War Memorials - Surnames L

William Simeon Lacey was born in 1886 to William Simeon Hoare (later Lacey) and Mary Ann Harris (later Lacey), and was registered as William Simeon Hoare (GRO reference: Sep 1886 Guildford 2a 64). William's parents did not marry until 26 January 1895. His father was the illegitimate son of Simeon Lacey and Phoebe Hoare and had been registered as William Simeon Hoare.

In the 1881 census, before William was born, his mother Mary Ann Harris, was an unmarried 18 year old domestic servant who was living with her parents, James and Caroline Harris, along with her three siblings and her three month old son Alfred Harris, in Molesey Street, West Molsey (Moulsey on the census form), Kingston-upon-Thames.

When exactly William's father decided to change his name from Hoare to his father's name of Lacey is not known, but in the 1891 census he is recorded as William Lacey, a 31 year old general labourer, living at 46, Riddlesdown Road, Croydon, Surrey, with his 29 year old "wife" Mary Ann Lacey (Harris) and their children, Alfred (Harris) aged 9, William himself aged 4, and Gertrude aged 2 months. The census states that William's father had been born in Godalming and Mary Ann Lacey (Harris) in Woking. It also states that Alfred Lacey (Harris) had been born in Kingston (c.1882), while Gertrude Lacey was born in 1891 in Croydon. There is no GRO birth reference for Gertrude Lacey being born then but there is one for a Gertrude Hoare.

After having several children together, William's parents, William Simeon (Hoare) Lacey and Mary Ann Harris married on 26 January 1895 in the Croydon Registry Office.

In 1901 census, the Lacey family was living at 3, Red, White and Blue Cottages, Hook Road, Epsom, Surrey, which came under the ecclesiastical parish of Christ Church. William's father was then aged 42 and was working as a bricklayer's labourer to support 40-year-old Mary Ann and their family. Their 20-year-old son Alfred worked as a bricklayer's labourer, as did 15-year-old William himself. All their places of birth have been recorded as being in Guildford Surrey.

The census also records three younger brothers. William's brother Nathan was born in 1893 in Banstead Surrey. There is only one GRO birth reference for a Nathan Lacey in this year and it states that Nathan's birth was registered in Croydon. William's next brother Herbert was born in 1897 in Banstead. This would seem to be correct, as an Epsom GRO birth reference that matches has been found. William's fourth brother was only recorded as 2-week-old "Baby" on the census but was later named James.

With the exception of William and his brother James, the rest of the family seemed to have moved away from the Epsom area by the time the 1911 census was taken. William's 52-year-old father was working as a farm labourer, and had moved to 5, Widley Cottages, Cosham Hampshire with his wife Mary Ann, who was aged 50. William's father stated that he had been born in Guildford and Mary Ann in Chobham and that they had been married for 28 years. This would give them a fictional marriage date of 1883 instead of the real one of 1895. Mary Ann stated that she had had 11 children, 6 of whom were still living. The names of these 5 deceased children are unknown.

Wlliam's 19-year-old brother Nathan was a stoker in the Navy at sea, while his 20-year-old sister Gertrude was working as a housemaid in St Michaels Hall (a school), Lansdowne, Hove Sussex. Gertrude's place of birth was given as Croydon. Brother Herbert was aged 15 and working as a houseboy in House Boys Brigade, 31 & 32, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico, SW where he was described as being an inmate who had been born in Banstead. The youngest brother, 9-year-old James, was an inmate in the Kensington & Chelsea Workhouse School in Ewell. Brother Alfred's whereabouts has not been found.

When the 1911 census was taken 25-year-old William was boarding with the Cook family at 4 Common View Cottage Epsom Common. He was recorded as being born in 1888 in Guildford, that he was single and was working as a general labourer for the London County Asylum. He does not appear in the 'RECORD OF WAR SERVICE London County Council Staff 1914-1918' book, so presumably left the asylum before the war.

William attested at Epsom on 5 September 1914 into the East Surrey Regiment. He stated that he had been born in Epsom, that his age was 28 years and 2 months, and that he worked as a labourer. He was 5 feet 6¾ inches tall, weighed 136 lbs and had a chest measurement of 35½ inches with an expansion of 2½ inches. He had a dark complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair.

William sailed for France on 1 June 1915 arriving at Boulogne the next day. He fought with the 7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, which was in the 37th Brigade, 12th Division. On 1 October 1916 the Battalion moved into front line trenches at Guedecourt, via Longueval, Delville Wood and the Ginchy - Guedecourt Road. The war diary dated 2 October 1916 recorded that the enemy kept up an incessant barrage on the front and rear of Guedecourt village, and although most went over the front line trench, Battalion HQ got more than its fair share of shells. The Battalion was relieved on 3 October 1916. Four men from the Battalion lost their lives that day including William who died of wounds, probably from shellfire.

William is buried in Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Montauban.

William was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.

EP CC

Frederick Charles Lambert was born in 1882, probably to unmarried 24 year old Alice Lambert, and registered as a male (GRO reference: Dec 1882 Bosmere 4a 685).

Frederick's mother married Frank Rimington in 1886 (GRO reference: Mar 1886 Holborn 1b 795), and together they produced another seven children.

The 1891 census records eight year old grandson Frederick Lambert living with his 59 year old widower grandfather, John Lambert in the village of Somersham in Suffolk.

In the 1901 census Frederick (Fred) is recorded as a 19 year old private soldier in the infantry stationed at North Raglan Barracks, Devonport. Unfortunately no mention is made of the unit he was serving with. As the second Boer War did not end until May 1902, it is possible that he saw service in South Africa.

Frederick married Maud Lydia Beven in 1911 (GRO reference: Mar 1911 Epsom 2a 19), and they had one child, Freda Alice Shirley Lambert registered in the June quarter of 1912.

In 1911 Frederick and his wife Maud were boarding with George Fletcher at 111, Lower Court Road, Epsom. Frederick was employed as an attendant at the Long Grove asylum. In this census Frederick is shown as having been born in Bodmin, Cornwall.

The Soldiers Died CD states that Frederick was born in Somersham, Suffolk, and that he enlisted in London into the DCLI. The 1st Battalion DCLI was in the 95th Brigade, 5th Division.

On 23 July 1916, as part of the attack on Delville Wood, the 1st DCLI were to deal with strong points in the orchards north of the village of Longueval and west of Delville Wood. They attacked from the trench called Pont Street, duly captured a strong point but were beaten back by a German counter attack. On 23 July the Battalion lost 195 men killed in action, but total British losses in France and Flanders that day were 1,885 men killed.

