War Memorials - Surnames P
Index
Click on the name to jump to the relevant entryPAGE, L.A.
PAIN, H
PALMER, John Edward (Updated 27/06/2010)
PALMER, Thomas (Updated 27/06/2010)
PARKER, Albert Edward
PARKER, Fredrick
PASKELL, William (Updated 27/06/2010)
PAYNE, Ernest Victor.
PEARCE, Arthur William
PEARCE, Ernest John
PEARSON, Frederick Oliver
PENFOLD, Benjamin Thomas
PENFOLD, George
PENSON, Henry Lowe (Updated 16/01/2010)
PERKINS, Frank
PETCHEY, James William
PETERS, James Edward
PETERS, Walter
PINK, J
PIPER, Charles Arthur Matthews
PLOWMAN, F.J
PLUME, Frederick (Updated 27/06/2010)
PLUMRIDGE, Walter Joseph
POPLETT, William Henry
PORTT, George Sidney
POWELL, Edmond (Revised 17/02/2009)
POWLEY, Edward Gwinn (Updated 17/06/2010)
PRATTENTON, B
PRICE, F
PRIMROSE, Hon. Neil James Archibald (New 17/03/2009)
PRIOR, William James
PROCTOR, William John
PULLINGER. W.G
PYE, William,
If you are looking for someone whose name starts with a different letter please try:
Content
PAGE L.A.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PAIN H.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PALMER John Edward, Gunner. 338418.
Royal Garrison Artillery. 286 Siege Battery.Killed in Action 27 May 1918, aged 37.
John Edward Palmer was born at Walton on the Hill in 1881 (GRO reference: Mar 1881 Reigate 2a 166) to John and Jane Palmer (nee Penfold). He was to be the first of 10 children.
In the 1881 census the family lived at Tadworth Street, Banstead. John's father, also John, was a 21 year old bricklayer's labourer. His mother, Jane, was aged 19.
By the 1891 census the family had moved to Baker Street, Banstead, and John's father was a general labourer. John had four siblings: Thomas aged 9 (also killed in action in the Great War and commemorated on the Ashley Road memorial), Nellie aged 6, George aged 4 and Emma aged 2.
In 1901 they lived in Meadow Walk, Walton on the Hill. There were five more siblings: Frederic aged 10, William aged 7, Kate aged 5, Bertha aged 2 and baby Ella who was 7 months old . John was a house painter as was his father and brother George.
John married Ethel Louisa Ratcliffe on 19 June 1909 (GRO reference: Jun 1909 Epsom 2a 30). They had at least one child, Eric Edward registered in the March 1911 quarter in Reigate.
In the 1911 census the family lived at Boxted Cottage, Meadow Walk, Walton on the Hill, Surrey. John was working as a race horse reporter for the Epsom Grandstand Association.
The Surrey recruitment register does not show when or where John attested, but it does state that he was 35 years and 5 months old, so he would have attested towards the end of 1916. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 176lbs, and had a chest measurement of 42 inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He was born at Walton-on-the-Hill, and lived at North Lane, Epsom (probably North Looe), His occupation is stated as foreman, probably of painters.
John, a Gunner in the 286 Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, was killed in action on 27 May 1918, and is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial to the missing. The Soissons memorial commemorates almost 4,000 men who have no known graves, who fell during the 1918 battles of the Aisne and Marne. Up to the 27 May 1918 this had been a quiet sector held by the French. Five British Divisions of the IX Corps had been sent there to 'rest and refit'. They occupied the eastern sector of the Chemin des Dames. On 27 May 1918 the Germans launched an offensive that pushed the British back across the river Aisne as far as the river Marne.
As stated above John's brother Thomas was also killed in the war. The St Martins Church Roll of Honour has entries for them both, and to assist understanding of the entries they are both shown below, with John's first:
"JOHN EDWARD PALMER, was reported missing and officially presumed killed in France in May 1918."
"His brother THOMAS PALMER, died of wounds in France on 9th October 1917."
John was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
The CWGC states that he was the son of John and Jane Palmer; husband of Ethel Louisa Palmer, of Beech Cottage, North Looe, Ewell, Epsom.
EP SM
PALMER Thomas, Lance Corporal. G/75082.
16 Battalion Middlesex Regiment.Died of wounds 9 October 1917, aged 35.
Thomas's headstone in the Cement House cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Thomas Palmer was born at Tadworth in 1882 (GRO reference: Dec 1882 Epsom 2a 11) to John and Jane Palmer (nee Penfold). He was to be the second of 10 children.
In the 1881 census before Thomas was born, the family lived in Tadworth Street, Banstead. Thomas' father John was a 21 year old bricklayers labourer, his mother was aged 19, and his brother John Edward was then aged 3 months. John was to die in the Great War and is also commemorated on the Ashley Road memorial.
By the 1891 census the family lived at Baker Street, Banstead, and Thomas' father was a general labourer. Thomas had three more siblings, Nellie aged 6, George aged 4 and Emma aged 2.
In 1901 they lived in Meadow Walk, Walton on the Hill, and Thomas had five more siblings, Frederic aged 10, William aged 7, Kate aged 5, Bertha aged 2 and 7 months old Ella. Thomas was a bricklayer, his brother John a house painter as was his father and brother George.
Thomas married Annie Adams on 7 January 1904 at St. Martin's Church, Epsom.
The 1911 census shows Thomas, his wife Annie and their 5 year old daughter Annie May, all living with wife Annie's mother Ann, a 66 year old widow, at High Street, Epsom.
The birth of Arthur H Palmer was registered in 1915.
Thomas died of wounds on 9 October 1917 during the third battle of Ypres, and is buried in plot I.G.13 Cement House cemetery. The third battle of Ypres, also known as the battle of Passchendaele, started on 31 July 1917 and lasted until 12 November 1917. Third Ypres was not really one single battle but a series of smaller battles along a front of about 20 miles. One of the series of smaller battles was the battle of Poelcapelle which commenced on 9 October. Cement House was the military name given to a fortified farm building, and it is likely that Thomas, wounded during the battle, was transported back here to a casualty clearing station. Plot I was used for burials from the end of August 1917 until April 1918. After the war many more graves were concentrated here in 20 other plots from various smaller cemeteries nearby.
Thomas was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
As stated above Thomas' brother John Edward was also killed in the war. The St Martins Church Roll of Honour has entries for them both, and to assist understanding of the entries they are both shown below, with John's first:
"JOHN EDWARD PALMER, was reported missing and officially presumed killed in France in May 1918."
"His brother THOMAS PALMER, died of wounds in France on 9th October 1917."
The CWGC shows that Thomas was the son of John Palmer; husband of Annie Palmer, of 34, High Street, Epsom.
EP SM
PARKER Albert Edward, Driver. 54639.
Royal Field Artillery B Battery 115 BrigadeDied 18 October 1917, aged 21
Albert Edward Parker was born in 1896 (GRO reference: Mar 1896 Epsom 2a 23) to Thomas and Annie Parker (formerly Crawley).
Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece
Driver Parker's stone is in the 2 group on the left, first row sixth from centre
Copyright Image courtesy of Rob Carr 2007
In the 1901 census Albert is shown as 'Bertie'. The family lived at 5 Downs View Cottages, West Ewell (now demolished). Albert's father was a 'Stone Mason', and Bertie had six siblings. The oldest four siblings Rose 15, Thomas 14, George 12 and James 10 all bore the surname of 'Crawley'. There is a marriage recorded between a Thomas Parker and Annie Crawley (GRO reference: Dec 1893 Epsom 2a 24) so it is likely that Annie was a widow. Further evidence is that there is a marriage of a Thomas Crawley and Annie Geale (GRO reference: Jun 1878 Croydon 2a 363). There is also a record of the death, aged 30 of a Thomas Crawley (GROreference: Sep 1891 Epsom 2a 12). So it seems that Annie was a widow with four children when she married Thomas Parker. The birth of their first son, Arthur is registered in Dec 1894 and he was baptised at St Mary's Ewell. Unfortunately he died in 1895. The other siblings shown in the 1901 census were William 2 and Henry 4 months.
Driver Parker's inscription at Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece
Copyright Image courtesy of Rob Carr 2007
Albert enlisted at St Paul's, London E.C., and served in "B" Bty 115th RFA, in Salonika. He died on 18 October 1917 aged 21 and is buried in Karasouli Military Cemetery, Greece, C 451. He is also remembered on the All Saints memorial. Interrogating the 'Soldiers died' CD for Salonika, Albert was the only man from the RFA and RHA to die on 18 October. Additionally, throughout October 1917 20 men from the artillery lost their lives in Salonika, 2 died of wounds, but 18 are shown simply as having died. In the Salonika campaign many more men died from disease than from enemy action. The official book of 'Statistics 1914 - 1920' shows that of the total 9,717 officers and men to lose their lives, 5,367 (55%) were due to disease and causes other than enemy action.
PARKER Frederick, Lance Corporal. PW3004
18 MiddlesexKilled in Action 20 December 1916, aged 36
L/Cpl Parker's headstone at Delville Wood Cemetery
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert
The Soldiers Who Died CD lists a Frederick Parker 18th Middlesex Regiment born in Epsom, who enlisted in Swansea. I can find no entry in the General Register Office indexes for a Frederick Parker born in Epsom from 1865 to 1900, although there is an entry for a Frederick James Parker (GRO reference: Sep 1885 Epsom 2a 9). I suspect Frederick's birth may not have been registered.
The 1881 census has a 1 year old Frederick Parker living in a gypsy caravan, parked in Kingston Lane, Horton. He was born in Epsom, Maldon (Probably Malden Rushett). The head of the family, Henry, was a 31 year old 'Hawker'. Frederick's mother, Viletta, aged 36, was also a 'Hawker', as was his 15 year old sister Alice. He had four other brothers: Henry aged 10, Walter 7, Mark 5 and John 3. It must have been quite cramped with eight people living in a gypsy caravan!
In the 1891 census the family was still living in a caravan but had moved it to Pound Lane, Epsom. By then the head, Henry was no longer a hawker but listed himself as an agricultural labourer. There were four more children: Albert aged 9, William 7, Louise 4 and a baby, Mary, of 8 months. I cannot find Frederick.
In the 1901 census the family is shown as living in Horton Lane, but Frederick, now aged 21, is boarding at 120 Lorraine Court, Miles Road, Epsom, and working as a general labourer.
The 18th Middlesex was attached as pioneers to the 33rd Division. There were no major battles going on when Frederick was killed in action with another soldier from the 18 Middlesex on 20 December 1916. He was 36 years old. The Somme battle had officially ended on 19 November 1916 but minor offensive actions carried on somewhere on the Western Front more or less continuously. Perhaps a trench raid to gather intelligence or an attack to straighten the line or to silence a troublesome machine gun. He is buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, XXV R 1.
The Roll of Honour in the Epsom Observer recorded that the Council had sent letters of sympathy to Mrs. Parker, Mrs Gaunt, Mr J.H. Bridges, Mrs. Ayling and Mr. Warr on the loss of their sons.
PASKELL William, Private. 6957.
1/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment.Killed in Action 3 May 1917, aged 20.
William Paskell
Image courtesy of Peter Collins Sutton Gammar School Archavist
William Paskell was born in 1896 (GRO reference: Dec 1896 St Saviour 1d 76) to William and Mary Anne Paskell (nee Burdin). His parents were married in the 1894 in the West Ham registration district.
In the 1901 census the family lived at 183, Scovell Road, Southwark. William's father was a 29 year old boot maker. His mother was aged 31 and he had two siblings, Ivy aged 2 and Winifred aged 1.
By the 1911 census the family had moved to 1, Miles Road, Epsom, probably after 1903. Two more siblings are recorded, Dorothy aged 9 and Albert aged 7. William's mother Mary stated she had given birth to eight children but that only four were alive in 1911.
William's 'burnt' service records have survived, and the earliest document dated 9 December 1915 is from the Admiralty where William worked as a clerk. It records that William had expressed a desire to join the Army, and that he may attest but he cannot be called up without the consent of the Admiralty.
William, aged 19 attested in Kingston on 10 December 1915 as No. 6957, in the 3/7 Battalion Middlesex Regiment. He was 5 feet 7½ inches tall, weighed 123lbs, had a chest measurement of 34½ inches with an expansion of 3 inches. He had been vaccinated in infancy and had a birthmark on the front of his left thigh. His eyesight was judged to be only 6/9 in his right eye but 6/6 in his left eye. He worked as a civil servant clerk, his religion was C of E, and he lived at 1, Miles Road, Epsom.
On 30 November 1916 William embarked from Folkestone and disembarked at Boulogne the same day. Then on 11 December 1916 he was posted to 1/7 Battalion Middlesex Regiment, 167th Brigade, 56th Division. On 5 January 1917 he was allotted a new regimental number, 202607 and joined his new unit.
Trench map of Cavalry Farm - click image to enlarge
William's battalion fought in the 'Third Battle of the Scarpe' (3 and 4 May), a phase of the Battle of Arras (9 April 1917 to 17 May 1917). They were ordered to attack at 3-40AM, in darkness. The 167th Brigade attacking between Cavalry Farm and Little Copse. The following is an extract from the War Diary for 3 May 1917:
The Battalion attacked in four waves having as their respective objectives (i) TOOL Trench (ii) LANYARD Trench (iii) a line of joined up shell holes beyond it (iv) the high ground behind LANYARD. A platoon of 'A' Coy moved on the left of 2nd wave to deal with SPUR Trench. As soon as the first wave topped the ridge between KNIFE & TOOL trenches it was obvious that the enemy front line had never been adequately dealt with by the artillery & had apparently escaped the barrage as it was full of infantry standing shoulder to shoulder ready for our infantry to come on. In consequence, whilst isolated groups broke into TOOL Trench at certain points & one body got as far as a Support line just behind TOOL Trench the great bulk of the Battalion as soon as it topped the rise was checked by a withering musketry & machine gun fire & pinned down into shell holes from which the men were unable to emerge until after darkness. The attack had unexpectedly been ordered to take place before daylight though arrangements had been made on the assumption it would take place in daylight. In consequence the four assaulting waves in their anxiety not to lose distance & to keep close up to the barrage tended to merge into each other thus causing a certain amount of confusion. At 5-30AM information was received that 1st Londons were back in their own front line and soon afterwards that the Royal Scots on our left were also back. At 7-35AM two Coys 3rd Londons were placed at disposal of O.C. 7th Middx to push home the attack if it was considered possible. These two Coys were removed satisfactorily into KNIFE Trench & SADDLE Trench in case of counter attack as it was not considered possible to drive home the attack. Throughout the day hostile shelling was almost incessant & of extraordinarily heavy volume, such as had never been witnessed by anyone present. Apparently there was either no counter battery work or enemy's batteries had not been properly located. In consequence by mid-day the nerve strain on all ranks was becoming almost unendurable and at 1-20PM the following message was forwarded to Brigade "I request that if possible the Battalion may be relieved early this evening, not only has it suffered heavy casualties but the incessant shelling has shaken it so severely that it is essential that it be taken out as soon as possible". At 6-10PM orders were received from Brigade that 3rd Londons were to take over the front line & support trench with 8th Middx in close support & the Battalion to withdraw to WANCOURT line with Batt. H.Q. at LA FOSSEES FARM & reorganise. At 9-30 PM the handing over was complete.
