War Memorials - Surnames M
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryMACE, John Martin
MACFARLAND, George Adams (New 26/04/2011)
MACK, William Herbert (New 21/12/2010)
MANN, Alfred George (Revised 12/06/2011)
MANN, J.F. (Updated 25/02/2009)
MARSHALL, Bernard Gouldsmith
MARSHALL, Harry Cecil (Revised 17/09/2011)
MARSON, John
MARTIN, Daisy Emily (Revised 17/11/2010)
MARTIN, Henry Leonard A
MASKELL, Albert (Updated 09/10/2010)
MASKELL, Albert Edward (New 05/10/2010)
MASON, Isaac Newton
MASON, Percy Stanley (New 25/07/2011)
MASSEY, Albert (New 23/08/2011)
MATTHEWS, William J (New 02/01/2011)
MATTHEWS, W.J. (New 02/01/2011)
MAUVAN, William Ernest
MAYNARD, W.J. (Updated 24/11/2010)
MCILMURRAY, Hugh see LIVINGSTONE, Harry
MEREDITH, Eric Dunfee,
MIDDLETON, Alfred (Updated 16/01/2010)
MIDGLEY, J
MILES, Albert (New 24/03/2009)
MILES, John Robert (Revised 19/09/2010)
MILNES, Dennis
MOORCROFT, Frederick John (Updated 17/08/2010)
MORLEY, Charles James
MORLEY, P
MOTH, Ernest Solomon (Revised 01/10/2010)
MUSPRATT, Alfred George
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
MACE John Martin, Driver. 174352.
225 Field Company Royal Engineers.Died 26 January 1919, aged 40.
John Mace's headstone in the Dunkirk town cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
John Martin Mace was born in 1878 (GRO reference: Mar 1878 Dartford 2a 430) to James and Hannah Mace (nee Gray).
In the 1881 census they lived at 27 Lisbon Cottages, Bowater Terrace, Greenwich. John's father was a 'Gardener'. He had a sister Edith Emily 10 and two brothers Charles William age 8 and James Henry age 6.
By 1891 they lived at 29 Lizban street, Greenwich, and there were three more siblings Cornelius Allen 9, Eveline Elizabeth and Kathleen Mary 3.
In 1901 they were at the same address, and John Martin Mace was like his father, a 'Gardener Domestic'.
John married Marion Ince on 4 November 1908 (GRO reference: Dec 1908 Epsom 2a 28) in the Parish church, Ewell. They had three children, William James born 15 May 1910 (GRO reference: Jun 1910 Epsom 2a 35), Marion Constance born 13 April 1914 (GRO reference: Jun 1914 2a 61) and Martin born 11 May 1916 (GRO reference: Jun 1916 2a 58).
John attested at Epsom on 25 November 1915 at the age of 37 years 4 months, and was placed on the Army reserve. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 136 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. A mole on his chest was noted as a distinguishing mark. His sight was very poor with his right eye assessed as 6/9, and his left eye only 6/36. He also required dental treatment. His trade or calling was shown as 'Attendant', and he lived at 21 Heatherside.
He was mobilised on 4 August 1916 and appears to have trained at Thetford. He was granted efficiency pay of 4d per diem on 23 November 1916. Then on 12 March 1917 he transferred from Thetford to the BEF.
John was hospitalised between 23 January and 13 March 1918 following an accident. He suffered a 'fract ascend radius l/t condyle' and 'paresis VT nerve'.
John's unit was the 225 Field Company Royal Engineers, which was attached to the 39th Division. Due to the very heavy losses sustained by the Division during the German Spring offensive of 1918 it was not reconstituted as a fighting unit but became a training formation for American troops arriving in France.
John died on 26th January 1919 from influenza and is buried in Dunkirk town cemetery, plot iv E 11.
Dunkirk, of course, was the scene of the evacuation of the BEF in 1940 during the second world war, but was also a very busy place during the Great War. Part of the BEF landed there in September and October 1914, and throughout the Great War it was a seaplane base, and later an American Naval Air Service base. The town was also a French hospital centre and the 8th Canadian Stationary Hospital was there from November 1918 to April 1919. It was also a centre for ship building and other port activities.
On 11 August 1919 the RE record office at Chatham arranged for John's personal effects to be sent to his widow Marion. In September 1920 his scroll and plaque were dispatched.
Army Form W 5080 dated 1 November 1920 listed the following living relatives;
| Wife | Marion | 21 Heatherside |
| Children | William James 10 | |
| Marion Constance 6 | ||
| Martin 4 | ||
| Mother | Hannah Mace | 120 St Johns Park London SE |
| Brothers | Charles William Mace 46 | 38 Craigeine Park |
| James Harry Mace 44 | 79 ***** | |
| Cornelius Allen Mace 40 | Johannesburg | |
| Sisters | Edith Emily Mace 48 | |
| Eveline Marn 38 | 133 Old Dover Road | |
| Kathleen Budd 32 | 102 St Johns Park London SE |
BH EW AS
MACFARLAND George Adams, Captain
Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC).Died of Wounds 17 October 1917, aged 44.
George's headstone in East Finchley cemetery
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
George Adams Macfarland was born in Ballycastle, Belfast, Northern Ireland on 23 September 1872 to George and Mary Macfarland (nee Mitchell). His parents married in 1870, and were from County Tyrone.
George attended the Royal Academical Institution, Belfast, a grammar school, and later studied medicine in Dublin and Belfast.
In the 1901 census George was a 28 year old medical student living in his parent's home in University Street, Cromac, Antrim. His father was a 60 year old Presbyterian Minister. His mother was aged 57, and his three sisters, Frances Margaret aged 30, Mary aged 26 and Maud aged 24 all worked as teachers.
In 1903 George completed his medical training by gaining the Scottish triple qualification in Edinburgh, Scotland.
George's father had died by the time the 1911census was taken, and his widowed mother Mary was living at Elinwood Avenue, Antrim with her spinster daughters Frances and Mary, who were both recorded as being 'BA teachers'. Aged 38 and still single, George was now an assistant surgeon living and working with Rupert Edward Nix in Chatteris Cambridgeshire.
George Adams MacFarland (L.R.C.P, L.R.C.S Edin.) had become the resident surgeon at the County of London War Hospital Epsom by the early part of WW1. However, due to the shortage of RAMC officers abroad, he was soon commissioned and left the hospital for foreign service on 20 January 1916.
The following is an extract from Lt Colonel Lord's book 'THE STORY OF THE HORTON (CO. OF LONDON) WAR HOSPITAL EPSOM':
About the end of 1915, there began to be a shortage of R.A.M.C. officers abroad, which gave Dr. G.A. MacFarland at last the opportunity he had so long desired of being commissioned in the R.A.M.C. He left for foreign service on 20th January 1916. His death on 17th October 1917, from wounds received during an air raid abroad was heard, with great regret, for he was a general favourite during both asylum and war hospital days, and highly respected.
The air raid that caused George's wounds was an attack on a Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) near Poperinghe, Belgium, on 20 August 1917. George died almost two months later at the Endsleigh Palace Hospital for officers, Gordon Street, London (http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/endsleighpalace.html) on 17 October 1917, from septic pneumonia brought on by his wounds.
George is buried in grave I. 14. 136, East Finchley cemetery.
Limited administration in Belfast was granted to John MacFarland Hamill (his cousin), the solicitor attorney for his sister Frances Margaret MacFarland. His effects in England amounted to £2206 17s 6d.
George was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal. His medal card, stamped 8 August 1922, shows the recipient to be his sister F. M. MacFarland, 29D, Holland Park Gardens, W.14.
George's medal card.
Image courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk (Link opens in a new window)
Copyright 2011, The Generations Network, Inc. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
The only memorial that George's name appears on is the Horton (County of London) War Hospital Epsom, in the now unused Horton chapel. However, there is an 'Adams G' on the Ashley Road memorial for whom, to date, no records have been found linking him to Epsom. It has been speculated that this might be George Adams MacFarland, entered on the memorial in error as 'Adams G'.
HWH
MACK William Herbert, Private. 17345.
9th Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Died 15 December 1916, aged 20.
William's inscription on the CWGC memorial, Epsom
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
William Herbert Mack was born in Brixton on 9 May 1896 (GRO reference: Jun 1896 Lambeth 1d 508) to John and Jane Mack (nee Spikesman). William's mother Jane was born in Ashtead and was the aunt of Thomas Spikesman.
William's father John was a 36-year-old widower when he married Jane Spikesman, a 29-year-old spinster on 21 January 1894 in St James' church Clapham. William's older brother, John Edward, was born in Lambeth in the December quarter of 1894. William was baptised on 25 May 1896 in St Saviours parish church Brixton.
By 1901 the family was living at 33, Brandon Road, Lambeth. Williams's father John, who was born at Borough in London, was aged 43 and was working as a domestic gardener. His wife, Jane, was aged 37 and looked after their two sons, John aged 7 and Willy (William) aged 5.
In the 1911 census the family was living at 13, Martindale Road, Balham. Father, John was employed as a road sweeper for Wandsworth Borough Council. William (shown as William Albert) was a shop assistant. Brother John Edward cannot be found in the census.
William attested in Kingston on 20 January 1916 into the 10th (Reserve) Battalion East Surrey Regiment. His stated age was 19 years and 9 months. He was 5 feet 11¼ inches tall, weighed 114 lbs and had a chest measurement of 32¾ inches with an expansion of 1¾ inches. He worked as a laundryman, and lived at 25, Woodlands Road, Epsom.
At some point William transferred the 9th (Service) Battalion East Surrey Regiment, but served for less than 11 months before he died at the 'Temporary Military Hospital, Woolaston House, Newport, Monmouth, Wales on 15 December 1916. None of his service papers have survived, and his cause of death is unknown, but as he was awarded the British War medal, he must have served overseas at some point in his short military career.
William's body was transported back to Epsom and he was buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission plot in Epsom Cemetery, Ashley Road, in grave K646 on 21 December 1916. William was the ninth and last man to be buried in grave K646. Seven others had died in the Horton War Hospital and one in the Manor war Hospital.
