were working in the same Labour Company when they were gassed. Before they joined the Army two years ago they were working in this district as bricklayers' labourers.
Henry is also remembered in Epsom Cemetery plot C251. His parents and brother Fred are buried there and his name appears on the gravestone.
EP SM
GRELLIER Gordon Harley, 2nd Lieutenant
Royal Garrison Artillery.Killed in Action 31 October 1918, aged 33.
Grellier's Headstone next to the one for his parents
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Gordon was born on 16 March 1885 (GRO reference: June 1885 Epsom 2a 16 ) at Downside, Epsom, the eldest son of Mr Harley Mair Grellier and his wife Edith Louisa. His birth was announced in the Times.
In 1891 the family lived at Downside, St Martin's Road, Epsom. Harley Grellier was a 40 year old surveyor. His wife, Edith Louisa, was 38. Their eldest child, Alice Maude was 7 years old and had been born in the little village of Worth in Sussex. Gordon was 6, Norman and Bernard, identical twins, were 4, Florence was 2 and Cecil was 7 months old. Grandmother, Ann Grellier aged 76 also lived with them and they employed a cook, a nurse and a housemaid.
In 1901 Alice was not at home but the other children and grandmother Ann were still living with Harley and Edith at Downside, Epsom. Another daughter, Eva , had been born. Harley was still a surveyor. No servants were recorded living in the house.
Gordon (and his twin brothers) attended Epsom College for five years, where he served in the school Cadet Corps from 1900. In 1905 he went to Wye Agricultural College until 1908 where he was awarded the diploma and Surveying prize. He became a pupil of Tristram Eve of JR Eve and Sons, Surveyors, after which he became a partner in the firm of Messrs Grelliers, surveyors in Queen Anne's gate, London. He was a professional associate of and qualified for a fellowship of the Surveyors Institute Great George St London. He was living at 6 Queen Anne's Gate, London.
Before the war he had joined the Inns of Court OTC on 9 March 1909 as Private 354, but he had to retire in May 1910 for a business engagement. He signed up for the duration of the war in on 14 November 1916, enlisting at Kingston on Thames, and was appointed Gunner no 625471 in the HAC Siege Battery on 15 November 1916. His enrolment papers record that he was 31 yrs and 8mths old, 5ft 7 7/8ins in height, 36 ins chest with 3½in expansion, he weighed 138lbs, had a vaccination mark on his left arm and had good physical development.
Although he had married to Viva Melicent Hamley, daughter of Mr and Mrs ET Hamley of Sunning Hill Epsom at St Martin's church, Epsom on 4 July 1912 (GRO reference: Sep 1912 Epsom 2a 41) and supplied her name as his next of kin, he said that her whereabouts were unknown. They did not have any children.
Whilst in the HAC he served at home:
15 November 1916 - 309 Siege Battery as a gunner
9 December1916 - 30/A Depot
31 Mar 1917 - 309(Res) HAC Siege Battery
4 April 1917-2 June 1916 - Reinforcing Siege Depot at Stowlangtoft, Catterick
26 October1917 - Trowbridge
In December 1916 he had three vaccinations. Early in 1917 he experienced trouble with his right knee and spent from 11 Mar to 15 May 1917 in Horton War hospital. An x-ray on 17 March showed contusion. Whilst in hospital the tragic news arrived that 2nd Lt William Morris Vincent, husband of his sister Florence, had been killed. William is also remembered on the Ashley Road memorial.
He obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the RGA serving in the 51st Seige Battery Royal Garrison Artillery and was formally discharged as a gunner on 17 Mar 1918. He attended the Royal Artillery Cadet School. On 24 October 1918 he embarked at Southampton, arriving the next day at Havre. He went up to the front, east of Cambrai on 30 October but was killed instantly by a shell splinter the next day, only hours after his arrival. He was 33.
He was buried, at Poix du Nord, France. He is listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom, the Epsom College and St Martin's Epsom Memorials, and also on the Wye SE Agricultural College War Memorial. Appears in Agricola Magazine Vol 3. To be investigated.