The Soldiers Died CD tells us that 69 men from 7th Middlesex died that day, including William, whose body was not recovered. Because of this his name appears on the Arras Memorial to the missing.
William's inscription on the Arras Memorial to the missing
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
On 23 November 1917 William's safety razor and blades were forwarded to his father at 1, Miles Road, these apparently the only personal effects to be returned to his next of kin.
In May 1919 William's father completed Army form W. 5080, giving information about living, close relatives. William had not married, but both parents were still living as were his sisters Joy Mary aged 21 and Dorothy Josephine aged 17, and brother Albert aged 16.
William attended Sutton Grammar School. The following is an extract from the school magazine 'The Suttonian':
Was at school from 1909 to 1915. Enlisting under the Derby scheme, he was kept back at his work at the Admiralty until June 1916, when he joined the Middlesex Regiment. Going to France in November last, he took part in the winter operations. His last letter home was dated April 20th, and the only later news is that from the War Office saying he was killed on May 3rd.
The Epsom Advertiser dated 25 May 1917 printed the following:
DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY.- At the Brotherhood meeting on Sunday it was decided to send a letter of sympathy to Mr. W.Paskell (a member of the Tribunal) on the death, killed in action, of his elder son, Pte. W.Paskell. The deceased, who was 20 years of age, was a clerk at the Admiralty when he joined up. When a boy he gained a scholarship at the Council Schools, and for five years attended the Sutton County School.
On 13 September 1921 William's father signed a receipt for his son's British War medal and Victory medal.
He is also remembered on the Sutton Grammar School War Memorial.
EP SGS EB
PAYNE Ernest Victor
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
May have been Gnr, Royal Garrison Artillery. Killed in France or Flanders on 12 September 1917. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PEARCE Arthur William
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
May have been Private, 1st Bn, Royal Berkshire Regt. Killed in Belgium on 13 November 1914. Listed on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium. Aged 28 years. Son of Charles and Elizabeth Pearce, and husband of Rose Anne Vogel (formerly Pearce), West End, Brimpton, Reading. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the Christ Church, Epsom Memorials).
PEARCE Ernest John, Private. 31719.
3rd Battalion BedfordshireDied 19 February 1917, aged 36
Private Pearce's headstone in Watford Cemetery
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert
Ernest John Pearce was born in 1880 (GRO reference: Jun 1880 Epsom 2a 17) to John and Julia Pearce (nee Osborn).
In the 1881 census they lived at West Hill, Epsom. Ernest's father was a Medical Dispenser.
By the 1891 census the family had moved to Green Man Street, Ewell. Ernest's father is still shown as a Medical Dispenser, but Ernest now had three siblings: Edith Louisa M (GRO reference: Jun 1882 Epsom 2a 24), Agnes Hannah (GRO reference: Mar 1884 Epsom 2a 21) and Arthur William (GRO reference: Dec 1885 Epsom 2a 22). Ernest had lost his mother, as his father John is shown as a widower. There is a record of the death of a Julia Pearce in 1885 (GRO reference: Dec 1885 Age 37 Epsom 2a 20). As the birth of Arthur and the death of Julia his mother were both registered in December 1885, I wonder if she died in childbirth?
By the 1901 census Ernest was a lodger at 30 Eton Road, Plumstead working as a '????ing machinist'. His father John was still living in Green Man Street, a retired medical dispenser, and he had remarried to Emma Jane Milk (GRO reference: Jun 1891 St Geo East 1c 541). Emma Jane had been born in Great Massinghan in 1847 (GRO reference: Jun 1847 Freebridge 13 142).
Ernest J Pearce married Lilian Whiley on 1911 (GRO reference: Sep 1911 Watford 3a 1787).They had at least one child, Ella L Pearce (GRO reference: Sep 1914 Watford 3a 1706).
Ernest enlisted in Watford, and at the time of his death he was in the 3rd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. This was a reserve battalion and stayed in the UK throughout the war. Men trained with the battalion would have been sent as drafts to other battalions as required.
Ernest died on 19 February 1917 aged 36 and is buried in Watford Cemetery, plot L 9 703. CWGC states that he was the husband of Lilian Pearce, of 8 Copsewood, Road, Watford.
PEARSON Frederick Oliver, Gunner. 148285.
'D' battery 306 Brigade Royal Field Artillery.Killed in Action 20 September 1918, aged 34.
Gunner Fredrick Pearson's Gravestone in the Estaires Communal Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
Frederick Oliver Pearson was born in 1884 (GRO reference: Jun 1884 Hackney 1b 494) to George James and Harriet Emma Pearson (nee Boon, GRO birth reference: Sep 1851 Braintree 12 16).
In the 1891 census the family lived at 75 Culford Road, Hackney. Frederick's father George, was a 37 year old carman. His mother Harriet was 37 years old. He had 3 siblings Susan aged 10, George aged 8 and James aged 5.
By the 1901 census they had moved to 3, Broadway, Maybury Road, Woking, and Frederick was a 'Butchers boy'.
In 1913 there was a marriage between Frederick O Pearson and Florence E Hurley (GRO reference: Sep 1913 Farnham 2a 263). I have been unable to trace any children of the marriage.
Frederick, aged 30 years 10 months attested at Kingston on 9 February 1915. He was a driver with the Royal Field Artillery. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed 157 lbs and had a chest measurement of 39 inches with an expansion of 6 inches. He is shown as living at 15 West Street, Ewell, having been born at Kingsland (Hackney).
The CWGC states that he was with 'D' Battery 306 Brigade Royal Field Artillery. 306 Brigade Royal Field Artillery was in the 61 Division.
Frederick was killed in action on 20 September 1918 and is buried in Estaires Communal Cemetery, II P 7.
BH EW
PENFOLD Benjamin Thomas, Private. 10485.
2nd Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment).Killed in Action 13 September 1915 aged 22.