Frederick has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to the missing.

The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that;

FREDERICK CHARLES LAMBERT, was reported missing and was officially presumed to have been killed in action in France on 23rd July 1916.

Frederick is also mentioned in the LCC staff Record of War Service book which states that he had been in France for six months and that he was missing, presumed dead, near Delville Wood on 23 July.

He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.

The CWGC states that he was the 'Son of Mrs. Alice Rimington, of Common Lane, Thundersley, Essex; husband of Maud Lydia Lambert of 58, Sumner Road, Croydon, London'.

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(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).

Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom)

Charles Ernest Larby was born in the village of Ewell on 2 April 1895 (GRO reference: Jun 1895 Epsom 2a 21) to Charles and Fanny Larby (nee Heath). His parents had married in 1892 in the registration district of Stepney.

In the 1901 census the family lived at 'Gibralter' in West Street Ewell. Charles's father was 37 year old gardener from Ewell, his mother Fanny was 36 years old, and came from from Dursley, Gloucestershire. Charles had two sisters, Winifred aged 7 and Kathleen aged 3. Also living with them was Charles's 69 year old paternal grandmother Jane Larby and Pete Palmer, a boarder .

Charles attended Ewell boys school in West Street (now converted to flats) and is commemorated on the school war memorial, which can be seen in the museum at Bourne Hall. Charles was a member of the Ewell Old Boys' Association, and a list of members for the year 1913-1914, gives his address as "Mess 33, H.M.S. Queen, c/o G.P.O., London".

Charles service record shows that he joined the Navy on 1 May 1912, aged 17. Prior to joining the Navy he had been working as a garden boy. He was 5 feet 3 1/2 inches tall, had a chest measurement of 32 1/2 inches, dark brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion.

The following information was supplied by the Royal Navy Submarine Museum:

Charles served on various vessels and land establishments before joining the Submarine Service on 6 January 1916. After completing a course at HMS Dolphin (the submarine depot Gosport Hampshire) he joined the submarine HMS C2 attached to the depot ship HMS Thames on 3 February 1916. He returned to HMS Dolphin, after a period in hospital in Chatham on 13 October 1916. He joined the submarine HMS D3 (6290 tons, launched 17 October 1910) attached to the depot ship HMS Vulcan on 1 November 1916. D3 was transferred to HMS Platypus depot ship in April 1917 and then to the depot HMS Dolphin in December 1917.

Submarine D3 left Gosport on 7 March 1918 for an anti-submarine patrol in the English Channel. Little is known of her patrol movements but it is believed that a submarine spotted by a Royal Naval Air Service airship on the 11 was D3. On the 12 March the French airship AT-0 was patrolling when at 1420 a vessel was spotted to her north east. The airship drew close for recognition purposes and according to her commander, the submarine fired rockets at her. Four 52-kilo bombs were dropped by the airship. The submarine disappeared but several minutes later men were seen in the water. Attempts were made by the airship to rescue the men but it proved too difficult. The airship withdrew to seek help but all the men had drowned by the time it arrived. It is clear that D3 was the victim of a serious identification error on the part of the French airship, with identification rockets being mistaken for aggressive gunfire.

Able Seaman Charles Ernest Larby is commemorated in the "Submarine Book of Remembrance" kept in Fort Blockhouse Submarine Memorial Chapel (formerly HMS Dolphin) He is also commemorated on the museum's Area of Remembrance, a wall of names of all submariners lost on active service.

Charles' service papers state that he "Lost his life on duty on 15 March 1918. The CWGC also have his date of death as 15 March 1918, yet the boat was sunk with the loss of all hands on 12 March 1918. Perhaps it took 3 days for the authorities to accept that all hands had been lost.

Charles is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Panel 28. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of Charles & Fanny Larby, of 26 Neale Terrace, Hook Road, Epsom.'

BH EW ES

Nelson Lawrence was born in Wandsworth in 1893 (GRO reference: Mar 1893 Wandsworth 1d 793) to John Charles and Anne Lawrence (nee Critchfield).

The 1881 census shows that Nelson's father John, a 35 year old gardener, living in North Street, Wandsworth, was married to Maria, and they had two sons, John aged 5 and Thomas aged 7 months. These two boys would later become Nelson's half brothers. Maria died aged 40 in 1887, and in 1889 Nelson's father John married Anne Critchfield.

The 1891 census shows the family living at 125, North Street, Wandsworth and that another boy, Charles aged 11 months had been added to the family.

By 1901 the family lived at 16 Ram Square, father John was a house painter, and another boy, Hubert aged 4 had been born.

Nelson joined the 1st Battalion London Regiment in May 1912, a volunteer in the Territorial Force. Nelson's medal card shows that he went to France on 11 March 1915. The Battalion landed at Le Havre and joined the 25th Brigade in 8th Division, but on 8 February 1916 was transferred to 167th Brigade in 56th (London) Division.

In October 1916 the Battalion fought in the battle of the Transloy Ridges, one of the actions that made up the battle of the Somme. At 1-45pm on 7 October 1916 they clambered out of their trenches to attack Spectrum Trench which was to the north of Lesboeufs and west of Le Transloy. The attack was held up by machine gun fire and failed to take most of Spectrum Trench. Only on the left where was there any success, where Spectrum Trench joined Rainbow Trench. The attack continued the next day. Over the two days the Battalion lost 79 other ranks killed in action, and 5 more died of wounds over the next two days.

Nelson died of wounds and is buried in Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte. Casualty clearing stations were established here to deal with casualties from the Somme battlefields, and contains 1,395 graves.

Nelson was awarded the 1915 star, British War medal and the Victory medal.

The CWGC states that Nelson was the son of John and Anne Lawrence, of 12, Ram Square, Wandsworth, London. I have been unable to find a direct link to Epsom.

EP

Roland Churchill Layton was born on 16 January 1879 (GRO reference: Mar 1879 Easthampstead 2c 449) at Cranbourne, Windsor Forest, Berkshire, the son of the Reverend William Edward and his second wife, Christina Isabella Layton (nee Hall). Roland's parents had married in the March 1871 quarter in the Tunbridge registration district.

In the 1881 census the family was living at St James' Villa, Cranbourne, Berkshire where Roland's 37 year old father was curate of St Peter's church. His mother Christina was aged 39, and his sister, Ethel was aged 9. Rebecca Beeching aged 38 was visiting them, and they employed 3 servants.

