War Memorials - Surnames H
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryHAIRS, Martin Sidney Thomas
HAMBLY, Benjamin
HAMPTON, John Latham (Updated 03/02/2009)
HAMPTON, Walter (Updated 18/02/2009)
HARKNETT, Alfred Stanley
HARKNETT, Arthur Sidney
HARLOW, William Richard (Updated 16/07/2009)
HARMAN, William Abraham
HARPER, Albert (New 06/12/2008)
HARRIS, Ernest
HARRIS, Walter Stuart
HARROWER, Annie
HART, Frederick Alfred (New 08/12/2008)
HARVEY, Clement
HEFFERN, William
HEMMING, Edward George
HEPWORTH, Percy Walker (Updated 28/11/2008)
HEWITT, Ronald Denne
HIGGINS, Malcolm Leslie (Updated 06/05/2010)
HILL, Sidney L
HOARE, Reginald Alexander
HOARE, Walter Stanley
HOCKLY, Nigel Alan (Updated 25/11/2009)
HODGSON, William
HOPKINS, Earnest
HUNTER, William Edward
HYDE, George
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
HAIRS Martin Sidney Thomas, Private. 22445.
13th Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Killed in Action 9 April 1918, aged 34.
Martin's inscription on the Ploegsteert Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Martin Sidney Thomas Hairs was born in 1884 (GRO reference: Jun 1884 Westbury S 6a 272) to Henry William Hairs and Ellen Hairs (nee Oakey). Martin has also been shown spelt Morton and Marton. I believe his mother Ellen (GRO reference: Jun 1860 Winchcombe 6a 337) was generally known as Susan.
In the 1881 census, before Martin was born, the family lived in Kingston Road, Ewell. Martin's father was a 22 year old farm labourer, his mother was aged 21. He had a brother, Arthur, aged 11 months. Samuel Oakey, the family head's brother in law, was living with them on census night.
In the 1891 census the family were still living in Kingston Road, and Martin had four more siblings, Sarah Ann aged 9, Charles aged 5, Harold aged 4 and Emily aged 1.
In the 1901 census the family was living at "Bankside", Kingston Road, Ewell. Martin's father was then a head carter on a farm. Another sibling had arrived, Harry aged 7. Martin was a 17 year old farm labourer, and is shown under his second name, Sidney.
A marriage is recorded between Sidney Thomas Hairs and Margaret Harriet Weller (GRO reference: Jun 1910 Epsom 2a 28). This I believe to be Martin, who for some reason decided not to use his first name of Martin or was it Marton? They had a daughter, Irene M Hairs (GRO reference: Dec 1912 Epsom 2a 19).
Martin attested on 12 December 1915 at Wandsworth, aged 31 years and 8 months. He was 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 139 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 38 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He was a gardener and lived at 54, Smeaton Road, Southfields.
No. 54 Smeaton Road
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Martin served in the 13th Battalion East Surrey Regiment (Wandsworth Pals), which was in the 119th Brigade 40th Division. On the morning of 9 April 1918 two companies of the 13th Battalion East Surrey Regiment were in the front line at Fleurbaix near Armentières. At 4am the Germans commenced a violent bombardment with gas and high explosive shells, on the British front line from Lens to Armentières. This was the start of the Battle of the Lys (operation Georgette). The second of General Ludendorff's five attacks in 1918 designed to deliver a knock out blow before the Americans arrived in force. By 29 April, in some parts of the line, the enemy had made advances of about 10 miles. However, they could not break through the British line and threaten the vital Channel ports through which the BEF was supplied.
By about 9am Martin's Battalion was surrounded, but a few managed to fight their way back to the village of Sailly-sur-Lys. The 1924 East Surrey history tells us that seven other ranks were killed, 80 were wounded, but that 437 were missing. I assume that many of the missing were taken prisoner. The Soldiers Died CD states that 51 were killed in action on 9 April 1918 and that Martin Sidney Thomas Hairs was one of them.
Views of the Ploegsteert Memorial
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
He is commemorated on Panel 6 of the Ploegsteert Memorial to the missing. The CWGC states that he was the son of Henry and Susan Hairs, of Bradford Cottages, Kingston Road, Ewell, and the husband of Margaret Harriet Hairs, of 18, Carters Cottages, Epsom.
Martin was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin's church roll of honour has the following "MARTIN SIDNEY THOMAS HAIRS, was reported missing at Armentières and was officially presumed to have been killed in action on the 9th April 1918".
EP SM
HAMBLY Benjamin, Lance Corporal. 6197
17th Lancers (duke of Cambridge's Own).Killed in Action 13 May 1915, aged 28
Benjamin's inscription on the Menin Gate Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Benjamin Holland Hambly was born in 1887 in Tynemouth, North Shields to William and Isabella Hambly, nee Merren. (GRO reference: Mar 1887 Tynemouth 10b 205)
William was born in 1853 in St Ives Cornwall while Isabella was born in 1861 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. (Source IGI)
The couple married in 1880 in Tynemouth North Shields. (GRO reference: Jun 1880 Tynemouth 10b 303)
In the 1881 census Isabella, was recorded as being married and living with her first daughter Christian aged 1 month, her parents John, born 1824, and Mary, born 1828, and sisters Mary and Margaret, at 3 Star and Garter Quay North Shields. Christian was named after William's mother (1829-1882)(IGI).
Isabella's father's occupation was recorded as "mariner". Isabella's husband was not recorded as being there on the census night.
In the 1891 census Benjamin, aged 4, was living with his mother Isabella, grandmother Mary Merren, and older siblings Kate which may be a nick-name for Christian born 1881 and William born 1883 in Kings Street, Tynemouth, North Shields. His mother was noted as being married but once again her husband was not recorded there on the census night.
Isabella was found in the 1901 census as a patient in the District Northumberland County Lunatic Asylum. She was still recorded as being married. William and the rest of the family are, as yet, unfound in this census.
Isabella died in 1902 in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Benjamin was commemorated on the Long Grove Hospital memorial to the staff killed in the war, so must have worked at the hospital before the war.
The Death or Glory Cap badge of the 17th Lancers
On Benjamin's medal card it shows that he joined the 17th Lancers and was a Lance Corporal, regimental number 6197.
The 17th was part of the Sialkot Cavalry Brigade and 1st Indian Cavalry Division, which arrived in Marseilles France on 7 November 1914 but as Infantry instead of their usual role of Cavalry. The 17th would find its role severely limited from this point on by machine guns, barbed wire and mud.
By this time, the initial mobile phase of the war had become one of static attrition warfare and as a result the 17th spent most of their time taking a turn in the trenches by plugging gaps and relieving infantry battalions that had taken beatings on the front line, as well as training for the possibility of an infantry breakthrough, which the cavalry could exploit.
The small Belgium town Ypres saw the second Battle of Ypres (April to May 1915) commence with a chlorine gas attack by the Germans, This opened a large gap in the British lines but the Germans were unable to exploit the situation before the British and Canadians had filled the gap with reserves. More gas attacks followed, and the Allied forces had to withdraw to a small area. On 13 May 1915, during the second Battle of Ypres, huge high explosive shells burst on the parapets, completely shattering the trenches.
The following is an extract from the eighth Despatch of Field Marshal Sir John French, Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force. Printed in the Second Supplement to the London Gazette of 10 July 1915.
"On the 13th the various reliefs having been completed without incident, the heaviest bombardment yet experienced broke out at 4.30 a.m., and continued with little intermission throughout the day. At about 7.45. a.m. the Cavalry Brigade astride the railway, having suffered very severely, and their trenches having been obliterated, fell back about 800 yards. The North Somerset Yeomanry on the right of the Brigade, although also suffering severely, hung on to their trenches throughout the day, and actually advanced and attacked the enemy with the bayonet. The Brigade on its right also maintained its position; as did also the Cavalry Division, except the left squadron, which, when reduced to sixteen men, fell back. The 2nd Essex Regiment, realising the situation, promptly charged and retook the trench, holding it till relieved by the Cavalry. Meanwhile a counter-attack by two Cavalry Brigades was launched at 2.30 p.m., and succeeded in spite of very heavy shrapnel and rifle fire, in regaining the original line of trenches, turning out the Germans who had entered it, and in some cases pursuing them for some distance. But a very heavy shellfire was again opened on them, and they were again compelled to retire to an irregular line in rear, principally the craters of shell holes. The enemy in their counter-attack suffered very severe losses. The fighting in other parts of the line was little less severe. The 1st East Lancashire Regiment were shelled out of their trenches, but their support company and the 2nd Essex Regiment, again acting on their own initiative, won them back. The enemy penetrated into the farm at the north-east corner of the line, but the 1st Rifle Brigade, after a severe struggle, expelled them. The 1st Hampshire Regiment also repelled an attack, and killed every German who got within fifty yards of their trenches. The 5th London Regiment, despite very heavy casualties, maintained their position unfalteringly. At the southern end of the line the left Brigade was once again heavily shelled, as indeed was the whole front. At the end of a very hard day's fighting our line remained in its former position, with the exception of the short distance lost by one Cavalry Division. Later, the line was pushed forward, and a new line was dug in a less exposed position, slightly in rear of that originally held. The night passed quietly."
It was on the 13 May 1915 at Ypres that Lance Corporal Benjamin Hambly was killed in action, as were four other men from the 17 Lancers. Benjamin is commemorated on Panel 5 of the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.
Benjamin is remembered on the Ashley Road memorial, and also appeared on the Long Grove Hospital memorial which was lost when Long Grove closed and became a housing estate.
HAMPTON John Latham, Lance Corporal. 199.
5th London Regiment, London Rifle BrigadeKilled in Action 3 May 1915, aged 38
John Latham Hampton
John Hampton's inscription on the Menin Gate Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
John Latham Hampton was born in Brixton, London in 1877 (GRO reference: Sep 1877 Lambeth 1d 505) to Charles Alfred and Emma Hampton (nee Latham) (GRO reference: for their marriage: Jun 1875 Camberwell 1d 906). He was born into a family of substance because Charles Hampton, when he died on 20 November 1922, was joint Manging Director of James Nourse, ship owners and left £135,863.
