War Memorials - Surnames W

1. The CWGC web site tells us that he was 34 years old when he died, and goes on to state that he was the 'Son of Mrs Mary Walker of 58, Elm Road, Leyton, London; husband of Mabel Kate Walker of 2, Ebbas Way, Dorking Road, Epsom'.

2. The Soldiers Died CD states that he was Born: Aldershot. Enlisted: Abingdon. Resided: Chilton, Berks. He served in the 5th Battalion Princess Charlotte's of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment), with service number 41275. He was Killed in action on 30 November 1917.

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.

1 May to 16 July 1915 -- Netley Hospital, Southampton, gunshot (probably the hand grenade at Zonnebeke) wound left leg.
18 March to 13 April 1916 -- Duke of York Hospital, Dover, scabies.
3 to 28 November 1916 -- convalescent at Woodcote Park, Epsom recovering from trench fever.

DIED FOR THE COUNTRY. The death on October 14th from wounds received in action of Sec. Lieut. Thomas Edward Warr, Dorset Regiment is reported. Sec. Lieut. Warr was the elder son of Mr. Arthur Percy Warr, High Street, Ewell.

ROLL OF HONOUR. The Chairman said since the last meeting there had to be added to the Roll of Honour the son of Mr. Warr, a promising young lieutenant, who died shortly after being wounded.

ROLL OF HONOUR. Acknowledgments of letters of sympathy sent out by the council were received from Mrs. Parker, Mrs Gaunt, Mr J.H. Bridges, Mrs. Ayling and Mr. Warr.

As we look down the casualty lists day by day we sometimes come across the name of one whom we have well-known, and a wave of sympathy surges up within us towards the friends thus plunged into bereavement. With great sorrow we notice this past week the announcement that 2nd Lieut. T. Warr, only son of Mr . and Mrs. Arthur Warr, of the High Street has died of wounds, received in the late battle of Flanders; and we hear of others who have been wounded badly. With the sorrowing parents and friends in each case we express our sincere sympathy, and trust they may receive that comfort and consolation which they need from Him Who alone can give it in this their hour of sorrow.

'As far as the British troops were concerned, the 10th November proved a comparatively quiet day. For the French, it was a day of stress and anxiety:'

Party 'B' encountered stiff opposition, but succeeded in making a block which was held until the pre-arranged time for withdrawal. The office in charge of this party, S/Lt. F.B. Wearne, was, I regret to report, killed while leading a squad of his men over the top the better to deal with a German bombing party.

Second Lieutenant Frank Bernard Wearne, Essex Regiment, killed on the 28th June, aged 23, was the eldest surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wearne, The Manor Lodge , Worcester Park, Surrey. He received his early education under the Rev. D.H.Marshall at Ovingdean and proceeded to Bromsgrove School, with a scholarship. He entered Corpus Christi College, Oxford where he was 'proxime accessit' for the history prize in 1913. On the outbreak of war he joined the U.P.S. Brigade subsequently being drafted into the Essex Regiment. He was severely wounded on the 3rd July. 1916 and went forward again this May. His eldest brother, Captain K.M.Wearne, Essex Regiment was killed that same month.

For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a small party on the left of a raid on the enemy's trenches. He gained his objective in the face of much opposition and by his magnificent example and daring was able to maintain this position for a considerable time, according to instructions. During this period 2nd Lt. Wearne and his small party were repeatedly counter-attacked. Grasping the fact that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, 2nd Lt. Wearne, at a moment when the enemy's attack was being heavily pressed and when matters were most critical, leapt on the parapet and, followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre threw the enemy off his guard and back in disorder. Whilst on the top of the trench 2nd Lt. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. Afterwards he remained in the trench directing operations, consolidating his position and encouraging all ranks. Just before the order to withdraw was given, this gallant officer was again severely hit for the second time, and while being carried away was mortally wounded. By his tenacity in remaining at his post though severely wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit, he was enabled to hold on to the flank."

5.10.17. Battalion in Brigade Reserve, HOOGE CRATER. Supplied carrying parties for ammunition and wounded.
6.10.17. Battalion in dug outs on left of HOOGE CRATER. Severely shelled during day. 2/Lieut P.R. TUCKWELL wounded. 10 casualties by noon. At 4p.m. Lt Col R.T. MORRIS D.S.O. & Lieut & Adj J.H. BARRETT shelled in dug out. Both officers sent down the line with shell shock. About 5p.m. Major H. STREVENS M.C. (Sec in Command) arrived to take over Battalion. 2/Lieut L.L. EVANS took over A/Adjt. Battalion moved off at 7.30p.m. to march to BUTTE, East of POLYGONE WOOD. Heavily shelled on route, Few casualties. Guides met Battn at BUTTE and Battalion took over positions as follows: No 1 Coy from 2nd Queens Nos 3&4 Coys from 22nd Manchesters, No.2 Coy at BUTTE.
7.10.17. Battalion in position as for 6th inst. Shelled heavily by day and night with few casualties.

KILLED IN ACTION. News has been received that Pte. J(sic).G. Wheeler, of 5, Lintons Lane has been killed in France. He leaves a wife and four children.