The grave marker for grave 646 in the CWGC Plot in Ashley Road Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
William was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
William's father John was still working, as a labourer, when he died in 1933, at Middle House (Workhouse), Dorking Road, aged 74. William's mother Jane died in 1943 at 20, Church Street, Epsom, aged 78. Both were buried in Epsom cemetery in grave K681.
EP CC CWGC
MANN Alfred George, Gunner. L/30122.
"C" Battery, 153 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.Killed in Action 28 May 1917, aged 22.
Alfred's headstone in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Alfred George Mann was born in Epsom on 20 March 1895 (GRO reference: Jun 1895 Epsom 2a 20) to William James and Jane Mann (nee Ede), who married on 17 May 1885.
| ALFRED GEORGE AND HIS SIBLINGS | ||
| Name | Born | Notes |
| John Frederick | 1 May 1886 | Died 14 October 1920 gas poisoning |
| Charles James | 3 July 1887 | |
| Luke Henry | 22 February 1889 | Attested 30 August 1910 |
| Sophia Mary | 13 July 1890 | |
| Harry William | 16 December 1892 | Attested 2 September 1914. RFA |
| William Thomas | 17 September 1893 | Died 30 September 1893 |
| Alfred George | 20 March 1895 | 28 May 1917 |
| Elizabeth Jane | 11 November 1896 | |
| James Thomas | 13 January 1899 | India GS medal, Waziristan clasp |
| George Edward | 26-Apr-01 | Died 6 May 1901 |
In the 1901 census most of the family were living at Thornton Cottage, Epsom Common. Alfred's father William was a 40 year old bricklayer's labourer. His mother Jane was 39. Siblings living there were Charles aged 13, Luke aged 12, Sophia aged 10, Harry aged 9, Elizabeth aged 4 and James aged 2. The oldest sibling John Frederick was living with his grandparents at Willow Cottage, Epsom Common.
Alfred's and John's parents and sister Elizabeth c.1914
Image courtesy of Terry Friday © 2008
Sophia Ede nee Simmonds c.1835-c.1910
Alfred's and John's Grandmother
Image courtesy of Terry Friday © 2008
In 1911 they were still living at Thornton Cottage, Epsom Common. Alfred's father, now 50 was still working as a bricklayer's labourer. Mother Jane stated she had been married for 26 years and that eight of her ten children were still alive. Brother Harry was a motor mechanic, James was at school and Alfred himself was a 16 year old gardener. None of Alfred's other siblings were living at Thornton Cottage.
Alfred attested in Epsom on 7 June 1915 aged 21. He was 5 feet 9½ inches tall, weighed 142lbs and had a chest measurement of 37 inches with an expansion of 4 inches. He was a labourer and lived at 10, Woodlands Road, Epsom.
Alfred went to France on 26 November 1915 and served in 'C' Battery, 153 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery which was part of 36th (Ulster) Division. Although the infantry for the 36th Division came from Ulster, the artillery mainly came from around the London area. On the day that Alfred was killed in action, there were no major battles raging on the Western Front. The Battle of Arras had ended on 17 May 1917 and the Battle of Messines Ridge did not start until 7 June 1917. Despite the fact that no major battles were raging, the firing never stopped. Sniping and shellfire were an everyday matter of fact, and men were killed every day. The artillerymen did not occupy the front line trenches, and did not have to 'go over the top', they nevertheless had a dangerous job. Artillery batteries would do their utmost to silence enemy artillery, and many artillerymen were killed by shellfire.
The following is an extract from the 153rd Brigade war diary:
DRANOUTRE. 28 May 1917. The shelling recommenced at 12 midnight and ceased at 1am. ST JANS CAPPEL was shelled also. In the evening it re-opened from 10-11 pm and the neighbourhood of CROIX DE POPERINGE was shelled. The position occupied by "C/153" was shelled in the morning - two telephonists being killed.
So it seems that Alfred was a telephonist and was killed by shellfire along with his fellow telephonist Albert Fitzgerald. They are buried side by side in Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery. Alfred in grave H63 and Albert in grave 64.
EP CC
MANN John Frederick, L/Corporal. 80100.
Royal Engineers.Died of Wounds 14 October 1920, aged 34.
Image courtesy of Terry Friday © 2008
John Frederick Mann was born in Epsom on 1 May 1886 (GRO reference: Jun 1886 Epsom 2a 20) to William James and Jane Mann (nee Ede), who married on 17 May 1885.
John had nine siblings:
Charles James born 3 July 1887.
Luke Henry born 22 February 1889. Attested 30 August 1910.
Sophia Mary born 13 July 1890.
Harry William born 16 December 1892.
William Thomas born 17 September 1893, died 30 September 1893.
Alfred George born 20 March 1895. Attested 7 June 1915. Killed in action, France 28 May 1917.
Elizabeth Jane born 11November 1896.
James Thomas born 13 January 1899. India General Service medal, Waziristan 1921-24 clasp.
George Edward born 26 April 1901, died 6 May 1901.
On the night of the 1891 census John was with his grandparents Charles and Sophia Ede at Willow Cottage, Epsom Common. The rest of the family were at Mill Road, Epsom Common. John's father William was a 30 year old builder's labourer. His mother Jane was 29.
Willow Cottage (shown in the middle and painted white)
Image courtesy of Terry Friday © 2008
When the 1901 census was taken John was again with his grandparents Charles and Sophia at Willow Cottage, and was a 14 year old general labourer. The rest of the family lived at Thornton Cottage, Epsom Common.
On 16 December 1905 John married Florence Elizabeth Beams. It appears they had five children:
Lilian Mary born 1906, died 1906 aged 0.
John Frederick born 23 Oct 1909, died 10 Oct 1979 aged 69.
William Thomas born 1910, died 1910 aged 0.
William Thomas born 2 May 1913.
Florence Elizabeth Jane born 12 Sept 1914, died 22 November 1917 aged 3.
Epsom cemetery records show that William Thomas Mann, son of John Frederick Mann of 19, Adelphi Road, Epsom, was buried on 2 December 1910 in plot F252(?), Epsom cemetery aged 18 days. There is also an entry for Florence Elizabeth Jane Mann, daughter of John Mann of 92, The Common, Epsom, buried on 22 November 1917 in plot D440 aged 3.
The Surrey Recruitment Register tells us that John attested at Kingston on 15 February 1915 aged 29 years 9 months. He joined the Royal Engineers as a driver. He was 5 feet 10¼ inches tall, weighed 160lbs and had a chest measurement of 38½ inches with an expansion of 4½ inches. He lived at 92, Bracken Path, Epsom and worked as a carman. Today he would be called a driver.
We have found no service or pension record in Ancestry, and no entry in the Soldiers Died CD. Neither does the CWGC web site have an entry for him. However, his medal card shows he was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal, so he must have served overseas at some point in his military career.
Cause of death as shown on John's death certificate.
John died in Epsom Cottage Hospital on 14 October 1920, almost two years after the war had ended, and was buried in an unmarked plot, D440 in Epsom Cemetery on 19 October 1920. Information from John's family states that he died as a result of gas poisoning during the war. However his death certificate states causes of death as; (1) Rheumatism (chronic), (2) Pneumonia 5 days. Endocarditis chronic, no post mortem was carried out. Thus his official cause of death does not mention gas poisoning. This might explain why he has no CWGC entry and no war pension for his wife and children. No doubt his family had his name added to the war memorial because they believed his end was hastened by the war, and indeed he may well have been exposed to poison gas during his service, but officialdom did not recognise this.
John's unmarked grave in Epsom Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
On 24 February 1923 his widow Florence married John's brother Charles James Mann. They had two children, Alfred George born 3 September 1923 and Dorothy Jane born 25 November 1924.
EP
MARSHALL Bernard Gouldsmith, 2nd Lieutenant
Northants Regt.Killed in Action 5 April 1916, aged 19
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Northants Regt. Killed at Loos on 5 April 1916. Buried at Loos, France. Aged 19 years. Son of E.E. Marshall (publisher), Burgh Heath, Surrey. (Listed on the Epsom College Memorial).
MARSHALL Harry Cecil (AKA Pete), Second Lieutenant.
Royal Flying Corps.Killed in flying accident 23 December 1917, aged 18.
Harry Marshall
Image courtesy of Peter Collins, Sutton Grammar Archavist
Harry Cecil Marshall was born in Epsom on 28 February 1899 (GRO reference: Jun 1899 Epsom 2a 19) to William and Margaret Fanny Marshall (nee Brookes). His parents were married in the December 1879 quarter in the Bromley registration district.
In the 1881 census before Harry was born, the family lived at the stables to the house 'Wood Lawn' in Kingston Vale. Harry's father was a 25 year old gardener. His mother was aged 23 and he had a sister Margaret Helena aged 11 months.
| HARRY CECIL AND HIS SIBLINGS | |||
| NAME | DATE OF BIRTH | BAPTISED | REG. DISTRICT |
| Margaret Helena | June quarter 1880 | Kingston | |
| Charlotte Elsie | September quarter 1881 | Kingston | |
| William Charles | March quarter 1884 | 9 March 1884 | Epsom |
| Frank Edwin | March quarter 1886 | 28 March 1886 | Epsom |
| Florence Lilian | June quarter 1888 | 29 April 1888 | Epsom |
| Leonard George | September quarter 1889 (Died March Quarter 1891) | 29 September 1889 | Epsom |
| Edgar Phillip | September quarter 1892 | 18 September 1892 | Epsom |
| Doris Marion | June quarter 1895 | Epsom | |
| Harry Cecil | June quarter 1899 | Epsom | |
| All baptisms were at Christ Church | |||
By 1891 the family had moved to Woodcote Road, Epsom, and Cecil's father was working as a gardener.
The same situation in 1901, but brother Charles was working as a postman and brother Frank as a telegraph messenger.
Still at Woodcote Park in 1911 with father still working as a gardener, as was brother Phillip, whilst sister Doris was an apprentice dressmaker.
Harry attended Sutton Grammar School. The following appeared in the school magazine 'The Suttonian':
At school from 1911 to 1914. In April, 1917, he joined the Public Schools Brigade, and volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps. Training at Hastings and Reading, he went with a commission (Nov 3rd) to Netheravon, where on Dec. 23rd he was killed when flying. He was accorded a military funeral at Epsom, where he was buried on December 29th, 1917.