In the 1881 census the family lived in a house named 'Chudleigh', 5 Ross Road, Wallington. Charles Alfred Hampton was 33 years old and employed as the 'Main Clerk to a ship owner'. John Latham aged 4 (GRO reference: Sep 1877 Lambeth 1d 505), had three brothers, Philip aged 6 (GRO reference: not found), Edward Blissset aged 5 (GRO reference: Mar 1876 Lambeth 1d 523) and George Chudleigh aged 2 (GRO reference: Mar 1879 Lambeth 1d 536). There were two servants, a housemaid and a nursery maid.
By the 1891 census they were living at 'Downs View', Epsom Road, Ewell. Charles Alfred was now a ship owner himself, and two more sons had been born, Frank Anthony aged 3 (GRO reference: Mar 1888 Croydon 2a 296), and Robert Walter aged 1 (GRO reference: Jun 1892 Epsom 2a 23). They also had two domestic servants.
Seleng House (Taken from a photocopy of a newspaper article)
Copyright Image reproduced with permission of the Epsom Advertiser part of the Trinity South newspaper group
The 1901 census shows the family living in Epsom Road, Ewell, presumably still in 'Downs View', although at some stage before 1913 the family moved to Seleng house in Epsom road. Frank and Robert, are shown as pupils at 'Uplands House School' Downs Road, as was the youngest brother Walter aged 9 (GRO reference: Jun 1892 Epsom 2a 23), who was also to die in the Great War. Charles Hampton still employed two servants at this time.
Photograph of John Hampton (standing) and his school friend FL Banks of Addiscombe (sitting) taken from the Epsom and Ewell Advertiser 18th May 1915. Both went to the Whitgift School and were killed within a few days of each other.
John- or Jack as he was known- attended Whitgift Grammar School, in South Croydon where he had been a keen sportsman. He played cricket and football for the school, was prominent in boxing and athletics, and was a member of the Shooting Eight which won the Ashburton Shield at Bisley.
After leaving Whitgift School he entered the office of Le Blanc Smith and Co., becoming a member of the Stock Exchange in 1901 and a partner in 1904. In 1912 he joined Durham Stokes and Co as a partner.
In 1897 he had joined London Rifle Brigade (LRB), a territorial unit, enlisting at the Sun Street H.Q. having paid the £1 annual subscription fee. He saw active service with City Imperial Volunteers (C.I.V) Mounted Infantry in the South African War, but had to be invalided home with enteric fever. He resigned in 1903 to continue his career as Clerk to Stock Jobbers.
On the outbreak of war he walked back through that same big oak door at Sun Street to volunteer once again with the old Corps at the end of August 1914. At first his services were rejected on the grounds of age, but he was eventually accepted as Private No.199. He was probably assigned to the Corps' 2nd Battalion for a while after re-joining, before being transferred into the 1st Battalion and sailing for France on 4 November 1914. He arrived in the trenches in mid-November 1914. Jack's brother, Walter, served in the same battalion. He also had another brother serving at the Front and a third brother waiting to be posted.
Jack was shot through the head in a trench on 3 May 1915. This is particularly poignant because he was about to receive a commission into the East Surrey Regiment. At the time he was then part of the 11th Brigade 4th Division in the battle of St Julien, during the 2nd battle of Ypres. He died within an hour aged 38. This battle saw the first use of poison gas on 22 April 1915. The LRB had seen some of the hottest fighting and suffered terribly so that one General described them as "the finest battalion God ever made. They were constantly exposed to severe shelling but their courage never broke." On 3 May 1915, 49 men from the LRB died.
Jack's school friend, Lance Corporal Banks was serving along side him in the LRB and was killed ten days later. Letters from their officer, Lt L W Trevelyan, to their parents was reproduced in the Epsom Advertiser on 28 May 1915. He referred to their joint contribution to the war effort "It is almost impossible to write any sort of appreciation of what those two men were to their company, their platoon and to me personally....It was the spirit and experience of thos two that made the platoon what it was and many a time they have given comfort and courage in difficult times." "The men have been magnificent all through and it is your son and Banks that I have put down the credit of most of it. Apart from always being ready to do anything, they have always been so cheery and full of confidence that they have infected the younger and less experienced men around them with something of their own spirit."
Jack Hampton was well known and esteemed locally, particularly for sport .He played football for Ewell Football Club and is mentioned in Richard Lambert's book "Two Legs Not Four", and was also one of the Secretaries of the Epsom Lawn Tennis tournament. His death was also acknowledged by the Ewell Parochial Church Council because he had always taken a great interest in parish matters. They passed a vote of sympathy and sent a letter to his parents.
Jack Hampton is commemorated officially by the CWGC on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel 52 & 54 in Ypres and also on what appears to be a family plot in St Mary's Churchyard. The CWGC states that his brother Mr G.C. Hampton lived at 'Firs', College Road, Epsom.
Source of additional information is an obituary obtained from the London Stock Exchange.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
HAMPTON Walter, Private. 9794.
5th London Regiment, London Rifle BrigadeDied of wounds 14 May 1915, aged 23
Walter Hampton, known as Dick, was born in Ewell in 1892 (GRO reference: Jun 1892 Epsom 2a 23), the youngest of seven brothers. See entry for John Latham Hampton for other family details.
In 1901 he was a pupil along with brothers Frank and Robert at Uplands House School in Downs Road.
The 1914 electoral roll shows him living at 'Downs View,' Epsom Road, Ewell.
From the Epsom Advertiser. Like his brother, Walter had joined the London Rifle Brigade (LRB) in January 1910 but after a while resigned. However, on the outbreak of war on 5 August 1914 he rejoined at the Sun Street headquarters, having paid his £1 annual subscription and thus served in the same battalion as his brother John.
On 16 January 1915 he was shot through the neck and evacuated back to England. He died in a nursing home in London on 14 May 1915 aged 23. The funeral service was held at St Mary's Ewell on 17 May at 3.45pm and he was buried in a family plot in St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell, Old Ground 182A. There is no official CWGC marker, because for soldiers buried in the UK it was a matter for the family to decide how best to commemorate their loved one, which could have included a CWGC stone had they desired one.
No other LRB soldier is shown as dying on 16 January 1915, and they were not engaged in any major battles at the time. He was probably the victim of a sniper. Walter was wounded just 22 days after the famous 1914 Christmas truce when British and German troops got out of their trenches and held impromptu football matches.
He is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell, Old Ground 182A, having died on 14 May 1915 of wounds received on 16th January 1915.
It is interesting to note that a nephew, Denis Allen Hampton (the son of his brother George) a Sergeant pilot in the RAF was killed on active service on 12 April 1940.
With thanks to Ajax Bardrick for supplying additional information.
BH EW (Buried St Mary's)
HARKNETT Alfred Stanley, Private. GS/25346.
32nd Bn, (City of London) Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 15 September 1916, aged 28
Alfred's headstone in the Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Alfred Stanley Harknett was born in 1888 in the Bideford registration district of Devon (GRO reference: Jun 1888 Bideford 5b 505) to Frederick Thomas and Ann Harknett(nee Rodgman). There is a marriage entry for Frederick Thomas Hacknett and Ann Rodgman (GRO reference: Mar 1883 Bideford 5b 807). We think this should read Harknett, and had at some stage been wrongly transcribed.
Frederick and Ann were living with their family at 55 Temperley Road, Clapham when the 1891 census was taken. Frederick, born in 1859 in Brixton, Surrey, was a gardener. Ann, his wife, was born in 1860 in Bideford, Devon as were their children Mildred, born in 1886, Marion, born in 1887, and Alfred Stanley in 1888. The two younger children, Edith born in 1890 and Ernest born in 1891, were both born in Clapham.
By the time the next census was taken in 1901 the family had moved to Stanwell in Middlesex. Frederick was now working as a Market Gardener's foreman to support his large family. The family had increased in number but Ernest had died aged 1 (GRO reference: Dec 1891 1 Wandsworth 1d 440). Wilfred Cyril had been born in 1893 and Lillian in 1894 both in Balham, Elsie in 1895 and Mida in 1898 both in Southgate and Arthur Sidney in 1899 in Harmondsworth, Middlesex. (Arthur Sidney was also killed in the war).
In the 1905 edition of Kelly's Directory, Alfred's father Frederick was a 'gardener-bailiff' at the epileptic colony, Hook Road, and from 1922 to 1938 he was a nurseryman living at 41 Church Road. (Between 1934 and 1938 Alfred's brother Wilfred Cyril was nurseryman living in Chessington Road, West Ewell).
Alfred attested in Epsom on 17 November 1915 into the 16 (Reserve) Battalion Royal Fusiliers (RF). He was 26 years old, 5 feet 4 ½ inches tall, weighed 118lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 ¼ inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He worked as a gardener and lived at 41, Church Road, Epsom.
41 Church Road, Epsom
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Alfred transferred to the 32 Battalion RF which was in the 124 Brigade, 41 Division. The Battalion fought on the Somme in the Battle known as the Battle of Flers - Courcelette, when tanks were used for the first time. The 4th army (of which 32 RF were a part), with the Reserve Army and the French, were to capture the enemy's system of defences up to and including the line Morval - Les Boeufs - Guedecourt - High Wood. The 32 RF with the 26 RF were to attack in support of 10 Queens and 21 KRRC.
Flers Map - Click image to enlarge
They were to attack in four waves, with no more than 50 yards between each wave. The first wave to attack 50 yards behind the last wave of the 10 Queens. The 32 Battalion war diary tells us that:
"the 4th wave will garrison SWITCH TRENCH from COCOA LANE (exclusive) to CADDY LANE (inclusive) and will open up CADDY LANE and connect it with FLARE LANE (the most Northerly point of DELVILLE WOOD,) (Unless this work is done by a Pioneer Battalion.)"
The Battalion was to be in its assembly positions in Green Trench and Edge Trench by 11pm on the night before the attack, 14 September. Zero hour was 6-30am the next morning, so any soldier who could manage to sleep would have to do so in full kit, in the trench. Every man was to carry 2 Mills bombs as well as 3 days rations and full water bottles. In addition, fifty men from each wave were to carry 2 red flares. These were to be lit in the front line at intervals of 20 yards, on gaining each objective;
"as soon as the contact aeroplane appears or calls for flares on the KLAXON horn, and again at 2pm and 5pm on 15th and at 7am on 16th September. Vigilant mirrors are to be attached to the backs of a proportion of the men".