Private Benjamin Penfold's Gravestone in the Vermelles British Cemetery, Loos
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Benjamin Thomas Penfold was born in Leatherhead in 1893 (GRO reference: Mar 1893 Epsom 2a 27) to Henry and Harriett Penfold (nee Kemp).
In the 1881 census the family lived in a cottage on Downside Farm, Cobham. Benjamin's father Henry was a 29 year old farm labourer, his mother Harriett was 26 and he had three siblings, Henry aged 5, Annie M. aged 4 and Emily Jane aged 1. They also had a lodger staying with them, 80 year old farm labourer Henry Witton.
By the 1891 census the family lived at Moleside, Dorking, and Henry was now working as a shepherd. Benjamin, still yet to be born had another 6 siblings, William aged 8, Frederick aged 6, Albert aged 4, Ernest aged 3 and twins Sidney and Arthur aged 11 months.
The 1901 census shows them living at Gravel Hill, West Side, Leatherhead. Henry was still shown working as a shepherd, but by then he was a widower. There is a death registered of Harriett Penfold aged 41 (GRO reference: Jun 1897 Epsom 2a 23). Benjamin had two more siblings, Leonard aged 5 and Harriett aged 3 (GRO reference: Jun 1897 Epsom 2a 32). In view of the similarity of the GRO dates of the death of Harriett aged 41 and the birth of Harriett, one wonders if Harriett senior died during childbirth?
In the Soldiers Died CD, Benjamin is shown as Benjamin James No. 10485 West Surrey Regiment. As Benjamin J No. 10485 The Queens, on his medal card. As Benjamin James in the Surrey Recruitment Register, but as Penfold B. T. No. 10485 The Queens in the CWGC web site. In Free BMD, only Benjamin Thomas Penfold is registered Between 1875 and 1900. I suspect he simply preferred James to Thomas.
Surrey Recruitment Register shows that he attested at Leatherhead on 2 December 1913, into the Royal West Surrey Regiment for 7 years with the colours and 5 in reserve. He was 20 years and 10 months old, was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 112lbs. His chest measured 35 ½ inches with an expansion of 2 inches. He had fresh complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair, and had some unspecified scars. His occupation was shown as a waiter, and there is reference to a Mr Keeble, Spread Eagle Hotel.
In the 1901 census Henry Coleman Keeble was the 67 year old proprietor of the Spread Eagle Hotel, employing 6 people, but not Benjamin at that time.
The 2nd Battalion The Queens relieved the 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshires at 4.30p.m. on the 12 September, taking over front line trenches near Vermelles. This was just a few days before the major battle of Loos started on the 25 September 1915.
The Battalion war diary for September 13 states:
Officers 13 Other Ranks 1038 Lt Shelmerdines (RAMC) Killed 6 Attd to 2nd Queens Wounded 9 To Hospital 3
The German's "morning hate" generally lasts from 7a.m. to 9a.m., our artillery retaliates to the enemey's whiz-bangs, 4.2" & 5.9" with field guns 4.7" & 6" guns. Most of our shooting (registration etc) takes place from 3p.m. to about 6p.m. - when the sun is behind us i.e. in the west.
Benjamin Thomas (James) Penfold must have been one of the unlucky 6 killed as shown above.
Vermelles Cross of Sacrifice.
Image source Clive Gilbert © 2007
He is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery just outside Loos. He is also commemorated on the Leatherhead memorial.
EP.
PENFOLD George, Private. 67048
122 Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery.Killed in Action 4 August 1917 aged 34.
George Penfold was born in Epsom in 1883 (GRO reference: Jun 1883 Epsom 2a 16) to George and Eliza Penfold (nee Sutton).
In the 1891 census the family was living at Crimea Cottage, The Common, Epsom. George's father, also George, was a 32 year old labourer. His mother, Eliza, was 29. There were two other sons recorded at this address:, William aged 4 and Charles aged 2. Anothr son, James aged 5, was staying with his grandmother at Woodnymph Cottage, Epsom. I have been unable to locate another son, John, in the 1891 census.
n the 1901 census the family was living in Rose Cottage, Epsom, and George had three more siblings, Thomas aged 10, Ernest aged 6 and Lilly aged 4.
George attested at Kingston on 8 November 1915, aged 32. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed 149lbs, and had a chest measurement of 38 inches with an expansion of 4 inches. His occupation was as a labourer, and he lived at 43, Rose Cottage, The Common Epsom.
The Royal Garrison Artillery was equipped with the larger and heavier artillery pieces, and was typically some 4 miles or so behind the front line. At first thought a few miles behind the front line might seem a relatively safe place to be. However, they would have been a high priority target for enemy heavy artillery, which would do its utmost to silence them. George was most likely killed by enemy shellfire. He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory Medal.
He was killed in action on 4 August 1917 and is buried in Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, just south west of Ypres.
EP CC
PENSON Henry Lowe, Corporal. 2217.
17 Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own)Killed in Action 3 February 1918, aged 28
Corporal Henry Penson's headstone in the Hargicourt British Cemetery
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
Henry Penson was born in 1889 (GRO reference: Dec 1889 Epsom 2a 2) to Henry and Annie Penson (nee Blunden). Henry Penson senior was born in 1869 (GRO reference: Sep 1868 Spilsby 7a 554). Yet when he married Annie Blunden he is registered as Henry Low Penson, having added the 'Low'. By the time Harry Junior was killed in action he has acquired the second name of 'Lowe'.
The 1891 census shows a Henry Lowe Penson age 24, 'Carter', born Lincolnshire as head of the family, a wife Annie and an infant son Henry Penson all living at Diceland Road, Banstead.
By the 1901 census the family was living at Priest Hill Farm cottage. Henry had four new siblings Ada Mary aged 7, Annie aged 5, Edith Lucy aged 4 and George Low (not Lowe) aged 1 (GRO reference: Mar 1900 Epsom 2a 21)
.It seems that both the Henrys', senior and junior, added 'Lowe' or 'Low' to their names despite being registered simply as Henry. Wouldn't it be interesting to know why? Great niece Freda Proudley (nee Penson) provides the answer, she writes;
Henry senior was my Grandfather's brother, through an illegitimate birth in 1805, where an Anne Lowe gave birth to a George Lowe, Anne then married the boys father John Penson a month later. The line from George has caused quite a few problems as they seemed to have used both surnames, sometimes Penson Lowe's sometimes Low/e Penson's, My Grandfather was Walter Lowe Penson born in Lincolnshire.
In the 1911 census, Henry was a 21 year regular soldier in the 16th Lancers living at the Cavalry Barracks in Barrack Street Norwich. Henry's family lived on Priest Hill Farm, Ewell where Henry senior was a waggoner. Two more siblings had been born, William aged 8, and Eva Elizabeth aged 3. They also had a boarder, 18 year old Arthur Mansell, a porter on the railway.
The 1913 electoral roll shows the family still living in a Cottage on Priest Hill Farm.
Henry enlisted in London and served in the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own), which formed part of the 1st Indian Cavalry Division. He was sent to France on 8 November 1914, and was awarded the 1914 Star, British War medal and the Victory medal.