His effects included: a wallet, purse chain, wrist watch, pocket torch, pocket knife, cigarette case, cigarette holder, officer's advance book,, cheque book, army book 439, a pair of gloves, pair of shoes, 4 large buttons, 6 small buttons, khaki handkerchief, tie pin pencils and keys. The probate for his estate had been granted to his father but unfortunately he died of pneumonia at St Martins Croft Epsom on 19 November 1921 and his brothers had to administer the probate for their father and the remaining estate of their brother. His estate was valued at £2429. It is interesting to note that his twin brothers joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in 1915, and were each awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. His youngest brother, Cecil, also served and was wounded at Suvla Bay. He received the White Eagle of Servia for his part in the fighting of Autumn 1915 in Servia.
Gordon's father, Harley, was the Chairman of St Martin's Church War Memorial Committee, and lived to see the memorial unveiled on Sunday 12 June 1921 although died later in the year at the age of 70.
The CWGC states that Gordon was the son of Harley Mair Grellier and Edith Louisa Grellier of St Martin's Croft, Epsom.
EP COL SM
GRUCHY John Ernest, Lance Corporal. 510039.
14th Battalion London Regiment (London Scottish).Prisoner of War, aged 26.
John Ernest Gruchy was born in Cirencester in 1888 (GRO reference: Dec 1888 Cirencester 6a 347) to Walter John and Lilie Jane Gruchy.
John signed up with the London Scottish at Buckingham Gate as a volunteer into the Territorial Force in 1908. He, like every other London Scottish volunteer would have paid his annual £1 subscription to join, and he was given the pre-war number of 758.
On Tuesday 15 September 1914, on a fine bright day John marched with the Battalion to Watford to entrain for Southampton. The Battalion embarked from Southampton in the afternoon and arrived at Le Havre soon after dawn on the 16 September, just one month after they left London for their training.
The first battle of Ypres commenced on 20 October 1914, and towards the end of October it appeared that the Germans might break through the line. Every available man was to be sent forward as quickly as possible to stem the tide. The London Scottish were duly rushed forward in thirty four London motor busses, and became the first Territorials to engage the enemy in the Great War. They paraded at 8am on 30 October outside the famous Cloth Hall that was to become completely destroyed, but at this stage was intact. The next day, 31 October was Halloween, a festival day for Scotland. It was on Halloween that the London Scottish had their first bloody encounter with the Germans on the Messines Ridge. The battle continued throughout the night and into the next day 1 November. They stopped the attack and thus kept the line intact, stopping what might have been a dangerous enemy breakthrough. But they had suffered loosing 85 men killed in action, and an unspecified number wounded or taken prisoner.
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 15 January 1915:
EPSOM BANK CLERK KILLED IN ACTION.----Among those who took part in the famous charge of the London Scottish was Lance-Corporal J.E.A. Gruchy, who was engaged as a clerk at the Epsom branch of the London County and Westminster Bank. He was reported as missing, and as nothing has been heard of him it is feared that he must have been killed. According to the story of one of his more fortunate comrades he was wounded and removed to a haystack, where he was afterwards bayoneted by a German. Lance-Corpl.Gruchy had been in Epsom for 12 months, his home being in Stamford Hill, and was quite a young man.
However, his medal card tells us that he was a 'P of W'. It also tells us that he was awarded the 1914 star, British War medal and the Victory Medal. So, fortunately news of his death was much exaggerated, and he therefore does not appear on any of he Borough's war memorials.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
GRUNDTVIG Humphrey Halgrim MC, Lieutenant.
11th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment.Died of Wounds 22 March 1918, aged 21.
Humphrey Halgrim Grundtvig
Image Source: Harrow Roll of Honour
Humphrey Halgrim Grundtvig was born on 24 July 1896 (GRO reference: Epsom Sep 1896 2a 20) to Herbert Theodore and Norah Grundtvig (nee Forde).
In 1901 the family lived in Maidstone House, Epsom. Humphrey's father Herbert was a 32 year old solicitor who had been born in Brazil and had become a naturalised British subject. His mother Norah was 36 and had been born in Wimbledon. It appears that Humphrey was an only child. On census night Norah had two of her siblings staying. Winifred Brownlow Foster, a 27 year old widow, and Thomas Arthur Head Forde, a 43 year old civil engineer. The family employed a cook and a housemaid.