Each Battalion was to be provided with two pigeons to help with communication.
The artillery provided a 'creeping barrage' just in front of the first attacking troops. As the men moved forward so the barrage lifted and was successful in preventing the enemy from attacking them. Large numbers of German dead were found in the trenches taken, killed by artillery.
Ten tanks were to co-operate in the attack, preceding the infantry. They were to clear the way for the infantry, who were to follow behind "unless the Tanks break down".
From the report of the CO of the 32 RF, Lt Colonel R.E. Key:
TANKS. Apparently the Tanks were considerably impeded by the unsuitable nature of the ground. In spite of natural difficulties, however, they appear to have done very good work, one in FLERS Village and another near GUEUDECOURT causing heavy casualties.
Captain H.A. Robinson, of this unit, on his way to the Field Dressing Station stated that he saw a tank near GUEUDECOURT put a field gun out of Action before it was subsequently put out of action by another gun of the same Battery.
In one case the smoke from a tank's exhaust caused considerable confusion amongst a party of the enemy whom it came upon rather suddenly. It is stated that they imagined the smoke to be a new form of gas and endeavoured to adjust their gas helmets before hurriedly retiring.
The CO further reported that the greater majority of the Battalion's casualties on the 15th were caused by enemy artillery. Eighty seven men from the 32 RF were killed in action including Alfred who is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval.
Alfred's medal card shows that he was awarded the British war medal and the Victory medal.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour has the following "ALFRED STANLEY HARKNETT, was killed in action on the 15th September 1916, and was buried in Delville Wood Cemetery"
EP SM
HARKNETT Arthur Sidney, Private. 44326
2nd Bn, Essex Regt.Died of wounds 7 August 1918, aged 19
Arthur Sidney Harknett, the younger brother of Alfred Stanley Harknett, was born in 1899 in Harmondsworth, Middlesex (GRO reference: Mar 1899 Staines 3a 21). See the entry for his brother Alfred Stanley for family details.
Arthur attested in Epsom on 8 January 1917 into the 22 Training Battalion. He was 18 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed 116lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 2 inches. His medical grade was A4. Like his brother Alfred he worked as a gardener and also lived at 41, Church Road, Epsom.
After the 22 Training Battalion Arthur transferred to the Suffolk Regiment as Private 51272, and then finally to the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. During 1918 many battalions suffered heavy casualties and were disbanded, the survivors being transferred to other battalions.
The 2nd Essex were in 128 Brigade 4 Division, and at the time of Arthur's death were fighting near the La Bassée Canal, two or three miles north west of Bethune. After the Great German advances that commenced on 21 March 1918, the war was about to swing decisively in the Allies favour. Two days before Arthur died of wounds, the Battalion war diary noted that the enemy were reported to be withdrawing. Patrols were sent out to keep in touch with the enemy, and the line was pushed forward about 150 yards. There was heavy shelling around Les Harisoirs, and six 'Other Ranks' (OR) were sent to the Field Ambulance.
Next day the diary reported that our line had been established in enemy posts, and that patrols had found no enemy in Pacaut Wood. Other patrols had reached Le Cornet Malo, but five OR had been wounded.
On the day that Arthur died the Battalion had been ordered to advance at 8am, and by 9-30am their objectives had been reached without opposition. Although no enemy troops had been encountered hostile shelling continued throughout the day, and four OR were wounded.
In August 1918, three Casualty Clearing Stations, 6, 13 and 22 worked at Pernes, and interred most of the 1075 casualties buried there. Arthur died of wounds at Pernes on 7 August 1918 and was buried in the Pernes British Cemetery. Three other men from the Battalion also died that day.
Arthur was awarded the British War medal and the Victory Medal.
CWGC records him as the son of Mr F.S Harknett of 41,Church Rd, Epsom Surrey.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour has the following "ARTHUR SIDNEY HARKNETT, was wounded and died in the Casualty Clearing Station at Pernes on the 7th August 1918".
EP SM
HARLOW William Richard, Air Mechanic 2nd Class. 207447.
Royal Air ForceDied 14 November 1918 aged 22.
Air Mechanic 2nd Class Harlow's CWGC inscription
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
William Richard Harlow was born on 29 August 1896 (GRO reference Dec 1896 Birmingham 6d 1) to William and Emily Harlow (nee Sanders).
I have been unable to find any likely census records for William or his parents.
His service record held at the National Archives shows that he enlisted on the 10 August 1915 into the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) for a duration of 4 & 4 years. His occupation was that of a 'Footman'. The person to be informed in the case of casualties was his mother Emily ay Nonsuch House, Ewell, Surrey. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, his chest measured 34 inches (no mention is made of expansion), his hair was dark brown, complexion fresh, and he had no marks, wounds or scars.
His trade is shown as an Airship Rigger. When he joined the RNAS ON 10 August 1915 his rank was 'Air Mechanic II R.L.. On 15 December 1916 he was an 'Air Mechanic I R.L.. But when the RAF was formed on 1 April 1918 and he was transferred, his rank became 'Air Mechanic II'. He is shown as having died on 8 November 1918, but his CWGC headstone in St Mary's Churchyard shows 14 November 1918. It is most likely that he died from influenza, one of many millions world wide to do so in 1918 - 1919.
Air Mechanic 2nd Class Harlow's gave at St Mary's Ewell
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
As he had a grave in Ewell, and thus a place for his loved ones to centre their grief upon it is unusual that his name also appears on the memorials at St Mary's and Bourne Hall.
The CWGC states he was the 'Son of William and Emily Harlow, Vicarage Cottage, Ewell.
BH EW ES
HARMAN William Abraham, Driver. 122883
503 Howitzer Battery Royal Field Artillery.Died 5 November 1916, aged 39
Sapper William Abraham HARMAN grave in St Mary's Churchyard
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
William Abraham Harman was born at Rotherhithe in 1877 (GRO reference: Dec 1877 St Olave 1d 328) to George and Annie Harman.
He is shown as a Sapper in Royal Engineers on the Dipping Well memorial which is probably an error.
The 1881 census shows a 3 year old William A Harman living at 274 Southampton Street, Camberwell. His father was a 40 year old 'Tripe Dresser'. His mother, Annie, was 37 years old. William had three brothers, George James 16, Fred Charles 8, Robert Andrew 4, and two sisters, Emma 7 and Bessie 5.
In the 1891 census they were living at 39 Fenwick Street, Camberwell. Father George was still busy dressing tripe, and there were no more siblings. Ancestry has wrongly transcribed their surname as 'Warman'.
I can find no entries for any of the family in the 1901 census.
William married Mary Ann Grace Keyte on 28 February 1903 (GRO reference: Mar 1903 St Olave 1d 270) at Christ Church, Rotherhithe. Mary, his next of kin, lived at 21 Oakdale Road, West Ewell. They had no children.
21 Oakdale Road in 2007
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
The 1913 electoral roll shows them living at 21 Oakdale Road, West Ewell.
William attested on 17 November 1915 aged 38 years and 60 days, into the Royal Regiment of Artillery at Woolwich. His Army pension papers state that he was a male nurse living at 2 Plantation Cottages, Red Lion Lane, Woolwich. This seems at odds with the 21 Oakdale Road address.
At the time he attested he was 5 feet 4 ½ inches tall, had a chest measurement of 36 ½ inches with an expansion of 2 inches. His hair was auburn, and his eyes grey. He had a scar on the inside of his right thigh, and tattoos on his right arm and left forearm.
William's military character was judged as good, steady and sober.
William's Army pension papers state that he suffered with 'Chronic Nephritis' (inflammation of the kidneys), Albuminuria (presence of albumin in the urine) and Albuminuric retinitis (inflammation of the retina). His medical problems were not a result of military service but were aggravated by it. He was discharged at Forest Row, East Sussex, because he was 'No longer physically fit' on 25 November 1916, but he did not live long to draw his pension.
William died on 5 December 1916 and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard Ewell, Old Ground 316A. His gravestone reads 'Who entered into rest Dec 5 1916 aged 39 years'.
William's short Army career was served entirely in the UK and he was not awarded any medals.
CWGC entry states he was the 'Husband of Grace Harman, of David Lewis Colony, Alderley Edge, Cheshire. (NOTE: David Lewis Colony was/is a centre for people with epilepsy).
BH EW AS
HARPER Albert Hamilton, Private. 14138.
3rd (King's Own) Hussars.Killed in Action 27 November 1917, aged 22
Part of the Cambrai Memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008.
Albert Hamilton Harper was born in Battersea in 1895 (GRO reference: Sept 1895 Wandsworth 1d 566) in the registration district of Wandsworth . He was the youngest son of James Henry and Laura Harper (nee Shoebridge).
In the 1891 census, before Albert was born, the Harper family lived in 18 Garnet Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Albert's father James, aged 26, born in Battersea, was working as a railway signalman. His mother Laura, aged 21, was at home caring for their two children, James Frederick aged 2, who was born in Hackbridge as was his mother, and 8-month-old Alice who was born in Thornton Heath. They had two lodgers staying with them, both railway workers.
The rear of Hylands in 1939
Image courtesy of Surrey Libraries and is held in the
Epsom & Ewell Local And Family History Centre Collection
Albert's father James had a career change sometime during the next ten years as, he appears in the 1901 census
living with his family in 'Hylands' Dorking Road, Epsom, Surrey employed as a cook. The family had increased by one and now James Frederick aged 13 and Alice aged 10 had a younger sibling Albert Hamilton Harper, aged 5.
In May 1908 Albert's older brother James, aged 19 years 9 months, gave up his job as a gardener and attested in Hounslow, joining as Private 8901 in the Royal Berkshire Regiment. James served 6 years 292 days, mostly in India, before being discharged on 12 March.1915 as being 'permanently no longer fit for home or active service', the cause being 'Hellux Valgus'. This complaint is more commonly called bunions, a common but painful foot condition. On his medical report it was decided that he had suffered from these on both feet before joining up, cause being of 'wearing too small boots'. He was awarded the British War medal.