In the 1891 census 12 year old Roland was a pupil at Tonbridge Castle preparatory school in Kent, where he is incorrectly listed as Richard C Layton. He joined Park House, Tonbridge School in May 1893 but left the following Christmas, and was later at Felsted school. Roland's parents, his sister Ethel and a servant, Mary A Roberts were living at 49, Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Roland's father was the first Vicar of St Mary's church, Cuddington, Surrey, consecrated in 1895, and in the 1901 census Reverend Layton aged 57, Christina aged 59 and Ethel aged 29 were living in Cuddington Vicarage along with Augustus S Churchill, a visitor, and 3 servants. Roland is not listed. In 1899 he had gone up to Brasenose College, Oxford, but he did not take his degree choosing instead to volunteer for service in the South African campaign (second Boer war) in 10th Squadron Sherwood Rangers in 3rd Imperial Yeomanry Regiment. On 22 March 1901 he obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He was awarded the Queen's medal and 4 clasps. His regiment was disbanded on the conclusion of the war and he was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant.

He resigned his commission in 1903 and entered the Colonial Civil Service. He was Assistant and then Deputy District Commissioner in Southern Nigeria until 1912. He returned to UK from Lagos on 29 December on the ship Henry Woerman. His occupation was shown as barrister and West Africa recorded as his last permanent place of residence.

Roland married Catherine Goff Cooke, daughter of the late Edward Andrew George Cameron Cooke of Wyke Regis, in Croydon on 21 May 1909.

In the 1911 census Roland's parents were living in Worthing. They declared that they had been married for 40 years and that they had had five children, but that only one was still living. Ethel's death is recorded in the March 1906 quarter in the Epsom registration district.

On declaration of war Roland volunteered for service with the Territorial Force on 5 September 1914 and was appointed temporary lieutenant in the Nottingham Sherwood Rangers on 7 Sept 1914. At this time gave his address as 1 Ladbroke Gardens, Notting Hill Gate.

He was promoted to temporary Captain 22 Aug 1915. There was an error in the London Gazette 2 Nov 1914 when it was announced that he was to be appointed a major.

He embarked at Devonport on 30 August 1915 and disembarked at Salonica on 12 September 1915. He joined the 3 Company Yeoman Regiment on 9 October. He served in Macedonia taking part in the first march to Lake Doiran, commanded the first cavalry patrol to enter Serbia and was the last man to leave the country on their retreat. For these services the French awarded him the Croix de chevalier of the Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre.

In June 1916 he suffered a recurrence of the malaria he first contracted in Nigeria and was admitted to 30 Field Ambulance, Salonica on 23 June 1916. He rejoined his unit on 2 July 1916 but returned to the field hospital on 15 December, and was admitted to 21 Stationary Hospital Salonica on 25 December suffering from debility. He was transferred to the hospital ship Lanfranc 30 December 1916 and shipped back to the Hamrun hospital, Malta on 5 January 1917. A medical board noted that he had lost much weight over the past months and was very thin. He was described as weak, dull and irritable with a poor appetite. He was considered to be unfit for any duty, largely due to the strain and fatigue of active service. The board decided to invalid him back to Britain on 2 February 1917 on hospital ship Panama.

He had another Medical Board on 16 March 1917 where it was noted that he was 5ft 10½ inches tall and had gained 6lbs in weight since his last board. He had had two attacks of malaria and was far from robust. His admission to hospital was recommended as he was unlikely to be fit for general service for three months. He could take on light duties after six weeks. A further board at Tunbridge Wells on 30 April 1917 found him to be suffering from debility and piles, the latter not attributable to his war service. He was granted a period of leave before rejoining his regiment in Egypt. He embarked at Southampton on 24 June 1917, arriving the next day at Le Havre. From here he travelled to Marseilles on 29 June to rejoin his regiment in Egypt. He disembarked at Alexandria on 6 July 1917.

He was promoted to full captaincy on 20 July 1917.

The Imperial War Museum has a film of the French General Bailloud presenting the Knights' Cross Legion of honour to Capt Layton and other British troops in Egypt on 1 August 1917. After patrol work guarding the canal he was sent in September with his Regiment to Palestine and had taken part in the capture of Beersheba on 31 October.

On 27 November 1917 he was admitted to the Brigade field ambulance suffering from debility. From there he was transferred to the 19 General Hospital in Alexandria (4 December) and then to 1 Comd Hospital. On 9 Jan 1918 he had recovered sufficiently to rejoin his Regiment in the field.

He assisted in an attack on the other side of Jordan. The operation pushed into enemy country past Es Salt, which was very difficult ground for cavalry and they had to withdraw. Captain Layton, described as one of the prominent leaders, was killed on 30 April 1918 in Palestine. The Australian Mounted division reported his death in a wire number AB266 dated 1 May 1918.

A brother officer wrote:

He was sent forward to take a small commanding hill. He went forward with the first attack...As soon as he got to the top of the hill, in front of his men as he always was, he was shot through the head and killed instantly. The Regiment is the poorer by one of its most capable officers.

His Colonel's letter contained the following:

It was whilst he was leading his squadron most gallantly on foot that he was killed. It was largely due to his gallantry and energy that the regiment got on so well and his loss is very severely felt by all of us. Though I have only been four months with the regiment, his loss is a great personal grief to me, especially as he had been appointed second in command of the regiment and I was very much looking forward to working with him.

He has no known grave and is commemorated panel 2 of the Jerusalem memorial to the missing. He is also commemorated at St Mary's, Cuddington on a plaque inside the church and on the Worthing War memorial.

A Memorial Window to the Notts Sherwood Rangers was dedicated in East Retford Parish Church on 21 May, 1921. The inscription reads:

Remember ye with Thanksgiving and with all Honour before god and man the Officers and men of the Notts Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War, 1914-19, to whose memory this window is dedicated.

The Times obituary referred to him as the only son of Rev W E Layton, late vicar of Cuddington and Mrs Layton, Newbold House, (Tennyson Road) Worthing.

He had made a will on 16 August 1909. At the time his address was given as 59 London Road, St Albans. He left £265 13s 5d. Proved July 1918.

His widow died in a nursing home in Croydon on 29 April 1919, possibly of influenza. His father asked the War Office if he might be entitled to have his son's medals in her stead.

In addition to the French gallantry awards and the Queen's medal with 4 clasps for the second Boer War previously mentioned, Roland also received the 1914-1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.