Ewell Parish Council; resolved to send a letter of sympathy to Mr Penson of Priest Hill Farm, he had 'lost a son who had been fighting ever since the beginning of the war. Advertiser 15 Mar 1918.
He was the only 17th lancer to die on 3 February 1918, killed in action and is buried at Hargicourt British Cemetery, 1 1 10. (Five died between 1 January and 31st March 1918.)
BH EW ES
PERKINS Frank, Private
Royal Army Service Corps.Died 29 January 1918, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Royal Army Service Corps. Died in UK on 29 January 1918. Buried in Epsom Cemetery. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the Christ Church, Epsom Memorials).
PETCHEY James William, Private. 15444.
1 Devonshire Regiment.Killed in Action 23 April 1917, aged 40.
Private James Petchey's inscription on the Arras Memorial
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
James William Petchey was born in 1876 (GRO reference: Sep 1876 Croydon 2a 263) to Joseph and Eliza Petchey (nee Duke).
In the 1881 census they lived in Beddington Lane, Beddington, Croydon. James' father, Joseph, was a 35 year old domestic gardener. His mother was 34 years old, and he had three sisters Edith aged 8, Eliza aged 6 and Ellen aged 2.
In 1891 they still lived in Beddington Lane but by now James was a 14 year old garden boy, and three more siblings had arrived, Alice aged 8, Harriett E. aged 5 and Albert E. aged 3.
By 1901 James had progressed from being a garden boy to being a domestic' gardener, living as a boarder at Ewell Court Farm Cottages, Ewell. It is believed that he later became the head gardener at Ewell Court.
I could not find him in the Surrey Recruitment Register, but in the Medal Roll he is shown a Petchy, without an 'E'.
James was in the 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment which was in the 95 Brigade 5 Division. On 23 April 1917 the 5th Division, along with the Canadian Corps took part in a subsidiary attack on La Coulotte, being part of the overall battle of Arras (9 April to 15 May 1917). The total number of soldiers killed on the 23 April 1917 was 4,271, of these, 79 were from the 1st Devonshire Regiment.
James was killed in action on 23 April 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Bay 4. The CWGC states he was the 'Son of Joseph Petchey, of 10 Beddington Lane, Beddington, Croydon'.
BH EW
PETERS James Edward, Private.
8th East Surrey Regt 55th Brigade 18th DivisionKilled in Action 22 March 1918, aged 35
Private James Edward Peters was born in Ewell in 1882 (FRO reference Dec 1882 Epsom 2a 20) to James and Maria Peters. The 1891 census shows them living in Kingston Road Ewell. In 1891 his father, also James was shown as a 'Furnace Shotter'(?). By 1901 the family had moved to 12 Brickyard Cottages, Malden Rd, Cheam and the father (42) was listed as as a brickmaker foreman, and the eldest son James Edward (19) is shown as brickmaker's labourer. The rest of the household comprised the mother Maria (43), daughter Ellen (10) and second son Arthur (6) together with a boarder Joseph Wellington (26) also a brickmaker's labourer.
He married Eleanor Elizabeth Hendon in 1903 (FRO reference Jun 1903 Epsom 2a 20). It has not been possible to establish if the couple had any children.
He enlisted with the 8th East Surrey Regt on 9 December 1915 at Epsom whilst living at 11 Kingston Terrace Ewell. The Surrey recruitment register states that Private. 22431 was 5 foot 3 ¾ inches tall, weighed 130 lbs, had a chest measurement of 36 ½ inches with an expansion of 3 inches. Before enlistment he had been a 'Brick Burner'.
The 8th East Surreys were in the 55th Brigade of the 18th Division. On the 21 March 1918 the 18th Division was holding a front of 9000 yards from La Fère to Moy, about 10 miles south west of St Quentin. Two battalions of the 55th Brigade held the right side of the front, whilst the 8th East Surreys were held in divisional reserve.
The whole countryside was being drenched with gas and shattered by high explosive. The long expected all out German offensive, 'The Kaiser's Battle', the last desperate gamble to win before the Americans arrived in force, was about to begin. On the 21st, as dawn broke and under the cover of a thick mist the German assault began.
By 3am on the 22 March 1918 the 8th East Surreys had been ordered to withdraw and had arrived at Frières-Faillouel, and again the battlefield was covered by a thick mist. By the end of the day the 8th East Surreys, and especially B and C companies had sustained heavy casualties from enemy shelling at Mennessis. On the 22 March 1918 the 8th East Surreys had 21 men killed. Private Peters was killed in action (KIA) on 22 March 1918 and is commemorated on Panel 44 & 45 of the Pozieres Memorial to the missing.
PETERS Walter, Private.
5th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.Died 11 January 1917, aged 24
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
5th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. Died in France on 11 January 1917. Buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Aged 24 years. Son of Edward and Annie Peters, Dorking, Surrey. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PINK 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).
PIPER Charles Arthur Matthews, Rifleman. 9555.
1/5 Battalion London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade).Killed in Action 15 May 1915, aged 21.
Charles's inscription on the Menin Gate
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
Charles Arthur Matthews Piper was born in Epsom in 1894 (GRO reference: Mar 1894 Epsom 2a 22a) to Charles Alfred and Ellen Mary Piper (nee Matthews).
In the 1901 census the family lived in "Arlesford", Ashley Road, Epsom. Charles' father, also Charles, was a 38 year old solicitor, his mother, Ellen, was 34. Charles had a 3 year old brother, Henry. The family employed a cook, a nurse and a housemaid.
Charles served with the London Rifle Brigade (LRB), a territorial army unit that supplied many officers during the war. The day he was killed was the last day of the Battle of Frezenburg, part of the larger Battle of Second Ypres. 34 men from the LRB were killed in action on the 13 May 1915 including Charles, who is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial to the missing.
Views of the Menin Gate
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
EP EW COL
PLOWMAN F.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).
PLUME Frederick, Private. 38237.
17th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.Died 6 November 1918, aged 30.
Frederick's headstone in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2010
Frederick Plume was born in Epsom in 1888 (GRO reference: Dec 1888 Epsom 2a 15) to Frederick and Eliza Plume (nee Jolliffe). His parents married in the September quarter 1881.
In the 1891 census the family lived at Fawcette Cottage, Victoria Place, Epsom. Frederick's father was a 37 year old carpenter. His mother was aged 35 and he had four siblings, Louisa aged 8, Bessie aged 6, Harry aged 8 and Minnie aged 4 months.
Apart from being 10 years older in 1901 the family details are the same as in 1891.
By 1911 they were still at 15, Victoria Place, but sisters Bessie and Minnie were dressmakers, brother Harry was, like his father a carpenter, and Frederick himself was a house painter. His mother Eliza had given birth to five children, all still living.
In the September quarter of 1914 Frederick married Gertrude Etherington. It seems that they had two sons, Frederick born in the March quarter of 1915, and Ernest H in the September quarter of 1916.
Frederick does not appear in the Surrey Recruitment Registers, and his service record has not survived, so we know very little about him. He initially served as No. 30013 in the East Surrey regiment but later became No. 38237 in the Lancashire Fusiliers, 104th Brigade, 35th Division.