Of the right company (A), a considerable number including three out of five officers, became casualties while crossing No Man's Land, and only a few reached the German line untouched. Between the first and second German lines this remnant was enfiladed by a withering machine-gun fire, and took cover in a communication trench leading to the second line. Captain Wyatt, under cover of fire from the Lewis Gun Detachment, which pluckily operated from some slight cover afforded by a turn in the trench, seeing that the second line could not be taken by advancing across the open, organised a bombing party, which attempted to bomb up the trench into the second line. They were held up by a party of Germans, who had erected a block in this trench and were bombing from behind it. After some counter-bombing Captain Wyatt, on getting up on the side of the trench to reconnoitre and observe the effect, was wounded. a gallant and successful attempt was made to rush the block, and 2nd Lieut Parker, who had taken over the command, at the head of a handful of men, forced his way into Fall about 9.30am, and, reinforced by the remnants lying outside the trench, his party, 15 to 20 in number, with some London Scottish added, consolidated and held for six hours a portion of the second line astride the head of the communication trench.

CHARLES WHITE, was wounded on 16th August 1916, in the battle on the Somme and died four days later of his wounds on the 20th August 1916.

CHOIR WAR MEMORIAL.
     At St. John's on Trinity Sunday, a memorial to two members of the choir, Pte. Charles White and Pte. John Wickens, who lost their lives in the war, was unveiled by Mr.A.J. Warren, and dedicated by the Rev. F.S. Farebrother. The memorial consisted of an ornamental oak plaque. The letters of the inscription are in gold on a blue ground. Mr. Warren, who delivered a most suitable address, said the dedication service was being held at the ordinary evening service because of the very happy relations which existed between choir and congregation, and of the feeling of the choir that they would like the congregation to join in that service of remembrance.

Dear Sir

     It is with great grief I write to tell you that my dear brother Harry A.S. White was drowned off the coast of Ireland on Wednesday April 11th whilst on salvage work.
     He was home with us for 5 days leave and only went back to Glasgow on Sunday last Apl 8th so it seems hardly possible that there was time for him to get back, let alone be drowned.
     The Admiralty are sending his body home on Monday evening so we expect him home either Tuesday or Wednesday.
     We are having him buried at Merton Parish Churchyard.
     We would like his name put on the "Roll of Honour" at the Rutlish school.

          Yours faithfully

                Hannah M White

A Technical School Master Drowned on Active Service.
     We very much regret to learn of the death of Harry A. S. White, A.M.I.A.E., Senior Motor Engineer in one of H.M. ships, S.V., R.F.A., who was drowned while in the execution of his duty on Wednesday, April 11th, aged 29 years. He joined the Admiralty Salvage Service on March 15th, 1916, and from that date to the time of his death was engaged on important Government Salvage work.
     Born in the Parish of St. Giles, Camberwell, on October 3rd, 1887, his family moved to Merton (Bushey Mead) in 1898. He attended the Central Schools, Wimbledon Common, under Mr. Selby, and also was a pupil at the Rutlish School.
     In 1903 he was apprenticed to Mr. C. S. Drewry, motor engineer, of Herne Hill, S. E., afterwards the Drewry Omnibus Co., Teddington. On the completion of his apprenticeship he joined the London General Omnibus Co., and after two years he started in business at "The Garage," Melrose-road, Merton Park. He will be principally remembered in Wimbledon for his work in connection with the Wimbledon Technical Institute, joining as a student in electrical and motor-car engineering. By his ability and hard work he obtained a position on the staff as teacher of motor-car engineering, which he retained until he joined up. He was also appointed teacher of the engineering section of the Technical Day School. In 1912 he passed the Final Honours Examination of the City and Guilds of London Institute on the same subject and was placed on the roll of registered teachers of the Institute. In June, 1913, he was elected as an associate member of the Institution of Automobile Engineers.
     The internment took place on Wednesday in Merton Parish Churchyard, the Rev. J. E. Jagger, M.A., officiating, and was largely attended. A detachment of the 11th Batt. Surrey Volunteers, under Sergt. Davis was present, the firing party gave three volleys and the bugles sounding the "Last Post" at the conclusion of the service. The floral tributes were many and beautiful, but space will not permit of a list of the donors being given.

JOHN STANLEY WICKENS.
At the school from 1912 to 1914. Enlisted at Kingston on September 3rd, 1917, he was placed in the Training Reserve and later transferred to the Bedfordshire Regiment at Clipstone. Transferred to the 7th Northamptons, he went to France at Easter, 1918. He went through Lens and Cambrai unwounded, but fell by machine-gun fire on October 17th, 1918, at Montecourt Hussery, and lies buried in a field by the roadside.

CHOIR WAR MEMORIAL. At St. John's on Trinity Sunday, a memorial to two members of the choir, Pte. Charles White and Pte. John Wickens, who lost their lives in the war, was unveiled by Mr.A.J. Warren, and dedicated by the Rev. F.S. Farebrother. The memorial consisted of an ornamental oak plaque. The letters of the inscription are in gold on a blue ground. Mr. Warren, who delivered a most suitable address, said the dedication service was being held at the ordinary evening service because of the very happy relations which existed between choir and congregation, and of the feeling of the choir that they would like the congregation to join in that service of remembrance.