SMC

Robert John Ledger was born in Epsom in 1889 (GRO Reference: Dec 1890 Epsom 2a 19) the son of Frederic William and Julia Ann Ledger (nee Morriss).

In the 1891 census the family was living at 5 Laburnum Road, Epsom. Frederic was 34 but his profession was not recorded. Robert had an older brother, Godfrey Horton (GRO Reference: Jun 1889 Epsom 2a 18), and the family employed a domestic servant.

By 1901 the family had moved to Ashton House, Worple Road, Epsom. (Note: Ancestry UK indexes the family in the 1901 census as Ledgar). Frederic is recorded as an Architect and Surveyor and an employer. Two daughters had been born, Margaret Frances (GRO Reference: Jun 1893 Epsom 2a 22) and Grace Eliza (GRO Reference: Mar 1895 Epsom 2a 17). The family had 2 servants at this time.

Robert had been educated at Kings College Wimbledon, and when war broke out he was training with the Commercial Union Assurance company to be an actuary. He had enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers and went to France as a Lance Corporal No. 1043, with the battalion on 14 August 1915. He was later promoted to Sergeant Bomber. In February 1916 he was recommended for a commission and took up an appointment with the Royal Sussex regiment on 1 August 1916. In early in 1917 he was appointed as a brigade bombing officer.

Robert died of wounds received as the result of a bomb accident at Avesnes-le-Comte, France on 11 March 1917. He is buried in the Avesnes-le-Comte Communal Cemetery, France. He was 26 years old. At the time of his death, his parents were living at Grove Lodge, Epsom.

His brother GH Ledger applied for medals on 17 September 1921, and lived at 32, Napier Court SW6.

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Edwin William Lee was born on 28 December 1899 (GRO reference: March 1900 Chertsey 2a 62) to Edwin and Florence Jane Lee (nee Andrews). They had five children, all of whom were born in Windlesham, near Bagshot, and all survived childhood. Edwin senior was born in 1873, also in Windlesham, and died in Epsom district in 1934 aged 60. Florence Jane was born around 1871 in Shenfield or Brentwood in Essex although, to date, I have discovered neither her birth registration nor her death.

Although they were married in Epsom district in 1897, by the time of the 1901 census Edwin and Florence Jane were living at Thatched Cottage, Windlesham, next door to another Lee family who may well have been relatives, since Edwin was at least the third generation to be born in the village. Edwin senior was employed as a general labourer and Florence was the mother of three very young children: Florence May (aged 3), Edwin William (aged 1) and Lucy (aged 4 months). All five of their children were born in Windlesham and the family appears to have moved back to Epsom between 1907 and 1911, some time after the birth of their youngest son and before the 1911 census.

On the 1911 census, they were living at 3 Coronation Cottages, Epsom Common and Edwin and Florence were both laundry workers. Their eldest daughter, Florence May (aged 13), had no occupation and was not at school so, given that her mother was working, she may have been looking after the home. In addition to the three eldest children, there were the additions of George Samuel (aged 6) and Thomas (aged 4). Florence May Lee married James Mansfield in Epsom in 1917 at the age of 19, becoming the mother of two sons, Edwin James L Mansfield (born 1921) and Harry W Mansfield (born 1924), Edwin James having died in Epsom district in 2000.

Edwin William Lee was a footman before he enlisted on 20 February 1918, at Chelsea as a Private in the 3rd (City of London) Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). The Battalion was part of the 173rd Brigade, 58th (London) Division. Edwin joined the battalion on 27 July and was killed in action two weeks later on 9 August 1918, aged 18, whilst fighting in the battle of Amiens. He is commemorated on Panel 10 of the Vis-en-Artois Memorial (Pas de Calais), along with almost 10,000 others who died in the last three months of the War as part of the Advance to Victory in Picardy and Artois.

Edwin is commemorated in de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, part 5, which tells us that his father served in the ASC and that the family lived at 23, Woodlands Road, Epsom.

He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.

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Grace Libby was one of many young girls who "did their bit" by becoming a Land Girl. From Grace Libby's age of 25, recorded on her death record (GRO Reference: Dec 1918 Epsom 2a 105), she was born c1893, but I can find no record of her birth or whereabouts before she joined the Women's Land Army and started worked at the Horton War Hospital Epsom, Surrey.

Grace died from influenza pneumonia, as did thousands of others during the pandemic that swept the world at the end of WW1. There is no record of her being buried in Epsom so I can only assume that her body was returned to wherever her family came from. Purchase of her death certificate may give further clues to her identity.

The following is from page 107 of Lieutenant Colonel's book 'THE STORY OF THE HORTON (CO. OF LONDON) WAR HOSPITAL EPSOM':

Death and Funeral of Head Land Girl. - Their happy lives received a rude shock when Miss Libby, the head girl, died on 8th November 1918, a victim to influenzal pneumonia. The funeral a few days later was one of the most pathetic ceremonies I ever attended. The usual funeral hearse was dispensed with, and the remains were taken to the cemetery on a farm cart loaded with floral emblems, the bereaved land girls and other mourners following in procession.

It is possible that 'our' Grace was actually Annie Grace Libbey (GRO reference: Wells Mar 1892 5c 475). In the 1901 census Annie was 8 years old and was living with her parents George and Ellen along with her siblings John and George at Wells Road, Glastonbury.

By 1911 Alice was working as a domestic servant for Jessie Pocock.

HWH

Charles Felix Lilley was born in 10, Blackfriars Street, St. Alphage, Canterbury, Kent on 7 May 1877 (GRO reference: Sep 1877 Canterbury 2a 720), to Thomas and Sarah Lilley, (nee Putwain). His parents had married in the Blean district in the March quarter, 1865.

In the 1871 census, before Charles was born the family lived at 27, Sydenham Street, Whitstable, Kent. Charles' father was a 27 year old mariner from Herne Bay. His mother, from Whitstable was aged 24, and his older siblings were Ann aged 4, Letitia aged 3 and William aged 1, all from Whitstable. Also living with them was Charles' 22 year old uncle Frederick Putwain.

The 1881 census has a record of Sarah Tilly from Whitstable, Kent a 31 year old widow who worked as a milliner and dressmaker, living at 16, Hibernia Street, Ramsgate, Kent with her three sons, William aged 12, Charles F aged 10 and Lionel aged 2. I suspect that Sarah Tilly is actually Sarah Lilley. The details of her three sons seem correct except the age of Charles, shown as 10, but should be only 4. No record of a Charles F Tilly or Charles F Lilley born 1871 has been found. Nor has a record of death been found for Charles's father Thomas, who being a mariner, possibly died at sea. Charles's two older sisters, aged 13 and 15, were both working as servants in Ramsgate. They both married in 1887.