Harry is mentioned in the Edinburgh Gazette dated 8 December 1914, which shows that he had been registered as a Temporary Boy Clerk. He is again mentioned in the Edinburgh Gazette dated 7 July 1916 which shows that from 22 June 1916 he had become an Established Clerk in the Inland Revenue working to 'Surveyors of Taxes'.
Aged 17 years and 8 months, Harry attested on 6 September 1916 at Epsom into the 104th Training reserve Battalion. (Note: The 28th and 29th reserve battalions of the Royal Fusiliers had been formed in Epsom as part of the Public Schools Battalions. On 1 September 1916 these converted into the 104th and 105th Training Reserve Battalions). He was 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 126lbs and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. His medical grade was A4, which meant that he would be A1 when 19, and therefore old enough to be sent overseas. He worked as a clerk and lived at Woodcote Green, Epsom.
The following two items appeared in the Epsom Advertiser dated 28 December 1917:
FLIGHT FATALITY. - Second-Lieut. "Pete", an Epsom man, made his first and last flight on Sunday in the Salisbury Plain district. He was attempting to turn in making his fourth complete circuit round the aerodrome when he met with an accident and was killed. He is the third Christ Church choir member who has lost his life within a fortnight.
And on 4 January 1918:
FUNERAL OF EPSOM AIRMAN. - The funeral took place on Saturday of Sec. Lieut. Cecil Marshall, son of Mr. and Mrs W. Marshall of Woodcote Green, whose death when making his first flight alone was recorded last week. Military honours were accorded, a firing party, buglers, etc., being supplied by the Eastern Command Labour Centre from Sutton. On the body arriving at the station it was taken to Christ Church, where the first part of the service was conducted by the Rev. H. A. Bowles. Lord Rosebery was amongst those present. The organist played "O Rest in the Lord," and the hymns were "Now the Labourer's Task is O'er" and "On the Resurrection Morn."
Harry's headstone in Epsom Cemetery
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
The South Wiltshire Coroner held an inquest at Netheravon Military Hospital on 28 Dec 1917 into his death. Capt Kitchener gave evidence that he had been sure that Lt Marshall was quite competent and had sent him up for his first solo flight on Sunday morning. Lieut Moody, stationed at Netheravon, said that at 9.30 he saw the machine nose diving but the spot where it crashed was hidden from him. Following evidence that the rigging and controls were in order, Capt Blockley, RAMC, said that Lt Marshall was dead when he was admitted to the Netheravon Military Hospital and death had probably been instantaneous. A verdict of accidental death was returned.
Because he did not serve overseas no medals were awarded to Harry. He is buried in plot D 339 in Epsom cemetery.
He is also remembered on the Sutton Grammar School War Memorial.
EP SGS CC BEC
MARSON John, Rifleman
1st Bn, Rifle BrigadeKilled in Action 12 October 1917, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
1st Bn, Rifle Brigade. Killed in Belgium on 12 October 1917. Buried in the Poelcapelle Britsh Cemetery, Belgium. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
MARTIN Daisy Emily, Staff Nurse
Horton War Hospital.Died 15 February 1919, aged 29.
Daisy Emily Martin was born in Leigh Kent on 29 November 1889 (GRO reference: Dec 1889 Sevenoaks 2a 670) to John Samuel and Caroline Martin, nee Gasson. Her parents married in Leigh on 11 November 1877.
In 1891 one-year-old Daisy appeared on the census with her father John, a 46-year-old farm labourer, and her 37-year-old mother Caroline living at Priory Cottage Leigh Kent. Her older siblings were John Richard aged 13, Charles Ernest aged 11, Annie Lydia aged 9, Albert Henry aged 7, Caroline Sarah aged 6, Alfred James aged 4 and George Edgar aged 3.
Between this and the next census Daisy's father John died and in the 1901 census Daisy's mother Caroline appears as a widow still living with some of her children at Priory Cottage. They are recorded as Alfred Jms. aged 14, Geo. Edgar aged 13, Daisy Emily aged 11, Arthur Eric aged 9, Elsie Isabella aged 7 and Alice May age 3. There was also a boarder, Frederick Joyce Koots, living with them.
Daisy appears working as a parlour maid for John Cahill and his family in the 1911 census. John Cahill was a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons practicing from his home at 12, Saville Street, Knightsbridge, London. This environment may well have influenced Daisy in her decision to become a nurse, as she later worked as a staff nurse at the Horton War Hospital Epsom. The 1911 census also tells us that Daisy's mother gave birth to 11 children.
Daisy died of influenza in Epsom Surrey on 15 February 1919.
Commemorated on the Horton Hospital Staff Memorial.
With thanks to Daisy's family for her birth and death dates.
HWH
MARTIN Henry Leonard A, Private. 8952.
20th Hussars.Killed in Action 14 August 1916, aged 23.
Henry's headstone in Loker Churchyard, Belgium
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Henry Leonard A Martin was born in 1893 (GRO reference: Sep 1893 Epsom 2a 17).
I have been unable to find any census record for him.
The 'Soldiers died' CD states that he enlisted at Bury St Edmonds, and that he lived at East Molesey.
Martin went to France with the 20th Hussars 16 August 1914. His medal entitlement was the 1914 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
The 20 Hussars suffered relatively few casualties throughout the war. From 1 August 1916 to 31 December 1916 only three men were killed, Henry being one of them. Probably a victim of sniping or shelling.
He is buried in Loker Churchyard. Loker is a small village in Belgium about 7 miles south west of Ypres.
EP
MASKELL Albert, Lance Corporal. 14374.
9th Battalion Devonshire Regiment.Killed in Action 30 September 1915, aged 30.
Albert's inscription on the Loos Memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Albert Maskell was born in 1885 in Ockham, Surrey (GRO reference: Mar 1885 Guildford 2a 69) to Edward and Caroline Maskell (nee Fuller). His parents were married in 1864.
| NAME | BORN | NOTES |
| Henry Fuller | December quarter 1863 Ockham | |
| Mary Ann Maskell | March quarter 1866 Ockham | |
| Caroline Maskell | December quarter 1867 Ockham | |
| Sarah Maskell | March quarter 1870 Ockham | |
| Annie Maskell | March quarter 1874 Ockham | |
| Edward Maskell | December quarter 1875 Ockham | |
| John Maskell | March quarter 1878 Ockham | Attested 6 June 1916 West Surreys |
| William Maskell | December quarter 1879 Ockham | |
| Frederick Maskell | September quarter 1881 Ockham | Attested 5 June 1916 East Kents |
| Arthur Thomas Maskell | June quarter 1883 Ockham | Attested 29 June 1916 RE |
| Albert Maskell | March quarter 1885 Ockham | KIA 13 September 1915 |
| George Maskell | March quarter 1887 Ockham | KIA 1 July 1916 |
| Philip Maskell | June quarter 1889 Ockham | Attested 20 October 1915 Labour Corps |
| Albert may have had another sibling I have been unable to identify. In 1911 his mother Caroline stated she had given birth to 14 children, all still living. | ||
In the 1871 census before Albert was born, the family lived at Mays Green, Ockham, where Albert's father Edward was a 25 year old labourer. Mother Caroline was also aged 25. It appears that brother Henry was born before his parents married, and therefore initially took his mother's maiden name, Fuller, but had changed it to Maskell by the 1881 census.
In 1881 they were still living at Mays Green, and father Edward was working as a farm labourer. Two siblings, Henry and Edward were living as boarders with 86 year old Robert Watts.
By 1891 the family had moved to North Road, Hersham. Edward still earned his living as a farm labourer, as did his sons who were old enough to work. Working age daughters were domestic servants.
It appears that Albert's father Edward died aged 52, registered in the March quarter of 1896.
The 1901 census shows Albert living at 35, North Road. Hersham, and working a bricklayer's labourer. The head of the family is shown as 27 year old widow Annie Maskell, with her children aged from 12 to 26, obviously a mistake. I suspect the head should have been shown as widow Caroline aged 59, but somehow she has been left off, and her entry muddled with her daughter Annie's details. Others shown are Edward aged 26, William aged 22, Frederick aged 19, George aged 14 and Philip aged 12. Also shown is 10 year old Percy Maskell, a visitor.
Albert married Florence Drewcalla Simmonds in 1909 (GRO reference: Dec 1909 Epsom 2a 33). They produced three children, Albert in 1911, George in 1914 and Jessie in 1915.
The 1911 census shows Albert and Florence, married for one year, living at 2, Heathcote Road, Epsom. Albert was working as a cabman for E.U.D.C. Another page from the 1911 census has details of 68 year old widowed grandmother Caroline Maskell living in the house of her first born, 48 year old Henry Maskell. Caroline is described a housekeeper, and states that she has given birth to 14 children and that all are still alive.
It appears that Albert's service record did not survive the blitz, and neither can I find a pension record for the support of his wife and three children. However, the Surrey Recruitment register tells us that he attested in Kingston-Upon-Thames on 10 November 1915 into the Devonshire Regiment. He was 29 years and 11 months old, 5 feet 4½ inches tall, weighed 134 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches with an expansion of 4½ inches. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Albert went to France on 12 August 1915 with the 9th Battalion Devonshire Regiment which was in the 20th Brigade, 7th Division, and fought in the battle of Loos. The Soldiers Died CD tells us that on 30 September, 109 men from the Battalion lost their lives, including Albert, killed in action. His body was never found and identified, so is therefore commemorated with some 20,000 of his comrades on the Loos Memorial to the missing. NOTE: The war diary states the Battalion went into action on 25 September 1915, the first day of the battle of Loos, and lost heavily on that day, yet the Soldiers Died CD and the CWGC have the date 30 September 1915.
Albert's widow, with three children to raise, married Herkles R. Lake in 1918 in Epsom, (GRO reference: Sep 1918 Epsom 2a 45) and later moved to Colborne, Ontario, Canada. They sailed from Liverpool aboard 'Minnedosa' and arrived at St Johns, New Brunswick on 7 March 1919.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that:
ALBERT MASKELL, was reported missing on 30th Sept. 1915 after the battle of Loos, and officially presumed dead.