Maidstone Lodge photographed in in May 1968 by LR James.
Image courtesy of Surrey Libraries and is held in the
Epsom & Ewell Local And Family History Centre Collection
I have been unable to find them in the 1911 census.
Humphrey was educated at Suffield Park School Cromer and Harrow . He entered the Inns of Court O.T.C. in September 1914, was Gazetted to the Berkshire Regiment in October 1914, and was transferred to the Leicestershire Regiment in 1916. His name appears on page 6828 of the 'Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 July, 1916'. He went to the front in May of that year, but was invalided home with trench fever in August .He returned to the front inFebruary 1917. His name also appears in the 'Supplement to the London Gazette, 1 January, 1918', announcing his award of the MC. in the1918 New Year Honours list for his conduct when a truck of ammunition on a light railway was derailed and set on fire by a shell. He and the CSM P Stabler who received the DCM quietly collected a few men and unloaded the truck under great personal danger
The 11th Battalion Leicester regiment was a pioneer battalion attached to the 6th Division. On 21 March 1918 the Division was holding the line around Lagnicourt, about 12 miles west of Cambrai. The 21 march 1918 saw the start of the long expected all out German offensive, 'The Kaiser's Battle', the last desperate gamble to win before the Americans arrived in force. As dawn broke and under the cover of a thick mist the German assault began. On the 21st 1 officer and 18 other ranks (OR) were killed. The 22nd saw 3 officers killed, and 47 ORs killed. Humphrey died on the 22nd, of wounds received on the 21st. He was buried in Grevillers British Cemetery, west of Baupaume, where he still lies.
Humphrey Grundtvig's headstone in the Grevillers British Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
It seems that his family worshiped at two local churches, his name appearing on the St Martin's memorial as well as the Christ Church memorial. The original wooden cross that marked his grave is on display at St Martin's. The original wooden crosses were replaced by the familiar Portland stone slabs. Relatives were allowed to have the wooden crosses if they so desired.
The original wooden cross that marked Grundtvig's
grave is on display at St Martin's Church.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that:
HUMPHREY HALGRIM GRUNDTVIG, was mortally wounded in action and died the next day, 22nd March 1918, at Grévillers where he was buried. He was awarded the Military Cross.
In addition to the Military Cross, Humphrey was awarded the British War medal and the Victory Medal.
The following article appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 7 July 1922:
SACRILEDGE. DESPICABLE THEFT IN EPSOM CHURCH. A despicable theft was committed in Christ Church, Epsom on Saturday. Someone entered the church and removed a beautiful altar cross of mother of pearl from the memorial chapel. The cross was of considerable value and was erected by Mr and Mrs H.T. Grundtvig in memory of their son who was killed in the war.
EP SM CC Harrow roll of honour.
GUYTON Albert James, Ordinary Seaman. J/24703.
Royal Navy. H.M.S. Invincible.Killed in Action 31 May 1916, aged 18.
Albert Guyton
Image courtesy of Jonathan Wright © 2010
Albert James Guyton was born in Portsmouth Hampshire on 1 January 1898 (GRO: Mar 1898 Portsea 2b 484), the eldest son of Albert James and Louisa Laura Guyton (nee Popay). His parents had married in 1896 in Yarmouth Norfolk.
Albert's parents Albert and Louisa
Image courtesy of Jonathan Wright © 2010
In the 1901 census the family lived at 48, Tollan Street, Portsmouth. Albert's father was a 30 year old Royal Marine. His mother was aged 25, and he had two younger siblings, Giffer Lucy aged 2 (named after her maternal grandmother) and newly born Norman Martin.
Albert with his sister Giffer
Image courtesy of Jonathan Wright © 2010
Albert's parents divorced in 1903, and his mother Louisa remarried in 1905 to George Myland Monery. We believe she had several more children with her new husband. She died in 1955. His father had served on Ascension Island, (which had a Royal Marine Garrison from 1823 to 1922) before being drafted into the London Recruitment Office. He was later drafted to the Norwich Recruitment Office where he finished his time with the marines and where the family eventually settled.