There is a record of the death of Sarah Lilley, aged 43 in the Canterbury registration district in the June 1890 quarter. I believe this to be Charles's mother.

In the 1891 census Charles aged 13 and his 11 year old brother Lionel were boarding with James Whitcombe and his family at 15, Lansdown Road, St Mary Bredin, Kent. Charlie, as he was recorded, was working as a grocer's errand boy. Brother William was a Trooper in the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars.

Charles enlisted in the Army in late 1894 and joined E Company of the 1st Alexandra Princess of Wales Own Yorkshire Regiment (The Green Howards) on 4th January 1895, and served with them for 7 years and 10 months before transferring to the Army Reserve on 15 October 1902. Whilst with The Green Howards he served for the complete Boer War, and for 5 of his 7 years served under the command of Captain Gerard Christian, as an Officer's Groom.

Charles does not appear in the 1901 census, as he was in South Africa fighting the Boers. However, on census night 31 March 1901, his brother Lionel appears as a 22 year old stoker aboard HMS Pembroke. Lionel was also destined to die in the war on 4 June 1915 in Gallipoli. He was serving as a Stoker 1st Class in the Hood Battalion of the Royal Naval Division (RND). The men who served in the RND were Royal Navy reservists, who on the outbreak of war were recalled, but they were not needed to crew ships as sufficient men were already serving. They therefore fought in the RND as infantry, similar to the Royal Marines. Lionel has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles memorial to the missing, in Turkey.

On 29 November 1904 the first banns were read at St Mark Parish Church, Victoria Park London, stating that 26 year old bachelor Charles Felix Lilley and 19 year old spinster Eliza Emily Sleath (born 8 February 1885) intended to marry. The wedding took place on Christmas Eve 1904. Charles' deceased father Thomas Lilley was recorded as having been a sailor. Charles occupation was recorded as a 'Fitter'. Both the bride and the groom gave their addresses as being 2, Daintrey Street. (GRO: reference Dec 1904 Poplar 1c 990).

First born son, Charles Lionel was baptised on 19 March 1905 in St Mary of Eton church in Hackney Wick, Hackney, and Charles himself is described as an 'Engineer'.

Some 19 months later daughter Lilian Emily Ellen was baptised on 7 October 1906 in Saint Mary's church, Battersea London. The family were by then living at 147, Trentham Street, Southfields London and Charles described himself as a publican. It is believed that the pub was in Battersea.

The birth of Eliza in Wimbledon Surrey is recorded in the 1911 census, she was aged 3 on census night. The only birth record found is for a Louisa Eliza Lilley in the December quarter 1907 in the Kingston registration district, which covers Wimbledon.

The exact date that the Lilley family move to Epsom, Surrey is unknown but their daughter Violet Ann was born in February 1909 in Epsom and the following year their son Albert Thomas Lilley was born on 14 September 1910. Albert Thomas married Alice Ethyl Leverington in 1929 in Epsom. They had known each other since they were children, when they had both lived in Bramble Walk.

No baptism records have been found for any of the children born in Epsom. Felix William died on 8 February 1918, aged 3 and was buried on 14 February 1918, in plot B230 of Epsom cemetery. He is recorded as William Felix, rather than Felix William, and died at 35, Leslie Cottages, The Common, Epsom.

In the 1911 census the family lived at Woodcote End Cottages, Epsom. Charles aged 34 was working as a farm labourer. Family sources believe that the farm he worked on belonged to Lord Rosebery. His wife Eliza aged 26, stated that she had been married for seven years, and that she had given birth to five children, all still living: Charles aged 6, Lilian aged 5, Eliza aged 3, Violet aged 2 and 6 month old Albert. They also had a young racing lad, Dick O'Neal, boarding with them.

The Surrey Recruitment Register tells us that Charles re-enlisted into the Army at Kingston on 21 February 1912, aged 34 years and 9 months, joining the East Surrey Regiment. He was 5 feet 4¾ inches tall, weighed 132lb, and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 2½ inches. He had a fresh complexion, brown eyes, fair hair, and had a tattooed arm. According to Charles' medal card he went to France on 23 December 1914.

Charles was a witness at a Court Martial trial for desertion. At Houtkerque, Belgium on 19 June 1915, Private, No. 4753, William John Turpie of the 2nd Batallion East Surrey Regiment was tried for desertion. The court heard that on 10 April 1915, at Vlamertinghe, his company paraded prior to going to the trenches. His company Sergeant told the court that Turpie was at the parade, but that he did not see him again until 18 June 1915. Two soldiers from Turpie's Battalion, Private No. 9312, F. Chandler and Private No. 6623, Pte. C. Lilley told the court that they had seen Turpie fall out when their company had halted at Zonnebeke, en route to the trenches. Turpie was duly executed at 5.05 a.m. on 1st July 1915. A full account can be read at Julien Putkowski's web site www.shotatdawn.info/page58.html.

Later that year on 1 December 1915 the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment was sent to Salonika, Greece, to fight the Bulgarians.

Charles died on 29 September 1918, of heart failure caused by influenza, and is buried in plot V.G.32. Doiran Military cemetery. On this day an armistice between the Allies and the Bulgarians came into effect.

Fourteen men from the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment are shown to have died in September 1918, not killed in action or died of wounds, just simply died. On this front far more men died from malaria and dysentery than from enemy action, and in 1918 the severe influenza epidemic took yet more lives. The East Surrey war diary entry for 30 September 1918 reads as follows:

Salvage parties and reconnaissance of roads, tracks, etc. Hostilities with Bulgarian Army ceased at 12.00 hours. 2/Lieut. B.L. PRENTICE to hospital. Lieut. A.H. LAYARD rejoined from leave U.K.. Lieut. B. SCURFIELD died in hospital. Health during September was good as regards Malaria and dysentery, both diseases being very much diminished as compared with previous two months. An epidemic of "influenza" complicated chiefly by lung trouble accounted for general increase in sick rate during the last fortnight. Considering the time of the year, temperature and other abnormal conditions, the health of the men was good.

Charles was awarded the 1914 - 1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.

His widow Eliza Emily Lilley died aged 52, at 26, Wolverton Ave, Kingston and was buried in the Ashley Road Cemetry Epsom on 5 July 1937.