Albert was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
CWGC records show that Albert and his brother George were both killed and that they were the sons of 'Mrs Caroline Maskell, of Downside, Cobham, Surrey.' Only Albert appears on Epsom memorials, presumably arranged by his wife. Cobham's War Memorial in St Andrews Church does not bear either name. Why would their mother not have her sons' names entered on the memorial?
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MASKELL Albert Edward, Driver. 7986.
5th "C" Reserve Brigade Royal Field Artillery (RFA).Died 7 April 1917, aged 41.
Albert's headstone in Epsom Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Albert Edward Maskell was born in 1877 in Epsom (GRO reference: Mar 1877 Epsom 2a 18) to John and Margaret Maskell (nee Hopper). I have been unable to find a record of his parent's marriage, but Margaret was born in Malta, so perhaps they married in Malta, or more likely Gibraltar where the Battalion was stationed in 1864?
In 1871 before Albert was born, his 22 year old mother Margaret was the head of the family living at Prospect Cottages, East Street. With her were her two children, Charles aged 5 born in Barbados, and Maria aged 2 born in Bristol. His father John born in Epsom, a 32 year old Sergeant in the 3rd Buffs was serving a 10 year prison sentence in Old Brompton Prison, Gillingham, Kent, for the manslaughter of another soldier, Private Robert Synon. According to newspaper reports, John was stationed at Horfield Barracks, Bristol, and was suffering from sunstroke (probably sustained in India), and he became excitable under the influence of alcohol. With regard to alcohol he had previously 'taken the pledge' but had broken it. One of his duties concerned the post and he had to carry letters to and from the Post Office. On 30 April 1868 one of the letters was charged 2d. The adjutant told him to take it back as the charge was wrong. This excited him greatly and he went on a rampage firing his breach loading rifle five or six times randomly at any soldiers he saw. Most missed but the final shot killed Private Robert Synon, who had also received bayonet wounds.
By 1881 the family was together and living at Woodcote End, Epsom. Albert's father was a general labourer, whilst his mother did some casual work 'spice pickling'? Older brother Charles was a 15 year old greengrocers boy, whilst 12 year old Maria was a scholar.
Three members of the family were still living at Woodcote End in 1891, father John still a general labourer, mother Margaret and 2 year old George. Also with them was Amy Alice Neal, a 9 year old visitor. Albert was not living with them and cannot be found in the 1891 census. Apart from being 10 years older, the census entry in 1901 for the family members was identical to the 1891 census, and again no sign of Albert who was by then probably in the army.
By 1911 Albert was at Ewshot Barracks a regular soldier with the rank of Driver serving in 132 Battery RFA. Albert's parents were living at 2, Mayfield Cottages, Wyeth Road, Epsom. Father John at 72, was a sacristan at St Martin's church. Mother Margaret stated she had been married 47 years and had given birth to five children, four of whom were still living.
Albert's service papers have not survived but we know he was a regular soldier, and his medal card shows that he went to France on 7 November 1914 with the RFA. At some point he contracted a disease on active service and returned to England. Whilst at Parkgate Auxiliary Military Hospital, Cheshire, he died. His body was transported to Epsom cemetery where he was buried on 11 April 1917 in plot A447. Just two months earlier his father John, a verger at St Martin's church, had died and was buried on 8 February 1917 in plot A447, father and son together.
In 1917 the National Probate Calendar published that Albert had left the sum of £49 17s. 2d. to his mother Margaret Angelina Maskell, living at Woodcote End, Epsom.
The St Martin's church Roll of Honour states that:
ALBERT EDWARD MASKELL, after 21 years service in the Army, the latter part of the time in France, died in Park Gates Hospital, Chester, on 8 April 1917 of illness contracted on active service. He was a son of John Maskell, for many years Verger of this Church.
Albert was awarded the 1914 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The CWGC states that Albert was the 'Son of Mrs. Margaret Maskell, of 79, Hook Road, Epsom.
EP SM
MASON Isaac Newton, Private. 533675.
1/5 (Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles) London Regiment.Killed in Action 7 October 1916, aged 17
Private Isaac Newton Mason was born at New Malden in 1899. In 1901 he was living at 'Tintara', Kingston Road New Malden, with his parents Thomas and Emily Mason. His father was a clerk in the Civil Service. They later moved to 'Tintara', Heatherside Road, West Ewell. He enlisted in Wimbledon, and joined the 1st/15th Battalion London Regiment (Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles).
The 1st/15th London Regt was in the 140th Brigade, 47th Division.
On the 7th October the Division was to capture the Bute de Warlencourt, an ancient seventy foot high mound of excavated chalk.
The Bute had been tunnelled by the Germans and was used as an observation post from which machine gun and artillery fire could be directed onto the men attacking. The attack started at 1.45pm, the first objective being Diagonal Trench in front of the Bute, but the attackers were subjected to withering cross fire, and apart from a few posts on the left, very little gain was made. On the 7 October 1916, 105 men from the 1st/15th London Regiment were killed in action or died of wounds.
He is commemorated on The Thiepval Memorial to the missing.
MASON Percy Stanley, Private. 107426.
2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion.Killed in Action 28 September 1916, aged 27.
Percy's headstone in the Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
Percy Stanley Mason was born on 14 December 1889 (GRO reference: March 1889 Epsom 2a 23) the son of Alfred and Annie Mason (nee Denham). Percy's parents married 1880 in the Barnet registration district. His father was a Londoner, born in 1852 at St Martin's in the Fields, and his mother was born in Epsom in 1857.
| Name | Born - Died | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Easton Alfred | Born: 1880 Epsom Died: 1945 Surrey Mid East aged 65 |
Married Maud Cockerill 1927 Epsom District |
| Bertie Cecil | Born: 22 June 1883 Epsom Died: 1973 Sutton District aged 90 |
Baptised 23 September 1883 Christ Church Epsom |
| Percy Stanley | Born: 14 December 1889 Epsom Died: 28 September 1916 France |
In the 1881 census before Percy was born, the family lived at Pikes Hill, Epsom. Percy's father worked as a clerk, and his brother 'Alfred E' was 7 months old.
In 1891 the family was living at 2, Edith Villa, 46, East Street, Epsom. Percy's father was employed as a railway clerk. Brother Easton was aged 10, Bertie 7 and Percy 2. Joseph Perrin aged 62 was lodging with the family. Percy's father died in 1898 aged 46 and was buried in grave C31 on 4 January.
By 1901 the family lived at 99, East Street, Epsom. Percy's 44 year old widowed mother was living on her own means, whilst brother Easton was an accountant's clerk and brother Bertie an architect's clerk. The family employed 23 year old Elizabeth Baxter as a domestic servant.
In the 1911 census Percy, aged 22 was working as a 'Clerk in Gas secretary's Office' and was one of four boarders living at 42, Highfield Road, Dartford, the home of the widowed Laura Cooper and her daughter Dorothy. Percy's mother, the head of the household, was still living at 99, East Street. Neither of his brothers, aged 30 and 27 were married and were still employed as an accountant's clerk and an architect's clerk. Elizabeth Baxter still worked for the family as a domestic servant, and Joseph Perrin aged 82 was lodging with the family again.
Percy went to Canada in 1912, and aged 25, he attested into the Canadian Army on 8 December 1914 at Victoria, British Columbia, stating that he was a rancher. His personal description shows that he was 5 feet 6½ inches tall, had a chest measurement of 31½ inches with an expansion of 3 inches, a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He had four vaccination marks on his left arm and a mole on the upper left side of his abdomen. His religion was Church of England, he was single and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs A Mason, Eagle Cottage, Ewell Road, Epsom. (Note: The CWGC records the address as 'Eagle Cottage, 99, Ewell Road, Epsom). He was passed medically fit for the 'Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force' at Willows Camp the same day.
Percy's Battalion, 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles was in the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Division in the Canadian Corps. On 28 September, the day that Percy was reported to have been killed, the Canadian Corps were attacking just north of the village of Courcelette, from Courcelette Trench, but because of heavy machine gun fire from Regina Trench the attack was unsuccessful. Percy's unit was directly involved in this attack, but during the night his unit relieved the attacking forces and took over the line.
Percy is buried in plot IX. G. 27. in Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that:
PERCY STANLEY MASON, was born in Epsom and went to Canada in 1912. He joined the Canadian Mounted Rifles when war broke out and was killed in action in France on 28th September 1916.
The Canadian 'Virtual War Memorial' has a letter sent to Percy's mother from an unknown woman who was planning to marry Percy. It reads:
I feel as though my heart would break. He was all the world to me. I have never given a thought to another man and oh how dearly I loved my boy. I cannot realize I will never see his bonny face again and that he will never hold me in his arms again and call me his little sweetheart.
We have loved each other for a long time now, and in his last letter he said he would be back very soon and claim me for his wife. How happy it made me - and now I can never be his wife.
I feel as though life is worth nothing to me now. I long to go to him. He wants me - I can hear him calling me in the night when all is quiet. Oh, how it hurts me to think of my darling, my Percy - lying out there, so far from those he loves.
Percy's mother, Annie died in Epsom in 1932 aged 75 and is buried with her husband in grave C31, Epsom cemetery. Percy is also commemorated on this grave.
Percy's inscription on his parents grave
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
EP SM PG
MASSEY Albert, D.C.M., Sergeant. 78806.
'D' Battery, 210 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (RFA).Died 9 December 1918, aged 38.
Albert Massey was born in 1880 (GRO reference: Mar 1880 West H 4a 136) to Robert and Sarah Emma Massey (nee Hughes). His parents married in the June 1876 quarter in the Shoreditch registration district.
In the 1881 census Albert aged 1, lived at 1, Constance Street, Silvertown, West Ham, the home of his 53 year old widowed grandmother, Jane Hughes. Also living there was Albert's mother, aged 24, recorded as an engineers wife, Albert's three siblings, Philip aged 4, Marian aged 3 and Kate aged 2, and two lodgers. Albert's father Robert, a telegraph instrument maker, was at his mother's house on census night, at 31, Culloden Street, Poplar. He appears to have died at a very young age as the death, aged 29, of a Robert Massey was registered in the December quarter of 1881 in the Lewisham registration district.
By 1891 Albert had moved to 44, Algernon Road, Lewisham, with his widowed mother, a dressmaker, and his siblings Marion and Kate. Albert's brother Philip, aged 14 was working as an engine cleaner whilst boarding with grandmother Jane Hughes, in the home of Gilbert Howard in Faversham, Kent.