Albert James senior appeared on the 1911 census as a 40 year old "widower". He was a Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marine Artillery, living at 7, Whitehall Place S.W. His two younger children Giffer and Norman were living with their uncle Robert Guyton in Norfolk, while Albert, now aged 13, was a pupil at the Royal Naval College, Romney Road, Greenwich.
Exactly when the Guyton family moved to Worcester Park and became members of St Mary's church Cuddington is unknown.
Albert followed his father into the Royal Navy signing up for 12 years, on 19 May 1913, aged 15, with the Naval rank of Boy II. At the time he was 5 feet ½ inch tall, had a chest measurement of 31½ inches, a dark complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. Until 19 May 1914 he served in HMS Ganges, a shore based training establishment, and obtained the rank Boy I. He then served in a number of Naval establishments as follows:
| Royal Arthur | 2 October 1914 to 2 August 1914 |
| Pembroke I | 3 August 1914 to 16 September 1914 |
| AMC Edinburgh Castle | 17 September 1914 to 9 January 1915 |
| Victory I | 10 January 1915 to 27 March 1915 |
| Invincible | 28 March 1915 to 31 May 1916 |
Albert was promoted Ordinary Seaman on 1 July 1915.
Albert James Guyton, aged 18, was killed in action at Jutland on 31 May 1916 when H.M.S. "Invincible" was sunk in the Battle of Jutland.
Extract from the Official History; "Naval Operations" by Sir Julian S. Corbett. 1923
H.M.S. Invincible
Jutland Bank, 31st May 1916.
Jutland Bank, 31st May 1916.
.................At 6.32 Admiral Beatty reached his station ahead of the battle fleet. Ahead of him again was Admiral Hood with his three battle cruisers, leading the fleet, and leading it in a manner worthy of the honoured name he bore. Upon him was concentrated the fire of three or four of Admiral Hipper's five ships. Under pressure of the oncoming British Dreadnoughts they had turned again to the southward. For the past ten minutes the action between them and the " Invincibles " had been growing hot upon similar courses, and Admiral Hood with Captain A. L. Cay, his flag-captain, at his side was directing it from the bridge. Having the advantage of the light he was giving more than he received. The range was down below 9,000 yards, but it was the greatest that visibility would permit, and he was doing too well to alter. " Several shells," says Commander von Hase of the Derfflinger, " pierced our ship with a terrific force and exploded with a tremendous roar which shook every seam and rivet. The captain had again frequently to steer the ship out of the line to get clear of the hail of fire." So heavy was the punishment he was inflicting that Admiral Hood hailed Commander Dannreuther, his gunnery officer, in the control top, and called to him, " Your firing is very good. Keep at it as quickly as you can. Every shot is telling." They were the last words he is known to have spoken. Just then the mist was riven and from the Derfflinger her tormentor was suddenly silhouetted against a light patch of sky. Then as another salvo from the Invincible straddled her she began rapid salvoes in reply, in which probably the Konig joined with as many. One after another they went home on the Invincible. Flames shot up from the gallant flagship, and there came again the awful spectacle of a fiery burst, followed by a huge column of dark smoke which, mottled with blackened debris, swelled up hundreds of feet in the air, and the mother of all battle cruisers had gone to join the other two that were no more. As her two consorts swerved round her seething death-bed they could see she was rent in two; her stem and stern rose apart high out of the troubled waters as though she had touched the bottom, and near by a group of half a dozen men were clinging to a life raft, cheering the ships as they raced by to continue the fight. So in the highest exultation of battle-doing all a man could do for victory-the intrepid Admiral met his end, gilding in his death with new lustre the immortal name of Hood............
Albert is commemorated on the St Mary's Church, Cuddington memorial, and on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Southsea Common overlooking the promenade.
Albert's inscription on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Albert James' sister, Giffer lived to be 108 years old, dying in 2007, a week short of her 109th birthday.
Permission to use photos kindly given by Giffer's great grandson, Jonathan Wright.
SMC
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