The St. Martin's Church Roll of Honour states that "FREDERICK PLUME, died in Hospital of pneumonia contracted on active service in France 6th November 1918."
Frederick was thus another victim of the deadly influenza epidemic of 1918 - 1919. He is buried in plot XXXV.B.13. Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.
He was awarded the British War medal and the Victory medal.
EP SM
PLUMRIDGE Walter Joseph, Bomdardier.
Royal Horse Artillery.Killed in Action 21 March 1918, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
Royal Horse Artillery. Killed at Jeancourt on 21 March 1918. Listed on the Pozieres Memorial, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
POPLETT William Henry, Private. 30152.
(listed as H W Poplett on the memorial)15th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in Action 30 August 1918, aged 22
Private Poppet's headstone at the Vaulx Hill cemetery
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2007
I can find no birth records for a Henry William (HW) Poplett (as listed on the St Mary's and Bourne Hall Memorials). There are two possible entries for William Henry Poplett (GRO reference: Sep 1896 Fulham 1a 188) and William Henry Poplet. With only one t, (GRO reference: Mar 1896 Epsom 2a 23). I suspect that the Epsom entry is the relevant one and that the missing 't' was a clerical error.
In the 1901 census for Ewell there is a 5 year old Henry W Poplett, born in Epsom, living with his 46 year old, widowed grandmother, Emily Poplett (born Ewell) at Eight Bells Yard, Kingston Road. Her two sons William 21 (born Stepney) and Arthur 16 (born B. Green), also live there. It is possible that she referred to her grandson as Henry to avoid confusion with her son William.
The Surrey Recruitment Register shows a WH Poplett aged 19 years 1 month attesting in Kingston on 13 July 1915, into the Royal Fusiliers. He was 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighed 110 lbs and had a chest measurement of 32½ inches, with an expansion of 3 inches. It is noted that he had moles as distinguishing marks. He was a miller and he lived at 35 Adelphi Road, Epsom.
35 Adelphi Road in 2006
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert 2006
In Soldiers Died William is shown as originally being in the Royal Fusiliers, number 18373, and later in the 15th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, which was in the 13 Brigade 5 Division. This battalion was originally formed in Birmingham in September 1914 and was a 'Pals' battalion known as the 'Birmingham Pals'. With the coming of conscription in early 1916, and after the huge losses on the Somme, battalions were reinforced with men from anywhere in the UK with scant regard to regional allegiances.
The 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers were all formed in Epsom and were all disbanded in France during February and April 1916. Presumably William was transferred at this time to the 15th battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
On the 30 August 1918 the 5th Division was fighting in the second battle of the Somme and was advancing west of Beugny near Bapume. William was one of eight men from the 15th Warwickshire regiment killed in action that day. He is buried in Vaulx Hill cemetery, I F 21.
PORTT George Sidney, Private
9th Bn, Royal Fusiliers.Died of wounds 20 August 1918, aged 20
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
9th Bn, Royal Fusiliers. Died of wounds in France on 20 August 1918. Buried in the Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, France. Aged 20 years. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Portt, Epsom. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
POWELL Edmund, Private. 28328.
7 Border Regiment.Died of Wounds 20 August 1918, aged 20.
Edmund's Headstone in the Mont Huon Cemetery, Le Treport
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
Edmund Powell was born in 1898 (GRO reference: Mar 1898 Epsom 2a 34) to James and Fanny Powell (nee Saunders).
In the 1901 census they lived at Bankside, Kingston Road Ewell. Edmund's father James was a bricklayer. Edmund had three siblings Myrtle Florence aged 5 (GRO reference: Mar 1896 Epsom 2a 28), Alfred James aged 4 (GRO reference: Mar 1897 Epsom 2a 30), and Stephen Philip aged 2 (GRO reference: Mar 1898 Epsom 2a 20). Stephen and the later siblings Ivy May 1902, Olive Rose 1906, Violet Doris 1909 and James 1913 are recorded in St Mary's church, Ewell baptismal register. Their address at the time of Olive's baptism is given as 11 North View Villas, Ewell. He was a member of the Ewell Old Boys' Association in 1913-1914, and at 11 North View Villas, Ewell.
North View Villas in 2007
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2007
The Surrey Recruitment Register shows an E Powell age 18 years attesting in Epsom on 15 February 1916, into the 4th Battalion East Surrey Regiment (No. 24689). He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 126 lbs and had a chest measurement of 34 inches, with an expansion of 2 inches. He was a gardener and he lived at 11 North View Villas, Ewell.
The 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion East Surrey Regiment remained in the UK throughout the war. It was employed on garrison duty and as a training unit supplying drafts to other units. The East Surrey history states that the battalion provided 4,732 men to other Battalions of the East Surrey, and other Regiments. Edmund Powell transferred to the 7th Battalion Border Regiment as Private 28328.
The 7th Border Regiment was in the 51st Brigade, 17th Division, and during June 1918 was near Auchonvillers where it suffered a good deal from Spanish influenza, which was widespread in 1918 and 1919.
The following is a quote from 'The Border Regiment in the Great Wear' by Colonel H.C. Wylly, C.B. printed in 1924.
"The Battalion war diary for the 3ist July contains the entry : " Nothing of importance to record," but if the last three months had been comparatively uneventful, August was to prove full of sufficient excitement, and the 7th Battalion The Border Regiment, though denied participation in the Second Battles of the Aisne and Marne, was at least to share in the hard fighting of the Second Somme Battle of 1918.
The weather turned very rainy towards the end of July and so continued during the early days of August, and the activities of the troops were consequently somewhat restricted; but at the 2nd of the month a reconnaissance, carried out by Second-Lieutenant Stewart of the Battalion, disclosed the fact that the enemy had evacuated his front system, and a general forward move was consequently made in the direction of the Ancre, a new line being established about 500 yards from the river with standing patrols on the Aveluy-Authuille road. Here the following message was found left behind by one of the late occupants of a German dug-out: " Dear Tommy. When you are coming we are gone, hoping you have many pleasures in our cottages. Why you send so many iron postcards, eat some yourself. Make peace next time, have you not enough ?"
After this the Battalion had a few days in rear at Vaux-sur-Somme, and then on the 12th August moved to Mericourt and there relieved the support companies of the 11th Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division, being in support now to the 7th Lincolns and l0th Foresters-" everything very quiet and the weather beautiful." But this peaceful condition of affairs was not to last, for on the very next day the enemy put over clouds of gas, which appear to have come upon portions of the Battalion before they had time to adjust their gas-masks, with the unfortunate result that over 200 casualties resulted, including 8 officers, " C " and " D " Companies suffering the most severely and having to be amalgamated temporarily into one company under command of Lieutenant Rennie, M.C. The other units of the Brigade also were affected, and the whole day was taken up in salving the rifles and equipment of the gassed cases, of whom upwards of 700 passed through the Regimental Aid Post.
The Division was now withdrawn on relief by the Australians and the Battalion marched away towards the N., leaving Rawlinson's Fourth Army to join the Vth Corps of Byng's Third Army, and, proceeding by Fouilloy, Vecquemont, Herissart, Toutencourt and Hedauville, arrived on the 24th at Thiepval and was at once sent forward into positions of readiness for an attack upon Courcelette."