From James military record, the family's home address was given as 65 Lower Court Road Epsom, with James Henry and Laura Harper given as his parents and his brother Albert mentioned as still living at home. Albert was working as a gardener.
Albert Hamilton Harper, aged 19 years and 3 months, attested in Kingston on 11 August 1914 into the Hussars. He was 5 feet 7¼ inches tall, weighed 122lbs and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 2½ inches. His complexion was sallow, eyes dark blue, hair dark brown, and he had a scar on an arm. He worked as a gardener.
The 3rd Hussars had been deployed in August 1914 in Shorncliffe, as part of 4th Cavalry Brigade in Cavalry Division. The Division was one of the first to move to France having landed at Rouen on 17 August 1914. The 4th Cavalry Brigade transferred to the 2nd Cavalry Division in October 1914. However, as Albert was awarded only the British War medal and the Victory medal he would not have joined them in France until 1916 at the earliest.
In November and December 1917 the 3rd Hussars fought in the Battle of Cambrai in France, but as infantry on foot not as cavalry on horseback. The attack began early on the morning of 20 November 1917, when large numbers of tanks were used to break through the German wire, with the infantry following under the cover of smoke barrages. This was instead of the usual method of assault, with no preliminary artillery bombardment. Two days later a halt was called for rest and reorganisation, which allowed the Germans to reinforce. From 23 to 28 November, the fighting was concentrated almost entirely around Bourlon Wood and by 29 November, it was clear that the Germans were ready for a major counter attack. During the fierce fighting of the next five days, much of the ground gained in the initial days of the attack was lost.
The Cambrai Memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008.
Nine men from the 3rd Hussars were killed in action on 27 November 1917, including Albert, who is commemorated on panel 1 of the Cambrai Memorial to the missing. The memorial bears the names of over 7,000 servicemen of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917 and whose graves are not known.
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HARRIS Ernest
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
May have been Rfmn, 15th Bn, (County of London) Civil Service Rifles. Killed in France or Flanders on 19 July 1916. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
HARRIS Walter Stuart, Private. 67823.
233rd Company, Machine Gun Corps. (Infantry).Killed in Action 24 September 1917, aged 19.
Walter's inscription on the Tyne Cot Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Walter Stuart Harris was born in the registration district of Pancreas in 1898 (GRO reference: Mar 1898 Pancreas 1b 132) to Walter John and Louisa Harris (nee Cook).
His parents had married in the same area in 1897 (GRO reference: Mar 1897 Pancreas 1b 61), and in the 1901 census they were living in Woodford, Essex. Walter's father was a 30 year old railway clerk. His mother Louisa was 26, and he had a 2 year old sister Amelia Alice. Louisa's 71 year old mother Mary Cook was living with them, as was 16 year old boarder Roy Coleman, an oilman presumably also on the railways. By 1911 Walter had acquired another six siblings Stanley, twins Harold and Leonard, Louisa, Norman and Ivy.
Walter, whose religion was Church of England, was a window cleaner before attesting at Kingston on Thames on 7 February 1916. He was aged 18 years 1 month, 5 foot 4 ½ inches tall, weighed 119lbs and had a chest measurement of 33 ½ inches with a 2-inch expansion. His vision was good, 6/6 for both eyes, and his physical development was fair. His place of birth was recorded as being Kentish Town, and he named, as his next of kin, his father, Walter John Harris of 265, Hook Road, Epsom.
265 Hook Road, Epsom
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
The following day, 8 February 1916 he was allocated to 'Army Reserve'. His service record then shows that on 13 May 1916 he was 'Relegated to Reserve'. As he was already in the 'Army Reserve', I do not understand the significance of being 'Relegated to Reserve' on 13 May.
He was then 'mobilized' on 30 August 1916, and the next day his record states he joined 10th Battalion East Surrey Regiment at Dover. The 10th East Surreys was a reserve or training battalion which, on 1 September 1916, became the 30th Training Reserve Battalion. Walter's original service number was then 24554. Walter departed Dover on 14 November 1916.
Walter made his will out on 11 October 1916, leaving all his worldly goods to his mother "Louie" Harris 'for her sole and separate use'. At the top of the form it had his new regimental Number 20356, 2/5 Lincolnshire.
On 14 February 1917 his record was stamped with 'M.G.C. Service Battn. Transferred'. Then 'Proceeded to BEF with No. 233 Coy 11th July 1917'. On 18 July 1917 the 233 MGC joined the 3rd Division.
War diary for 233 Coy MGC WO95/1405.
Walter was killed in action in Belgium on 24 September 1917 and is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Passchendaele, Belgium; He was aged only 19, having been in the army for 19 months. He was awarded the British War medal and Victory medal.
A letter was sent to his father Walter John Harris at 265 Hook Road, Epsom requesting a full list of all Walter's surviving family members, with their ages, so that a memorial letter and a scroll could be sent, by HRH King George V, to them. The list included his mother Louisa and his siblings Amelia 20, Stanley 18, Harold 17, Leonard 17, Louisa 15, Norman 11 and Ivy 7. On the returned form from Walter's father it was stated that Amelia's surname was now Durham and that she was 'on passage to Australia'.
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HARROWER Annie, Principal Sister
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Horton Hospital Staff Memorial).
HART Frederick Alfred, Corporal. 86270.
17 Battalion Machine Gun Corps.Killed in Action 5 April 1918, aged 25.
Frederick's headstone in the Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Frederick Alfred Hart was born in Shamley Green in 1893 (GRO reference: Mar 1893 Hambledon 2a 159) to George and Emily Hart (nee Mitchell), who had married in 1875 (GRO reference: Jun 1875 Hambledon 2a 188). Note: The initials on the Ashley Road memorial are FE not FA, but I believe to be a mistake as no FE Hart has been found in any records with a connection to Epsom.
In the 1881 census before Frederick was born, the family lived at 3 Waggon Yard, Upper Hale, Farnham, Surrey. There were two sons William aged 3 and James aged 1. George was as 31 year old bricklayer. Emily was 25.
Ten years on in the 1891 census the increased family had moved to Shamley Green, Wonersh, Surrey. William aged 13 and James aged 11 now had five more siblings Ann aged 9, Edward aged 7, Arthur aged 5, Nellie aged 3 and Edith aged 2.
By 1901 when the census was taken the family, with the exception of William and Nellie, were living at Primrose Cottage, 86, Hook Road, Epsom, Surrey. Frederick's father George was still working as a bricklayer as was his brother James Henry, now aged 21. Ernest Edward aged 17 and Arthur were working as bricklayers labourers. Sister Ann Elizabeth aged 19 was noted as being a domestic housemaid, while Edith Amy aged 12 and the youngest sibling Frederick Alfred aged 8 were too young to have been working.
Frederick's army records survived the enemy bombing of 1940 but are fire and water damaged, and are therefore difficult to read. His completed 'Army Form E. 514' is for the 'TERRITORIAL FORCE' and for '1 year's Service in the United Kingdom'. The form also tells us that he had previously served in the 5th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, which came into being when the Territorial Force was instituted in 1908.
His Territorial attestation form dated 7 November 1914 shows he was No. 59, and the Corps that he joined was the 'National Reserve, Epsom Company 5 Batt. Reserve, East Surrey Regt.' On the form there is also reference to '30657' and 'No 9 Railway Coy' most likely written on a later date. It seems therefore that having previously served in the Territorials, and declining to serve overseas, he was now to wait on the reserve. The form also tells us he lived at 153, Hook Road, Epsom.
On the same day (7 November 1914) he was medically examined and the Medical Officer stated "I consider him fit for service as a local guard in the Territorial Force". He thus became No 20059 in the 5th East Surrey Reserve. His declared age was 22 years, and he worked as a whitesmith. He was 5 feet 8½ inches tall, weighed 132lbs, had three vaccination marks, had a chest measurement of 35 inches with an expansion of 2½ inches and had perfect vision, 6/6 with both eyes. His 'Medical History' form also shows that he was No 25807 in 43 Protection Company Royal Defence Corps (RDC), served in the Hampshire Regiment and was finally No 86270 in the Machine Gun Corps (MGC).
Frederick Alfred Hart married Florence May Barber in the registration district of Epsom in 1915 (GRO reference: Jun 1915 Epsom 2a 35). Records show that Frederick had been admitted to Connaught Hospital between 6 June 1915 and 13 July 1915 (38 days) with appendicitis. Whether this was before or after his marriage is unknown. There were no children.
On 29 April 1916 Frederick was transferred from the 5th East Surrey reserve, to 41 RDC, then on 13 May to the 43 RDC. It seems that Frederick then decided to offer himself for overseas service, and on 16 June 1916 duly asked permission to transfer from 43 RDC based at Cambridge, to the Hampshire Regiment, probably with the number 30657.
On 15 February 1917 Frederick transferred to 236 MGC, and six months later, on 26 April 1917, he was promoted A/Cpl.
On 13 July 1917 Frederick embarked from Southampton with 236 Company MGC, arriving at Le Havre on 14 July, and was promoted Corporal the same day. Between 7 December 1917 and 6 January 1918 he attended a Machine Gun course at Camiers, France, where the MGC had a large base.
His faded records further show that he was admitted to hospital on 12 February 1918 for reason unknown, and rejoined his company on 17 February 1918. He was then fortunate enough to be granted leave to the UK between 21 February and 7 March 1918.
On 24 February 1918 the 236 MGC moved into 17 MGC. During 1918 losses were so severe that many units were disbanded and the remnants posted to other units. This must have happened to Frederick. Records show that he was killed in action 5 April 1918. This was the last day of the huge German attack named 'The Kaiserschlact or Operation Michael, their last desperate bid to win the war before the Americans arrived in force.
In May 1919 a letter from the War Office was sent to Frederick's father George Hart requesting the names and addresses of his living relatives plus and ages of Frederick's siblings be entered on the adjoining form. This was so a plaque and scroll could be sent to them from HRH King George V in recognition of their family member's sacrifice for King and country.