In 1901 Albert worked as a brickyard hand, and was living at Oak Villa, Cheam, with his mother and sister Kate. Also living at the address were Gilbert Howard and his 5 year old daughter Olive.
Albert married Emilie Florence Dew, registered in the March 1902 quarter in the Epsom registration district. They produced five children:
| Name | Born - Died |
|---|---|
| Albert | Born: 1902 Ewell |
| Robert | Born: 1904 Ewell Died: 1967 |
| Thomas | Born: 1905 Ewell Died: 1905 |
| Philip | Born: 1908 Ewell Died: 1970 |
| William Hughes | Born: 1911 Epsom |
Albert attested in Kingston on 18 January 1915 into the RFA. He was 5 feet 6¼ inches tall, weighed 147 lbs and had a chest measurement of 37½ inches with an expansion of 3½ inches. He stated that he was born in Silvertown, Essex, gave his age as 34 years and 11 months, his occupation as labourer and that he lived at 3, Coronation Cottages, Leith Road, Epsom.
Albert went to France on 14 July 1915 and whilst serving as a Bombardier with 'B' Battery, 81st Brigade RFA he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). His citation, which appeared in the London Gazette dated 30 March 1916, read as follows:
For conspicuous gallantry in repeatedly repairing telephone wires during operations under heavy shell fire. He has twice previously been noted for gallant conduct.
Albert survived the horrors of the fighting in the war, only to die of influenza, almost a month after the Armistice.
The St Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that:
ALBERT MASSEY, died of influenza at a Casualty Clearing Station at Maubeuge on 9th December 1918. He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1916.
Albert is buried in grave D 34, Maubeuge (Sous-Le-Bois) Cemetery, France.
In addition to the DCM he was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP SM
MATTHEWS William James, Gunner. 640827.
"D" Battery. 189th Army Brigade. Royal Field Artillery (RFA).Killed in Action 27 September 1918, aged 40.
William's headstone in Windmill British Cemetery, Monchy-Le-Preux
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
William James Matthews was born in 1879 in Epsom Surrey (GRO reference: Sept 1879 Epsom 2a 17), to James and Caroline Matthews (nee Thomas). His parents had married in 1866 in Epsom Surrey, and had nine children:
| Name | Born - Died | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frederick George | Born: September quarter 1867 | Baptised: 8 September 1867 St Martins |
| Hannah | Born: September quarter 1869 | Baptised: 12 September 1869 St Martins |
| Eliza | Born: 1871 Died: 1871 | Baptised: 4 July 1871 St Martins |
| Clara | Born: September quarter 1872 | Baptised: 10 August 1873 St Martins Married: George Mann, 1897 in Christ Church |
| Rosa | Born: 20 January 1876 | Baptised: 13 July 1879 St Martins |
| William James | Born: September quarter 1879 Died: 27 September 1918 |
Baptised: 13 July 1879 St Martins |
| Albert Edward | Born: 11 May 1882 | Baptised: 16 July 1882 Christ Church |
| Ernest Edgar | Born: June quarter 1885 | Baptised: 6 March 1885 St Martins |
| Violet Lilian | Born: No Epsom GRO reference found | Baptised: 5 June 1887 St Martins Married: Joseph Harvey, 1908 in Christ Church, whilst living at 12 Common View Road, Epsom Common |
William was baptised with his sister Rosa (born 13 July 1876), in Christ Church, Epsom, on 13 July 1879. The rest of his siblings, with the exception of Albert Edward who had been baptised in Christ Church, were baptised in St Martin's, Epsom. An older sister, Eliza had died aged 3 weeks in 1871.
The family were living in Lintons Lane, just off of East Street Epsom, when the 1881 census was taken. William's father, 37-year-old James, worked as a farm labourer to support his 32-year-old wife Caroline and their children Frederick aged 13, Hannah aged 11, Clara aged 8 and 5 year old Rosa as well as 2-year-old William, who has been recorded as Willy in this census.
In 1891 William, aged 12, was living at 40 Victoria Place Epsom with his father James, aged 48, who was working as a labourer and his mother Caroline aged 43 who was working as a laundress. William now had six siblings; Hannah aged 22, Clara aged 19, Rose aged 15, Albert aged 9, Ernest aged 6 and 4-year-old Lillie (Violet Lilian).
On Christmas Eve 1899 William married 20-year-old spinster Elizabeth Lucy Hebbourn in Christ Church Epsom. Their daughter Clara Elizabeth Lucy was born on 30 December 1900.
The 1901 Census for England was taken on the night of 31 March 1901. William and Elizabeth, with their 3-month-old daughter Clara, were boarding with George Mann and his family at 8, Newton Cottage, Epsom. William was now 21 and worked as a general labourer. When Clara was baptised later that year, on 18 August 1901, the family were living in Bristows Cottages, Epsom Common.
In the 1911 census William, a labourer, his wife Caroline, a laundry hand, and their 11 year old daughter Clara were living at 47, Lower Court Road, Epsom, the home of William's parents, James and Caroline. William's brother Albert Edward was also living there. William's mother stated that she had given birth to nine children and that eight were still living. (Transcribed in Ancestry as MatthewEs).
William's son Albert Edward was born on 19 August 1914 and baptised in Christ Church on 18 October 1914. The family was living at 47 Lower Court Rd, Epsom on the 15 April 1916, when Albert aged only 19 months was buried in the Ashley Road Cemetery Epsom.
William attested in Epsom on 13 December 1915 into the No. 5 TF Artillery School. He stated that his age was 36 years, he was a labourer and lived at 47, Lower Court Road, Epsom. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed 124 lbs, and had a chest measurement of 36 inches with an expansion of 3 inches.
William was killed in action on 27 September 1918 and is buried in grave II. G. 15 in Windmill British Cemetery, Monchy-Le-Preux, about 5 miles south east of Arras. The war was only to last another 45 days before the armistice, and at this time Allied forces were constantly attacking and forcing the Germans to retreat. The artillery was generally behind the infantry but was subject to attack by enemy artillery. We will never know how William was killed, but it was most likely from enemy shelling.
The CWGC states that William James Matthews was the 'Son of James and Caroline Matthews, of Epsom; husband of Elizabeth Lucy Matthews, of 47, Lower Court Road, Epsom.' William's nephew, confusingly also named William James Matthews, is commemorated on the Ashley Road memorial.
There is a record of marriage between Elizabeth L. Matthews and John Coleman in Epsom, registered in the December quarter of 1923.
William was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP
MATTHEWS William James, Gunner. 87077.
Royal Field Artillery (RFA).Died 11 October 1916, aged 21.
William's headstone in Epsom Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2011
William James Matthews was born on 19 October 1895 (GRO reference: December 1895 Epsom 2a 22) to Frederick George and Eleanor Ann Matthews (nee Leverington). Frederick was the eldest brother of William James Matthews (born 1879), who was killed in action on 27 September 1918.
William's parents were married on 1 August 1891 at Christ Church, Epsom. They had five children.
| Name | Born - Died | Baptised |
|---|---|---|
| Frederick George | Born: 1892 Epsom | |
| William James | Born: 19 October 1895 Epsom Died: 11 October 1916 Upton, Northamptonshire, aged 21 |
2 January 1896 Christ Church |
| Henry James | Born: 1898 Epsom | |
| Edward | Born: 17 March 1900 Epsom | 15 April 1900 Christ Church |
| Ernest Cecil | Born: 23 September 1903 Epsom Died: 1904 aged 1 Epsom |
6 December 1903 Christ Church |
In 1901, William's father Frederick, a general labourer and his mother Eleanor aged 29, were living at Willow Cottage, Epsom Common, with their children Frederick aged 8, William himself aged 5, Henry aged 2, and Edward aged 1. All of them had been born in Epsom.
By 1911, William's 42 year old father Frederick was working as a stoker in the gas works. His mother Eleanor, aged 39 stated that she had been married for 19 years, and that she had given birth to five children, one of whom had died. The four surviving children were all still at home, and William's brother, Frederick was employed as a grocer's errand boy. The family's address was given simply as 'Epsom Common' but as they were living next door to the Guyatt family at Griffiths Cottages as they had been in 1901, it is likely that they were still living at Willow Cottage.
William attested in Epsom on 25 August 1914 into the RFA. He stated that he was aged 19 years and 1 month, and that he worked as a labourer. He was 5 feet 7½ inches tall, weighed 134 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36½ inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He had a sallow complexion, and dark brown eyes and hair.
William's service record has not survived, and as I have been unable to find a medal card for him, I suspect that he served only in the UK. William died in the Northampton War Hospital, Upton, aged 21. His body was returned to Epsom and he was buried in plot A 309, Epsom cemetery.
On 24 January 1940, his niece, Gwendoline Rose Matthews (daughter of brother Harry), a 17 year old domestic servant, who had died at Epsom County Hospital, was buried in the same grave space, as was William's father Frederick George, who died on 5 July 1955 aged 88.
EP CC
MAUVAN William Ernest, Corporal
1/5th Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt.Killed in Action 9 August 1915, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
1/5th Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regt. Killed at Gallipoli on 9 August 1915. Listed on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
MAYNARD William John, Sergeant. 8278.
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.Killed in Action 20-26 October 1914, aged 35.
Photograph of William left at the Ashley Road War Memorial
Image courtesy of Hazel Ballan © 2009
William John Maynard was born in 1879 in Lockerley, Hampshire (GRO reference: Sep 1879 Romsey 2c 85) the only son of William James and Mary Anne Maynard (nee Anthony). His father, a schoolteacher, was born in 1834 in Loughton Essex and his mother in 1840 in St Mary's Paddington. They were married in 1864, in the Kensington registration district.
William had eight sisters, Mary Gertrude born 1867, Isabella Ann born 1868, Rachel Harriet born in Guildford 1870 but died in Lockerley in 1871, Maria Ellen 1871, Harriet Rachel born 1873, Margaret Emily born 1875, Charlotte Catherine born 1877 and Ellen Louisa born 1884.
In the 1881 census the family lived in the School House in Butts Green, Lockerley, where William's father was the master of the Endowed school and his mother was the schoolmistress. The two older sisters, Mary and Isabella, were recorded as being born in Ewhurst Surrey, while the rest of the family as being born in the village of Lockerley.