It is not possible to say when Edmund was wounded, but it is likely that it was due to the gas attack on the 13 August. Three men from the battalion died of wounds on 20 August 1918 including Edmund. They are all buried in Mont Huon Cemetery, Le Treport which is many miles from Mericourt. Le Treport was an important hospital centre and by the middle of 1916 the town contained four hospitals and a convalescent depot.
The Epsom Advertiser dated 13 September 1918 printed the following:
EWELL PARISH COUNCIL: THE MEN WHO FIGHT FOR ENGLAND. The Chairman said that each of the following inhabitants had had a son killed in the war: - Mr. Tomsett, Mr. Powell and Mr. Walker (West Ewell). On the other hand he was glad to say that one of their Ewell boys who was taken prisoner in April had succeeded in escaping and was now back again. This lad, young Parker, living at Plough-lane, West Ewell, was 30 miles inside the German lines when he and five others got away through the barbed wire and succeeded, in three days, in reaching our lines. That, he thought, was an achievement of which Ewell might be proud. It was decided to send letters of sympathy to Messrs. Tomsett, Powell and Walker and to send a letter of congratulations to young Parker.
BH EW ES
POWLEY Edward Gwinn Private. 1511
1/20th Battalion London Regiment (Blackheath and Woolwich).Killed in Action 19th July 1915, aged 21
Edward Powley
Image courtesy of Peter Collins, Sutton Grammar School Archivist
Edward Gwinn Powley was born on 9 April 1894 in Compton Gifford, Devon (GRO reference: Jun 1894 Plymouth 5b 217) to Edward and Clara Powley (nee Gwinn). NOTE: He is shown as George, not Gwinn in the 'Soldiers died' CD.
In the 1901 census the family lived in Green Man Street, Ewell. Edward's father made boots by hand working on his own account at home. Edward had a brother George aged 6 (GRO reference: Mar 1895 Epsom 2a 23). The census also shows that 16 year old Thomas G Whitehouse lived at the address, and was an apprentice hand sewn boot maker. He was a British subject born in America.
Edward attended Ewell Boys School between 9 April 1894 and 2 May 1900, leaving to attend Sutton Grammar School. His brother George also attended Sutton Grammar School between 1 May 1901 and 11 September 1907, having won a scholarship.
In the 1911 census the family lived in High Street (previously named Green Man Street), Ewell. Edward's father was shown as a 'bootmaker - dealer' and was an employer. Edward's only sibling was his brother George.
Edward enlisted in Blackheath into the 1/20 (County of London) Battalion TF (Blackheath and Woolwich) of the London Regiment, and was sent to France on 9 March 1915. The battalion was in the 141st Brigade 47th Division.
On the day that Edward was killed the Battalion was in front line trenches at Mazingarbe. The war diary for Monday 19th July 1915 states:
The head of sap 18 was completely blown in by enemy's H.E. & rendered untenable. A block was erected at west end of breach behind which the post was established. This destroyed length patrolled every half hour, day & night.
As Edward was the only man from his Battalion to be killed on the 19th July, presumably the H.E. (high explosive) that destroyed sap 18 also killed him.
Even though the Battalion was just 'holding the line', and no major battles were being fought, during their 5 day stint at the front they still had 3 men killed and 10 wounded.
The following is an extract from Sutton Grammar School magazine, The Suttonian:
Was at the School 1907-12. Going on to Goldsmiths College he joined his College company of the 20th Co. of London about a year before the war. He left for France on March 10th, and it was not long before he was slightly wounded in the face. On July 9th, when near Givenchy, he had left his brother in a dug-out to fetch something from his pack further along the trench, when he stopped to answer a question as to the date. Doing this a small shell went right through his thigh, death being instantaneous.
Edward was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.
Private Powley's headstone at Fosse 7 Military Cemetery, Mazingarbe.
Copyright image courtesy of Clive Gilbert
Edward Gwinn Powley was KIA 19 July 1915. he is buried in Fosse 7 Military Cemetery (Quality Street), Mazingarbe. 11 C 7.
Fosse 7 Military Cemetery
Copyright Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert
The area of fighting around Loos in France was the centre of a large coal mining industry. As in any coal mining area a large amount of waste material is produced and dumped into large mounds called slag heaps. The French term for such slag heaps is Fosse. Much fighting went on around these mini hills, and many men lost their lives fighting to capture them. Fosse 7 Military Cemetery (Quality Street), was named after the Fosse that rises nearby. The 'Quality Street' part of the Cemetery name derives from the name of the trench which led into the cemetery during the war.
He is also remembered on the Sutton Grammar School War Memorial.
BH EW ES SGS
PRATTENTON B.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PRICE F.
Died N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
(Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PRIMROSE Hon. Neil James Archibald MC, Captain.
1st/1st Royal Bucks Hussars.Hussars.Killed in Action 15 November 1917, aged 34
Neil Primrose
The Sphere 24 Nov 1917
Neil James Archibald Primrose was born on 14 December 1882 in Dalmeny West Lothian Scotland, the second son and youngest child of Archibald and Hannah Primrose, nee De Rothschild. His father, Archibald Philip Primrose (1847-1929), the 5th Earl of Rosebery, not only had the title of Lord Rosebery but was also a member of the Order of the Garter and of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. He was a Liberal Party statesman and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom between 1894-95. Neil's mother, who was known as the Countess of Rosebery, was an English social leader and philanthropist and the daughter of Baron Mayer Amschel de Rothschild and his wife Juliana, nee Cohen. When her father died in 1874 she became the richest woman in Britain.
Neil's siblings were:
Sybil Myra Caroline Primrose, (GRO: Dec 1879 St George Handover Square 1a 387) born in 1879 became a British writer, designer and an artist. Lady Sybil married on the 28 March 1903 to General Sir Charles John Cecil Grant, KCB, KCVO, DSO (1877-1950). On the death of her father in 1929, she inherited his estate, "The Durdans" at Epsom, which became her home. She died in 1955.
Margaret Etienne H Primrose, (GRO: Mar 1881 Epsom 2a 24) known as Peggy, born in 1881. On 20 April 1899 Lady Margaret Primrose married her father's old friend Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, the Earl of Crewe, in Westminster Abbey. She became one of the first women magistrates in Britain. She died in 1967.
Lady Margaret Primrose
Illustrated London News 21 April 1899
Albert Edward Harry Meyer Archibald Primrose (known as Harry) who became the 6th Earl of Rosebery was born 8 January 1882. He became a UK politician who briefly served as Secretary of State for Scotland in 1945. He was known by the courtesy title of Lord Dalmeny from birth until he inherited the family peerages in 1929. He died on 31 May 1974.
In the 1881 census, before Neil was born, his parents lived at 107 Piccadilly London with 13 servants to look after them. This was the house that Hannah had inherited from her father upon his death. The family went each August to Dalmeny for the grouse shooting. In between, occasional days would be spent at their home "The Durdans" in Epsom.