The returning form, dated 27 May 1919, was duly sent back with the following information:
Widow Florence May Hart, 12 St Andrews Road Surbiton Surrey. Father George Hart, 153 Hook Road Epsom Surrey Mother Emily Hart, 153 Hook Road Epsom Surrey Brothers William Hart, 42, 8 Miles Rd Epsom James Hart, 40, Pleasant Rd Little Bookham Edward Hart, 35, 84 Lower Court Rd Epsom Arthur Hart, 33, 3 Miles Rd Epsom Sisters Ann Hart, 37, 30 North St Farncombe Nellie Hart, 32, 6 Pound Lane Epsom Edith Hart, 30, 153 Hook Rd Epsom
All of Frederick's possessions were to be returned to his widow Florence and the War Pension office informed her that she was entitled to a war widow's pension of 15/- per week (75p in decimal currency) from 4 November 1918.
Frederick served for 3 years and 150 days. Of this, 2 years and 248 days were served on the home front and 1 year 267 days with the BEF, for which he was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
Forty five men from the MGC lost their lives on 5 April 1918 on the Western Front including Frederick who is buried in Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery Extension.
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HARVEY Clement, Sapper. 77921.
Royal Engineers. 'A' Signals Depot (Bedford).Died of Wounds 4 June 1918, aged 48.
Clement's headstone and grave in Epsom Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Clement Harvey Harvey was born in the registration district of Kingston in 1870 (GRO reference: Sep 1870 Kingston 2a 301), the son of Alfred Clement Thomas and Esther Lydia Harvey (nee Barnes).
In the 1871 census Alfred aged 21, Esther aged 26 and 7-month-old Clement were living with Alfred's mother Jane (previous censuses have her as Ann) and brother James, who helped run his mother's beer house in Hampton. Alfred 's occupation was noted as 'Labourer' and his wife Esther was 'Assistant', presumably in the beer house. Also living there was Sarah Ann Barnes, aged 16, from Ticehurst Sussex, who was Esther's sister, and Sarah Weston with her daughter Mary. Both Sarah's were noted as Jane's nieces, Mary being her great niece.
Clement's siblings Alice Maud were born in 1873, and Frank Alfred in 1876.
Clement's mother Esther died aged 34 in the registration district of Kingston in1877 (GRO reference: Sep1877 Kingston 2a 161). Alfred remarried in 1879 in the registration district of Kingston (Mar1879 Kingston 2a 365) to Sarah Ann Barnes. This was Esther's sister who appeared in the previous census as living with the family.
Alfred's surname was mis-transcribed in the 1881 census as he was not found under his name, but after looking at each page, he and his family were found to be living in 3 Ivy Cottage Railway Road Teddington where 30 year old Alfred was dairyman. Alfred and Sarah, aged 25, were living with 10-year-old Clement, 7 year old Alice M, 6 year old Frank A and their 1 year old daughter Ada M. (Found under the surname 'Hursley', reported to Ancestry as incorrect, 06/11/2008)
Clement was not found to be living at home with his family on the night of the 1891 census but boarding with the Bundy family at 3 Rea Lodge Mortlake Surrey. He was aged 20, single and working as a cowman. His birthplace was noted as Molesley Middlesex. (Found under the surname 'Harry', reported to Ancestry as incorrect, 6/11/2008).
Alfred and Sarah were living in the same cottage where they still ran a dairy with Alice aged 17, Frank aged 14 and Ada aged 11. The family business prospered and by the time the 1901 census was taken the family were, with the exception of Alice, owners of a cowherd and dairy. They were also running a beer house at the same address, 3 Ivy Cottage Railway Road Teddington.
Clement married Jane Hill in Epsom Surrey on 3 June 1895 (GRO reference: Jun 1895 Epsom 2a 19).
In the census of 1901 Clement and Jane were living with their three daughters, who had all been born in Epsom Surrey, at 6, Lintons Lane, Epsom, Surrey. Clement was now aged 30 and his place of birth had been noted as Hampton Court Middlesex. Jane's birthplace was noted as Hockley Warwickshire. Jane, aged 26, was at home caring for Ada Maude aged 5, Esther Jane aged 2 and 4-month-old Beatrice May plus three boarders, Harry Stevens a painter, Samuel Bonner a baker and Amos Gillett a grave digger. Clement was working as a Carman for the District Council. Railway companies often employed a Carman as well, for local deliveries and the collections of goods and parcels, as like a modern day van driver. Also sometimes, someone who drove horse-drawn trams was called a Carman.
The birth and death of a boy named Clement Harvey was recorded in 1907. (GRO reference: Jun 1907 Epsom, Age 0, 2a 29). This may have been the son of Clement and Sarah.
Clement Harvey of 4 Victoria Place Epsom Surrey died in the Horton War Hospital Epsom Surrey on 4 June 1918, aged 48, from gas related injuries. He was buried in plot D337 in the Epsom Cemetery.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour has the following "CLEMENT HARVEY, was gassed while on active service in France and died in Horton Hospital on the 4th June 1918".
EP SM
HEFFERN William, Lance Corporal. 38077.
3rd Battalion, East Surrey Regt.Died 3 September 1918, aged 42.
William's headstone in Epsom Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
William Heffern was born in Dublin in March 1876. From his 'Short Service Attestation' record we have found that he was a groom and had been an apprentice at the Curragh (HQ of Irish horse racing) with the firm of Knox, for 5 years, which expired in 1888. As he was born in 1876, this means he was seven when his apprenticeship started! When he came to England is uncertain, as he has not been found, as yet, on any UK census.
Prior to the Great War William had served in the British Army, with the 4th Battalion East Surrey Regiment (service number 1622), and had served in South Africa for six months. He was discharged from the Army in 1900 as 'time expired'.
He married Mary Woods in the registration district of Epsom in 1907 (GRO reference: Dec 1907 Epsom 2a 30). His 'Military History Sheet' states that he had two children named Cyril and Elsie, however we can find no birth records for these children.
William attested in Epsom on 1 September 1914. He stated that he was a groom and that he was born in Dublin. He was 38 years 170 days old, 5 feet 4 ½ inches tall, weighed 130lbs, had a chest measurement of 34 inches with 2 inches expansion, a sallow complexion, hazel eyes, and grey hair, and that he was fit for service. He stated that his religion was 'Church of England' which seems strange as he was from Dublin.
His wife Mary was his next of kin living at 3, Chandlers Cottages, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey, with their children Cyril and Elsie.
William's 3 years and 326 days service was all spent in England, mostly in Dover. His first battalion was the 3rd East Surreys, normally stationed at Kingston upon Thames, but on the 8 August 1914 was moved to the Grand Shaft Barracks and Land Defences at Dover where it remained until the end of the war. The Battalion trained and supplied drafts for other units. From 17 March 1917 William was with 1st (Garrison Battalion) The Buffs. Then on 27 July 1917 he was transferred to 583 Company Labour Corps, and finally on 17 February 1918 he was transferred back to the 3rd East Surreys.
William was promoted Acting Lance Corporal on 19 June 1918, but on the 2 July 1918 he appeared before a medical board in Dover and was 'recommended for discharge as permanently unfit for any further military service' as 80% disabled by 'carcinoma of the tongue' which would become fatal and not respond to surgery.
William left the army on 23 July 1918 after serving 3 years 326 days at 'Home', and on 3 September 1918 he died in the 'Workhouse Infirmary' in Epsom (GRO reference: Sept 1918 Epsom 2a59). He was therefore only able to claim his Army disability pension for 41 days. William is buried in Epsom Cemetery in plot number K721.
Although when he died he was a civilian, he is commemorated by the CWGC, who state that he was the husband of Mrs. Mary Heffern, of 10, The Parade, Epsom Surrey.
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom as Heffron).
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HEMMING Edward George, Private. 36539.
11th Battalion East Yorkshire RegimentKilled in Action 3 May 1917, aged 20
Private Edward George HEMMING
in the Lloyds Bank Memorial Album
Private Hemming's inscription on the Arras Memorial
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
Edward George Hemming was born in Ewell in 1896 (GRO reference: Dec 1896 Epsom 2a 23) to Walter James and Rosa Emma Hemming (Nee Marsh). He was baptised on 8 November 1896 at St Mary's Ewell.
In the 1901 census they lived at Poplar Farm, Chessington Road West Ewell, where Edward's father Walter was a farmer, employing other men. Edward had a younger sister Gladys May (GRO reference: :Sep 1897 Epsom 2a 27) and a younger brother Walter Leslie (GRO reference: Jun 1900 Epsom 2a 21). They had a domestic servant and one of the farm labourers living in. His few surviving and badly damaged Army service papers show that after the 1901 census another brother and sister arrived, Reginald Charles (GRO reference: Mar 1902 Epsom 2a 22) and Violet (GRO reference: Sep 1904 2a 21).
Edward, aged 19 attested in Whitehall, London on 8 December 1915 becoming number 11420 in the Army Cyclist Corps (ACC). He was 5 feet 8 ¾ inches tall, had a chest measurement of 35 ½ inches with an expansion of 3 ½ inches. Whilst having perfect vision in his right eye, his left was rated only 5 out of 6. He had two distinguishing marks: a scar on his left temple and a scar on the left side of his neck. He lived on his parents' farm, but was a bank clerk.
Whilst still in England, and presumably training, he was punished on 18 May 1916 with 3 days confined to barracks (CB) at Wimbledon for being absent off parade, and on 11 November 1916 to 7 days CB for being absent from a talk on ******' (illegible).
On 19 December 1916 he was posted to the 11th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, which was in the 92 Brigade 31 Division. The battalion was originally formed in Hull on the 2nd September 1914 and was a 'Pals' battalion known as the "Hull Tradesman's". With the coming of conscription in early 1916, and after the huge losses on the Somme, battalions were reinforced with men from anywhere in the UK with scant regard to regional allegiances.
On the 5 March 1917 Edward received a shrapnel wound to the face, rejoining his Battalion after treatment on 29 March. On 3 April he was admitted to 57 Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) suffering with slight Quinsy, a suppurative tonsillitis. On 5 April he was taken back to Camiers, then to Etaples on 11 April. He finally rejoined his Battalion on 1 May.
The Battle of Arras lasted from 9 April until 15 May 1917. The phase of the battle 3-4 May was designated the 'Third battle of the Scarpe', and the 11th East Yorkshires contribution was to attack Oppy wood and village, going 'over the top' at 3.45am on the 3 May. By the time the attack started they had been lying out under a barrage for 2 hours and 5 minutes. They attacked in darkness 50 yards behind a creeping barrage that lifted 100 yards every 4 minutes. Some men did penetrate the wood and enter Oppy village but they were unable to hold the ground taken, and were pushed back to their assembly trench. At 10pm they were relieved by the 11th battalion East Lancashire regiment.