The name "Lilley CF" appears twice on the Ashley Road memorial, and the name "Charles F Lilley" appears on the Christ Church memorial. Only one "CF Lilley" has been identified in available military records. Is it possible that the name CF Lilley was inscribed twice on the Ashley Road memorial, by mistake?

With thanks to Mark Lilley from Australia, great grandson of Charles Felix Lilley, for information and pictures.

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The name LILLEY CF appears twice on the Ashley Road Memorial, and for one of them it has proved possible to find out quite a lot of information. But nothing very much for another LILLEY CF.

There is a birth record for a Charles Frederick Lilley (GRO reference: June 1879 Rochford 4a 318) which would mean he was about 35 years old when the war started.

He appears in the 1881 census living at Southend, Essex with his parents James and Caroline, four siblings and a lodger.

In the 1891 census he was living with his 48 year old widowed mother, two older siblings, three cousins and two boarders, still at Southend, Essex.

By 1901, aged 21 Charles was still living with his mother Caroline in Southend. Caroline had remarried John Cotgrove in the December quarter of 1894 (mistranscribed Lilly). Only Caroline and Charles were living at the address, and Charles was described as a 'Waterman seas', so was probably a merchant seaman.

In 1911 Charles was a 'Yatch Man' living in Essex. He was described as married but he was not living with his wife, he was living as a boarder in the home of 62 year old John Gunton and his family.

No other information has been found on any other CF Lilley (or Lilly or Lily).

Is it possible that there was only one CF Lilley killed in the Great War, and that by mistake his name was repeated twice on the memorial?

Hugh McILMURRAY was born in 1880 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. However, it appears that when he joined the Army he used the alias 'Harry Livingstone'.

On 27 October 1899, aged 19 years and 2 months, Harry Livingstone attested in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, to serve 3 years with the colours, followed by 9 years with the reserve, joining the Leicestershire Regiment with the service number 5580. He was living at Wallsend, Northumberland. His surviving 'burnt' service papers show that he was 5 feet 6½ inches tall, weighed 130lbs, had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 2 inches, and that he was of good physical development, and fit to serve in the Army. He was of fair complexion with dark blue eyes, brown hair, was of the Roman Catholic faith, and worked as a labourer. It was noted that he had numerous scars on both hips. Harry gave his next of kin as his aunt, Mrs Magee, Railway Street, Antrim. Did he name his aunt because, when he attested, both his parents were dead?

Significant events in Harry's military career gleaned from his 'burnt' service papers:

27 October 1899 - 6 February 1900 - Home.
7 February 1900 - 23 September 1900 - Egypt.
24 September 1900 - 6 November 1902 - South Africa.
7 November 1902 - 6 November 1906 - India.
10 November 1906 - 26 October 1911 - Home.

16 September 1902 - Promoted Corporal.
28 August 1903 - Awarded 2nd Class Certificate of Education.
1 October 1902 - Service extended to 7 years with the colours.
2 April 1904 - Permitted to extend service to 8 years with the colours.
13 June 1904 - Permitted to cancel extension of service to 8 years with the colours.
20 March 1905 - Passed class for promotion to Sergeant.
26 April 1905 - Promoted Unpaid Lance Sergeant.
26 September 1905 - Permitted to extend service to complete 12 years with the colours.
3 November 1905 - Appointed paid Lance Sergeant.
5 February 1906 - Passed class for Mounted Infantry. Noted 'Intelligent'.
29 March 1906 - Awaiting trial by DCM.
6 April 1906 - Convicted. Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. Drunkenness. Reduced to the ranks, Private.
7 April 1907 - Entry too damaged to read,
19 September 1908 - Posted to Depot.
26 October 1911 - Discharged. Termination of first period of engagement.
16 April 1912 - Re-attested. Private.
21 December 1914 - Appointed paid Lance Corporal.
4 January 1915 - Promoted Corporal.
4 January 1915 - To France.
14 March 1915 - Appointed acting Sergeant.
22 April 1915 - Appointed Lance Sergeant, paid.
20 June 1915 - Promoted Sergeant.
18 July 1915 - Admitted to hospital with acute ???? (illegible).
19 July 1915 - Rejoined Battalion.
25 September 1915 - Killed in Action, Loos.

For his service in the 'Boer War' (11 October 1899 - 31 May 1902), Harry was awarded the:

Queen's South Africa medal with two clasps, 'Orange Free State' and 'Transvaal'. King's South Africa medal with two clasps, 'South Africa 1901' and 'South Africa 1902'. No records have been found for Hugh/Harry in any of the England and Wales 1881, 1891 or 1901 census returns.

On 19 February 1910 Harry married Jessie May Midmore in the Registry Office in Blaby, Leicestershire (GRO reference: Mar 1910 Blaby 7a 96). Harry used his real name Hugh McIlmurray.

In the 1911 census Harry was an 'officers servant' in the Barracks in Saffron Lane, Glen Parva, Leicester, whilst his wife Jessie was living in two rooms at 18, Healy Street, South Wigston, Leicestershire. She stated that she had been married a year and had had one child that had died.

Harry's 'burnt' service record tells us that he and Jessie had two children, George born 3 August 1912 in Govan, Lanark, and Margaret born 16 March 1914 in Glasgow.

On 25 September 1915 (the first day of the Battle of Loos) the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment were part of the Gharwal Brigade in the 7th Meerut Division of the Indian Army. This Division was ordered to attack as a diversion to the north of the main attack further south. The Battle of Loos saw the British use poison gas for the first time, with some 5,500 gas cylinders, most weighing 120lbs, and some weighing 160lbs. (The Germans were the first to use poison gas, on 22 April 1915 at the commencement of the 2nd Battle of Ypres). 161 cylinders were allocated to the Indian Corps front, less than half that it was estimated to be needed to be effective, and even some of these were destroyed by enemy fire.

On this part of the front the wind direction was changeable and some gas cylinders had to be turned off because the wind changed direction and blew the gas back over the British lines. A smoke screen was also used with the gas, and where the wind was favourable, the smoke mixed with the gas made it very difficult for anyone to see what was going on. The 2nd Leicesters found the barbed wire uncut and desperately tried to find a way round it. Although the Germans could not see through the smoke, their rifle and machine gun fire could not fail to hit some of the attackers. At dusk men fought their way back to their own lines as best they could, giving up all ground won.

They had achieved their objective though, of diverting away enemy resources from the main attack further south, but for this 195 men of the 2nd Leicesters were killed, including Harry, who is commemorated on the Loos Memorial to the missing.