On the outbreak of war he joined the R.N.V.R. as a Sub-Lieutenant and was for a time in a motor boat, which he later commanded as a Lieutenant. In June 1915 he transferred to the Kite Balloon section of the R.N.A.S. and was appointed to H.M.S. Canning as balloon pilot.
He observed the fleet in many bombardments. When Canning was ordered home Major Willis remained at Thasos as Beachmaster.
In 1916 he was invalided home with malaria, and on recovering was sent to the Scilly Isles to erect a balloon station. From there he went to Shotley, and finally to Malta, where he attained the rank of Major when the R.N.A.S. was absorbed by the R.A.F. He died at Malta on 12 July 1918.

EWELL: DEATH OF MAJOR E. WILLIS. - The death on July 1st on active service of Major Willis, R.A.F. is reported. Major Willis was the youngest son of the late David Willis, of Garbrand Hall, Ewell. He was in his 35th year.

At 5 a.m. on March 24th the Regiment moved via Chaulnes, Vauxvillers and Proyart to Cappy, arriving there at noon. This movement to the north took place on the Division receiving orders to support the 39th Division just south of the River Somme, and if necessary to cross the river at Feuillères and support the 21st Division north of the river. The Headquarters of the 1st Cavalry Division were at Mericourt, south of the Somme.
A party of 6 Officers and 160 other ranks, under Lieut. Mac Ilwaine, was sent to the Carnoy Valley, north of the river, for employment in the trenches near Bernafay Wood. This force was heavily engaged during the evening of the 23rd and the night of the 23rd-24th, and lost Lieut. Willis and 9 other ranks killed, 2nd Lieut. Williams and 26 other ranks wounded; 7 other ranks were missing. At 12.30 p.m. this dismounted party was sent to support the right of the 21st Division, and at 4.30 p.m, was ordered to fill a gap which had occurred between the left of the 9th Division and the right of the Vth Corps in the direction of Trones Wood.
The remainder of the Regiment moved from Cappy to Cerisy at 8 p.m. and bivouacked there for the night.

18 June 1915. Ewell Parish Council meeting, news had been received that Mr Raymond Willis had been seriously wounded, although a later report conveyed the welcome news that he was progressing favourably.

8 December 1916. EWELL. Mrs CHARLOTTE LOUISA WILLIS, of Garbrand Hall, Ewell, and of 13 Brunswick Terrace, Brighton, deceased, left unsettled estate amounting to £5,320. She left £1,000 to her nurse.

5 April 1918. LIEUT.RAYMOND WILLIS, of the Hussars who is reported killed in action on March 25th, was the fourth son of the late David Willis of Garbrand Hall, Ewell.

A PATRIOTIC FAMILY.---Mr. and Mrs. Winslett (sic) of Wyeth's-road, Epsom, have three sons in the Army. They are Driver H. Winslett, A.S.C.; Pte. E. Winslett, 7th Infantry Batt. Australian Imperial Force (missing since Suvla Bay landing), and Corpl. F.R. Winslett, 10th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. In addition another son and the father are engaged in munition work.

A meeting of the Ewell Parish Council records its regret of the death of Sgt Wood, and agrees to send a letter of condolence to his mother. Also recorded is the fact that 160 Ewell men are serving in the forces.

The late Sgt Wood had been mentioned in despatches from the front.

At 2p.m. two platoons of B Company, led by Lieut. J.S. Hewat, made a frontal assault on Gun Trench while bombing parties attacked it from both flanks. The frontal attack got in at once, the Germans running as soon as B Company approached the parapet. A Company, under Captain V. Tomkins, in two lines at fifty yards' interval, followed up, but came under heavy machine-gun fire in the open and suffered severely. The survivors of the company, led most gallantly by Sergt. F.H.Martin, followed up the northern bombing party. Behind A Company came bombers of C Company, under Lieut. J.L.Findlay, their duty being to clear and block for 100 yards the German communication trench to Cité St. Elie. This having been accomplished C Company advanced from its position in second support to the captured trench, and again reinforced the garrison, principally on the right. Reinforcements being again quickly necessary D Company went up from the third support trench, followed by Captain Dawson's company of the Royal West Kent Regt. There was much bombing on both sides, and our men suffered a good deal from enfilade fire from the trenches, leading to the "Quarries"; but they stoutly held on to their capture, and did not require further reinforcements though theses were brought up in readiness. The night passed fairly quietly, and at 4.30a.m. on 14th October the companies in the captured trench were reorganised. This was completed by 6a.m., a German counter-attack on the left being repulsed during the process. The conduct of the men of the 7th Battn. East Surrey in this, their first fight, was very fine; although for five days prior to the enterprise they had been subjected to a heavy bombardment, they attacked with the greatest dash a position which had already successfully resisted the assaults of four other battalions. As a result of their attack the East Surrey men practically annihilated the defenders of Gun Trench, capturing sixteen prisoners, a machine gun and three trench mortars.