At some point during the next ten years it appears that the family moved to Salisbury, Wiltshire, as that is the birthplace of the youngest sister Ellen Louisa. However, the Lockerley school records show that William's father remained as a master at the school.
In the 1891 census the family are recorded as living in Hucking, Kent, again in the schoolhouse where both parents taught. The older sisters Mary, Isabella, and Maria are not recorded as living there. Margaret Emily has been mis-recorded as 'Mary E' and William John as 'William F'.
William attested into the Grenadier Guards on 21 September 1899. He gave his age as 20 years and 3 months, his trade or calling as a grocer, and that he had served a 4 year apprenticeship with Mr. Dyer at 107, High Street, Winchester. He also stated that he had been rejected by the Household Cavalry for being under height.
He was medically examined at Hounslow on 21 September 1899, when it was noted that he was 5 feet 10½ inches tall, weighed 136 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches expanding to 38 inches. His eyes were blue, hair was brown, and he had a fresh complexion. He had a scar on the left side of his neck, and 2 stains on his right cheek. His religion was Church of England.
William's 'Military History Sheet' shows that between 21 September 1899 and 3 October 1914 (a period of 15 years and 13 days) he did not serve overseas but remained at 'Home'. He joined the expeditionary force on 4 October 1914, and was killed shortly afterwards on 7 November 1914. His parents lived at 43, Hyde Abbey Road, Winchester. Information from William's service papers:
| 14 December 1899 | 3rd Class Certificate of education |
| 19 December 1900 | 2nd Class Certificate of education |
| 13 February 1901 | Appointed Lance Corporal |
| 21 September 1901 | Granted Good Conduct pay at 1p per day |
| 25 March 1902 | 1st Class Certificate of education |
| 13 July 1902 | Promoted Corporal |
| 13 July 1902 | Appointed Lance Sergeant |
| 26 June 1903 | Passed classes of instruction for promotion to Corporal |
| 01 April 1904 | Granted Service Pay at ?d per day |
| 21 September 1904 | Granted Service Pay at 7d per day |
| 06 November 1904 | Received pay of appointment to Lance Sergeant |
| 29 December 1905 | Extended service to complete 8 years with the colours |
| 10 September 1906 | Extended service to complete 12 years with the colours |
| 04 March 1909 | Promoted Sergeant |
| 27 October 1913 | Passed classes of instruction for promotion to Sergeant |
| 25 April 1907 | Passed classes of instruction on Chiropody |
| March 1908 | Received Acting Schoolmaster's Certificate |
| 06 July 1909 | Passed Hythe Musketry course |
| 27 July 1910 | Re-engaged for the Grenadier Guards at London for such term as shall complete 21 years service |
| 05 July 1915 | Widows Pension 19/6 per week |
| 07 November 1914 | Killed in action near Ypres Belgium |
William and Anne
Image Courtesy of Alec Maynard © 2009
On 6 May 1909, William John Maynard, a bachelor aged 29, married Annie Hartridge in her local church, Christ Church Epsom Surrey (GRO: Jun 1909 Epsom 2a 33). William's occupation was recorded as being a Soldier, ranked as Sergeant, living at Blenheim Barracks Aldershot and his father being William James Maynard, schoolteacher. Annie was recorded as being a '29 year old' spinster living at 33 Horton Hill Terrace, Temple Road Epsom Surrey. However Annie, aged then 16 with a birth year of 1884, appeared in the 1901 census as living with her family in 3 Horton Hill Terrace Temple Road Epsom Surrey. This would make her age at marriage 25. Her father was recorded as being William Francis Hartridge, gardener. The witness to the marriage were E. O'Connor and E.J Hartridge. William and Annie had three children:
William Francis Cecil Maynard
Born: 21 Sept 1910, birth registered at St George Hanover Square.
Married: Elizabeth G Pugh in 1931 in Epsom.
Died: 6 Feb 1967 Epsom.
Frederick Ernest George Maynard
Born: 13 Oct 1911 birth registered at St George Hanover Square.
Frederick was baptised in St Barnabas church in Temple Road, Epsom on 14 January 1912. William was shown as a Sergeant in the Grenadier Guards, living at I.3. Chelsea barracks.
Married: Olive May
Died: Jan 1995 Surrey
Evelyn Cecily Maynard
Born: 1915 Epsom, mother Hartridge.
Died: aged 3 months. She was buried in the Ashley Road Cemetery Epsom, in plot B225, on 26 June 1915. The family lived at 38 Horton Hill Epsom.
In the 1911 census William was a 31 year old, married Grenadier Guards Sergeant in barracks at Caterham. Annie aged 26 and the infant William are also shown as living at Caterham, presumably in married quarters.
The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards were in the 20th Brigade, 7th Division, which disembarked at Zeebrugge on 7 October 1914, and was destined to suffer many casualties fighting in what came to be known as the First Battle of Ypres, and officially ran from 19 October 1914 to 22 November 1914.
At this phase of the war the opposing armies faced each other in a more or less continuous line from the North Sea to the Swiss border. However, there was not yet a complete line of continuous trenches along the whole front. There were gaps in the trench line which in some places could be as wide as 400 yards. The front was beginning to settle down, but around Ypres the front was still somewhat fluid. The Allies were trying to push east, whilst the Germans were desperate to capture Ypres, which was the last major town in Belgium they had not yet overrun.
Ypres Salient
Click image to enlarge
Ypres had greater symbolic importance than military importance. The Germans wanted badly to capture it, but the Allies were equally determined that it should remain in Allied hands. The first battle of Ypres was not just fought between the British and the Germans. Belgian and French Armies also held ground around the Ypres Salient. Each side was hoping for a breakthrough, but stalemate was the result.
On 18 October 1914 the 7th Division was ordered to take Menin, and by the next day had reached Gheluvelt, six miles from Menin but was halted by heavy artillery fire, and then forced to retire to their starting point.
Around this period in the war the ability of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) to fly over enemy trenches and report on troop movements became important because the ever increasing trench lines made it impossible for foot patrols to penetrate for reconnaissance purposes. Also at this period a severe shortage of artillery shells caused some batteries to cease firing as they had run out of ammunition.
The following is taken from the war diary of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards:
Monday 19 October 1914. The Battalion moved to Kruseik with the view of attacking the enemy about Geluwe. When the Battalion deployed, orders were given to us to retire and occupy trenches made by the Scots Guards and much work was put into these trenches in the afternoon. At dark however the 21st Brigade withdrew and the CO obtained leave to draw back his line to some support trenches nearly a kilometre in rear the line then ran from the south slope of the ridge on which Kruseik stands to the cross roads to Menin and Werwick a distance of 1,500 yards. The trenches were originally support trenches and not sited either with the view of field of fire or with the view of forming a link in a defensive position. By day the position was held by 2 companies and at night the 4 companies went out on the ridge. By day 2 companies were in support below the crest in trenches in rear of the left centre which seemed to the CO to be the most dangerous flank.
Tuesday 20 October 1914. The work of entrenching was continued during the morning and at midday the attack on the
That's how the diary ends. However on 30 November 1916 Major G Rash, in response to the War Office, wrote:
The period from 20 October to November 6 1914 was occupied in continuous fighting during which the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was very heavily engaged. It was not possible at that time to keep a diary.
After the Battalion was withdrawn to METEREN I believe the diary was made up. The information at present in the diary was entered by the then Commanding Officer Lt Col M Eaile DSO and myself as Adjutant sometime after the end of October 1914.
I could complete the Diary myself up to Nov 6 or thereabouts had I the correct dates and my rough notes which are now in England.
The fighting had been so continuous and desperate that it had not been possible to keep a War Diary. William was reported killed between 20 and 26 October 1914. The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards lost another 78 men killed during the same period.
William's inscription on the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
He is commemorated on Panel 57 of the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing.
On 15 November 1919 William's widow Annie, signed to acknowledge that she had received 1914 star and clasp that had been granted to William. But it was not until 7 June 1921 that she signed to acknowledge receipt of his British War medal and Victory medal.
We are very grateful for the additional information supplied by members of William's family.
EP
MEREDITH Eric Dunfee, 2nd Lieutenant
32nd Bn, (City of London) Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 7 October 1916, aged 20
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
32nd Bn, (City of London) Royal Fusiliers. Killed on the Somme on 7 October 1916. Listed on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Aged 20 years. Son of Howard Walter and Blanche Meredith, Putney, London. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
MIDDLETON Alfred, Private. G/17851.
'D' Company 6th Battalion Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment).Killed in Action 17 July 1917, aged 27.
Alfred's inscription on the Arras memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Alfred Middleton was born in 1889 (GRO reference: Sep 1889 Reigate 2a 183) to Joseph and Eliza Middleton (nee Geal). Alfred's parents were married in 1874 in the Edmonton registration district.
In the 1881 census before Alfred was born the family lived at the Stables, Lowfield House, Charlwood, Surrey. Alfred's father was a 28 year old coachman and his mother was a 29 year old coachman's wife. He had 3 siblings, Caroline aged 5, George aged 3 and William aged 1.
I have been unable to find them in the 1891 census, but in 1901 they were living at 2, Ashley Cottage, Epsom. Father Joseph was a coachman, and brothers George and William were both grooms. Three more siblings had arrived, Isabelle aged 17, Walter aged 15 also a groom, and John aged 8.
On 10 January 1911 Alfred married Ethel Louisa Matthews, and by the time the 1911 census was taken they were living as lodgers with Charles Whittle at 46, East Street, Epsom. Alfred was working as a gardener. The family lived at 1 Maidstone Terrace, Wyeth's Road, Epsom. Joseph, now 58 was still working as a coachman, whilst brother Walter was a motor car driver and John was a poultry man.
Alfred and Ethel had three children, George Alfred born 1911, William Joseph born 1913 and Ethel Lilian born 1915.
Alfred attested in Kingston on 16 May 1916 and was placed on the Army reserve. His declared age was 27 and he worked as a gardener. He was 5 feet 7½ inches tall, weighed 130 lbs, had a chest measurement of 36½ inches with an expansion of 3 inches. His physical development was good, although the sight in his right eye was only rated at 6/12. He had scars on both knees, and defective upper molars. His religion was C of E, and he lived at 2, Stones Cottages, Linton's Lane, Epsom.