On 3 May 1917, 56 men from the 11th East Yorkshires lost their lives in action including Edward, aged 20. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Bay 4 & 5. CWGC states that he was the son of Mr W. I. Hemming, Colvin Cottage, Meads Road, Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea. (NOTE: The W. I. Hemming should be W. J.)
A letter from the OIC Infantry records, War Office, Imperial Institute, South Kensington, SW7, dated 12 January 1918, states that all personal property was to go to Mrs Rosa Hemming, The Oaks, West Ewell.
His memorial scroll and plaque were duly signed for in 1921.
HEPWORTH Percival Walker, Stoker 1st Class. 293062.
H.M.S. HawkeKilled in Action 15 October 1914, aged 34.
Percy Hepworth c.1901
Image courtesy of Mr Piner
Percival Walker Hepworth was born in the Borough of Tower Hamlets, on 23rd July 1880 (GRO reference: Sep 1880 Poplar 1c 635) to Edward and Emma Hepworth (nee Walker).
From the 1881 census the family lived at 10 Yattan Street, Tower Hamlets. Percival's father was a 28 year old barman in an ale house. His mother Emma was 22 years old. They lived with Emma's 64 year old mother and 24 year old brother.
By the 1891 census the family lived at 15 Alexander Street, West Ham, but Percival's father had died, Emma being shown as a widow. So it seems that Percy was an only child.
In 1901 Percy was a stoker aboard HMS Illustrious, an armoured, 1st class, twin screw battleship, with a compliment of 318. On census night she was anchored off Malta.
Percy Hepworth and wife Ada
Image courtesy of Mr Piner.
Pervcival Walker Hepworth and Ada Bayley were married on 5 November 1904 (GRO reference: Dec 1904 W. Ham 1904). There is a record of another marriage between Percy Walker Hepworth and Ada Bayley (GRO reference: Jun 1909 Epsom 2a 65). The reason for the two marriages was explained by their grandson William Piner. Apparently the LCC would only appoint single men to work at the Hospitals. In 1907, in order to secure a job as a fireman, Percy told them that he was single. Once established he was entitled to marry, and went through another ceremony in 1909, presumably for the benefit of the Hospital authorities.
Ada Elizabeth Bayley was born in 1881 (GRO reference Mar 1881 Hastings 2b 20), and died in 1963 as Ada E Hepworth (GRO reference: Jun 1963 Surrey Mid East 5G 146 aged 82).
Percy and Ada had two children, Edward Harry Hepworth (GRO reference: Sep 1906 Edmonton 3a 617) and Dorothy Ada Hepworth born 26 November 1907 (GRO reference Dec 1907 W. Ham 4a 152).
Percival was a fireman with Edmonton Urban District Council between 8 April 1905 and 25 July 1906, and was also a fireman with the LCC at Horton Asylum between 11 November 1907 and 3 August 1914 until he was recalled to the Navy on the outbreak of war.
Percy was destined to serve a very short time on his return to the Navy. His ship HMS Hawke, an armoured cruiser, was torpedoed in the North Sea by U9 on 15 October 1914. She sank within 5 minutes of being hit, and lost most of her crew.
Percy's inscription on the Chatham Naval Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Percy is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial. He also appears on the Horton War Hospital memorial in the old chapel on the Horton Asylum site. The CWGC states he was the husband of Ada Hepworth, 235 Hook Road, Epsom. Late Fireman L.C.C. Horton Mental Hospital, Epsom.
The following appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 30 October 1914:
EPSOM RESERVIST "MISSING."-It is feared that Mr.P.W. Hepworth, the foreman fireman at Horton Asylum, who was on H.M.S. "Hawke" when that ship sunk, has been drowned. He was reported among the large number missing, and nothing has been heard of him. A first-class stoker attached to the Royal Naval Reserve at Chatham, he leaves a widow and two children, to whom the sympathy of all deceased's friends at the asylum has been extended. He was formerly in the London Fire Brigade, and since holding his post at Horton Asylum he became very popular among his co-workers. He was a good athlete, of a very agreeable disposition, and was much liked by all those with whom he worked.
A printed 'Home Words' card given by the Church of England to the families of the fallen.
Image courtesy of Mr Piner
An 'In Memory' card given to former LCC staff who died in the war.
Image courtesy of Mr Piner
Thanks to Mr William Piner, grandson for information and photographs.
EP HWH
HEWITT Ronald Denne, Private
8th Bn, Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 7 July 1916, aged 19
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
8th Bn, Royal Fusiliers. Killed on the Somme on 7 July 1916. Listed on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Aged 19 years. Son of James and Maude Agnes Hewitt, 'Tweedsmuir', Woodcote Park Road, Epsom. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
HIGGINS Malcolm Leslie, Private. 52.
11th (Western Australia) Battalion Australian Infantry.Died of wounds 22 August 1916, aged 26
Malcolm's headstone
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert
Malcolm Leslie Higgins was born in Ewell in 1891 (GRO reference: Mar 1891 Epsom 2a 18), to Gordon and Annie Higgins (nee Stevens).
In the 1881 census, before Malcolm was born the family lived at 67, Brayfield Road, Lewisham. Malcolm's father was a 26 year old warehouseman looking after tailors trimmings. His mother was aged 24, and he had two siblings, Gordon aged 1 and Muriel aged 2 months.
By the 1891 census the family had moved to Wendover, Chessington Road, West Ewell. Malcolm had been born, and he had another three siblings John aged 7, Hugh aged 4, and Gerald aged 2. Sarah Stokes aged 14 worked for the family as a domestic servant.
In 1901 Malcolm was a 10 year old pupil at boarding school at 7 Margaret Street, East Marylebone, under the headship of a Church of England clergyman, William Whitworth. Malcolm's father was now a manager at a woollen cloth wholesalers. He had another 4 siblings, Kenneth Stuart aged 8, Alan aged 6, Donald aged 3 and Dora aged 1.
I have been unable to find 20 year old Malcolm in the 1911 census, so perhaps he had emigrated to Australia by then. However, the family were still living in West Ewell, although his mother Annie had died in 1910 aged 53, but all her 10 children were still living.
At a date unknown Malcolm emigrated to Australia. On 10 September 1914 at Helena Vale, Western Australia, he enlisted into the 11th Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF), the first battalion to be raised in Western Australia. His stated that he was 23 years and 8 months, worked as a labourer, and had previously served for 1 year in the 3rd London Brigade Royal Field Artillery. His father Gordon, of Wendover Villa West Ewell, was his next of kin, however his father died in 1919, and Malcolm's eldest brother, also Gordon, became his official next of kin. He was medically examined at Blackboy Hill and found to be fit for active service. He was 6 feet 1¼ inches tall, weighed 172 lbs and had a chest measurement of 38 inches. He had a fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair, and had a scar on the inside of his left leg below the knee. His religion was C of E.
On 2 November 1914 Malcolm embarked with the 11th Battalion from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board Transport A11 Ascanius, to Egypt, and remained there until he left on H.M.T. Suffolk to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF), leaving Egypt via the port of Alexandria on 2 March 1915 to join the Gallipoli campaign. The Gallipoli campaign commenced on 25 April 1915, and the 11th Battalion was one of the first ashore landing about 4.30 am. Then on 5 May they mounted the first Australian raid on Turkish positions at Gaba Tepe, and were subsequently involved in defending the front line ANZAC beachhead.
Malcolm's service records show that he was admitted to hospital, on 22 June 1915, but does not state why or when he was discharged. He did not see the end of the Gallipoli campaign as on 6 September 1915 he was again admitted to hospital suffering with diarrhoea. The next day he embarked on Hospital Ship (HS) 'Maheno' arriving at Malta on 12 September, where he was admitted to Valetta Military Hospital. By 27 September he was discharged to duty, but presumably still not fully recovered as on 7 October he was re-admitted to hospital suffering from influenza and diarrhoea. On 16 October he was sent to England aboard the ship 'Carisbrook Castle', a passenger steamer that had been converted to a hospital ship. Arriving in England on 23 October he was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital (LGH), Wandsworth. (NOTE: The building that accommodated the 3rd LGH was built in the 1850s, the foundation stone being laid by Queen Victoria on 11 July 1857. It was originally called the Royal Patriotic Asylum, and was to be used for the education and training of 300 orphan daughters of men who had died in the Crimean war. The first orphans were admitted on 1 July 1859. The building stands today, on Wandsworth Common, having been renovated after years of neglect, and boasts flats, studios, offices, workshops, a drama school and a restaurant.)
Malcolm was eventually discharged from hospital and joined the ANZAC base depot at Weymouth, Dorset on 15 December 1915. At about this time his comrades of the 11th Battalion were being withdrawn from Gallipoli. He then went absent without leave between 22 December 1915 and 5 January 1916, and forfeited 9 day's pay for his misdemeanour. I wonder did he quietly travel up to West Ewell to spend Christmas with his family?
On 20 May 1916 he embarked from Weymouth to rejoin the 11th Battalion, which was in the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Australian Division. He arrived on 29 May at their base camp at Etaples, France. Then, between 25 June and 27 July Malcolm left the 11th Battalion to work with the 1st entrenching Battalion, rejoining the 11th on 30 July, having spent the 28 and 29 in hospital. On 5 August he was attached to the 3rd MGC for training. The next entry on Malcolm's service record is the last, the CO of the 3rd Australian MGC reporting him wounded and missing on 22 August 1916. Then the note was added; Both feet blown off by a shell and was taken to a forward dressing station; when sent to the rear was "bearing up well".
On 22 August the 1st Australian division was fighting to take Mouquet Farm (know as Moo Cow farm to the troops), a heavily fortified position to the north of Pozières. At 6pm the Division attacked the German trench line Fabeck Graben but heavy machine gun fire forced them to retire. Some managed to get into Mouquet Farm but were forced to withdraw to a line south of the Mouquet Farm - Courcellette track. Raiding parties of the 11th Battalion started late and linked with the flank battalions. Many were killed during the attack.