Neil's mother Hannah died on 19 November 1890 in Dalmeny Scotland from Bright's disease and typhoid fever. Her funeral was held 25 November 1890 in the Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Shortly after his mother's death, his father left him and his grieving siblings and went alone on a tour of Spain. Neil's father, Lord Archibald Rosebery, died on 21 May 1929 in Epsom Surrey.
In 1909 Neil Primrose was commissioned into the Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars, which was a unit of volunteer cavalry, with roots back to the independent Yeomanry troops formed in 1794.
Neil entered Parliament in 1910 as Liberal member for Wisbech Cambridgeshire. Between 1910 and 1914 he travelled several times to New York, once accompanied by James Rothschild.
On 7 April 1915, he married Lady Victoria Alice Louise Stanley, daughter of Edward Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby who was also an English politician around the turn of the 20th century. In this same year he was promoted to Captain and was awarded the Military Cross in 1916. The Military Cross is a military medal awarded to personnel of the Military of the United Kingdom, and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth of Nations countries, for distinguished and meritorious services in battle on land.
The couple had one daughter, Ruth Alice Hannah Mary, who was born on 18 April 1916. She later married Charles Wood, 2nd Earl of Halifax on 25 April 1936. Charles, who was a politician and peer, was the son of Edward Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax, statesman and once Foreign Secretary.
Neil was created a Privy Councillor of the United Kingdom in 1917. Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council is a body of advisors to the British monarchy.
At the age of 34 The Hon Neil James Archibald Primrose, Captain was killed by a gunshot wound on 15 November 1917 at Hill of Gezer during the Siniai and Palestine Campaign (this was a series of battles which took place on the Sinai Peninsula, Palestine, and Syria between January 28, 1915 to October 28, 1918) while leading his squadron against Turkish positions on the Abu Shusheh ridge during the Third Battle of Gaza where the forces, under the command of General Edmund Allenby, successfully broke the Turkey defensive Gaza-Beersheba line.
He is buried in the Ramleh Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Ramleh in Israel.
Neai's headstone in the Remleh Cemetery, Israel
Photographer Zev Gross, image source Wikipeada
Neil's Tablet in Christ Church, Epsom
Image courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009
The following appeared in the Surrey Comet dated 31 August 1918:
Earl of Rosebery has erected on the east wall of the north transept of Christ Church, Epsom an alabaster tablet: "To the beloved memory of Neil Primrose, a worshipper here with his father who has raised this tablet. He was born at Dalmeny Dec 14 1892, was killed in action Nov 15 1917 on Hill of Gezer Palestine and lies buried at Ramleh. He was the light of our eyes and the joy of all who knew him. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
EP CC
PRIOR William James, Corporal. 9818.
2nd East Surrey Regiment.Killed in action 3 April 1915, aged 24.
William Prior
Image Source: Epsom Advertiser
William James Prior was born in 1890 (GRO reference: Sep 1890 Epsom 2a 17) to Walter Alfred and Fanny Prior (nee Pratt).
In the 1891 census the family is shown as living at Epsom Common. William's father Walter was a 32 year old general labourer, and his mother Fanny aged 26 helped at a laundry. He had a brother Walter Alfred aged 3 (GRO reference: Mar 1888 Epsom 2a 21).
By the 1901 census the family lived at 6 Margaret cottages, Epsom Common. William's father was then a 41 year old gas stoker, and mother Fanny aged 36 has no occupation shown. There were no more siblings.
William is shown as having enlisted in London into the 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment. The 2nd East Surreys were in the 85th brigade, 28th division. William went to France on 19 January 1915.
On April 1st the Battalion manned trenches in the St Eloi area, relieving the 3rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment. It remained in these trenches until relieved during the night of 3rd April, by the 1st Lincolns, and returned to Dickebusch. During this three day period manning the trenches it lost 7 men killed. On the 3rd April 4 men were killed including William James Prior. As no major battles were raging at this time they were no doubt victims of the war of attrition, through shelling or sniping that went on more or less continuously. From the letter reproduced below, it appears that William was the victim of a sniper.
William's Headstone in the Voormezeele Enclosure Cemetery No.3.
Image Courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2008
William is buried in Voormezeele Enclosure Cemetery No.3.
The following letter from William's brother Walter, serving in the 1st East Surreys, to their parents was published in the 23 April 1915 edition of the Epsom Advertiser. They lived at 33, Marguerite Cottages, Epsom Common.
My dear Father and Mother, -- Just another few lines to you both, hoping to find all at home in the very best of health, and to try to cheer you up a bit. I know how much you grieve because of poor Willie's death, but, believe me, he has done his duty as a soldier and a man. I must specially say that he was well liked throughout the regiment, but more by the officers and N.C.O.'s and men of the company. They are all sorry because of his death, and grieve with me at the duty I had to perform to break the news to you. Only today the officer who was in charge of the trench at the time of his death told me how he was liked and what a good N.C.O. he was. He also told me not to worry, as he is at rest now. I often keep thinking about him, and miss him much more now than I did before. We were always together, but on the day he got killed he was in a trench with my chum, Sergt. Peterson, who told me how it occurred, and that he did all he could for him. It appears that the orders were given out that nobody was allowed to go behind the trench during the day and poor Bill, wanting to make some tea, took the fire pail outside for the wind to get at the fire and liven it up, quite forgetting the danger. I believe he was sitting down waiting for the water to boil, when he got shot through the head. The sentry said he heard three shots fired, and was staggered. Peter rushed out of the trench and pulled him in under cover and bound up his wound, but he was unconscious all the time, and Peter said he struggled hard for hi life. He must have done that, as I believe he went back with struggling. He lived two hours and twenty minutes afterwards. They would not keep him until I arrived in case I broke down, and naturally I should have done. They buried him with some more in a little cemetery which contains the remains of four fellows who have given their lives for their King and country, the same as poor Bill. I just saw the grave from the road we walked along. That was enough. Young Jack Goucher is also buried beside him, so there are two Epsomians beside each other. I sincerely hope you will keep a brave heart, and at the same time be proud to know that Bill died while fighting for a good cause. I will say this, he will never be out of my mind, for he always proved a good brother to me and a good son to you both. I am sending home his few things that were on him; his watch I gave to Peter as a keepsake, as he was a chum of Bill's and he did what he could for him. Cheer up, mother and dad; he sleeps in peace."
NOTE: I can find no record of a 'Jack Goucher' killed around that time.
EP CC
PROCTOR William John, Private
2nd Bn, (City of London) Royal Fusiliers.Killed in Action 14 June 1918, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
2nd Bn, (City of London) Royal Fusiliers. Killed in France or Flanders on 14 June 1918. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the Christ Church, Epsom Memorials).
PULLINGER W.G.
Killed in Action N/K, aged N/KPending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
May have been William G., L/Cpl, 6th Bn, Royal Berkshire Regt. Killed on the Somme on 1 July 1916. Listed on the Thiepval Memorial, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road Memorial, Epsom).
PYE William, Private
8th Bn, East Surrey Regt.Died of wounds 29 June 1916, aged N/K
Pending further research this is what we have discovered about this person
8th Bn, East Surrey Regt. Died of wounds in France on 29 June 1916. Buried in the St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. (Listed on the Ashley Road, Epsom and the St. Martin's, Epsom Memorials).
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