He was mobilised on 19 June 1916 and posted to the 27th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, a reserve battalion. On 1 September the 27th Royal Fusiliers converted into the 103rd Training Reserve Battalion, and Alfred went with it. Then on 3 October he was posted to the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, and on 6 October he embarked for France.
The 6th Queen's Own were in the 37 Brigade, 12 Division, and on 17 July 1917 they were ordered to take back from the enemy a short section of the front line called 'Long Trench', about a mile east of Monchy Le Preux, near Arras. This action was not part of one of the big major battles, but just a small engagement to wrest a piece of trench from the enemy. This sort of aggressive action was demanded by British Generals, to keep the offensive spirit going at all times. Taking back this small piece of trench cost the lives of 34 men from the 6th Queen's, including Alfred, killed in action.
Alfred has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras memorial to the missing, along with 34,784 of his comrades.
The St. Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that "ALFRED MIDDLETON, was killed in action in France on 17th July 1917"
Alfred was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal. His wife signed a receipt for them on 6 October 1921.
EP SM
MIDGLEY J.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
MILES Albert, Private. L/6211.
2nd Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).Killed in Action 29 September 1915, aged 38.
Albert's inscription on Panel 18 of the Loos Memorial
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Albert Miles was born in Wiltshire 1877 (GRO reference: Sep 1877 Highworth 2a 12) to James and Elizabeth Miles (nee Gorton).
In the 1881 census the family lived at West End, Bishopstone, Wiltshire. Albert's father James was a 30 year old agricultural labourer, his mother Elizabeth was 29. He had three siblings, Beatrice aged 5, Albert aged 3, Mary aged 1 and a son born on 3 April 1881, who would later be named John. Also with the family was Elizabeth's 14 year old sister Ellen Gorton (Garton on the census form).
In 1891 they were living in the same place and Albert's father was still working on the farm. There were four more siblings for Albert, Edith aged 8, William aged 5, Rose aged 3 and Percy aged 10 months. Also living with them was Albert's half brother, 19 year old John Gorton. He was probably the illegitimate son of Elizabeth Gorton before she married James Miles.
By 1901 the family were still living in the same place and James still worked on the farm but now working with cattle. Albert, who would have been 23 was no longer living with his parents, and I could not find him in the census. I suspect that he had joined the Army, but as his service papers have not survived I cannot prove it.
There is a marriage recorded in Epsom in the March 1908 quarter between an Albert Miles and May Powell, and a birth in Epsom in the December 1912 quarter of a Norman AS Miles, mother Powell.
The Soldiers Died CD states that Albert enlisted in London but that he lived in Epsom. His medal card tells us that he won the 1914 star and clasp, and that he went to France on 7 September 1914. He was therefore at the age of 37, one of the original BEF, an 'Old Contemptible', and a Regular Army soldier. Albert's name appears on the Roll of Honour in Epsom Sorting Office, East Street, so he must have worked for the General Post Office before the war. I suspect that he had been a Regular soldier and having served his time was on the reserve when war broke out. About a third of the original BEF were reservists.
The 2nd Buffs were in the 85th Brigade, 28th Division, and on the 28 October at 9-30am were to assault the Dump of Fosse 8, after a fifteen minute artillery bombardment, a small action in the battle of Loos. They had difficulty in reaching the starting point for two reasons. First the trenches were congested with the dead, and with wounded troops waiting to be relieved. Secondly, part of the proposed start point was still in enemy hands. Whilst forming up, several casualties were sustained from shellfire. When the attack did commence it was greeted with the fire from at least eleven machine guns, firing from the miner's cottages and Slag Alley. Cheering men from B and C Companies gained the edge of the Dump and clambered up the 30 foot high crumbling slopes to gain the summit. The Dump was then plastered with shells of all descriptions from our own guns as well as enemy guns, and the attack was broken.
Hohenzollern Redoubt and Dump
Click image to enlarge
After crossing the large expanse of the Dump summit, an attempt was made to reach the enemy at the foot, but it was hopeless and those who had made the attempt were shot or grenaded. The survivors reformed and returned to the original trenches leaving over a hundred men killed or wounded on the Dump.
The guns now stopped firing and bomb fighting commenced. Barricades had to be built to keep the enemy in check. Slag Alley was held by the enemy but A Company drove them back and accounted for about fifty. At this time German hand grenades were far superior to British hand grenades, the very good Mills bomb was yet to be perfected. British grenades had to be lit with a match or lighted cigarette, so were susceptible to damp conditions.
On the 28 October 1915, 135 men from the 2nd Buffs were killed including Albert, who is commemorated on Panel 18 of the Loos Memorial.
Albert was awarded the 1914 star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP CC ESO
MILES John Robert, Private. 538.
7th Battalion East Surrey Regiment.Killed in Action 21 December 1915, aged 24.
John's headstone in Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
John Robert Miles was born in Kent in 1891 (GRO reference: Mar 1891 Malling 2a 608) to John Robert and Minnie Marie Miles (nee Pointer).
In the 1891 census the family lived at West Malling, Kent. John Robert was 2 months old, and his father, also named John Robert was a 26 year old farm waggoner. His mother Minnie was also 26, and he had a brother Alfred aged 3.
In 1901 they lived in Offham Lane, Malling, Kent. John Robert senior was now described as a farm manager, but was still a worker. John had two more siblings, Lilly aged 6 and George aged 3. George would also serve in the war.
Three more children were born to the Miles family, Edward Cecil born 1901, Leonard born 1904 and Ivy Minnie born 1908. John did not marry.
The 1911 census shows the family still living in West Malling, Kent. John's father was working as a farm bailiff and John himself was a domestic gardener. His mother stated that she had given birth to 8 children and that 7 were still living.
John was one of the first to volunteer, attesting in Epsom on 28 August 1914. His age was stated as 23 years and 8 months. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 135 lbs, had a chest measurement of 35 inches with an expansion of 2 inches, a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. His physical development was described as good, and he had perfect vision. He gave his occupation as gardener, and although I can find no evidence, I suspect that this was his link to Epsom, working as a gardener in one of the many big houses in Epsom at that time.
Although badly burnt, John's service papers survived the blitz. He spent his first 9 months in the Army training, and was shipped to France on 1 June 1915, his Battalion being part of 37th Brigade, 12th Division. He would have seen action in the later stages of the battle of Loos, which he apparently came through unscathed, only to be hospitalised on 20 November 1915 with influenza. After spending some time in the 5th General hospital at Rouen he was discharged to duty and rejoined his Battalion on 18 December 1915. John was to live only three more days, being killed in action on 21 December. The Battalion was holding the line near Festubert in what was deemed to be a quiet area. The East Surrey History for December 1915, states:
The month had been a very quite one and casualties slight: 4 other ranks killed and six wounded.
John was one of the four killed, probably by shellfire or sniping. In due course his belongings, medals, plaque and scroll were sent to his father at Fatherwell Cottages, West Malling, Kent.
He was awarded the 1915 star, the British War medal and the Victory medal.
John is buried in plot V A 8, Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue. This however, was not his first grave, after the war when the battlefields were restored, his body was exhumed and reburied at Pont-Du-Hem.
EP EB
MILNES Dennis, Able Seaman. London Z/1720.
Hawke Battalion Royal Naval Division, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve.Killed in Action 8 May 1917 aged 20.
Able Seaman Dennis Milnes's inscription on the Arras Memorial.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
Bernard Dennis C Milnes was born at Portsmouth on 8 April 1897 (GRO reference: Jun 1897 Portsea 2b 491) to Alfred and Hannah Milnes (nee Bowman).
In the 1901 census the family lived at 94, St Stephens Road, East Ham. Dennis's father Alfred was a 49 year old steam engine maker. I could not find his mother in the 1901 census. From the 1890 and 1901 censuses he had 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
Dennis was not a member of the Ewell school boys association in 1913, but an L Milnes of 'Tregenna' Heatherside, was, possible his brother Leslie (born 1890).
Dennis' service history tells us he enlisted on 11 May 1915, and was on a draft for MEF on 9 September 1915, joining Hawke Battalion Royal Naval Division. The service history also tells us a little about his medical history. He was away from the battalion suffering at one time from indigestion and another time from impetigo.
Alfred's next of kin was his father, and his home address was Tregenna, Heatherside Road, Ewell. Before the war Dennis had been a clerk.
Hawke battalion was in the 189 brigade 63 (Royal Naval) division. The division fought in the Battle of Arras (9 April to 15 May 1917). Their phase of the battle was the Battle of Arleux (28/29 April).
Dennis died on 8 May 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras memorial Bay 1.
The June 1917 edition of the Ewell Parish magazine reported with deep sorrow the loss of another of the All Saints choir boys, Dennis Milnes.
BH EW ES AS
MOORCROFT Frederick John, Airman 1st Class 13076.
42nd Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.Died 3 August 1917, aged 20.
Fredrick Moorcroft
Image courtesy of the Moorcroft family © 2009
Frederick John Moorcroft was born in 1896, (GRO reference: Dec 1896 Epsom 2a 21) the son of Richard Knight and Agnes Lydia Moorcroft (nee Lee). Richard Knight Moorcroft and Agnes Lydia Lee, were married in 1874 in the St Olave registration district.
At the time of the 1881 census, before Frederick was born, the family were living at 113, Falmouth Road, Newington. Frederick's father was a 27 year old coal merchant's clerk. His mother was 25. There were two older sisters Agnes Lydia born in 1878 and Alice Mary born in 1880. Agnes Lydia died in 1931 aged 52, and is buried in plot A246A, Epsom cemetery. Alice Mary died in 1916 aged 36, and is buried in plot A122A, Epsom cemetery.
The Moorcroft Family c.1896
Image courtesy of the Moorcroft family © 2009
Between 1885 and 1886 the family moved to Woodbine Cottage, Station Road, Epsom. The 1891 census shows that Frederick had gained five more siblings, Susannah Elizabeth born 1882, Richard Knight born 1884, Lydia Kate born 1886, Maud Lucy born 1889 and George Augustus born 1890. Richard Knight died in 1919 aged 34 and is buried in plot A122A, Epsom cemetery. Maud Lucy died aged 6 in 1895, and is buried in plot A122A, Epsom cemetery. Frederick's father was a 37 year old commercial traveller. Another sibling Mary, was born in 1893, but died aged just 2 in 1896.