The link with Epsom came on 13 October 1915 with a letter authorising a separation allowance of 11/8 (11 shillings and 8 pence = 57p), and an allotment of pay to Harry's wife, Jessie Livingstone, 45, Stamford Place, Epsom.

On the 17 April 1916 the War Office issued a letter stating that the widow of Harry Livingstone, alias Hugh McIlmurray was to be awarded a weekly pension of 19/6 (19 shillings and 6 pence = 97p) for herself and two children. This confirmed that Harry was living, for whatever reason, under an assumed name.

Another link to Epsom comes from a letter dated 29 June 1916, sent by the War Office, requesting that any of Harry's personal belongings be sent to Mrs Jessie M Livingstone, 45 Stamford Place, Epsom, Surrey.

Another letter dated 2 March 1920 from the War Office requested:

that any articles of personal property now in your possession or subsequently received by you belonging to the late 2/5580, Sgt. Harry Livingstone, alias Hugh McIlmurray, 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regt. Should be despatched to Mrs. Jessie M. McIlmurray, 11a Bruce, Road Mitcham, Surrey.

On 6 January 1920 the officer in charge of records at Lichfield sent the following letter to Mrs J.M. McIlmurray, at 11a, Bruce Road, Mitcham, Surrey:

Madam,
      With reference to your letter of the 4th inst. Regarding the Memorial Scroll enclosed herewith, - issued in respect of your husband, No.5580 Sergt. H. Livingstone, of the Leicestershire Regt. - I regret that the inscription cannot be altered, as the name inscribed is in accordance with the soldier's signature on enlistment, and that under which he served in the Army, which service it commemorates.
      The same applies to any medals to be issued in respect of your husband.

Harry Livingstone's wife Jessie acknowledged receipt of her husband's 1914-1915 Star on 10 February 1921, and then for his British War and Victory medals on 25 May 1921. On both receipts she signed as J.M McIlmurray, not as J.M. Livingstone.

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Frederick Long was born in New Charlton, Kent in 1884. (FRO reference Mar 1884 Woolwich 1d 1223). In the 1891 census he was living with his parents George and Ellen, his sister, also Ellen, and his brother Edward at 22 Lower Woolwich Road. His father was a carpenter. The 1901 census shows Frederick as a 17 year old grocer's assistant living at 88 Peckham Road Camberwell where he worked for Robert F Moiles, a grocer's manager.

The FRO indexes list a marriage for a Frederick Charles Long in 1905 (FRO reference Sep 1905 Lewisham 1d 2079) and it is likely that this is the same man.

The Surrey recruitment register shows him attesting on 28 August 1916 at Kingston, aged 32. At this time he was a groom and lived at "Astbury" Kingston Road Ewell.

Frederick died on 30 May 1918 age 36, and was buried in Annois Communal Cemetery. In May and June, 1918, a German field hospital for prisoners of war was at Flavy-le-Martel, and soldiers from the United Kingdom who died in the hospital were buried in Annois Communal Cemetery. It is most likely the Frederick Charles Long died whilst a prisoner of war. It is a matter of speculation as to the precise cause, wounds possibly, or disease, flu killed many millions worldwide in 1918. Food was extremely scarce at this stage of the war, especially for the Germans, and no doubt a prisoner's natural defences against disease would have been very low. On the 30 May 1918 one other soldier from the 7th East Kents died, Private Augustus Littlewood age 40, and is also buried at Annois Communal Cemetery.

Cecil Frank Longhurst was born on 12 May 1897 (GRO reference June 1897 Epsom 2a 27), the seventh son and youngest child of Harry and Margaret Longhurst (nee Beadell).

Cecil's father Harry had been born in Shere in 1859 and was registered as Henry. He was the son of Edmund and Caroline Longhurst and was brought up in Sutton, near Shere, moving to Epsom as a young man. In the 1881 census, he appeared in the household of Dr William Daniel of Woodcote End House as one of two attendants on 'an insane patient'; who this was is unknown, although it would not appear to be one of Dr Daniel's immediate family. He died in 1937 at the age of 77 in Surrey Mid Eastern District (which included Epsom).

Cecil's mother, Margaret, was born in 1854 in Westcott, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Beadell/Beadle/ Beedle, although she also gave her place of birth on some census returns as 'Bletchingley' and 'Redhill'. She probably came to live in Epsom in the late 1860s; in 1871, she was a domestic servant to Isaac Greatbatch, the Clerk of the County Court, at his home in East Street Epsom and in 1881 was housemaid to auctioneer and estate agent, Edward Butcher, in Downs Road. She died in Epsom District in 1933 aged 78.

Harry married Margaret Beadell in St Martins of Tours church Epsom Surrey on 12 August 1882 and they had nine children.

The 1891 census shows 'Henry James Longhurst' living at the Royal Medical Benevolent College in Epsom as the butler. This is the only record so far found stating that his middle name was James. Margaret and their young family were living in College Road - Harry was aged 8, Edwin aged 7, Albert aged 4, Lovel aged 2 and Alice (sic) [Alma] aged 1. Their other son, Ernest Thomas aged 6, was boarding with a family in Croydon.

By 1901, the family was living at Alma Cottage, 53, Miles Road, Epsom. Harry senior was earning a living as an insurance agent. Edwin, now aged 17 was a baker, Ernest at 16 was a labourer, Albert aged 14 was an errand lad. Gracie [Alma] aged 10, Beatrice Margaret aged 9 and Reginald Frederick aged 6 were all at school, with only four-year-old Cecil still being at home. The household also had a boarder - 21-year-old, Oxford-born labourer, Herbert Mills. Their son Harry was working as a groom in Hursley, Hampshire.

In 1905 their third son, Ernest Thomas, died aged 20, and was buried in Ashley Road cemetery, grave number A572, on 12 August.

On 6 October 1906 their second eldest son Edwin married Emily Rayner in Christ Church. That same year Harry junior emigrated to Canada and appeared on their 1911 census as living in Alberta with his wife Alice and son Harry.

On the England 1911 census, the Longhurst family was living on West Hill Epsom. Lovel was employed as a grocery assistant, Frederick was a house lad and Cecil was at school. Harry had now become the Verger at Christ Church. Sadly, the following year saw the death of their fifth son, Lovel, at the age of 23 from possibly tuberculosis. He was buried in Ashley Road cemetery, in the same grave as his brother Ernest, on 27 April 1912.