Malcolm died of wounds and was buried in Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery, plot VII. D. 25.
Before he went into battle on the Somme, on 17 August 1916, he made a will leaving all his possessions to his father. No doubt Malcolm's father was informed of his son's death soon after it occurred, however he later received a letter from the records office dated 27 April 1917 with additional information, telling him that his son died of wounds received in action, and where he was buried.
Malcolm's effects were sent to his father at Wendover Villa, West Ewell, in two separate parcels on 23 February 1917 and 2 May 1917, and comprised of:
- 3 discs
- metal mirror
- wallet
- coin
- cigarette case
- 4 badges
- fountain pen
- ink tablet case
- pocket book
- linen bag
- cards
- photos
- 3 handkerchiefs
- prayer book
- brush
- knife
- letters
Malcolm was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
EW BH AS
HILL Sidney L.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
May have been Sidney Ernest, Sgt, 20th Bn, (County of London) Blackheath and Woolwich Rifles. Killed at Vimy Ridge on 23 May 1916. Listed on the Arras Memorial, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the Christ Church, Epsom Memorials).
HOARE Reginald Alexander, Private. 231149.
2nd Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).Killed in Action 16 June 1917, aged 24.
Reginald's inscription on the Arras memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Reginald Alexander Hoare was born in 1892 (GRO reference: Dec 1892 Epsom 2a 20) to Alexander and Mary Hoare (nee Gillman).
In the 1901 census the family lived at 6, Town Cottages, Epsom, near the High Street. Walter's father was a 37 year old butcher's salesman. His mother was 35. Reginald had an older brother Walter aged 9, who would also be killed in action, and a sister Alice aged 5. Also staying with the family as a boarder was William T Aldridge, a 25 year old journeyman butcher.
Reginald and his brother Walter both attested in Westminster into the 2nd Battalion London Regiment, and must have joined up together as they were given consecutive numbers, 231149 and 231148. None of their service papers have survived.
At the time of Reginald's death the 2nd Londons were in the 169 brigade, 56 division, and were in the Arras sector. The Arras battle was particularly bloody, the average daily death toll being higher than that for the Somme battles. Despite the carnage going on all around, the war diary of the 2nd Londons tells us that on 7 June 1917 the afternoon was set aside for;
"Regimental Sports, which promised to be a great success, large entries and a record attendance being promised, but owing to heavy rain in the morning, no racing being possible, they had to be postponed until the next afternoon. The Boxing Finals were however fought to the strains of the Divisional Band and a concert was held in the evening."
The postponed sports were duly held on 8 June, were a great success, and prizes were distributed by the CO. Some light relief for a brief spell amidst death and desolation.
At 9.30pm on 10 June the battalion moved up to take over the front line. The next day, 11 June was spent improving the shallow and narrow trenches, building dugouts and erecting wire. Over 50 bodies were found and buried, some in a very bad state of decay.
"Our front line (TOOL TRENCH and FARM TRENCH) was shelled intermittently by the enemy during the morning, little damage being done."
The next two days, 12 and 13 June were relatively quiet with light hostile shelling, and low flying enemy aircraft being driven off many times by Lewis gun fire.
On 14 June at zero hour, 7.20am two battalions on the immediate left of the 2nd Londons "went over" to attack HOOK TRENCH and LONG TRENCH. To assist the attack, the 2nd Londons, at zero plus 1 1/2 minutes opened heavy rifle and Lewis gun fire on the enemy trenches. The enemy responded with shelling and a counter attack which was driven off. The war diary states losses were 3 killed and 12 wounded.
June 15 was a quiet day, and at 12.30 am on the 16 June they were relieved by the London Rifle Brigade (LRB), and moved back to battalion support position in the MARLIERE area.
The battalion rested during the day on 16 June but, states the war diary, "at night 2 Coys plus 50 ORs went up to the front line trenches to dig and also to wire."
Finally, the war diary tells us that work continued on 17 June but was severely hindered by a heavy hostile barrage. During an enemy counter attack on the 3 Division the 2nd Londons suffered 3 killed and 8 wounded.
The war diary seems at odds with the casualty figures for the 2nd Londons from the Soldiers Died CD which states that on 15 June, 47 men were killed in action, and on 16 June, 83 men were killed in action. This is confirmed by the CWGC which also tells us that the vast majority of the men have no known grave and are commemorated on the Arras memorial. Could the compiler of the war diary have missed such a large number of men?
Reginald was awarded the Victory medal and the British War medal.
The CWGC states that he was the son of Alexander and Mary Hoare of 36, Hook Road, Epsom, and that he is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, bay 9.
EP
HOARE Walter Stanley, Sergeant. 231148.
2nd Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).Killed in action 24 April 1918, aged 26.
Walter Stanley Hoare was born in 1891 (GRO reference: Dec 1891 Epsom 2a 20) to Alexander and Mary Hoare (nee Gillman).
In the 1901 census the family lived at 6 Town Cottages, Epsom, near the High Street. Walter's father was a 37 year old butcher's salesman. His mother was 35. Walter had a younger brother Reginald aged 8, who would also be killed in action, and a sister Alice aged 5. Also staying with the family as a boarder was William T Aldridge a 25 year old journeyman butcher.
Walter and his brother Reginald both attested in Westminster into the 2nd Battalion London Regiment, and must have joined up together as they were given consecutive numbers, 231148 and 231149. None of their service papers have survived.
At the time of Walter's death the 2nd Londons were in the 169 brigade, 56 division, and were billeted at Dainville, south of Arras. The war diary entry for 24 April 1918 describes a 'cutting out' raid commencing at 9.15pm by 1 officer and 41 other ranks. Despite machine gun fire the raiding party advanced to within 20 yards of its objective. The enemy began bombing along trenches towards them but were kept off by "our Rifle Grenadiers". The raiding party went a considerable distance down the German trench and bombed two shafts en route. After remaining in the trenches for half an hour they withdrew. The war diary totals casualties as one officer missing, one NCO killed, eleven other ranks wounded. However, Soldiers Died CD shows eleven Other Ranks killed in action including Walter.
The CWGC shows that Walter is buried in Hangard Communal Cemetery Extension plot 1 H 2. Hangard is a village 5 kilometres south of Villers-Bretonneux which is some distance from Dainville. Was Walter wounded and evacuated south before he died, or perhaps his grave was concentrated into Hangard after the war? Perhaps both?
Walter was awarded the Victory medal and the British War medal.
EP
HOCKLY Nigel Alan, Apprentice
Mercantile Marine. "Galgorm Castle" (Belfast).Killed 27 February 1917, aged 17.
Nigel Hockly's name on the Tower Hill memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
Nigel Alan Hockly was born on 14 August 1899 (GRO reference: Sep 1899 Brentford 3a 108) in Ealing, Middlesex, to Edward John and Ada Hockly (nee Bennett), who were married in Plymouth in 1884. Nigel was baptised on 9 September 1899 by his father Edward, a curate, at St Mary's parish church, Ealing. The parish records show that the family lived at 33, Uxbridge Road at the time. It is interesting to note that the birth registration entry for Nigel in the free BMD database, omits the middle name Alan, but the parish record shows Nigel Alan.
Nigel's grandfather John Minett Hockly, was not at home with his wife Caroline and children on the night of the 1861 Plymouth census but found at sea as 'Master' in the Royal Navy on the ship 'Odin', which was sailing to Yantai China. John married Caroline Rebecca Cole in 1855 in Plymouth, Devon and in 1858 their daughter Alice Laura was born, followed by Edward John Hockly in 1860, Nigel's father. Between 1883 and 1885 Edward John Hockly was curate of St Mary Major in Exeter, and in 1885 moved to Chesham, Buckinghamshire to work as a curate there. The family were to move three more times before Nigel was born, first to St Pancras in 1886, then to Trowbridge, Wiltshire, and finally in 1890 to Ealing, where Edward John was headmaster of Ealing Grammer School.
In the 1891 census before Nigel was born, the family lived at 14, The Park, Ealing. Nigel's father Edward John was a 31 year old clerk in a holy order and a schoolmaster. His mother Ada was 29. Nigel had three siblings Colin Edward aged 5, Frances Ada Minette aged 3 and Douglas aged 10 months.
The 1901 census shows the family living at 1-3 Hopton Road, Streatham. Nigel's father Edward John was a 41 year old Clergyman running a Church of England school employing eight servants to look after 16 pupils. His mother Ada was a 37 year old school mistress. Nigel now had another brother, Donald aged 8 who had been born in the Isle of Man. Nigel's oldest brother Colin Edward was not on this census with them, but was a 15 year old cadet in the Thames Nautical Training Ship for Officers, H M S Worcester, in Swanscombe Kent.
The family moved several more times, in 1904 to Chichester, in 1905 to Stepney, in 1908 back to Ealing and in 1908 to Hanwell.
In the 1911 census Nigel's parents, Edward and Ada, appear living at 85 Grove Avenue Hanwell. The census also records that they had been married for 26 years. The only child living with them was their youngest daughter Eileen Violette, who was been born in Streatham on 9 June 1901, after the 1901 census had been taken. On her baptism entry the family were shown to be living at The Elms, Coventry Park, Streatham. She is however noted as being aged 9 in this census. Nigel, now aged 11, was a student in the St. John's Foundation School for the sons of poor clergy of the Church of England. The address of this school was given as Epsom Rd Leatherhead.
All the moves were associated with Nigel's fathers work as a priest, the Hanwell move to become Chaplain to Hanwell Asylum until 1913. It seems that Nigel's family, moved to Epsom, Surrey around 1913 where Nigel's father would be one of the Chaplains at Horton Mental Asylum until 1932, and also Chaplain to the Forces between 1915 and 1919.
Nigel Alan Hockly was killed on 27 February 1917 when his ship "Galgorm Castle" was sunk by gunfire from a submarine, 90 miles west of Fastnet. The "Galgorm Castle" was a 1,596 ton small sailing ship, carrying a cargo of maize from Buenos Aires. Ten others were lost at the same time including two American crewmen.