No. 6 Mill Road
Image courtesy of the Moorcroft family © 2009
In the 1901 census Frederick John, now aged 4, was living with his parents at 'Farmhurst' Mill Road, Epsom, Surrey, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Martin, with his older siblings Agnes aged 22, Alice 20, Susannah 18, Richard 16, Lydia 14 and 10 year old George. His father's occupation was noted again as commercial traveller and his brother Richard as a commercial clerk. (Frederick's father died in 1925 in Epsom Surrey).
The 1911 census shows the family still living at 'Farmhurst', Mill Road, Epsom, and Frederick's father was still working as a coal trade traveller. Brother Richard also worked in the coal trade, whilst George was a miller's assistant, and Frederick himself was a 14 year old schoolboy. Sisters Agnes and Alice were still at home.
A 'Frederick John Moorcroft' appears on the Lloyds war memorial (Opens in a new window) in London but it is unconfirmed that he and 'our' Frederick are one and the same person, but no other 'Frederick John Moorcroft' is shown in free BMD between 1860 and 1900. 'By June 1916, before the introduction of compulsory service, 2,485 men from Lloyd's had undertaken military service. On 2 July 2008, Lloyd's commemorated the members of Lloyd's who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars with the unveiling of a two new War Memorials. The unveiling took place outside the original Lloyd's 1928 frontage on Leadenhall Street at 11am. The War Memorials are a tribute, not only to those brave men who lost their lives, but also to every man and woman who contributed to the protection of Lloyd's, and the surrounding areas, during both wars.'
Frederick was an Airman 1st Class with 42 squadron RFC. 42 squadron was formed in February 1916 at Netheravon with crews from 19 squadron and was equipped with BE2D and BE2D planes. In April 1916 it moved to Filton, and on 8 August 1916 was deployed to St Omer. In April 1917 a detachment was sent to Abeele, Belhium, and reequipped with RE8s, which were mainly used for reconnaissance sorties, spotting for the artillery and taking aerial photographs.
Frederick's service record has not survived, but as a first class airman would have presumably been working behind the lines at Abbele airfield, so may have been killed by shelling
Frederick, was killed in action on 3 August 1917 and is buried in the Maple Leaf Cemetery, Romarin, Neuve Eglise, Belgium.
Frederick's headstone in the Maple Leaf Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
The Epsom Advertiser dated 17 August 1917 published the following:
AN EPSOM AIRMAN'S DEATH. First Air Mechanic Frederick John Moorcroft. R.F.C., who met his death on active service on August 3rd, aged 21, was the youngest son of Mr. R.K. Moorcroft, Mill-road, Epsom.
He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
Front of Fredericks's medal card.
Image courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk (Link opens in a new window)
Copyright 2008, The Generations Network, Inc. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
From the CWGC: Son of Mr. R.K. and Mrs. A.L. Moorcroft, of "Farmhurst", 6, Mill Road, Epsom.
The St Martin's roll of honour states: FREDERICK JOHN MOORCROFT was killed in action in France on 3 August 1917.
EP SM.
MORLEY Charles James, Private
3rd Bn, Worcestershire Regt.Killed in Action 16 September 1914, aged 26
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
3rd Bn, Worcestershire Regt. Killed in France on 16 September 1914. Listed on the La Ferté-sous-Jouarre Memorial, France. Aged 26 years. Son of Henry James and Elizabeth Morley, Epsom. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom, and Long Grove Hospital Memorials)
MORLEY P.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
MOTH Ernest Solomon, Rifleman. 2658.
3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade.Died of wounds 25 Oct 1914, aged 24.
Ernest's headsone in the Boulogne East cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Ernest Solomon Moth was born on 22 February 1890 (GRO reference: Jun 1890 Camberwell 1d 71) to Charles and Elizabeth Esther Moth, (nee Garrood). His parents had married in 1884.
| NAME | BORN | NOTES |
| Mabel Laura | December quarter 1884 Camberwell | Died March quarter 1885 |
| Charles William | December quarter 1885 Camberwell | |
| Elizabeth Caroline | December quarter 1887 Camberwell | |
| Ernest Solomon | June quarter 1890 Camberwell | Died 25 October 1914 |
| Laura Sarah | March quarter 1892 Havant | |
| John Christopher | September quarter 1893 Havant | |
| Leonard Francis | June December quarter 1895 Havant | |
| Nelson Ronald | September quarter 1900 Havant | |
| Ivy Mary | December quarter 1902 Havant | Died December quarter 1902 |
| Victor Dudley | December quarter 1904 Havant | Died June quarter 1905 |
| Gordon Frederick | September quarter 1906 Havant | Died September quarter 1906 |
| Norman Henry | September quarter 1908 Havant |
In 1891 Charles and Elizabeth were living in Warblington Row, Warblington Hampshire. Charles was a 27 year old parchment maker. His wife, Elizabeth, was 26 and they had three children: Charles William aged 5, Elizabeth Caroline aged 3 and Ernest Solomon aged 1.
By 1901 census the family had moved to Main Road, Bedhampton, Havant Hampshire. Charles, 37, was still a parchment maker, Elizabeth was 36, Charles junior, aged 15, was an apprentice parchment maker. Four more siblings had arrived Laura Sarah aged 9, John Christopher aged 7, Leonard Francis aged 6 and Nelson Ronald aged 7 months . Judging from the registration districts of the children, the family moved from Camberwell to Hampshire sometime between 1890 and 1892. William Fryatt, 18, Charles's nephew was also living with the family and was bricklayer's labourer.
In 1911 they lived at 12, Brockhampton Lane, Havant. Charles was still making parchment, whilst John and Leonard were both shop boys. Four more siblings had been born but three had died before their first birthday, but brother Norman Henry born in 1908 had survived. Solomon's mother Elizabeth stated she had given birth to 12 children and that 8 were still living.
Ernest first enlisted on 3 February 1908, at the age of 17 years and 11 months, at 19, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, into the 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade. The officer who recruited him, Captain Faith, recommended him with the statement "Smart and likely recruit. I have seen his birth certificate. 18 years of age on Feb 22nd 1908". Ernest was 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 103lbs, and had a chest measurement of 34 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He had a fresh complexion, brown hair, brown eyes, a mole on his right cheek, a small scar on his left elbow, and his religion was Church of England.
Although he had signed on for seven years, by mutual agreement Ernest served just over five years before transferring to the reserve, on 7 March 1913. His five years were relatively uneventful. He gained a good conduct badge on 6 February 1910, but forfeited it on 15 July 1910, and received 10 days confined to barracks. His offence was twofold, i. "Neglect of duty when on sentry. (Not responding to the N.C.O. at 4am). ii. Found in an officers tent at 5am. His good conduct badge was reinstated on 15 July 1911. In February 1911 he was inoculated against typhoid.
The papers detailing his transfer to the reserve state that his conduct was very good, he was steady and sober, and was to be a labourer in civil life. It was noted that his certificate of education was 3rd class, and that he was a marksman. He was serving at Tipperary, Ireland at the time, and gave his intended address as 15, Church Lane, Ealing. He had grown a bit and was now 5 feet 9 inches tall. Mention is made on the papers to the Superintendent, Horton Asylum, Epsom, and as he appears on the staff 'Roll of Honour 1914-1919 Horton Mental Hospital Epsom' memorial he must have worked there albeit for only a short time.
It was only 17 months from Ernest's return to civil life to the outbreak of war, and he was recalled to the colours very quickly, serving again in his old Battalion, the 3rd Rifle Brigade, which on the outbreak of war was placed in the 17th Brigade, 6th Division. The 3rd Rifle Brigade had been quartered in Ireland but was ordered, with the rest of the 17th Division to concentrate near Cambridge. By early September the Division was fully equipped and trained, and on the 10 September 1914, it landed at St Nazaire and proceeded to the Western Front, where it became embroiled in the 'Race to the Sea'. The process whereby each army tried to outflank the other, dug trenches, and formed the 400 or so mile long Western Front. By the 11 October 1914 the Division was in the area around Bailleul and Armentières. Between 13 October and 22 October the 3rd Rifle Brigade lost 78 men, 67 killed in action and 11 dieing of wounds. The majority of these have no known graves, and are commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial to the missing. Most of the men commemorated at Ploegsteert were killed in the course of the day-to-day trench warfare which characterised this part of the line, sniping, shelling or in small scale set engagements.
On 19 October 1914 Ernest Solomon Moth received a shrapnel wound to his scalp. He was evacuated by the 17 Field Ambulance to No. 7 Stationery Hospital, Boulogne, France. He did not recover and died of his wounds on 25 October 1914 and is buried in Boulogne East cemetery plot III A 8. The CWGC records his parents as living at 3 Negus Cottages, Mitcham Junction, Surrey.
Ernest's effects (not listed) were duly passed to his father Charles Moth at 3, Negus Cottages. Later between 1919 and 1921 his scroll, memorial plaque, 1914 star with clasp, British War medal and Victory medal were sent to his next of kin.
EP HWH
MUSPRATT Alfred George, Private. 85138.
Royal Army Medical Corps.Died 9 May 1919, aged 21
Private Alfred Muspratt's headstome in St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
Alfred George Muspratt was born in 1898 (GRO reference: Mar 1898 Westhampnett 2b 361) to Charles and Flora Muspratt (nee Humphrey).
In the 1901 census the family lived Fitznell Cottages. Alfred's father was a 43 year old domestic gardener. His mother Flora was 36, and he had five siblings William aged 13, Flora aged 11, Frederick aged 9, Mary aged 7 and Dora aged 5.
Alfred died on 9th May 1919 and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Ewell, SE part of old ground. In addition to being buried in the churchyard he is also commemorated on the memorial a few yards away.
Fighting in the Great War had ceased on all fronts at 11am on the 11 November 1918 (except against the Bolshevik Russians), although technically the war with Germany did not end until 28th June 1919. Alfred may have died of wounds, but quite possibly he was a victim of the great flu epidemic that killed many millions worldwide around that time.
SM (Buried St Mary's).
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