Cecil's brother Reginald was working as a footman, like his father, when he left Epsom to work in Montreal Canada, arriving there on 28 April 1912. He joined the army in 1915 but returned safely home to Montreal in 1920 and resumed his previous job as a footman. By 1924 he was promoted to a butler, and is known to have travelled back to see his father in 1934.

Aged 15, Cecil set sail aboard Corinthian on his own, and landed in Montreal Quebec Canada on 28 September 1912, presumably to join his brother Reginald. He gave his occupation as a gardener but stated that he intended to work on the railways.

Cecil attested at Montreal on 22 February 1915, stating that he had been born on 12 May 1893; in reality, he was only 17, not 21. He gave his occupation as 'car painter' and stated that his parents lived at The Bungalow, West Hill Epsom. He was 5 feet 7 inches, had a clear complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. His religion was Church of England.

Cecil Frank Longhurst joined the Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment) as Private 65579 and died of wounds on 23 January 1918 at the age of 20. The following is an extract from the battalion war diary dated 21 January 1918:

About noon enemy shelled vicinity of Battalion H.Q. and succeeded in dropping two 4.1s in QUARRY. No damage being done. Patrols during night - discovered enemy party working in his line which they dispersed. Quiet during night. Casualties two Other Ranks wounded.

The Canadian archives tell us that he died as the result of an accident. Boxes of bombs (hand grenades) were being put away at the Brigade bomb stores, when one of them exploded. Cecil was wounded seriously in the head and other parts of the body. He died later at No. 57 Casualty Clearing Station. The cause of the explosion was unknown, and no blame was attached to anyone. He is buried in plot III. A. 11 in the British Cemetery at Anzin-St Aubin, near Arras (Pas de Calais).

The CWGC informs us that his parents lived at 36 Albert Road, Epsom and gives Cecil's nationality as Canadian. Cecil's sister Beatrice emigrated to Quebec Canada in 1920 and eventually married Charles E J Westbrook. Her sister Alma visited her siblings in Canada in 1927 but returned home to England and never married.

Cecil's mother Margaret died aged 78 and was buried on 28 April 1933 in the same grave as her two sons Ernest and Lovell, A572, in the Ashley Road cemetery. Cecil is also remembered on the grave A572 site.

Harry, Cecil's father, died aged 77 in 1937 and was buried in grave number A810 in the same graveyard.

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'C' Bty, 73rd Bde, Royal Field Artillery. Killed on the Somme on 25 August 1916. Buried in the Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).

Arthur's headstone in Etaples Military Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

Arthur Ernest Luxford was born in 1882 in Horsham, Sussex (GRO reference: Mar 1882 Horsham 2b 349) to Enos and Elizabeth Luxford (nee Francis). Arthur's parents were married in Horsham in 1866 and they had five known children:

ARTHUR ERNEST LUXFORD AND HIS SIBLINGS

Name	Born - Died	Married
George	Born: 1867 Horsham; Died: 1880 Horsham, aged 13
Henry Albert	Born: 1870 Rusper Died: 1959 Ploughley, Oxen, aged 89	Lilian Maria Mitchell 1896 Horsham
Ada Florence	Born: 1872 Rusper/Horsham; Died: 1943 Epping, aged 70	Harry Charles Prince 1900 Horsham
Frederick Amos (Fred)	Born: 1877 Horsham; Died: 1957 Horsham, aged 79	Eliza Harriett Jupp 1898 Horsham
Arthur Ernest	Born: 1882 Horsham; Died: 6 May 1917 France, aged 35

Before Arthur was born, the family was living in 1871 in Friday Street, Rusper and had two small sons, George and Henry. Arthur's father Enos was an innkeeper and licensed Victualler; however, by 1881, he was a cellar man and they were living at 4, London Road, Horsham.

In 1891, the family was living 33, Park Street, Horsham. Enos was aged 47 and still working as a cellar man, while Elizabeth, who was 46, looked after their three children; Ada aged 19 who was a mantle maker, Fred who was 13 and was an errand boy, and Arthur himself who was 9 and a scholar. All the members of the family were recorded as being born in Horsham.

The 1901 census showed Enos and Elizabeth still at 33, Park Street; Elizabeth died in 1905 aged 60. After Elizabeth's death, Enos went to live with his daughter, Ada Florence, in Ongar, Essex where he appeared on the 1911 census and was described as a boarder. However, when he died in 1919 aged 75, he was once again living in Horsham.

There does not seem to be any trace of Arthur in the 1901 census. However, a Private, No. 369, A.E. Luxford served in the Boer war with the Militia Medical Staff Corps, so this might have been 'our' Arthur.

In 1911, when he was aged 29 and single, he was boarding with the Lipscomb family in Horsham and was employed as a general labourer. Some time between 1911 and the outbreak of war, Arthur seems to have moved to Epsom by himself as no link with the town has been found prior to his enlistment.

Arthur attested in Epsom on 14 December 1915, into the 25th (Reserve) Battalion Middlesex Regiment. His stated age was 34 years and 5 months. He was 5 feet 6½ inches tall, weighed 147 lbs and had a chest measurement of 39 inches with an expansion of 4 inches. He worked as a labourer, and lived at 53, Lower Court Road, Epsom.

Arthur later transferred to the 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, which was in the 36th Brigade, 12th Division. On 3 May 1917, Arthur's battalion fought in the third battle of the Scarp, a phase of the battle of Arras. The villages of Roeux and Pelves, about 4 miles east of Arras, was to be attacked and captured by the Division. The German front had been bombarded by artillery for the previous two days, which included gas sent over by Livens projectors (a type of mortar capable of firing large drums of gas or inflammable material). Arthur's battalion reached its objective and managed to repel enemy counter attacks, but suffered casualties from shelling and machine gun fire. On 3 May 1917 the 7th Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment had 41 men killed in action, and over the next three days a further eleven died of wounds.

Arthur died of his wounds on 6 May, most likely received when attacking on 3 May. He is buried in plot XVIII. K. 11A. in Etaples Military Cemetery. The area around the town of Etaples had good railway links, and was the centre of huge activity for British and Commonwealth forces. It was far enough away from the front line to be free from attack, except from the air. It had many reinforcement camps, hospitals and convalescent camps and at its peak some 100,000 troops were accommodated among the sand dunes and hospitals. Etaples Military Cemetery has 10,771 burials from the Great War, and another 119 British burials from the Second World War.

Etaples Military Cemetery
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010

Arthur was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal. His medal card states that he was a Corporal, but the CWGC says he was a Private, and that he was the 'Brother of F.A. Luxford of 14, Park Street, Horsham, Sussex'.

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