Kelly's directory of 1918 lists Nigel's father, the Rev. Edward John Hockly M.A, as living at 5 Temple Road Epsom. The 1922 edition lists him living at 'The Grot', Temple Road Epsom and the 1924 edition at 36 Temple Road Epsom, but Crockford's, shows his address between 1913-1932 as 26 Temple Road, Epsom. The British phone book, between 1927 and 1932, lists him as living in 'Grot Temple Road Epsom'.
It is interesting to note that whilst Nigel was killed in the war aged 17 his older sister Frances Ada Minette Hockly lived to be 97, dying in Maidstone in 1985. She had never married, and between 1930 and 1948 had worked as a nurse in India and Iraq.
Nigel's brother Douglas also lived to a very good age, 95 and died in the same year, 1985, in Shepway, Kent
The Tower Hill memorial
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
Nigel is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial to merchant seamen who lost their lives in the war.
EP
HODGSON William, Private. 162283.
Labour Corps 368 Home Service CompanyDied 8 November 1918, aged 38
Private Hodgson's inscription which is on his gravestone which is in St Mary's Ewell.
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert
William Hodgson was born in 1880 (GRO reference: Dec 1880 Epsom 2a 19) to William and Caroline Hodgson (nee Remnant). He was baptised at St Mary's Ewell on 5 December 1880.
In the 1881 census the family lived in West Street, Ewell. William's father, a Yorkshireman, was a labourer, probably with South West Railways for whom he had been working in 1871. They also had a 10 year old daughter called Mary Ann who was baptised at St Mary's in 1871.
In the 1891 census the family still lived in West Street, and William senior was a 'Railway Labourer Plate'.
In 1901 William was lodging with the Stokes family at 28 Stockdale Road in Battersea, and was working as a stone mason. Since Mr Stokes worked on the railway it is possible that William also did so. Williams's parents lived at Mount Pleasant, Ewell and William senior was now a 'foreman platelayer'.
Also in the 1901 census, William's future wife Ada, born in 1881 (GRO reference: Dec 1881 Epsom 2a 15) was a laundress, and lived with her parents in Meadow Walk, Ewell.
William married Ada Louisa Voller on 3 July 1907 (GRO reference: Sep 1907 Epsom 2a 19). They had a son William Robert, born on 17 December 1909 (GRO reference: Mar 1910 Epsom 2a 26). The birth is shown in the parish register for St Mary's Ewell where he was baptised. The family lived in Meadow Walk, Ewell and William is recorded as a stone mason.
William was a member of the 'Ewell Old Boys' Association' during the year 1913-1914 and lived at 8 Meadow Walk.
William enlisted at Kingston on 30 October 1916, aged 36. The "Soldiers Died" CD shows that William was originally No. 71617 in the Middlesex Regiment, and one of the few remaining 'Burnt Papers' at the National Archive shows William's service number 71617 struck out and 162283 substituted. When he was medically examined he was passed as only medical category B2, which excluded him from front line service. William was posted to the 368 Home Service Company, Labour Corps. He had expressed a wish to join the Royal Engineers.
William died on 8 November 1918 and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell, Old Ground 544A, with a private memorial, not CWGC. His cause of death could have been the result of an accident or possibly he was a victim of the influenza epidemic that took more lives worldwide than the Great War. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of William and Caroline Hodgson; husband of Ada L Hodgson, of 8 Meadow Walk, Ewell. Born at Ewell.'
HOPKINS Ernest, Sapper. 35829.
68th Field Company Royal EngineersDied 17 May 1916, aged 24
Ernest Hopkins was born in 1891 (GRO reference: Sep 1891 Croydon 2a 226) to Robert Walter and Elizabeth Hopkins.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 65 Exeter Road, Croydon. Ernest's father was a 'Journeyman Carpenter', and he had a brother Robert William aged 14 (GRO reference: Dec 1886 Woolwich 1d 1190), an 'Errand Boy', and a sister Maude Elizabeth aged 13 (GRO reference: Mar 1888 Woolwich 1d 1217).
Ernest attested at Kingston on 6 April 1915 aged 24 years, as Sapper 35829, 68th Field Company Royal Engineers. He was 5 feet 6 ½ inches tall, weighing 128 lbs, with a chest measurement of 35 ½ inches with an expansion of 2 ½ inches, and he had perfect 6/6 sight in both eyes. He had 6 vaccination marks, and an operation scar on the right side of his abdomen. His occupation was stated as a 'Carpenter improver'. He had lived at 5, New Cottages, Ewell but had moved to 25 Chessington Road. His next of kin was his father Robert Walter Hopkins.
Ernest was not married and had made an allotment of pay to his mother Elizabeth Hopkins, 25, Chessington Road, of 1/6d (1 shilling and 6 pence) 'Per diem'.
The 68th Field Company Royal Engineers was part of the 11th Division and had fought in the Gallipoli campaign. They were withdrawn from Gallipoli to Egypt on 21 December 1915.
Ernest Hopkins died of dysentery in 31 General Hospital, Port Said on 17 May 1916 aged 24 and is buried in Port Said War Memorial Cemetery. Port Said, at the northern outlet of the Suez Canal, was an important hospital centre during the Great War. He is also remembered on the All Saints War Memorial.
His father wrote to the War Office on 27 August 1916, from 25 Chessington Road, Ewell. Full text follows:
Dear Sir,
Re the late No. 35829 Sapper E. Hopkins 68th Field Coy R.E. who died of Dysentery in 31 General Hospital, Port Said, Egypt on 17 May 16.
Being the next of kin to the late soldier I am asking for the effects, if any have been sent home that belonged to him. A few little things not of much value he may have had, and I should be pleased to have anything that belonged to him.
Yours Respectfully
R.W.Hopkins
On 7 July 1916 his wallet, razor strop, belt, tobacco pouch, ID disc, cap badge, photos and letters were returned to his father. On 14 July 1919 Ernest wrote to the War Office to inform them that they were moving to 10 Beaconsfield Road, Croydon.
Other entries on the WO file show that by 1919 Ernest's brother Robert William had gone to Canada and was living at 235 May Avenue, Ontario, Canada, and his sister Maude Elizabeth was living at 7 Queen's Elm Square, Chelsea.
Ernest's father acknowledged receipt of the following:
- Scroll 21 March 1920
- 1914-1915 Star 19 May 1920
- BWM and Victory medal 20 October 1920
HUNTER William Edward, Gunner
Royal Garrison Artillery.Killed in Action 28 March 1918, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in France or Flanders on 28 March 1918. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
HYDE George, Driver. 87098.
No. 5 "C" Reserve Brigade. Royal Field Artillery.Died 27 December 1917, aged 41.
Geroge Hyde's headstone in Epsom Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert ©2008
George Hyde was born in Epsom in 1873 (GRO:reference: Mar 1873 Epsom 2a 18) to George and Matilda Hyde (nee Hoy).
In the 1881 census the family was living at Cheam Common. George's father, also George, was a 45 year old boot maker from Maidenhead. His mother Matilda was 41 and from Whitechapel. George had 5 siblings, Alfred aged 12, Matilda aged 10, Joseph aged 6, Charles aged 4 and Harriet aged 1.
By the 1891 census they had moved to 47 Victoria Place, Epsom. George was a farm labourer, and his brother Joseph, now 16, was a labourer in a brickworks. Two more siblings had arrived, Henry aged 10 and Rosina aged 7.
By the 1901 census the family had moved to 42 Victoria Place, but only George's parents and siblings Joseph and Rosina are shown as living there.
George first joined the army on 26 November 1891, aged 18 years and 7 months, attesting at Woolwich into the Royal Artillery, signing on for 7 years with the colours and 5 years in the reserve. He was 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 126 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 inches expanding to 36 inches. He had a fresh complexion with brown eyes, brown hair, and a scar on his lower lip. He was medically examined and declared physically fit. His religion was Church of England.
George was sent to India on 22 September 1893 and spent the next 10 years and 76 days soldiering in India. He fought in the North West Frontier of India Campaign 1897-98 and was awarded the India medal 1895 with three clasps i. Punjab frontier 1897-98, ii. Samana 1897 and iii. Tirah 1897-98. Whilst on duty on 22 April 1898 he suffered an injury to his left leg causing a contusion.
On 21 November 1893 he was granted good conduct pay at 1d per day, but this was forfeited on 17 August 1896, reason unspecified. Good conduct pay was restored on 17 August 1897, and on 17 February 1899 his good conduct pay was raised to 2d per day. He was discharged from the army on 9 December 1903 having served 12 years and 19 days with the colours.
George married Louisa Smith in 1904 (GRO reference: Dec 1904 Camberwell 1d 1583). George's pension records show they had three children, Edwin, Doris and Lionel.
On 25 August 1914, only 21 days after the start of the Great War, at the age of 41 years and 180 days, George again attested into the Royal Field Artillery, but this time at Kingston-Upon-Thames. He was by then 5 feet 4 ½ inches tall, weighed 154 lbs and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. His eyes were still recorded as brown, but his hair as black. His religion was still Church of England. He had acquired some tattoos, and his arms were covered with flags, ladies and the arms of England.
On 27 August 1914 George was posted to 112 Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, and went to France on 5 October 1914. (The War Diary of the 112 Heavy Battery RGA Sept 1914 to Oct 1915 is held at the National Archives WO 95/287). On 26 January 1915 he was admitted to hospital, reason unknown, but returned to his unit on 10 February 1915. He was again admitted to hospital on 1 November 1915 suffering from bronchitis and was invalided back to England on 3 November 1915 aboard 'SS Munich'. George was posted to the 5 Reserve Brigade RFA, and was finally discharged from the army on 11 August 1916 as being no longer physically fit for war service under Para 392 XVI Kings Regulations, and was awarded the silver war badge 'For King and Empire Services Rendered'. He was also awarded the 1914 Star, British War Medal and the Victory medal. His medal card states that on 24 November 1919 Mrs Hyde, who lived at 18 Leith Road, Epsom, applied 'for clasp in respect of the late G. Hyde'.
George died on 27 December 1917 and is buried in Epsom Cemetery plot F 327 (GRO reference: Dec 1917 44 Epsom 2a 94). Although he had been a civilian for over a year and four months he is commemorated by the CWGC and has a commission headstone. His entry in the St Martin's roll of honour states that 'He died at home on the 27th December 1917, of illness contracted on war service in France'.
EP SM
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